Chapter V: Part 5

When they had fully deliberated in a general council how they should act, they caused thirty carts to be laden with artillery, provision and warlike stores, and then left Abbeville in handsome array, and marched to Eu[62]. The bastard of Bourbon and La Hire commanded the vanguard. From Eu they marched to quarter the greater part of their force at Le Bourg-d'Un[63],--and the count was lodged at St Aubin en Caux[64]; but this same day, about vespers, the lord de Gaucourt, having remained behind, was made prisoner by about eighteen English, who had watched his steps, and carried him off to the castle of Neufchâtel[65] de Hincourt He afterwards regained his liberty, on paying a large sum of money for his ransom.

The count d'Eu had intelligence while at St Aubin, that the English had taken master John de la Motte, whom he had sent to inform the garrison of Harfleur of the relief he was bringing them; and this very day, the English sent pursuivants to say, that they would advance to combat the French before they proceeded further,--which, however, they did not do. On this account, the French advanced their whole force to Fauville en Caux[66], two leagues nearer their adversaries. On the morrow, at day-break, they marched to Montivilliers[67], which was under their obedience, and there learnt for certain that the English had not broken up their siege.

This day the count d'Eu went to reconnoitre the enemy, escorted by about one hundred chosen horsemen mounted on the flower of their cavalry, when some sharp skirmishing took place between them and a party of English. On his return, he called a council of his ablest captains, to consider how they should act,--and they lamented the loss of the lord de Gaucourt, who, from his great experience in such matters, would have ably advised them. It was resolved in this council, that the count should embark with a certain number of combatants, and attack the enemy on the side of Caux; that the bastard of Orleans should do so, with another detachment, on the opposite side; and that the Picards should advance on foot, with pontoons to throw over the ditches which the english had made round their camp; and that all these operations should commence as nearly as possible at the same instant of time. La Hire and the rest of the captains were to remain on horseback with their men, ready to succour those that might stand in need of support.

When these orders had been given, every one made his preparations for executing them on the ensuing day. The attack first commenced on the quarters of the lord Talbot, and was very sharp, lasting for more than half an hour; but the assailants, though they fought valiantly, made little impression, from the superior resistance of the English, and because their pontoons were too short for them to cross the ditches. On the other hand, the enemy was advantageously posted,--and their archers, who were very numerous, shot so well and briskly that they wounded and killed great numbers with their arrows. Among the slain were two valiant knights, sir John de Chailly, lord of Chambois, and sir Harpin de Richames, governor of Rue[68], and a few more.

At this attack, some new french knights were made,--such as John d'Ailly, Guillaume le Jeune, and others. While this was going forward, the English to the amount of five hundred, charged the infantry, but were soon repulsed by the cavalry, with the loss of forty or fifty slain. The garrison now made a sally on the guard before the gate, and killed about thirty.

The count d'Eu made a fruitless attempt with his men on the side near the sea, for the English had so strongly fortified every point where he could land that it was labour in vain; and after losing some of their vessels, which had grounded, they retreated to Montivilliers. The infantry likewise retreated thither, finding that they could not gain any advantage.

The French remained eight days at Montivilliers, in great want of provisions for themselves and their horses, waiting to see if they could any way afford assistance to the besieged,--and during this time many skirmishes took place. The count d'Eu sent proposals to the earl of Somerset, to decide the raising of the siege on a personal combat with him, or of one hundred men against a hundred Englishmen; but neither was accepted, because the earl knew full well that the garrison and inhabitants were so much distressed by famine that they must, within a few days, surrender at discretion. The earl and the other captains considered also the very great expence their king had been at for this siege, and, when so near gaining their object, would not put the risk of losing it to the chance of a battle, at the request of their adversaries.

The French then, from their great want of victual, and from the superior numbers of the English, seeing the impossibility of relieving the town, concluded unanimously to return whence they had come as speedily as they could. They were forced to this from want of food for themselves and their horses, which was not to be had for any consideration; but, before their departure, they requested a passport from the enemy for the lord de Rambures, which was granted.

The lord de Rambures then went to the english camp to treat for the surrender of Harfleur,--and the French and Picards, in the mean time, retreated to Abbeville. On their march, they were met by certain messengers from the duke of Burgundy, to forbid them entering his territories, by reason of the great damages they had done when passing through them before, threatening that if they should set foot in them he would drive them back by force.

They promised not to touch the duke's lands,--but a few broke their word, and entered Ponthieu, drawing toward Amiens, and committed great damages; but the counts d'Estampes and de St Pol, having collected a large force of men at arms, attacked and repulsed them.

Some skirmishes took place on each side; but at length, for certain considerations, they promised to withdraw from the duke's territories and make for Santois, and for the lands of sir John de Luxembourg, threatening to carry thither fire and sword. Sir John was, however, so well provided with troops to resist them that they were happy to pass quietly through his possessions,--for the count de St Pol was hard on their rear, with a very numerous body of men, ready to succour his uncle should there be any need of it. They advanced into Champagne, doing great waste to all the poor people whose countries they passed through, and who were unable to oppose them.

