about three in the afternoon
Then every man took his helmet and his bow , and waited for the enemy . The morning passed , but still no foe appeared . But the distant murmur was now grown to a loud and ever-increasing din ; and as they sat the English could hear shouts and the neighing of horses and the tumult of many voices , which betokened the near approach of the host of King Philip of France . It was not till about three in the afternoon that the French army came in sight of Crecy . They had had a rapid and fatiguing march since daybreak , and were now in no condition , even with their vastly superior numbers , to grapple with the refreshed and inspirited Englishmen . So thought and said many of Philip 's officers , and did their best to persuade him to put off the encounter till next day . But however much Philip might have been inclined to adopt this good advice , his army was in such a state of confusion and disorder , owing to their rapid march , that they were quite unmanageable .