The chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 05 [of 13]

THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.

H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London.

THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET;

CONTAINING

AN ACCOUNT OF THE CRUEL CIVIL WARS BETWEEN THE HOUSES OF

ORLEANS AND BURGUNDY;

OF THE POSSESSION OF

PARIS AND NORMANDY BY THE ENGLISH;

THEIR EXPULSION THENCE;

AND OF OTHER

MEMORABLE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE,

AS WELL AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

A HISTORY OF FAIR EXAMPLE, AND OF GREAT PROFIT TO THE

FRENCH,

Beginning at the Year MCCCC. where that of Sir JOHN FROISSART finishes, and ending at the Year MCCCCLXVII. and continued by others to the Year MDXVI.

TRANSLATED

BY THOMAS JOHNES, ESQ.

IN THIRTEEN VOLUMES....VOL. V.

LONDON:

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

1810.

CONTENTS

OF

THE FIFTH VOLUME.

HERE BEGINNETH

THE FIFTH VOLUME

OF THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET

CHAP. I.

THE CARDINALS D'ORSINI AND DI SAN MARCO COME TO FRANCE TO APPEASE THE QUARRELS OF THE PRINCES OF THE BLOOD ROYAL.—A PEACE IS MADE AT MONTEREAU, BUT NOT KEPT.

During the time the Duke of Burgundy resided in his duchy, he was visited by the cardinals d'Orsini and di San Marco, who had been sent by the pope to France to endeavour to make up the quarrels between the king, the queen and the duke of Burgundy. The duke paid them every respect, and feasted them magnificently, and declared that he was ready to make peace with all who wished it; and for this purpose had sent ambassadors to Bray-sur-Seine to meet others from the king.

On this the cardinals left Burgundy, and, passing through Troyes, went to Bray and Montereau, where they were handsomely received by the ambassadors from each party. Thence the cardinal di San Marco went to Paris, and in the presence of the king, his constable and ministers, explained the object of his mission, and the infinite advantages that would result from a peace. After he had been much honoured by the lords of the court, he returned to the ambassadors at Montereau, where he and the cardinal d'Orsini remained the whole time of the negotiations, going daily to the church of La Tombe, wherein the conferences were held.

They laboured so diligently in this business that a treaty was drawn up and sworn to by the ambassadors, in the presence of the cardinals, on condition that the ambassadors should carry copies of it to their respective lords; and if the terms were not approved of by them, each party was to remain in the same state as before any negotiations were begun. Thus some of them went to Paris, to wait on the king and constable; and others to Troyes, to the queen and the council of the duke of Burgundy.

These last, on being shewn the treaty, very much approved of it, and sent it to the duke for his approbation,—who, having examined it with his ministers, returned for answer, that he accepted it wholly without exception; that he would cheerfully swear to its observance, and cause all of his party to do the same.

In like manner, the ambassadors from the king and the constable, on their arrival at Paris, laid a copy of the treaty before the king, the dauphin, some of the principal ministers, and most leading citizens, who were well satisfied that the king should sign it. But when it was shewn to the count d'Armagnac, to the chancellor, the provost of Paris, and Raymonnet de la Guerre, they were highly indignant thereat, and said plainly, that they would never remain in the room where the king should sign it as it then was. The chancellor even declared, that the king might seal it himself, for that he never would.

The bishop of Paris, many of the citizens, and several of the ministers of the king and dauphin, who were very desirous of peace, were thunderstruck on hearing these declarations, and advised the dauphin to call a meeting at the Louvre on this matter. He did so; but the constable would not attend, saying, that those who had agreed to such a peace, and those who advised the king to consent to it, were traitors.

By these means the peace was prevented: all negotiations were broken off, and both parties remained in the state they were in before, without peace or truce. This, however, created very great hatred among the Parisians to the constable, who nevertheless ordered detachments against the castles of Montlehery and Marcoussy, possessed by the Burgundians, but who were obliged to surrender them to the king's forces. The constable regarrisoned them for the king.

CHAP. II.

KING HENRY OF ENGLAND CONQUERS MANY TOWNS IN NORMANDY.—THE CAPTURE OF THE COUNT DE HARCOURT, IN AUMALE, BY HIS COUSIN SIR JAMES DE HARCOURT.

At this season, as has been before noticed, king Henry of England was in great force in Normandy, where he conquered towns and castles at his pleasure; for scarcely any resistance was made against him, owing to the intestine divisions of France. He thus easily gained possession of the towns of Evreux, Fallaise, Bayeux, Lisieux, Coutances, Avranches, St Loth, and many more.

Through fear of king Henry, the count de Harcourt had retired within his castle of Aumale, with all his dependants; whither on a certain day, under the appearance of a visit to pay his compliments, came his cousin sir James de Harcourt, attended by about sixty combatants. He purposely dismounted at the gate of the castle, which, on his being recognised, was instantly opened, and every honour was paid him by the officers of the count. Part of his men entered with him, and he went to the count, who joyously received him, saying, 'Fair cousin, you are welcome.' Sir James had ordered the remainder of his men to come to the castle when they had put up their horses in the town; and shortly after some conversation together respecting the wars now going on in France, seeing the opportunity was proper, sir James took the count by the hand, and said, 'My lord, I make you a prisoner in the king's name.'

The count, much astonished, replied, 'Fair cousin, what do you mean? I am the king's man, as you know, and have never acted to his prejudice.' However, in spite of his protestations and claims of kindred, or any other excuses, he was detained a prisoner and placed by sir James under a secure guard. On the morrow, after sir James had seized on all the moveables within the castle, and appointed a part of his men for its defence, he departed, and carried the count with him to the castle of Crotoy.

Sir James, by these means, got from the count a beautiful chesnut horse, with a short tail, which was afterward famous as a war-horse. After that day, the count remained prisoner to his cousin; but he was frequently transported from one castle to another, and it was commonly reported that he was thus kept prisoner with the consent of his son, John de Harcourt, count of Aumale.

CHAP. III.

THE CITY OF PARIS IS TAKEN BY THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.—THE PARISIANS TURN TO HIS PARTY.—THE CONSEQUENCES THAT FOLLOW.

