204 , • • . where they -quartered themfelves as well as they could,, apd in as great numbers as the town would hold. They remained there to refresh, themfelves four or five days* The inhabitants of Bruges had received in-formation of the conduct of the king, that he was at Ypres, and-how the whole country,-as far as Gravelines, had fommitted to him. They were doubtful whether to negotiate with the king, or let it alone : however* for thé prefent they did nothing. The principal caufe which with-held them from furrendering was the great num-ber of men at arms which Philip von Artaveld had with him from their town ; for there were at leaft feven thoufand at the fiege of Oudenarde* and theij principal citizens were at Ghent as Jiofiages, in order that Peter du Bois might more e&fily govern the place. Bçfidesv Peter du Bois and Peter le Nuitfe were in the town, who comforted them, faying,; -€ My good gentlemen* do npt be alarmed if the-kingr of France is come to Ypres : you know that formerly the whole power of-France was feat by king Philip to Courtray*, and could not wjthftand the courage of our fathers, for his whole army if as flain and defeated. Know then* that this apny flial ip. like manner be de-ftroyed;{ifor Philip? von Artaveld* with an im-np^nfe force* will not leave thing? thug without combating the. king. It may very well ha#pe» • Courtray. The battle 1909. that'