Chapter I: Part 1

THE CHRONICLES OF ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.

_H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London._

THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET;

CONTAINING

AN ACCOUNT OF THE CRUEL CIVIL WARS BETWEEN THE HOUSES OF

ORLEANS AND BURGUNDY;

OF THE POSSESSION OF

PARIS AND NORMANDY BY THE ENGLISH;

_THEIR EXPULSION THENCE_;

AND OF OTHER

MEMORABLE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE,

AS WELL AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

_A HISTORY OF FAIR EXAMPLE, AND OF GREAT PROFIT TO THE FRENCH_,

_Beginning at the Year_ MCCCC. _where that of Sir JOHN FROISSART finishes, and ending at the Year_ MCCCCLXVII. _and continued by others to the Year_ MDXVI.

TRANSLATED

BY THOMAS JOHNES, ESQ.

IN THIRTEEN VOLUMES ... VOL. VII.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW; AND J. WHITE AND CO. FLEET-STREET.

1810.

CONTENTS

OF

_THE SEVENTH VOLUME_.

PAGE

CHAP. I.

Some captains attached to sir John de Luxembourg
surprise the castle of St Martin,
wherein they are all taken and slain 1

CHAP. II.

Poton de Saintrailles and sir Louis de Vaucourt
are made prisoners by the English 4

CHAP. III.

Maillotin de Bours and sir Hector de Flavy
fight together in the town of Arras 5

CHAP. IV.

Some of king Charles's captains make an
attempt on Corbie 12

CHAP. V.

The lord de Barbasan lays siege to the castle
of Anglure, held by the Burgundians 13

CHAP. VI.

The maid of Orleans is condemned to be
put to death and burnt at Rouen 15

CHAP. VII.

The general council is continued at Basil, by
the solicitations of the emperor 22

CHAP. VIII.

The duke of Bar enters the county of Vaudemont
to conquer it by force 29

CHAP. IX.

The duke of Bar is combated by the count
de Vaudemont and defeated 35

CHAP. X.

The young king Henry comes from England,
with a grand attendance, to Paris,
to be crowned king of France 44

CHAP. XI.

The detachment the duke of Bar had left to
blockade Vaudemont march away on
hearing of the ill success of the battle 51

CHAP. XII.

Sir John de Luxembourg assembles men at
arms and marches into Champagne against
the French, from whom he conquers several
castles. Other matters 53

CHAP. XIII.

The duke d'Alençon makes the chancellor
of Brittany prisoner 57

CHAP. XIV.

The French are near taking the castle of
Rouen 59

CHAP. XV.

The French take the castle of Dommart in
Ponthieu, and carry off the lord de Dommart
prisoner 64

CHAP. XVI.

Sir Thomas Kiriel, an Englishman, is appointed
governor of the castle of Clermont in
the Beauvoisis 66

CHAP. XVII.

The inhabitants of Chauny-sur-Oise destroy
the castle of their town 68

CHAP. XVIII.

The city of Chartres is conquered by king
Charles's party 70

CHAP. XIX.

The cardinal of Santa Croce is sent by the
pope to France, to endeavour to make
peace between the contending parties 76

CHAP. XX.

The English conquer the bulwark at Lagny-sur-Marne 78

CHAP. XXI.

Philibert de Vaudray, governor of Tonnerre,
and the lord d'Amont wait on the duke
of Bedford to serve him 81

CHAP. XXII.

The duke of Bedford marches a large force
to Lagny-sur-Marne, to support the English
and Burgundians who had remained
there, but retires without making any
conquest 83

CHAP. XXIII.

The commonalty of Ghent rise against their
magistrates 89

CHAP. XXIV.

Sir John bastard of St Pol and the lord de
Humieres are taken prisoners by the
French 91

CHAP. XXV.

Great disorders are committed by the
French in the Amiennois, Santerre and
Vimeu 92

CHAP. XXVI.

The heir of Commercy takes the town of
Ligny in the Barrois, belonging to sir
John de Luxembourg 94

CHAP. XXVII.

The Burgundians, under pretence of being
English, gain the castle of La Boue, near
to Laon. Other matters 96

CHAP. XXVIII.

Friar Thomas goes to Rome.--He is burnt
there 98

CHAP. XXIX.

The death of the duchess of Bedford 100

CHAP. XXX.

Some of the French captains cross the river
Somme and overrun Artois 101

CHAP. XXXI.

A benedictine monk attempts to gain the
castle of St Angelo at Rome 102

CHAP. XXXII.

A peace is concluded between the duke of
Bar and the count de Vaudemont 105

CHAP. XXXIII.

The duchess of Burgundy is brought to bed
of a son in the town of Ghent 106

CHAP. XXXIV.

A peace concluded between the duke of
Bar and the counts de St Pol and de
Ligny 107

CHAP. XXXV.

A war takes place between sir John and sir
Anthony du Vergy and the lord de Chasteau-Vilain 109

CHAP. XXXVI.

A treaty of peace is concluded between the
duke of Burgundy and the Liegeois 112

CHAP. XXXVII.

The duke of Bedford, who styled himself
regent of France, marries the daughter of
the count de St Pol 113

CHAP. XXXVIII.

The town of St Valery, in Ponthieu, is won
by the French 115

CHAP. XXXIX.

The dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy go
to Saint Omer 116

CHAP. XL.

The death of John de Toisy bishop of Tournay.
Great dissentions respecting the
promotion to the vacant bishoprick 118

CHAP. XLI.

The French make many conquests on the
confines of Burgundy 123

CHAP. XLII.

The duke of Burgundy reconquers several
places which the French had won in
Burgundy 128

CHAP. XLIII.

