More impression was made on Guienne by an English army, which he completed by emptying the jails of many thousand thieves and robbers, who had been confined there for their crimes.

So low had the profession of arms fallen, and so much had it degenerated from the estimation in which it stood during the vigor of the feudal system! {1295.} The king himself was detained in England, first by contrary winds,[**] then by his apprehensions of a Scottish invasion, and by a rebellion of the Welsh, whom he repressed and brought again under subjection.[***] The army which he sent to Guienne, was commanded by his nephew, John de Bretagne, earl of Richmond, and under him by St.John, Tibetot, De Vere, and other officers of reputation;[****] who made themselves masters of the town of Bayonne, as well as of Bourg, Blaye, Reole, St.Severe, and other places, which straitened Bordeaux, and cut off its communication both by sea and land.
* Heming.

vol, i.p.

51.
** Chron.Dunst.

vol.ii.p.