within two leagues of the place, they halted afid' took up their quarters for the night* On the mor-row, they diflodged and marched in battle-array to Bayona* When near, they formed themfelves into #two divifions,and fent forward a herald to learn the intentions of the inhabitants, whether they would furrender without being affaulted? The herald had not fer to go; and, when arrived at the barriers, he found plenty of common people there, though badly armed, to whom he delivered his mefiage j for he well underftood their language, being a Portuguefe* His name was Coimbra, and attached to the king of Portugal. 4 You men of the town,* faid he, f what are your intentions ? Will you fuf« fer yourfelves to be attacked, or will yop furrender quietly to your Sovereigns, the duke and duchefs of Lancafter ? My lord marfhal and his companions fend me hither to know what you mean to do.* € Upon this, they collected together and began to talk aloud, faying,—c What fhall we do ? Shall we defend ourfelves, or furrender V An old man, who had learnt experience, from having feen more than they had, addrefled them,*—4 My good firs, in our fituation we muft not hold long councils ; and the Englifh are very courteous in thus allow-ing us time to deliberate* You are aware that we have not any hopes of fuccour ; for the king of Caftille, who knows our fituation well, and has done fo fince the arrival of the duke and duchefs at Corunna, has not provided any" refources for us, nor does he feem inclined fo to do. If we, therefore, allçw ourfelves to be attacked, the town it , 15 .