Gilles de Postelles is accused of treason to
the duke of Burgundy, and beheaded 129

CHAP. XLIV.

The French win by scalado the town of
Crespy in the Valois. Other matters 130

CHAP. XLV.

The duke of Burgundy keeps his appointment
before Passy. He besieges the
town and castle of Avalon 132

CHAP. XLVI.

Pierre de Luxembourg, count de St Pol,
besieges the town of St Valery. The
death of the count de St Pol 134

CHAP. XLVII.

The lord de la Trimouille is arrested in the
king's palace, and made to surrender his
prisoner the viscount de Thouars 137

CHAP. XLVIII.

William de Coroam puts to flight John
Beaurain. Sir John de Luxembourg reconquers
the castle of Haphincourt 139

CHAP. XLIX.

The counts de Ligny and de St Pol keep
the appointed day at Villiers le Carbonel,
and afterward defeat the French from
the Garrison of Laon 141

CHAP. L.

La Hire and other French captains overrun
Artois and Cambresis 145

CHAP. LI.

The duke of Burgundy holds the anniversary
feast of the golden fleece in the city
of Dijon. He attends the marriage of
the duke of Savoy's son 148

CHAP. LII.

A general council is held at Basil 150

CHAP. LIII.

The town and castle of Provins in Brie are
won by the English and Burgundians.
The French reconquer the town and
castle of St Valery 152

CHAP. LIV.

The duke of Burgundy returns from Burgundy
to Flanders and Artois, having
with him John son to the count de
Nevers. Other matters 154

CHAP. LV.

John de Nevers is ordered to lay siege to
Moreuil. He has the county of Estampes
given to him 156

CHAP. LVI.

A quarrel between the Romans and pope
Eugenius, whom they wanted to detain
at Rome against his will 158

CHAP. LVII.

The abbey of St Vincent near Laon is demolished.
Many castles are conquered
by the Burgundians 159

CHAP. LVIII.

The lord Talbot returns to France, and conquers
many towns and castles 161

CHAP. LIX.

The count d'Estampes reconquers the town
of St Valery 164

CHAP. LX.

The French gain the town of Hamme on
the Somme, in the Vermandois 166

CHAP. LXI.

The town and castle of Chasteau-Vilain submits
to the obedience of the duke of
Burgundy 168

CHAP. LXII.

Heavy taxes laid on the countries of Artois
and those adjoining, on account of this
war 169

CHAP. LXIII.

The duke of Burgundy's captains appear
before Villefranche, wherein was the
duke of Bourbon. They afterward besiege
Belleville, which surrenders to them 171

CHAP. LXIV.

The lord Willoughby and Mathagon lay
siege to St Severin, where the English
are at first victorious, but are afterwards
defeated by the French 174

CHAP. LXV.

La Hire treacherously makes the lord
d'Auffemont a prisoner 177

CHAP. LXVI.

The common people of Normandy rise
against the English garrisons 178

CHAP. LXVII.

La Hire gains the castle of Breteuil, in
Beauvoisis, by storm 180

CHAP. LXVIII.

The dukes of Burgundy and of Bourbon
meet in the city of Nevers, and agree on
terms for a peace 181

CHAP. LXIX.

Amadeus duke of Savoy turns hermit, and
resides at Ripaille 187

CHAP. LXX.

The common people of Normandy assemble
in large bodies before Caen 191

CHAP. LXXI.

The duke and duchess of Burgundy return
from that country to Flanders and Artois 193

CHAP. LXXII.

The French gain the town of Rue from the
English 195

CHAP. LXXIII.

La Hire, Poton, Philip de la Tour, and the
lord de Fontaines, defeat the earl of
Arundel before the castle of Gerberoy 197

CHAP. LXXIV.

The duke of Burgundy is displeased with
the inhabitants of Antwerp 203

CHAP. LXXV.

The French conquer the towns of St Denis
from the English 205

CHAP. LXXVI.

The French, after having agreed to a truce
with the Burgundians on the frontiers of
the Beauvoisis, overrun the Boulonnois
and other parts 208

CHAP. LXXVII.

The cardinals of Santa Croce and of Cyprus
come to Arras, to attend the convention 211

CHAP. LXXVIII.

Louis de Luxembourg, count of St Pol,
espouses Joan of Bar, countess of Marle
and of Soissons 213

CHAP. LXXIX.

The French are defeated near to Rethel, by
the bastard de Humieres 214

CHAP. LXXX.

Ambassadors from the king of England arrive
at Arras to attend the convention 215

CHAP. LXXXI.

Ambassadors from France arrive at Arras to
attend this convention 217

CHAP. LXXXII.

Sir John de Mello, a knight of Spain, and
the lord de Chargny, combat each other
in the presence of the duke of Burgundy
at Arras 223

CHAP. LXXXIII.

The French and Burgundians are on very
amicable terms in Arras 230

CHAP. LXXXIV.

The cardinal of Winchester comes to Arras
to attend the convention 232

CHAP. LXXXV.

During the meeting of the convention at
Arras, La Hire and Poton overrun and
forage the country of the duke of Burgundy 234

CHAP. LXXXVI.

The kings of Arragon and Navarre are defeated,
and made prisoners, before
Gaieta, by the army of the duke of Milan 237

CHAP. LXXXVII.

The cardinal of Winchester and the whole
of the English embassy leave Arras.
Other ambassadors arrive there 240

CHAP. LXXXVIII.

A peace is concluded between Charles king
of France and the duke of Burgundy, in
the city of Arras 241

CHAP. LXXXIX.

The English lay siege to the town of St Denis,
which in the end surrenders to them
by capitulation 280

CHAP. XC.

