THE Conquest of France, WITH THE Life, and Glorious Actions of Edward the Black Prince,  
Son to Edward the Third, King of England, his Victory, with about Twelve Thousand Archers, and Men at Arms, over Philip of FRANCE; and a Hundred Thousand Frenchmen, near Cressey; His Vanquishing King JOHN of France, and taking him, and his Son prisoners, at the Battle of Poitiers: His Love to the Earl of Kent's Fair Daughter, and marriage with her. Also all that passed during that Glorious and Successful WAR against France, with the Battle of Agincourt, and King HENRY the Fifth being Crowned King of France at Paris; being a History full of Great and Noble Actions in Love and Arms, to the Honour of the English Nation; and the Encouragement of the Horoes of the presnet Age.   battle scene between England and France with knight in foreground 
Printed by A. M. for Charles Bates at the Sun and Bible in Pie-corner.   

The HISTORY of the Black Prince, etc.  

CHP. I.  
How the French King, upon King Edward the Thirds coming to the Crown, sent to him to come to Paris, and do him homage, for the Palaces the English held in France; how he not only refused it, but laid claim to the Crown of France, Quartered their Arms with his own; entered into confederacy with the Neighbouring Princes, Invaded them with powerful Arms, his love to the Countess of Salisbury, the order of the Garter, etc.  
WHEN the English valour was famous, and more Renowned, than that of other Nations, our Warlike heroes contended more for fame than Gold, and brought a terror on their Enemy's, wherever they carried their Arm; proud France then trembled, and the English Lion grasped, with so strong a hand, their Golden Lillys, that all the struggling of that large Kingdom was not able to rescue them from the spoil, and becoming the trophies of out Conquering Princes, as I shall plainly and largely show you in this Famous History.  
King Edward the third in his Father's life-time took upon him the Title of king of England, by the consent of the three Estates assembled in Parliament, when he was but Fifteen Years of Age, and Young as he was, shown much of a Martial spirit, and promised great things to the world, which he accordingly performed, for having Warred successfully in Scotland, and brought that to his terms, their king submitting and holding fealty of him, he making and unmaking them at pleasure: Philip D' Valois The French king, began to mistrust his growing greatness, and thinking whilst he was young, to put a Check to his forward Valour, sent to demand his Homage, for the Province of Guienne, held by him in the kingdom of France; but he not only ●outly refused it, in the terms the French Required it, by the Advice of his Peers, laid claim to the Crown of France, as coming to him in the right of Queen Isabel his mother, bein his due both by civil Law, and order of Succession, as being Nephew to Charles the Fourth, Brother to the said Isabel; and that as much as Philip then Reigning, was descended of a second Branch; to this the French opposed their Salsque Law, wherein it was provided, that no Woman should inherit the Crown of France; but this being looked on as contrived to hinder the succession of the English kings in their Marriages, with the Daughters of France, and king Edward declaring, he was a Male of a Female that had right to the Crown, that pretence ought not to Exclude him; a War upon these grounds was Proclaimed, the king quartering the Arms of France with those of England, and laying a Peremptory claim to the Crown.  
This Business as it was extraordinary weighty, so it required much secrecy, until it was well laid; for which purpose king Edward craved the Advice of the Earl of Hanault, Father to Phillipa his Queen, and Mother to Edward the Black Prince, who was growing up to great Actions, as will hereafter appear; who with his Brother, and other Nobles of Flanders, procured king Edward to be created Vicar General of the Empire: that so without being controlled, he might command the Nobles, and common people of those Countries, to further his purpose in the intended War.  
But how private soever these things were carried, Philip, the French king had private notice of what was doing, and stopped the huge Army he ●ad raised, at the Importunity of Pope Benedict, the Eleventh, from passing into the Holy Land, to war against the Turks and Saracens, who there mightily oppressed the Christians, Resolving to defend his own Country from the threatened storm.  
In the mean while king Edward raised great Sums of Money, and Leabyed men, and with his Queen Sailed into Flanders, where that Winter they remained at Antwerp, and Conferrnig with the Princes and States of Germany, he so well settled his Affairs, that in the Spring, he Landed in France, with an Army consisting of 27000 Fighting-men, bringing a great terror on the Country, though the French king had on Army of 60000 Common Soldiers to oppose him, being accompanied with Three kings, viz. of Bohemia, Scotland, and Navarre, Five Dukes, Six and Twenty Earls, and more than Four Thousond Lords, and knights; and so both Arms drawing into the Field, and approaching each other, as the bloody blast was about to be sounded, by the Mediation of Jane, Countess of Hanault, Sister to king Philip, and Mother to king Edward's Queen, they separated from each other, without striking a blow, to the great discontent of the English, who full of Valour thirsted to begin the Battle on the first command.  
