Genoese. The town was not defensible, and the only
chance of resistance was by opposing the passage of the river
Horn, which flowed between the suburbs and the city. The bridge
was barricaded, strong wooden towers were erected, and such was the
confidence of the inhabitants and their leaders that Edward's promise of
protection for the person and property of the citizens was rejected with
scorn, and the whole male population joined the garrison in the defence
of the bridge. Marching through the deserted suburbs the English army
attacked the bridge with such vehemence that although the enemy defended
the barricades gallantly they were speedily forced, and the English
poured into the town. Before the first fury of the attack was over near
5000 persons were slain. The Count of Tankerville, 140 knights, and as
many squires were made prisoners. The plunder was so enormous as to be
sufficient to cover the whole expenses of the expedition, and this with
the booty which had been previously acquired was placed on board ship
and despatched to England, while the king marched forward with his army.
At Lisieux he was met by two cardinals sent by the pope to negotiate
a truce; but Edward had learned the fallacy of truces made with King
Phillip, and declined to enter into negotiations. Finding that Rouen had
been placed in a state of defence and could not be taken without a long
siege he left it behind him and marched along the valley of the Eure,
gathering rich booty at every step.

But while he was marching forward a great army was gathering in his
rear. The Count of Harcourt brother of Godfrey, called all Normandy to
arms. Every feudal lord and vassal answered to the summons, and before
Edward reached the banks of the Seine a formidable army had assembled.

The whole of the vassals of France were gathering by the orders of the
king at St. Denis. The English fleet had now left the coast, and Edward
had only the choice of retreating through Normandy into Brittany or
of attempting to force the passage of the Seine, and to fight his way
through France to Flanders. He chose the latter alternative, and marched
along the left bank of the river towards Paris, seeking in vain to find
a passage. The enemy followed him step by step on the opposite bank, and
all the bridges were broken down and the fords destroyed.

Edward marched on, burning the towns and ravaging the country until
he reached Poissy. The bridge was as usual destroyed, but th