“Thanks, thanks, my gracious Prince,” said Reginald, a light glancing in his fading eyes.  “I should die content to see my brother’s spurs so well earned.”

“Die!  Say not so, my faithful Reginald.  Speed, Denis, and send hither our own leech!  I trust you will live to see your son win his spurs as gallantly!”

“No, my good Lord, I am past the power of leech or surgeon; I feel that this is my death-wound.  I am glad it was in your cause.  All I desire is your protection for my wife—­my boy—­my brother—­”

“Your brother has earned it already,” said Edward.  “Your child shall be as my own.  But, oh! can nought be done?  Hasten the surgeon hither!  Cheer thee, Reginald!—­look up!  O! would that Du Guesclin were free, the battle unfought, so that thou wert but safe, mine own dear brother-in-arms!”

“Where is the Prince?” called a voice from behind.  “My Lord, my Lord, if you come not speedily, there will be foul slaughter made among the prisoners by your Spanish butcher—­King I would say.”

“I come, I come, Chandos,” answered Edward.  “Fare thee well, my brave Reginald; and you, my new-made Knight, send tidings to my tent how it is with him.”

He pressed Reginald’s hand, and sighing deeply, mounted his horse, and rode off with Sir John Chandos, leaving the wounded Knight to the care of his own followers.

The stream of blood was flowing fast, life was ebbing away, and Sir Reginald’s breath was failing, as Eustace, relieving Gaston from his weight, laid his head on his breast, and laved his brow with water from the river.  “You have done gallantly, my brave brother; I did wrong to doubt your spirit.  Thanks be to God that I can die in peace, sure that Arthur has in you a true and loving guardian.  You are young, Eustace, but my trust in you is firm.  You will train him in all Christian and godly ways—­”

“It shall be the most sacred charge of my life,” said Eustace, scarcely able to speak.

“I know it,” said Reginald, and making an effort to raise his voice, he continued, “Bear witness, all of you, that I leave my son in the wardship of the King, and of my brother, Sir Eustace Lynwood.  And,” added he, earnestly, “beware of Fulk Clarenham.  Commend me to my sweet Eleanor; tell her she is the last, as the first in my thoughts.”  Then, after a pause, “Is Gaston here?”

“Yes, Sir Reginald,” said Gaston, leaning over him, and pressing the hand which he feebly raised.

“Gaston, farewell, and thanks to you for your true and loving service.  Eustace will find wherewith to recompense you in some sort, in my chest at Bordeaux, and my brave Lances likewise.  And, Gaston, go not back to the courses and comrades whence I took you.  On the word of a dying man, it will be better for you when you are in this case.  Leonard, strive to be a true and brave man, though I may not fulfil your father’s trust.  Eustace—­my eyes grow dim—­ is this you supporting my head—­are these your tears?  Weep not for me, brother.  Save for my poor Eleanor, I would not have it otherwise.  Mercy is sure!  Hold up the blessed rood—­the sign of grace—­you are half a clerk, repeat me some holy psalm or prayer.”