King Edward however laid not aside his pretensions, but hearing the French king had set out a great Fleet, consisting of 200 Sail of his own, and other Nations, he had hired, which had on Board them 40000 men, who Robbed the English Merchants, and made some spoils on our Coast, being full of Magnanimity and Valour, Resolute in his purposes, and reckoning the French as his Subjects, and Inferiors in Arms; Especially on the Seas, and hoping by his good success, not only to win Honour among the Princes, and States of his confederacy, and purposing if he might to strike Terror in the French Nation, concerning those Wars, set upon their whole Navy, with such incomparable courage, and bold spirit; that after a long, Obstinate and Bloody Fight, very few or none of the French Ships escaped; but were either taken, sunk, or burnt by the English, with a much Inferior Number, with inconsiderable loss on our side: This great Sea Victory much discouraged the French, and mightily encouraged the English, and their Confederates, so that the king landing at Slace in Triumph and going from thence to Gaunt, where his Queen lay, and the Black Prince was accompanied with Seven Earls, Eight Bishops, Twenty eight Barons, Two Hundred knights, 4000 Men at Arms, and ●i●e Thousand Archers; all Valiant English-Men, he joined the Duke of Brabant, who commanded 22000 men, Jaques Dartwell a famous Fleming, who commanded 60000 men of these Provinces, also the Duke of Guilder, the Marquis of Mouse, the Earls of Juliers, Mons, Savens, and Hanault, the Lord Tralquemont, and divers others.  
With this gallant Army he Besieged the Strong City of Tournay, which was with great Resolutiou and Valour Manfully defended, for the space of ten weeks; in all which time, the French king appeared not to Relieve it; however, by the Mediation of the aforementioned Jane d'ye Valois, Mother to the Queen of England, and to the Duchess of Juliers, to the then Earl of Hanault, and Sister to the French king, a Truce was once more concluded; but that expired, soon after these delays the War begun in earnest.  
During these transactions, the king returned home to beat the Scots out of England, who; in his absence, dared to Invade it, under the Leading of David their king, fell desperately in Love with the Fair Countess of Salisbury; in this manner having delivered her from the Siege laid to her Castle of Roxbourough, hard pressed by the Scots, he disarmed himself and with ten or twelve Lords and knights, entered the Castle, where the excellent Beauty, and modest behaviour of the sweet Countess, so Inflamed his heart, that by secret and Amorous wooing, he endeavoured to persuade her to ease his passion, with a return of her Love; but the Virtuous Lady, first with mild and kind entreaties, and afterward with quick and nipping Reprehensions, strove to make him see his own Error; but such was his desire, and her denials were so peremptory, and resolute, that Discontentedly at that time he left her; yet love still prevailing, he wrote the following Letter to her.  
The King's Letter to the Countess of Salisbury.  Fair Countess. 
Your Eyes have enthralled my heart, and A midst the Alarms of War, my thoughts are chained to your Beauties, and other rare perfections; take compassion on a King, which nothing on Earth, but your Peerless self, can bring to the low submission of a supplicant; I own your Virtues are great, yet to save the life of a Monarch, what should not one, who is all Goodness, and tenderly made for Compassion, like you, do? Let me entreat you then to take Compassion on the sufferings of my labouring mind, that I may be restored to my former peace and tranquillity; & become pleasant to my friends, and as I have been wont, a terror to the enemy of my Country: So in expectation you will Relent, and become mild and merciful, I rest in hopes of enjoying that blessing, I so earnestly wish for, and passionately desire;  
Your devout Lover though a King.  
The virtuous Countess having well weighed the Contents of this Letter, was much troubled in her mind, her blushes came and went; she well knew the King was already married to a Fair and Virtuous Princess; & that he sought by unlawful Love to defile her bed; this some times put her unto a grievous passion, and then relenting, Pearly tears trickled from her Eyes, considering if she yielded, how much it would turn to her dishonour; and if she refused, how much she must trouble and afflict the bravest Prince on Earth; at other times, she considered, she was his Subject, and in his power, and knew not to what force his wild passion might carry him; yet tender and careful of her chasttiy and honour; in the end she returned him this answer.  
The COUNTESS' Answer.  My Sovereign! 
COuld you but conceive what trouble and disturbance Your Letter has wrought in my mind, you would cease to afflict me, who so highly Honour you in all Virtuous ways; but in this matter, without a violation of my Honour, cannot Condescend to pleasure you; Consider you are Married to a chaste and Virtuous Queen, who Loves and Honours you; how then can you stray from the Rules of that virtue, you have ever Exercised, and Encouraged in others; to harbour thoughts in your Royal Breast, of wronging her Bed? Cease then, great Sir, to persecute me with your Love, that cannot be Lawfully returned; lay aside your passion, and be again yourself: I am indeed your subject, and you may indeed command my life and fortunes, but not in a Dishonourable way, the spotting my innocency, and Chastity, the first of whic● I will always be ready to sacrifice, to the preservation of the Latter: So humbly Entreating you to consider and weigh these things; I remain your much afflicted Subject and Servant.  
Salisbury.  
The King upon Receipt of this Letter was not a little Abashed, tormenting himself for a time, thus to be Repulsed; but casting many things in his mind, at length he Concluded, time, and Rich presents, might overcome her Womanish fears and scruples, rendering her more tractable; and in this business, he trusted his faithful Confident, the Lo●d Montaone, Brother in Law to the Countess, who Ignorant of the King's main intentions, so solicited his Fair Sister, that he brought her to Court, in Honour of whose presence, the King caused Magnificent Sports and Pastimes; and at last won so much upon her as to dance with him; when in the end of the Dance a Blue Ribbon, which she had for her Garter, falling off; the King stooped, and took it up; at which the Countess blushed, and the Nobles smiled, whereat the King said, Honi Soit Qui Male Panse; evil be to him that evil thinketh: Vowing, that e'er long, the greatest of them, should do Honour to that silken tye, and having Created his Son Edward, the Black Prince (so called from his terrible deeds in War) Prince of Wales, he Established the Order of the Garter, Confining the number to 26 of which himself, and his Successors were Sovereigns, which Order is Yearly Solemnised, with Princely Magnificence in the King's Castle at Windsor.  
