Chapter I: Front Matter (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. XII.

LONDON:

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

1810.

CONTENTS

OF

_THE TWELFTH VOLUME._

PAGE
CHAP. I.

The king of France enters the city of Naples
in triumph. The attack and capture
of the Castel Nuovo and the Castel del
Ovo. Of the events that passed in Naples 1

CHAP. II.

King Charles makes his public entry into
Naples, as king of that country and monarch
of all Italy 15

CHAP. III.

King Charles makes dispositions to return
to France, and takes leave of his subjects
in Naples 18

CHAP. IV.

King Charles returns from Naples to France 19

CHAP. V.

The battle of Foronuovo, where the king
of France gains a complete victory over
the confederated princes of Italy 24

CHAP. VI.

The king decamps from Foronuovo, to return
to France 30

CHAP. VII.

The king of France goes to St Denis. He
returns to Amboise, and there suddenly
dies of a fit of apoplexy 36

CHAP. VIII.

Of the funeral services performed for king
Charles VIII, of France, at Amboise, Paris,
and St Denis 39

CHAP. IX.

Of king Louis the Twelfth 41

CHAP. X.

Duke Ludovico Sforza is made prisoner before
Novara, and carried to France 47

CHAP. XI.

The cardinal Ascanius, brother to the duke
of Milan, is taken prisoner, and carried
to France 51

CHAP. XII.

The inhabitants of Milan are bribed into
subjection 53

CHAP. XIII.

The king of France sends troops to reconquer
Naples, which in a short time is won,
and Frederick, styling himself king thereof,
comes to France 74

CHAP. XIV.

The cardinal of Amboise makes his public
entry into Lyon, as legate to France 76

CHAP. XV.

The French, after the capture of Naples,
make war on the Turks 77

CHAP. XVI.

The archduke makes his entry into Lyon.
Another heretic 82

CHAP. XVII.

The cardinal of St Pietro ad vincula elected
pope 88

CHAP. XVIII.

The Sophi of Persia makes war on the Turk
Usson Cassan 92

CHAP. XIX.

A great mortality from the unwholesomeness
of the season. Of the deaths of
many persons of note 97

CHAP. XX.

The deaths of the archduke and of the
queen of Hungary 105

CHAP. XXI.

The pope, by the assistance of the French,
gains Bologna 106

CHAP. XXII.

Of the damsel Trivulce 108

CHAP. XXIII.

Of the league of Cambray, formed by the
cardinal of Amboise, between the pope,
the emperor Maximilian, the king of
France, and the king of Spain, against
the Venetians. The king of France defeats
the Venetians at Agnadello 112

CHAP. XXIV.

A war between Pope Julius and the king of
France, on account of the duke of Ferrara.
A council of the church assembled
at the instance of the emperor Maximilian
and the king of France, to the dissatisfaction
of the pope. Bologna taken by
the French 118

CHAP. XXV.

The duke of Nemours marches his army
against Brescia. On taking the town, a
great slaughter ensues 124

CHAP. XXVI.

The duke of Nemours defeats the united
armies of the pope, the Venetians, and
the Spaniards, near to Ravenna, but is
himself slain, after he had gained the
victory, and totally repulsed the enemy 129

CHAP. XXVII.

On the departure of the French from Italy,
the Swiss take the town of Milan and
other places held by the king of France 138

CHAP. XXVIII.

Of the war in Guienne. The king of France
sends succours to the king of Navarre.
The king of England makes preparations
to invade France. A sea fight between
two large English and French ships 143

CHAP. XXIX.

The king of England disembarks with his
whole army at Calais. The French are
defeated by the Swiss, at Novara 147

CHAP. XXX.

A body of French on their return from
victualling Therouenne, besieged by the
English and Hainaulters, are attacked and
put to flight 151

CHAP. XXXI.

The king of Scotland enters England with
a powerful army. He is slain. Peace concluded
between the king of France and
the Venetians 154

CHAP. XXXII.

The towns of Therouenne and Tournay surrender
to the English on capitulation 156

CHAP. XXXIII.

Of the death and interment of the most
Christian queen of France, Anne of Brittany 161

CHAP. XXXIV.

The king of France marries the princess
Mary, sister to king Henry of England.
Francis duke of Valois and count of Angoulesme
marries the princess Claude,
daughter to the king of France. The
new queen makes her public entry into
France 162

CHAP. XXXV.

Of the tilts performed at Paris. The death
and interment of Louis XI. king of
France 168

CHAP. XXXVI.

Francis I. king of France, is consecrated at
Rheims. He makes his public entry into
Paris. He leaves France to attack the
Swiss, in the Milanese, who have taken
possession of that duchy 171

CHAP. XXXVII.

The king of France pursues the Swiss with
his whole army. The town and castle of
Novara surrender to the king 179

CHAP. XXXVIII.

The king of France defeats the Swiss army
at Marignano, on the feast day of the exaltation
of the cross. Of the cruel battle
and slaughter of the French and Swiss 182

CHAP. XXXIX.

Milan surrenders to the king of France.
The castle, besieged by the French, surrenders
on capitulation 191

CHAP. XL.

Pope Leo X. and the king of France meet
at Bologna, to confer on the state of affairs.
The king returns to France 194

CHAP. XLI.

The emperor Maximilian assembles a large
army, to attempt the conquest of the
Milanese, and to drive the French out of
Italy. The constable of Bourbon, lieutenant-general
for the king in Italy, marches
against him 198

CHAP. XLII.

