The king resolved therefore to engage as auxiliary to Brittany; and to consult the interests, as well as desires of his people, by opposing himself to the progress of the French power.

Besides entering into a league with Maximilian, and another with Ferdinand, which were distant resources, he levied a body of troops, to the number of six thousand men, with an intention of transporting them into Brittany.
{1489.} Still anxious, however, for the repayment of his expenses, he concluded a treaty with the young duchess, by which she engaged to deliver into his hands two seaport towns, there to remain till she should entirely refund the charges of the armament.[*] * Du Tillet, Recueil des Traites.
Though he engaged for the service of these troops during the space of ten months only, yet was the duchess obliged, by the necessity of her affairs, to submit to such rigid conditions, imposed by any ally so much concerned in interest to protect her.

The forces arrived under the command of Lord Willoughby of Broke; and made the Bretons, during some time, masters of the field.

The French retired into their garrisons; and expected by dilatory measures to waste the fire of the English, and disgust them with the enterprise.

The scheme was well laid, and met with success.