Isabella, queen of France, dies in the city
of Paris 285

CHAP. XCI.

The cardinals, and the ambassadors from
the council, leave Arras. The duke of
Burgundy appoints different officers to
the towns and fortresses that had been
conceded to him by the peace 286

CHAP. XCII.

In consequence of the peace of Arras, the
duke of Burgundy sends some of his
council, and heralds, to the king of England,
to remonstrate and explain the
causes of the peace he had concluded
with the king of France 288

CHAP. XCIII.

The populace of Amiens rise against the
levying of some taxes which were intended
to be laid on them 294

CHAP. XCIV.

The French overrun and pillage the country
of the duke of Burgundy after the peace
of Arras. The marshal de Rieux takes
many towns and castles from the English
in Normandy 300

CHAP. XCV.

The English suspect the Burgundians who
are waging war with them against the
king of France: they no longer converse
or keep company with them. Other matters
briefly spoken of 306

CHAP. XCVI.

King Henry sends letters to the Hollanders,
to draw them to his party. A copy of
these letters 310

CHAP. XCVII.

The duke of Burgundy determines to make
war on the English 313

CHAP. XCVIII.

The duke of Burgundy, by the advice of
his privy counsellors, resolves to make
an attempt to conquer Calais 318

CHAP. XCIX.

The city of Paris is reduced to the obedience
of Charles king of France 324

CHAP. C.

Arthur count de Richemont, constable of
France, makes war on the heir of Commercy 330

CHAP. CI.

The bishop of Liege and the Liegeois destroy
Bousseuvre, and other forts that had
made war against them 334

CHAP. CII.

The town and castle of Orchimont are destroyed
by Everard de la Marche 340

CHAP. CIII.

The English make excursions from Calais
toward Boulogne and Gravelines. La
Hire conquers Gisors, and loses it soon
afterwards 342

CHAP. CIV.

The men of Ghent, and the Flemings,
make great preparations for the siege of
Calais 344

CHAP. CV.

Sir John de Croy, bailiff of Hainault, in
conjunction with other captains, attack
the English and are discomfited by them 348

CHAP. CVI.

The Flemings march to the siege of Calais--and
march back again 352

CHAP. CVII.

Sir Florimont de Brimeu, seneschal of Ponthieu,
conquers the town of Crotoy 382

CHAP. CVIII.

Humphry duke of Glocester arrives at Calais
with a large armament. He enters
Flanders, Artois, and other territories of
the duke of Burgundy, and does much
damage to them 385

CHAP. CIX.

The Flemings again take up arms, after
their retreat from Calais to their towns 388

CHAP. CX.

La Hire conquers the town and castle of
Soissons. Other matters 395

CHAP. CXI.

The duchess of Bedford, sister to the count
de St Pol, re-marries of her own free
will. The king of Sicily negotiates with
the duke of Burgundy for his liberty.
The English recover the town of Pontoise 397

HERE BEGINNETH

THE SEVENTH VOLUME

OF THE

CHRONICLES

OF

_ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET_.

[A.D. 1431.]

CHAP. I.

SOME CAPTAINS ATTACHED TO SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG SURPRISE THE CASTLE OF ST MARTIN, WHEREIN THEY ARE ALL TAKEN AND SLAIN.

At the commencement of this year, some of the captains attached to sir John de Luxembourg, such as sir Simon de Lalain, Bertrand de Manicain, Enguerrand de Crequi, Enguerrand de Gribauval marched from the borders of the Laonnois with four hundred combatants to the abbey of St Vincent, near Laon, wherein were a body of French. They gained it by surprise, and on their entrance they set up a loud shout, which awakened part of the enemy within a strong gateway, who instantly defended themselves with vigour; and, during this, the lord de Pennesac, then in Laon, was told what had happened. He immediately collected a force to succour those in the gate, who were gallantly defending themselves; and his men at arms, enraged to find the enemy so near, lost no time in putting on their armour.

They soon marched out of Laon to the assistance of their friends then fighting; but a part of the Burgundians, without finishing their enterprise, or providing for what might happen, had quitted the combat to plunder the abbey. They were, therefore, unexpectedly attacked by these men at arms, and with such vigour that they were totally defeated, and sixty of the principal were left dead on the spot: in the number were Bertrand de Manicain and Enguerrand de Gribauval. The last offered a large ransom for his life; but it was refused, by reason of the great hatred the common people bore him for the very many mischiefs he had long before done them.

Sir Simon de Lalain was made prisoner, and had his life spared through the means of a gallant youth of the garrison named Archanciel, who was much beloved by the commonalty. Enguerrand de Crequi was taken at the same time with sir Simon and a few others; but the remainder, witnessing their ill success, retreated to the places whence they had come.

Sir John de Luxembourg was much afflicted at this event, and not without cause, for he had lost in the affair some of his ablest captains. The brother of the lord de Pennesac, called James, was killed.

At the same time, the castle of Rambures, belonging to the lord de Rambures, then a prisoner in England, was won by the French, under the command of Charles des Marests, who took it by scalado. Ferry de Mailly was the governor of it for king Henry. The French, by this capture, opened a free communication with the country of Vimeu and those adjoining, as shall hereafter be shewn.

CHAP. II.

POTON DE SAINTRAILLES AND SIR LOUIS DE VAUCOURT ARE MADE PRISONERS BY THE ENGLISH.

In this year, the marshal de Bousac, Poton de Saintrailles, sir Louis de Vaucourt, and others of king Charles's captains, set out from Beauvais with about eight hundred combatants to seek adventures, and to forage the country near to Gournay. With them was a very young shepherd's boy, who was desirous to raise his name in the same way that the Maid had done.