The emperor Maximilian, finding that he
could not succeed in his attempt on Milan,
marches away 202

CHAP. XLIII.

The king of France goes on a pilgrimage to
the church of the Holy Handkerchief in
Chambery. A treaty of peace concluded
between him and the archduke king of
Spain 204

HERE BEGINNETH THE TWELFTH VOLUME OF THE CHRONICLES OF _ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET._

CHAP. I.

THE KING OF FRANCE ENTERS THE CITY OF NAPLES IN TRIUMPH.--THE ATTACK AND CAPTURE OF THE CASTEL NUOVO AND THE CASTEL DEL OVO.--OF THE EVENTS THAT PASSED IN NAPLES.

On Sunday, the 22d day of February, in the year 1494, king Charles dressed himself in his royal robes, and triumphantly entered the city of Naples. Although he afterwards made another entry, as shall be more fully detailed, he, however, showed himself this day the true king and potent lord of Naples, and went thence to the castle of Capua.

As some of the partisans of king Alphonso still held the citadel of Naples, the Castel Nuovo, and the Castel del Ovo, king Charles ordered them to be instantly attacked, although one side of the citadel was washed by the sea. He had his battering artillery pointed against the Castel Nuovo; and the captains of the guard for the king were sir Gabriel de Montfaucon, Jean de la Grange, and others of rank.

Not to prolong matters, the citadel was gained after a very severe attack; and the Germans, Neapolitans, and Spaniards, of the party adverse to the king of France, burnt the outworks and hastily retreated to join their associates in the Castel Nuovo. In the citadel were found the largest cannons that had ever been seen, with such quantities of other things of an extraordinary appearance that it was more than eight days before the place could be cleared, by employing numbers of people and carts.

Wednesday, the 25th day of February, the king, after hearing mass in the church of the Annonciada went to dine with the lord de Montpensier, and thence, accompanied by his lords, repaired to the citadel to examine how it had been battered, and to consult on the best means of conquering the Castel Nuovo. The next day the garrison demanded a parley, on which the artillery ceased firing,--and the lord Angilbert of Cleves, the lord of Ligny, the bailiff of Dijon, and the great chamberlain to the queen advanced to confer with them. The first demand of the garrison was, that the king would grant them a truce for twenty-four hours, which was cheerfully acceded to: the next, that they might, on the morrow, march away with arms and baggage, which was refused.

On the twenty-four hours being expired, the artillery played more fiercely than before,--and it was a pitiful sight to view the ruins of this Castel Nuovo, which was exceedingly strong. The besieged fired a piece of artillery against the church of the Franciscans of the observantine order, which broke through the roof, but did not the least mischief to crowds of persons, of both sexes, then in the church. The incessant firing of the batteries lasted from Thursday to the Monday following,--and there were so many breaches, for the king was there in person, that the garrison again demanded a cessation of arms for another parley. The lord Angilbert of Cleves and the bailiff of Dijon, who spoke German, met the deputies from the castle. They demanded permission to march away in safety with their baggage, to receive three months pay to serve the king, if it should be agreeable to him; otherwise, to receive passports for them to go whither-soever they pleased.

The cessation of arms was renewed from day to day, as the parley was prolonged by the garrison until the 3d of March, in expectation of being relieved by king Alphonso. But when they found all hopes of relief vain, and that the batteries were about to recommence with more violence than ever, they were forced to abandon themselves to the mercy of the king, into whose hands they surrendered themselves. He allowed them to keep their baggage; but all artillery, stores, and provisions, were to remain in the castle, which he immediately re-garrisoned with his troops, and with able captains, for its defence.

During the king's stay at that pleasant place Poggio-Réalé, the daughter of the duchess of Melfy[1], in company with her mother, came thither, mounted on a superb courser of La Puglia, and throwing the bridle on his neck, made him gallop four or five long courses; after which she made him curvet and bound, as well as the most excellent rider could have done, which pleased the king very much,--and he made her a handsome present.

Monday, the 4th of March, the king had the Castel del Ovo besieged, and strongly battered on the land side; the others were surrounded by the sea. This day, the king heard mass at the carthusian convent, and dined with the lord of Clerieux[2]: he afterwards visited the siege of the Castel del Ovo, of which the artillery had already destroyed great part,--for the canoniers had performed their duty wonderfully well, insomuch that about five o'clock in the afternoon the garrison demanded a parley. The king being there in person, consented to it, and sent thither the lords de Foix and de Miolan, who having heard their proposals, carried them to the king while at supper.

Thursday, the 5th of March, the king again returned to the siege, after his dinner; and while he was in the trenches with his artillery, the prince of Tarentum waited on him. The lord de Guise, the lord de Ligny, the master of the household Brillac, had advanced to meet the prince, and remained as hostages for his safe return after the conference. The king and prince were both sumptuously dressed, and conversed by themselves for some time, in a garden adjoining to the park of artillery, to all appearance with great politeness. When the conversation was ended, the king called to him the lord de Montpensier, the lord de Foix, the lord de la Trimouille, the lord de Miolan, the mareschal de Gie, and several others, with whom he talked for a considerable time, surrounded by his guards. When it was over, the prince took leave of the king, and returned to his galley, which was anchored off the shore, attended by many of the french lords, according to the king's orders. On his arrival at the shore, he took leave of these lords, commending himself to the good graces of their king; and when he had embarked in his galley they went back to relate to the king all that had passed, and his praises of the reception he had had. On this day the artillery did not play on either side.