But now to pass from Love again to Arms, we find the Drums rattling, and the Trumpets sounding to War; great Arms prepared on either side, and the Earl of Derby Landed with the King's Forces in Gascoin, where they drove the French Army before them, and took many Cities, Towns and Castles, subduing almost all that large Province in small time.  
But now come I to speak of the black Prince, that honour of virtue, and Valour, more particularly than I have done.   

CHAP. II  
The Birth of the Renowned and Victorious Black, what progedies and wonders then happened, presaning his greatness; His forward valour and activity in his young days; His first wars under his Father in France; and the great advantages that ensued; How King Edward Challenged the French King, and on what account he refused it; with other matters.  
PRince Edward Sirnaned (for his Valorous Actions, so much spoken of throughout the world) the Black Prince, was born at Greenwich, the 14th of May 1336, being the Elder Son of King Edward the Third, and His beauteous Queen Phillip●, Daughter to the Carl of Hanault; at his birth a blazing Star appeared with a fiery tail, like a bloody Sword, pointing towards France, at South East; and bringing a terror upon the world; the Sea overflowed its banks in many places, and retiring again, left strange Monstrous Fifth on the Shore, the like never having, been seen on our coast; In Devonshire, Arms were seen Fight in the Air, with great blasts of Thunder and Lightning; that which came from the North vanquishing & pursuing the Southern Army, till it was clear out of sight; then the skies overcast, and become as red as blood, red Glares of Lightning frequently breaking out, to the threatening a destruction of those that were near Inhabitants:  
These strange p●ogidies, made people look for some wonderful Event of things, and indeed they happened soon after in a cruel war between two mighty Nations, in which this Prince (now born) was to 〈◊〉 so great a part.  
The King his Father though as yet he was his only Son, brought him not up nicely and tenderly; but as soon as he had, in a manner, passed his Sawdling-cleaths, enured him to hardships, in Kiding, Travelling on foot, Running, Shooting in the long bow, Managing the great Horse, running Carrears, Leaping, and in the use of the Sword; in all which he become very Expert and Dexterous, Training up many Children under him, as his Soldiers, when he was very young; and these he took great Delight to exercise, making them expert in the trains of War: So that growing up with him, he preferred them to Commands, many of which become brave Soldiers, and great Commanders, doing wondrous feats in Arms, to the Terror of their Ensmies, their own Fame, and the Honour of their Country.  
He was scarce Fifteen years Old when the King his Father took him to the Wars, both against Scotland, and France; and Jaques Dartwell the great General of the Flemings, was so taken with his monly aspect, & promising virtues, that he laboured to depose Joys Earl of Flanders, as laizey cowardly, and unfit for Government, and place the Prince over those Provinces; and thus he proposed to the Nobles in their Assembly, with so much earnestness, Magnifying the young Prince's Early Valour, and promising virtues to that degree, that though he was all in all with them before he so far encouraged their hatred, that they incensed the common people against him, as one that intended to betray the liberty of his Country to strangers, which took so effectually with those that had adored him a little before, that he no sooner came home to his house at Gaunt, but it was best by the Multitude, when coming on't to apprase them, they in a popular fury Murdered him; and this for a time much hindered King Edward's affairs; for the flemnigs and others revolted from him; but he did not greatly regard it, resolving to pursue his right, and by his own power thrust his Sword into the bowels of France.  
The King being now informed, that John the Elder Son of the French King had Besieged the Castle of Auguillion, in Gascoine, he took the Prince with him, and a considerable Army, at the terror of whose approach, the French raised the Siege, and fled: After this he passed into Normandy, took the rich City of Harefl●re without Resistance, and bestowed the spoil on his Soldiers; after this he spoiled the Rich Towns of Cheriborough, Mount-borough Quarentive, and the Castle there; and increasing his Army, took the great and Rich City of Cane in Normandy; in which were the Earls of Tankervile, Ewe, and Guyers, who had brought Forces thither; these were made prisoners to Sir Thomas Holland, an English Knight, with one Eye, who sold them to the King; and they (with the Rich Spoils) were sent Prisoners to England: Then the Army marching to Lours, quickly won it, s aalso Gilors vernor, St. Germains Enley, Mountrell St. Cloudy Rely, and the whole Country about Rouen, Pout, De Larch, Nauts, Newlench, Robois Fountain, Polis Vinne; & in all the places he found but weak Resistance, of which Philip, the French King, having intelligence; and that King Edward with his whole Army was within two Leagues of Paris, he fearfully left that City, and went to St. Denis, where his Army lay, persuading the Parisions, that the English dared not to look them in the Face, but their fears made them not Credit it, especially when they heard the Lord Harecourt, King Edward's Marshal, had routed the Forces that were coming from Ancidus, to their assistance, kill, and taking most of them Prisoners.  
