the pilgrims of God ; and upwards of three hun dred thoufand perfons put on the crofs, to undertake this holy voyage beyond fea. CHAP. XXVII. KING EDWARD IS ADVISED BY HIS COUNCIL TO MAKE WAR. AGAINST KING PHILIP OF FRANCE* A Τ the tinie when nothing but this croifade was talked of, the lord Robert d'Artois was in England, very near the king's perfon, whom he was continually advifing to make war upon the king of France for wrongfully withholding his inheritance. The king held many councils upon this fubjeflt, and confulted with his moil fpecial and privy counfellors by what means he could maintain his rights for he would gladly amend himfelf if he knew how. The queftion was argued, fuppofing he fhould demand his right, and it was refufed, as it was pro* bable it would be, and he afterwards tofit quiet, and not fupport his claim, he would be more blamed than if he had never moved in it. He faw clearly, that - it was impoifible for him, and all the force he could bringfrom his own country, to fubdue fuch a great kingdom as that of France, if hè did not obtain powerful friends and affiftance in the Empire, and in other parts, by means of his money ; he therefore frequently demanded of hie privy council what opinion they had on this fubjeft.