thè city of Brufiels, and invited. Jacob von Artaveld to attend it, who came thither in great array, and brought with him all the councilsfrom the principal towns of Flanders. , At this parliament, the king of England was adyifed, by his. Allies of the Empire, to folicit the Flemings to give him their aid and afflftance in this war, to challenge the king of France, to follow king Edward wherever he ihould lead them, and in return he would affift them in the recovery of Lille, Douay, and Bethune. The Flemings heard this propofal with pleafure ; but they requefted óf the king, that they might confider of it among thémfelves* and in afliort time they would give their anfwer. The king cortfented, and foon after they made this reply \ ~- * Beloved fire, you formerly made us a fimilar requeft ; and we are willing to do every thing in reafon for you, without prejudice to our honour rind faith—but we are pledged by promife on oath, under à penalty'of two millions offlorins, to the apoftolical chamber, riòt tó offenfively againft the king of France in any way, whoever he may be, Without forfeiting this fum, and incurring the fentence of excommunication : but if youvwill do what We will tell you, YOU willfind a remedy; which is, that you take the arnls of France, quarter tKem with thofe of Enghnd, and call yourfelf king of France. We will acknowledge y'our title as good, and we will demand of you quittance for the above fum, which you will grant us as king of France: M 2 thus