The earl of Warwick had notice of their march, and collected with all haste about six hundred fighting men, whom he led toward Beauvais to meet the enemy. He came up with them, unexpectedly, near to Gournay, and commenced a sharp conflict, in which so little resistance was made by the French that they were soon put to the rout, and Poton de Saintrailles, sir Louis de Vaucourt, and about sixty combatants, were made prisoners. The rest, with the exception of eight or ten who were slain, made their escape with the marshal to Beauvais.

The English pursued them to the walls of that town, when the earl of Warwick, assembling his men, returned to Gournay, happy at his good success; and thence he went to the duke of Bedford in Rouen, by whom he was joyfully congratulated on his victory.

CHAP. III.

MAILLOTIN DE BOURS AND SIR HECTOR DE FLAVY FIGHT TOGETHER IN THE TOWN OF ARRAS.

On the 20th day of June in this year, a combat took place in the town of Arras, and in the presence of the duke of Burgundy, between Maillotin de Bours, appellant, and sir Hector de Flavy, defendant. Maillotin had charged sir Hector, before the duke of Burgundy, with having said, that he was desirous of becoming the duke's enemy, and of turning to the party of king Charles; and also, that he had required of him to accompany him in his flight, and to seize Guy Guillebaut, the duke's treasurer, or some other wealthy prisoner, to pay for their expenses.

The duke, on this charge, had ordered Maillotin to arrest sir Hector, and bring him prisoner to Arras, which he did in the following manner. Having received this order, he went, accompanied by a competent number of men, to a village near Corbie called Bonnay, and thence sent to sir Hector to come to him. Sir Hector, not knowing that any accusations had been made against him, came thither with a very few attendants, for Maillotin had pretended that he wanted only to speak with him; but no sooner did he appear than he laid hands on him, and carried him prisoner to Arras, where he remained in confinement a considerable time. However, by the exertions of his friends, he was conducted to the presence of the duke in Hesdin,--when he ably defended himself against the charges brought against him, and declared that it was Maillotin himself who made the proposals that he had mentioned. Words at last ran so high that Maillotin threw down his glove, which sir Hector, by leave of the prince, took up. The 20th day of June was fixed on for the combat, and there might be forty days before its arrival. Sufficient pledges were mutually given for their due appearance in person on the appointed day.

The duke of Burgundy came from his palace in Arras about ten o'clock of the 20th of June, grandly attended by his nobles and chivalry, to the seat which had been prepared for him in the centre of the lists, in the great market-square, the usual place for tournaments. The counts de St Pol, de Ligny, and others of rank, entered the seat with the duke. Two handsome tents were pitched at each end of the lists, and without them were two great chairs of wood for the champions to repose in. That of Maillotin, as appellant, was on the right hand of the duke, and sir Hector's on the left. Sir Hector's tent was very richly ornamented with sixteen emblazoned quarterings of his arms, and of those of his ancestors, on each side. There was also a representation of a sepulchre, because sir Hector had been made a knight at the holy sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Shortly afterward, Maillotin was summoned by the king at arms to appear in person and fulfil his engagements. About eleven o'clock, he left his mansion, accompanied by the lord de Chargny, the lord de Humieres, sir Peter Quierel lord de Ramencourt, and many other gentlemen, his relations and friends. He was mounted on a horse covered with the emblazonments of his arms, having on plain armour, his helmet on and his vizor closed, holding in one hand his lance and in the other one of his two swords; for he was provided with two, and a large dagger hanging by his side. His horse was led by the bridle by two knights on foot; and on his arrival at the barriers, he made the usual oaths in the hands of sir James de Brimeu, who had been appointed for the purpose. This done, the barriers were thrown open, and he entered with his companions on foot, who then presented themselves before the duke of Burgundy. After this, he rode to his chair, where he dismounted, and entered his pavilion to repose himself and wait his adversary. The lord de Chargny, who was his manager to instruct him how to act, entered the tent with him, as did a few of his confidential friends.

Artois, king at arms, now summoned sir Hector de Flavy in the same manner as he had done the other; and within a quarter of an hour sir Hector left his house and came to the barriers on horseback, fully armed like his opponent, grandly accompanied by gentlemen, among whom were the two sons of the count de St Pol, Louis and Thibault, who led sir Hector's horse by the bridle. The other lords followed behind on foot, namely, the lord d'Antoing, the vidame of Amiens, John de Flavy, brother to sir Hector, Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Chargny, the lord de Saveuses, sir John de Fosseux, the lord de Crevecoeur, and many more nobles and esquires of rank. On sir Hector's arrival at the barriers, he took the oath, and then presented himself to the duke. He went to his chair, dismounted, and entered his pavilion. Soon after, they both advanced on foot before the duke, and swore on the evangelists that their quarrel was good, and that they would combat fairly, and then returned again to their pavilions.

Proclamation was now made by the king at arms for all persons, under pain of death, to quit the lists, excepting such as had been charged to guard them. The prince had ordered that eight persons on each side, relations or friends of the champions, should remain within the lists unarmed, in addition to the eight that had been before appointed to raise them, or put an end to the combat, according to the prince's pleasure.

The chairs being removed, proclamation was again made for the champions to advance and do their duty. On hearing this, Maillotin de Bours, as appellant, first stepped forth, and then sir Hector, each grasping their lances handsomely. On their approach, they threw them, but without either hitting. They then, with great signs of courage, drew nearer, and began the combat with swords. Sir Hector, more than once, raised the vizor of his adversary's helmet by his blows, so that his face was plainly seen, which caused the spectators to believe sir Hector had the best of the combat. Maillotin, however, without being any way discouraged, soon closed it, by striking it down with the pummel of his sword, and retreating a few paces.