The English Army, under the King, and Black Prince, being thus Victorious, passed uncontrolled to the Gates of Abaville, and St. Valary; but they were, for want of guides to direct them, un-a-wars Entangled with the River Some on the one side, and the French Army on the other, which consisted of 100000 men; and the place where he was, promised him no advantage if he should fight, but rather manifested many Inconveniencies: This made the King and Prince consult with the French Prisoners, promising Rewards, if they could find any passable foards in the River, which one Gobin of Grace undertook to do; but when the King had Marched his Army thither, he found it defended by 12000 French; yet when the sea was Ehed, he, with the Prince, and the whole Army, put themselves into the water, as likewise on the other side, did the French; so that the fight was bloody, and doubtful, for a long time in the middle of the River; some were slain by the Sword, others beaten down, and drowned in the River; but the English at length prevailing, with great slaughter of the Enemy, pursued them in full chase a League; and so the whole English Army having passed the River, and Refreshing themselves, resolved to abide the whole power of France, though six times their number, and dare them to a Battle; King Edward, to his immortal Honour sent a Challenge to the French King, to fight him by single Cambate, between both Arms; but he excused it cunningly, by aledging it was sent to him by the name of Philip De Vallois, and not by the Title of King of France; and therefore he should betray his Royal Dignity, in accepting it; however, both Arms drew near, & the bloody day approached wherein streams of Gore must wet the Earth, and Crimson its green Carpit, which a sanguine Dye; and of this battle, Fortune designed the Prince the Conduct, and Glory, to new fledge his plumes with Fame and Renown.   

CHAP. III  
How King Edward with the Black Prince, marching with a small Army into the bowels of France, met Philip the French King; with an Army of 100000 men near Cressey; How the Black Prince, desired the conduct of the Battle; And how the King and he in disguise went in the night into the Tents of the Soldiers, and were overjoyed to find them full of Courage; How the battle was fought, and the French Routed, with incredible slaughter, by the Black Prince, Of the taking of Calais, and many other remarkable things, to the Glory of the English Nation, etc.  
THe French King relying on his great Numbers, thinking the English thus entangled in the heart of his Country, were in a manner Entrapped in a snare, and could not avoid destruction, which battle gained, & perhaps our king as a prisoner, would for ever Quell the English Claim to the French Diadem; with these hopes, and healing thoughts, he d●ew all his Forces near king Edward's Army, in a spacious field, near the Town of Cressey. King Edward and the Black Prince 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of their Numbers, proceeded with all diligence to put their Army in Aarry of battle; the Prince entreating of his Father, that he might have the Conduct of the battle, to win his Golden spurs of Knighthood, having lately been made Knight of the Garter; or, if so Heaven ordered it, lose his life with the Honour of the Day; to this, the King easily consented, as having before Determined it.  
The whole Army immediately upon this was divided into Three battles, which the prince caused to be so Imparked, or Barrocaded behind, with Carriages and Carts, that the Enemy should not be able, if they Enclosed them with their Numbers, easily to break into their Rear.  
The first Battle was Led by the Black Prince, who was assisted by the Earl of Warwick, and Canford: The Lord Harecourt, Stafford, Manny, Delawar, Chandois, Cliflord, and Bourcher; Sir Reynald Cobham, Sir Thomas Cobham, Sir Roger Ne●il, and others; consisting of 800 men at Arms, 2000 Archers, and 1000 other Soldiers.  
The second Battle was Commanded by the Earls of Northampton and Arundel, accompanied by the Lords Ross, Lygo, Willoughby, Basset, St. Auban, Milleton, and Delasale; with many other Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of Note, consisting of 800 men at Arms, and 1200 Archers.  
The Third and main Battle, being placed between the other two, was Commanded by the King, assisted by three Earls, and many Lords, and knights, Consisting of 700 men at Arms, 2000 Archers, and 1000 other Soldiers, well approved and appointed for the War.  
Being thus ordered in Expectation of the Enemy, the approach of night hindered their joining then in battle; the French not withstanding their great brags, much declining it: so they spent the night in Prayers to God, and moderate Refreshment, whilst the king and Prince in Disguise, went from Tent to Tent, to see how their Courage stood affected; ask the private Soldiers, what they thought of the number of the French Army, & whether the news held; they should certainly fight on the morrow, with many such Questions: How the king and Prince stood affected in the matter?  
To this the Soldiers (not knowing them) replied, as for the French Numbers, they minded them not, for they should▪ soon by English Valour, & the deadly points of their Arrows, which they had sharpened, to the purpose, be lessened, and God willing brought to confusion; as for the certainty they should fight on the morrow, which they earnestly desired, and were willing to spend their blood in the honourable cause of their king and Country, they doubted not, unless the French declined it, by retiring that night; as for the king and Prince, they said, they doubted not of their Courage so often approved, and were proud to lose their lives, fight under their Command.  
These words from the unthinking Soldiers, greatly pleased the King and Prince, and from their natural Courage and Alacrity, drew certain presages of Victory; and so having go round the Camp, betook themselves for a few hours to their repose.  