The lord de Rambures concluded a treaty with the earl of Somerset and the other english captains for the surrender of Harfleur, that the inhabitants might depart in safety, each with a white staff in his hand. In like manner was Montivilliers reduced, for it was forced to surrender from want of provisions.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 60: The following note, having been mislaid, was omitted at p. 177, line 7. 'Mortaigne.'

The count de Mortain was going on an expedition to France, when he was counter-ordered to Calais, on account of the duke of Burgundy besieging it. Sir John Radcliffe was lieutenant of the town of Calais, and baron Dudley of the castle.

This count de Mortain is styled, in the treaty of Harcourt between the French and English, A.D. 1438, 'Edmond comte de Dorset, et de Mortain, et de Harcourt, captaine general et governeur de par monseigneur le roi du pays d'Anjou, du Maine, &c.' Dumont, Corps Universel de Diplomatique.]

[Footnote 61: Cousay. Contay.--_Du Cange._]

[Footnote 62: Eu,--a considerable town in Normandy, eight leagues from Abbeville.]

[Footnote 63: Le Bourg-d'Un,--a village in Normandy, near St Valery en Caux.]

[Footnote 64: St Aubin en Caux,--a village in Normandy, near Dieppe.]

[Footnote 65: Neufchâtel,--on the road from Amiens to Rouen, 16 leagues from Amiens.]

[Footnote 66: Fauville,--a market-town in Normandy, in the country of Caux, four leagues from Fêcamp.]

[Footnote 67: Montivilliers,--a town in Normandy, in Caux, two leagues from Harfleur.]

[Footnote 68: Rue,--a town in Picardy, two leagues from St Valery.]

CHAP. XXXVIII.

A VERY GREAT LORD IN BRITTANY, CALLED THE LORD OF RETZ, IS ACCUSED AND CONVICTED OF SORCERY.

In this year, a very extraordinary event happened in Brittany. The lord of Retz, then marshal of France and of a very noble birth, and a great landed proprietor, was accused and convicted of sorcery, which he had long followed, by the instigation of the devil and his adherents. He confessed having put to death many young children and women with child, with the intent of arriving at great fortunes and honours,--and that with the blood of these victims to his superstition, whom he had violently murdered, were written divers books of diabolical conjurations, and other things contrary to the catholic faith.

When he was arrested and examined, he confessed that in this way, he had caused upward of eight score persons of different sexes and ages to be put to death. After a trial before competent judges, he was condemned to be hanged and strangled until he should be dead, and then his body to be burnt.

The duke of Brittany and numbers of the nobility, as well secular as ecclesiastical, were present at this trial in the town of Nantes, where the sentence was executed. However, when the first part of it was done, and his body partly burnt, some ladies and damsels of his family requested the body of the duke, that they might inter it in holy ground, which the duke granted.

Notwithstanding the many and horrid cruelties he had been guilty of, he made a very devout end, full of repentance, requesting most humbly of his Creator to have mercy on his manifold sins and wickednesses. The greater part of the nobles of Brittany, more especially those of his kindred, were in the utmost grief and confusion at his disgraceful death. Before this event, he was much renowned as a most valiant knight at arms.

CHAP. XXXIX.

PIERRE DE REGNAULT, BASTARD-BROTHER TO LA HIRE, GOES ON A FORAGING PARTY TO THE COUNTRY ROUND ABBEVILLE.

About this period, Pierre de Regnault bastard-brother to La Hire, who resided in the castle of Mailly, near to Beauvais, which he had repaired, set out with about eight score combatants, as well horse as foot, to forage the country round Abbeville. He took the castle of Yancourt[69], and the lord within it, whence he carried away every thing that was portable.

Intelligence of this was soon carried to Abbeville, wherein were the lord d'Auxi, Guillaume de Thiembrone, Philip de Vaucourt[70], Guy Gourle[71], and other captains, who no sooner heard it than they armed themselves and their men, and sallied out horse and foot, to the amount of more than three hundred, with the intent of overtaking the marauders and recovering the plunder they had made from the castle of Yancourt.

Pierre de Regnault, having had notice of this assembly, sent to the lord d'Auxi to excuse himself for what he had done, saying, it was only provisions he was seeking,--but this excuse was not admitted. Great discord now arose on the meeting of the two parties,--but Pierre de Regnault, observing that most of those who had come from Abbeville were only common men, charged them furiously; and breaking through them with little resistance, he turned on their rear, and, with great slaughter, totally defeated them.

Twenty or thirty were killed on the spot, and nine were drowned in attempting to cross the Somme,--in which last number was Guy de Gourlay,--and upward of sixty were made prisoners; the principal of whom were sir John de Fay knight of Rhodes, sir Philip de Jaucourt, and sir William de Thiembrone.

After this defeat, Pierre de Regnault returned with his prisoners and booty, unmolested, to his castle of Mailly, and ransomed his prisoners as if they had been Englishmen. He made, during this year, frequent excursions on the territories of the duke of Burgundy, who was very much displeased thereat, and in consequence sent information thereof to king Charles, and complained that those of his party were daily robbing and pillaging his country and subjects, and committing such devastations as were not to be endured, considering that peace had been concluded between them.

The king made answer, that he was equally vexed at such misconduct, and offered many excuses; adding, that he would provide as speedy a remedy for it as he could,--but that he should be no way displeased at the duke if he could arrest any of these marauders and put them to death, or punish them by any other method he might choose.