The two champions shewed the utmost valour; but at this moment, before any blood had been drawn, the duke ordered further proceedings to be stopped, which was instantly done by those who had been commissioned for the purpose. They were commanded to withdraw to their lodgings, which they obeyed, by quitting the lists at opposite ends; and on the morrow they dined at the duke's table, sir Hector sitting on his right hand. When dinner was over, the duke ordered them, under pain of capital punishment, to attempt nothing further against each other, their friends or allies, and to lay aside all the malice and hatred that was between them. In confirmation of which, he made them shake hands.

CHAP. IV.

SOME OF KING CHARLES'S CAPTAINS MAKE AN ATTEMPT ON CORBIE.

About this time, some of king Charles's captains, namely, the lord de Longueval, Anthony de Chabannes, Blanchefort, Alain Guion, and others, advanced to the town of Corbie, thinking to take it by surprise. By the activity of the abbot, the place was well defended; and it was also succoured by John de Humieres, Enguerrand de Gribauval, with some more gentlemen in their company, so that the French were repulsed with the loss of many of their men. Alain Guion was so badly wounded that he was in great peril of death. They caused, however, a very handsome suburb toward Fouilloy to be burnt. They retreated to forage the countries on the banks of the Somme, where they took the castles of Morcourt and Lyon belonging to the lord de Longueval, committing also much damage to the lands.

They soon quitted these castles, for fear of being besieged in them, and returned to the places they had come from; but the duke of Burgundy, on their departure, had them razed to the ground.

CHAP. V.

THE LORD DE BARBASAN LAYS SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF ANGLURE, HELD BY THE BURGUNDIANS.

In this year, the lord de Barbasan, who had resided a considerable time with the duke of Bar on the borders of Champagne, laid siege to the Burgundians in the castle of Anglure,[1]--and he had approached so near as to batter the walls with his cannon and other artillery. The duke of Bedford, on hearing this, sent to their relief the earl of Arundel, with the eldest son of the earl of Warwick, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, the lord de Châtillon, the lord de Bonneul, and other captains, with sixteen hundred men. After some days march, they came to Anglure, and found that the lord de Barbasan, having had intelligence of their motions, had retreated to a strong post, which he had also strengthened by outworks.

Some skirmishes took place, in which from sixteen to twenty men were killed on both sides, and the lord de l'Isle-Adam was wounded. The English and Burgundians, seeing that they could not force the enemy to battle without great disadvantage to themselves, withdrew the garrison, with the lady of the castle, and set fire to it; after which, they returned to Paris, and to the other parts whence they had come.

The lord de Barbasan had been constituted by king Charles governor of the countries of Brie, the Laonnois and Champagne. Before he laid siege to Anglure, he had conquered Noeville in the Laonnois, Voisines and other places. He had remained about a month before this castle of Anglure, having with him the lord de Conflans, sir John bastard de Dampierre, and a great number of common people.

When the English and Burgundians were on their march to raise this siege, in one of the many skirmishes, the French gained possession of the outworks of the castle,--but were soon driven thence by the English, who in consequence set the castle on fire, as has been related.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Anglure, eight leagues to the north of Troyes.]

CHAP. VI.

THE MAID OF ORLEANS IS CONDEMNED TO BE PUT TO DEATH AND BURNT AT ROUEN.

Joan the Maid had sentence of death passed on her in the city of Rouen, information of which was sent by the king of England to the duke of Burgundy, a copy of whose letter now follows:

'Most dear and well beloved uncle, the very fervent love we know you to bear, as a true Catholic, to our holy mother the church, and your zeal for the exaltation of the faith, induces us to signify to you by writing, that in honour of the above, an act has lately taken place at Rouen, which will tend, as we hope, to the strengthening of the catholic faith, and the extirpation of pestilential heresies.

'It is well known, from common report, and otherwise, that the woman, erroneously called the Maid, has, for upward of two years, contrary to the divine law, and to the decency becoming her sex, worn the dress of a man, a thing abominable before God; and in this state she joined our adversary and yours, giving him, as well as those of his party, churchmen and nobles, to understand that she was sent as a messenger from Heaven,--and presumptuously vaunting that she had personal and visible communications with St Michael, and with a multitude of angels and saints in paradise, such as St Catherine and St Margaret. By these falsehoods, and by promising future victories, she has estranged the minds of persons of both sexes from the truth, and induced them to the belief of dangerous errors.

'She clothed herself in armour also, assisted by knights and esquires, and raised a banner, on which, through excess of pride and presumption, she demanded to bear the noble and excellent arms of France, which in part she obtained. These she displayed at many conflicts and sieges; and they consisted of a shield having two flower de luces or on a field azure, with a pointed sword surmounted with a crown proper.

'In this state she took the field with large companies of men at arms and archers, to exercise her inhuman cruelties by shedding Christian blood, and stirring up seditions and rebellions of the common people. She encouraged perjuries, superstitions and false doctrines, by permitting herself to be reverenced and honoured as a holy woman, and in various other manners that would be too long to detail, but which have greatly scandalized all Christendom wherever they have been known.

'But divine Mercy having taken pity on a loyal people, and being no longer willing to suffer them to remain under such vain errors and credulities, permitted that this woman should be made prisoner by your army when besieging Compiègne, and through your affection she was transferred to our power.

'On this being known, she was claimed by the bishop in whose diocese she had been taken; and as she had been guilty of the highest treason to the Divine Majesty, we delivered her up to be tried and punished by the usual ecclesiastical judges, not only from respect to our holy mother the church, whose ordinances we shall ever prefer to our own, but also for the exaltation of our faith.

