BOOK THE SECOND
73
Anxious of that devoted town to learn.
Thus then the veteran—
"From that field of shame
To France so fatal, Azincour, escap'd;575
I speeded homewards and abode in peace.
Henry as wise as brave had back to England[1]
Led his victorious army; well aware
That France was mighty, that her warrior sons,
Impatient of a foreign victor's sway,580
Might rise impetuous, and with multitudes
Tread down the invaders. Wisely he return'd,
For the proud Barons in their private broils
Wasted the strength of France. I dwelt at home
Peaceful though lowly, with my little store585
Content. I lov'd around the cheerful hearth
To tell of all the perils I had known:
K
"My
- ↑ Line 577 Henry judged, that by fomenting the troubles of France, he should procure more certain and lasting advantages, than by means of his arms. The truth is, by pushing the French too vigorously, he ran the risk of uniting them all against him; in which case, his advantages, probably, would have been inconsiderable, but by granting them some respite, he gave them opportunity to destroy one another; therefore, contrary to every one's expectation, he laid aside his military affairs for near eighteen months, and betook himself entirely to negotiation, which afforded him the prospect of less doubtful advantages.Rapin.
