The pope's two legates, who had accompanied King Philip, tried in vain to open negotiations.

Philip sent four knights to the King of England to urge him to appoint a place where a battle might be fought without advantage on either side; but, "Sirs," answered Edward, "I have been here nigh upon a year, and have been at heavy charges by it; and having done so much that before long I shall be master of Calais.

I will by no means retard my conquest which I have so much desired.

Let mine adversary and his people find out a way, as they please, to fight me." Other testimony would have us believe that Edward accepted Philip's challenge, and that it was the King of France who raised fresh difficulties in consequence of which the proposed battle did not take place.

Froissart's account, however, seems the more truth-like in itself, and more in accordance with the totality of facts.