“There were so many folk who went about pillaging the country of France that the king was sad and doleful at heart.  He summoned his council, and said to them, ’What shall we do with this multitude of thieves who go about destroying our people?  If I send against them my valiant baronage I lose my noble barons, and then I shall never more have any joy of my life.  If any could lead these folk into Spain against the miscreant and tyrant Pedro, who put our sister to death, I would like it well, whatever it might cost me.’

[Illustration:  Bertrand du Guesclin——­388]

“Bertrand du Guesclin gave ear to the king, and ‘Sir King,’ said he, ’it is my heart’s desire to cross over the seas and go fight the heathen with the edge of the sword; but if I could come nigh this folk which Both anger you, I would deliver the kingdom from them.’  ’I should like it well,’ said the king.  ‘Say no more,’ said Bertrand to him; ’I will learn their pleasure; give it no further thought.’

“Bertrand du Guesclin summoned his herald, and said to him, ’Go thou to the Grand Company and have all the captains assembled; thou wilt go and demand for me a safe-conduct, for I have a great desire to parley with them.’  The herald mounted his horse, and went a-seeking these folk toward Chalon-sur-la-Saone.  They were seated together at dinner, and were drinking good wine from the cask they had pierced.  ‘Sirs,’ said the herald, ’the blessing of Jesus be on you!  Bertrand du Guesclin prayeth you to let him parley with all in company.’ ’ By my faith, gentle herald,’ said Hugh de Calverley, who was master of the English, ’I will readily see Bertrand here, and will give him good wine; I can well give it him, in sooth, I do assure you, for it costs me nothing.’  Then the herald departed, and returned to his lord, and told the news of this company.

“So away rode Bertrand, and halted not; and he rode so far that he came to the Grand Company, and then did greet them.  ‘God keep,’ said he, ’the companions I see yonder!’ Then they bowed down; each abased himself.  ’I vow to God,’ said Bertrand, ’whosoever will be pleased to believe me; I will make you all rich.’  And they answered, ’Right welcome here sir, we will all do whatsoever is your pleasure.’  ‘Sirs,’ said Bertrand, ’be pleased to listen to me; wherefore I am come I will tell unto you.  I come by order of the king in whose keeping is France, and who would be right glad, to save his people, that ye should come with me whither I should be glad to go into good company I fain would bring ye.  If we would all of us look into our hearts, we might full truly consider that we have done enough to damn our souls; think we but how we have dealt with life, outraged ladies and burned houses, slain men, children, and everybody set to ransom, how we have eaten up cows, oxen, and sheep, drunk good wines, and done worse than robbers do.  Let us do honor to God and forsake the devil.  Ask, if it may please you, all the companions, all the knights, and all the barons; if you be of accord, we will go to the king, and I will have the gold got ready which we do promise you I would fain get together all my friends to make the journey we so strongly desire.’”