Note 118 — Chapter I · —How the King of France cajoled the English after the Duke of Burgundy’s Death, for fear they should have interrupted him in the Conquest of the Territories belonging to the said Duke.—1477. (continued 2)

Molinet (ii. 402.) gives the following account of the murder of the princes: “The eldest was simple and very melancholy, aware of the wickedness of his uncle, but the youngest was joyous and witty, nimble, and ever ready for dances and games; and he said to his brother, who wore the order of the garter, ‘My brother, learn to dance;’ and his brother answered, ‘It would be better for us to learn to die, for I think we shall not long remain in the world!’ They were prisoners for about five weeks; and Duke Richard had them secretly slain by the captain of the Tower. And when the executioners came, the eldest was asleep, but the youngest was awake, and he perceived their intention, and began to say, ‘Ha! my brother, awake, for they have come to kill you.’ Then he said to the executioners, ‘Why do you kill my brother? kill me, and let him live.’ But they were both killed; and their bodies cast into a secret place.”