[1] [2] But the king being ruled altogither by the duke of Ireland, the earle of Suffolke, and two or three o|ther, was fullie persuaded that the lords intended to bring him vnder their gouernement, and therfore he was counselled to make the French king his sure friend in all vrgent necessities. And to be assured of him, it was reported, that those councellors aduised him to render vp into the French kings hands the towne of Calis, and all that he had else in possession, on the further side of the sea. Howsoeuer this matter went, truth it is, that the king sent for the maior of London,A rash an|swer of the maior of London. requiring to know of him how manie able men they thought the citie could make. The maior answered, that he thought verely the citizens might [page 459] make in time of need, fiftie thousand men, within an houres respit. Well said the king, then I beseech you go and prooue what will be doone. But when the maior began to attempt the matter, he was answered ge|nerallie,The Londo|ners refuse to fight against the lords. that they would neuer fight against the kings freends, and defenders of the realme (as indeed they tooke the lords to be) but against the enimies of the king and realme they would alwaies be readie to fight, and shew what resistance they were able. This answer the maior reported to the king.