Algezir 221 



Having returned to his capital, Abu-'l-Hassan remained profoundly 

 convinced that the cause of God would end by triumphing, and 

 that the AU-Powerful would fulfil his promise by granting to the 

 Mussulmans a return of good fortune, and to religion a speedy 

 victor}', for 'God will complete the manifestation of his light, in 

 spite of the unbelievers." 



The two Englishmen who were conspicuous at the siege of 

 Algeciras were Henry, afterwards Earl and Duke of Lancaster, 

 but then Earl of Derby, and William Montagu, first Earl of 

 Salisbury (1301-1344), after whom Salisbury Crags, at Edin- 

 burgh, were named. Salisbury was 42 years of age, and Derby 

 about two years older. Salisbury was to die in the following 

 year, while Derby lived till 1361.^ Though Salisbury had dis- 

 tinguished himself in various ways (he was made earl in 1337), 

 he never gained the renown of Derby, whom Petrarch (not 

 earlier than 1364, according to Biagi) celebrated, along with 

 Arthur, Godfrey, etc., in the lines (Trionfo della Fama 2.152-3) : 



Poi il duca di Lancastro, che pur dianzi 

 Era al regno de' Franchi aspro vicino.^ 



According to the Diet. Nat. Biog. (26. 102) : 'In the spring 

 of 1343 he [Henry] was sent on embassies to Clement VI at 

 Avignon, and to Alfonso XI of Castile.' Of this I find no 

 direct evidence, but on March 31 there is a writ with respect 

 to 'Thomas Cok [Cook] going to Spain, there to stay in the 

 company of the king's kinsman, Henry of Lancaster, Earl of 

 Derby,' and on May 2 one regarding 'William de Cusancia, 

 staying beyond the seas in the company,' etc.* On July 6 the 



^ Koran, surat 66, verse 8. 



' See above, pp. 176-7. 



^ He is thus characterized by the Diet. Nat. Biog. (26. 105) : 'Henry of 

 Lancaster was esteemed throughout Western Europe as a perfect knight; 

 he was brave, courteous, charitable, just, and at once magnificent and 

 personally temperate in his habits. He had a thorough knowledge of 

 public affairs, was a wise counsellor, and was loved and trusted by 

 Edward HI beyond any other of his lords. Like his father. Earl Henry, 

 he was religious, and during his last days is said to have been much 

 given to prayer and good works.' His portrait from the brass of Sir 

 Hugh Hastings (d. 1347), at Elsing, Norfolk, is reproduced opposite, 

 from Hewitt, Ancient Armour 2. 195. 



* Both in Cal. Pat. Rolls. 