'We were unwilling that the officers of our secular justice should take cognizance of the crime, although it was perfectly lawful for us so to do, considering the great mischiefs, murders, and detestable cruelties, she has committed against our sovereignty, and on a loyal obedient people.

'The bishop having called to his aid in this matter the vicar of the inquisitor of errors and heresies in the faith, with many able doctors in theology and in the canon law, commenced with much solemnity and gravity the trial of the said Joan. After these judges had for several days interrogated her on her crimes, and had maturely considered her confessions and answers, they sent them for the opinion of our beloved daughter the university of Paris, when they all determined that this Joan was superstitious, a sorceress of the devil, a blasphemer of God and of his saints, a schismatic, and guilty of many errors against the faith of Jesus Christ.

'To recal her to the universal faith of our holy church, to purge her from her pernicious errors, and to save her soul from perpetual damnation, and to induce her to return to the way of truth, she was long and frequently charitably preached to; but that dangerous and obstinate spirit of pride and presumption, which is alway endeavouring to prevent the unity and safety of Christians, held the said Joan so fast bound that no arguments nor exhortations could soften the hardness of her heart, so that she boasted that all which she had done was meritorious, and that it had been done by the command of God and the aforesaid holy virgins, who had personally appeared to her. But what was worse, she refused to acknowledge any power on earth but God and his saints, denying the authority of our holy father the pope, and of the general councils of the universal church militant.

'The ecclesiastical judges, witnessing her obstinacy and hardness of heart, had her brought forth before the people, who, with the clergy, were assembled in great numbers, when she was again preached to by an able divine. Having been plainly warned of the doctrines of our holy religion, and the consequences of heresies and erroneous opinions concerning it to the welfare of mankind, she was charitably admonished to make her peace with the church, and renounce her errors, but she remained as obstinate as before.

'The judges, having considered her conduct, proceeded to pronounce sentence upon her, according to the heinousness of her crimes; but before it was read her courage seemed to fail her, and she said she was willing to return to the church. This was heard with pleasure by the judges, clergy and spectators, who received her kindly, hoping by this means to preserve her soul from perdition.

'She now submitted herself to the ordinances of the church, and publicly renounced and abjured her detestable crimes, signing with her own hand the schedule of her recantation and abjuration. Thus was our merciful mother the church rejoiced at the sinner doing penance, anxious to recover the lost sheep that had wandered in the desert. Joan was ordered to perform her penance in close confinement.

'But these good dispositions did not last long; for her presumptuous pride seemed to have acquired greater force than before,--and she relapsed, with the utmost obstinacy, into all those errors which she had publicly renounced. For this cause, and that she might not contaminate the sound members of our holy communion, she was again publicly preached to; and, proving obstinate, she was delivered over to the secular arm, who instantly condemned her to be burnt. Seeing her end approach, she fully acknowledged and confessed that the spirits which had appeared to her were often lying and wicked ones; that the promises they had made to set her at liberty were false,--and that she had been deceived and mocked by them.

'She was publicly led to the old market-place in Rouen, and there burnt in the presence of the people!'

This notice of her sentence and execution was sent by the king of England to the duke of Burgundy, that it might be published by him for the information of his subjects, that all may henceforward be advised not to put faith in such or similar errors as had governed the heart of the Maid.

CHAP. VII.

THE GENERAL COUNCIL IS CONTINUED AT BASIL, BY THE SOLICITATIONS OF THE EMPEROR.

In this year, a general council of the holy church, which had been moved for during the pontificate of pope Martin, was ordered by the pope to be held in the city of Basil. Basil is a handsome city, abounding in wealth, and seated on the banks of the Rhine; whither came crowds from all parts to attend the council, more especially many notable clerks from the university of Paris, and numberless ambassadors from the emperor of Germany, different kings, princes and prelates.

Pope Eugenius, however, was desirous of deferring this council for a year and a half, and wished to have it transferred to Bologna la Grassa, for the accommodation of the Greeks, who he was in hopes would attend it. The emperor, when he heard of this, wrote letters to the pope, containing in substance as follows.

In the first place, he was unwilling that the council should be transferred from Basil, or any way delayed on account of the Greeks; for as much pains had been taken in vain to unite them with the holy church, it would be better to extirpate reigning heresies.

Item, the members of the council had written to those of Prague called Hussites to attend this council,--and he, the emperor, had likewise written to them, and sent them passports for their coming and return. The Hussites had shewn intentions of compliance with these requests, for they had suffered great losses in Hungary, having been twice defeated by the duke of Austria.

Item, as the Hussites knew that this council was chiefly held for the abolition of their heresies, could it be expected that any sincere conversions would take effect, without the points of the disputed doctrines having been fully and publicly argued?

Item, should it happen that they be converted by force of reason, as the members of the council are from various countries, they will admonish their countrymen when returned to destroy these Hussites.

Item, because the Hussites declare their sect to be founded on the Holy Scriptures, should the council be delayed, they will naturally conclude that this is done through a consciousness of inability to controvert their doctrines, and will become more hardened and obstinate in their errors.

Item, because common report has bruited it abroad that this council was assembled for the reformation of public manners and the state of the church, it is to be feared that many who have loudly spoken of these matters will say, if the council be adjourned, that it is a mockery and farce, and will end as unprofitably to the church as those of Pisa and of Constance.

