knew better than the countefs how to do the honours of her houfe. This earl William had' at that time four daughters, Margaret, Philippa, Joan,, and Ifabella : the young king Edward paid more court and attention to Philippa than to any pf thc^ others ; the young lady alfo converfed more frequently with him, and fought his company oftener than any of her filters. The queen remained at Valenciennes during eight days with the good earl and countefs Joan of Valois ·, in the mean time the queen made every preparation for her departure, and fir John wrote very afFeftionate letters unto certain knights, and thofe companions in whom he put the moil confidence, in Hainault, Brabant, and Bohemia, befeeching them, from all the friendihip that was between them, that they would accompany him in this expedition to England. There were great numbers in thefe countries who were willing to go with him from the love they bore him, and many who refufed, notwithflanding his requeft ; and even fir John himfelf was much reproved by the earl his brother, and by fome of his council, becaufe it feemed to them that this enterprife was of much hazard, on account of the great divifions and enmities which at that time fubfiiled among the great barons and commons in England ; and alfo becaufe the Engliih are always very jealous of flrangers, which made them doubt whether fir John de Hainault and his companions would ever return. But, notwithltanding all their blame and all their advice bellowed upon him, the gallant knight would not change his purpofe, faying, that