good fîfk Wheri the filhermeti from France met them at fea, they told them enough, and more than they knew; for, though there were wars between France and England, they were never interrupted in their purfuits, nor attacked each other, but, on the contrary, gave mutual affiftance, and bought or fold, according as either had more fifii than they were in want of ; for, if they were to meddle in the national quarrels, there would be no fifhing, and none would attempt it unlefs fupported by men at arms. Sir Simon learnt from the filhermen that the king of France was ab-fblutely determined on the invafion ; that he in* tended to land one divifion at or near Dover, and another at Sandwich, and that his forces were immenfe. He, as well as the reft of England* believed all this was true ; and one day he fet out for Canterbury to vifit the abbey, which is very large and handfome : near it is Chrift-church, which is alfo rich and powerful. The abbot inquired, 4 What news V and fir Simon told him- all he knew, adding, 4 that the fhrine of St. Thomas, fo refpe&able and rich, was not fafe in Canterbury, for the town was , not ftrong*; and if the French fhould come, fome of the pillagers, through avarice, would make for Canterbury, which they would plunder, as well * The walls of Canterbury were much out of repair j and there is an order now exifting for their reparation, from the court of Chancery, ukiht l(fth y tar of Jttchard VLm-»HqfU&* Kent. U 101