Early in the morning the signal for battle was given on both sides, the French out of a Bravado first beginning it; Then Philip their King, ordered 15000 Genoese, with their Cross-hows, shooting steel Arrows, square headed to begin the fight; & these made their fi●st onset on the Prince's b●ttel, but either for want of skill, or making more haste than good speed, they were put into foul disorder by the English Archers, the greater part of them slain, and the rest soon defeated, & compelled to retire; in which so violent haste, in rude heaps they rushed unto the French King's battle, and so disordered it, that the French, without mercy put most of them to the Sword.  
This first bad success did not so discourage the French, but that trusting to their numbers, they came resolutely on, and chief charged the Prince's B●ttel with great fury, as eagerly thirsting for Revenge; but he stoutly repelled them, doing wonders in Person; and by his valiant Example, so encouraged his men, that they fought like Lions, laying thousands of their Enemy's dead before them; and yet for all the Numbers that pressed on them, maintained their battle entire, and unbroken; by means whereof ●hey made prodigal expense and havoke of the Frenchmen; who being first broken could not observe any order at all, nor help themselves by any Ingenious Policy of war; yet, though they fell in great Numbers before the Price's battle, yet those that came to stop the gaps, Detah had made, pressed hard on, and many of them met the like fate; however, the pressing numbers gave no leisure to the Prince, nor his assistants to breath, or take any respite of refreshment, hoping by that means to weary and tyre them out; so that the brave Prince, though he were full of Incomparable Valour, and Resolution, yet being diststessed for want of a breathing-time, sent to the King, who stood a Looker on with his Battle untouched, to come to his Relief.  
Of the Messenger sent, the King enquired whether his Son was alive or not, to which he replied he was, and then fight among the thickest of the Enemy; If so, said the king, tell him from me, that he must expect no Aid, for this shall be the day in which he shall win honour, and his Spurs of knighthood, or lose his life; for in life or death, he shall engross to himself the whole honour and glory of this day.  
When the Prince was informed what the king had said, being urged by sharp necessity, and Annimated with fresh hopes of a Famous Victory, he Encouraged his Companions in Arms, that they rued, and redoubled their strength and courage, and fought with such undaunted spirits, that the Frenchmen fainted, and fled, and were so eagerly pursued that the greater part of their Numerous Army lay breathless on the ground, and in the Chase, two Marshals of England Encountered with a multitude of the Inhabitants of Bevois, Regmerry, Aubiville, and Rouen, who ignorant of the defeat, were marching to the French Army, of whom 7000 were slain, and the rest saved themselves by flight; and the next day they were charged by the Archbishop of Rouen and Grand Prior of France, who conducted a strong Army, whom they worsted, kill great numbers of them: so that in these battles there were slain of the French, 11 Princes, 80 Barrnons, 1200 Knights, and n●●●● than 30000 Soldiers: the French king being forced to fly hastily out of the Battle to save his life. The Plunder of the Field was bestowed on the Army, and the dead bodies, of such as were of Note king Edward carried with him to Mountrel, and there with due Solemnity, caused them honourably to be buried.  
The king and Prince thus Victorious over their Enemies, marched through the Country without any oppossition and begird the strong tow of Calais, with a strait Siege; to the Relief of which, ater●a Year, the French king came with an Army of 20000 men, but findin all the passages stopped, he sent to Challenge the king to a battle in the fair field, as to knowing the Town could not ●hold out; and that in the long siege his men were wasted, sent him word, he never feared to meet in the field, as to his Cost he had proved; but now knowing his advantage at this time, he would declyn it, and gave him the satisfaction he required at another time; Upon this the French king broke up his Numerous Army and departed and Calliciaus despairing of Relief, being sorely oppressed with famine, they began to despair of a longer holding out, and finding no hopes of relief from the French king, they humbled themselves to king Edward, and sought his mercy, whereupon he Commanded that Sir of the principal inhabitants should come to him bore Headed, and bare Legged, with ropes about their Necks, and bring the key of the town and castle, weich they did: The keys He received, but commanded the persons to be ●anged, as a terror for their obstinate holding out and Robbing the English Merchants: but at the intercession of the Queen and Prince, they were pardoned: and he made Sir Andrew D' Patt the Lombard Captain of it and it was held in the hands of the English, till the Reign of Queen Mary when it was lost again to the French, upon her assisting king Philip her Husband, contrary to the Treaty, with Forces, and soon after this Philip De Valois, the French king Dyed, and his Son John was Crowned.   

CHAP. IU.  
How King Edward and the Black Prince returned to England in triumph, and how being Entertained at Dinner, by the Earl of Kent, the Prince fell in Love with his Daughter; Called the fair Maid of Kent: And what then and afterwards passed between them, vowing to each other Eternal Love and Constancy.  