Friday, the 6th of March, the king, having heard mass, went to dine with the lord de Clerieux,--and this day many of the garrison (among whom were several of the wounded) left the Castel del Ovo. The Spaniards went to the prince of Tarentum, and the Germans surrendered themselves to the king, having passports for the purpose. The lord de Cressol, sir Gabriel de Montfaucon, by the king's command, entered the castle with a body of men under arms, and archers, to take charge of it, and the numberless stores within it.

Saturday, the 7th of March, the king went to examine the Castel del Ovo, and then departed to lay siege to the opposite castle. Towards evening, the prince of Tarentum paid another visit to the king, near to the park of artillery,--and the lords de Guise and de Ligny were hostages for his safe return. This conference was short, for it was late; and when the prince returned to his galley the above lords rejoined the king. It is worthy of remark, that on this day the prince of Salernum, who had been, five years a fugitive from Naples, through fear of king Alphonso, returned thither, and recovered a young son who had been, by Alphonso, confined in prison,--for the cardinal of San Pietro ad vincula had paid a very large sum for his ransom.

On Sunday, the 8th of March, the king having heard mass, and dined, went to amuse himself at the siege, and sent the governor of Paris, and the esquire Galiot, to summon the garrison to surrender, otherwise he would shortly batter the walls about their ears. They refused to comply; and, in consequence, the batteries were played with such effect that, on the Thursday following, the 12th, they knew not where to shelter themselves,--and the governor was constrained to come from the castle to speak with the king, then in the trenches. The governor, bareheaded and on his knees, besought the king, with uplifted hands, to grant a truce until the morrow, and to receive the garrison mercifully, which was granted. The governor was a handsome, tall figure, with white hairs; and, on having this answer, he returned by sea to the castle, accompanied by the prince of Salernum and the mareschal de Gie, to parley with the garrison in the castle. Shortly after, the captains Claude de Rabaudanges and the lord de la Vernade were appointed governors of this castle,--and nothing was taken out of it.

The king, on the following sunday, after hearing mass, returned to the castle of Capua, and remained some days, to receive the homages of the princes and princesses of the realm, together with those of the nobles and inhabitants as well of Naples as of the Terra di Lavora, Calabria, La Puglia, and of other parts subjected to the crown of Naples. He had there established his chancery, and courts of justice and finance, with presidents like as in France. The president Guennay was the chancellor, having the king's secretaries under him, with great and smaller seals for all requisite acts. He ordered money to be coined of gold and silver, and other metal; such as crowns, ducats, and various pieces, both double and single, having the arms of France impressed on one side, and on the reverse the arms of Sicily, quartered with the small crosses of Jerusalem.

The king now appointed many new officers for the city of Naples, and in other towns,--namely, judges, masters of the mint, and of various descriptions. During this interval, he visited the different churches in Naples, and every thing worth seeing there and in its neighbourhood. While thus employed, he had many very fine entertainments given him by the nobility in Naples, and others,--but it would be tiresome to detail them all.

News arrived on the Wednesday, that Gaieta was taken by the french troops: in consequence of which, the king sent the seneschal of Beaucaire on the morrow to take the government of it. During the month of April, the king inspected his artillery, and that which had been found in the castles of Naples: the greater part of the last was transported to France. The lord d'Aubigny left Naples this month for Calabria, accompanied by his men at arms and a large body of Germans. The 15th of April, the king, after hearing mass in the church of the Annonciada, was confessed, and then touched and cured great numbers that were afflicted with the evil,--a disorder that abounded much all over Italy,--when the spectators were greatly edified at the powers of such an extraordinary gift. This day the lord Virgilio Orsini and the count of Petilano waited on the king for the first time since they had been made prisoners.

The next day, which was Maunday-Thursday, the 16th of April, the king heard divine service in the church of St John, a handsome building, and attended (as if in France) on thirteen poor persons, who were washed and waited on at dinner, and presented with thirteen crowns. The sermon was preached on that and the two following days by master Pinelli, a doctor of divinity in the university of Paris.

On Easter-day, the 19th of April, the king was confessed in the church of St Peter, adjoining to his lodgings, and then touched for the evil a second time; after which he heard mass in the church of St John, and in the evening a sermon by doctor Pinelli.--Wednesday, the 22d, the king went to see the tiltings, the lists for which had been erected near to a church founded by the Anjou-race of kings of Sicily, where were many of the nobility and ladies of Italy. These justings lasted from Wednesday until the first of May: the holders of them were Châtillon and Bourdillon, and the assailants were very numerous,--and excellent deeds of arms were done on each side.

On Sunday, being the feast of St Januarius, the king heard mass in the cathedral or church of St Januarius, where many cardinals, bishops, and prelates attended. The head of St Januarius was publicly displayed to the king, and some of his blood in a glass bottle: it was congealed like a stone, as the king proved by touching it with a small rod of silver; but no sooner was it placed near to the head than it began instantly to melt and become liquid, to the astonishment of many who viewed this miracle.

The prelates of the church said, that by means of this miraculous head and blood of St Januarius, they were made acquainted with the success of their petitions to God; for when their prayers had been propitious, the blood became liquid,--but when otherwise, it remained hard. They were likewise by this means informed as to the dispositions of their prince, and whether he was to reign over them or not, which seemed very extraordinary.

