They then left the mayor add jurats of Ghent, - and, after they had dined, fet out on their return through Courtray to Lille j when they related to - the earl what they had done, and what excufes the ' town of Ghent had made, CHAP. XXX. THE MEN Of GHENT SURRENDER OUDENARDE* THEY DESTROY THE HOUSES OF THE NOBLES* , ~-A CRUEL AND PITILESS WAR RENEWED BE-TWEEN THI MEN OF ÇHENT AND THE NOBI- • IflTY. /~\NJÏ may well be furprifed to hear the matter of this treaty fo diverfely fpoken of, and fuch aftonifhing accounts told of it, which every one who reads may underftand. Some faid, the men - of Ghent were in the right* to make this war, which was fo cruel md of fuçh long continuance in Flan-ders, adding, they had a juft caufe for fo doing; but it does not fo appear to mè from what I have feen, nor Can I learn or underftarçd but that the earl always preferred peace to war, excepting where his honour and dignity were concerned. Did he not give up the citizen who was confined in his prifon at Erclo ? Yes, he did ; and they murdered his bailiff. In order to preferve peace, he again pardoned them this outrage ; when they in one day caufed an infurre&ion throughout all Flanders M 3 _ agaînft 165