On the other hand every one was aware that during the recent trouble the English had recrossed the sea and had been welcomed by my Lord Philip, son of the late Duke John.

They occupied Normandy, Maine, Picardy, l'Ile-de-France, and Paris the great city.[231] Now in France the English were bitterly hated and greatly feared on account of their reputation for cruelty.
Not that they were really more wicked than other nations.[232] In Normandy, their king, Henry, had caused women and property to be respected in all places under his dominion.

But war is in itself cruel, and whosoever wages war in a country is rightly hated by the people of that country.

The English were accused of treachery, and not always wrongly accused, for good faith is rare among men.

They were ridiculed in various ways.