, laid close siege to it by land;
whilst some "good ships," which he had from the King of Portugal,
blockaded the mouth of the Seine.

Ten days after Henry laid siege to Rouen, he despatched a letter to
the Mayor and Aldermen of London, which, with their answer, cannot be
read without interest.

"BY THE KING.

"Right trusty and well-beloved! we greet you oft times well. And
for as much as, in the name of Almighty God, and in our right,
with his grace, we have laid the siege afore the city of Rouen,
which is the most notable place in France, save Paris; at which
siege, us nedeth [we need] greatly refreshing for us and for our
host; and we have found you, our true lieges and subjects, of
good will at all times to do all things that might do us worship
and ease, whereof we can you right heartily thank; and pray you
effectually that, in all the haste that ye may and ye will, do
arm as many small vessels as ye may goodly, with victuals, (p. 225)
and namely [especially] with drink, for to come to Harfleur, and
from thence as far as they may up the river of Seyne to Rouen ward
with the said victual, for the refreshing of us and our said host,
as our trust is to you; for the which vessels there shall be
ordained sufficient conduct, with God's grace. Witting well also
that therein ye may do us right great pleasance, and refreshing
for all our host above said; and give us cause to show therefore
to you ever the better lordship in time to come, with the help of
our Saviour, the which we pray that He have you in his
safeward.--Given under our signet, in our host afore the said city
of Rouen, the 10th day of August.
"To our right trusty and well-beloved the
Mayor, Aldermen, and all the worthy
Commoners of our city of London."

To this appeal the authorities of the city paid immediate and hearty
attention, and forwarded to Henry an answer under their common seal on
the 8th of September, (the Nativity of our Lady, the blissful maid,)
of which the following is a copy. A memorandum in Latin informs us
that the clause within brackets was for different causes kept back,
and not sent with the letters. The letter is a curious specimen of the
flattering and complimentary style of the good citizens of London when
addressing their sovereign.

"Our most dread, most sovereign Lord, and noblest King, to