zzò CHAP. LVI. SOME OF THE GARRISON OF BOUCHAIN DEFEAT A BODY OF SOLDIERS FROM MORTAGNE*, BEFORE THE TOWN OF CONDE. ]^/ΉΕ Ν all thefe lords above-mentioned, and many others, were come to Arras, the king of France advanced to a fmall river, which is about three leagues diftant from Tournay. It was vqry deep, and the country about it fo marihy, that it could not be crofled, but by a. very narrow caufeway, on which two men would have difficulty to pafs abreafL The king and his army encamped in the fields, as they could not crofs this river. The next day they remained there alfo ; and the lords about the king held a council, on the bed means of building bridges, to pafs over this river and the quagmires in fafety. They fent fome knights and armed men to examine the paflages, who, after having well confidered them, reported that it would be pains thrown away, and that there was no other means of croflmg this river and country, but by the Pont à Treflin. Every thing, therefore, remained as before, and each lord took up his quarters among his own men. The news was foon fpread abroad, that the king of France and his army were encamped between the bridges of Treflin and Bovines, with the intention of giving his enemies battle ; fo that all men of * Mortagn*—* fmall town in Flanders, near the donfiuence • f the Scarpe and Scheld, three league* from Touroay. honour,