You have already heard how the Parisians were much discontented with the count d'Armagnac and others of the king's ministers, because they would not accept of the treaty of peace that had been made with the duke of Burgundy. They were much afraid of this duke and his army, and saw clearly that if he was not reconciled to the king and the dauphin, they must remain in their present uncomfortable state for a long time. Numbers of them were strongly attached to him, and wished him to have the government of the kingdom,—but in fact they knew not how to accomplish it, for they were very narrowly watched, and dared not hold any meetings to communicate together, because the ministry had always ready a body of men at arms to punish them on the slightest appearance of rebellion.

Notwithstanding this, some daring youths of the commonalty, who had formerly been punished for their demerits, adventured to have a conference with the lord de l'Isle-Adam at Pontoise, where he was in garrison. These youths were six or seven in number; and the principal were Perrinet le Clerc, son to John le Clerc, Ferron, John Thiebert, son to Michael Thiebert butcher, Perron Bourdechon.

The lord de l'Isle-Adam concluded a treaty with them, that he would assemble as great a number of men at arms as he could, and, on the 29th day of May ensuing, would march them to the gate of St Germain des Pres at Paris, which they engaged to have opened to him. On this, they separated; and the lord de l'Isle-Adam collected, as privately as he could, about eight hundred men at arms, among whom were le veau de Bar bailiff of Auxois, the lord de Chastellus, the lord de Chevreuse, Ferry de Mailly, Louis de Varigines, Lionnet de Bournouville, Daviod de Guoy and others. These the lord de l'Isle-Adam led to the appointed rendezvous on the day fixed on, where he found Perrinet le Clerc, who had stolen from behind his father's pillow the keys of the gate of St Germain, to whom they had been intrusted, and the aforesaid youths.

The gate was opened according to their promise, and some of the Parisians came out to speak with the lord de l'Isle-Adam and the others: they assured them that they might enter the town in security, and that they would conduct them whithersoever they pleased.

Upon their report, the burgundian lords and their men armed ready for battle, entered the town on horseback. It might be about two hours after midnight; and Perrinet le Clerc, seeing them within the town, locked the gate and flung the keys over the wall.

They began their march in silence toward the Chatelet, where they met about four hundred of the Parisians ready armed to join them: they then, with one accord, resolved to make attacks on the houses of the different ministers of the king, and ordered two parties to parade the streets, shouting, 'that all who wished for peace must unite with them in arms.'

This cry brought great multitudes of the populace to join them,—and they hastened to attack the houses of the ministers of state. One party went to the king's hotel of St Pol, where they broke down doors and windows, and were not satisfied until they had spoken to the king, who was forced to grant them all their demands. They, shortly after, made him mount his horse, as well as the brother to the king of Cyprus, and ride with them through the streets of Paris.

Another party went to the hotel of the constable to seize him; but he had been advertised in time of their intent, and had escaped in disguise to the house of a poor man adjoining his own. Some went to the hotels of the chancellor and Raymonnet de la Guerre, whom they arrested. Tanneguy du Chatel, provost of Paris, hearing the uproar, hastened to the hotel of the dauphin, and, wrapping him up only in a blanket, carried him to the bastille of St Anthony, whither numbers of their friends had retired on the first appearance of the insurrection.

During this night and the two following days, the burgundian lords, and the populace of Paris, plundered the houses of the ministers, and of their favourites and adherents, whom they robbed of every thing. An infinite number of prisoners were made, and confined in the palace, the Louvre, the Chatelet, and in other places: among them were the bishops of Bayeux, Senlis and Coutances, sir Hector de Chartres, sir Enguerran de Marcoignet and others.

The lord de l'Isle-Adam went himself to the hotel de Bourbon, where he found Charles de Bourbon, then about fifteen years of age, whom, having awakened, he demanded which party he was of: he replied, "Of the king's party;" upon which, the lord de l'Isle-Adam made him rise, and conducted him to the king, with whom he remained during all the time these sad events were passing.

Great part of the men at arms attached to the constable and to Tanneguy du Chatel had retired within the bastille of St Anthony, and with them John Louvet, president of the parliament of Provence, master Robert Masson, with numbers of high rank.

The cardinals de Bar and di San Marco, with the archbishop of Rheims, were also made prisoners, and their horses seized; but at the intercession of the bishop of Paris, and because they had advised peace, they were set at liberty, and had their effects returned to them.

About eight o'clock on the Monday-morning, the king, by sound of trumpet, dismissed Tanneguy du Chatel from the provostship of Paris, and appointed le veau de Bar, bailiff of Auxois, in his stead. In short, all the king's ministers, the members of the different courts of justice, and all the citizens of rank who were attached to the Armagnacs, were plundered and made prisoners, or cruelly murdered. It was also proclaimed throughout the streets, in the king's name, by sound of trumpet, that all persons of either sex who should know of any of the Armagnac party being hidden or disguised must, on pain of confiscation of their property, instantly denounce them to the provost of Paris, or to some of the captains of the men at arms. In consequence the poor man in whose house the constable was hidden, went to inform the provost of it, who instantly returned with him, and found the constable as he had said. The provost made him mount him behind him, and carried him to the palace with other prisoners.

While these things were passing, Tanneguy du Chatel sent away Charles duke of Touraine and dauphin, by the bridge of Charenton, to Corbeil, Melun, and to Montargis: he at the same time dispatched messengers to the leaders of his party, to hasten to his succour, with as many men at arms as they could collect.

The lord de l'Isle-Adam and the other great lords were not dilatory in summoning their party, from Picardy and elsewhere, to join them with speed in Paris; and in a few days very great numbers came thither.

Early in the morning of the Wednesday following the capture of Paris, the marshal de Rieux, the lord de Barbasan and Tanneguy du Chatel, with sixteen hundred combatants, picked men, entered Paris by the gate of saint Anthony, in hopes of conquering it. A party of them went by the back way to the hotel de St Pol, thinking to take and carry off the king; but on the preceding day, he and all his household had been conducted to the castle of the Louvre.

The remainder, with displayed banners, marched through the streets, as far as the hotel de l'Ours, shouting, 'Long live the king, the dauphin, and the constable d'Armagnac!' This cry instantly brought forth a great number of the Parisians in arms, with the new provost of Paris, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, and all the other men at arms within Paris, to offer them combat. A very severe battle took place; but in the end, from the multitudes of Parisians coming upon them on all sides, the marshal de Rieux and his men were forced to retreat toward the bastille, but not without heavy loss,—for there remained dead on the field of battle from three to four hundred of his best men. On the side of the Parisians about forty were killed, and among them was a gentleman, called Hairpin de Guoy, attached to the lord de l'Isle-Adam.