KIng Edward having settled his affairs in France prosperously, come to England, with the Queen and Prince, and was received with great joy and Triumph at his Landing at Dover, when in his way dining with the Earl of Kent, the Prince fixed his eyes on Joanna or Joan, the Earl's Daughter, whose rare Beauties were so Admirable, that she was usually called the Fair Maid of Kent; This peerless Lady soon made our Horoick Prince become Enamoured of her, yet not knowing how his Father might take it, who designed to match him to some Foreign Princess, to strengthen his alliance, he at this time, bridled his passion all he could; yet his kind discourses to her, and the more powerful Language of his Eyes; sore Lovers Eyes will talk, made her see she was not Indifferent to him, but fearing so brave a Prince, and next Heir to the Crown, rather had set his Eyes on her for lust, than lawful Love in Marriage; which fear much grieved and afflicted the tender Lady; but the Prince, whose Virtues were rare & singular, had his mind far from such thoughts, and was perplexing himself, when he was absent from her, how he might might bring about his design of marriage with her, fearing, if he delayed to make known his mind, she ignorant of his passion, might give herself up to the Arms of another, and so rob him of all his expected joys; for he was very sensible that the most Exalted Beauty in the kingdom. accompanied with such modesty and virtue, could not want Adorers; and therefore knowing the French Wars would soon require his presence, he resolved, as soon as possible, to let her know his Virtuous, and unfeigned love for her, and labour if possible to gain her consent, and then do the like to remove all difficulties that might stand in the way of his happiness; so undertaking to hunt in those parts, when the Game was roused, and every one in pursuit of it, The Princes came to the Earl's House, and found the precious jewel of his heart attended only by her Waiting-woman, the rest of the Family being abroad.   lady and gentleman walking in an arbor 
This the Lady perceiving, entreated him to tell her the cause of the Disturbance of his mind, which she said she saw visibly in his Countenance, and if any thing lay in her power, she would even bear a part with him to ease it.  
The Prince at this favourable opportunity, grasping her fair Hand, said, Ah! Lady, it is in your power I know, to ease the doubts and fears that labour in my mind: I wish it may (said the Lady freely, and smiling, though not without blushes) but I cannot be your Physician, unless I know your grief. Ah! Fair Lady, (said the Prince) Since I first set Eyes on your Rare Beauties, Adorned with a pomp of winning Graces, my heart has been made Your Captive, and this opportunity I have taken, to know from your Beautiful Lips, whether you will relieve me by your Love.  
Alas, my Lord (replied the Lady, still blushing) my Love! why if You wish for that Love which is in my power to give, that is chaste and Unspotted Love, warranted by the strict Rules of Virtue and I safely do it? You should not pain, not pine; the favour is too mighty for me, and that makes me doubt a happiness meant to me that way, by a Prince whose Royalty and fame many bring him a Queen, with Kingdoms to her Dowowre, will ever be mine: most kind lady (said the Prince) with much Joy, doubt not but that love I pretend, is chaste, and 'tis you above all the Queens on Earth that I apply myself to; make me happy, OH consider (said she) my Lord, how dangerous 'tis for me to entertain your love, though there may be no doubt of your Virtuous and Real Intentions, since the King's Anger may break in upon me, and my Family, to their Ruin: doubt it not, thou best of Women, (embracing her tenderly in his Arms;) I will stand between them and you, against his fierce Thunder, and perish rather than any harm shall befall You; but there is no need of such a fear, only let me be assured of your love and constancy; and at my return, I will so work the matters, that our Marriage shall not be hindered: after these, and such other like discourses, they Sealed their Affections with mutual Vows; and so at this time, after many tender kisses, not without tears, they parted.   

CHAP. V.  
How the Black Prince went again into France with an Army, won many strong places, and fought with a small number of Archers, and Men of Arms, against John the French King, overthrew his Army, near Poicters of 120000 men, took him and his Son Philip Prisoners; His Return to England, Married the Fair maid of Kent: The French King Ransomed. and a Peace Concluded very Advantegeous.  
But now the Trumpets sound again to War, and the soft tents of Venus must be left for the Silly beds of Mars; The Prince must pass the Seas, and so the Lovers parted with Vows of Eternal Constancy to each other, and as faithfully kept their promise: Far a short Truce that had been made with France, expiring, he was sent with an Army into Gascony, where Landing he breathed such a terror on that Province, that the French venumed with fear, grew heartless; so that a great number of Towns and Castles fell into his hands, making little or no Resistance. This made the new King John hasten his Army into the field, in hopes to stop the Torrent, not doubting to oppress the Prince whose Army consisted not of above ten or twelve thousand men, with his bu●key numbers, and so accompanied with Philip his youngest son, he Marched forward towards Poitiers, where the English army lay, and were preparing to Receive him, and the Battle soon began with great fury; as for the French King, he had divided his Army into four Battles, who as it was rheir turns, or lots, came and fought with much Valour, but little skill; for the thick shot of the English Arrows galling unmiserably their large Horses, they ●ouncing threw their Riders, so that they would brook no Rule: This soon put their Chavalry into disorder, and they rushing in that confused manner, soon broke the array of their own foot, so that such as were unhorsed or down, were trodden to Death by thei● own friends, who were not able to relieve them, and such as would have pressed forward to make proof of their Valour, were driven back by those that retired from the fury of the English Shot: and such as did recoil, were stopped, and hindered from fling, to stand the fairer Marks to our Archers.  
However the french kings own Battle, which was better ordered, than the rest, furiously encountered the Battle the Prince led, who performed rare and wonderful feats of Chivalry, which, to the utmost of their power, they increased, being animated thereto by the valour and fortitude of their king, who exceeded all his Nobles in the Action that day.  
But the Black Prince, and his Battle, which was so well marshaled, that no disorder troubled it, used prowess, with undaunted spirits, each striving to excel, in seats of Army, that the Frenchmen were not able to stand long before them; for the Prince, inspired by the love of his fair Mistress, that she might be the more charmed with his Fame, had vowed, ere the Battle begun, he would that day acquit himself like a valiant knight; and he performed it to a wonder (scarce credible) fight amongst the thickest Troops, and beating down his Enemies before him, where ever he came.  