Notwithstanding this, the same inroads and plundering were continued, to the ruin of the poorer ranks of people.

At the same time, La Hire's companions, who resided in the castle of Bonne near Laon, began to make inroads on Hainault, the Cambresis, and other places dependant on the lord de St Pol, who, dissatisfied with their proceedings, placed a strong garrison in the town of Marle[72] to oppose them.

This garrison one day marched toward Rheims,--and, to secure a passage over the river, took the fort of Bac-a-Bery[73], of no great value, but possessed by La Hire's men. They left about thirty combatants to guard it, under the command of a captain; but within a few days the men of La Hire returned, having been joined by some from the garrisons in the Valois, who had been lately beaten by sir John de Luxembourg, amounting in the whole to full three hundred fighting men.

They instantly attacked the fort, which was soon won, and all within it put to the sword, or forced into the river and drowned,--after which, the French left a stronger garrison in the fort.

Within sixteen days, the vassals of the count de St Pol, and of his uncle sir John de Luxembourg, again assembled in great numbers, with the intent of attacking this garrison in the fort of Bac-a-Bery; but they, having had notice of their coming, abandoned the place before they arrived. The fort was now demolished and razed to the ground.

Thus were the countries about Rheims, Laon, and other parts, sorely oppressed by the inroads of both parties; and this was done by one side, as it has been said, because sir John de Luxembourg would not take the oaths of allegiance to king Charles, and had kept all his garrisons on a war establishment, to prevent them being insulted.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 69: Yancourt,--in Picardy, near Peronne.]

[Footnote 70: Vaucourt. Jaucourt.--MS. Du Cange.]

[Footnote 71: Gourle. De Gourlay.--MS. Du Cange.]

[Footnote 72: Marle,--a town in Picardy, five leagues from Laon.]

[Footnote 73: Bac-a-Berry. Q. Berru? a village in Champagne, diocese of Rheims.]

CHAP. XL.

AMBASSADORS FROM FRANCE, ENGLAND, AND BURGUNDY, MEET AT CALAIS TO TREAT OF A GENERAL PEACE.

In these days, several ambassadors of note were sent by king Charles to St Omer to treat of a peace with the English, who were to come to that town according to their promise of last year. The principal of these were the archbishop of Rheims and of Narbonne, and the count de Dunois bastard of Orleans. On their arrival at St Omer, they were grandly feasted by the duke of Burgundy, and soon after heard that the duke of Orleans was come to Calais, being brought thither by the English: on which they sent to Calais, to know at what place it would be agreeable to them to hold their convention.

The answer returned was, that the English would not quit Calais with the duke of Orleans,--but that, if the french ambassadors would come thither, they would be ready to enter upon the business. Having considered the proposal, the archbishop of Rheims, the count de Dunois, and others, went thither under passports, together with the lord de Crevecœur and the envoys from the duke of Burgundy. On their arrival at Calais, the count de Dunois was conducted to the duke of Orleans his brother who received him with much joy,--and most courteously thanked him for the attentions he had paid to his property during the time of his imprisonment.

After this, the parties met on business several times,--and divers proposals were made respecting the deliverance of the duke of Orleans, and for a general peace; but as they could not agree as to several articles, they appointed another meeting, before which each was to inform his sovereign of the grounds they had laid for a negotiation to establish peace between the two kingdoms.

The French and Burgundians returned to St Omer, and, shortly after, the duke of Orleans was carried back to England.

CHAP. XLI.

THE BARROIS AND LORRAINERS OVERRUN THE COUNTY OF VAUDEMONT, WHERE THEY COMMIT GREAT WASTE AND DESTRUCTION.

While these things were passing, the Barrois and Lorrainers collected a large force, together with some Frenchmen, and marched for the county of Vaudemont, where they carried destruction with fire and sword, committing sacrilege on many churches and doing inestimable mischiefs.

The count de Vaudemont, to avenge himself, not having sufficient forces of his own, sent to demand succour from the duke of Burgundy, and from his son-in-law the lord de Croy, and to beg of them not to delay sending him reinforcements of men at arms. In consequence, sir John de Croy was dispatched to him, accompanied by sir Simon de Lalain, the lords de Launoy and de Maingoual, nephews to the lord de Croy, sir John bastard de Reuly[74], sir Anthony de Wissoch, and other nobles, with a body of one thousand combatants, who fixed their rendezvous at Aubanton[75], and thence marched toward the duchy of Bar, for the Barrois had evacuated the county of Vaudemont.

They continued advancing until they came before the town of Bar-le-Duc[76], in which were the marquis du Pont, son to the king of Sicily, duke of Bar, and others of the nobility of that country. They summoned the marquis to come out and give them battle, for that they were ready and anxious to meet him in the field.

The marquis, by advice of his council, made answer, that he would not combat them at their request and pleasure; but he had that intention in proper time and place, when he should judge most fitting. The Burgundians, on hearing this answer departed thence for a large village, called Longueville[77], where they were met by the count de Vaudemont with all the forces he could muster.

