These diplomatic setbacks partly explain England’s military ineffectiveness in the 1370s, but equally important were lack of leadership, lack of money, and dissension over strategy. After Poitiers, the king, traditionally expected to lead the nation in arms, became less and less adequately able to do so. In the 1370s he declined into senility and fell under the domination of his mistress, Alice Perrers.

The power of love opposes the violence of unpeace.

He had much to learn about boys, and he learnt not by direct observation—for which he believed he was unfitted—but by sedulous imitation of the more experienced masters.

In the Evening our Commander sent a Message to Mr. Jones, that if a Visit would not be troublesome he would wait on him.