should be called upon to join with him.

If Edward complied, any enterprise on his part against France would become impossible; and if he declined, Christendom would cry fie upon him.

Two successive popes, John XXII.

and Benedict XII., preached the crusade, and offered their mediation to settle the differences between the two kings; but they were unsuccessful in both their attempts.

The two kings strained every nerve to form laic alliances.