After this, Barbasan and Tanneguy du Chatel, seeing their cause for the present hopeless, placed a sufficient garrison in the bastille, and departed, some to Meaux en Brie, others to Corbeil, to Melun, and to different towns that were under their obedience.

On the Thursday following, Hector and Philip de Saveuses arrived in Paris with two hundred combatants. The lords within that city were rejoiced at their coming, and quartered them at the Tournelles, and in different houses facing the bastille, wherein there was still a garrison of the Armagnacs.

On the Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and the eight ensuing days, the greater part of the captains of Picardy arrived at Paris with their men at arms, such as sir John de Luxembourg, the lord de Fosseux and his brothers, sir Janet de Poix, the lord de Cohen, and many more, expecting to find much gain in that city; but the majority were greatly disappointed, and were forced to pay their own expenses.

Those of the Armagnacs who had fallen in battle were flung into carts, and carried by the public executioner out of Paris, and buried in the fields, while the Parisians that had been slain were handsomely interred in consecrated ground.

All Paris now wore the badge of the duke of Burgundy, namely, a Saint Andrew's cross, which had of late been held in much contempt. On the Saturday, those within the bastille, seeing it was but lost time to remain there, entered into a treaty with the lord de l'Isle-Adam and the other lords in Paris, that they would surrender the bastille, if they were permitted to march away in safety. This was accepted; and, on passports being granted them, they departed. The lord de Canny, who had remained a prisoner in the bastille ever since his return from his embassy from the king to the duke of Burgundy, as has been before mentioned, was nominated governor thereof by the king and the duke of Burgundy.

CHAP. IV.

AFTER THE CAPTURE OF PARIS, MANY TOWNS AND CASTLES SUBMIT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.—OTHER MATTERS.

About this time, by orders from the king, Hector and Philip de Saveuses, and the lord de Crevecoeur, were dispatched with their men at arms toward Compiegne and the adjoining castles. On their coming before Compiegne, they concluded a treaty, that all who were of the Armagnac party should depart in safety with their effects; and that the other inhabitants of the town, who would swear allegiance to the king and the duke of Burgundy, should remain unmolested.

In like manner were surrendered to them the town and castle of Creil, St Maixence, Mouchy le Piereux, Pont a Choisy, and other places, in which they placed garrisons of their own men. Noyon submitted to the obedience of the king and the duke by means of the lord de Genly[1], and le Plaisser by sir John de Roye. Laon, Corbeil, Soissons, Chauny sur Oise and Gisors, also submitted.

In the town of Creil, a gentleman called le Begue de Groches was appointed governor,—but only eight men entered that town. In the castle were the count de Ventadour, the lord de Chateau-morant, and sir Charles de Saint Saulieu, with a certain number of men at arms attached to the party of the Armagnacs; but they were forced to surrender it by le Begue de Groches and the commonalty of the town, on condition of their lives and fortunes being spared, and le Begue de Groches remained governor of the castle and town for a long time.

I must not forget to say something of Perrinet le Clerc and his companions, who had delivered up the city of Paris to the Burgundians. They were, at first, in great authority, and lived in high state; but, in the end, they became as poor and as wicked as they had been before.

When the inhabitants of Peronne, who had been strongly attached to the king, the dauphin and the count d'Armagnac, heard of the capture of Paris, and of the surrender of so many towns and castles, they were much astonished and alarmed, considering that they were so near to the territories of the duke of Burgundy, lest they should have their town taken by storm, or besieged. They therefore resolved to send a deputation to the count de Charolois, to propose submitting themselves to the obedience of the king and the duke.

They in consequence sent ambassadors for this purpose, although sir Thomas de Lersies, bailiff of the Vermandois, exhorted them to keep steady to the dauphin. These ambassadors, namely, master Oudard Cuperel, a canon of St Foursy, and others, treated so successfully with the count de Charolois and his ministers that the town was surrendered to the duke. Notwithstanding the magistrates and inhabitants had promised not to conclude any treaty that should be prejudicial to sir Thomas de Lersies, he was arrested, carried to Laon and beheaded. In like manner were executed John de Bervenucourt, his lieutenant, and Alard de Vercuigneul.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Genly. Q. If not Genlis.

CHAP. V.

THE COMMONALTY OF PARIS ASSEMBLE IN GREAT NUMBERS, AND CRUELLY PUT TO DEATH THEIR PRISONERS.

About four o'clock on the 12th day of June, the populace of Paris rose to the amount of about sixty thousand, fearing (as they said) that the prisoners would be set at liberty, although the new provost of Paris, and other lords, assured them to the contrary. They were armed with old mallets, hatchets, staves, and other disorderly weapons, and paraded through the streets, shouting, 'Long live the king and the duke of Burgundy!' toward the different prisons in Paris, namely, the Palace, St Magloire, St Martin des Champs, the Chatelet, the Temple, and to other places wherein any prisoners were confined.

They forced open all their doors and killed Chepier and Chepiere[2], with the whole of the prisoners, to the amount of sixteen hundred, or thereabout: the principal of whom were the count d'Armagnac constable of France, master Henry de Marle chancellor to the king, the bishops of Coutances, of Bayeux, of Evreux, of Senlis, of Saintes, the count de Grand-Pré, Raymonnet de la Guerre, the abbot de St Conille de Compiegne, sir Hector de Chartres, sir Enguerrand de Marcoignet, Charlot Poupart master of the king's wardrobe, the members of the courts of justice and of the treasury, and in general all they could find: among the number were several even of the burgundian party confined for debt.

In this massacre several women were killed, and left on the spot where they had been put to death. This cruel butchery lasted until ten o'clock in the morning of the following day. Those confined in the grand Chatelet, having arms, defended themselves valiantly, and slew many of the populace; but, on the morrow, by means of fire and smoke, they were conquered, and the mob made many of them leap from the battlements of the towers, when they were received on the points of the spears of those in the streets, and cruelly mangled. At this dreadful business were present the new provost of Paris, sir John de Luxembourg, the lord de Fosseux, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, the vidame of Amiens, the lord de Chevreuse, the lord de Chastellus, the lord de Cohen, sir James de Harcourt, sir Emond de Lombers, the lord d'Auxois, and others, to the amount of upward of a thousand combatants armed and on horseback, ready to defend the murderers should there be any necessity.