On Monday, the 4th of May, the king sent Jean du Bois, Fontaines, and the master of the household de Bresse, to make an inventory of all the stores, and other effects, in the Castel del Ovo,--for there appeared to be such quantities of provision, and of other things, that the value seemed inestimable. During this time, the king visited several places in the neighbourhood of Naples; such as the grotto which Virgil had pierced with such subtile art through a high mountain on the seashore of Naples, which is a wonderful thing, as there is no other road but through this subterraneous passage, as all who have seen it can testify. A little further on is the Solfaterra, where sulphur is made,--and there are natural fires beneath the surface that are always burning: the king saw them make sulphur. There are, likewise near, many springs of hot water as well as of cold; and in a valley of this mountain is a hole through which comes such an impetuous wind that it supports in the air stones, and pieces of wood, that are thrown into it,--and it is said that the heat is very great within this hole. The king visited another remarkable spot where alum is made, and saw the whole process. Near to this last place is a cavern having a deadly quality; for whatever is thrown in perishes instantly, as was proved before the king on an ass and cat, which, on being thrown in, were suddenly killed[3]. The king, having seen all that was most curious, returned to Naples for the night.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Melfy. Q. Amelfi?]

[Footnote 2: Clerieux. William of Poitiers, lord of Clerieux, governor of Paris.]

[Footnote 3: This must be the Grotto del Cane, not far from the Solfaterra. Although small animals perish, yet I doubt whether an ass could be thrown in, or would be so suddenly killed.]

CHAP. II.

KING CHARLES MAKES HIS PUBLIC ENTRY INTO NAPLES, AS KING OF THAT COUNTRY AND MONARCH OF ALL ITALY.

Tuesday, the 12th of May, the king, having heard mass in the church of the Annonciada, left Naples after dinner for Poggio-Réalé,--where all the princes and nobles of France and Italy were assembled, to accompany him in his public entry into Naples, as king of France, Sicily, and Jerusalem. He was dressed in royal robes, and made a most splendid and triumphant entry, and thenceforward was called Charles Cæsar Augustus. In his right hand was the globe, and his sceptre in the left,--and his mantle was of fine scarlet trimmed with ermine, having a deep fall-down collar, ornamented with ermines' tails also, with a brilliant crown on his head. The horse he rode was as grandly caparisoned as possible, to suit his state: and over his head was borne a splendid canopy by the highest nobility of Naples, who were surrounded by the king's valets richly dressed in cloth of gold: the provost of the household with his archers on foot attended on him on each side. The seneschal of Beaucaire represented the constable of Naples,--and the lord de Montpensier preceded him, handsomely mounted, and dressed as viceroy and lieutenant-general of Naples.

The prince of Salernum was present, together with the great lords of France, of the blood royal, and knights-companions of the king's order; such as, the lord de Bresse, the lord de Foix, the lord de Luxembourg, the lord de Vendôme, and others without number, all dressed in mantles like to what the king wore. In short, the entry was most magnificent; and the nobility of Naples, with their ladies, presented to the king their children of ten, twelve, and fifteen years of age, requesting of him to make them knights, which he did with his own hand,--and it was a splendid spectacle.

The prelates and clergy came out to meet him in the richest copes, bearing relics, and conducted him to the cathedral, where on the high altar were displayed, as before, the head and blood of St Januarius. In front of the altar, the king swore to protect his new subjects, and to preserve them in their liberties and privileges, which gave universal satisfaction,--and great rejoicings were made on this occasion, and also for his happy arrival, and the great good he had promised them.

The king was, after this, conducted to his palace, where, during several days, he received embassies from different parts of his kingdom; such as Calabria, La Puglia, L'Abruzzo, to do homage, and to inquire respecting the manner in which they were to be governed by a viceroy when the king should be absent, as was natural for them. On Monday, the 18th of May, the king ordered a grand supper to be prepared at the Castel Nuovo, where he gave a sumptuous banquet, to his princes and nobles, seated at two tables, in the great hall of the castle, to which was an ascent by several stone steps. The grand seneschal of Naples served the whole of the supper, superbly mounted, and clothed in white, with abundance of trumpets and clarions sounding. After supper, the king received the homage of all the lords, and then returned to sleep at his palace.

CHAP. III.

KING CHARLES MAKES DISPOSITIONS TO RETURN TO FRANCE,--AND TAKES LEAVE OF HIS SUBJECTS IN NAPLES.

Wednesday, the 20th of May, the king, having heard mass with great solemnity at the church of the Annonciada, dined at the palace; after which, the nobility of Naples waited on him to take leave. They were assembled in the great hall, where the king received them graciously, and kindly bade them adieu! at the same time, he presented to them the lord de Montpensier, as their viceroy and governor during his absence. When this was done, the king departed from Naples, attended by a gallant company of lords and gentlemen, men at arms, Swiss and Germans, and slept that night at Aversa, on his return to France.

CHAP. IV.

KING CHARLES RETURNS, FROM NAPLES TO FRANCE.

The king, as I have said, left Naples on the 20th of May, and halted at Aversa. On the 21st, he marched from Aversa to Capua. On the morrow, he dined and slept at the bishop's palace in Sezza[4]; and on the Saturday, as he was about to enter Gaieta to refresh himself, the castle fell down and obstructed the road, so that he returned to Sezza,--but on the Sunday, when the damages had been repaired, he proceeded and lay at Monte Cassino. Thence he passed to Ponte-corvo, to Cyprienne, and to Fiorentino, a small city, then under an interdict from pope Alexander, because the inhabitants had murdered and cut off the arms of their bishop, who was a Spaniard, for having been obstinate in supporting king Alphonso against the king of France. This latter would not have been able to have heard mass that day, if he had not before had full powers given him to order the celebration of the mass in all places, according to his good pleasure.

