They therefore promised that they would return on a certain day and give a decided answer.
The Flemish burghers then took their leave.

Van Artevelde, after a consultation with the king, started at once to use his influence among the various towns.
After leaving the king he bade adieu to the Prince of Wales.

"Would you like," the young prince said, "that one of my esquires should ride with you?
His presence might show the people how entirely I am with you; and should you have tidings to send me he could ride hither with them.

I have one with me who is prudent and wise, and who possesses all the confidence of that wise and valiant knight, Sir Walter de Manny." "I will gladly take him, your royal highness," Van Artevelde said, "and hope to despatch him to you very shortly with the news that the great towns of Flanders all gladly receive you as their lord." In a few minutes Walter had mounted his horse, accompanied by Ralph, and, joining Van Artevelde, rode to Bruges.

Here and at Ypres Van Artevelde's efforts were crowned with success.