Page 21 - A Knight of the White Cross

success, but they can hardly be blamed for holding back when they see that
the chances are all against them. Moreover, as a Frenchwoman, it cannot be

denied that Margaret has never been popular in England, and her arrival
here, aided by French gold and surrounded by Frenchmen, will tell against

her with the country people. I went as far as I could on the day before I left
Amboise, urging her on no account to come hither until matters were
settled. It would have been infinitely better had the young prince come

alone, and landed in the West without a single follower. The people would
have admired his trust in them, and would, I am sure, have gathered

strongly round his banner. However, we must still hope for the best.
Fortune was against us today: it may be with us next time we give battle.
And with parties so equally divided throughout the country a signal victory

would bring such vast numbers to our banners that Edward would again
find it necessary to cross the seas."