When the said knight told them his news, then began they to weep and cry so loudly that it was great pity.

Then stood up the wealthiest burgess of the town, Master Eustache de St.Pierre by name, and spake thus before all: 'My masters, great grief and mishap it were for all to leave such a people as this is to die by famine or otherwise; and great charity and grace would he win from our Lord who could defend them from dying.

For me, I have great hope in the Lord that if I can save this people by my death I shall have pardon for my faults, wherefore will I be the first of the six, and of my own will put myself barefoot in my shirt and with a halter round my neck in the mercy of King Edward.'" The list of devoted men was soon made up, and the victims were led before the king.

"All the host assembled together; there was great press, and many bade hang them openly, and many wept for pity.

The noble King came with his train of counts and barons to the place, and the Queen followed him, though great with child, to see what there would be.