Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

The dauphin having appointed sir Pierre de Guitry (who had been present at the murder of the duke of Burgundy), governor of Montereau, departed thence with his whole force. He sent the prisoners, with the lady of Giac and Philip Josquin, to Bourges in Berry. Charles de Bourbon and sir Pierre de Giac took oaths of fidelity to serve the dauphin; but although the other prisoners were repeatedly solicited by the dauphin and his ministers to turn to their party, to which they were tempted by the most splendid offers of wealth and honours, they would never consent, replying to such solicitations, that they would rather die in prison, or suffer such death as the dauphin might please to inflict, than do any thing for which they or their successors might be blamed.

When it was seen that they were firm in their resolution, they were all set at liberty, on paying certain sums as their ransom, except sir Charles de Lens, admiral of France, whom they put to death.

On the dauphin's arrival at Bourges, he summoned men at arms on all sides to join him there, with whom he advanced into Anjou, and had a conference with the duke of Brittany, who consented that a part of his nobles should serve the dauphin. He received also great succours from Scotland, which he caused to be conducted down the Loire, and thence to Poitiers. He collected likewise men at arms in Auvergne and in Languedoc, and elsewhere, that he might have sufficient strength to oppose all who should attempt to injure him or the kingdom of France.

He caused it to be declared throughout all the towns and countries under his dependance, that what had been done to the duke of Burgundy was in his own defence, and that he had been justly put to death, alledging numerous reasons in his justification for suffering it, but which it would occupy too much time to relate.

When the king and queen of France heard of all these matters, they were highly displeased, and to provide a remedy for them, different royal edicts were published in all parts of the kingdom, under the king's obedience, containing an account of the death of the duke of Burgundy, and the disloyalty of the perpetrators of it, commanding all governors, magistrates, and others, under pain of death, not to afford any aid, support or advice, to the dauphin or to his party, but to prepare themselves in all diligence to oppose him and them; in so doing, they should have steady and effectual support.

CHAP. XXX.

PHILIP COUNT DE CHAROLOIS IS MADE ACQUAINTED WITH THE CRUEL MURDER OF HIS FATHER.--HE HOLDS A GRAND COUNCIL ON THE STATE OF HIS AFFAIRS, AND CONCLUDES A TRUCE WITH THE ENGLISH.--OTHER MATTERS.

Philip count de Charolois was at Ghent when he was informed of the cruel death of his father, and was so sorely afflicted by it that it was some days before his ministers could comfort him. When his countess, the lady Michelle de France, sister to the dauphin, heard of it, she was greatly troubled, fearful that her lord would, on this account, be estranged from her, and hold her less in his affections; but this did not happen, for within a short time, by the exhortations and remonstrances of his ministers, he was no way displeased with her, and shewed her as much kindness as before.

He soon afterward held a council with the principal persons of Ghent, Bruges and Ypres, and then took possession of the country of Flanders, without paying any attention to his liege lord. He departed thence for Mechlin, where he had a conference with the duke of Brabant his cousin, John of Bavaria his uncle, and his aunt the countess of Hainault, on several matters; and from Mechlin he went to Lille. From this day he styled himself duke of Burgundy, and in his letters assumed all the titles of the late duke John his father.

While he was at Lille, many great lords came thither to offer their services to him, as they had been the dependants of his father, some of whom he retained in his household, and promised the others great advantages hereafter. Master Philip de Morvillers, first president of the parliament of Paris, came also, with many notable persons; and in concert with them, and with his own ministers, the duke resolved to write letters to the different towns attached to the king's and his party, setting forth, that as they had been the friends and supporters of his father, he hoped they would in like manner be his. He added, that he would very shortly request a truce from the English; and desired them to send him a deputation to Arras on the 17th day of October, with sufficient powers to agree to whatever terms might be demanded from them by him.

The duke of Burgundy did not delay to send ambassadors to the king of England at Rouen, to endeavour to obtain a truce for a certain space of time, for all the countries under the dependance of the king of France and himself. The ambassadors were the bishop of Arras, the lord de Toulongeon, sir Guillaume de Champdivers, sir Guillebert de Launoy and some others; and they obtained the requested truce, hoping also to proceed further with the English.

During this time the Dauphinois, quartered at or near Compiegne, recommenced a sharp warfare against such of the Burgundians as were near to them. In another part of the country, La Hire and Ponton de Santrailles, with a large force, took the town of Crespy, in the Laonnois, and the castle of Clarcy; by which conquests, the town of Laon and the countries of the Laonnois and Vermandois were kept under great subjection.

When the 17th of October was come, the duke of Burgundy, sir John de Luxembourg, with numbers of other lords and captains, together with the deputations from the principal towns, assembled in Arras. They were very affectionately addressed by the dean of Liege, by orders of the duke, and particularly those lords and captains who had served his late father, and requested that in like manner they would serve him in an expedition which he proposed shortly to undertake for the good of the king and kingdom. The deputies from the towns were also required to support his party, and to afford him every aid and assistance, should there be occasion. To these requests all present unanimously assented.

CHAP. XXXI.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ORDERS A FUNERAL SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED IN THE CHURCH OF ST VAAST, AT ARRAS, FOR DUKE JOHN HIS LATE FATHER.--OTHER MATTERS.