On Friday, the 29th, the king advanced for the night to Valmontone, wherein were many who hated the French, because they had destroyed and burnt Monte-Fortino: nevertheless, he proceeded to Marina the next day, and halted there till Sunday.

On Monday the first of June, the king re-entered Rome, on his return to France, and was lodged in the palace of the cardinal de St Clement, near to St Peter's. He was grandly accompanied by his nobles, gentlemen pensioners, men at arms, cross-bowmen, Swiss and Germans; and because pope Alexander was absent[5], he posted his men in different parts of the town, to check any insolence of the Romans. Having done this, he went to St Peter's, to return his thanksgivings to God. On Wednesday, he left Rome, dined at Isola, and lay at Campanolle. Friday he advanced to Ronciglione, and the same day entered Viterbo with his whole army, where he was as well received as before. He remained in Viterbo until Whitsunday was passed, to perform his devotions, and visit the body of St Rosa.

On the 8th of June, the king supped and lay in the town of Monte Fiascone, celebrated for its muscadine wines,--and thence, continuing his march through La Paille and other places, arrived at Sienna, the inhabitants of which came out to welcome him, magnificently dressed, and with the same ceremonies as at the first of his coming thither.

The king marched from Sienna on the 17th of June for Poggiobondi, where he lay, and staid the following morning, on account of its being the feast of the holy sacrament, and attended the procession to high mass with great devotion. After dinner he advanced to Château Florentin,--and on the morrow he dined at Campane, near to Florence; but he did not enter Florence on his return, for, under pretence of being in the french interest, the town of Pont-Velle had been taken.

Saturday, the 20th of June, the king entered Pisa, where he was received with every honour and submission. He staid there two days, and on the Tuesday following dined at Pommart, and slept at Lucca, where, in return for his handsome reception, he took the town under his protection. He marched through Pietra Santa, and arrived, on the Saturday, at Sarsaigne[6], where he had intelligence of the junction of the duke of Milan with the Venetians. For this reason, he would not sleep at Villa Franca, but encamped his army on the other side of the river, where he supped, and waited for the arrival of his artillery, and the rear of his army.

The king left his camp, at Villa Franca, on the 30th of June, to hear mass at a large monastery near to Pontremoli; for the Germans had burnt that town, in revenge for the murders of some of their countrymen by the inhabitants, on their march to Naples. After dinner, the king encamped at the foot of the Appenines, and there remained until his artillery had passed the mountains. The lord de la Trimouille and Jean de la Grange were charged with this business,--and although there were plenty of hands they had great difficulties, on account of the rocks. On the 3d of July, and the following day, the king crossed the Appenines, and passed through Verceil and Cassano, and encamped his army near to Borgo de Taro, where he lay, under the security of strong guards. Sunday, the 5th of July, the king heard mass in his camp, and dined at Foronuovo[7], where he formed his plan for the order of battle, with a main body, a van and reserve, and having the usual guards established.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 4: Sezza,--29 miles NNW. of Naples.]

[Footnote 5: The pope had fled to Orvieto, conscious of having deceived the king, and fearful of consequences.]

[Footnote 6: Sarsaigne. Q. Sarsana?]

[Footnote 7: Foronuovo,--eight miles from Parma.]

CHAP. V.

THE BATTLE OF FORONUOVO, WHERE THE KING OF FRANCE GAINS A COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THE CONFEDERATED PRINCES OF ITALY.

On Monday the 6th of July, in the year 1495, the french army was encamped adjoining to the valley of Taro, about two miles from Foronuovo, and four from Parma. Thence marched that gallant prince, Charles VIII. of the name, king of France, accompanied by those valiant captains before mentioned, and about eight or nine thousand courageous men at arms, to meet from fifty to sixty thousand Lombards, Venetians, Estradiots[8], and others, his enemies. The marquis of Mantua was commander of the Venetians: count Galeas Sforza was the representative of his brother, Ludovico duke of Milan, and the lord of Ferrara commanded the rest of the traitors, in company with other captains.

The king was armed from head to foot in a manner becoming so great a prince. Over his armour he wore a jacket, with short sleeves, of a white and violet colour, besprinkled with crosses of Jerusalem. His helmet was magnificently ornamented with feathers,--and he was accoutred like a good man at arms, with sword, dagger, spear and battle-axe. He was mounted on a powerful black horse, called Savoy, whose caparison was of the same colours with the king's jacket, and besprinkled with similar small crosses. The king was surrounded by very able and trusty advisers to direct him, having under them about two thousand men, who afterwards gave good proofs of their valour.

When the french army had been properly arranged, and the artillery was ready, they began to advance toward the enemy in such wise as the ground served them. The Italians not knowing in what division of the army the king had posted himself, sent a herald, under pretence of asking something from him,--and the herald, on his return, told them the manner in which the king was accoutred. They now began to move, and taking advantage of a favourable situation, discharged a heavy piece of artillery at the van of the french, which wounded and killed several, although it did not break their ranks, nor cause any great confusion. A sharp cannonading followed; but the king's artillery did great mischief to the enemy, and killed one of their principal cannoniers, as was known from a trumpeter that was soon after made prisoner. The king's artillery was so well served that the Italians were forced to retreat, having noticed the excellent order in which the French were formed.

