mediation of the pope's legates, Edward concluded a
truce with France; but even during this cessation of arms, he had very
nearly lost Calais, the sole fruit of all his boasted victories. The
king had intrusted that place to Aimery de Pavie, an Italian, who had
discovered bravery and conduct in the wars, but was utterly destitute
of every principle of honor and fidelity. This man agreed to deliver up
Calais for the sum of twenty thousand crowns; and Geoffrey de Charni,
who commanded the French forces in those quarters, and who knew that,
if he succeeded in this service, he should not be disavowed, ventured,
without consulting his master, to conclude the bargain with him. Edward,
informed of this treachery, by means of Aimery's secretary, summoned the
governor to London on other pretences; and having charged him with the
guilt, promised him his life, but on condition that he would turn the
contrivance to the destruction of the enemy. The Italian easily agreed
to this double treachery. A day was appointed for the admission of the
French; and Edward having prepared a force of about a thousand men,
under Sir Walter Manny, secretly departed from London, carrying with him
the prince of Wales; and, without being suspected, arrived the evening
before at Calais. He made a proper disposition for the reception of
the enemy, and kept all his forces and the garrison under arms. On the
appearance of Charni, a chosen band of French soldiers was admitted at
the postern, and Aimery, receiving the stipulated sum, promised that,
with their assistance, he would immediately open the great gate to
the troops, who were waiting with impatience for the fulfilling of his
engagement.

{1349.} All the French who entered were immediately slain or taken
prisoners: the great gate opened: Edward rushed forth with cries of
battle and of victory: the French, though astonished at the event,
behaved with valor: a fierce and bloody engagement ensued. As the
morning broke, the king, who was not distinguished by his arms, and who
fought as a private man under the standard of Sir Walter Manny, remarked
a French gentleman, called Eustace de Ribaumont, who exerted himself
with singular vigor and bravery; and he was seized with a desire of
trying a single combat with him. He stepped forth from his troop and
challenging Ribaumont by name, (for he was known to him,) began a sharp
and dangerous encounter. He was twice beaten to the ground by the valor
of the Frenc