He summoned his council, and said to them, 'What shall we do with this multitude of thieves who go about destroying our people?
If I send against them my valiant baronage I lose my noble barons, and then I shall never more have any joy of my life.

If any could lead these folk into Spain against the miscreant and tyrant Pedro, who put our sister to death, I would like it well, whatever it might cost me.' [Illustration: Bertrand du Guesclin----388] "Bertrand du Guesclin gave ear to the king, and 'Sir King,' said he, 'it is my heart's desire to cross over the seas and go fight the heathen with the edge of the sword; but if I could come nigh this folk which Both anger you, I would deliver the kingdom from them.' 'I should like it well,' said the king.

'Say no more,' said Bertrand to him; 'I will learn their pleasure; give it no further thought.' "Bertrand du Guesclin summoned his herald, and said to him, 'Go thou to the Grand Company and have all the captains assembled; thou wilt go and demand for me a safe-conduct, for I have a great desire to parley with them.' The herald mounted his horse, and went a-seeking these folk toward Chalon-sur-la-Saone.

They were seated together at dinner, and were drinking good wine from the cask they had pierced.

'Sirs,' said the herald, 'the blessing of Jesus be on you! Bertrand du Guesclin prayeth you to let him parley with all in company.' ' By my faith, gentle herald,' said Hugh de Calverley, who was master of the English, 'I will readily see Bertrand here, and will give him good wine; I can well give it him, in sooth, I do assure you, for it costs me nothing.' Then the herald departed, and returned to his lord, and told the news of this company.
"So away rode Bertrand, and halted not; and he rode so far that he came to the Grand Company, and then did greet them.