It was wonderful to observe the cool and determined valour of the gallant king, both in actions, and in speeches to those about his person: 'How say you, my lords and friends? Are you not resolved to serve me well to-day? and will you not live and die with me?' Then having heard their answers, he continued, 'Be of good courage, and not afraid; for although they be ten times our number,--which is the case, as I know for certain,--yet we have justice on our side, for which I put my confidence in God, that he will be pleased to give us the victory over our enemies. I have also hopes that he will fight this day on our side, and that, through his gracious favour, we shall again triumph, as we have done throughout the whole of this expedition, and return to France with honour to ourselves, through his merciful kindness.' Such, or nearly similar, were the words with which this valorous king consoled and encouraged all around him.

The enemy were much surprised at the good order of the French; and to endeavour to break it, they sent a detachment of Estradiots, and some Albanians, across a hill, to fall on the baggage. Those who had the guard of it had been very negligent in not keeping themselves in readiness to resist an attack, by reason of some dispute among themselves, for which they suffered; but it was not much, as shall be told hereafter,--and the army remained unbroken.

The Italians, seeing this, sent a herald to the king to demand a truce. The king replied,--'If they wish for a truce, let them meet me between the two armies.' But he afterward sent to them, to say, that if they would, through friendship, allow him and his army a free passage to France, it was all he wanted, otherwise he would force his passage in spite of them.

The Lombards and Venetians, hearing this message from the king's herald, detained him, and resolved instantly to charge the French, like madmen. They were particularly desirous to attack the division where the king was, to put him to death,--but God was that day his Protector. The advanced guard, perceiving the enemy thus hastily marching, informed the king of their gaining the woods and bushes; on which he crossed the bed of the Taro, and each army was in sight of the other. In fact, the Italians were handsomely equipped and mounted, and advanced with the appearance of a determined courage, as they were far superior in numbers to the French. Their best men were placed in front,--and the first onset was very severe on both sides. As they had been informed by their herald how the king was dressed, their chief attack was made on his division, and with such success that they advanced to his person; but he displayed great valour, and was so heartily seconded by those near him that the enemies were completely repulsed, with immense slaughter; even the boldest among them attributed their highest honour to him who could fly the fastest; for when they saw the day was lost, the best piece of all their armour was the point of their spurs.

Only one man of rank was made prisoner on the side of the French, namely, Matthew bastard of Bourbon, who had most valiantly defended the king, and he was taken when pursuing the enemy up to their lines. Not more than nine or ten french gentlemen were killed, although their enemies were ten to one against them, the greater part of whom saved themselves by flight. This proves, beyond a doubt, that Divine Providence assisted the French, and gave them the victory over their disloyal enemies, who were conquered in so very short a space of time. The king remained the whole of the day armed and on horseback, and until the whole of his army had retired within their camp. Thither came ambassadors to him from the Italians, to demand the prisoners; but they were answered, that they should not be restored,--which astonished them greatly, as they feared that some of their first nobility had been either killed or made prisoners.

The king and his nobles, in sign of triumph and victory, supped and lay on the field of battle,--where they ate and drank what they could find, and as it pleased God, to whom they gave their most humble thanksgivings and praises for their success, as indeed they were bounden to do.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 8: Estradiots,--a sort of light horse, or a militia.]

CHAP. VI.

THE KING DECAMPS FROM FORONUOVO, TO RETURN TO FRANCE.

On the morrow of the battle of Foronuovo, the 7th of July, the king, after hearing early mass, decamped from before Foronuovo, and posted his army on an elevated situation called Magdelan, about half a french league from his late camp, where he remained the whole day. The commanders of the artillery made such diligence in bringing up the cannon that they were placed round the king, as was usual in such cases. The king marched away, on the Wednesday, with his army and artillery, and repassed several towns wherein he had halted on his advance to Naples, notwithstanding the attempts of the enemy to prevent it. He came at length to Novara, and delivered the duke of Orleans, who had been shut up in that town, with a party of his men, by the traitor Ludovico of Milan. Thence the king proceeded to Asti and to Vercelli, where the duke of Orleans came to meet him. The king received him with much friendship, and they supped together.

On Friday, the 2d of October in this year, the lord de Vendôme died in the town of Vercelli. His death was much lamented by the king and his nobles, for he was a notable prince. The following Tuesday, the king had a funeral service performed with much solemnity in the cathedral-church dedicated to St Eusebius, where great grief was manifested by all the assistants; and afterward his body was transported to France, to be interred among his ancestors.

On Wednesday, the 7th of October, the bishop of Sion arrived at Vercelli, with a body of Swiss, horse and foot, and others from the german allies of the king, for his better security. The king thanked the bishop for his friendship, and grandly feasted him and the troops he had brought.

The next day, ambassadors came to the king from Ludovico of Milan and the Venetians, and earnestly demanded a treaty, having witnessed the strength of the king, and the enterprising courage of his troops,--when a treaty was agreed to, on much better terms than they deserved.