So that after a bloody fight, the Frency gave way, falling into a strange disorder fled, being so violently pursued, that the ●attel in which their King, and Philip his Son, fought, being opu●ed, the Englishmen entered, kill and and b●ating down all before; so that a lamentable cry arose throughout the French Host, where Sir Denis Morbeck took the King, & his Son p●isoners, to whom ten other Gentlemen laid claim Alleging … m to be thei● p●isoner; so that he was pulled about, and very roughly used, till the Black Prince came up, and caused their rage to cease; Commanding (on pa●n o● Death) that none should inspire the King, or his Son, giving them comfortable wo●ds; and with great Re●ere●c● bowed ●im●elf before him. which much revived his heavy spirits; and that da● feasted him and his Son, waiting himself ●t the Table, Lodged him in his own bed; provided for ●im ●o●ourable attendance, and supplied him with all things that wer● wanting: so that King John said never prisoner met wi●● so Noble and Corteous a Conqueror, and he thought himself happy in ●●ll●●g into such hands, since the fortune of war had declared agai●●●●im.  
In this Battle a great number of the French F●●bility and ●entry, were slain, and above ten thousand common Soldier●●●re were taken Prissoners seventeen Earls, th●●ce as many Barons, and so great a number of Knights, and Gentlemen of Note, that 〈◊〉 English Soldier who had fewest Prisoners, had two; all which, together ●ith the spoils of the field, the Prince freely gave them who ●a● unsaintly won them by their swords; so that there was not a poor man in the Army, but every one of them had as much Gold, Silver, Plate, jewels, etc. as gave him full satisfaction for the Effusion of 〈◊〉 blood he lost; and hereupon the Prince marched, with his 〈…〉 Prisoners to Bordeaux. There he went to king Edward has Father, to give him an account of his Victory and Success▪ which ●●●●ed not only a rejoicing in the king, but in all Englishmen, nor was wa●ting to send a particular Letter to his fa●●, Mistress, t●e Earl of Kent's Daughter, who often be-dewed her Rosy Cheeks with Tears for his Absince, and the Danger he exposed him to: The words were these:  
Fairest of Creatures, whom amidst Triumphs and Arms, I let you by this know, that fortune has favoured me with Success over the Enemies of my Country, and has been kind to let me reap fresh Laurels with my sword, that at my return I might lay them at your feet, which shall be as speedy as the Great Affairs I have in hand will permit; in the mean time, not doubting your Constancy and Love, which can only make me Happy on Earth: I am  
Your Faithful and Obedient Servant, Edward  
The fair Lady receiving this Letter, kissed it a thousand times, and in reading wet it with tears of joy, that flowed from her lovely Eyes, bowing eternal Love and Constancy to the Mirror of Virtue and Valour, wish his speedy Return, and praying for his Safety, writing a very loving Answer to him, and praising the Greatness of his Courage; yet earnestly entreating him, if he had any tender Compassion of her Life, that was now bound up in his, he would not too far Expose himself to hazard himself among the swords of his Enemies, for Fate (as GOD forbidden) should destiny his Fall in the Noble Strife, she must remain the most miserable Creature on Earth, the poor remoinder of her Days.  
The Prince received this Assurance of his Mistress' Love with great joy; and to Comfort her, hasted the sooner into England with his Royal Prisoners, where he was highly welcomed by the King, Queen, and all the Nobility, with the general Acclamations of the People; and the Savoy was richly furnished for the French King and Nobles, where (for a time) he was Royally Entertained, and then removed to the Castle of Windsor, where he had the liberty of Hawking, Hunting, with such Sparts and Pastimes as he desired; the king of England, and the Black Prince frequently visiting him, to his great contentment; which noble Usage begat a lasting Love and Amity between them.  
And the Prince impatient to delay his intended Marriage, taking the king his Father in a good humour, after discoursing many Affairs, fell on his knees, and humbly besought him, for all the toils and hazards he had undertaken, to grant him one suit or request, without naming it: The king hereupon gently raising him, said; Fair Son, I know your virtues, duty, and modesty, so great, that will demand nothing but what is honourable; if I would resign my Crown, I know you would not Accept it while I live, and there is nothing else, but you may freely be possessed of: Then said the Prince, boldly, I take your Majesty at your word; my Ambition is far from a Crown, all I humbly Request, is, that I may have the Earl of Kent's fair Daughter to be my Wife. The king was amazed at this Request, as not knowing of their Loves, and plighted Troths; yet seeing the Prince earnestly bend upon it, and hearing what had passed between them, he, with a kind of unwilling willingness, consented, because he designed to Match him with the Emperor's Daughter, to make a stronger Alliance between them, to further him in his French Wars: So the Earl his Countess, and Daughter, were sent for to Court, and their Consent being easily had, the Marriage was celebrated with all imaginable Pomp and joy, with Masques, Music, Dancing, Songs of Triumph and the like; and so that Night the lovely Pair, enjoyed their Heart's content, for which they had so long wished; and from the Fruits of that Love, sprung a fair Son, named Richard, who succeeded his Grandfather in the kingdom; and after a long Reign, was deposed by Henry Duke of Lancaster, who took upon him the Crown, under the Title of Henry the tourth; and being Deposed, was murdered in the Castle Pomfret, by Sir Peirce of Exton, and six other Assassins'; but not degenerating from his heroic Father in strength and valour, siezing a Halberd, he wrested it by main strength out of one of their hands, and killed sour of them, ere they dispatched him: But to return:  
The french king, and his Son, having been four years' Prisoners in England, began to Grow weary of it, and therefore, for their Releasement, made several advantageous Overtures to king Edward, for their Release, and for a Truce: But Charles the french kings eldest son, having gotten the Regency into his hands, would not agree with his Father; whereupon the french king was committed a closer Prisoner to the Tower; and king Edward with the Black Prince sailded over with an Army, and Landed at Calais; and from thence towards paris, wasteing the Country as he passed, very dreadfully with fire and sword; so that many Towns and Castles were yielded to him, by which means he compelled the Regent, and Nobility to become earnest Petitioners to him for a Peace; and it was Concluded on these Articles:  