Item, since this council has been called to appease dissentions that have arisen between the clergy and laity in many towns of Christendom,--and since the members have summoned the attendance of several of the chief inhabitants of different towns in Saxony, particularly of Magdebourg, who had expelled the bishop and his clergy from their town, and of others who had rebelled against their bishops because they leaned to the doctrines of the Hussites,--it is to be feared, should the council be deferred, that they will form such strong connexions with the Hussites that it will be no longer possible to remedy the mischief.

Item, although several towns and princes situated amidst these heretics have made truces with them, nevertheless the majority of them are firmly united with the Hussites, in hopes that the council will decide on their doctrines; but should they find it is adjourned for so long a time as a year and a half, they will be for ever lost to the church.

Item, it was hoped that this council would employ itself in the pacification of many kings and princes now waging war against each other, and in taking proper measures for a secure and lasting peace. Should it now separate, these princes would continue a cruel warfare, and no hope remain of again assembling it for the prevention of seditions and heresies, and thus very many things profitable to the Christian church will be delayed, if not totally obstructed; and greater slanders and mischiefs will arise than he was willing to write.

These arguments having been adduced in the letters from the emperor, he thus concludes:

'We therefore require of your holiness, that you instantly write to the president and members of the council, that they do not on any account separate, but that they do accomplish that which they have begun, and for which they have been assembled in the name of the Lord,--and that you do recal and annul whatever you may have written to the contrary. Have the goodness to consider also that the heretics are increasing in arms, and that if you do not disband them by clerical measures, and replace them in their primitive state, there will not be left a possibility of doing it by any other means whatever.

'Those who have advised you to adjourn the council have not assuredly understood the grievous evils that may result from that measure. Would to God they were sensible of the dangerous consequences at this moment arising from delay! Should they fear that laics would usurp power belonging to the church, they would deceive themselves,--for this is only a subtlety to retard the council; which measure, if carried into effect, would indeed force the laics to act against the church.

'This can only be prevented by continuing the sittings of the council; for then the laics will be effectually restrained, when they shall see the clergy abstain from all considerations of personal profit. You should also consider, that perhaps the holy council will not consent to adjourn itself, and that in this it will be followed by the kings, princes and common people; and your holiness, who has hitherto been held in respect, and considered as spotless by the members of the Christian church, will fall under suspicion, and your mandates be disregarded. For this adjournment, without any essential cause, will stain your innocence; and it may be said that you nourish heresies among Christians, a perseverance in wickedness and in the sins of the people. Disobedience may therefore be consequently expected to the church of God; for there are some who will not scruple to publish that you have been the cause of these evils,--and many more than you are aware of will agree with them.

'It would be very useful and good, if your holiness would attend the council in person; but if that cannot be, send your immediate commands for it to continue its sittings in the manner in which it has commenced; for there are measures before it affecting the very vitals of Christianity that can not, and ought not, to suffer a moment's delay.

'Should your holiness require, in future, any measures to be discussed that do not demand such haste, such as touching an union with the Greek church, another council may be called better inclined towards it; for should this council be now dissolved, it is to be doubted whether another can be assembled within the eighteen months, from events that may arise.

'Your holiness will be pleased to weigh maturely all that we have written to you, and give directions for the continuation of this council; and have the goodness to receive our admonitions paternally and kindly, for it has been our conscience, and the great difficulties into which the church of God has fallen, and also our anxiety that your character may not be liable to the least suspicion, that have urged us to make them. This we will more clearly demonstrate to you when we shall be in your presence, which we hope will shortly happen.'

This remonstrance had its due effect on the holy father, who re-established the council at Basil, which was attended by great multitudes of ecclesiastical and secular lords, ambassadors, princes and prelates, and common people out of number.

CHAP. VIII.

THE DUKE OF BAR ENTERS THE COUNTY OF VAUDEMONT TO CONQUER IT BY FORCE.

I have before mentioned that a serious quarrel[2] had taken place between René duke of Bar and Anthony de Lorraine count de Vaudemont. In consequence thereof, the duke of Bar had collected a great body of men at arms, as well from his own duchy as from other parts of Germany, to the amount of six thousand men. The principal leaders were the counts de Salmes, de Salivines and de Linanges, the bishop of Metz, sir Thibaut de Barbey, and other noble men of high rank. The duke had also with him that gallant and renowned knight the lord de Barbasan, by whose advice he ordered his army,--for he had great knowledge and experience in war.

Having provided a sufficiency of artillery, provision and stores, the duke marched his army before Vaudemont[3], the capital of that country, which was naturally strong, and had been repaired with additional fortifications, by the count, who had likewise well victualled and garrisoned it, knowing that it was intended to be attacked by his enemies.

He had appointed, as governors in his absence, Gerard de Passenchault, bailiff of the county, and Henry de Fouquencourt, who made great exertions to put the place in a proper state of defence. They were, however, in spite of their efforts, soon besieged on all sides, by reason of the superior numbers of their enemies.

The besiegers also overran and destroyed by fire and sword most part of the county of Vaudemont, which, although very vexatious to the count, he could no way resist for the present. He garrisoned all his strong places as well as he could, and resolved to wait on duke Philip of Burgundy, whose party he had alway supported, and humbly request aid from him to deliver his country from his enemies.

He found the duke in Flanders, to whom having told his distress, the duke replied, that he would willingly lay the case before his council, and give him a speedy answer, and the best assistance he could afford. A short time before the count's arrival, sir Anthony de Toulongeon, the marshal of Burgundy, and other noble persons from that country, had come to remonstrate with the duke on the state of affairs in that duchy, and on the devastations there done by his enemies the French and Bourbonnois, who were daily committing murders and mischiefs by fire and sword, having already conquered some of his towns and castles, and intending further inroads unless they were checked.

