said, “We must make alliance with the English; what meaneth this King Wren of France?  It is the Duke of Burgundy leading him by the nose, and he will not abide by his purpose; we will frighten France by showing her that we have the English for allies.”  But Van Artevelde was under a delusion; Edward iii. was no longer King of England; the Flemings’ demand was considered there to be arrogant and opposed to the interests of the lords in all countries; and the alliance was not concluded.  Some attempts at negotiation took place between the advisers of Charles vi. and the Flemings, but without success.  The Count of Flanders repaired to the king, who said, “Your quarrel is ours; get you back to Artois; we shall soon be there and within sight of our enemies.”

Accordingly, in November, 1382, the King of France and his army marched into Flanders.  Several towns, Cassel, Bergues, Gravelines, and Turnhout, hastily submitted to him.

There was less complete unanimity and greater alarm amongst the Flemings than their chiefs had anticipated.  “Noble king,” said the inhabitants, “we place our persons and our possessions at your discretion, and to show you that we recognize you as our lawful lord, here are the captains whom Van Artevelde gave us; do with them according to your will, for it is they who have governed us.”  On the 28th of November the two armies found themselves close together at Rosebecque, between Ypres and Courtrai.  In the evening Van Artevelde assembled his captains at supper, and, “Comrades,” said he, “we shall to-morrow have rough work, for the King of France is here all agog for fighting.  But have no fear; we are defending our good right and the liberties of Flanders.  The English have not helped us; well, we shall only have the more honor.  With the King of France is all the flower of his kingdom.  Tell your men to slay all, and show no quarter.  We must spare the King of France only; he is a child, and must be pardoned; we will take him away to Ghent, and have him taught Flemish.  As for the dukes, counts, barons, and other men-at-arms, slay them all; the commons of France shall not bear us ill will; I am quite sure that they would not have a single one of them back.”  At the very same moment King Charles vi. was entertaining at supper the princes his uncles, the Count of Flanders, the constable, Oliver de Clisson, the marshals, &c.  They were arranging the order of battle for the morrow.  Many folks blamed the Duke of Burgundy for having brought so young a king, the hope of the realm, into the perils of war.  It was resolved to confide the care of him to the constable de Clisson, whilst conferring upon Sire de Coucy, for that day only, the command of the army.  “Most dear lord,” said the constable to the king, “I know that there is no greater honor than to have the care of your person; but it would be great grief to my comrades not to have me with them.  I say not that they