On the morrow, they advanced farther into the duchy of Bar, destroying every thing with fire and sword; and thence into Lorraine, where they despoiled all all that was not secured in the fortified towns and castles; and what was worse, they took by force some churches and committed divers sacrileges. In truth, the count de Vaudemont was so determined on his revenge that he would have continued this cruel treatment throughout the duchies of Lorraine and Bar, had not the lords who had come to his aid been dissatisfied with it.

He could not keep them longer with him, nor indeed his own men; so that after they had been employed on this business for the space of twenty-six days, without meeting with any force to combat, they returned whence they had come, but by another road, after having suffered greatly from want of provision for themselves and their horses.

Such was the mode in which war was carried on between these two great lords, to the ruin and destruction of the poorer people.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 74: Reuly. Rely.--Du Cange.]

[Footnote 75: Aubanton,--a town in Picardy, near Vervins, diocese of Laon.]

[Footnote 76: Bar-le-Duc,--a strong town of Lorraine, on the confines of Champagne.]

[Footnote 77: Longueville,--three leagues north from Faquemont.]

CHAP. XLII.

THE DUKE OF ORLEANS OBTAINS HIS LIBERTY BY MEANS OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, AND MARRIES THE LADY OF CLEVES, NIECE TO THE SAID DUKE.

Several embassies, as you have seen, took place between the kings of France and of England, and the duke of Burgundy, to endeavour to bring about a general peace, and also to obtain the deliverance of the duke of Orleans from his confinement in England. They had, however, been attended with little success for the English held out no hopes of peace, but to the prejudice and loss of the king of France and his realm.

They would not condescend to treat in earnest but on condition that all the conquests they had made in France should remain freely to them, with any dependance whatever on the crown of France, and they particularly insisted on holding the duchies of Guienne and Normandy on these terms. This had prevented the conclusion of a general peace, for neither the king of France nor his council would submit to them.

In regard to the duke of Orleans, the English (as I heard from one who pretended to be acquainted with the secrets of their government) were not desirous that he should gain his liberty; for many persons about the court received very large sums to defray his expenses, and this was the cause why he had been so long detained prisoner. In truth had the king of France, or those who had the management of the duke of Orleans' estates, refused to send over any more money, it is to be supposed that his deliverance would have been sooner effected. Nevertheless, I believe that every thing was done honourably, and with good intentions.

While these negotiations were pending, and afterward, the duke of Burgundy had a great desire to aid the duke of Orleans in his deliverance, as well from their near connexion by blood, as that, on his return to France, they might remain good friends, forgetting all former feuds that had existed between their houses.

In consequence, he caused frequent overtures to be made to the duke of Orleans, and to those who governed him, to learn in what manner he could best assist him for the accomplishment of this purpose; and at the same time, he caused him to be sounded, whether he would be willing to marry his niece, a daughter of the duchess of Cleves his sister, then with him; and also, in case of his deliverance, if he would agree to ally himself with the duke of Burgundy, without taking any measures in times to come against him or his family, in consequence of the former quarrels between their fathers, against their mutual enemies, the king of France and the dauphin alway excepted. The duke of Orleans, considering the long imprisonment he had suffered and might still undergo, readily assented to these propositions.

He gave his promise, on the word of a prince, that if the duke of Burgundy should obtain his liberty, he would instantly espouse his niece, the lady of Cleves, and satisfy the duke completely as to his other proposals. In consequence of this engagement, measures were taken in earnest, for the ransom of the duke of Orleans, with the king of England and his council; when after many delays, it was agreed to by the king of England, on condition that the duke of Burgundy would give security, under his seal, for the due payment of his ransom.

By the conclusion of this treaty, the duke of Orleans obtained his full liberty; and after he had solemnly promised to employ himself earnestly to bring about a general peace, and taken his leave of the king of England and some of the nobility, he set out from London, and arrived at Calais, furnished with ample passports, and thence was conducted to Gravelines, escorted by the lord de Cornewall[78] and sir Robert de Roix[79], and other gentlemen.

The duchess of Burgundy, attended by many great lords and gentlemen, came out of Gravelines to meet him; and both expressed much pleasure on the occasion,--the duke of Orleans for his liberty, and the duchess for his arrival. Within a few days, the duke of Burgundy came thither to see him, when, as before, great joy was testified on each side, and many and frequent embracings took place: indeed their pleasure was so great, on this meeting, that neither could for some time utter a word.

The duke of Orleans broke silence first, and said, 'On my faith, fair brother and cousin, I ought to love you more than all the princes on earth, and my fair cousin the duchess also; for had it not been for you and her, I should have remained for ever in the power of my adversaries,--and I have never found a better friend than you.'

The duke of Burgundy replied, that the not having done it sooner had weighed much on his mind,--for that he had for a considerable time, been desirous of exerting himself for his deliverance. Such was the conversation, often renewed, between these two princes, which rejoiced all that heard it; and every one was glad of the return of the duke of Orleans who had been a prisoner in England since the Friday before All-saints-day in the year of grace 1415, until the month of November in the year 1440.

The ambassadors from the king of France were present at this meeting; the principal of whom were the archbishop of Rheims, lord chancellor of France, the archbishop of Narbonne, the count de Dunois, bastard of Orleans, and some others,--to each of whom, in his turn, the duke of Orleans gave a most gracious reception, but particularly to his brother.

