hold out long; but that it would coft dearly in men; and feveral wondered why the attack was delayed. Some faid, that the duke of Brittany and the earl of Flanders, who were on the other fide of the town, were treating with the Englifh to furrender without waiting for the afTault. On this the Bretons, Burgundians, Normans, Ger-mans and others, who knew there was much wealth in the place, which, if taken by ftorm, would probably fall to their fhare, were much exafperated- at the thoughts of a capitulation, and began to fkirmifh with the infantry at the barriers, ' without waiting for orders from the conftable or marfhals of the army: indeed, they were not forbidden to afTault it. This fkir-mish increafed fo much that the French fet fire to the town by means of fire-arrows and cannons, fo that fuch a flame and fmoke came from the houfes ofBourbourg as might have been feen forty leagues off. The attack then began with shouts; and fir William de Namur who, with his men, was- in the front ranks, fought valiantly. Many gallant deeds were done, and the afTailants leap-ed cheerfully into the mud of the ditches above the knees, when they engaged with the English at the palifade and barriers. The garrifon defended themfelves handfomely : indeed they had need of their exertions, for they knew not on which fide to turn themfelves. They were attacked on all parts: and the houfes of the town were blazing with fire, . which more con-founded the English than anything elfe. This, however, 825