“My lord, this war which you are carrying on in the kingdom of France is a cause of wonder to all men, and not too favorable to you. Your people are the only real gainers by it, for you are wasting your time. Considering every thing, if you persist in continuing the war, it may last you your life; and it appears to me doubtful if you will ever succeed to the extent of your wishes. I would recommend therefore, whilst you have the power of closing it honorably, to accept the proposals which have been offered to you; for my lord, we may lose more in one day than we have gained in twenty years.”
(Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster 1310-1361, advising Edward III to accept the Treaty of Bretigny, ratified October 24, 1360) trans. Clifford Rogers
