'carry with them.' - They fixed them in front of their army, and inclofed themfelves within. The three knights who had been fent by the earl* to reconnoitre, found them in this fitu-ation : they approached the entrances of thefe ribaudeaus ; but the Ghent men never moved, and rather feemed rejoiced to fee them. • They returned to Bruges, where they found the earl in his palace, furrounded by many Jcnights, waiting for them, to hear what intelli-gence they had brought back. They pushed through the crowd, and came near the earl, when they fpoke aloud, for the earl wished all prefent to hear, and faid, € they had advanced fo clofe to the Ghent army, that they might have shot at them, if they'had fo chofen, but they left them in peace; and that they hadfeen their banners, ahd the army inclofed within their ribaudeaus/ cAnd what are their numbers, think ye?' faid the earl. They anfwered, that as near as they could guefs, they might be from five to fix thou-fand.' c Well/ faid the earl, 'now let every one instantly gtet ready ; for I will give them battle, and this ' day shall not pafs without a combat/ At thefe words the trumpet founded in Bruges, when every one armed himfelf, and made for the market-place. As they came, they drew up un-der their proper " banners.; • as they had ufually done, in bands and constable wicks. - Many barons, knights and men at arms, drew up before the palace of the earj. • When all was ready,