pew$ from France.* The knights were ignorant of the decampment from Sluys, though the king knew it ; for the duke of bourbon had written to Jiim the whole account, and what was going for-ward in France ; how he was to come to Caftille with three thoufand fpears ; but that fir William de Lignac and fir Walter de Paflfac were firft to clear the pafies, with an equal number of lances. 3Be afked the knights if they wifhed to hear news. ? Ah, fire, tell us fome from France, for we are very anxious to hear from fhence/ 4 Willingly,*, replied the king. He then told them, that the duke of Bourbon was appointed, by the king of France and his council, commander in chief of all the forces fent to Caftille, which amounted to fix thoufand fpears ; that fir William def Lignac and fir Walter de Paflac were to lead the van, of three thoufand knights and fquires, and were then pn their march | that the invafidn of England was deferred until May, when the conftable of France, the count de St."Pol and the lord de Cpucy, fhouid jhere land, with four thoufand lances. ' 4 What do you fay to this?' afked the king, ' 4 What do wq fay, fire/ replied the knights, who were rejoiced : 4 we fay that it is delightful news, and we cannot have 'better; and, in the courfe of the fummer, many gallant deeds will be done in your country; for, if they have ordered fix thoufand, nine thoufand will come. We fhall certainly combat the Englifh, who now keep the field ; and, before St. John's day, we will (hut them up.5 L * On my faith,' faid each of the knights, 4 the ''•*••**• ' '• ' three * 168