1. That the French King should pay four hundred thousand punds flerling, for his Ransom.  
2. That no King of France should Aid the Scots against England, in any invasion, or rebellion; nor the English Assist the Flemings, in any War against France.  
3. That the King of England should have, and freely enjoy, without homage, the territories of Gascon, Guyan, with the precincts, territories, castles, forts, and towns thereto belonging; also the city of Poitiers, and Peregors, the Earldoms of Bigrot, Poitiors, and Guyens, the Cities of Lymoges, Tharbes, Guares, Ageu, Anglasme, Auguemois, Kyvern, Courus, the Lordship of Xantogue, Caumesen, Hames, Only, Montrel, with the Signories of Calais, Marguise, Sandgate, and Collogne.   
These glorious Advantages rejoiced the English, and Magnified our Nation throughout the World, who wondered how a handful of people could compel so Potent a Kingdom as france, to truckle so low: And for performance of the Articles, Charles the Regent, and the Black prince (in the presence of six knights of each Nation) received the Holy Sacrament at the High Altar; and then king Edward, with the Prince, returned to England, and were (with all Compliments of love and kindness) entertained, and feasted, at the Tower, by the french king, who was conveyed from thence to Calais, where according to Agreement, he remained four Months; and then king Edward repaired to him, and both of them (at High Mass) solemnly swore to perform and keep the Articles; and then king John (for Hostages of his Ransom) delivered to king Edward, four Dukes, seven Earls, ten Barons, many knights, and two of the worthiest Burgesses of every great City of france; and so taking a friendly leave of each other, the king and prince returned with their Honourable Hostages to England, who were (with all humility and kindness) feasted and entertained by the king, prince, and nobility, and permitted freely to use all sports and pastimes for exercise and pleasure; and about two years after the conditions of Agreement, being performed, king John came over to visit king Edward, and the Prince; and to thank them for his former courteous Entertainment; and at the same time came the kings of Scots, and of Cyprus; so that there were four kings at once in our Court: But king John of france falling sick at the Savoy died, to the great Grief of both Nations, whence his Body was conveyed to St. Dennis in france, and there Interred amongst his Royal Ancestors.   

CHAP. VI  
How the Black Prince Overthrew the Arms of Spain and France, and Restored Peter the Deposed King of Castille to his Throne: War again Proclaimed with France, and many Towns Taken. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster's great Success, Marriage, etc. The Black Prince's Sickness and Death. A Brief Account of the Battle of Again Court, and the total Conquest of France, by Henry the 5th, of England, who was Crowned at Paris.  
THE Black Prince's Fame spreading over the World, he was sued to (by Distressed Kings and Nations) to Assist and Relieve them with his Valour and Prowess, and amongst others, Peter King of Castille being Overthrown in many Battles, by Henry his Bastard Brother, Assisted under hand by Charles the New French King; Flying his Kingdom, came to the Prince, where he was with his fair Princes at Bordeaux, settling his New Government in France, humbly Imploring him to Re-in-stare him in his Kingdom, promising great Rewards and Treasures, when he should be Re-possessed.   battle scene 
The Black Prince, who was a Comly Stature, Strong Body, Fierce in War, but Mild and Affable in Peace, being Dead (as is said) King Edward Created Richard the Prince's Son; Prince of Wales, Earl of Leicester, Duke of Cornwall, and Appointed him to Succeed in the Kingdom (as has been said) and because he was Young, he Appointed the Regency to the Duke of Lancaster, till he should come of Years to Sway the Sceptre; and being Worn out with Age, the toils of War, and Grief for the Death of the Black Prince, he Died, when he had Reigned somewhat more than Fifty Years, and was Buried at Westminster: And thus, Reader, have I fulfiled my promise, in a True Account of this Renowned History, not doubting but it will give Delight and Satisfaction to all that Read it; and so Encourage us to Imitate our brave Ancestors, that france and other Nations may know, we are still Englishmen, whose Undaunted Courage cannot be Baffled, but in Contending for Right and Fame, we Dare as much as ever.    
FINIS.  

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THe famous and Renowned History of the Three Destructions of Troy. The famous and Renowned History of Guy, Earl of Warwick. The famous and Delightful History of the Lancashire Witches, etc.