land as an hoftage for king John, and had converted fo much with Englifhmen, he probably forefaw the event would be unfortunate ; but the principal reafon for putting it off was the feafon of the year. It Was, however, faid, that the conftable, in the courfe of the fummer, fhould lead thither fix thoufand men at arms and as many crofs-bows, which he and the council thought would be fully fufficient to combat the Englifh. The conftable was fuppofed to know this from his having been educated in England. On the return of the lords to France, it was confidered who fhould be fent to the aid of king John of Caftille, againft the king of Portugal and duke of Lancafter ; for it was clear there would be deeds of arms, as the Englifh kept the field. None could be fent thither without much cofl; for the diftance was great, and there was ' not any money in the exchequer, nor in _ the hands of the receivers : the immenfe fums which had been raifed from the people were all diffipated. Re* courfe was, therefore, hacl to a tax that fhould be inftantly levied, and publifhed as being for the afliilance of the king of Caftille, and the expulfion .of the Englifh from that country. This tax having been proclaimed, the king's commiflioners came to the different towns, and faid to the principal inhabitants,—* Sirs,, this city, or this town, is taxed at fuch a fum, which muft be inftantly paid/ • Very well/ they replied, 4 we will colled it, and fend the whole amount to Paris.' € That will not 154