entrusted with the most important commands under 

 the direction of the constable. 



But before they could corns up Yvri had surren- 

 dered, of wliich event Buchan received intelligence 

 ajt the village of Nonancour, about seven leagues fr^in, 

 Yvri ; when, changing his route, he laid siege to Ver- 

 r^euil, which is in the domain formerlj pofsefsed by the 

 duke of Alen^on; and having summoned the garrisou 

 to surrender, they deceiv ed the citizens by circula- 

 ting the information by spies, that the siege of Yvri 

 was raised, and the king, in great force, at hand to 

 support the attack. 



The garrison was forced by armed citizens to take 

 refuge in the citadel, which, two days after, was 

 taken by storm. 



Bedford had no sooner been informed of this event,, 

 than he marched his whole army within three leagues 

 of Verneuil, with a view to ensnare Buchjtn, by giv- 

 ing him battle on ground of his own choice- 



Unfortunately for Buchan, and (but for the maid of 

 Orleans) fatally for France, it waa determined in the 

 council of war to give the regent battle, without 

 waiting for a more favourable occasion, or proceed- 

 ing, with more important conseq^uences to the cause 

 of the king, to pofsefs themselves of the country, and 

 gather strength and discipline by gaining time.. 



The Freuch barons attached to the king and king- 

 dom, who had flocked to Buchan's standard with 

 their raw militia, inspired with that lively courage 

 which seems natural to Frenchmen, contended for 

 immediate battle ; and, in the council, over-ruled the; 

 opinion of the constable, ttie~.earl »f Douglas, the. 



