His knights stood around, well understanding the conflict going on in his breast, and sympathizing deeply with him in this crisis of his life, but not knowing themselves what it were best to do.  The sun was creeping to the horizon before the Cardinal was seen returning, and his face was grave and sorrowful as he was ushered into the presence of the Prince.

“My Liege,” he said, in accents of regret, “it is but sorry news I have to bring you.  My royal master of his own will would have gladly listened to the terms to which your consent has been won, save for the vicious counsel of my lord Bishop of Chalons, Renaud Chauveau, who hates your nation so sorely that he has begged the King, even upon his bended knees, to slay every English soldier in this realm rather than suffer them to escape just when they had fallen into his power, rather than listen to overtures of submission without grasping the victory of blood which God had put into his hands.  Wherefore my liege the King has vowed that he will consent to nothing unless you yourself, together with one hundred of your knights, will give yourselves up into his hand without condition.”

Young Edward’s eyes flashed fire.  A look more like triumph than dismay crossed his noble face.  Looking at the sorrowful Cardinal, with the light of battle in his eyes, he said in ringing tones: 

“My Lord Cardinal, I thank you for your goodwill towards us.  You are a good and holy man, an ambassador of peace, and as such you are fulfilling your Master’s will.  But I can listen no longer to your words.  Go back to the King of France, and tell him that I thank him for his last demand, because it leaves me no choice but to fight him to the death; and ten thousand times would I rather fight than yield, albeit persuaded to submit to terms by your eloquent pleading.  Return to your lord, and tell him that Edward of England defies him, and will meet him in battle so soon as it pleases him to make the attack.  I fear him not.  The English have found no such mighty antagonists in the French that they should fear them now.

“Go, my Lord Cardinal, and carry back my message of defiance.  Ere another sun has set I hope to meet John of France face to face in the foremost of the fight!”

A shout of joy and triumph rose from a hundred throats as this answer was listened to by the Prince’s knights, and the cheer was taken up and echoed by every soldier in the camp.  It was the signal, as all knew well, that negotiation had failed; and the good Cardinal went sorrowfully back to the French lines, whilst the English soldiers redoubled their efforts at trenching the ground and strengthening their position —­ efforts which had been carried on ceaselessly all through this and the preceding day, regardless of the negotiations for peace, which many amongst them hoped would prove abortive.

Then up to the Prince’s side stepped bold Sir James Audley, who had been his counsellor and adviser during the whole of the campaign, and by whose advice the coming battle was being arranged.