The company thence went by water to St Omer, and were lodged in the abbey of St Bertin, where grand preparations had been made for the reception of the duke of Orleans, who was accompanied by the english lords. He was there received most honourably by the duke of Burgundy and the lords of his household. Great presents were made him by the municipality; and he was daily visited by persons from France and Picardy,--but more from his own territories than elsewhere, who were very much rejoiced at his return.

After some days, the duke of Orleans was requested, on the part of the duke of Burgundy, that he would be pleased to swear to the observance of the treaty of Arras, and take to wife the lady of Cleves, niece to the duke of Burgundy, as had been before treated of and the duke replied, that he was perfectly ready and willing to confirm all that he had promised when a prisoner.

This business being settled, the two dukes entered the choir of the church of St Bertin, with their attendants, whither the treaty of Arras was brought, written in Latin and in French. It was read aloud, first in Latin, then in French, by master James Trançon, archdeacon of Brussels, in the presence of the two dukes the archbishops, bishops, and a great number of knights, esquires, burghers, and officers of each party.

When the reading of it was ended, the duke of Orleans promised and swore on the book of the holy Evangelists, which the said archdeacon held in his hand, faithfully to observe all the articles of the treaty in general, excepting those articles that related to the death of the late duke of Burgundy,--saying, that he was not bounden to exculpate himself from this death, as his mind was no way consenting thereto; that he was perfectly ignorant of the attempt, and had been very much displeased and vexed when he heard of it, as this event had thrown the kingdom of France into greater danger than it had ever experienced.

After this, the count de Dunois was called upon to take a similar oath, who, delaying some little to comply, was instantly commanded by the duke of Orleans to take it, which he then did. The duke then renewed his promise to espouse the lady of Cleves,--and they were immediately betrothed to each other by the archbishop of Narbonne.

Great feastings and every sort of amusement and entertainment now took place; and the duke of Burgundy's purveyors were dispatched to distant countries, to supply provision for the wedding-feast,--and also for that of St Andrew, which the duke had not for some time kept. The duke of Burgundy defrayed the whole of the expenses of the duke of Orleans and of his train.

On the Saturday before St Andrew's day, the duke of Orleans was married to the lady of Cleves; and on the ensuing day, the feast was celebrated, when great crowds of the nobility came thither to view the procession of the lords and ladies to the church. The duke of Burgundy led his niece by her left hand: on the right, behind him, were sir John bastard of St Pol and the lord de Hautbourdin, who held up the sleeve of her robe. A lady supported her train, which was very rich. A little behind came the duke of Orleans leading the duchess of Burgundy, attended by the counts d'Eu, de Nevers, d'Estampes, de Saint Pol, de Dunois, while others of the high nobility and ladies of rank, knights, esquires, and damsels, followed the archbishop of Narbonne, who on what day chaunted mass.

The archbishop was attended by a numerous body of clergy, who made processions round the choir; and there were numbers of kings at arms, heralds and pursuivants, as well as trumpeters, minstrels, and others playing on a variety of musical instruments. All these heralds were dressed in their tabards emblazoned with the arms of their respective lords, and in the number was Garter king at arms from England.

The lord Fanhope and sir Robert Roos, with their attendants, were present at all these ceremonies, to whom the highest honours were paid, and the handsomest reception given: the duke of Burgundy showed particular attention to lord Fanhope, and they went all over the town without hindrance.

When mass was finished the company went to dinner, where the duchess of Orleans was seated at the middle of the table in the great hall: on her right was the archbishop who had celebrated mass, and on her left the duchess of Burgundy. There were also the countesses d'Estampes and de Namur. At other tables were seated ladies and damsels, each according to her rank and degree.

With regard to the two dukes, the english lords, the counts before named, and other chivalry, they all dined together like a troop, and were well and abundantly served from various rich and curious dishes. From dinner they proceeded to view the justs in the market-place, where all the windows round were filled with ladies splendidly dressed. The lord de Vaurin won the prize this day. After supper, justs were again held in the great hall of the abbey of St Bertin, on small horses, when many lances were broken, and it was a fine sight to view.

On the morrow, which was Monday, were divers joyous entertainments and justings, in which the count de St Pol won the ladies' prize.

During these days, many presents were made by the princes to the officers at arms, for which they cried out several times, with a loud voice, 'Largesse!' naming such as had given them a present.

On Tuesday, which was the vigil of St Andrew's day, the duke of Burgundy commenced his feast of the Golden Fleece, by hearing vespers in the choir of the church of St Bertin, accompanied by his brother knights clothed in their mantles, hoods, and in the full dress of the order. Above each of the knights' seats in the choir was an emblazoned tablet of his arms; but there were many knights, not present,--and six had died since the last celebration of this feast.

On the morrow, St Andrew's day, the knights, in handsome array, went to church in procession; and it was wonderous to see the very rich ornaments of the altar, as well as of the choir, so that both English and French marvelled at the great state and splendour of the duke of Burgundy.

After the church service, the duke seated himself at table in the midst of his knights, who were placed in the usual order on one side, and were abundantly well served. In the procession to and from church the oldest knight went last, according to the date of his knighthood.