On the 13th day of this same month of October, the duke of Burgundy had a solemn service celebrated in the church of St Vaast, in Arras, for the salvation of the soul of duke John his father. There were present at it the bishops of Amiens, of Cambray, of Terouenne, of Tournay, and of Arras,--many abbots from Flanders, Artois and the adjacent countries,--and there were in the whole twenty-four crosiers.

The chief mourner, the duke of Burgundy, was supported by sir John de Luxembourg and sir James de Harcourt. The bishop of Amiens said mass,--during which friar Pierre Floure, doctor in divinity and of the order of preaching friars, delivered the sermon. He was also inquisitor of the faith in the province of Rheims; and he exhorted the duke most strongly in his discourse not to take vengeance into his own hands for the death of his father, but to apply to the laws for reparation of the crime,--and should the laws be insufficient, he should afford them every assistance, and not think of executing justice himself, for that belonged to God alone.

Many of the nobles present were not very well pleased with the preacher for his sermon.

Some days after this service, sir John de Saulx, knight, doctor of laws, and chancellor to duke John, sir Andrieu de Valines, master John d'Orle, advocate in the parliament, John de Caumesnil, with others of the principal citizens of Paris, sent by the count de St Pol and the Parisians, arrived at Arras, and waited on the duke of Burgundy, to know what his future intentions and plans might be. When they had been well entertained by the duke and his ministers, they were told, that within a few days the duke would form an alliance with the king of England, by the consent of the king of France; and that when this was done, he would, with his whole force, seek for reparation and vengeance on the cruel murderers of his father.

On receiving this information, and after having concluded several agreements, the Parisians returned home to carry back the intelligence, and to keep the citizens and inhabitants of the isle de France in good obedience. The duke of Burgundy then assembled some of his most powerful and faithful lords, as well seculars as ecclesiastics, with whom he held many secret councils, to consider how he should conduct himself in the present state of his affairs, more especially respecting the death of his father.

On this subject their opinions were divided; but at length the majority determined, that since he had permission from the king of France, he should form a strict alliance with the English. In consequence of this resolution, an embassy was again sent to the king of England at Rouen, consisting of the bishop of Arras, sir Actis de Brimeu, sir Roland de Uniquerke, and others, who, on their arrival at Rouen, were kindly received by the king and princes; for he was very desirous of forming a connection with the duke of Burgundy, well knowing that through his means in preference to all others, he could obtain the hand of the lady Catherine of France, which he was so anxious to have.

When the ambassadors had declared the causes of their coming, and exhibited a sketch of their articles for the proposed alliance, the king was tolerably satisfied, and told them, that within a few days he would send ambassadors to the duke, who should declare his final resolutions. With this answer, they returned to Arras.

About St Andrew's day following, the bishop of Rochester, the earls of Warwick and of Kyme, with other knights and esquires, arrived at Arras, as ambassadors from the king of England, to whom the duke gave a most honourable reception. They laid before him the different articles of a treaty which the king wished to conclude with Charles king of France and the duke,--who, in return, gave them other articles, such as he would abide by. In short, the negotiations were carried on so effectually that a treaty was agreed on, provided the king of France and his ministers would consent thereto.

At this time, the king and queen of France, with the lady Catherine their daughter, resided at Troyes in Champagne, and were under the guidance of such as had been posted there purposely, who were strongly attached to the party of Burgundy. In consequence of this treaty, it was ordered, that the men at arms of the king of France and of the duke of Burgundy should discontinue their warfare against the English, who were, on their part, to desist from all offensive operations. The truces were again renewed and confirmed; and it was agreed, that the king of England should send ambassadors, in company with the duke of Burgundy, to the king of France at Troyes, in Champagne, who intended going thither soon, to put a finishing hand to this treaty of alliance. When these matters had been arranged, and the ambassadors had been greatly feasted and honoured by the duke of Burgundy in Arras, they returned to the king of England at Rouen.

While this treaty was going on, sir James de Harcourt showed himself every way strongly attached to the duke of Burgundy. He was the first called to the private councils of the duke, who paid him more attention and greater honour than to any other person of his court; for he loved him most cordially, in consequence of his having sworn to serve him on the death of duke John. Sir James, in these days, caused the castle of Crotoy, of which he was governor for the king of France, to be strongly repaired, and replenished with all sorts of provision and military stores.

CHAP. XXXII.

SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG ASSEMBLES A LARGE BODY OF MEN AT ARMS, AND LEADS THEM BEFORE ROYE.--OTHER OCCURRENCES THAT HAPPENED AT THIS PERIOD.

In conformity to the treaty with the English, the duke of Burgundy commenced his operations by assembling men at arms in Artois, Flanders and elsewhere, which he sent with different captains to be under the general command of sir John de Luxembourg, near to Peronne, who was to muster them, and lead them to lay siege to the castle of Muyn, which was strongly garrisoned by the Dauphinois, who had sorely oppressed the country round Amiens and Corbie.

Several of the nobility joined sir John de Luxembourg, at Peronne, such as, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, the vidame of Amiens, Anthony lord of Croy, le borgne de Fosseux knight, John de Fosseux his brother, the lord de Longueval, Hector and Philip de Saveuses, the lord de Humbercourt, sir John de Luquerque, the lord de Cohen, with many other notable knights and esquires, who marched from Peronne to Lyhons in Santerre, and to the adjacent villages, intending to besiege the castle of Muyn, but their intentions were soon changed.

