The forces of the Flemings amounted to no more than twenty thousand fighting men.

The two armies met near Courtrai.

The French chivalry were full of ardor and confidence; and the Italian archers in their service began the attack with some success.

My lord," said one of his knights to the Count of Artois, "these knaves will do so well that they will gain the honor of the day; and, if they alone put an end to the war, what will be left for the noblesse to do ?" "Attack, then!" answered the prince.

Two grand attacks succeeded one another; the first under the orders of the Constable Raoul of Nesle, the second under those of the Count of Artois in person.