Thus began that war which was to be so cruel and so long.  The Flemings bore the first brunt of it.  It was a lamentable position for them; their industrial and commercial prosperity was being ruined; their security at home was going from them; their communal liberties were compromised; divisions set in amongst them; by interest and habitual intercourse they were drawn towards England, but the count, their lord, did all he could to turn them away from her, and many amongst them were loath to separate themselves entirely from France.  “Burghers of Ghent, as they chatted in the thoroughfares and at the cross-roads, said one to another, that they had heard much wisdom, to their mind, from a burgher who was called James Van Artevelde, and who was a brewer of beer.  They had heard him say that, if he could obtain a hearing and credit, he would in a little while restore Flanders to good estate, and they would recover all their gains without standing ill with the King of France or the King of England.  These sayings began to get spread abroad, insomuch that a quarter or half the city was informed thereof, especially the small folks of the commonalty, whom the evil touched most nearly.  They began to assemble in the streets, and it came to pass that one day, after dinner, several went from house to house calling for their comrades, and saying, ’Come and hear the wise man’s counsel.’  On the 26th of December, 1337, they came to the house of the said James Van Artevelde, and found him leaning against his door.

[Illustration:  Van Artevelde at his Door——­264]

Far off as they were when they first perceived him, they made him a deep obeisance, and ‘Dear sir,’ they said, ’we are come to you for counsel; for we are told that by your great and good sense you will restore the country of Flanders to good case.  So tell us how.’  Then James Van Artevelde came forward, and said, ’Sirs comrades, I am a native and burgher of this city, and here I have my means.  Know that I would gladly aid you with all my power, you and all the country; if there were here a man who would be willing to take the lead, I would be willing to risk body and means at his side; and if the rest of ye be willing to be brethren, friends and comrades to me, to abide in all matters at my side, notwithstanding that I am not worthy of it, I will undertake it willingly.’  Then said all with one voice, ’We promise you faithfully to abide at your side in all matters and to therewith adventure body and means, for we know well that in the whole countship of Flanders there is not a man but you worthy so to do.’” Then Van Artevelde bound them to assemble on the next day but one in the grounds of the monastery of Biloke, which had received numerous benefits from the ancestors of Sohier of Courtrai, whose son-in-law Van Artevelde was.