On Thursday a chapter was held, for the filling up the vacant stalls, of those who were dead, which lasted a considerable time. It was there agreed on unanimously to offer a collar to the duke of Orleans,--and the bishop of Tournay and master Nicholas Raoullin, chancellor of Burgundy, were sent to him, to know if it would be agreeable to him to accept of it. When they had declared the wish to the duke of Burgundy and of his knights companions, the duke of Orleans replied, that he would willingly wear the order, in honour of his fair cousin the duke of Burgundy, and soon after entered the great hall,--whither came the duke of Burgundy with the knights-companions preceded by their officers at arms.

Golden Fleece, king at arms, bore on his arm a mantle and hood of the order, and, on approaching the duke of Orleans sir Hugh de Launoy (who had been deputed for this purpose) addressed him saying,--My most excellent, most puissant and most redoubted lord, my lord duke of Orleans, you see here in your presence my most redoubted lord my lord duke of Burgundy, and my lords his companions of the order of the Golden Fleece who have unanimously resolved, in full chapter, to present to you a collar of the said order, as a testimony of your high renown, prudence and valour, which they humbly entreat you will be pleased to accept of and wear, to promote that fraternal love and friendship which at present exists between you, and that it may be strengthened and preserved.'

The duke of Orleans having replied that he would willingly wear it, the duke of Burgundy advanced with one of the collars in his hand, which he presented to him, and placed round his neck, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and then kissed his cheek. The duke of Orleans then requested the duke would be pleased to wear his order, to which he assented,--and the duke of Orleans then drew a collar of his order from his sleeve, and put it round the duke of Burgundy's neck.

When the duke of Orleans had been dressed in the mantle and hood of the order, he was led to the chapter-house to take the accustomed oaths, and to assist in the election of four other knights; but they were not immediately named, and none but themselves knew to whom the vacant collars were to be given. The greater part of the nobles were much gratified by this exchange of orders, and that so much unanimity and concord existed between these two princes.

Some days afterward, the chapter was renewed, and it was determined to present the dukes of Brittany and of Alençon each with a collar; and Golden Fleece, king at arms was ordered to carry to them letters from the duke of Burgundy and the knights-companions, to inform them of their election. The king at arms performed his message punctually; and the two lords received the collars with pleasure, giving him for his trouble such rich presents as satisfied him.

When all these feasts were over, the lord Fanhope departed, with his attendants, from St Omer, and, by way of Calais, returned to England; but sir Robert Roos remained with the duke of Orleans, with the intent of accompanying him to the king of France, having been commissioned on an embassy to him by the king of England.

During these times, some of the principal inhabitants of Bruges came to St Omer, as they were very anxious for their lord the duke of Burgundy, in whose good graces they were not thoroughly established, to come to their town; for although a reconciliation had indeed taken place, he had declared that he would never enter their town again unless he were conducted thither by a greater lord than himself. The bruges men therefore, humbly solicited the duke of Orleans that he would out of his grace, request the duke of Burgundy to go thither, and that he would be pleased to conduct him.

The duke of Orleans granted their request,--and the duke of Burgundy having assented, they both made preparations for their journey to Bruges, where they were most joyfully received. The town of Bruges made such rich and grand preparations for the reception of the two dukes and duchesses that it exceeded all that had ever been done by them, and deserves a brief description.

When the inhabitants of Bruges learnt that the two dukes were approaching the town, all the magistrates with their officers and servants, together with the deacons, constables, and others to the amount agreed on, issued out of the gates, and advanced to an inn beyond the boundaries of the town called The Three Kings. They might be upward of fourteen hundred in the whole, and were drawn up on an open spot to wait the coming of their lord.

On seeing the duke of Burgundy advance by the side of the duke of Orleans they approached in good array with bare feet unhooded and ungirdled,--and throwing themselves on their knees, with uplifted hands, most humbly supplicated him in the presence of the two duchesses and the whole company, to forgive them their past offences, according to the tenour of the peace.

The duke delayed some little to answer,--but, at the prayer of the duke of Orleans, he granted their request. This done, the magistrates presented him with the keys of all their gates, and then, rising up, retired aside to dress themselves. At this moment, processions from the different churches, as well as of the four mendicant orders of friars, monks, nuns and beguines, made their appearance, bearing their relics and dressed in their best copes. They were in great numbers, and, on hearing that their lord was now satisfied with them, chaunted forth lustily 'Te Deum laudamus,' &c. The greater part of them attended him to his hôtel.

All the merchants from different nations then resident in Bruges came out on horseback, most handsomely arrayed to meet the duke. On the other hand stages were erected at various parts where he passed, on which were represented divers pageants. The streets, on each side, were hung with tapestries and rich cloths; and in respect to trumpets of silver, clarions, and other musical instruments, there were so many that the whole town resounded with them. There were also several pageants with figures of animals that spouted out wine and other liquors, for all who pleased to regale themselves. In short it is not in the memory of man that ever the inhabitants of Bruges made so magnificent a display, on the reception of their lord, as they now did.

When the duke had dismounted at his hôtel, he was waited on by the magistrates to give him welcome: having received them kindly, he ordered the governor of Flanders to return them the keys of their town which they had presented to him, saying that he had now the fullest confidence in them. This speech rejoiced them very much, and they all huzzaed. Carols had been sung through all the streets on his arrival,--and when night came, the houses were so well illuminated that the town seemed one blaze of light.

