heraldryofyorkmi01custuoft

INTRODUCTION.
when they heard the terms of his liberty, and they hung their heads in
dismay as to whence they should raise so large a sum. But then, as is
always the case when the men are cast down and desponding, the women
came to the rescue.
" Fear not," they exclaimed, brandishing their distaffs,
" we will spin him out " meaning, of course, that by their industry and
skill they would soon produce and sell enough yarn to provide the greater
part of the sum required. They set to work at once. Charles V. contributed
a large portion. Before the close of the year 1367 the money was paid,
and Du Guesclin once more drew his sword in favour of Henry of Transtamare
for the throne of Castile.
Surely such gallant and patriotic deeds deserve commemoration and
;
the following refrain of an old Breton ballad shews that it was speedily
enshrined in that surest token of national appreciation a nation's song :
" Filez, filez, femmes de la Bretayne ;
Filez vos quenouilles de lin ;
Pour rendre a la France et a 1'Espagne
Bertrand du Guesclin."
Of which the following
is a rough rendering :
"Women of Brittany, spin, spin
again;
Your flaxen distaffs spin ;
To give to France and unto Spain
Bertrand du Guesclin."
While the charming poem which I also append, from the graceful and
cultured pen of one of our own Yorkshire poets, the late Lord Houghton,
shews that the capacity to appreciate gallant deeds, even though they be
" ancient history," has not passed away.
"'Twas on the field of Navarrete,
While Trastamara sought
From English arms a safe retreat,
Du Guesclin stood and fought;
And to the brave Black Prince alone
He yielded up his sword :
So we must sing in mournful tone,
Until it be restored :
CHORUS :
"Spin, spin, maidens of Brittany;
And let not your litany
Come to an end,
Before you have prayed
The Virgin to aid
Bertrand du Guesclin, our hero and friend.
"The Black Prince is a gentle knight,
And bade Du Guesclin name
What ransom would be fit and right
For his renown and fame.
'A question hard,' says he, 'yet since
Hard fortune on me frowns,
I could not tell you less, good Prince,
Than twenty thousand crowns.'
Spin, spin, &c.
" 'Where find you all that gold, Sir Knight?
I would not have you end
Your days in sloth or undelight,
Away from home and friend.'
'
O Prince of generous heart, and just,
Let all your fear be stayed,
For my twenty thousand crowns I trust
'
To every Breton maid !
Spin, spin, &c.