the barons and knights of Poitou : fir Jamçs Audley, the lord de Pons, the lord de Partenay, fir Louis de Harcourt, fir Guifcard d'Angle, the lord de Pinane, the lord de Tannaybouton, fir Maubrun de Linieres, and the fénéfchal of la Rochelle, fir Thomas Percy. Thefe men at arms and gallant company of lords, when they were all aflembled, amounted to more than three thoufand lances* They took the field, and came before the caffte of !a Roche fur Yon, which was well built and ftrong, with a good garrifon, and well provided with provi-fions and artillery. The duke of Anjou had appointed governor a knight called fir John Blondeau, who had under his command many good companions, at the charge and pay of the duke. The lords and barons formed the fiege in a hand* fome manner, and with great difplay. They fur-rounded the caftle, for they were ftrong enough to dofo, and had ordered from Poitiers and Thouars • large engines on carriages, which they pointed againft the fort, as well as feveral cannons and fprin-gals, with which the army was provided, and from long cuftom had always carried with them. They had alfo great plenty of provifion, which was brought to them daily from Poitiers and the adja-cent country." • Sir John Blondeau, finding himfelf thus befieged by fo many good men at arms (for almoft all the • * Thouars,«—an ancient city of Poitou, fifteen leagues from Poitiers. knights 4SI