December was about half over when these last ambassadors returned to Rouen; and during this tempestuous season, sir James de Harcourt and the lord de Moreul assembled about two thousand combatants, whom they led to within two leagues of the English quarters, with the hope of plunder. They posted their men in two ambuscades near to each other, to fall on the enemy, should he pass that way,--and then ordered about six score of their men at arms to attack a village near the town, in which were a party of English. These were either taken or killed, except a few, who by having good horses, escaped to their main army, crying out that they had seen the French in great force. The English were instantly in motion, and under arms; and the king of England ordered sir John de Cornwall to mount his horse, and take six hundred men to see what truth was in this report. Sir John de Cornwall, without delay, marched off his men, taking with him some of those who had seen the French, and soon came up with the enemy; but the French, seeing the English were too numerous, hastily returned to their ambuscades, to whom they told that the enemy were coming. Sir John de Cornwall followed them in good array, and so closely that he could plainly distinguish their numbers,--when the French that were in one ambush advanced in order of battle to combat them, but the greater part of the others turned their backs and fled. The English, noticing this, made a vigorous charge, and put the whole to the rout, with a very trifling loss on their side,--and to the great confusion of the French, for on this day were twelve score men at arms killed or made prisoners: among the last was the lord de Moreul, Butor bastard de Croy, and many noble gentlemen of high rank. Sir James de Harcourt and others saved themselves by the fleetness of their horses. Sir John de Cornwall returned with his prisoners to the camp, very much rejoiced at his victory. CHAP. XVI. THE KING OF FRANCE HOLDS MANY COUNCILS ON THE MEANS OF RAISING OF THE SIEGE OF ROUEN.--THE SURRENDER OF THAT TOWN TO THE KING OF ENGLAND,--AND OTHER MATTERS. The king and queen of France, and the duke of Burgundy, held very many councils, while at Beauvais, on the most effectual means to relieve Rouen; but as it was found that at the moment the royal forces were insufficient to combat the army of England, and to raise the siege, the greater part of the men at arms that had been assembled were disbanded, excepting some from the principal towns, who were sent to garrison the frontiers, as well against the English as the Dauphinois. When this was done, the king, queen, and duke of Burgundy, escorted by his Burgundians and a considerable body of men at arms, departed from Beauvais, and, passing through Creil and Laigny sur Marne, went to Provins. Many were astonished at this measure.