During the time that these men at arms were at Lyhons, and on the night of the 10th of December, sir Karados de Quesnes, Charles de Flavy, the bastard de Tournemine, and one called Harbonniers, made a sally from Compiegne, with about five hundred combatants, to the town of Roye in the Vermandois, which they attacked, and, from neglect of the guard, great part of them entered the place. They assembled in the market-place, shouting out, 'Town won! Long live the king and dauphin!' The inhabitants were awakened by these shouts; and, seeing they could not make any resistance, the greater part escaped over the walls, and fled.

A detachment of the Dauphinois now advanced to the gate, which they opened to admit the remainder of their forces, and their horses, into the town. Perceval le Grand, governor of the place for the duke of Burgundy, having been awakened like the others, and perceiving that no resistance could be made, escaped as well as he could from the town, leaving behind his wife, children, and great part of his wealth. He hastened to Lyhons, and very dolefully related to his commander, sir John de Luxembourg, the news of the capture of Roye.

Sir John instantly ordered his trumpets to sound for the assembling of his men at arms, and led them toward Roye, sending forward a party of scouts to the town, to gain intelligence, who found the scaling ladders still reared against the walls by which the enemy had entered. They were no sooner observed, than the Dauphinois made preparations for defence, and gave a sharp discharge of cannons, cross-bows, and bows on them, and on some men at arms, who had joined the scouts. However, notwithstanding their defence, one of the suburbs was taken, and in the conflict several were wounded on each side. On that of sir John de Luxembourg was a valiant man at arms named Robert de Rebretanges, and who, in consequence of this wound, died shortly after.

After sir John had posted his men in the different suburbs and houses round the town, he fixed his own quarters at a village about half a league distant. He then sent the lord de Humbercourt, bailiff of Amiens, to that place, and to Corbie, to require that they would send him cross-bowmen, cannons, and other implements of war, to enable him to subdue the Dauphinois in Roye, which request was complied with in the most ample manner. With the same eagerness were the cross-bowmen of Douay, Arras, Peronne, St Quentin, Mondidier, Noyon, and other places under the dependance of the king, sent to Roye in great numbers.

On the arrival of these reinforcements, sir John invested the town on all sides, and made some vigorous assaults: he also had some bombards, and other engines, pointed against the walls and gates, which greatly harrassed the besieged. They made, however, a handsome defence, and some sallies; but in these they did not gain much.

At length, the besieged seeing all their efforts vain, and hopeless of succour, concluded a treaty with sir John, by his commissioners, on the 18th day of January, to surrender the place, on condition that they should depart in safety, with their baggage, and with a part of what they had gained in the town. When this treaty was ratified, the Dauphinois marched away under passports from sir John de Luxembourg, who appointed Hector de Saveuses to escort them; and, when out of the town, they took the road to Compiegne, marching with great speed.

Very soon after their departure, about two thousand English came to Roye, under the command of the earl of Huntingdon, and his father-in law sir John de Cornwall,[4] to assist the Burgundians; for, as I have said, there was a truce between the English and them, expecting that this truce would shortly be (as it happened) turned into a solid peace. The English, hearing of the departure of the Dauphinois, hastily set out in pursuit of them, and overtook them about four leagues from Roye. The moment they came near, without any words, they attacked them lance in hand, although they were few in number; for, having rode so hard, three parts of their men were behind.

The English were accompanied by many of the men at arms of sir John de Luxembourg, the principal of whom were Butor bastard of Croy, Aubellet de Folleville, the bailiff de Foquesolle, the bastard Dunon and several other gentlemen. The Dauphinois made no great resistance, and were therefore soon routed, very many were killed, taken or robbed; but a few escaped as well as they could, by flying to the woods and other places.

Hector de Saveuses, observing this, made sir Karados de Quesnes his prisoner, in order to save him and restore him to liberty; but sir John de Cornwall took him from him, saying that he had not any right to make him his prisoner, since he had a passport from his captain; and because Hector would not release him at the first word, Cornwall smote him severely on the arm with his gauntlet, which incensed Hector much,--but he could not help himself; as the English were too numerous.

Sir Karados, the lord of Flavy, and the most part of the men at arms were made prisoners by the English; but those taken by the Picards were put to death by them, for they were afraid to bring them to their quarters on account of the passports that had been granted them. However, Harbonniers, who was prisoner to Aubellet de Folleville, was carried to Noyon, and there beheaded.

The English, after this affair, returned with their prisoners to a village within two leagues of Roye, where they quartered themselves. Hector de Saveuses made what haste he could to sir John de Luxembourg, to relate all that had passed, who was greatly enraged that his passports should have been treated with such contempt, especially by those of his own army and under his command. He therefore dispatched an angry message to Anthony lord of Croy, to order him to send Butor de Croy, his bastard-brother, and some others of his people, who had infringed his passports, that he might punish them accordingly. He sent a similar order to the lord de Longueval for the bastard Dunon, brother to his wife, to be brought before him, but neither of these lords would obey his commands.

Upon this, sir John sent word, that if they did not deliver them up instantly, he would take them by force from their quarters. Longueval replied, that if he attempted it, and was not the strongest, he should not have them; and he would prefer putting them to death to yielding them up to him. These and other expressions created a great animosity between sir John and these two lords, which lasted a considerable time. However, nothing further was done in the matter; for those who were demanded to be delivered up departed secretly, and went whither they pleased.