On Saturday, the 10th of October, the king heard mass in the church of the Cordeliers in Vercelli, adjoining his lodgings; and after his dinner, he proceeded to Trino, where he halted until the 15th of October, when he went to Crescentino, and from this place, by many days march, arrived at Grenoble, passing through the following towns; Sillans, Sessia[9], Turin, Quiers, Rivoli, Suza, Briançon, Nôtre Dame d'Embrun, Savines, Saint Eusebe, La Meure[10], and Tault near to Grenoble. He arrived at Grenoble about vespers, on the 27th of October; and all ranks of people went out in procession, and made another public entry for him on his return from the campaign of Italy.

The king, being unwell, remained in Grenoble until the 3d of November, when he set out for Lyon, passing through the towns of St Rambert, where he staid some days, Sillans, La Côte St André, and Chatonay,--from which last place he advanced nearer to Lyon, where he slept.

On Saturday, the 7th of November, having dined at Venisseu, he proceeded to Lyon, whence all the churchmen came out in grand procession, dressed in their robes, and bearing relics, to meet and welcome him on his return from Italy. He made a public entry into Lyon, as king of Jerusalem, Naples, and Sicily, attended by all the municipal officers, and persons of rank in that town, handsomely dressed. He was conducted triumphantly through the streets, accompanied by the nobles and captains, who were looked at with pleasure in consequence of the noble victory they had gained over such superior numbers. The streets and squares were hung with tapestries: bonfires and mysteries were exhibited in all the open spaces through which the king passed, in his way to the archbishop's palace, that had been prepared for his lodgings. Here the queen and the duchess of Bourbon his sister were waiting, with many noble ladies and damsels, impatient to receive him; and indeed he was deserving of such eagerness.

The king held most sumptuous justs at three different places in Lyon: at La Grenette in front of the convent of Cordeliers, in the Juerie, and before the palace: at all of them, he was foremost to offer himself, and performed many gallant feats with lance and sword, on horseback and on foot, as did several others of the french lords. In memory of these justs, three stone columns were erected,--and to this day there exist the latin verses that were inscribed on them, for king Charles was the principal tenant of the lists.

Prior to the expedition to Naples, the king had the body of the seraphic doctor, St Bonaventure, raised with great pomp from his tomb in the church of the Cordeliers,--and the duke and duchess of Bourbon had his shrine afterward covered with plates of silver. The king, at the same time, founded the convent of the Cordeliers of the Observance in the city of Lyon, which is become a place of much devotion.

When the king had staid some days in Lyon, he resolved to pursue his journey, to pay his devotions at the abbey of St Denis, and return thence to Amboise,--which he did, as shall be hereafter related.

In the year 1496, the son of the king of Spain died,--and the same year died the duke of Savoy, who was said, by those lately returned from Italy, to have poisoned the whole country of Piedmont.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 9: Sessia. Q. Borgo de Sessia?]

[Footnote 10: La Meure. Q. La Meyrie? in the election of Grenoble.]

CHAP. VII.

THE KING OF FRANCE GOES TO ST DENIS.--HE RETURNS TO AMBOISE, AND THERE SUDDENLY DIES, OF A FIT OF APOPLEXY.

When king Charles had made some stay in Lyon, and had witnessed the tilts and tournaments that had been performed at Moulins, in the Bourbonnois, he proceeded to the abbey of St Denis, to accomplish the vow of pilgrimage he had made, and to offer up his thanksgivings to God for the brilliant victories he had obtained over his enemies, and for the successful issue of his expedition to Naples. He went likewise to St Denis, to replace the blessed bodies of the holy martyrs, who repose there, that had been taken down from their niches when the king set out on his italian expedition.

It is an ancient and praiseworthy custom, that when the most Christian kings of France undertake any foreign expedition in person, they supplicate the aid and intercession of the glorious martyr St Denis, and his companions Saint Rusticus and Saint Eleutherus. The shrines of these saints are, in consequence, taken down from their niches on the king's quitting his kingdom, and deposited in a private part of the church. These holy bodies, thus deposited, cannot be replaced in their former situations until the king shall return to St Denis from his foreign expedition, whether it had been for conquest or pleasure.

King Charles, therefore, having been victorious throughout Italy, followed the pious custom of his ancestors the kings of France. He made a devout pilgrimage, to St Denis,--and the shrines of the martyrs were, by him, replaced in their several niches, in the presence of the great barons of France. The king would neither pass nor repass through Paris on this pilgrimage, for reasons that moved him so to do, but which I omit, to avoid prolixity. For this cause, when he left St Denis, he took his road through St Antoine des Champs, thence over Le Pont-de-Chalenton[11], and through Beauce, strait to the castle of Amboise, where he found the queen and many lords and ladies of his noble blood. He was received there by the inhabitants with the utmost joy and honour.

He had not been long at Amboise before he heard of the treachery of the Neapolitans, and the death of the noble Gilbert lord of Montpensier. The remaining captains, unable to support themselves in Naples after his loss, returned home as well as they could; for those traitors of Lombardy and Naples had suddenly risen in rebellion,--and they could not possibly receive succours in time from France, had they attempted to hold out against them, from the great distance.

King Charles made preparations to avenge himself on them for their treachery and infidelity,--but he had over-exerted himself in his late expedition. His constitution, which was naturally feeble, became daily worse: whence it happened, that as he was walking one day in a gallery of the castle of Amboise with the queen, and amusing himself by looking at some tennis-players, he was suddenly seized with a fit, and died shortly after, in the twenty-eighth year of his age, and in the month of April in the year 1497. May God have mercy on his soul!

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 11: Pont de Chalenton. Q. Charenton?]

CHAP. VIII.

