When king Philip of France heard of the defeat of his fleet, and that the king of England was quietly landed in Flanders, he was much enraged; but as he could not amend it, he immediately decamped, and retreated towards Arras. He dismissed the greater part of his army, until he should receive other news; but he sent sir Godemar du Fay to Tournay, to advise them in any difficulties, and to see that the city was well provided, for he was more in fear of the Flemings than of any other people. He placed the lord of Beaujeu in Mortaigne, to guard the frontiers towards Hainault, and sent strong bodies of men to St. Omer, Aire, and St. Venant; he also formed sufficient magazines in the countries bordering upon Flanders. At this time Sicily was governed by a king named Robert, who was much renowned as an astrologer; he had prohibited the king of France and his council from ever engaging the English when commanded by their king, for in such a case he was ever to be unfortunate. This king was very desirous of bringing about a reconciliation between those of France and England, being so strongly attached to the crown of France, that he would have been much hurt at any calamity which might have impaired it's luster. The above-said king went to Avignon to represent to pope Clement, and his college of cardinals, the great evils which might befal the realm of France from the quarrels of the two kings, and to entreat of them to take the part of mediators in appeasing this disastrous war. The pope and the college replied, they would very willingly do their best endevours, provided the two kings would listen to them.
