orses from the fatigue of the
hard travel, and M. Giles le Brun, constable of France, said the
contrary, and that by reason of delay the enemy would pluck up heart
and courage, and that the means of living might fail them utterly, and
that if others of the host did not desire to give battle, he alone,
with his lord Robert of Flanders and with his followers, would
adventure the chances of the combat, having confidence in God that
they should win the victory against the enemies of Holy Church. Seeing
this, King Charles gave heed to and accepted his counsel, and through
the great desire which he had for the combat, he said with a loud
voice to his knights, "Venu est le jour que nous avons tant desire,"
and he caused the trumpets to be sounded, and commanded that every man
should arm and prepare himself to go forth to battle; and thus in a
little time it was done. And he ordered, after the fashion of his
enemies, over against them, three principal bands: the first band was
of Frenchmen to the number of 1,000 horse, whereof were captains
Philip of Montfort and the marshal of Mirapoix; of the second King
Charles with Count Guy of Montfort, and with many of his barons and of
the queen's knights, and with barons and knights of Provence, and
Romans, and of the Campagna, which were about 900 horse; and the royal
banners were borne by William, the standard-bearer, a man of great
valour; the third was led by Robert, count of Flanders, with his
Prefect of the camp, Marshal Giles of France, with Flemings, and men
of Brabant, and of Aisne, and Picards, to the number of 700 horse. And
besides these troops were the Guelf refugees from Florence, with all
the Italians, and they were more than 400 horse, whereof many of the
greater houses in Florence received knighthood from the hand of King
Charles upon the commencement of the battle; and of these Guelfs of
Florence and of Tuscany Guido Guerra was captain, and their banner was
borne in that battle by Conrad of Montemagno of Pistoia. And King
Manfred seeing the bands formed, asked what folk were in the fourth
band, which made a goodly show in arms and in horses and in ornaments
and accoutrements: answer was made him that they were the Guelf
refugees from Florence and from the other cities of Tuscany. Then did
Manfred grieve, saying: "Where is the help that I receive from the
Ghibelline party whom I have served so well, and on whom I have
expended so much treasure?" And he said: "Those peopl