tters to him, begging him to be their
mediator with the count their lord; but the letters were received with
scoffs, and the messengers were kept in prison. At this news Van
Artevelde said, "We must make alliance with the English; what meaneth
this King Wren of France? It is the Duke of Burgundy leading him by the
nose, and he will not abide by his purpose; we will frighten France by
showing her that we have the English for allies." But Van Artevelde was
under a delusion; Edward III. was no longer King of England; the
Flemings' demand was considered there to be arrogant and opposed to the
interests of the lords in all countries; and the alliance was not
concluded. Some attempts at negotiation took place between the advisers
of Charles VI. and the Flemings, but without success. The Count of
Flanders repaired to the king, who said, "Your quarrel is ours; get you
back to Artois; we shall soon be there and within sight of our enemies."

Accordingly, in November, 1382, the King of France and his army marched
into Flanders. Several towns, Cassel, Bergues, Gravelines, and Turnhout,
hastily submitted to him.

There was less complete unanimity and greater alarm amongst the Flemings
than their chiefs had anticipated. "Noble king," said the inhabitants,
"we place our persons and our possessions at your discretion, and to show
you that we recognize you as our lawful lord, here are the captains whom
Van Artevelde gave us; do with them according to your will, for it is
they who have governed us." On the 28th of November the two armies found
themselves close together at Rosebecque, between Ypres and Courtrai. In
the evening Van Artevelde assembled his captains at supper, and,
"Comrades," said he, "we shall to-morrow have rough work, for the King of
France is here all agog for fighting. But have no fear; we are defending
our good right and the liberties of Flanders. The English have not
helped us; well, we shall only have the more honor. With the King of
France is all the flower of his kingdom. Tell your men to slay all, and
show no quarter. We must spare the King of France only; he is a child,
and must be pardoned; we will take him away to Ghent, and have him taught
Flemish. As for the dukes, counts, barons, and other men-at-arms, slay
them all; the commons of France shall not bear us ill will; I am quite
sure that they would not have a single one of them back." At the very
same moment King Charles VI. was entertaining