|
THE BLACK PRINCE'S RUBY. 155
embossed,
but his helmet was the theme of especial praise. The useful iron
head-piece was surmounted by a rich crown garnished with rubies,
sapphires and pearls valued then at six hundred and seventy-five
pounds.* In this glittering ornament the Black Prince's Ruby was a
conspicuous feature. During the fight the king and his shining crown
were to be seen in all parts of the field where the battle raged
hottest. He fought like a lion for his life, unlike the kings of modern
times who, if present at all, sit afar off and view the battle-field
safely through telescopes.
Henry's
crown and stout iron casque did him good service on that eventful day,
for it is related how the French Prince, the Duke of Alencpn, struck it
a heavy blow with his battle-axe, which came near finishing Henry's
career on the spot. Again several Frenchmen, excited by the blood-red
glitter of the Ruby perhaps, swore to strike
* It must be remembered that the money value of the pound sterling in Henry's time was three or four times what it is now.
|
||
|
|
||