THE BLACK PRINCE'S RUBY. 157
Westminster
Abbey where it is never seen without causing interest in the mind of
even the most unimaginative visitor. The two deep marks, one made by
the battle-axe of the Duke of Alengon and the other by the sword of the
nameless Frenchman, are plainly visible, enduring evidence of the
fierceness of the fighting on the stricken field of Agincourt.
Henry
vi. followed his father's example in carrying his crown to the
battle-field, but further than that the parallel cannot lie, for
instead of winning a kingdom the luckless Henry lost his crown at Hexam
(1464) and only saved his life by the fleetness of his horse. The crown
which probably mounted our Ruby, was borne by a page who was killed,
and the regal bauble was instantly carried off to Edward iv. who had
himself forthwith crowned with it at York.
In
that long and bloody struggle the honors of which are somewhat
concealed in its graceful and poetic name, the Wars of the Roses, the
Ruby adhered to the winning side. When Lan-