On the morrow, sir John de Luxembourg, attended by part of his army, went to visit the lord Huntingdon and sir John de Cornwall at their quarters, and recommended to their attentions sir Karados de Quesnes and the other prisoners, who had been taken under his passports. They nevertheless remained prisoners, and were carried to England, where they were long detained, and did not recover their liberties until they had paid a heavy ransom.

When sir John de Luxembourg had passed some time at the English quarters, he returned to his own: the next day he disbanded the greater part of his captains and their men at arms, and went himself with Hector de Saveuses to place garrisons in the castles on the river Sere, and on the frontiers of the Laonnois, against the Dauphinois, who were in great force at Crespy and in the Laonnois. Hector was ordered to remain at Nouvion le Comte, as commander in chief of these troops. Sir John then returned to his castle of Beaurevoir, to see his wife and children, and to make preparations to accompany the duke of Burgundy on the journey he intended speedily to undertake.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 4: See Dugdale's 'Baronage.']

CHAP. XXXIII.

THE FRENCH AND BURGUNDIANS BEGIN TO FORM ACQUAINTANCE WITH THE ENGLISH--THE SIEGE OF FONTAINES-LAVAGAM.--OTHER MATTERS.

About this time, those attached to the party of the king of France and the duke of Burgundy, began to open an intercourse in trade, and to form acquaintance with the English on the borders of Normandy, for peace was now established between them. At this period also, the earl of Huntingdon and sir John de Cornwall, with three thousand combatants, besieged the castle of Fontaines-Lavagam, which, during the war, had held out for the Orleans party, and had never been conquered. The garrison had, for a long time, grievously oppressed the country of Beauvoisis, the borders of Normandy, and the districts about Amiens.

At the end of about three weeks siege, this castle was surrendered, on condition that the lives and fortunes of the besieged should be spared, and that they should march away in safety. When the place was evacuated, the fortifications were completely destroyed.

On the other hand, the castle of Muyn submitted to the obedience of the vidame of Amiens on the 19th day of January, by means of some intelligence he had with those within it. This, as well as Fontaines-Lavagam, had been of great annoyance to the surrounding countries. A Norman gentleman, called Bigas, was made prisoner there, and also the lady of the place, wife to sir Collart de Calleville, with some others,--and much wealth was found therein.

About this time, the duke of Burgundy prepared to march with his whole power to king Charles at Troyes in Champagne. He issued a strict summons throughout his dominions for all who had been accustomed to bear arms to make ready to attend him on this journey. From Ghent, where he resided, he came with his lady the duchess to Arras, and appointed master John de Torsy, bishop of Tournay, his chancellor.

He there assembled, by virtue of his summons, a very large body of men at arms; and on the Saturday after the Epiphany, the truces between the kings of France and of England were proclaimed in all the countries under the subjection of the king and the duke of Burgundy from Paris to Boulogne sur mer, and to Troyes in Champagne: they were to last until the middle of March following, or until a final peace should be concluded between the two kings.

During this time, the English, in great force, under the command of the earl of Huntingdon and sir John de Cornwall, marched to the castle of Clermont, which they valiantly attacked, but it was as vigorously defended. The English, having had many killed and wounded, set fire to and burnt the village of St Andrieu, wherein were several handsome mansions, and substantial houses. They then overran the whole county of Clermont, and gained much plunder, with which they returned to the duchy of Normandy.

CHAP. XXXIV.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY DEPARTS FROM ARRAS, AND MARCHES A LARGE ARMY TO LAY SIEGE TO THE TOWN OF CRESPY IN THE LAONNOIS, AND THENCE TO WAIT ON THE KING OF FRANCE AT TROYES IN CHAMPAGNE.

When the duke of Burgundy had celebrated the feast of the Purification in Arras, he departed, leaving his duchess there, for his castle of Bapaumes, and thence he went to Oisy in the Cambresis, to visit his aunt the countess of Hainault, with whom he had a conference, and proceeded to Peronne. Thither many of his captains and vassals came, and with them he marched to St Quentin, where he tarried some time, to wait the arrival of the whole of his forces.

Ambassadors from king Henry there joined him, having with them about five hundred combatants, under the command of the earls of Warwick and Kyme, the lord Roos, marshal of England, and sir Louis de Robesart, a native of Hainault, who accompanied the duke to Troyes.

There also came to him while at St Quentin a deputation from the town of Laon, who, with the inhabitants of St Quentin, earnestly besought the duke of Burgundy that he would besiege the town of Crespy, which held for the dauphin, as that garrison had done very great injuries to the whole country. The duke, in compliance with their remonstrances, consented, and advanced to Cressy sur Serre, where he was lodged: he thence sent forward sir John de Luxembourg, with Hector and Philip de Saveuses, and other captains, to quarter themselves in a village near to Crespy, by way of vanguard.

Shortly after, the duke, with his whole army, invested Crespy, in which place might be about five hundred Dauphinois men at arms, under the command of La Hire, Poton de Saintrailles, Dandonet, and other adventurers, who with great courage defended the town against the besiegers, notwithstanding they had approached very near, and had pointed their artillery against the walls and gates.

