Assuming the title of duke he rode to Nantes, where the citizens did him homage, and then proceeded to Limoges with a large train of men-at-arms, and there took possession of the immense treasures which the late duke had accumulated in the course of a long and tranquil reign.

With these sinews of war at his command he turned to Nantes, where he had left his wife the countess, who was a sister of the Count of Flanders.

He immediately invited the nobility of Brittany to a grand banquet, but only one knight of any renown presented himself at the feast, the rest all holding aloof.

With the wealth of which he had possessed himself he levied large forces and took the field.

He first marched against Brest, where the garrison, commanded by Walter de Clisson, refused to acknowledge him.