CHAPTER IX.
In this break in the line of succession, England saw an opportunity.
The mother of Edward III., King of England, was Isabella, daughter of Philip IV.

Edward claimed that he, as grandson of the French king, had a claim superior to that of the nephew.

A strict interpretation of the Salic Law certainly vitiated his claim of heirship through the female line.

But Edward did not stand upon such a trifle as that.

The stake was great, and so was the opportunity.