There were with the duke many captains who had served under duke John his father, namely, sir John de Luxembourg, the lords de l'Isle-Adam and de Chastellus, both marshals of France, sir Robinet de Mailly great butler of France, le veau de Bar bailiff of Auxois, the vidame of Amiens, Anthony lord de Croy, sir Philip de Fosseux and his brother John, the lord de Longueval, Hector and Philip de Saveuses, the lord de Humieres, who commanded the men at arms of the lord d'Antoing, the lord de Humbercourt, sir Mauroy de St Leger, the lord de Stenhuse sovereign bailiff of Flanders, the lords de Comines, de Haluin, the bastard of Harcourt, and all the vassals of his uncle sir James de Harcourt, with numbers of other notable knights and esquires from the different parts of the duke's dominions.

His most confidential advisers were sir Actis de Brimeu, knight, the lord de Robais, and the bishop of Tournay, his chancellor. The duke made vast preparations for this siege; but at the end of fifteen days a treaty was concluded for the surrender of the town, on condition, that the garrison should depart in safety with their baggage; but because this was his first campaign, a few were excepted, and sent prisoners to some of the towns under the king's obedience.

On the ratification of this treaty, the garrison marched away, under passports from the duke; but notwithstanding this, many were plundered, to the great indignation of the duke and his ministers, who caused restitution to be made to all who came to complain.

The Dauphinois marched to Soissons, a town belonging to their party, and Crespy was despoiled of every thing that was portable. At the request of the inhabitants of Laon, the fortifications were demolished,--that is to say, its gates and walls, to the great sorrow of the townsmen, and not without cause, for before the war it was abundantly filled with all sorts of merchandize as in a place of safety.

It must not be forgotten, that there was in the company of the duke, during this campaign, the valiant captain Tabary, and his band of robbers, of whom mention has been made in another place,--but who only partook of half of the expedition, and continued his former pursuits, as shall be hereafter noticed.

CHAP. XXXV.

THE CONDUCT OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ON HIS MARCH TO TROYES, AND WHEN THERE.--THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE ENGLISH AMBASSADORS WHO ACCOMPANIED HIM THITHER.

After the surrender of the town of Crespy in the Laonnois, the duke of Burgundy advanced to Laon, where he was most honourably received by the magistrates and inhabitants. He thence continued his march by Rheims to Châlons in Champagne, always accompanied by the English ambassadors, and his escort of about one thousand combatants. From Châlons he advanced in grand array toward Troyes, and encamped near to Vitry in Pertois, which place and some of the adjacent forts were in possession of the Dauphinois.

Sir John de Luxembourg, who had the command of the van guard, passed through the town, and continued his march toward the plains, in which were many deep and boggy springs. Sir Robinet de Mailly, grand butler of France, riding by his side, fell into one of these bogs; and his horse plunged so deep that, not having any mane for the knight to hold by, the latter could not save himself, but died a miserable death, whilst his horse escaped.

The duke of Burgundy and several other lords, particularly sir Robinet's three brothers, who were with the duke, were sorely grieved at his loss. These last, namely, master John de Mailly, afterward bishop of Noyon, Collard, and Ferry de Mailly, lamented it very bitterly: his body was dragged out of the bog, and buried hard by.

As the duke approached Troyes, very many of the French and burgundian nobility came out to meet him, with several of the principal citizens, and shewed him every honour and respect. In company with them, he made his entry into Troyes, the 21st day of March, and was escorted to his hôtel. Wherever he passed, there were great multitudes of people assembled, who sang carols on his arrival. He shortly after waited on the king and queen of France, and the lady Catherine, who received him kindly, and shewed him all manner of affection.

Some days afterward, several councils were held in the presence of the king, queen and duke of Burgundy, to consider on establishing a final peace, and on the alliance which the king of England was desirous of forming with the king of France, and had sent his ambassadors with full powers to confirm the peace.

At length, after many conferences with these ambassadors, it was concluded, by favour of the duke of Burgundy and his party, that Charles king of France should give to Henry king of England his youngest daughter Catherine in marriage, and, in consequence of this alliance, should make him and his heirs successors to the crown of France after his decease,--thus disinheriting his own son and heir Charles duke of Touraine and dauphin, and annulling that principle of the constitution which had been, with great deliberation, resolved on by former kings and peers of France, namely, that the noble kingdom of France should never be governed or inherited by a female, or by any one descended from the female line.

The king of France also agreed, that should king Henry have no issue by this marriage, he and his heirs were to remain successors to the crown of France, to the prejudice of the branches of the whole royal line of France.

All this was granted by king Charles; but to say the truth, he had not for some time past been in his right senses, and was governed by those about his person as they pleased, and consented to what they advised, whether to his prejudice or not.

When the treaty had been signed, the ambassadors returned with a copy thereof to the king of England, avoiding all the ambuscades of the Dauphinois as well as they could. King Henry was well pleased with their success, as he foresaw he should now gain the greater part of his objects. He arranged his affairs in Normandy speedily, and caused preparations to be made for marching to Troyes, to complete the articles of the treaty. Sir Louis de Robesart had remained, by king Henry's orders, at Troyes, to attend on the lady Catherine of France, who was shortly to become queen of England.

CHAP. XXXVI.

SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG MAKES AN EXCURSION WITH HIS WHOLE FORCE TOWARD ALIBAUDIERES AND THE EVENT THEREOF.