Many were shocked and astonished at such cruel conduct; but they dared not say any thing, except 'Well done my boys!' The bodies of the constable, the chancellor, and of Raymonnet de la Guerre were stripped naked, tied together with a cord, and dragged for three days by the blackguards of Paris through the streets. The body of the constable had the breadth of two fingers of his skin cut off crosswise, like to a bend in heraldry, by way of derision; and they were thus publicly exposed quite naked to the sight of all; on the fourth day, they were dragged out of Paris on a hurdle, and buried with the others in a ditch called la Louviere.

Notwithstanding the great lords after this took much pains to pacify the populace, and remonstrated with them, that they ought to allow the king's justice to take its regular course against offenders, they would not desist, but went in great crowds to the houses of such as had favoured the Armagnacs, or of those whom they disliked, and killed them without mercy, carrying away all they could find. In these times, it was enough if one man hated another at Paris, of whatever rank he might be, Burgundian or not, to say, 'There goes an Armagnac,' and he was instantly put to death, without further inquiry being made.

FOOTNOTES:

[2] These were probably the gaoler and his wife.

CHAP. VI.

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, ON HEARING WHAT HAD PASSED AT PARIS, CARRIES THE QUEEN THITHER.—THE DEATH OF JEAN BERTRAND.

When news of the capture of Paris, and of the submission of so many towns and castles, was carried to the duke of Burgundy in Dijon, he was greatly rejoiced, and collecting in haste a body of men, went to the queen at Troyes, where he was magnificently received. He gave orders for preparations to be instantly made for the queen's journey to Paris, and summoned men at arms from all quarters to attend her.

Sir John de Luxembourg, the lord de Fosseux, with other captains from Picardy, and about a thousand combatants, went to meet him so far as Troyes. The duke first heard when at Troyes of the massacre of the count d'Armagnac and the other prisoners at Paris, which angered him greatly; for he had planned by their means, and by offering them their liberty to gain possession of the person of the dauphin, and of all the towns and castles held by the Armagnacs.

On the 2d day of July, the queen and the duke of Burgundy set out from Troyes for Paris in grand array,—the Picards, under the command of John de Luxembourg, forming the vanguard. The duke, with his battalion, conducted the queen, taking their road through Nogent-sur-Seine and Provins. On the 14th day of the same month, they entered Paris attended by an immense crowd of armed men and displayed banners.

Six hundred of the Parisians went out to meet the queen and the duke, dressed in blue jackets, having thereon a St Andrew's cross, which they had worn for some time. They presented the duke and his nephew the young count de St Pol, with two robes of blue velvet, which they put on, and thus made their entry through the gate of St Anthony.

They were received in Paris with the greatest joy: carols were sung in all quarters, and flowers were thrown in abundance on the carriage of the queen, and on the lords who accompanied her from all the upper windows in the streets they passed through. The duke of Burgundy escorted the queen to the hôtel de St Pol, where the king resided, who gave to both of them a most welcome reception.

Shortly after, many great councils were holden by the duke and other lords, on the present state of the kingdom and on its government. At their conclusion, the king, to please the duke of Burgundy, created several new officers: the lords de l'Isle-Adam and de Chastellus were made marshals of France, sir Robinet de Mailly grand butler, sir Charles de Lens admiral of France, although the king had a little before nominated sir Jenet de Poix to that office, and he for a short time bore the title of admiral: master Eustace de Lactre was appointed chancellor of France, and master Philip de Morvillers first president of the parliament.

The duke of Burgundy was made governor of Paris, and chose sir Charles de Lens as his lieutenant. Many great changes were made, with which the king seemed satisfied, and granted every thing that was asked by those who had the government of him.

In these days (as it was commonly believed by orders of sir John de Luxembourg), Jean Bertrand, governor of St Dennes, was put to death at La Chapelle, between Paris and St Dennis. He had been one of the leaders of the companies with sir Gastelin Vas, Jean de Guigny and Jean de Clau, and was a butcher. The Parisians were greatly exasperated at his death, and issued out in crowds to find and punish his murderers, but in vain,—for, having performed the deed, they hastened to escape.

They made loud complaints of it to the duke of Burgundy, who demanded of sir John de Luxembourg if he had been the author of this murder; and he replied that he was not. It was afterwards known, that the perpetrators of it were principally Lyonnet de Vendôme, and the bastard de Robais, with about twelve other wicked fellows as their accomplices.

CHAP. VII.

POPE MARTIN ADJOURNS THE COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE.—THE KING OF ENGLAND CONQUERS PONT DE L'ARCHE.—OTHER MATTERS.

At this period, pope Martin, with the consent of the holy council of Constance, adjourned that council to the month of April in the year 1423, to be held in a convenient city, which should be named by him or his successor in proper time. The pope then departed from Constance, and was conducted from the palace of the bishop by Sigismund emperor of Germany and king of Bohemia, walking on foot, and holding the bridle of his mule. When he was without the town, the pope mounted his horse and went to Geneva, where he held his court for three months.

At this same time, king Henry of England advanced to Louviers in Normandy, which had submitted to his obedience, and thence went to quarter himself at the abbey of Bomport, of the order of Cisteaux[3], very near to Pont de l'Arche, of which place sir John de Graville was governor for the king of France. King Henry sent sir John de Cornwall to summon him to surrender it, but the lord de Graville replied that he would not: upon which Cornwall said, 'Graville, I pledge my word, that in spite of you or of your men I will cross the Seine. Should I do so, you shall give me the best courser you have; and if I fail, I will present you with my helmet of steel, which I will prove to be worth five hundred nobles.' After this conversation and engagement, they parted mutually pleased with each other.

Sir John de Graville sent in haste to all parts for reinforcements of men at arms to guard the fords of the river, and among them came sir James de Harcourt, who happened at that time to be at Estampigny. Several other gentlemen, and many lords, came to his aid, to the amount of eight hundred combatants, and full twelve thousand of the common people.

On the morrow, as Cornwall had promised, he came to the banks of the Seine, and embarked on board eight small boats, attended by his son, fifteen years of age, sixty combatants, one single horse, some small cannons, and military stores: he made for a little island that was in the middle of the stream, whence he could fire at the enemy who guarded the opposite shore. But although the French were so many as I have said, they did not even attempt to make any defence, but instantly fled in the utmost disorder, every man escaping as well as he could.

