The archers, under Erpingham, were drawn up in the front centre in the shape of a wedge, with its edge toward the enemy. They wore but slight armor, having loose jackets and hose, that their use of the bow might not be constrained. From their girdles hung hatchets and swords. "Many," says Nicholas, "were barefooted and without hats, whilst others had caps of thick leather crossed with iron." The baggage and feeble-bodied were placed in the rear of the rear guard; a small guard was left to protect them, and here, too, were stationed the priests, who continually offered prayers for the safety of the army. The English were so drawn up that their flanks were well covered by hedges and brushwood, which made it impossible that they should be surrounded, unless they could be divided in the centre. Toward the French army the field widened, and a similar protection was not afforded them. The standards borne by the opposing forces were conspicuous in the array. The English carried the banner of St. George, having a red St. George's cross upon a white field; the banner of St. Edward, with a yellow cross upon an azure field, having four martlets between the limbs, and one beneath; the banner of the Trinity, "an orle and pall argent, inscribed with the Trinity and Unity;" the banner of St. Edmund, with three crowns upon an azure field; and the royal banner of King Henry the Fifth, with the arms of France, three fleurs-de-lis, on an azure field, and the arms of England, three lions rampant on a crimson field, emblazoned quarterly. The French had but two standards, the Oriflamme, or battle flag, a long red banner with flying ends; and the royal banner of France, three fleurs-de-lis of gold, upon an azure field. Beside these were the countless standards of the various nobles, with their heraldic

arms emblazoned in every color, and with every illustration which it is possible to conjecture.

The King of England rose from a brief sleep, at daybreak, on the morning of the 25th, and heard three masses. He then put on his splendid cote d'armes, illuminated in gold and jewels with the symbols of English royalty. He wore upon his head an imperial crown, mounted upon a helmet, the rare magnificence of which attracted the attention of all who saw him and have handed down the account of the day. It glittered with precious gems, and its exquisite and intricate workmanship made it the wonder of every eye. His body was encased in a noble suit of armor, gold mounted and jewelled. His long sword swung by his side, and his shield, as elaborate as the rest of his accoutrement, was lifted upon his arm. He mounted a small, but spirited gray horse, and with his imme diate suite passed rapidly through the camp, giving his orders in person. The troops were ordered to take their posts in battle array, upon a plain covered with young corn. This, it will be seen, was a great advantage, as the maze, trodden down by the multitude, kept them from the impediment of the mud, which had become thick during the rain of the previous night. On the other hand, the French had not so convenient a carpet, but were forced to manœuvre amid the annoyances of soft and slippery ground. When the different divisions had taken their position, Sir Thomas Erpingham with his archers at the centre, the Duke of York at the right, Lord Camoys at the left, and the main body at the back, the King rode along the lines. in his glistening apparel, and cheered his soldiers for the last time. Then a long, but spirited address from Henry to his army was read at the head of the divi

sions. It is a document of so much interest, that we cannot refrain from placing it before the reader.

"So it is, my valiant Englishmen! We must either conquer or die, for victory or death is all the present prospect! But death is the least you are to suffer, if you be not victorious. No; you are to expect lingering tortures, and the most vile, inhuman usage, from a barbarous enemy, who are so cruel that your lives cannot satiate their rage; but they have threatened to cut off the thumbs of every one of you, archers, that you may forever be disabled to draw a bow against them. We must, therefore, fight with a resolution undaunted and invincible. And why should we fear death, or be doubtful of victory, since God, who guards our lives, has given us courage to defend them, and will strengthen us to conquer?

"To Him I appeal-the Avenger of injustice! He knows what fair conditions of peace I have so often proposed, to prevent that effusion of blood which in a few hours will moisten this field of battle; and He knows with what haughty pride they have been rejected. He disdains the intolerable arrogance of our enemies, their presumption in the strength and number of their army, their horrid desires of revenge, which nothing will satisfy, but to see all this plain covered with our dead bodies; and He has determined to make use of our arms to confound them. He knows

how the French violated the treaty made in Brittany, and usurped the dominions which belonged to the English Kings in France; and that we have made war, not for the proud glory of conquest, or to gratify ambition, but to recover the possessions of our ances tors, and our own just rights.

"Therefore, though I have great confidence in your

valor, yet that is the least part of my hopes-'tis the assistance of the Almighty which gives me the firmest assurance of victory. And that the same religious confidence may be excited in your souls, know that, by a remarkable working of Divine Providence, our enemies offer us battle on the day which has been appointed in England for the people to implore a blessing on our arms. Know that, while you are fighting, your fathers, your wives, and your children, with lifted eyes and hands, and bended knees, are supplicating the favor of Heaven for your safety and success. If I thought it necessary to raise your courage by examples, I might remind you of the victories of Poictiers and Crecy. They are not only your ancient enemies with whom you are to fight, but they are of the same nation whom your fathers have so often conquered. Nor be ye disheartened to see their battalions overspread all this field. A multitude there is, indeedbut few soldiers; they are a people gathered up in haste; and, excepting the men-at-arms, the rest are a confused crowd rather than an army. And though they are vastly superior to us in numbers, we shall let them see that we more exceed them in valor, the most important advantage in a battle. They are stronger in horses; but the riders are cowards, and want both the bravery and discipline of soldiers. You see I have chosen such ground that you cannot be surrounded by their numbers, nor overpowered by their cavalry. Proceed we, then, my brave countrymen, with confidence in God, and with all hopes that valiant men, resolved to conquer or die, may have in their arms. Let us charge them, in a firm persuasion of victory-victory! since all things presage such favorable success. If you are defeated, having no towns

you

nor cities, nor so much as a fortified camp to secure a
retreat, and being exposed to all the rage of a pro-
voked enemy, not one of you must think to return
alive into England. But, if we are victorious, as by
a noble fury sparkling in your eyes I know we shall,
will not only enrich yourselves with the spoils
of their camp, where the wealth of so many nations is
gathered to be a reward of the victor, but a kingdom
to which I have an undoubted right, will be conquer-
ed; and England, for future ages, shall give laws to
France." This address was received by the whole
army with the wildest enthusiasm; and they became
impatient to be led on against the enemy.
"Sire,"
they cried, as he passed along the lines, "Sire, we
pray God to give you a good life, and victory over
your enemies." An attack was not immediately made.
The English did not wish to abandon their fine posi-
tion on the corn. The French could with difficulty
move over the mud. It was resolved, probably on
the part of the French, to make a show of negotiation.
Henry was informed that if he would relinquish his
claim on the crown of France, and give up Harfleur,
he should retain Guienne and his ancient fiefs in Picar-
dy. Those who made this proposal, knew well that
they were safe in doing so. They did not mistake
Henry's character. His reply was little less prompt
and bold than that he had made when safe in Eng
land. "I will yield up my title on condition that
the King of France will give me the Duchy of Guienne,
and the five towns which appertain thereto, the County
of Ponthieu, and the Princess Katharine with a dowry
of eight hundred thousand crowns!" This was said

*Halliwell's Letters of the Kings of England.
+ St. Remy.