England, 14th and 15th Centuries.  Reigns of Henry IV and V.

17.  Men of Iron.

Outline:  Plot against life of the King—­Murder of Sir John Dale at Falworth Castle—­The flight from Falworth Castle—­Life at Crosby Dale—­Miles training under Diccon—­Miles takes service under the Earl of Mackworth—­Friendship of Miles and Gascoyne—­Training of esquires—­Quarrel between Miles and Blunt—­Sir James’ interest in Miles—­“Knights of the Rose,” their oath and what came of it—­Miles meets the Lady Anne and her cousin—­Earl of Mackworth finds Miles in the garden—­Coming of Henry IV—­Miles is knighted and wins his first tournament—­Departure for France—­In the company of the Prince of Wales—­Miles in the presence of the King challenges the Earl of Alban to do battle—­Death of the Earl of Alban—­Miles betrothed to the Lady Anne.

  Source:
    Pyle.  Men of Iron.

England, 15th Century, Reign of Henry V.

18.  King Henry V.

Outline:  Madcap prince and his companions—­Death of King Henry IV—­Henry V crowned king—­Meeting of King and Falstaff—­Preparation for war with France—­The Dauphin’s message and the King’s answer—­Siege of Harfleur—­Henry as commander—­King in disguise enters tents of his soldiers—­Battle of Agincourt—­The King’s reception on his return to England—­War with France renewed—­Treaty of peace—­The King’s marriage.

  Sources:
    Couch.  Historical tales from Shakespeare.  Shakespeare.  King
    Henry IV.  Shakespeare.  King Henry V.

France, 15th Century.

Reign of Charles VI and VII.

19.  Joan of Arc.

Outline: Conditions in France at the death of Charles VI—­Childhood of Joan—­Heavenly voices tell Joan her mission—­The voices become more urgent—­Her brutal reception from the Lord Vaucouleurs—­The faith of the people in Joan—­Money and an escort provided—­In the presence of the Dauphin—­Before the learned men of Poitiers—­March to Orleans—­The Siege—­Joan before the council—­End of the siege—­Surrender of Beaugency—­Joan meets English army under Talbot and utterly routs it—­Coronation of Charles VII at Rheims—­Indolence of King—­Refuses to renew attack on Paris—­Joan wounded—­The French retreat, a blow to Joan’s prestige—­People lose faith in her—­Capture—­Treatment in prison—­Trial—­Death.

  Sources:
    Lang.  Red true story book. 
    Macgregor.  Story of France. 
    Boutet de Monvel.  Joan of Arc.

France, 15th Century.

Reign of Charles VIII and Louis XII.

20.  Bayard.

Outline: The boy’s choice—­The page—­Touching shields—­In the garrison—­The tournament—­War—­Capture of Milan—­The duel—­Bayard guards the bridge—­Siege of Mezieres—­Death of Bayard.

  Sources:
    Andrews.  Story of Bayard. 
    Greene.  With spurs of gold. 
    Macgregor.  Story of France.