Sir John de Graville returned to Pont de l'Arche, sir James de Harcourt to Estampigny, and the commonalty fled to the woods. Sir John de Cornwall and his men seeing all this from the island re-imbarked in their boats, and landed without opposition. He immediately created his son a knight; and shortly after, others of the English crossed also in these boats, to the number of about a thousand combatants, part of whom followed sir John de Cornwall, to skirmish before Pont de l'Arche, and the rest scoured the country round. Sir John de Cornwall addressed sir John de Graville, and said, that he and his countrymen had badly acquitted themselves, to suffer him and his small company to cross the river, when they were so very numerous, declaring, that if he had been in his situation with only his sixty English, he would have defended the landing against the united forces of the kings of France and of England.

When the English who had passed the river were re-assembled, they fixed their quarters in the abbey of Mortemer, in the forest of Lyons. The whole of the country of Caux were much alarmed, and not without cause, when they learnt that the English had passed the Seine.

The next day the king of England ordered his brother the duke of Clarence to cross the river with four thousand combatants, and to invest the town and castle of Pont de l'Arche on all sides. He had also a bridge thrown over the Seine, on the side leading toward Rouen, that he might cross whenever he pleased; and this bridge was called the Bridge of Saint George.

After three weeks siege, sir John de Graville surrendered the town and castle to the king of England, on condition that he and his men might depart in safety with their baggage. Thus king Henry was master, to pass the Seine at his pleasure; and he placed a strong garrison in Pont de l'Arche, in dread of whom the greater part of the peasantry fled the country with all their effects.

FOOTNOTES:

[3] Cisteaux.—An order of white friars (instituted in the year 1090,) who under their uppermost white habit wear a black one and red shoes.—Cotgrave.

CHAP. VIII.

THE DUKE OF TOURAINE CONTINUES THE WAR.—THE TOWN OF COMPIEGNE WON BY THE LORD DE BOCQUIAUX.—THE MARRIAGE OF THE DUKE OF BRABANT,—AND OTHER MATTERS.

True it is, that at this time sir Tanneguy du Châtel, the viscount de Narbonne, Jean Louvet president of Provence, master Robert Masson, and the other ministers of the duke of Touraine, dauphin of the Viennois, who had escaped from Paris, as you have heard, exerted themselves as much as possible to induce him to continue the war against the duke of Burgundy and his partisans.

The dauphin had been several times summoned and required to return to Paris by the king, the queen and the duke of Burgundy, who offered to pay him every respect and deference. He would not, however, listen to them, but began to make preparations in all quarters to renew the war, styling himself Regent of the kingdom of France.

At this time also, about eight of his men, secretly armed, came to the gate of Compiegne that leads to Pierrefons with a small cart laden with wood. When on the drawbridge, they stabbed one of the cart-horses, so that the bridge could not be raised, and killing some of the guards at the gate, instantly made a signal which had been agreed on,—and the lord de Bocquiaux, who was lying in ambush in the forest, suddenly appeared with five hundred men, and entered the town without opposition, shouting, 'Long live the king and the dauphin!'

On their arrival, they slew one named Boutry, who had been left there by Hector de Saveuses to manage his household. The lord de Crevecoeur, who was lieutenant to Hector, hearing the noise, retreated to the tower of St Cornille, and with him the lord de Chievres, Robinet Ogier, and others; but it was in vain, for they were soon forced to surrender themselves.

The Dauphinois lost no time in plundering the town, and took every thing they could lay hands on, not only from those of the burgundian party, but even from such of the inhabitants as had shewn any partiality to them. Thus did the lord de Bocquiaux and his companions regain the town of Compiegne, in the name of the dauphin. He kept up, in his name also, a heavy warfare on the adjoining country, and sent the lords de Chievres and de Crevecoeur prisoners to the castle of Pierrefons, whence they meditated an escape by means of a brother of the lord de Chievres, who was attached to and had long served the lord de Bocquiaux; but it was discovered, and the lord de Bocquiaux caused him to be beheaded. However, some time afterward, they obtained their liberty by paying a sum of money.

A strong garrison was placed in Compiegne, and the lord de Gamaches came thither; and by their means, those attached to the party of the king and the duke of Burgundy were sorely oppressed.

At this time, duke John of Brabant espoused his cousin-german Jacquelina of Bavaria, countess of Hainault, Holland, Zealand and Ostrevant: she was his god-mother. This marriage had been managed by his mother Margaret of Burgundy, with the three estates of those countries, in the good intention and hope that, as these countries joined those of the duke of Brabant, greater concord and peace would subsist between them. Notwithstanding the countess had given her consent, she was not very well satisfied with the match; for she knew the duke to be weak in body and mind, and unfit for the government of her country or person, which was handsome and well made; and she herself was well informed in various matters.

On the accomplishment of this marriage, the war between the countess and her uncle John of Bavaria was put an end to by means of a negotiation that took place on that subject.

It happened, that while the duke and duchess were at Mons in Hainault, and whilst he was gone to hunt and amuse himself without the town, sir Evrard, bastard of Hainault, and brother to the duchess, with some others came purposely to the hôtel de Nactre, the residence of William le Begue, the confidential adviser of the duke, and put him to death when lying ill in bed. Sir William de Sars, bailiff of Hainault, was present when this murder was committed; but they forbade him to stir; and when it was accomplished, they departed without any hindrance, and left Mons.

When the duke heard of this murder, he was much troubled; for he loved him in preference to all his other counsellors; but in the end, his duchess pacified him,—for, according to the reports of the time, she was not averse to the above deed being done.

CHAP. IX.

THE KING AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY SEND CAPTAINS FOR THE DEFENCE OF ROUEN.—OF A ROBBER CALLED TABARY.

In these days, several captains were ordered by the king and the duke of Burgundy to Rouen, to aid the inhabitants in the defence of their town against the king of England, by whom they daily expected to be besieged. In their number were the lord de Gapennes, sir John de Neuf-châtel lord de Montagu, sir Anthony de Toulongeon, sir Andrew des Roches, Henry de Chaufour, the bastard de Thian, le Grand Jacques, a native of Lombardy, Guerard bastard de Brimeu, and many others renowned in arms.

Sir Guy le Bouteiller, a Norman, was captain-general of the town, having under him Langnon, bastard of Arly. The whole of the men at arms were selected for their courage, and amounted to about four thousand; and the citizens, well armed and clothed suitably to their degree, were full fifteen thousand, ready and eager to defend themselves against all who might wish to injure them.

They united cheerfully with the men at arms in making every preparation of defence, in strengthening the gates, bulwarks, walls and ditches of their town, as well within side as without. They also made many regulations, distributing to each captain of men at arms certain portions of the town to defend. The citizens were likewise divided into constablewicks; and it was proclaimed by sound of trumpet, that all persons, whatever might be their rank, who intended to remain in the place, must provide themselves with provision for ten months; and those who were unable to do this must quit the town, and go whither they pleased.

In consequence of this proclamation, numbers of poor people departed, as did several ladies, damsels, and citizens' wives, with churchmen and others, who could not be of any assistance. After this, the garrison made frequent sallies on the English, who were hard by, and killed many, and made prisoners,—at other times they were unfortunate.

There was living in that part of the country near to Pontoise, l'Isle-Adam, Gisors, and on the borders of Normandy, a captain of a gang of thieves called Tabary, who had taken part with the Burgundians. He was of small stature, and lame; but he often collected bodies of forty or fifty peasants, sometimes more, sometimes less, armed and dressed in old jackets and haubergeons, with decayed battle-axes, half lances with mallets at their end, and other poor armour. Some were mounted on miserable horses; while others on foot formed ambuscades in the woods, near to the English quarters. Whenever Tabary could lay hands on any of them he cut their throats, as indeed he did to all the dauphin's friends. This conduct made him greatly feared by both these parties.

CHAP. X.

KING HENRY OF ENGLAND, WITH MANY IRISH, BESIEGES ROUEN, WHERE SEVERAL SKIRMISHES TAKE PLACE.

King Henry of England marched a most powerful army, accompanied by a large train of artillery and warlike stores, in the month of June, before the noble and potent town of Rouen, to prevent the inhabitants and garrison from being supplied with new corn. The van of his army arrived there at midnight, that the garrison might not make any sally against them. The king was lodged at the Carthusian convent; the duke of Glocester was quartered before the gate of St Hilaire; the duke of Clarence at the gate of Caen; the earl of Warwick at that of Martinville; the duke of Exeter and earl of Dorset at that of Beauvais: in front of the gate of the castle were the lord Marshal and Sir John de Cornwall. At the gate leading to Normandy were posted the earls of Huntingdon, Salisbury, Kyme, and the lord Neville son to the earl of Westmoreland. On the hill fronting St Catherine's were others of the english barons.

Before the English could fortify their quarters, many sallies were made on them, and several severe skirmishes passed on both sides. But the English, so soon as they could, dug deep ditches between the town and them, on the top of which they planted a thick hedge of thorns, so that they could not otherwise be annoyed than by cannon shot and arrows. They also built a jette on the banks of the Seine, about a cannon shot distant from the town, to which they fastened their chains, one of them half a foot under the water, another level with it, and a third two feet above the stream, so that no boats could bring provision to the town, nor could any escape from it that way. They likewise dug deep galleries of communication from one quarter to another, which completely sheltered those in them from cannon or other warlike machines.

The garrison in the fort of St Catherine, at the end of a month, surrendered it to the English from want of provision, and were allowed to depart in safety, but without baggage.

The king of England had in his army numbers of Irish, the greater part of whom were on foot, having only a stocking and shoe on one leg and foot, with the other quite naked. They had targets, short javelins, and a strange sort of knives. Those who were on horseback had no saddles, but rode excellently well on small mountain horses, and were mounted on such paniers as are used by the carriers of corn in parts of France. They were, however, miserably accoutred, in comparison with the English, and without any arms that could much hurt the French whenever they might meet them.

These Irish made frequent excursions, during the siege, over Normandy, and did infinite mischiefs, bringing back to their camp large booties. Those on foot took men, and even children from the cradle, with beds and furniture, and, placing them on cows, drove all these things before them; for they were often met thus by the French. By such means was the country of Normandy wasted, and its poor inhabitants ruined, by English, Irish, Burgundians and Dauphinois.

The king of England, during this siege of Rouen, had the gates and walls of the town battered by bombards and other engines to destroy them; but to relate the whole, and the many sallies that were made, would occupy too much time. Suffice it to say, that the besieged behaved with the utmost courage.

While the siege was going on, Langnon bastard d'Arly, one of the principal captains in the town, and in whom the inhabitants placed their greatest confidence, had the charge of guarding the gate of Caux. One day, an English knight, called sir John le Blanc, governor of Harfleur under the earl of Dorset, came before this gate, and demanded of Langnon to break three lances with him, which he granted,—and, having quickly armed himself, sallied out with about thirty companions on foot. In front of the barriers, they attacked each other gallantly; but it happened, that at the first thrust, the english knight was run through the body, and unhorsed: he was then dragged by force into the town, and soon after died. Langnon received four hundred nobles on returning the body, and was universally applauded by the townsmen for the address and valour he had shewn on this occasion.

CHAP. XI.

THE SENTENCE THAT HAD BEEN FORMERLY PASSED ON MASTER JOHN PETIT IS PUBLICLY REVERSED.—THE CAPTURE OF LAIGNY-SUR-MARNE.—THE ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE OF BRITTANY,—AND OTHER MATTERS.

In these days, a public procession was made from all the churches in Paris, and mass was chaunted in that of Nôtre Dame. While mass was celebrating, a friar minorite, doctor in theology, preached a solemn sermon in the square before the church,—at which were present the king's ministers, such as the chancellor and others, the rector and principal heads of the university, several great lords, the provost of Paris, and some of the chief citizens. There were also present the vicars and officials of the bishop of Paris, who, having received an especial commission for the purpose from the bishop, then very ill at St Maur des Fossés, reversed, in his name, the sentence which he and others had formerly pronounced contrary to the honour of the duke of Burgundy, and against the proposition avowed by this duke through the organ of master John Petit, as has been before related, and now made every possible reparation in regard to the honour and loyalty of the said duke, as the true champion of the crown of France.

The preacher, in his sermon, compared him to the prop that supports the vine, and explained the legality of the powers granted by the bishop to his vicars to annul this sentence, at the same time making excuses for the bishop's absence on account of his illness. In short, every thing was done to the satisfaction of the duke of Burgundy, and the sentence was annulled in the middle of the sermon.

At this time news was brought to the duke while at Paris, that the Dauphinois at Meaux-en-Brie had taken the town of Laigny-sur-Marne, by the carelessness of the garrison, which was true, and the day they won it, they committed many outrages. Some of the garrison escaped into a strong tower, and sent in haste to the duke for help, who instantly dispatched thither the lord de l'Isle-Adam; and, by means of those in the tower, he gained admittance to the town, and put the greater part of the Dauphinois to the sword,—when, having placed therein a strong garrison, he returned to Paris.

On the morrow, the duke of Burgundy, attended by a large body of men at arms, went from Paris to the bridge of Charenton, to meet the duke of Brittany, who was coming to negotiate a peace between him and the dauphin; but as nothing could be agreed on, the duke of Burgundy returned to Paris, and the duke of Brittany to his own country.

The reason why they met at Charenton was the epidemical disorder that then raged in Paris. By accounts from the rectors of the parishes, it was known that upward of fourscore thousand had died within that town. Many of the dependants of the duke of Burgundy were carried off by this pestilence, as were the prince of Orange, the lord de Fosseux, sir Jenet de Poix, the lord d'Auxois, and numbers of other gentlemen.

Shortly after, the cardinals d'Orsini and di San Marco returned to Saint Maur des Fossés, to treat of a peace between the dauphin and the duke of Burgundy; and many notable ambassadors were sent to them from the king, queen and duke, who at length concluded a treaty by means of these cardinals with the commissioners sent from the dauphin. It seemed good, and to the mutual advantage of both parties; but when it was carried to the dauphin and his advisers, they were dissatisfied with it, so that the war continued with greater bitterness than before.

CHAP. XII.

THE PARISIANS AGAIN PUT TO DEATH THE PRISONERS.—THE SIEGE OF MONTLEHERY.—THE CAPTURE OF SOISSONS BY THE LORD DE BOCQUIAUX AND HIS COMPANIONS.

To add to the tribulations of these times, the Parisians again assembled in great numbers, as they had before done, and went to all the prisons in Paris, broke into them, and put to death full three hundred prisoners, many of whom had been confined there since the last butchery. In the number of those murdered were sir James de Mommor, and sir Louis de Corail chamberlain to the king, with many nobles and churchmen.

They then went to the lower court of the bastille of St Anthony, and demanded that six prisoners, whom they named, should be given up to them, or they would attack the place. In fact, they began to pull down the wall of the gate,—when the duke of Burgundy, who lodged near the bastille, vexed to the heart at such proceedings, to avoid worse, ordered the prisoners to be delivered to them, if any of their leaders would promise that they should be conducted to the Châtelet prison, and suffered to be punished according to their deserts by the king's court of justice.

Upon this, they all departed,—and, by way of glossing over their promise, they led their prisoners near to the Châtelet, when they put them to death, and stripped them naked. They then divided into several large companies, and paraded the streets of Paris, entering the houses of many who had been Armagnacs, plundering and murdering all without mercy. In like manner as before, when they met any person they disliked, he was slain instantly; and their principal leader was Cappeluche, the hangsman of the city of Paris.

The duke of Burgundy, alarmed at these insurrections, sent for some of the chief citizens, with whom he remonstrated on the consequences these disturbances might have. The citizens excused themselves from being any way concerned, and said they were much grieved to witness them: they added, they were all of the lowest rank, and had thus risen to pillage the more wealthy; and they required the duke to provide a remedy, by employing these men in his wars.

It was then proclaimed, in the names of the king and the duke of Burgundy, under pain of death, that no persons should tumultuously assemble, nor any more murders or pillage take place, but that such as had of late risen in insurrection should prepare themselves to march to the sieges of Montlehery and Marcoussi, now held by the king's enemies. The commonalty made reply, that they would cheerfully do so, if they had proper captains appointed to lead them.

Within a few days, to avoid similar tumults in Paris, six thousand of the populace were sent to Montlehery, under the command of the lord de Cohen, sir Walter de Ruppes and sir Walter Raillart, with a certain number of men at arms, and store of cannon and ammunition sufficient for a siege. These knights led them to Montlehery, where they made a sharp attack on the Dauphinois within the castle.

The duke of Burgundy, after their departure, arrested several of their accomplices, and the principal movers of the late insurrection; some of whom he caused to be beheaded, others to be hanged or drowned in the Seine: even their leader Cappeluche, the hangsman, was beheaded in the market-place. When news of this was carried to the Parisians who had been sent to Montlehery, they marched back to Paris to raise another rebellion; but the gates were closed against them, so that they were forced to return to the siege. Within a short time, however, they were recalled thence,—for negotiators from the two parties were busily employed to establish peace.

The lord de Château-vilain, at this period, came to wait on the duke of Burgundy in Paris: he was preceded by a fool, who, riding some paces before him as he entered the gate of St Anthony, shouted aloud, 'Armagnac for ever!' and was instantly put to death by the guards at the gate, to the great anger of his lord, but he could not amend it.

The Dauphinois, to the amount of three hundred combatants, under the command of the lord de Bocquiaux, won by storm at break of day the city of Soissons from the lord de Longueval, governor of it for the king and the duke of Burgundy. The lord de Longueval escaped with much difficulty on foot, in company with Robert de Saveuses and others, by leaping down from the walls. The city was, in great part, plundered of every thing.

CHAP. XIII.

THE DAUPHINESS IS SENT TO THE DAUPHIN.—THE SIEGE OF TOURS, IN TOURAINE.—OF THE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHED BY THE KING AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.

With the consent of the king and queen of France, and the duke of Burgundy, the dauphiness was honourably sent to the dauphin in Anjou: she had remained in Paris at the time when it was taken: and with her were sent all her jewels and wardrobe, that the dauphin might be the more inclined to peace and to return to the king. It was in vain; for those who governed him would not suffer it, as they knew that in that case they should be deprived of all their offices and employments.

The young count d'Armagnac now joined the dauphin magnificently accompanied by men at arms, and made bitter complaints concerning the murders of his father, the constable of France, and of the other great lords. The dauphin and his council replied, that speedy and substantial justice should be done, in proper time and place, on those who had committed these murders.

The dauphin then marched a powerful army to lay siege to Tours in Touraine, of which place sir William de Romenil, knight, and Charles l'Abbe were governors. They in a short time surrendered both town and castle to the dauphin; and Charles l'Abbe even turned to his party, and took the oaths of allegiance to him. The men at arms that were under his command, being unwilling to follow his example, received passports to go whither they pleased. The dauphin kept his court at Tours for a considerable space of time.

