We pray you, therefore, to have pity and mercy upon us for the sake of your high nobleness." All present were greatly affected at this speech, and at the aspect of men who thus offered their lives for their fellow-citizens.

The king's countenance alone remained unchanged, and he ordered them to be taken to instant execution.

Then Sir Walter Manny and all the nobles with tears besought the king to have mercy, not only for the sake of the citizens, but for that of his own fame, which would be tarnished by so cruel a deed.
"Silence, Sir Walter!" cried the king.

"Let the executioner be called.
The men of Calais have put to death so many of my subjects that I will also put these men to death." At this moment Queen Philippa, who had been weeping bitterly, cast herself upon her knees before the king.

"Oh, gentle lord," she cried, "since I have repassed the seas to see you I have neither asked or required anything at your hand; now, then, I pray you humbly, and require as a boon, that for the sake of the Son of Mary, and for the love of me, you take these men to mercy." The king stood for a moment in silence, and then said: "Ah! lady, I would that you had been other where than here; but you beg of me so earnestly I must not refuse you, though I grant your prayer with pain.