they warmly thanked them, and faid, that with fuch allies and friends, the town of Ghent might do much. Francis and the citizens of Ghent who had ac-companied him into Liege, having finifhed their bufinefs, took leave of the magiftrates, who or-dered certain perfçms to attend them through the country to collect carts and horfes. In two days they had fix hundred loaded with corn and flour, for fuch flores were then more necefTary to them than any others. They fet out on their return, paffing between Louvain and Brtiffek When Francis Atremen was returned to his men whom he had left in the neighbourhood of Louvain, he related to them the love and courtefy which thofe of Liege had fhewn, and the offer they had made of their friendfliip. He added, that they would go to BrufTels to fpeak with the duchefs of Brabant, and beg and entreat of her, on the part of the good town of Ghent, to con-defcend to mediate between them and the earl their lord, fo that they might obtain peace. They replied,€ God's will be done,' and marched to BrufTels. The duke of Brabant, at this time, was at Luxembourg on his affairs ; and Francis, by per-miflion of the duchefs, who was defirous to fee him, entered the town, attended only by two other perfons. They waited on her at her hôtel at Colleberge, where the duchefs had affembled part of her council ; and, throwing themfelves on their knees, Francis, who fpoke for all, faid, •—c Much honoured and dear lady, may it pleafe vous 73