On the morrow, justs were held in the market-place: the lord de Vaurin won one prize, and the heir of Cleves the other. This last was supplied with lances by his uncle the duke of Burgundy. At the end of the justs, supper was served, and then dancings took place, to which all the damsels of Bruges were invited. On the ensuing Tuesday, other justs were held in the market place,--and the company supped at the house of the sheriffs, where they were splendidly entertained at the expence of the town.

On the Saturday, the count and countess of Charolois, daughter to the king of France, arrived from Charolois,--when the duke of Orleans, many nobles, the municipality of the town and several of the principal burghers, went out to meet them, and conducted them to the court-yard of the hôtel of the duke of Burgundy.

On Sunday, a variety of diversions took place; but it would be tedious to relate them all: suffice it to say, that the inhabitants exerted themselves in every manner they could imagine from love to their lord and prince, and in honour to the duke of Orleans and those that were with them; they even made him handsome presents, that pleased him much.

On the following day, the duke and duchess of Orleans left Bruges, with their attendants, which caused many tears from the ladies and damsels of the household of the duke of Burgundy on taking their leave of her. They went to Ghent, whither they were accompanied by the duke of Burgundy,--and were there received with every mark of honour. After a few days stay, they departed thence, and were escorted out of the town by the duke of Burgundy. On taking their leave, they mutually promised henceforth to do every thing possible for each other.

The duke and duchess of Orleans went by slow days journeys to Tournay, where they had a very flattering reception. From the time the duke had returned from England to his quitting the duke of Burgundy, many lords, and others, had come from France, and elsewhere, to welcome his return home, and to offer him their services, some of whom he retained in his service. Several even from the states of the duke of Burgundy had offered themselves, and were so pressing that many, as well gentlemen as damsels, were retained of his household, and in divers situations. Some knights and esquires had presented from eight to ten of their sons to him, for his pages, and about twenty-four companions from the Boulonnois, well mounted and equipped, were retained for his archers and body guards: in short, his retinue was increasing so fast, that when he arrived at Tournay he was followed by about three hundred horse.

In regard to his order, it was granted to such numbers of knights and esquires, and others of low degree, who solicited it,--and so few were refused, that it was quite common throughout Picardy. Many were desirous of attaching themselves to him in the expectation and hope that when he should have seen the king he would have the principal government of France, and that they might then be advanced by various means: he himself also indulged this expectation. Some, however, more wise, thought otherwise,--and it happened as they had foreseen; for they said in secret, that it would have been more advisable in the duke to have made greater haste to wait on the king and with a smaller train of followers,--and they thought that those who governed the king, and had done so during all the troubles, would not suffer any but themselves to rule the realm, although the duke of Orleans was the next heir to the crown of France after the dauphin, and had suffered much for it; but, notwithstanding this, it has been long seen that violent quarrels and dissentions can exist between such great lords.

The duke of Orleans, on leaving Tournay, went to Valenciennes, and thence to Quênoy le Comte, to visit his fair cousin the countess Margaret, dowager of Hainault, who received him with joy. After she had made him some gifts, he went to the city of Cambray, where he received many presents, and the town also gave him five hundred golden French crowns. The duke had intended going to St Quentin, on quitting Cambray; but some of his people gave him to understand, that he would incur a great risk to himself and his attendants by so doing,--that he would be obliged to pass through some defiles commanded by the castles of sir John de Luxembourg, who had not yet sworn to observe the treaty of Arras.

This was the cause that made him change his route; and he summoned some gentlemen from the Cambresis to aid him in the escort of his baggage. But had the duke been better informed of the state of parties, he needed not have feared sir John de Luxembourg for two reasons: first, because sir John was perfectly reconciled with the duke of Burgundy, and had even been at Bruges, where he had held many conferences with the duke of Orleans on his affairs, as well touching the lordship of Courcy as other matters of concern to both. Sir John had then left Bruges well inclined to the duke, and had offered to serve him, and do every thing for his interest that he should think would be agreeable to him; whence it may naturally be supposed, that he would never have permitted any injuries to be done him on his road.

Secondly, because at the time the duke was at Cambray sir John was lying on his death-bed at his hôtel in Guise, and news of his decease was carried to the duke while in Cambray, which made him stay there two days longer than he had intended. He even requested the magistrates of that town to choose him for their governor, in the room of the late sir John de Luxembourg, and he would obtain the usual and necessary confirmation of it from the king of France. The magistrates excused themselves from compliance as well as they could, saying, they dared not to do it without the consent of their bishop.

The duke of Orleans, went from Cambray to St Quentin,--thence to Noyon, Compiégne, Senlis, and to Paris, where he remained some days. In all the towns he passed through, or stopped at, he was received with as many honours as if he had been the king of France or the dauphin. Every body was full of hopes and confidence that great consolation would befal the kingdom of France on his return from imprisonment. The people more especially were rejoiced to see him again at liberty, for they had long wished for it.

