Had his majesty landed, as he wished, and made a progress through the country, the prince receiving the homage of all the large towns, we could then very well have summoned Ghent as standing alone against all Flanders.

The citizens then would, no doubt, have gladly opened their gates and received the prince, and if they had refused we would have made short work of them.

However, as it has turned out, it is as well that we did not enter the town with the Fleming, for against so large and turbulent a population we should have had but little chance.

And now, Master Somers, we will march at once for Sluys and bear the news to the king, and you shall tell me as we ride thither how you and your man-at-arms managed to escape with whole skins from such a tumult." The king was much grieved when he heard of the death of Artevelde, and held a council with his chief leaders.

At first, in his indignation and grief, he was disposed to march upon Ghent and to take vengeance for the murder of his ally, but after a time calmer counsels prevailed.
The Flemings were still in rebellion against their count, who was the friend of France.