OF THE FUNERAL SERVICES PERFORMED FOR KING CHARLES VIII. OF FRANCE, AT AMBOISE, PARIS, AND ST DENIS.

After the decease of king Charles VIII. whose soul may God pardon! a very solemn funeral service was performed at Amboise, in the church of St Florent, by the reverend cardinal the lord John Peraule, assisted by many prelates, great lords, and other persons. There were immense numbers of tapers and torches, and great alms were distributed. When this service was over, the king's heart was carried for interment to the church of Nôtre Dame de Clery, near to that of his late father. The body, with the representation of his figure over it, was borne in sorrowful pomp to the church of our Lady in the fields, in the suburbs of Paris, where it was watched all night by some of his most confidential friends.

On the morrow morning, a grand procession came out of Paris, consisting of all the clergy with their crosses, the four orders of mendicant friars, the members of the court of parliament and of the other courts of justice, the provosts, sheriffs, and inhabitants dressed in mourning, to the church of our Lady in the Fields,--where were waiting the great lords, officers, pages of honour, and others, to the number of more than seven thousand persons, clad in mourning, with hoods,--and, according to the usual ceremony, conducted the body to the cathedral-church of our Lady in Paris. There were four hundred torches, ornamented with escutcheons of three flowers de luce, carried by four hundred poor men, dressed in black cloaks and hoods. A solemn funeral service was performed in the church of Nôtre Dame; after which, the body was carried with the same ceremonies through Paris to the abbey of St Denis, where another service was solemnly performed for the deceased, and presents of money given to all the assistants in making the offerings at the mass, and great alms distributed to the poor.

When the accustomed ceremonies had been finished, the body of king Charles was interred in the sepulchre that had been prepared for him; after which there was a grand dinner given to all the assistants in honour of the late king, to whose soul may God graciously grant his pardon! Amen.

CHAP. IX.

OF KING LOUIS THE TWELFTH.

On the 23d of May, in the year 1498, Louis duke of Orleans, son to the late duke Charles, was consecrated king of France, in the same manner as his predecessors had been, in the cathedral of Rheims. He was the twelfth who had borne the name of Louis, and the fifty-fifth king of France.

At this ceremony at Rheims were the twelve peers of France, or their substitutes. For the duke of Burgundy appeared the duke of Alençon; for the duke of Normandy, the duke of Lorraine; for the duke of Guienne, the duke of Bourbon; for the earl of Flanders, the lord de Ravenstein; for the earl of Champagne, the lord Angillebert of Cleves; for the earl of Toulouse, the lord of Foix. Almost the whole of the french nobility were present at the ceremony, which was solemnized in the usual mode to that of former kings, by the cardinal of St Malo, archbishop of Rheims.

Immediately after, the king made knights of his order of St Michael the lord de Taillebourg, the lord des Pierres, lord de la Gruture, the lord de Clerieux. He created also knights to the amount of four score; among whom were the lord de Myolans, sir Claude de Mont-l'Or lord of Château-neuf, de Salazuit, and others, too numerous to name. When these things were done, the king ordered preparations for his entry into Paris.

On the 1st of July, the king was crowned in the church of St Denis, after the manner of his predecessors, kings of France. On the morrow he made a triumphant entry into Paris, and supped at the palace. When all these solemnities were ended, each person withdrew to different places, as ordered by the king. The first who made any opposition to him was the lord de Vergy,--but the war was soon ended in Burgundy.

The duke de Valentinois, said to be the son of pope Alexander VII.[12] arrived at Lyon on the 18th of October, and made his public entry into that city. The king had given him the county of Valentinois[13],--and he was now come to France to conclude his marriage with the daughter of the lord d'Albret. This duke was also a cardinal; but he had left that dignity behind him, and appeared in secular clothes with the utmost pomp and grandeur.

The 2d and 3d of December, the wind was so high at Lyon that the greatest alarm was caused by it; and the custodium, in which the hosts were kept, on the high altar, in the church of the Cordeliers, was burst open, owing to a broken pane in the window, and the sacred wafers blown all about the church, to the great scandal of devout persons. It happened somewhat before eight o'clock in the morning.

This year, the king gave the princess Jane of France the duchy of Berry; and, for the benefit of the realm, he espoused, by a dispensation from pope Alexander VII. the widowed queen of France, Anne of Brittany,[14] which was of the greatest public utility.

In the course of this year 1499, the head of St Bonaventure was deposited, in a very rich shrine of silver, in the church of the Cordeliers at Lyon,--and a most solemn procession was made on the occasion by the friars of the convent. On the 10th of June, in this year, the king made his public entry into Lyon, which was very magnificent. The streets were hung with tapestries,--and many fine mysteries were represented in the squares. He was very anxious to recover possession of the Milanese, and had sent thither a large army, which, within fifteen days, reconquered Milan, on the 4th of September. Duke Ludovico was in the town, and narrowly escaped being taken, by quitting the place in disguise. The town of Alexandria della Paglia[15], having shown much hatred to the French, was plundered, and the greater part of it destroyed.

When the king heard of the capture of Milan, he left Lyon, giving orders to the lord de Bersac to destroy all the benches and awnings before the doors in that city. He made his public entry into Milan, and regulated its government.

On the Friday before All-souls-day, in this year, the bridge of Nôtre Dame, at Paris, fell down, which was a heavy loss; and the king sent thither John de Doyac to superintend the immediate construction of another.