They earnestly solicited that he would, for the salvation of the country, send thither some of his Picard-captains, accompanied by a certain number of men at arms, more particularly archers, of whom, they said, they were in much need.

The duke held several councils on these two demands, and on the means of complying with them. They caused many debates,--and his ministers urged the necessity of non-compliance, saying that the French were on the borders of Picardy, eager to make an inroad on Artois, and the moment they should know that his Picards had left their country, they might do him very great mischief. Notwithstanding all the dangers that might ensue, it was resolved, as a matter of necessity, that a thousand or twelve hundred combatants should be given to the marshal, who should have the chief command, with the Picardy-captains under him; and when they were arrived in Burgundy, they should afford the count de Vaudemont the strongest support they could.

When this had been resolved upon, it was necessary to seek for captains to conduct the expedition; for there were few of any rank willing to undertake it, because it was to a distant country, where the enemy was in great force,--and they did not expect to be well paid, according to the custom in those parts. However, the duke of Burgundy, the count of Vaudemont, and others of weight in Picardy, determined to accept of such as they could find willing to go; and they sounded Matthieu de Humieres, Robinet de Huchechien, the bastard de Fosseux, the bastard de Neufville, Gerard bastard de Brimeu, and some other gentlemen and men at arms of the middle ranks, who had no great properties in their own country, to know if they were inclined to assemble men at arms, and to follow their leader whither he pleased to seek adventures. Some presents and greater promises being added to this proposal, they agreed to accept of the offers.

They collected, therefore, about the beginning of May, as many men at arms as they could, in various parts, to the amount of a thousand or twelve hundred, and had the duke of Burgundy's commands to keep them on foot for a certain time: the most of them were poor soldiers, accustomed to support themselves by living on their neighbours, when they could not find wherewithal in their own countries, but strong, healthy and vigorous, and accustomed to war.

When they were assembled in companies, they marched for the Cambresis, and were mustered in a large village called Solames, belonging to the abbot of St Denis in France. They thence advanced under the command of the marshal, and other burgundian lords, to Rethel, where they received a proportion of their pay, and thence returned through St Menehould to Burgundy, where they remained some little time, waiting until the burgundian forces were ready.

In the mean time, while these preparations were going forward, the duke of Bar was besieging, with his numerous army, the town of Vaudemont. He had remained before it for three complete months, and had greatly damaged the walls by his cannon and other engines. The besieged were in the utmost distress; but, as they had hopes of being speedily relieved by the count, from whom they had secret messages, they bore all with much patience. Their two governors made great exertions to defend the place, that their lord might not reproach them with having any way neglected their duty.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 2: The duchy of Bar having passed to the house of Anjou, Réné, in the year 1431, sent his bailiffs from Bar and St Michel to receive from Anthony of Lorraine count de Vaudemont, his acknowledgment of him as lord paramount. The duke insisted on having full obedience of all places within the county that had been held as fiefs from the dukes of Bar, under pain of confiscation. _Dict. de Martiniere._ This was probably the cause of quarrel.]

[Footnote 3: Vaudemont,--a small town in Lorraine. It had been the capital of the county, but had given up that honour to the little town of Vezelize.]

CHAP. IX.

THE DUKE OF BAR IS COMBATED BY THE COUNT DE VAUDEMONT AND DEFEATED.

When the marshal of Burgundy had assembled all his men, he marched them toward Langres; and thence the Burgundians and Picards advanced toward the Barrois, where they were joined by the count de Vaudemont with all the forces he could collect. When united, they might amount to about four thousand combatants; and their chief captains were the said Anthony de Toulongeon marshal of Burgundy, the count de Vaudemont, the lord d'Antoing, Gerard de Marigny, the count de Fribourg, the lord de Mirabeau, the lord de Sez, the lord de Roland, sir Imbert Marechal, a Savoyard, the bastard du Vergy, Matthieu de Humieres, nephew to the above-mentioned lord d'Antoing, sir John de Cardonne lord de Bichancourt, Boort de Bazentin, a gallant english knight called sir John Ladan, and sir Thomas Gergeras.

Sir John Ladan was governor of Montigny-le-Roi, and had with him six score combatants at the least, with many notable gentlemen renowned and expert in war. They advanced in handsome array into the Barrois, followed by sixteen or twenty carts laden with stores and provision.

They announced their entrance into the Barrois by setting fire to different parts of that country; and thus they advanced to a large village called Sandacourt, within seven leagues of their adversaries, where they arrived on a Saturday night. On the morrow, Sunday, they expected an attack from the enemy, and, consequently, they formed their men in order of battle, and remained in this state the most part of that day, having their archers posted behind sharp stakes to prevent the charge of the cavalry. As the enemy did not appear, they retired, about vespers, to the village to refresh themselves, and called a council to consider how they should act. It was resolved, that since from the badness of the roads, and from the country being so intersected with hedges, they could not, without danger, march to meet the enemy, who were superior to them in numbers, they should return through the Barrois to Burgundy, destroy the country they marched through, and reinforce themselves with men and every thing necessary to enable them to combat the enemy.

This resolution was very displeasing to the count de Vaudemont, but he was, through necessity, forced to abide by it. The captains then ordered all things to be packed and ready for the march on the ensuing day, Monday, the feast of St Martin in the summer; but the duke of Bar, having heard of their arrival, quitted the siege of Vaudemont, leaving a sufficient body to blockade it until his return, and marched his army to offer them battle before they were reinforced.

His strength consisted of about six thousand combatants, under some of the highest rank in Bar, Lorraine and Germany, and advanced in handsome array. The scouts of the marshal of Burgundy fell in with those of the duke of Bar, attacked and conquered them; and this was the first intelligence the marshal had of their intentions.