Christendom." The Duke of Burgundy went to Senlis, where Charles VI.
was, and asked for his support on behalf of the Count of Flanders. The
question was referred to the king's council. The Duke of Berry
hesitated, saying, "The best part of the prelates and nobles must be
assembled and the whole matter set before them; we will see what is the
general opinion." In the midst of this deliberation the young king came
in with a hawk on his wrist. "Well! my dear uncles," said he, "of what
are you parleying? Is it aught that I may know?" The Duke of Berry
enlightened him, saying, "A brewer, named Van Artevelde, who is English
to the core, is besieging the remnant of the knights of Flanders shut up
in Oudenarde; and they can get no aid but from you. What say you to it?
Are you minded to help the Count of Flanders to reconquer his heritage,
which those presumptuous villains have taken from him?"

"By my faith," answered the king, "I am greatly minded; go we thither;
there is nothing I desire so much as to get on my harness, for I have
never yet borne arms; I would fain set out to-morrow." Amongst the
prelates and lords summoned to Compiegne some spoke of the difficulties
and dangers that might be encountered. "Yes, yes," said the king, "but
'begin nought and win nought.'" When the Flemings heard of the king's
decision they sent respectful letters 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