BERTRAND DU GUESCL1N 127 peared to officiate as page. This in the days of chivalry implied no degradation, though it showed the generous humility of the young hero. John repeatedly en- treated the prince to seat himself beside him, and could scarcely be persuaded to taste the food while his vanquisher remained standing, or handed him the cup on bended knee. The respectful manner in which the prince conducted himself, and the feeling he expressed for the misfortunes of his foe, so touched John, that at last the tears burst from his eyes, and mingled with the marks of blood on his cheeks. The example of their leader was followed throughout the English camp ; every one treating his prisoners as friends, and admitting them to ransom on terms named, in most cases, by the vanquished themselves. After this event the prince again distinguished himself in France, for the claims of his father, which the treaty had in part recognized, were again disputed. Many battles were fought, and much negotiation was carried on, extending over several years ; while in the midst of these harassments, the prince, who had long been ill, became worse. His surgeons advised his return to England. He com- plied ; but day after day his strength failed him, and fainting fits of long continu- ance often led those around him to suppose him dead. At length, on Sunday, June 8, 1376, he closed a life which for years had been one sad scene of suffer- ing. He was interred with due pomp in Canterbury Cathedral, his favorite suit of black armor being suspended over his tomb. Thus, scarcely past his prime, died " the valiant and gentle Prince of Wales, the flower of all chivalry in the world at that time." BERTRAND DU GUESCLIN (1314-1380) B DU GUESCLIN, Constable of France, the most famous French warrior of his age, was born of an ancient but undistinguished family, at the castle of La Motte-Broon, near Rer.nes, about 1314. The date is doubtful, the authorities varying between 1311 and 1324. The name is spelt in various ways in contempo- rary records, e.g., Claquin, Klesquin, Guescquin, Glayaquin, etc. The familiar form is found on his monument at St. Denis, and in some legal documents of the time. In his boyhood Ber- trand was a dull learner, spending his time in open-air sports and exercises, and could never read or write. He was remarkable for ugliness, and was an object of aversion to his parents. He first made himself a name as a soldier at the
