This passage describes the Battle of Agincourt, which took place on October 25, 1415, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The English army, led by King Henry V, was vastly outnumbered by the French, but they emerged victorious due to their superior archery and tactics. The passage highlights the bravery and camaraderie of the English soldiers, particularly the Earl of Suffolk and the Duke of York, who fought valiantly despite being wounded. The Duke of York's dying words, in which he commends his service to the king and asks his brother to take care of his soul, are especially poignant. The passage also mentions the marriage between King Henry V and Katherine of France, which produced a son, Henry VI, who would later become king at a young age. The poem that follows is an old English ballad that celebrates the Battle of Agincourt. It describes the bravery of King Harry (Henry V) and his men, who fought against overwhelming odds and emerged victorious. The poem also mentions the battles of Poitiers and Cressy, which were earlier victories for the English. The poem's language is archaic and poetic, with phrases such as "Fair stood the wind for France" and "With Spanish yew so strong". It uses imagery and metaphor to describe the battle, such as comparing the arrows to serpents that sting, and the earth shaking beneath the feet of the soldiers. The overall tone is one of patriotism and admiration for the bravery of the English soldiers.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Adventure