a bad condition, but they should be able to obtain peace on their own terms, and the earl would be only too happy to grant a free forgiveness to every one.

"When Peter thought on these sayings he bethought him that Jacob Van Artavelde had left a son called Philip, a handsome and agreeable man, to whom Philippa, queen of England, when she was at Ghent, during the siege of Tournay, in 1340, had stood godmother, and he considered within himself that this was the very man he wanted. His name would make him acceptable to the people; and although he had hitherto been living very quietly with his mother, taking no part in public affairs, yet Peter knew that he possessed sufficient talents for the office he designed for him.

"Accordingly, he went one evening to Philip's house, explained all his views to him, and concluded by offering to make him the greatest man in Flanders. 'I will,' said he, place you in your father's situation; and when there, if you will for a time

،

follow my advice, you will soon acquire the art of managing the people without further assistance. Peter,' said Philip, you offer me great things, and if you keep your word, I swear on my faith, that I will never act without your advice.'-Peter asked, 'Can you be cruel and proud? For a great man among the populace, and, in particular, among such as we have to do with, will not be thought any thing worth if he be not feared and dreaded, and at times renowned even for his cruelty. It is thus only the Flemings can be governed; and among them men's lives should be no more valued, nor should they have more pity shown to them than pigeons or larks, which are caught in proper season for the table.'"By my troth,' answered Philip, I know well how to act that part;' and doubtless he did, for Peter's instructions were all grounded on the conduct pursued by Philip's father, who, whenever he went abroad, was attended by three or four score armed men on foot, and if he met any man whom

he hated or suspected, he had but to make a sign, and he was instantly put to death by his attendants, of whatever rank he might be. This happened very frequently, and he was so dreaded that no one dared to speak against his actions, or scarcely to contradict him. With such an example before him, Philip was well prepared to be quite as proud and cruel as Peter du Bois judged necessary.

"The next day Peter summoned a meeting of the people to deliberate on the choice of a governor. The Lord of Harzelle (the brother of the unfortunate Rasse) was there; he was accustomed to take a principal share in the management of the city, and some proposed him for governor; but as he refused to have any thing to do with the management of affairs beyond the walls, he was not to be thought of. But when Peter got up and proposed Philip Van Artavelde, reminding the people of their prosperity under his father's rule, a universal shout of approbation arose, and

they cried out with one voice, that he was the man they would have for their governor. The whole assembly then went to Philip's house, headed by the Lord of Harzelle, Peter du Bois, Peter la Nuitée, and about ten or twelve of the principal tradesmen, who went in to Philip, and addressed him, saying, That the good town of Ghent was in the greatest danger for want of a chief, with whom alliances might be formed both at home and abroad; and that all ranks of people in Ghent had given him their voices, and chosen him to be their sovereign; for the good remembrance of his name, and the love they had borne to his father, made him more agreeable to them than any one else; for which reasons, they entreated him affectionately to take on him the government of the town, with the management of their affairs, both within and without, and they would swear to him obedience and loyalty as completely as to their lord.' They likewise engaged to bring every one, how great soever he might be, under his obedience.

"Philip replied: Gentlemen, you require great things of me; and I think you cannot have sufficiently weighed the matter when you offer me the government of Ghent. You say the affection your ancestors had for my father has been your great inducement; yet when he had performed for them every service in his power, they murdered him. If I should accept the government at your request, and be afterwards murdered, I should have but a sorry recompense.

6

Philip,' said Peter, who caught at these words, which seemed to make his acceptance doubtful, what has passed cannot now be amended; you will act with the advice of your council, who will share the responsibility with you, and by thus continuing, you will ever be so well advised, that all mankind shall praise you.'-Philip replied, I shall never wish to act otherwise.' They then elected him governor on the spot, and conducting him into the market-place, he was there sworn into office: