Front matter (continued 4)

On the morrow, the French returned to Orleans, and the adjacent parts, with their prisoners. They were every where received with the utmost joy; but the Maid especially seemed to have acquired so great renown, it was believed that the king's enemies could not resist her, and that by her means he would soon be acknowledged throughout his kingdom. She accompanied the other captains to the king, who was much rejoiced at their success, and gave them a gracious reception.

Several councils were held in the presence of the king; and it was resolved to collect as many men at arms as possible from all parts under his dominion to pursue his enemies.

On the day of the battle of Pataye before the English knew that their enemies were so near, sir John Fastolfe one of the chief captains, and who fled without striking a blow, assembled a council when he remonstrated on the losses they had suffered before Orleans, at Gergeau and other places, which had greatly lowered the courage of their men, and on the contrary, raised that of the French, and which made him now advise that they should retire to some of their strong towns in the neighbourhood, and not think of combating the enemy until their men were more reconciled to their late defeats, and until the reinforcements should be sent them which the regent was expecting from England.

This language was not very agreeable to some of the captains, more especially to lord Talbot, who declared, that if the enemy came, he would fight them.

Sir John Fastolfe was bitterly reproached by the duke of Bedford for having thus fled from the battle,—and he was deprived of the order of the Garter: however, in time, the remonstrances he had made in council, previously to the battle, were considered as reasonable; and this, with other circumstances and excuses he made, regained him the order of the Garter. Nevertheless, great quarrels arose between him and lord Talbot on this business, when the latter was returned from his captivity.

Prior to the battle of Pataye, Jacques de Milly, Gilles de St Simon, Louis de Marconnay, Jean de la Haye and other valiant men, were made knights by the French.

CHAP. LXIII.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, AT THE REQUEST OF THE DUKE OF BEDFORD, COMES TO PARIS, WHEN THEY RENEW THEIR ALLIANCES.

When news of this unfortunate defeat was known to the duke of Bedford and the council at Paris, he was very much disturbed,—and several, on hearing of it, wept in the council. They were also informed, that king Charles was assembling his forces to march and conquer all the country before him. In consequence of this, the duke of Bedford and the Parisians appointed a solemn embassy to duke Philip of Burgundy, to make him acquainted with the strange events that had happened, and to request that he would hasten to Paris, to advise with the regent and his ministers how to act in these extraordinary circumstances.

The ambassadors on this occasion, where the bishop of Noyon, two celebrated doctors in theology from the university, and some of the principal burghers of Paris. They found the duke at Hêdin, related to him the cause of their coming and earnestly required of him, on the part of his brother-in-law the regent and the Parisians, that he would be pleased to come to Paris with all diligence, to concert measures with them for the more effectually opposing their adversaries.

The duke complied with their request, and promised to be at Paris within a few days. He instantly assembled from seven to eight hundred combatants from his territories in Artois, by whom he was escorted to Paris. His arrival gave great joy to all ranks, and for many days he and the regent held constant councils on the present state of affairs, at the end of which they entered into the following mutual engagement, namely, that each would exert his whole powers to resist their adversary, Charles de Valois, and then solemnly renewed the alliances that existed between them.

When these things were done, the duke of Burgundy returned to Artois, and carried his sister the duchess of Bedford with him, whom he established with her household at Lens in Artois. The duke of Bedford dispatched messengers to England, with orders to send him, without delay, as large a body of the most expert men at arms as could be raised. In like manner he called to him the different garrisons in Normandy, and from other parts under his government, with all nobles and others accustomed to bear arms.

Some little time before, about four thousand combatants had been sent from England to the regent, under the command of the cardinal of Winchester, who crossed the sea with them to Calais, and thence marched to Amiens. The cardinal went from Amiens to Corbie, to meet the duke of Burgundy and his sister-in-law the duchess of Bedford, who were on their return from Paris.

After they had conferred together some time, the cardinal went back to Amiens, and conducted his men to the regent, who was much rejoiced at their arrival. In these days, John, bastard of St Pol, was sent to the duke of Bedford with a certain number of men from Picardy, by orders of the duke of Burgundy. The regent appointed him governor of the town and castle of Meaux in Brie, and gave him the sovereign command of all the adjacent country, to defend it against the power of king Charles, who was daily expected in these parts.

CHAP. LXIV.

KING CHARLES OF FRANCE TAKES THE FIELD WITH A NUMEROUS BODY OF CHIVALRY AND MEN AT ARMS.—MANY TOWNS AND CASTLES SUBMIT TO HIM ON HIS MARCH.

While these things were passing, Charles king of France assembled at Bourges in Berry a very great force of men at arms and archers, among whom were the duke d'Alençon, Charles de Bourbon count of Clermont, Arthur count of Richemont constable of France, Charles of Anjou, brother-in-law to the king, and son to Réné king of Sicily, the bastard of Orleans, the cadet of Armagnac, Charles lord d'Albreth, and many other nobles and powerful barons from the countries of Acquitaine, Gascony, Poitou, Berry and different parts, whom he marched to Gien on the Loire. He was alway accompanied by the Maid and a preaching friar of the order of St Augustin, called Richard, who had lately been driven out of Paris, and from other places under subjection to the English, for having in his sermons shown himself too favourable to the french party.

From Gien the king marched toward Auxerre; but the constable went with a large detachment to Normandy and Evreux, to prevent the garrisons in that country joining the duke of Bedford. On the other hand, the cadet d'Armagnac was dispatched into the Bourdelois to guard Acquitaine and those parts.

The king on his march reduced two towns to his obedience, Gergeau and St Florentin, the inhabitants of which promised henceforward to be faithful to him, and to conduct themselves as loyal subjects should do to their lord: and they obtained the king's promise that he would rule them justly, and according to their ancient customs.

He thence marched to Auxerre, and sent to summon the inhabitants to surrender to their natural and legal lord. At first, the townsmen were not inclined to listen to any terms, but commissioners being appointed on each side, a treaty was concluded, in which they engaged to render similar obedience to what the towns of Troyes, Châlons and Rheims, should assent to. They supplied the king's army with provision for money, and remained peaceable, for the king held them excused this time.

The king marched next to Troyes, and encamped his men around it. He was three days there before the inhabitants would admit him as their lord: however, in consideration of certain promises made them, they opened the gates and permitted him and his army to enter their town, where he heard mass. When the usual oaths had been received and given on each side, the king returned to his camp, and caused it to be proclaimed several times throughout the camp and town, that no one, under pain of death should molest the inhabitants of Troyes, or those of the other towns which had submitted to his obedience.

On this expedition, the two marshals, namely, Boussac and the lord de Raix, commanded the van division, and with them were la Hire, Poton de Saintrailles and other captains. Very many great towns and castles submitted to king Charles on his march, the particulars of which I shall pass over for the sake of brevity.

CHAP. LXV.

KING CHARLES OF FRANCE WITH A NOBLE CHIVALRY AND A NUMEROUS BODY OF MEN AT ARMS, ARRIVES AT RHEIMS, WHERE HE IS CROWNED BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS.

During the time king Charles remained at Troyes in Champagne, deputies arrived from Châlons, who brought him the keys of their town, with promises of perfect obedience to his will. The king, upon this, went to Châlons, where he was kindly, and with great humility received. In like manner, the keys of the city of Rheims were presented to him, with promises to admit him as their king, and to pay him due obedience.

The lord de Saveuses had been lately made governor of Rheims, having a certain number of men at arms under him, to keep the town steady to the dukes of Bedford and Burgundy. On the arrival of the lord de Saveuses, the townsmen promised him that they would obey king Henry and the duke of Burgundy until death. Nevertheless, from fear of the Maid, of whose prowess they were told wonders, they resolved to surrender themselves to king Charles, although the lord de Chastillon and the lord de Saveuses wanted to persuade them to the contrary. These lords, noticing their obstinacy, quitted the town of Rheims; for in answer to their entreaties not to change sides, they had used very rough and strange expressions. The two lords then went to Château-Thierry.

The men of Rheims carried their resolution of submitting to king Charles into effect, as you have heard, through the instigation of the archbishop, who was chancellor to king Charles, and some others.

The king made his public entry into Rheims on Friday the 6th day of July, attended by a noble chivalry; and on the following Sunday, he was crowned by the archbishop in the cathedral of Rheims, in presence of all his princes, barons and knights, then with him. In the number were, the duke d'Alençon, the count de Clermont, the lord de la Trimouille, his principal minister, the lord de Beaumanoir, a Breton, the lord de Mailly, in Touraine, who were dressed in coronation-robes, to represent the noble peers of France absent at this ceremony. They had been, however, called over at the great altar by France king at arms, in the usual manner.

When the coronation was over, the king went to the archiepiscopal palace to dinner, attended by his princes and nobles. The archbishop was seated at the king's table, and the king was served by the duke d'Alençon, the count de Clermont, and other great lords. The king, on his coronation, created, while in the church, three knights, of whom the youth of Commercis was one. On his leaving Rheims, he appointed sir Anthony de Hollande, nephew to the archbishop, governor; and on the morrow of his departure, he went on a pilgrimage to Corbeni, to pay adoration to St Marcou. Thither came deputies from Laon, to submit themselves to his obedience in the manner other towns had done.

From Corbeni, the king went to Provins and Soissons, which places, without hesitation, opened their gates to him. He made La Hire bailiff of the Vermandois, in the room of sir Colart de Mailly, who had been appointed to that office by king Henry.

