8 



that twelve large Norman vessels, well equipped, and 

 filled with armed men, were cruising in the sea between 

 Calais and Holland, and that, under the pretence of 

 seizing all who fell into their hands, they were really 

 waiting for the coming of the lady, whom the king of 

 France was desirous of getting into his possession, that he 

 might frustrate the intended alliance between the English 

 and Germans. The young queen was exceedingly 

 alarmed at such unexpected intelligence. She remained 

 in consequence with her uncle and aunt, till the 

 Lords de Roasselaus and de Bousquehoir, having 

 been deputed by the Duke to negotiate with the King 

 of France, obtained passports for the safe conveyance of 

 Anne and her attendants through his dominions, as far 

 as Calais, as also for the remanding of the Normans into 

 port. 



The young queen then set forwards, after taking leave 

 of her august relations and the ladies of the court, who 

 witnessed her departure with much regret. The Duke 

 added to her train five hundred spears, and, as she passed 

 through Ghent and Bruges, the citizens received her with 

 the utmost honour. Thus she journeyed on, till being 

 arrived at Gravelines, the earls of Salisbury and Devon- 

 shire approached to do her homage, with five hundred 

 spears, and as many archers. They conducted her to 

 Calais, and, having safely confided her to the care of the 

 English barons, who were appointed to that honour by 

 the king, they returned homeward. Great was the joy of 



