were greatly affected at this speech, and at the aspect of
men who thus offered their lives for their fellow-citizens. The king's
countenance alone remained unchanged, and he ordered them to be taken to
instant execution. Then Sir Walter Manny and all the nobles with tears
besought the king to have mercy, not only for the sake of the citizens,
but for that of his own fame, which would be tarnished by so cruel a
deed.

"Silence, Sir Walter!" cried the king. "Let the executioner be called.
The men of Calais have put to death so many of my subjects that I will
also put these men to death."

At this moment Queen Philippa, who had been weeping bitterly, cast
herself upon her knees before the king. "Oh, gentle lord," she cried,
"since I have repassed the seas to see you I have neither asked or
required anything at your hand; now, then, I pray you humbly, and
require as a boon, that for the sake of the Son of Mary, and for the
love of me, you take these men to mercy."

The king stood for a moment in silence, and then said:

"Ah! lady, I would that you had been other where than here; but you beg
of me so earnestly I must not refuse you, though I grant your prayer
with pain. I give them to you; take them, and do your will."

Then the queen rose from her knees, and bidding the burghers rise, she
caused clothing and food to be given them, and sent them away free.

Sir Walter Manny, with a considerable body of men-at-arms, now took
possession of the town of Calais. The anger of the king soon gave way
to better feelings; all the citizens, without exception, were fed by his
bounty. Such of them as preferred to depart instead of swearing fealty
to the English monarch were allowed to carry away what effects they
could bear upon their persons and were conducted in safety to the
French town of Guisnes. Eustace de St. Pierre was granted almost all
the possessions he had formerly held in Calais, and also a considerable
pension; and he and all who were willing to remain were well and kindly
treated. The number was large, for the natural indignation which they
felt at their base desertion by the French king induced very many of
the citizens to remain and become subjects of Edward. The king issued a
proclamation inviting English traders and others to come across and take
up their residence in Calais, bestowing upon them the houses and lands
of the French who had left. Very many accepted the invitation, and
Calais henceforth and for some