The king and his army next came before Château-Thierry, in which were the lord de Châtillon, John de Croy, John de Brimeu and other great lords of the burgundian party, with about four hundred combatants. These gentlemen, perceiving the townsmen inclined to submit to the king, and not expecting any speedy succour, and being withal poorly provided for defence, yielded up the town and castle to king Charles, and marched away with their effects and baggage undisturbed. They went to the duke of Bedford at Paris, who was then collecting a sufficient body of men at arms to combat the French.

CHAP. LXVI.

THE DUKE OF BEDFORD ASSEMBLES A LARGE ARMY TO COMBAT KING CHARLES.—HE SENDS A LETTER TO THE KING.

At this period, the regent duke of Bedford, having collected about ten thousand combatants from England, Normandy and other parts, marched them from Rouen toward Paris, with the intent to meet king Charles and offer him battle. He advanced, through the country of Brie, to Montereau-faut-Yonne, whence he sent ambassadors to the said king, with a sealed letter of the following tenour.

'We John of Lancaster, regent of France, and duke of Bedford, make known to you Charles de Valois, who were wont to style yourself Dauphin of Vienne, but at present without cause call yourself king, for wrongfully do you make attempts against the crown and dominion of the very high, most excellent and renowned prince Henry, by the grace of God, true and natural lord of the kingdoms of France and England,—deceiving the simple people by your telling them you come to give peace and security, which is not the fact, nor can it be done by the means you have pursued, and are now following to seduce and abuse ignorant people, with the aid of superstitious and damnable persons, such as a woman of a disorderly and infamous life, and dissolute manners, dressed in the clothes of a man, together with an apostate and seditious mendicant friar, as we have been informed, both of whom are, according to holy scripture, abominable in the sight of God.

'You have also gained possession, by force of arms, of the country of Champagne, and of several towns and castles appertaining to my said lord the king, the inhabitants of which you have induced to perjure themselves by breaking the peace which had been most solemnly sworn to by the then king's of France and England, the great barons, peers, prelates and three estates of the realm.

'We, to defend and guard the right of our said lord the king, and to repulse you from his territories, by the aid of the All-Powerful, have taken the field in person, and with the means God has given us, as you may have heard, shall pursue you from place to place in the hope of meeting you, which we have never yet done.

'As we most earnestly and heartily desire a final end to the war, we summon and require of you, if you be a prince desirous of gaining honour, to take compassion on the poor people, who have, on your account, been so long and so grievously harrassed, that an end may be put to their afflictions, by terminating this war. Choose, therefore, in this country of Brie, where we both are, and not very distant from each other, any competent place for us to meet, and having fixed on a day, appear there with the abandoned woman, the apostate monk, and all your perjured allies, and such force as you may please to bring, when we will, with God's pleasure, personally meet you in the name and as the representative of my lord the king.

'Should it then please you to make any proposals respecting peace, we will do every thing that may be expected from a catholic prince, for we are always inclined to conclude a solid peace, not such a false and treacherous one as that of Montereau-faut-Yonne, when, through your connivance, that most horrid and disgraceful murder was committed contrary to every law of chivalry and honour, on the person of our late very dear and well-beloved father duke John of Burgundy, whose soul may God receive!

'By means of this peace so wickedly violated by you, upwards of one hundred nobles have deserted your realm, as may be clearly shewn by the letters patent under your hand and seal, by which you have absolutely and unreservedly acquitted them of every oath of loyalty, fealty and subjection.

'However, if from the iniquity and malice of mankind peace cannot be obtained, we may each of us then with our swords defend the cause of our quarrel before God, as our judge, and to whom and none other will my said lord refer it. We therefore most humbly supplicate the Almighty as knowing the right of my lord in this matter, that he would dispose the hearts of this people so that they may remain in peace without further oppressions; and such ought to be the object of all Christian kings and princes in regard to their subjects.

'We, therefore, without using more arguments or longer delay, make known our proposals to you, which should you refuse, and should further murders and mischiefs be, through your fault, committed by a continuation of the war, we call God to witness, and protest before him and the world, that we are no way the cause, and that we have done and do our duty. We therefore profess our willingness to consent to a solid and reasonable peace, and, should that be rejected, then to resort to open combat becoming princes, when no other means can accommodate their differences. In testimony whereof, we have had these presents sealed with our seal.

'Given at Montereau-faut-Yonne the 7th day of August, in the year of Grace 1429.' Signed by my lord the regent of France and duke of Bedford.

CHAP. LXVII.

THE ARMIES OF CHARLES KING OF FRANCE AND OF THE REGENT DUKE OF BEDFORD MEET NEAR TO MONT EPILOY.

The duke of Bedford, finding that he could not meet the army of king Charles to his advantage, and that many towns were surrendering to the king without making any resistance, withdrew his forces toward the isle of France, to prevent the principal towns in that district following their examples.

King Charles, in the mean while, advanced to Crespy, where he had been received as king, and, passing through Brie, was making for Senlis, when the two armies of the king and the duke came within sight of each other at Mont Epiloy near to the town of Baron.

Both were diligent in seizing the most advantageous positions for the combat. The duke of Bedford chose a strong post, well strengthened, on the rear and wings, with thick hedge-rows. In the front, he drew up his archers in good array on foot, having each a sharp-pointed stake planted before them. The regent himself was with his lords in one battalion close to the archers, where, among the banners of the different lords, were displayed two having the arms of France and of England: the banner of St George was likewise there, and borne that day by Jean de Villiers, knight, lord of Isle Adam.

The regent had with him from six to eight hundred combatants from the duke of Burgundy, the chief leaders of whom were the lord de l'Isle-Adam, Jean de Croy, Jean de Crequi, Anthony de Bethune, Jean de Fosseux, the lord de Saveuses, sir Hugh de Launoy, Jean de Brimeu, Jean de Launoy, sir Simon de Lalain, Jean bastard de St Pol, and other warriors, some of whom were then knighted. The bastard de St Pol received that honour from the hand of the duke of Bedford, and Jean de Crequi, Jean de Croy, Anthony de Bethune, Jean de Fosseux, le Liegeois de Humieres, by the hands of other knights.

When these matters were ordered, the English were drawn up together on the left wing, and the Picards, with those of the French in king Henry's interest, opposite to them. They thus remained in battle-array for a considerable time, and were so advantageously posted that the enemy could not attack them without very great risk to themselves; add to which, they were plentifully supplied with provision from the good town of Senlis, near to which they were.

King Charles had drawn up his men with his most expert captains in the van division, the others remained with him in the main battalion, excepting a few posted, by way of rear-guard, toward Paris. The king had a force of men at arms with him much superior in numbers to the English. The Maid was also there, but perpetually changing her resolutions: sometimes she was eager for the combat, at other times not. The two parties, however, remained in this state, ever prepared to engage, for the space of two days and two nights, during which were many skirmishes and attacks. To detail them all would take too much time; but there was one very long and bloody, that took place on the wing where the Picards were posted, and which lasted for an hour and a half. The royal army fought with the utmost courage, and their archers did much mischief with their arrows, insomuch that many persons thought, seeing the numbers engaged, that it would not cease until one or other of the parties were vanquished. They, however, separated, but not without many killed and wounded on each side.

The duke of Bedford was very well pleased with the Picards for the gallantry and courage they had displayed; and when they had retreated, he rode down their ranks, addressing them kindly, and saying, 'My friends, you are excellent people, and have valiantly sustained for us a severe shock, for which we humbly thank you; and we entreat, that should any more attacks be made on your post, you will persevere in the same valour and courage.'

Both parties were violently enraged against each other, so that no man, whatever his rank, was that day ransomed, but every one put to death without mercy. I was told, that about three hundred men were killed in these different skirmishes; but I know not which side lost the most. At the end of two days, the armies separated without coming to a general engagement.

CHAP. LXVIII.

KING CHARLES OF FRANCE SENDS AMBASSADORS TO THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY AT ARRAS.

About this time, ambassadors were sent to the duke of Burgundy, at Arras, by king Charles of France, to treat of a peace between them. The principal persons of this embassy were, the archbishop of Rheims, Christopher de Harcourt, the lords de Dammartin, de Gaucourt and de Fontaines, knights, with some counsellors of state. Having demanded an audience, some few days after their arrival, they remonstrated through the mouth of the archbishop with the duke of Burgundy, most discreetly and wisely on the cause of their coming, and, among other topics, enlarged on the perfect affection the king bore him, and on his earnest desire to be at peace with him,—for which purpose, he was willing to make condescensions and reparations even more than were becoming royal majesty.

They excused him of the murder committed on the person of the late duke of Burgundy, on the score of his youth, alledging that he was then governed by persons regardless of the welfare of the kingdom, but whose measures at that time he dared not oppose.

These and other remonstrances from the archbishop were kindly listened to by the duke and his council; and when he had finished speaking, one of the duke's ministers replied, 'My lord and his council have heard with attention what you have said: he will consider on it, and you shall have his answer within a few days.'

The archbishop and his companions now returned to their hôtel, much respected by all ranks, for the majority of the states were very desirous of a peace between the king and the duke of Burgundy. Even those of the middle ranks, although there was neither truce nor peace, came to the chancellor of France at Arras, to solicit letters of grace and remission, as if the king had been in the full possession of his power,—which grants, however, they obtained from the archbishop as chancellor.

The duke of Burgundy held many consultations with those of his privy council, which much hastened the conclusion of this business.

CHAP. LXIX.

THE LORD DE LONGUEVAL CONQUERS THE CASTLE OF AUMALE FROM THE ENGLISH.

The lord de Longueval, having been deprived of his estates, had turned to king Charles, and, by the means of a priest resident in Aumale, had gained the castle of the town, the chief place of that country, and held by the English. Four or five Englishmen were found within it, who were put to death; but the inhabitants were spared, on their making oath to behave in future like good Frenchmen, and paying a heavy ransom for the deliverance. This castle was shortly after repaired, revictualled, and reinforced with men at arms, who carried on a continual warfare against the English and their allies in these parts. The duke of Bedford was much vexed at this; but he could not, by reason of more important matters, at the time go thither, nor provide any remedy.

At this time also, the castle of Estrepagny was taken by storm from the lord de Rambures and his men; but on the other hand, the fortress of Château-Gaillard was reduced to the obedience of king Charles, which is excellently situated and is very strong. In this castle had been confined for a long time that valiant knight the lord de Barbasan, who had been made prisoner, as has been said, by king Henry's army at Melun.

By means of this lord de Barbasan was Château-Gaillard won, and himself freed from prison. He gave the command of it to some of his people, and soon after joined king Charles, by whom he was most joyfully received and honoured.

The castle of Torcy was also put into the hands of the French by some of the country people, who had connexions with the English, and who betrayed it to the enemy. Thus in a short time were four of the strongest castles of the enemy recovered; and in consequence of their capture, those parts were very much harassed; both by the French and English.

CHAP. LXX.

THE TOWN OF COMPIÈGNE SURRENDERS TO THE FRENCH.—THE RETURN OF THE FRENCH EMBASSY WHICH HAD BEEN SENT TO THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.

When king Charles was marching from near Senlis, where he and the duke of Bedford had been within sight of each other, he was detained at Crespy in Valois, and there he received intelligence that the town of Compiègne was willing to submit to his obedience. He lost no time in going thither, and was received by the inhabitants with great joy, and lodged in the royal palace. His chancellor and the other ambassadors to the duke of Burgundy, there met him, and informed him, that although they had held many conferences with the ministers of the duke of Burgundy, nothing had been finally concluded, except that the duke had agreed to send ambassadors to king Charles to confer further on the subject.

They had learnt that the majority of the duke's council were very desirous that peace should be established between the king and him, but that master John de Tourcy, bishop of Tournay and sir Hugh de Launoy had been charged by the duke of Bedford to remind the duke of Burgundy of his oaths to king Henry, and were against a peace with the king of France. This had delayed the matter,—and further time had been required by the duke to send his ambassadors. He had however, nominated sir John de Luxembourg, the bishop of Arras, sir David de Brimeu, with other discreet and noble persons for the purpose.

About this time, sir Lyonnel de Bournouville, who had lost his town and castle of Creil, requested some men at arms from the duke of Bedford to reconquer one of his castles called Breteictre, which the French had won. His request was granted, and he took the fort by storm, putting to death all within it,—but he was so severely wounded himself that he died soon after.

CHAP. LXXI.

THE KING OF FRANCE MAKES AN ATTACK ON THE CITY OF PARIS.

During king Charles's stay at Compiègne, news was brought him that the regent-duke of Bedford had marched with his whole army to Normandy, to combat the constable near to Evreux, where he was despoiling the country. The king did not leave Compiègne for ten or twelve days, when he marched for Senlis appointing sir William de Flavy the governor. Senlis surrendered on capitulation to the king, who fixed his quarters in the town, and distributed his army in the country about it.

Many towns and villages now submitted to the king's obedience, namely, Creil, Beauvais, Choisy, le Pont de St Maixence, Gournay sur l'Aronde, Remy la Neuville en Hez, Moignay, Chantilly, Saintry and others.

The lords de Montmorency and de Moy took the oaths of allegiance to him; and in truth, had he marched his army to St Quentin, Corbie, Amiens, Abbeville, and to other strong towns and castles the majority of the inhabitants were ready to acknowledge him for their lord, and desired nothing more earnestly than to do him homage, and open their gates.

He was, however, advised not to advance so far on the territories of the duke of Burgundy, as well from there being a considerable force of men at arms as because he was in the expectation that an amicable treaty would be concluded between them.

After king Charles had halted some days in Senlis, he dislodged and marched to St Denis, which he found almost abandoned, for the richer inhabitants had gone to Paris. He quartered his men at Aubervilliers, Montmartre, and in the villages round Paris. The Maid Joan was with him, and in high reputation, and daily pressed the king and princes to make an attack on Paris.

It was at length determined that on Monday, the 12th day of the month, the city should be stormed, and, in consequence, every preparation was made for it.

On that day, the king drew up his army in battle-array between Montmartre and Paris: his princes, lords and the Maid were with him: the van division was very strong; and thus, with displayed banner, he marched to the gate of St Honoré, carrying thither scaling ladders, fascines, and all things necessary for the assault.

He ordered his infantry to descend into the ditches: and the attack commenced at ten o'clock, which was very severe and murderous, and lasted four or five hours. The Parisians had with them Louis de Luxembourg, the bishop of Therouenne king Henry's chancellor and other notable knights, whom the duke of Burgundy had sent thither, such as the lord de Crequi, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, sir Simon de Lalain, Valeran de Bournouville, and other able men, with four hundred combatants. They made a vigorous defence, having posted a sufficient force at the weakest parts before the attack began. Many of the French were driven back into the ditches, and numbers were killed and wounded by the cannon and culverines from the ramparts. Among the last was the Maid, who was very dangerously hurt; she remained the whole of the day behind a small hillock until vespers, when Guichard de Thiembronne came to seek her.

A great many of the besieged suffered also. At length the french captains, seeing the danger of their men, and that it was impossible to gain the town by force against so obstinate a defence, and that the inhabitants seemed determined to continue it, without any disagreement among themselves, sounded the retreat. They carried off the dead and wounded, and returned to their former quarters. On the morrow, king Charles, very melancholy at the loss of his men, went to Senlis, to have the wounded attended to and cured.

The Parisians were more unanimous than ever, and mutually promised each other to oppose, until death, king Charles, who wanted to destroy them all. Perhaps, knowing how much they had misbehaved by forcing him to quit Paris, and by putting to death some of his most faithful servants they were afraid of meeting with their deserts.

CHAP. LXXII.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY SENDS AMBASSADORS TO AMIENS, TO KEEP UP HIS INTEREST WITH THE INHABITANTS.

In these days, the duke sent, as ambassadors, to Amiens, the bishops of Noyon, of Arras, the vidame of Amiens and others to remind the mayor and townsmen of the good affection which he and his predecessors had ever shewn them; and to say, that if there was any thing he or his friends could do for them, they were at their commands; requesting them, in return, to persevere in their attachment to his interests, like good friends and neighbours.

The townsmen of Amiens, seeing themselves thus honoured and courted by such ambassadors from so mighty a prince were in the highest spirits, and said among themselves, that it would be well to put their town under his protection, on his abolishing all taxes. They replied to the ambassadors, that they would shortly send commissioners, to the duke to declare their intentions. They did send commissioners, in conjunction with deputies from Abbeville, Montrieul, St Riquier, Dourlens and others, who were instructed to demand an abolition of taxes. This was not granted by the duke; but he promised them his support and assistance to obtain their demand from king Henry.

At this time, the duke of Burgundy summoned, from Picardy and the adjacent parts, all those who had been accustomed to bear arms, to be ready prepared to join and march with him where he might please to lead them. They were soon assembled in great bodies, and passed muster at Beauquêne, where they took the oaths before sir James de Brimeu, constituted marshal for this purpose. They advanced toward Abbeville and St Riquier, where they remained a considerable time waiting for the duke of Burgundy, which was a heavy oppression to those parts.

CHAP. LXXIII.

CHARLES KING OF FRANCE RETURNS TO TOURAINE AND BERRY.

King Charles, finding the city of Paris unwilling to submit to his obedience, resolved with those of his council to appoint governors to all the towns and castles which had surrendered to him, and to return himself to Touraine and Berry. Having determined on this, he made Charles de Bourbon count of Clermont governor in chief of the Isle de France and of Beauvoisis: his chancellor had the command in the town of Beauvais, the count de Vendôme at Senlis, William de Flavy at Compiègne, sir James de Chabannes at Creil.

The king attended by the other great lords who had come with him, went from Senlis to Crespy, and thence, by Sens and Burgundy, to Touraine; for the truce between the Burgundians and French did not expire until Easter. The passage of the Pont de St Maixence, of which the French now had possession, was again intrusted to the hands of Regnault de Longueval,—so that all that part of France was at this time sorely distressed by the french and english garrisons making daily inroads on each other; in consequence of which, the villages were deserted, by the inhabitants retiring to the strong towns.

CHAP. LXXIV.

DUKE PHILIP OF BURGUNDY CONDUCTS HIS SISTER BACK TO PARIS, IN GREAT POMP TO HER LORD THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.

On the 20th of September in this year, the duke of Burgundy left Hêdin, with his sister the duchess of Bedford, grandly accompanied, and lay that night at Dourlens. They proceeded the next day to Corbie, where they remained some days to wait the arrival of men at arms who were coming to them from all quarters.

From Corbie they went to Mondidier, and thence to Chastenay, quartering the men at arms, who amounted to from three to four thousand, in the country round. They crossed the river Oise at Pont St Maixence, and, passing by Senlis, were lodged at Louvres-en-Parisis.

The duke marched his men in handsome order, sir John de Luxembourg commanding the van, and the duke the main body. Near to him was his sister, mounted on a good trotting horse, attended by eight or ten ladies on hackneys. The lord de Saveuses and other knights, with a certain number of men at arms, followed by way of rear-guard.

The duke was much looked at by the French, who had come out of Senlis in great numbers on foot and on horseback, armed or not as they pleased on account of the existing truce. He was completely armed except the head, and mounted on a beautiful horse, and handsomely dressed and equipped, followed by seven or eight pages on excellent coursers.

The archbishop of Rheims, chancellor of France came first to meet and do him reverence in the plains without Senlis, and shortly after came the count de Clermont, with about sixty knights. When they had drawn near to the duke they both pulled off their hoods, bowed their heads, and addressed each other in obliging terms, but did not embrace through love and joy, as those nearly allied by blood are accustomed to do.

After these first salutations, the count de Clermont went to embrace his sister-in-law the duchess of Bedford, who was on the right hand of his brother-in-law the duke of Burgundy,—and having made a short acquaintance with her he returned to the duke; but observing that he did not seem willing to enter into any conversation, or have much to say to him, they took leave of each other and separated on the spot where they had met. Charles de Bourbon and the chancellor went back to Senlis, and the duke pursued his march to Louvres, where as I have said, he intended to pass the night.

On the morrow, he directed his march toward Paris, whither the duke of Bedford was returned from Normandy. On their meeting, joyous was the reception on both sides, and great and numerous were the embracings.

The men at arms of the duke of Burgundy were drawn up in array near to Paris, where they waited a considerable time before the harbingers had settled their quarters within the town. This done the princes and the duchess made their public entry with their men at arms. The Parisians were highly delighted at the arrival of the duke of Burgundy, and sung carols in all the streets through which he passed. They conducted the regent and his duchess to the palace of the Tournelles, and then the duke to his hôtel of Artois.

Great councils were held on the following day respecting the present state of public affairs; and, among other things the duke of Burgundy was required by the Parisians to be pleased to take on him the command of Paris, whose inhabitants had so strong an affection for him, and were ready and willing to support his and his late father's quarrels. They added, that it was absolutely necessary that he should comply with their wishes, considering the very many weighty matters the regent had on his hands in Normandy and elsewhere.

The duke of Burgundy granted their request until the ensuing Easter, but it was very much against his inclinations. The two dukes then determined to bring forward all their forces about Easter, in the spring of the year, to reconquer those towns in the Isle of France and on the Oise which had turned against them. Having arranged these matters, the duke of Bedford, with his duchess and the English, departed from Paris.

The duke of Burgundy appointed the lord de l'Isle-Adam governor of Paris, with a small number of men at arms at St Denis, the Bois de Vincennes, at the bridge of Charenton, and at other necessary posts. Having settled this business, and tarried in Paris the space of three weeks, he took leave of the queen of France, mother to king Charles, and returned, by the same route by which he had come, to Artois, and thence to Flanders. With him departed several of the burghers of Paris and some merchants.

CHAP. LXXV.

THE FRENCH AND BURGUNDIANS ATTACK EACH OTHER, NOTWITHSTANDING THE TRUCE.

Although a truce had been concluded between king Charles and the duke of Burgundy, it was very little respected on either side, for they frequently attacked each other. To cover their proceedings, some of the Burgundians joined the English, with whom no truce had been made, and thus carried on open war against the French.

The French acted in the same way, by making war on the Burgundians, under pretence of mistaking them for English, so that the truce afforded no manner of security. Among others, a gallant act was done by a valiant man at arms from England, called Foulkes, with whom some of the Burgundians had united themselves; and they were quartered in a handsome castle at Neuville le Roi, which they had repaired.

They formed a plan to surprise the town of Creil and plunder it, and placed an ambuscade near that place, that if the enemy should pursue them, they might fall into it. What they had supposed did happen; for sir James de Chambannes, the governor, hearing a disturbance, instantly armed, and, mounting his horse, galloped into the plain, to attack the English. At the first onset, Georges de Croix was made prisoner, and several unhorsed.

A grand skirmish ensued; but, in the end, by the valour and perseverance of the said Foulkes, sir James and two other knights were made prisoners, together with some of their ablest men. In this action, however, Foulkes was struck on the uncovered part of his neck with the sharp point of a spear, so that he instantly died, though the wound was very small.

All those of his party who knew him greatly lamented his death, and were sorry at heart, for they looked on him as one of the most valiant and expert men at arms in England.

The remaining English now collected together, under their leaders, Bohart de Boyentin and Robinet Eguetin, and returned with the prisoners to their castle. Within a few days they concluded a treaty with sir James de Chabannes, giving him his liberty on his paying a certain sum of money, and delivering up Georges de Croix.

The duke of Bedford perceiving that Château Gaillard, from its situation and strength, greatly annoyed the adjacent countries in Normandy, resolved to have it besieged before the enemy could revictual it, or reinforce it. The siege lasted from six to seven months, and it was then surrendered from want of provisions,—and the garrison were allowed to march away with their baggage and effects.

CHAP. LXXVI.

THE LORD DE SAVEUSES AND THE BASTARD DE ST POL ARE MADE PRISONERS BY THE FRENCH, NEAR TO PARIS.—A PARTY OF FRENCH GAIN THE TOWN OF ST DENIS BY SCALADO.

About this time, the duke of Burgundy sent the lord de Saveuses and John de Brimeu, with five hundred combatants, to assist the Parisians against the French, who were daily making excursions on all sides of the town, to the great loss of the inhabitants.

They quartered themselves in St Denis, and gained several advantages over the enemy in their many skirmishes; but one day, the French, having formed a junction with some of the garrisons on the side of Montlehery, advanced to Paris, leaving a detachment in ambuscade at a small village. At that time the lord de Saveuses and the bastard de St Pol were in Paris, and, hearing the disturbance, hastily mounted their horses, and set out instantly in pursuit of the enemy with few attendants, and without waiting for their men at arms. The French, in their flight, made for the ambuscade, where these two knights, finding resistance vain, were taken prisoners by them, and carried away, with a few of their attendants, to one of their castles.

The bastard de St Pol was badly wounded in the neck by a lance before he was taken, and was some time in danger of his life. The two knights, however, on paying a heavy ransom, soon returned to Paris, to the great joy of the inhabitants.

On the other hand, the French, under the command of Allain Geron, Gaucher de Bruissart, and other captains, advanced, at the break of day, to St Denis; in which town, John de Brimeu was lately arrived with some men at arms, whom he had brought from Artois, and he had also some of the men of the lord de Saveuses. A party of the French gained admittance by means of ladders, and, opening one of the gates, their whole body rushed in, shouting, 'Town won!' and, battering down the doors and windows of all the houses wherein they thought there were any Burgundians, who, on hearing the noise, were much alarmed.

Some retreated to the strong parts of the town, and John de Brimeu with many to the abbey; the bastard de Saveuses to the gate leading to Paris, and others saved themselves under different gates; while great part, sallying out of their quarters to join their captains, were made prisoners or slain. Among the prisoners were Anthony de Wistre, Thierry de Manlingehem, and from twelve to sixteen others, mostly gentlemen. Thevenin de Thenequestes, Jean de Hautecloque, and a few more were killed.

While the affray was going on, John de Brimeu and his companions recovered their courage, and began to assemble in different parts where they heard their war-cries; and having introduced a valiant man at arms, called Guillaume de Beauval, he collected a body of men and attacked the enemy, who were more intent on pillaging than on keeping good order, and drove them out of the town, with the loss of eight or ten of their men.

The lord de Saveuses, then in Paris hearing of this attack, assembled in haste as many men as he could, and galloped off to succour his friends at St Denis; but before his arrival, the French were gone, and had retreated toward Senlis, and others of their garrisons, carrying with them many horses from those in St Denis.

At this same time, the English besieged the lord de Rambays in his castle of Estrepaigny, the inheritance of the count de Tancarville,—and remained so long battering it with their engines that the lord de Rambays, hopeless of succour, treated with the English for its surrender, on condition that he and his men should depart in safety with their baggage.

CHAP. LXXVII.

THE ENGLISH MAKE MANY CONQUESTS.

In this year the duke of Bedford had the castle of Torcy besieged, which was the best built and strongest in all that part of the country. The command of the besieging army was given to the bastard of Clarence, who by his cannon and other engines, which he kept continually playing against it, greatly damaged the walls. At the end of six months, the besieged seeing no hope of relief, and finding that their provision began to fail, entered into a treaty with the bastard of Clarence for their surrender, on condition that some of the principal inhabitants might depart whither they pleased with their effects; and that from ten to twelve others, who had formerly been of the english party, but who had even aided the French to win the castle, should remain at their pleasure. These were very cruelly put to death, and the castle was then demolished and razed to the ground.

In the month of January of this year, sir Thomas Kiriel, an Englishman, with four hundred combatants, most part of whom were his countrymen, marched from Gournay in Normandy, where they had been in garrison, passing by Beauvais toward Beauvoisis and the county of Clermont. He committed much mischief in those parts, seized many cattle, especially horses, and made several prisoners. He advanced even to the suburbs of Clermont, and then set out on his return to his garrison.

The count de Clermont was then at Beauvais, and hearing of this enterprise of sir Thomas, quickly collected from all the neighbouring garrisons attached to king Charles eight hundred or more combatants. To these were added a multitude of peasants, as well from Beauvais as from the adjacent parts,—and all of them hastened to meet and fight the English.

Sir Thomas had heard from his scouts of their coming, and had drawn up his men in battle-array, about a league off Beauvais, to wait for them. They were on foot, having a wood on their rear, and sharp stakes in front to prevent the horse from charging without great danger to themselves. The French, nevertheless, began the attack, and very severe it was on both sides, but, as they were on horseback, were soon repulsed by the arrows of the archers, and thrown into confusion: the English then, seizing their opportunity, rushed on them with such courage that the enemy were defeated, very many being slain, and upward of a hundred of these peasants made prisoners. They gained the field of battle,—for the horsemen had retreated, very melancholy at their loss, to Beauvais. Sir Thomas, rejoiced at his victory, carried his prisoners and plunder safe to his garrison of Gournay.

The earl of Suffolk, about this time laid siege to the castle of Aumale, of which the lord de Rambures was governor, having under him six score combatants. The castle was surrounded on all sides; and at the end of twenty-four days it was constrained to surrender, on condition that the lord de Rambures and his men should have their lives spared, with the exception of about thirty who were hanged, because they had formerly taken oaths of fidelity to the English and had been of their party. Soon afterward, the lord de Rambures was carried to England, where he remained prisoner five or six years before he could obtain his liberty. The castle was revictualled and regarrisoned. Thus did the English regain, this year, many strong places which the French had won, with scarcely any loss of men.

CHAP. LXXVIII.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY MARRIES, FOR THE THIRD TIME, THE LADY ISABELLA, DAUGHTER TO THE KING OF PORTUGAL.

On the 9th day of January, in this year was solemnised in the city of Bruges, in a house that had been expressly prepared for that purpose, the marriage of Philip duke of Burgundy with the lady Isabella, daughter to the king of Portugal. The feast was very grand and magnificent: all the principal streets of the town were hung with rich cloths and the finest tapestry; and there were present at it his two sisters, the duchess of Bedford and duchess of Cleves, the countess of Namur, the countess of Lielse, the countess of Conversan, sir John de Luxembourg, the lady of Beaurevoir, the bishop of Liége, and many other great lords and ladies.

These personages displayed the richest dresses, themselves, their attendants and horses being each day clothed in different liveries, more especially the bishop of Liége, John bastard de St Pol, sir John d'Hornes and others. When the duchess landed (for she had been brought by sea by one of her brothers, together with the ambassadors from the duke of Burgundy, the principal of whom were the lord de Roubais and master Gilles d'Escornay provost of Harlebecque,) near to Bruges, the burghers in great pomp went out to meet her. They had with them one hundred and sixty-four trumpets which sounded very melodiously.

With regard to the various entertainments, which were continued for about eight days, it would take too much time to detail them. Suffice it to say, that there was the greatest profusion of meats and wines, and representations of unicorns and other beasts, from which flowed rose-water, wines, and different liquors, for the entertainment of the guests at this feast. The duke had never made such a display of magnificence at any of his former marriages,—and this was the third. There were tiltings, and various amusements, for many days, between knights and esquires of name and renown; and this feast must have cost the duke immense sums of money.

CHAP. LXXIX.

ESTIENNE DE VIGNOLLES, SURNAMED LA HIRE, SURPRISES AND TAKES THE TOWN OF LOUVIERS, IN NORMANDY.

In these days, Estienne de Vignolles, surnamed La Hire, took the town of Louviers, in Normandy, by surprise, having entered it with scaling ladders. He had with him from five to six hundred men, who found therein such plenty that they were greatly enriched. On their entrance, about thirty townsmen, English and others, were killed. After the capture, the majority of the inhabitants took the oaths of allegiance, to whom La Hire restored their houses and the greater part of their effects: the rest saved themselves as well as they could, leaving their wealth behind them.

La Hire and his companions soon made a severe warfare on the districts around, and at times even advanced as far as Rouen. The poor people were much harrassed by them, to the great vexation of the English, for at the time they could not assist them by reason of the more weighty matters they had on hand.

CHAP. LXXX.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY INSTITUTES, THIS YEAR, THE ORDER OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE.

In this year, the duke of Burgundy established, in honour of God and St Andrew, whose cross he bore in his arms, an order or fraternity of twenty-four knights without reproach, and gentlemen from four generations, to each of whom he gave a collar of gold handsomely wrought with his device, namely, 'Du Fusil,'—to each of which, collars were suspended in front, like as great ladies wear crosses, clasps or diamonds,—and in the centre thereof was a golden fleece, similar to what Jason conquered in old times as is written in the history of Troy, and which no Christian prince had ever before made use of. The duke, therefore, called this order, The Order of the Golden Fleece.

He, in conjunction with his council selected twenty-four knights to be of this order: the names of some of them follow First, the duke, the founder, then William de Vienne lord de St George, sir Regnier Pot lord de la Roche, the lord de Roubaise, the lord de Montagu, sir Roland de Huquerque, sir Anthony du Vergy count de Dammartin, sir David de Brimeu lord de Ligny, sir Hugh de Launoy lord de Santes, sir John lord de Commines, sir Anthony de Toulongeon marshal of Burgundy, sir Petro de Luxembourg count de Conversan, sir John de la Trimouille lord de Jonvelles, sir John de Luxembourg lord de Beaurevoir, sir Gillebert de Launoy lord de Villerval, sir John de Villiers lord de l'Isle-Adam, sir Anthony lord de Croy and de Renty, sir Florimont de Brimeu lord de Massincourt, sir Robert lord de Mamines, sir James de Brimeu lord de Grigny, sir Baudouin de Launoy lord de Moulembais, sir Peter de Bauffremont lord de Chargny, sir Philip lord de Ternant, sir John de Crequi, sir John de Croy lord de Tours sur Marne.

These knights and their successors were, on receiving the order, to enter into and sign solemn statutes and engagements for its preservation, and the maintaining it in due splendour, which shall be hereafter more fully detailed when the order shall have had its full number of knights,—for after the first institution of it, many others were added to those above named. The heirs of any knight were bounden, on his decease, to deliver up the collar of the order to the duke of Burgundy, for him to give it to another knight.

CHAP. LXXXI.

THE LORD DE CREVECOEUR AND SIR ROBERT DE SAVEUSES ARE ATTACKED BY THE FRENCH ON THEIR MARCH TO CLERMONT IN THE BEAUVOISIS.

In the month of February of this year, the lord de Crevecoeur, governor of Clermont in Beauvoisis, set out from Amiens to go thither, accompanied by sir Robert de Saveuses and about eight score combatants, as an escort to carts and cars laden with provision for Lent, and other matters.

Having passed St Just, near to St Remy en l'Aire, they were watched by the French, who knew of their coming and instantly attacked. The leaders of the French were sir Theolde Valperghue, sir Regnault de Fontaines, sir Louis de Vaucourt and others, having a much superior force to the enemy. Notwithstanding this, the lords de Crevecoeur and Saveuses dismounted with their men, the greater part of whom were archers, and defended themselves valiantly for the space of four hours or more, during which many men and horses were killed and severely wounded on both sides. At length, the French seeing their loss, and that they could not conquer the enemy, returned to their garrisons, and the lord de Crevecoeur and sir Robert de Saveuses continued their march to Clermont, where they remained until the ensuing year waiting for the coming of the duke of Burgundy.

CHAP. LXXXII.

FIVE FRENCHMEN COMBAT FIVE BURGUNDIANS AT ARRAS,—AND OTHER MATTERS.

On the 20th of February, in this same year, a combat took place in the great market-place at Arras, in the presence of the duke of Burgundy as judge of the field, between five Frenchmen of the party of king Charles and five Burgundians, who had challenged each other to break a certain number of lances. The french knights were sir Theolde de Valperghue, Poton de Saintrailles, sir Philibert d'Abrecy, sir William de Bes, and l'Estandart de Nully: the Burgundians were sir Simon de Lalain, the lord de Chargny, sir John de Vaulde, sir Nicolle de Menton and Philibert de Menton.

This Tournament lasted five days; and a large spot was inclosed for the purpose covered with sand, and the lists constructed with wood, with a division so that the horses of the two knights could not run against each other. The first day, sir Simon de Lalain and sir Theolde de Valperghue performed gallantly against each other; but toward the end sir Theolde and his horse were struck to the ground. In like manner were the ensuing days employed, and very many lances were broken. The lord de Chargny, however at the thirteenth course against sir Philibert d'Abrecy, struck off the vizor of his helmet, and drove the lance into his lace, so that he was instantly carried to his lodgings in the utmost danger.

On the last day, sir l'Estandart de Nully was hit exactly in the same manner, by the same Philibert de Menton, and, like the other was conducted to his lodgings in such great pain that he could with difficulty sit his horse: he had behaved with much gallantry, and had broken several lances against his adversary.

The French were served with lances by an expert and active man at arms called Alardin de Mousay, and most of the Burgundians by sir John de Luxembourg. Each day the duke came to the seat prepared for him grandly attended by his chivalry, and nobly dressed.

When this tournament was over, and the French had been well entertained, and presented with handsome gifts by the duke, they departed from the town of Arras for Compiègne, very disconsolate that they had been so unsuccessful. They left the two wounded knights behind, to be attended by the duke's surgeons, who in the end cured them.

In these days, the French on the borders of Beauvoisis, on the river Oise, made daily excursions against those of the Burgundy-party, who returned the compliment, although a truce had been sworn to last until the ensuing Easter; and these continual excursions caused the villages and country to be nearly deserted.

Duke Philip of Burgundy summoned a large body of men at arms to meet him at Peronne, where he and his duchess solemnised the feast of Easter. This done, he marched them to Mondidier, where he remained some days.

During these tribulations, the town and castle of Melun surrendered to king Charles. It had been given in charge to the lord de Humieres, who had appointed some of his brothers to defend it with a certain number of men at arms, but the inhabitants rose against them and drove them out of the town. King Charles and his party were much rejoiced at this event, because they could, by means of its bridge, cross the Seine when they pleased, and it was beside the strongest place in all that part of the country.

[A. D. 1430.]

CHAP. LXXXIII.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY QUARTERS HIS ARMY AT GOURNAY SUR ARONDE.

At the commencement of this year, the duke of Burgundy marched his army from Mondidier, and fixed his quarters at Gournay sur Aronde, in front of the castle, which belonged to Charles de Bourbon count de Clermont, his brother-in-law. He summoned Tristan de Maguillers, the governor, to surrender, or he would storm it. Tristan, seeing he could no way hold out against the duke's forces, concluded a treaty, by which he engaged to yield it up on the first day of next August, if he was not before relieved by king Charles or his party: he also promised, that neither he himself nor his garrison would, during that time, make war on any of the duke's partisans,—and by this means Tristan remained in peace.

This compromise had been hastily concluded, because the duke and sir John de Luxembourg had received intelligence to be depended upon, that the damoiseau de Commercy, Yvon du Puys and other captains, with a very large force, had besieged the castle of Montagu. Commercy, to whom this castle belonged, had marched thither secretly a great number of combatants, with bombards, veuglaires and other warlike engines, intending, by an unexpected and sharp assault, to recover the place; but it was well defended by those whom sir John de Luxembourg had placed therein. The principal leaders of the garrison were two notable men at arms, one of whom was an englishman, and the other Georges de la Croix.

They were frequently summoned to surrender, but would not listen to the summons, for they had not a doubt but that they should be very shortly succoured. At length, the besiegers having learnt that the duke of Burgundy was marching against them, and that they must stand the chance of a battle, were panic-struck, and so great was their fear that they marched away about midnight for their own garrisons, leaving their cannon, bombards, and all their stores behind. Information of this was instantly dispatched to the duke and sir John de Luxembourg, who made all diligence to attack them, and the duke marched his whole army to Noyon.

In these days sir John de Luxembourg advanced against Beauvais, and on the countries of the enemy, particularly against sir Louis de Vaucourt and his men, who had remained there for a considerable time during the winter, and set fire to a castle which they had repaired. The enemy retired within the town of Beauvais; and sir John encamped before the castle of Prouveulieu, which some Englishmen had refortified, and, by their excursions from thence, frequently oppressed the town of Mondidier, and the territories of the duke of Burgundy. They were soon forced to submit to sir John, who had the greater part executed and the rest sent to different prisons: having done this, he returned to the duke of Burgundy at Noyon.

CHAP. LXXXIV.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY LAYS SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF CHOISY, WHICH HE CONQUERS IN A FEW DAYS.

When the duke of Burgundy had remained for about eight days in Noyon, he departed, to lay siege to the castle of Choisy sur Oise, in which was Louis de Flavy, holding it for sir William de Flavy. The duke's engines did so much mischief to the walls of the castle that the garrison capitulated, on being allowed to march away with their baggage in safety. So soon as they had quitted the castle, it was demolished and razed to the ground.

The duke built a bridge over the Oise, to enable himself and his army to cross toward Compiègne on the side of Mondidier. During this time, the lord de Saveuses and John de Brimeu had been appointed to guard the suburbs of Noyon, with their men, and those of the lord Montgomery and of other English captains quartered at Pont l'Evêque, to prevent the garrison of Compiègne from cutting of the supplies from the duke's army.

It happened on a certain day, that those in Compiègne, namely, Joan the Maid, sir James de Chabannes, sir Theolde de Valperghue, sir Regnault de Fontaines, Poton de Saintrailles, and others of the French captains, accompanied by about two thousand combatants, came to Pont l'Evêque between day-break and sun-rise, and attacked the quarters of the English with great courage. A sharp conflict took place; and the lord de Saveuses with John de Brimeu, with their men, hastened to their support, which renewed the vigour of the English; they together repulsed the French, who had made good progress in their quarters. About thirty were killed on each side,—and the French retreated to Compiègne, whence they had come. The English from that day strengthened their position on all sides, to avoid a similar attack.

Shortly afterward, John de Brimeu going to the duke of Burgundy with about one hundred combatants, was suddenly attacked by a party of French in the forest of Crespy in the Valois, who had come from Attichy for this purpose, and to seek adventures, and without much defence made prisoner. The reason of his being thus taken was because his men followed in a file, and were unable to form into battle-array until the attack had commenced. He was put into the hands of Poton de Saintrailles, who, in the end, gave him his liberty on paying a heavy ransom.

When the duke of Burgundy had demolished the castle of Choisy, he quartered himself in the fortress of Coudun, within a league of Compiègne, and sir John de Luxembourg was lodged in Claroi. Sir Baudo de Noielle was ordered to post himself with a certain number of men at arms on the causeway of Marigny, and the lord Montgomery and his men were quartered along the meadows of La Venette. The duke was joined by some reinforcements from his different countries, having the intention to besiege the town of Compiègne, and reduce it to the obedience of king Henry of England.

CHAP. LXXXV.

JOAN THE MAID OVERTHROWS FRANQUET D'ARRAS, AND HAS HIS HEAD CUT OFF.

At the beginning of the month of May, a valiant man at arms named Franquet of Arras, attached to the duke of Burgundy, was overthrown and taken. He had made an excursion with about three hundred combatants toward Lagny sur Marne, but, on his return, was met by Joan the Maid and four hundred French. Franquet and his men attacked them valiantly several times; and, by means of his archers whom he had dismounted, made so vigorous a resistance that the Maid, finding they gained nothing, sent hastily for succours from the garrisons of Lagny and other castles under the dominion of king Charles. They came in great numbers with culverines, cross-bows and other warlike instruments, so that in the end the Burgundians, after doing great mischief to the enemy's cavalry, were conquered, and the better part of them put to the sword. The Maid even caused Franquet to be beheaded, whose death was exceedingly lamented by his party,—for he was a man of most valiant conduct.

CHAP. LXXXVI.

RÉNÉ DUKE OF BAR LAYS SIEGE TO CHAPPES, NEAR TO TROYES IN CHAMPAGNE.

About this period, the duke of Bar, called Réné of Sicily, collected from his duchies of Lorraine and Bar, and the borders of Germany, a considerable force of men at arms, commanded by that prudent and valiant knight the lord de Barbasan, who, as has been said, was detained by the English for a long time prisoner. The duke's troops might amount to three or four thousand combatants; and he led them to besiege the town of Chappes, three leagues from Troyes in which were the lord d'Aumont, his brother and many warriors, who diligently applied themselves to its defence.

They also sent to the lords of Burgundy, to entreat that they would come to their aid in this time of need. In consequence, sir Anthony de Toulongeon marshal of Burgundy, the count de Joigny, sir Anthony and sir John du Vergy, the lord de Jonvelle, the lord de Chastellux, le veau de Bar, and in general the greater part of the burgundian nobles, to the number of four thousand combatants, assembled, and advanced toward the quarters of the duke of Bar, to offer him battle.

The duke, knowing of their coming, was drawn up ready to receive them, when the Burgundians were soon thrown into disorder, and returned to their own country. About sixty were killed or taken: of the latter number were the lord de Plansi and Charles de Rochefort. The lord d'Aumore was also made prisoner, with several of his men, when sallying out of the town to support his friends. His brother was likewise taken, and he was forced to deliver up the castle to the duke of Bar, who completely destroyed it.

CHAP. LXXXVII.

THE MAID IS TAKEN PRISONER BY THE BURGUNDIANS BEFORE COMPIÈGNE.

During the time that the duke of Burgundy was quartered at Coudun, and his men at arms in the villages between Coudon and Compiègne, it happened, that about five o'clock in the afternoon, on Ascension-eve, the Maid, Poton and other valiant french captains, having with them from five to six hundred combatants horse and foot, sallied out of Compiègne by the gate of the bridge leading to Mondidier, with the intent to attack the post of sir Baudo de Noielle, at the end of the causeway of Marigny.

At this time, sir John de Luxembourg, the lord de Crequi, and eight or ten gentlemen, but with very few attendants were with sir Baudo. They had rode thither to consult with him on the best mode of directing their attacks on Compiègne.

The French were very near to Marigny, before the greater part of the men who were unarmed could prepare themselves; but they soon collected together, and a severe conflict commenced,—during which the cries of 'To arms!' were echoed through all the english and burgundian quarters. The english, who were encamped on the meads of Venette, formed themselves into battle-array against the French, and were near five hundred men.

On the other hand, sir John de Luxembourg's men quartered at Claroi, hastened to the relief of their lord and captain, who was engaged in the heat of the skirmish, and under whom the most part rallied. In this encounter the lord de Crequi was dangerously wounded in the face.

After some time, the French, perceiving their enemies multiply so fast on them, retreated toward Compiègne, leaving the Maid, who had remained to cover the rear, anxious to bring back the men with little loss. But the Burgundians, knowing that reinforcements were coming to them from all quarters, pursued them with redoubled vigour, and charged them on the plain. In the conclusion, as I was told, the Maid was dragged from her horse by an archer, near to whom was the bastard de Vendôme, and to him she surrendered and pledged her faith. He lost no time in carrying her to Marigny, and put her under a secure guard. With her was taken Poton the Burgundian, and some others, but in no great number.

The French re-entered Compiègne doleful and vexed at their losses, more especially for the capture of Joan: while, on the contrary, the English were rejoiced, and more pleased than if they had taken five hundred other combatants, for they dreaded no other leader or captain so much as they had hitherto feared the Maid.

The duke of Burgundy came soon after from Coudun to the meadows before Compiègne, where he drew up his army, together with the English and the troops from their different quarters, making a handsome appearance, and with shoutings and huzzas expressed their joy at the capture of the Maid. After this, the duke went to the lodgings where she was confined, and spoke some words to her; but what they were I do not now recollect although I was present.

The duke and the army returned to their quarters, leaving the Maid under the guard of sir John de Luxembourg, who shortly after sent her, under a strong escort, to the castle of Beaulieu, and thence to that of Beaurevoir, where she remained, as you shall hear, a prisoner for a long time.

CHAP. LXXXVIII.

YOUNG KING HENRY OF ENGLAND DISEMBARKS AT CALAIS AND COMES TO FRANCE.

In this year, king Henry of England, then about eight years of age, disembarked about ten o'clock in the morning of St George's day, from his vessel at Calais. Having mounted his horse, he went to hear mass at the church of St Nicholas attended by the cardinal of Winchester, the duke of York, the earls of Huntingdon, Warwick, Stafford, Arundel and Suffolk, the counts de Bonneterre, de Hemme, the lords de Roye, de Beaumont, d'Escaillon, de Grez, and many more.

He was likewise accompanied by master Pierre de Cauchon, bishop of Beauvais, who had been sent to meet him. His attendants then followed; and he was escorted from Calais to Rouen by his army, where he remained a long time.

CHAP. LXXXIX.

AFTER THE CAPTURE OF THE MAID, THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ENCAMPS HIS ARMY BEFORE COMPIÈGNE.

On the morrow of the feast of the Ascension, the duke of Burgundy changed his quarters from Coudun to La Venette, where he was lodged in the abbey, and his men in the town and near to it. Sir John de Luxembourg was quartered at Marigny. They had soon erected an earthen bulwark within a bow-shot from the outworks of Compiègne, and huts of wood and earth were built still nearer to the ramparts, in which men at arms kept guard day and night. They had a deep ditch of communication sunk from the bulwark to these huts, so that the guard could safely pass and repass, without fear of the guns from the walls, which were continually firing.

The duke had some large engines pointed against the gates of the town, which, by the huge stones they cast, did great damage to the gates, bridges and mills: some of the last were rendered quite useless, to the great distress of the inhabitants. Among other mischiefs done by these machines, a young gentleman of twenty-two years old, called Louis de Flavy, son to sir William de Flavy governor of Compiègne, was struck dead. All present were much grieved at this accident on account of sir William, who, although he was much affected, concealed his feelings, to avoid discouraging his men, and soon after, by way of heartening them, caused his minstrels to sound before him as usual; and ordered the ramparts to be more diligently defended notwithstanding they had been greatly damaged by these engines.

There had been constructed within the ditch small wooden huts, in which the guard were sheltered from danger. Some mines were also begun on by orders of sir John de Luxembourg, which, though very deep and well concealed, were of little service, but had cost much.

While these different measures were pursuing, many skirmishes took place, in which the besiegers had numbers killed and wounded. The principal persons among the dead were sir John de Belles, knight, Alain d'Escaussines, Thibault de Caitigines, and many others, as well Burgundians as English.

CHAP. XC.

THE LIEGEOIS RAISE A LARGE ARMY, AND INVADE THE COUNTRY OF NAMUR.

At this time, the Liegeois were instigated by some arrogant men attached to the party of king Charles, such as John de Beaurain, John de Saumain, Everard de la Marche, with others, and, by the hatred and malice they had long borne the duke of Burgundy on account of former quarrels, which have been already detailed in the preceding part of this work, to rise in arms, and invade the territories of the duke, more especially the county of Namur, and despoil it. John de Heneberg, their bishop, remonstrated with them strongly on this subject; but his attempts to dissuade them from executing their plans were vain, although he plainly shewed that very great misfortunes might befall Liége in consequence. The Liegeois were much displeased with these remonstrances, and being determined to pursue hostile measures against the duke of Burgundy, the bishop considered, that should he not take part and support them, he might be deprived of his bishoprick. He therefore, having advised with his council, resolved to save his own honour, by sending letters of defiance to the duke before he made war upon him. The tenour of these letters was as follows.

'Most high, most noble, and most puissant prince Philip, duke of Burgundy, count of Artois, Flanders and Burgundy, palatine of Namur, &c.

'Notwithstanding that I, John de Heneberg, bishop of Liége and count de Loz, in virtue of certain statements that have passed between us, have made frequent applications to you for reparation according to the claims declared in these aforesaid statements, which have been but little attended to, and that divers great and abominable outrages have been committed by your captains and servants on my country and subjects, which, if it may please you to remember, have been fully detailed in the complaints that were made to you thereon.

'Nevertheless, most high, noble and puissant prince, although your answers have been very gracious, and although you declare your intentions of preserving a good understanding between us, your promises have hitherto been without effect; and these matters are now so much entangled with others, no wise concerning them, that it is very grievous to us, and most highly displeasing.

'Most high, noble and puissant prince, you must, in your wisdom, know, that by reason of my oath to remain faithful to my church and country, it behoves me to support and defend their rights against all who may attempt to infringe them, with the whole force I shall be possessed of.

'For this reason, most high, noble and puissant prince, after my humble salutations and excuses, I must again inform you of these things, and, should they be continued, opposition will be made thereto, so that my honour may be preserved.

'Given under my seal, appended to these presents, the 10th day of July, in the year 1430.' Then signed, by command of my lord, 'J. Berrard.'

In like manner were challenges sent to the duke from different lords, allies and friends of the bishop, namely, the count de Beaurienne, Picard de la Grace lord de Quinquempoix, Rasse de Rabel, Gerard d'Edevant, John de Valle, Henry de Gayel, John de Boilleur, John de la Barre, John de Gemblais, Corbeau de Belle-Goule, Thierry Ponthey, and several others.

CHAP. XCI.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY SENDS THE LORD DE CROY TO THE COUNTY OF NAMUR AGAINST THE LIEGEOIS.

When the duke of Burgundy learnt that the bishop of Liége and the Liegeois were preparing to invade his county of Namur, he determined with his council to send thither the lord de Croy to guard and defend the town and castle of Namur, and the whole of that country. The lord de Croy, in consequence, departed from before Compiègne, having about eight hundred men under his command, and entered Namur, where the Liegeois had already commenced the war, by taking of Beaufort and setting fire to it.

The lord de Croy remained inactive in Namur, for about ten days: after this, he began his operations, by the storming of the town of Fosse, which he burnt, with the exception of the monastery. On the ensuing day, from forty to eighty Liegeois were put to death at Florennes, and forty made prisoners.

With the lord de Croy were his brother sir John de Croy, the lords de Mainsnèe, de Rambures, de Fauquemberg and de d'Juselle, le Galois de Roly, the lord de Framesant, Robert de Neufville and other nobles. The lord de Rambures was ordered to Polvache, where in a sally, he was mortally wounded and made prisoner. The lord de Senlis was then sent thither, who surrendered the place to the Liegeois, and they set fire to and burnt it.

The Liegeois were led by their bishop, and amounted to fifty thousand men. When they had gained Polvache, they laid siege to Bouvines, and took and burnt Golesme. While they were thus engaged, the lord de Croy made frequent attacks on them, and in these different skirmishes slew and took from seven to eight hundred.

CHAP. XCII.

THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON COMES TO THE AID OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY BEFORE COMPIÈGNE.

About this time, the earl of Huntingdon, de Robersac, and others, with a thousand archers from England, came to the assistance of the duke of Burgundy before Compiègne. They were quartered in the town of la Venette, where the duke had lodged before he had moved to the fort between Compiègne and Marigny: the duke's men were posted at Marigny, whence the governor, sir John de Luxembourg, and his people had dislodged and gone to Soissons, which, through some connexions he had in the town had surrendered to him, with other places in those parts.

On the arrival of the earl of Huntingdon, the lord Montgomery marched his English back to Normandy. The duke of Burgundy laboured diligently day and night, to destroy a rampart in front of the town-bridge, which much annoyed his men, and which had held out for upwards of two months. At length by an unexpected attack made at night it was won, and from eight to ten men taken in it, who made no great defence although well supplied with stores.

After its capture, the ditches were filled, and its batteries turned against the town, and manned by a strong force of men at arms. During the assault, some were drowned in the Oise from being in too great a hurry to escape.

The duke had a bridge thrown over the Oise near to la Venette, and well guarded, which the English and Burgundians frequently crossed in their excursions to skirmish with the French near to Pierrefons. The earl of Huntingdon one day passed this bridge with all the English, and advanced to Crespy in the Valois, and thence to Sainctrines, which submitted to his obedience. He then marched to quarter himself for the night at Verberie, and made a sharp attack on the church whither the peasants had retreated, who in the end were constrained to yield themselves to his mercy. He hanged one of them, called Jean de d'Ours, who was their leader, because he had refused to obey his first summons. The rest of the peasants escaped by paying ransoms, and losing all their effects. The earl then returned with what he had gained to his quarters before Compiègne.

During all this time, the lord de Crevecoeur and Robert de Saveuses remained with their men at Clermont in the Beauvoisis, to guard that frontier against the French in Creil and Beauvais, and to prevent the escorts with wine and other necessaries going to the duke's army, from being cut off.

The duchess of Burgundy had fixed her residence with her household at Noyon, whence she from time to time visited her lord the duke. The period for the surrender of Gournay now approached, and the duke marched his army thither to keep the appointment: he was accompanied by the duke of Norfolk and the earl of Huntingdon, with about a thousand combatants, to support him, should there be occasion; but when the day came, no one from the french king appeared: the governor, therefore, seeing no hope of succour, yielded the place into the hands of the duke of Burgundy, who made the lord de Crevecoeur governor of it.