It was the intention of the duke to hasten to the king as speedily as he now could; but he received such intelligence as made him delay it a considerable time; for a year or more. The cause of this delay was, that the king had been informed of the whole conduct the duke had held since his return from England,--of his oaths and alliance with the duke of Burgundy,--of having received his order,--how grandly he was accompanied--of his having admitted into his household numbers of Burgundians, who had formerly waged war against him and his crown. The king was also told, that these connexions had been formed in opposition to him and his ministers,--and that many great lords, such as the dukes of Brittany and Alençon, had joined the two dukes, with the view of forming a new administration,--and that henceforward his kingdom would be ruled by them, or such others as they might please to appoint, and that he would be only allowed a decent establishment to maintain his state, without a power of interfering in the government but as it might be agreeable to them, and with their consent.

The king, who was ever inclined to suspicion, and to listen to such information, from the many plots that had been formed against him during his reign, readily believed what was now told him; but when he heard that the dukes of Brittany and Alençon had accepted of the order of the Golden Fleece, whatever doubts he might have had were strengthened. Those about his person repeated daily the same tales, assuring him that they were true, so that his suspicions were completely confirmed.

Notwithstanding that the king had ordered the duke of Orleans to come to him, telling the duke's messengers who had brought him the intelligence of his return from England, that he was very anxious to see him, he would not permit him to come (in consequence of the tales he had been told) but with a small retinue, leaving behind all the Burgundians he had retained in his service.

The duke of Orleans, knowing the state of the court, and what had been told of him, went from Paris to Orleans, and thence to Blois, and to his other territories, where he was received with the utmost joy by his vassals and subjects, and many grand presents were made to him from these his possessions.

We must speak a little of sir John de Luxembourg count de Ligny, who as I have related, departed this life in the castle of Guise. His body was placed on a car, and carried, with every honour and a numerous attendance, to the church of our lady at Cambray, and placed on tressels within the choir. On the first night, vigils and funeral orisons were made, and he was watched until the morrow, when a grand funeral service was performed, and the coffin surrounded by a number of lighted torches held by his vassals. When this service was ended, he was interred without the choir, near to one of his ancestors called sir Waleran de Luxembourg, lord of Ligny and of Beaurevoir, as has been already told.

Sir John de Luxembourg had died without ever having taken the oaths of allegiance to king Charles, or to his commissioners, although often pressed to do it. Since the year 1435, when the peace of Arras was concluded, until the eve of Twelfth-day in the year 1440, when he died, he had kept such good garrisons in all his towns and castles that none of the three parties, France, England and Burgundy, had done his lands any damage worth mentioning. With regard to the English, they were very desirous of pleasing him, for he had not yet broken with them nor returned his bonds of alliance,--and they had great hopes of being supported by him, should there be occasion. In like manner, he considered them as sure allies against all who should attempt to injure him.

As to the Burgundians, there were few but were inclined to serve him; and although the duke of Burgundy was for a time very indignant against him, from reports often brought to him, yet matters were not pushed to open hostilities, and he had recovered the good graces of the duke.

The French, and particularly the captains of these marauding parties, feared him greatly,--for they knew how personally valiant he was, and that he had always a sufficiency of men at arms ready to resist all who meant to harrass his lands.

They also knew that if he could meet them unawares, on any part of his territories, he would destroy them without mercy. For these reasons, therefore, whenever they approached any of his possessions they were glad to give assurances, under their seals, not to commit any damage to his vassals or country. This they had frequently done,--and he was contented to leave them unmolested.

A short time, however, before his death, king Charles had determined in council to give him no farther respite from taking the oaths, and to raise a large army to conquer him, or at least to force him to take the oaths prescribed at the peace of Arras; but God, the creator of all things, provided a remedy, before it could be known what would have been the event of such proceedings.

Thus ended the life of sir John de Luxembourg, who was a valiant and enterprising knight, and much feared in all places where he was personally known; and he might be about fifty years of age when he died.

Shortly after his decease, one called Leurin de Moucy, to whom he had given in guard the castle of Coucy, surrendered it to the duke of Orleans, in consideration of a certain sum of money which he received and refused to put it into the hands of the count de St Pol, nephew and heir to sir John de Luxembourg.

The townsmen of Neel and Beaulieu, in the Vermandois, expelled their governor, Lionel de Wandonne and all the friends of sir John de Luxembourg, and admitted the vassals of the lord de Mongaignier[80]. But the rest of the towns and castles were placed under the obedience of the count de St Pol, by those who had the government of them.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 78: Lord de Cornewall.--Sir John de Cornewall, summoned to Parliament 11 Henry VI.]

[Footnote 79: Sir Robert de Roix. Sir Robert Roos.]

[Footnote 80: Mongaignier. Q. Montgaugier?]

CHAP. XLIII.

THE KING OF FRANCE GOES TO TROYES IN CHAMPAGNE.--SEVERAL TOWNS AND FORTS SUBMIT TO HIS OBEDIENCE.--OTHER MATTERS.

King Charles of France now assembled a very large body of men from different provinces of his realm, and ordered those captains of whom I have spoken as Skinners, to join him instantly with their troops. When all were collected on the banks of the Loire, the king departed from Bourges in Berry, attended by the dauphin, the constable of France, the lord Charles d'Anjou, and lords without number.