ihould it bé otherwife, he will not give us much thanks; it is therefore my opinion, that, as he is the chief of the war, we ihould never engage with the forces of France, but when the king of England is prefent. Now when we (hall be before Tournay, and he there with us, it would give me much uneafinefs, that the French king and his army ihould depart without a battle; I therefore advife, dear fon, that you decamp from this place, where you ftay at a very heavy expenfe, and that all ihould return homewards, for within thefe ten days we lhall hear from the king of England/ The greater part of the lords agreed to this opinion. But the earl of Hainault was much dif fatisfiedy and thought his honour would fuffer, Ihould the French retire without aû aÛion. Η ς begged and entreated of them, and of all the barons in general, that they would not leave him, but con fent to his wiihes. After this the council broke up, and each returned to his quarters. Thofe from Bruflels ano Louvain would very cheerfully have returned home, for they were fo worn down with fatigue, they could fcarce fupport themfelves j and they frequently complained to their captains, that they remained at a great expenfe and did nothing. When the earl found that the council differed in opinion, and were not unanimous to crofs. the Scheld and fight the French, he called his uncle to him, and faid, ' Dear uncle, will you take a ride along the river fide, and call to you fome man of honour from the French army, and tell him from me, that I will throve a bridge over the river j that I am