[1] [2] [3] And first it is not to be forgotten, that the French|men neuer shewed more vanitie than they did this yeare, Iacob. Meir. Froissard. since the linage of the Capetes began first to rule in France. All the ships that they could prouide from the confines of Spaine, vnto the mouth of the Rhene, all alongst the coast, they assembled at Sluis and thereabouts, and made so great preparation for the warre, that the like had not béene heard of (mea|ning, as they boasted, and made their vants) to passe ouer into England, and to deuoure the whole coun|trie, in dooing sacrifice to the soules of their elders with the bloud of the English people. Howbeit these words were wind, & to them accorded the prouerbe,

Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.

There were numbred in the moneth of September about Sluis,A mightie great nauie of French ships at Sluis pur|posing to in|uade Englãd. Dam, and Blankberke 1287 ships, besides those which were rigged in Britaine by the constable, who had caused an inclosure of a field to be made of timber, like railes or barriers, that when they were landed in England, they might there|with inclose their field, and so lodge more at suertie, and when they remooued, it was so made with ioints, that they might take it vp in péeces and easilie con|ueie it with them.