About ten days before Easter, sir John de Luxembourg was sent with five hundred combatants to attack a fortress called Alibaudieres, adjoining the Vermandois, six leagues from Troyes, in which was a garrison of the Dauphinois, that much harrassed Champagne. When sir John was arrived near to the place, he left the greater part of his men in ambuscade, and advanced with the rest to skirmish at the barriers.

The garrison gallantly sallied out on foot to meet him, and a sharp skirmish began, during which sir John fell from his horse, by reason of the girth breaking, but was soon raised up again by his men, and instantly most courageously, and in a violent passion, attacked the Dauphinois lance in hand: they were fewer in number than the assailants, and therefore retreated in disorder, and closed their bulwark.

Sir John, on this, sent for the remainder of his force, whom he had placed in ambush, and they made so grand an attack on the bulwark, that it was taken by storm, and set on fire,--but in this action many were killed and wounded. Sir John then returned with his men to duke Philip of Burgundy in Troyes, at which place great preparations were making for the reception of king Henry of England, who was shortly expected there to confirm the articles of the peace, and solemnise his marriage with the lady Catherine of France.

While these things were passing, the dauphin and his council were at Bourges in Berry. He was exceedingly uneasy when he heard of the alliance that had been concluded with England, and anxious to form plans of resistance against the king of England and the duke of Burgundy, knowing that unless he could effectually oppose them, he was in great peril of losing the kingdom and his expectations of succeeding to the crown of France. He was not therefore negligent to provide against the danger, and established garrisons in all the principal places on the frontiers toward his adversaries, and appointed to the command of them the most loyal of his party. He placed as governor at Melun the lord de Barbasan, with a large force; at Montereau, the lord de Guitry: sir Robert de Loire at Montargis; the bastard de Vaurus and Pierron de Lupel at Meaux in Brie; the lord de Gamaches at Compiegne, and so on at other towns and forts. He assembled a large body of men at arms to be alway near his person, and ready for any event that might happen to him.

[A.D. 1420.]

CHAP. XXXVII.

THE COUNT DE CONVERSAN, WITH HIS BROTHER SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG, THE LORD DE CROY, AND OTHER CAPTAINS, LAY SIEGE TO ALIBAUDIERES.--THE CONSEQUENCES THEREOF.

At the beginning of this year, the duke of Burgundy ordered Pierre de Luxembourg count de Conversan and de Brienne, sir John de Luxembourg his brother, and several of his captains, such as the marshal de l'Isle-Adam, the vidame of Amiens, Anthony lord of Croy, Hector de Saveuses, sir Mauroy de St Leger, the bastard de Thian, and a number of others, to lay siege to the castle of Alibaudieres, mentioned in the preceding chapter.

The garrison of this castle had repaired the bulwark which sir John de Luxembourg had destroyed, so that it was in a better state of defence than before. The burgundian leaders, on their arrival, ordered their men, before they encamped, to arm themselves and prepare ladders, thinking to win the bulwark as easily as formerly; but the attack and defence were for a long time sharply continued, and with great courage. Some of the ladders were placed against it, and on them Hector de Saveuses, Henry de Chauffour, and others expert in arms, combated a considerable time; but Henry de Chauffour, much renowned in war, while on one of these ladders, and armed in plate armour, was pierced by a lance through the hollow of the armour, under the ham of his leg, and died of the wound a few days afterward.

During the attack, sir John de Luxembourg, who was very near the bulwark, and posted between two oaks, had raised the vizor of his helmet, to observe the countenance of the enemy; but he was perceived from the walls, and struck near the eye with a lance, (whether pointed or not with iron I am ignorant) and so severely wounded, that in the end he lost his eye, and was led by his people to repose himself in his tent. Shortly after, his banner was taken, and cut off close to the end of the lance to which it was fastened, which still more enraged sir John de Luxembourg. These events, and the obstinate resistance of the besieged, put an end to the attack, but not before great numbers of the assailants had been killed and wounded.

The count de Conversan, and the other captains encamped round the castle, had ordered several large bombards to be pointed against the gates and walls, to destroy them; but sir John de Luxembourg, in consequence of his severe wound, was carried back to Troyes, where he was attended by the most able doctors. His brother, the count de Conversan, now remained commander in chief of the siege, and by his engines so greatly damaged the castle that some of the towers and gates were half battered down. This alarmed the besieged, and they demanded a parley with the count, which was consented to; but they could not at the first conference agree on terms,--so that, when the deputies had re-entered the castle, the besiegers armed themselves, and made so vigorous an attack on it that sixty men at arms gained possession of two of its towers,--but in truth they could not proceed further by reason of the new fortifications that had been erected during the siege. This action was very severe indeed, and lasted nearly five hours, during which numbers of each side were killed and wounded; but in the end, those who had gained the two towers were driven by the besieged from them; they even made prisoner, and dragged into the castle, a trumpeter who had armed himself like a man at arms.

On the morrow, the besieged, fearing the attack would be renewed, demanded another parley, when it was agreed, that they should depart with their lives only, and on foot, with the exception of a few who were to be allowed small horses,--and in this state they were to go to Moynes. The castle was totally destroyed and burnt, and the effects within were all plundered by those men at arms who could first force an entrance, contrary to the positive orders of their captains, who soon after led their men back to Troyes and to the adjacent villages.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

THE GREATER PART OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY'S ARMY RETURN TO THEIR OWN COUNTRIES.--THE MARSHAL DE L'ISLE-ADAM AND THE LORD DE CROY LEAD AN EXPEDITION TOWARD THE AUXERROIS.

