From all the English right who saw this wondrous deed there went up such a shout that their comrades to the left and rear thought for a moment that battle had been joined.  The King and the Prince stared amazed.  Hugh flung his arms about Dick’s neck, and kissed him.  Jack Green cried: 

“No archer, but a wizard!  Mere man could not have sent a true shaft so far.”

“Then would to heaven I had more such wizards,” said the King.  “God be with you, Grey Dick, for you have put new heart into my and all our company.  Mark, each of you, that he smote him in the back, smote him running!  What reward would you have, man?”

“None,” answered Dick in a surly voice.  “My reward is that, whatever happens, yon filthy French knave will never mock honest English folk again.  Or so I think, though the arrow barely reached him.  Yet, Sire,” he added after a pause, “you might knight my master, Hugh de Cressi, if you will, since but for him I should have feared to risk that shot.”

Then turning aside, Dick unstrung his bow, and, pulling the remains of the apple out of his pouch, began to munch it unconcernedly.

“Hugh de Cressi!” said the King.  “Ah! yes, I mind me of him and of the rogue, Acour, and the maid, Red Eve.  Well, Hugh, I am told you fought gallantly at Blanche-Tague two days gone and were among the last to cross the Somme.  Also, we have other debts to pay you.  Come hither, sir, and give me your sword.”

“Your pardon, my liege,” said Hugh, colouring, “but I’ll not be knighted for my henchman’s feats, or at all until I have done some of my own.”

“Ah, well, Master Hugh,” said the King, “that’s a right spirit.  After the battle, perhaps, if it should please God that we live to meet again in honour.  De Cressi,” he added musingly, “why this place is called Crecy, and here, I think, is another good omen.  At Crecy shall de Cressi gain great honour for himself and for St. George of England.  You are luck bringers, you two.  Let them not be separated in the battle, lest the luck should leave them.  See to it, if it please you, my lord of Warwick.  Young de Cressi can draw a bow; let him fight amongst the archers and have liberty to join the men-at-arms when the time comes.  Or stay; set them near my son the Prince, for there surely the fight will be hottest.

“And now, you men of England, whatever your degree, my brothers of England, gentle and simple, Philip rolls down upon us with all the might of France, our heritage which he has stolen, our heritage and yours.  Well, well, show him to-day, or to-morrow, or whenever it may be, that Englishmen put not their faith in numbers, but in justice and their own great hearts.  Oh, my brothers and my friends, let not Edward, whom you are pleased to serve as your lawful King, be whipped off the field of Crecy and out of France!  Stand to your banners, stand to your King, stand to St. George and God!  Die where you are if need be, as I will.  Never threaten and then