gems, spinel, balas ruby

The story of King Edward the Third and the spinel used in his crown. At the period when our tale commences, although the glories of Cressy and Poictiers as yet were not, these mingled influences of romance and chivalry pervaded every bosom. The spirit-stirring lay of the minstrel found an echo in every heart; the warlike tale of the diseur had not been told in vain; and each knight, revelling in joyful anticipations of chivalrous enterprise, cast an eager glance toward the fair plains of Normandy and strong castles of Guienne, and awaited, impatiently as his falcon for her prey, as his war-steed for the battle-field, the summons that should bid him set lance in rest, and advance the red cross into the very heart of France. And now had the call been given, and a joyous response was returned by each valiant heart; for the high-minded Jane, Countess de Montfort, had sent Sir Amaury de Clisson to supplicate knightly aid of King Edward III. on behalf of herself and her small garrison at Hennebon, then besieged by Charles of Blois. What knight could resist the call to do battle in the cause of a fair and noble lady, whose husband was captive in a far distant dungeon? a lady, too, whose chivalrous and “right valiant” bearing had rendered her the theme of admiration in every castle hall throughout the land? King Edward gave instant assent; and under the auspices of that bravest and gentlest of knights, that “flower and grace of all chivalry,” Sir Walter Manny, a goodly array of knights and men-at-arms, with six thousand chosen archers, made ready.