When the Picards and the other men at arms were returned to Troyes, from the siege of Alibaudieres, they demanded permission of the duke of Burgundy to return to their homes, which was granted. About three thousand horse departed, and the principal gentlemen were the vidame of Amiens, the borgne de Fosseux knight, Hector de Saveuses, the lord de Stenhuse high bailiff of Flanders, the lord de Comines and several other captains, as well from Picardy as Flanders, who all rode together from Troyes toward Rethel; and although the Dauphinois were in great numbers on the watch to attack and plunder them, by activity and diligence, they escaped all their ambushes, and arrived safely in their own countries.

After their departure, the duke of Burgundy ordered some of the other captains who had remained with him, such as the marshal de l'Isle-Adam, Anthony lord of Croy, the lord de Longueval, sir Mauroy de St Leger, Baudo de Noyelle, Robert de Saveuses, Robert de Brimeu, the bastard de Thian, with about sixteen hundred combatants, to march to the Auxerrois, and subdue that country, with some of its castles that held out for the party of the dauphin, to the king's obedience.

They proceeded from Troyes by short days' marches to Toussy, a small town attached to the dauphin, and whither the lord de la Trimouille often resorted. They had carried with them scaling ladders, and other implements of war, and came before the town just between day-break and sun-rise, in the hopes of taking it by surprise and plundering it.

On their arrival, they drew up in battle-array; and Anthony lord of Croy, his bastard brother Butor, Baudo de Noyelle, Lyonnet de Bournouville, and some others, were created knights by the hand of the lord de l'Isle-Adam marshal of France. Shortly after this ceremony, they made a joint attack on several parts of the place at once, and fixed their scaling ladders to the walls without meeting with any opposition. However, notwithstanding that the inhabitants were at first greatly alarmed, they recovered courage, and defended themselves so vigorously that the assailants were repulsed, driven from the ditches, and forced to encamp round the town.

They then employed themselves for two days in making new ladders and iron crooks, to renew the attack. On the third, having completed their warlike implements, they assaulted the place more fiercely than before, and again fixed their ladders; but the besieged made a gallant defence, and killed and wounded several at the onset: among the first were a gentleman of arms named Ogier de St Vandrille and Tabary the captain of robbers, who has been before spoken of, and some others. In the end, the assailants were again repulsed, and driven in confusion to their quarters.

The dead were carried in their armour from the ditches into the town, and, when stripped, were put into coffins and buried in a church.

Intelligence was brought this same night to the marshal de l'Isle-Adam and to the other captains, that the enemy was marching in force to offer them combat; upon which they hastily mounted their horses, and set forward, and rode all the night to meet them. On the morrow, they learnt news of their enemies, that they were quartered in a strong monastery called Estampes St Germain, within two leagues of Auxerre. They then pushed forward to besiege them within this monastery, and sent to Auxerre for provision, assistance, and warlike engines, all of which were granted.

After the two parties had skirmished for the space of eighteen days, the Dauphinois surrendered, on condition that their lives should be spared, and that they should remain prisoners until they should ransom themselves, each according to his rank in life. When this treaty had been concluded, the fortifications of the monastery were destroyed, and the Burgundians returned to the duke their lord in Troyes.

CHAP. XXXIX.

HENRY KING OF ENGLAND ARRIVES, WITH HIS WHOLE ARMY, AT TROYES IN CHAMPAGNE, TO CELEBRATE HIS MARRIAGE, AND TO CONCLUDE A PERPETUAL PEACE WITH THE KING OF FRANCE.

At this period, Henry king of England, accompanied by his two brothers the dukes of Clarence and of Glocester, the earls of Huntingdon, Warwick and Kyme, and many of the great lords of England, with about sixteen hundred combatants, the greater part of whom were archers, set out from Rouen and came to Pontoise, and thence to St Denis. He crossed the bridge at Charenton, and left part of his army to guard it, and thence advanced by Provins to Troyes in Champagne.

The duke of Burgundy, and several of the nobility, to shew him honour and respect, came out to meet him, and conducted him to the hôtel where he was lodged, with his princes, and his army was quartered in the adjacent villages.

Shortly after his arrival, he waited on the king and queen of France, and the lady Catherine, their daughter, when great honours and attentions were, by them, mutually paid to each other. Councils were then holden for the ratification of the peace; and whatever articles had been disagreeable to the king of England in the treaty were then corrected according to his pleasure. When all relating to the peace had been concluded, king Henry, according to the custom of France, affianced the lady Catherine.