The duke then returned to his siege of Compiègne with the earl of Huntingdon, having left a sufficiency of men at arms to keep the garrison in check, and to guard his camp. The duke of Norfolk went to Paris.

CHAP. XCIII.

AN ADVENTURER NAMED TOUMELAIRE, WITH SOME OF THE TOWNSMEN OF RHEIMS, LAYS SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF CHAMPIGNEUX

In these days, an adventurer called Toumelaire, whom king Charles had appointed provost of Laon, having collected five or six hundred men from the town of Rheims and that neighbourhood, led them to besiege the castle of Champigneux, in which were some English and Burgundians that much harrassed the country of Champagne.

He instantly laid close siege to it on all sides, expecting to gain possession thereof; but that did not happen, for within a few days, William Corain, an Englishman, and Georges de la Croix, then at Montagu, assembled as many men as they could, and, without delay, gave battle to these peasants, who unable to make any good defence, were soon conquered, and the greater part killed or taken.

Toumelaire, however, and some others escaped; but there remained from six to seven score dead on the field, and a party of them were burnt in a house whither they had retreated. They left behind many cannons, cross-bows, and other warlike stores, which they had brought with them. William Corain and Georges de la Croix, having repaired the castle, returned to Montagu much rejoiced at their victory.

CHAP. XCIV.

THE DEATH OF PHILIP DUKE OF BRABANT. THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY TAKES POSSESSION OF HIS DUCHY.

At this time, duke Philip of Brabant, who had for a long time before been in a languishing state, died in the town of Louvain. Some of his domestics were suspected of having caused his death, and several of them were severely tortured, in divers manners, to force them to a confession; but the matter was not the more cleared up. Physicians declared, that he died of a natural death, occasioned by excesses in his younger years in tilting and other things. He was buried by the side of his ancestors.

His death was soon notified to the duke of Burgundy at the siege of Compiègne, because the nobles of the duchy of Brabant and the greater part of the commonalty considered him as the lawful successor to the late duke Philip, for he had never been married; while others said, that the countess-dowager of Hainault, aunt to these two dukes, was the nearest of kin, and of course that the succession was hers.

The duke of Burgundy, on hearing of this event, appointed some of his most confidential captains to carry on the siege of Compiègne, namely, sir James de Brimeu marshal of the army, sir Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Saveuses and some others, who were to co-operate with the earl of Huntingdon and his Englishmen. He likewise sent messengers with letters to recal sir John de Luxembourg from the Soissonois, and to entreat that he would, without delay, return to Compiègne to take the chief command of the army, relating to him, at the same time, the event that had happened, and the necessity there was for him to set out instantly for Brabant.

When these matters were done, the duke of Burgundy having provided every thing for the continuance of the siege, and well garrisoned the great fort opposite to the gate of the town, of which he made sir Baudo de Noyelle captain, he first took leave of the earl of Huntingdon and set out for Noyon. He thence, after some days, went to Lille, and having held a council of his most confidential advisers, resolved to take possession of the duchy of Brabant and its dependancies.

The duchess of Burgundy, when the duke left her, returned to the country of Artois. The duke was received in all the towns of Brabant as their lord, although the countess-dowager of Hainault, as I have said before, laid claim to the succession of duke Philip; but when she considered the great power of the duke of Burgundy, and that the nobility and principal towns had acknowledged him for their lord, she desisted from further pursuing it.

At the same time, the lady of Luxembourg, sister to count Waleran, now advanced in years, and who was at the castle of Beaurevoir, under the wardship of sir John de Luxembourg, her nephew, seized and took possession, in his name, of all the lordships that had formerly belonged to the said count Waleran, her brother, and which were now again escheated to her, as the heiress, by her father's side, to her fair nephew the duke of Brabant, lately deceased. All the oaths of the officers were renewed to her,—and from that time she was called the countess of Ligny, and of St Pol. From her great affection to her nephew, sir John de Luxembourg, she bequeathed to him the greater part of these estates after her decease, which was very displeasing to the count de Conversan lord d'Enghien, elder brother to sir John, and they had many quarrels concerning it,—however, in the end, they made up their differences, and were good friends.

CHAP. XCV.

SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG TAKES THE COMMAND OF THE SIEGE OF COMPIÈGNE.—THE ORDERS HE GIVES,—AND OTHER EVENTS.

Soon after the departure of the duke of Burgundy from the siege of Compiègne. Sir John de Luxembourg and his men arrived, and he took the chief command of the siege, according to the commands of the duke. He lost no time in strengthening the fort in front of the bridge, and erected two smaller ones on the river toward Noyon: the command of one he gave to Guy de Roye and Aubert de Folleville,—and that of the other to a common man from the Boulonois, named Branart, who had under him some genoese and portuguese cross-bows, and other foreigners.

Having done this, sir John crossed the river by the bridge at la Venette, and went to lodge at the abbey of Royaulieu. He was followed by sir James de Brimeu marshal of the army, sir Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Crequi, the lords de Saveuses, de Humieres, sir Daviod de Poix, Ferry de Mailly, sir Florimont de Brimeu and several other noble men, who were lodged as well in the abbey as in the village, which was much deserted, and among, the vineyards and gardens in that neighbourhood.

The earl of Huntingdon remained in his quarters at la Venette. During this time the besieged made many sallies on foot and on horseback, when some were killed and wounded on both sides, but in no great number. This caused the besiegers to erect another great fort a bow-shot and a half distant from the town, near to the gate of Pierrefons, the guard of which was given to the marshal, the lord de Crequi, sir Florimont de Brimeu, having under them three hundred combatants: they lodged themselves within it before it was quite finished, and remained there a long time.

The besieged now suffered severely from famine, and no provisions were to be had in the town for money, since, for the space of four months, none had been publicly sold in the markets. Several messengers were in consequence sent to the marshal de Bousac, to the count de Vendôme, and to other captains of king Charles, to inform them of their distress, and to require instant aid if they wished to save the town and its inhabitants.

While this misery was suffered, the marshal de Bousac, Poton de Saintrailes, Theolde de Valperghue, and other french leaders, laid siege to Proissy sur Oise, in which was the bastard de Chevereuse, with about forty combatants. They were soon forced to submit, and the most part were put to death by the guisarmes of the marshal, and the castle totally demolished. In like manner were subjected the strong monastery of Cathu le Chastel, and some other places, and those found within them were generally put to death. The marshal and his companions, however, did not make any attempt on the besieging army of Compiègne, as is usual in similar cases, until the last, when the siege was raised, as shall be hereafter told.

At this period, the duke of Norfolk, commanded a powerful army in the countries bordering on Paris, and subjected many towns to the obedience of king Henry, such as Dammartin and others. On the other hand, the earl of Stafford took by storm the town of Bray-comte-Robert: the castle, which was exceedingly strong, immediately surrendered. The earl then crossed the Seine, and foraged the whole country so far as Sens in Burgundy, and returned with a great booty to the place whence he had set out, without meeting with the least opposition, or even seeing the enemy. He took, soon after, Le Quene en Brie, Grand Puys and Rappelton: he had four score handed of those whom he found in Le Quene.

He also took the strong tower of Bus, which, with the other places, were dismantled. Sir James de Milly and sir John de la Have were in Bray-comte-Robert, when it was taken, and made prisoners, but afterward obtained their liberty by paying a large ransom.

CHAP. XCVI.

THE PRINCE OF ORANGE IS CONQUERED BY THE FRENCH.

On Trinity-day in this year, the prince of Orange, having assembled about twelve hundred fighting men marched them into Languedoc, where he gained many castles from the partisans of king Charles. He did the same in Dauphiny, which displeased the king and his council so much that they resolved to oppose him, and that the lord de Gaucour, governor of Dauphiny, sir Ymbert de Grolée, seneschal of Lyons, and Roderick de Villandres, should collect their forces, and with the loyal nobles and gentlemen defend the country against these Burgundians. On mustering their forces, they amounted to about sixteen hundred combatants, whom they marched to lay siege to a castle called Colomier, which in a short time submitted to them.

In the mean time, the prince of Orange had retreated, knowing that his enemies, with a superior force, had taken the field and moreover had won a castle garrisoned by his men. He lost no time in sending messengers with letters to the nobles and gentry in Burgundy, and to his friends and allies, to request aid. He was so diligent that, within few days, he collected very many of the nobles, whom he led to those parts where he knew the enemy was, in hopes of regaining the castle of Colomier.

The French having been apprised by their spies of the coming of the Burgundians, had made preparations for receiving them, and in handsome array advanced to meet them, which they did between Colomier and Autane. The Burgundians, having a wood to pass through, could not immediately form in battle-array, nor instantly resist the vigorous charge of the French. The combat was however, severe, and the victory long disputed. Among those who were dismounted on the part of the Burgundians was a valiant knight called sir Louis de la Chapelle: he was soon slain, and the French remained masters of the field by the defeat of the enemy.

Two or three hundred were left dead of the Burgundians and six score, or more made prisoners. The principal among the last were the lord de Bussy, son to the lord de St Georges, the lord de Varembon, whose nose was cut off by a stroke of a sword, sir John Louis son to the lord de Conches, the lord de la Frete, Thibault de Rougemont, the lord de Ruppes, the lord d'Escabonne, sir John de Vienne, the lord de Raix, John de Baudè, sir Duc de Sicon, Gerard de Beauvoir and others, to the number before stated.