On the morrow of Trinity-day, the king of England espoused her in the parish church near to which he was lodged; great pomp and magnificence were displayed by him and his princes, as if he were at that moment king of all the world. On the part of the king of France was present at this ceremony Philip duke of Burgundy, by whose means this treaty and alliance had been brought about. He was attended by Pierre de Luxembourg count de Conversan, sir John de Luxembourg his brother, the prince of Orange, the lord de Joinville, the lord de Chastellus, the lord de Chateau Vilain, the lord de Montagu, sir Regnier Pot, le veau de Bar bailiff of Auxois, sir James de Courtejambe, sir John de Coquebrune marshal of Burgundy and of Picardy, the lord de Croy, the lord de Longueval, sir Actis de Brimeu, sir David his brother, the lords de Roubaix, de Humbercourt bailiff of Amiens, sir Hugh de Launois, sir Gilbert his brother, with numbers of other notable knights, and some prelates and churchmen from the states of the duke. The principal of these last were master John de Torsay bishop of Tournay and chancellor of Burgundy, master Eustace de Lactre, master John de Mailly; all, or at least the greater part, joined with the duke in promising for ever to preserve inviolate the peace, the terms of which were as follow:

'Charles, by the grace of God, king of France, to all our bailiffs, provosts, seneschals, and to all the principal of our officers of justice, or to their lieutenants, greeting. Be it known, that we have this day concluded a perpetual peace, in our town of Troyes, with our very dear and well beloved son Henry king of England, heir and regent of France, in our name and in his own, in consequence of his marriage with our well beloved daughter Catherine, and by other articles in the treaty concluded between us for the welfare and good of our subjects, and for the security of the realm; so that henceforward our subjects and those of our said son may traffic and have a mutual intercourse with each other, as well on this as on the other side of the sea.

'Item, it has been agreed, that our said son, king Henry, shall henceforth honour us as his father, and our consort the queen as his mother, but shall not by any means prevent us from the peaceable enjoyment of our crown during our life.

'Item, our said son, king Henry, engages that he will not interfere with the rights and royalties of our crown so long as we may live, nor with the revenues, but that they may be applied as before to the support of our government and the charges of the state; and that our consort the queen shall enjoy her state and dignity of queen, according to the custom of the realm, with the unmolested enjoyment of the revenues and domains attached to it.

'Item, it is agreed, that our said daughter Catherine shall have such dower paid her from the revenues of England, as English queens have formerly enjoyed,--namely, sixty thousand crowns, two of which are of the value of an English noble.[5]

'Item, it is agreed, that our said son, king Henry, shall, by every means in his power, without transgressing the laws he has sworn to maintain, and the customs of England, assure to our said daughter Catherine the punctual payment of the aforesaid dower of sixty thousand crowns from the moment of his decease.

'Item, it is agreed, that should it happen that our said daughter survive our said son king Henry, she shall receive, as her dower from the kingdom of France, the sum of forty thousand francs yearly; and this sum shall be settled on the lands and lordships which were formerly held in dower by our very dear and well beloved the lady Blanche, consort to king Philip of France, of happy memory, our very redoubted lord and great grandfather.

'Item, it is agreed, that immediately on our decease, and from thenceforward, our crown and kingdom of France, with all its rights and appurtenances, shall devolve for ever to our said son, king Henry, and to his heirs.

'Item, because we are for the greater part of our time personally prevented from attending to the affairs and government of our realm, with the attention they deserve, the government of our kingdom shall in future be conducted by our said son king Henry during our life, calling to his assistance and council such of our nobles as have remained obedient to us, and who have the welfare of the realm and the public good at heart, so that affairs may be conducted to the honour of God, of ourself and consort, and to the general welfare and security of the kingdom; and that tranquillity may be restored to it, and justice and equity take place every where by the aid of the great lords, barons and nobles of the realm.

'Item, our said son shall, to the utmost of his power, support the courts of parliament of France, in all parts that are subject to us, and their authority shall be upheld and maintained with rigour from this time forward.

'Item, our said son shall exert himself to defend and maintain each of our nobility, cities, towns and municipalities in all their accustomed rights, franchises and privileges, so that they be not individually nor collectively molested in them.

'Item, our said son shall labour diligently that justice be administered throughout the realm, according to the accustomed usages, without exception of any one, and will bodily defend and guard all our subjects from all violence and oppression whatever.

'Item, it is agreed, that our said son, king Henry, shall appoint to all vacant places, as well in the court of parliament as in the bailiwicks, seneschalships, provostships, and to all other offices within our realm, observing that he do nominate fit and proper persons for such offices, fully acquainted with the laws and customs of the country, so that tranquillity may be preserved and the kingdom flourish.

'Item, our said son will most diligently exert himself to reduce to our obedience all cities, towns, castles and forts, now in rebellion against us, and of the party commonly called Dauphinois or Armagnac.

'Item, for the more secure observance of these articles, and the more effectually to enable our said son, king Henry, to carry them into execution, it is agreed, that all the great lords, as well spiritual as temporal,--all the cities, towns and municipalities within our realm, and under our obedience, shall each of them take the following oaths:

'They will swear obedience and loyalty to our said son king Henry, in so much as we have invested him with the full power of governing our kingdom of France in conjunction with such council of able men as he may appoint. They will likewise swear to observe punctually whatever we, in conjunction with our consort the queen, our said son king Henry, and the council may ordain.

'The cities, towns and municipalities, will also swear to obey, and diligently follow, whatever orders may particularly affect them.

'Instantly on our decease, the whole of the subjects of our kingdom shall swear to become liege men and vassals to our said son king Henry, and obey him as the true king of France, and, without any opposition or dispute, shall receive him as such, and never pay obedience to any other as king or regent of France but to our said son king Henry, unless our said son should lose life or limb, or be attacked by a mortal disease, or suffer diminution in person, state, honour or goods. But should they know of any evil designs plotted against him, they will counteract them to the utmost of their power, and give him information thereof by letters or messages.