The duke of Burgundy, on the other hand, who held the king and queen under his subjection, ordered the government of the kingdom according to his pleasure; and notwithstanding he had formerly abolished all subsidies and taxes, he caused the king's ministers to issue a royal edict to raise certain sums for the relief of the city of Rouen, which was hard pressed by the English. In addition to this, the Parisians were required to furnish a loan for the same purpose; and the municipality lent one hundred thousand francs, on condition that every tun of wine should pay twelve farthings when brought to Paris, until the above sum were repaid,—and the municipality were to receive this duty by their own officers. Large subsidies were likewise raised throughout those parts of the realm that were under the king's obedience,—namely, in the bishoprick of Beauvais, in the bailiwicks of Amiens, of the Vermandois, and elsewhere. Master Robert le Jeune, advocate in the parliament, was nominated to collect these taxes; and one of the judges with some of the king's officers were sent to enforce payment from such as refused.

CHAP. XIV.

THE TOWN OF ROUEN SENDS MESSENGERS TO THE KING TO DEMAND SUCCOUR.—AN EMBASSY IS SENT TO KING HENRY OF ENGLAND,—AND MANY OTHER MATTERS.

At this period, a priest of a tolerable age, and of clear understanding, was deputed, by those besieged in Rouen, to the king of France and his council. On his arrival at Paris, he caused to be explained by an augustin doctor, named Eustace de la Paville, in presence of the king and his ministers, the miserable situation of the besieged. He took for his text, 'Domine quid faciemus?' and harangued upon it very ably and eloquently. When he had finished, the priest addressed the king, saying,

'Most excellent prince and lord, I am enjoined by the inhabitants of Rouen to make loud complaints against you, and against you duke of Burgundy, who govern the king, for the oppressions they suffer from the English. They make known to you by me, that if, from want of being succoured by you, they are forced to become subjects to the king of England, you will not have in all the world more bitter enemies; and if they can, they will destroy you and your whole generation.'

With these or with similar words did this priest address the king and his council. After he had been well received and entertained, and the duke of Burgundy had promised to provide succours for the town of Rouen as speedily as possible, he returned the best way he could to carry this news to the besieged.

Shortly after, the king of France and the duke of Burgundy sent ambassadors to Pont de l'Arche, to treat of a peace with the king of England. This embassy consisted of the bishop of Beauvais, master Philip de Morvilliers, first president of the parliament, master Regnault de Folleville, knight, sir William de Champdivers, master Thierry le Roy, and others: they were likewise accompanied by the cardinal d'Orsini, as a mediator.

The king of England appointed the earl of Warwick, the lord chancellor, and the archbishop of Canterbury to meet them at Pont de l'Arche, with others of his council. The negotiations lasted fifteen days,—during which the cardinal paid a visit to the king of England, at his siege of Rouen, and was handsomely received by him and the other lords.

The ambassadors from the king of France had brought with them a portrait of the princess Catherine, daughter to the king, which was presented to the king of England, who liked it well; but he made too great demands for her marriage-portion, namely, that with the princess should be given him a million of crowns of gold, the duchy of Normandy, of which he had conquered a part, the duchy of Acquitaine, the county of Ponthieu, with other lordships, the whole to be held independent of the crown of France.

Nothing therefore was concluded; and the English ambassadors replied to those from France, that their king was not in a situation to form any treaty with,—for the dauphin was not made a party, and it was unbecoming the duke of Burgundy to dispose by treaty of the inheritances of France. On receiving this answer, the cardinal and ambassadors returned to the king and queen of France and the duke of Burgundy, who had lately quitted Paris, and were at Pontoise.

They reported to the council all that had passed at Pont de l'Arche; and soon after the cardinal went to pope Martin at Avignon, for he saw clearly that no peace was likely to take effect between the three parties.

The inhabitants of Rouen knowing well that the negotiation between the kings of France and England was broken off, and fearing that succour would be too long delayed, resolved to make a sally, and fight their way through one of the quarters of king Henry's army, to seek for succour themselves. On mustering their forces, they found they were full ten thousand combatants, leaving a sufficiency for the defence of the town. Orders were given for each man to provide himself with two days provision. When all were ready, and two thousand of them had made an attack on the king's quarters, where they had done much damage, they began their march out of the town; but it happened that the props which bore the drawbridge had been wickedly and secretly sawed nearly through, so that when their first ranks advanced thereon it broke, and very many fell into the ditch and were killed or wounded.

They hastened to another gate to support their men that were engaged with the English, and ordered them to retreat; but they could not regain their town without great loss, although they had made their enemies suffer also.

There were now many murmurings against the honour of sir Guy le Bouteiller, who was believed to have caused the supporters of the drawbridge to be sawn.

Not long after this sally, Langnon bastard d'Arly died of sickness, to the great sorrow of the commonalty, who as I have before said, had greater confidence in him than in any of the other captains.

At this time sir John de Luxembourg took to wife Joan of Bethune, daughter and heiress to the viscount de Meaux, who had before espoused Robert de Bar count de Marle and de Soissons. She had a young daughter, two years old or thereabout, the heiress of these counties. This marriage was concluded through favour of the duke of Burgundy and the count de Charolois; and by it sir John de Luxembourg had the management of extensive territories. Within a year, the lady brought him a son, who died young. The duke of Burgundy gave up to him many lordships, such as Dunkirk, Varmeston and others, which he had holden as being confiscated,—for the late sir Robert de Bar, during his lifetime, had been of the opposite party.

CHAP. XV.

A LARGE ARMY IS COLLECTED TO RAISE THE SIEGE OF ROUEN.—THE BESIEGED SEND ANOTHER EMBASSY.—THE EXCURSION OF SIR JAMES DE HARCOURT.

We must now return to the situation of the king of France, and of the duke of Burgundy's government. It is true that large bodies of men at arms had been summoned in the king's name for the relief of the town of Rouen, from different parts of the kingdom, and ordered to rendezvous at and near Beauvais. A great many of the lords from Picardy, with a numerous body of their men accustomed to bear arms, came thither; and the country suffered much from them wherever they passed.

The king, queen and duke of Burgundy, with their households, came from Pontoise to Beauvais, to have provisions in greater plenty, and held there many private councils on the best means to relieve the town of Rouen. They could not devise any mode that would be successful, on account of the quarrel between the dauphin and the duke of Burgundy, and because the king of England had too powerful an army. Notwithstanding this, they daily summoned more men at arms and cross-bows from the towns under their obedience.

While the court resided at Beauvais, four gentlemen, and four citizens of Rouen, were sent to lay before the king and council their miserable state: they told them, that thousands of persons were already dead of hunger within their town; and that, from the beginning of October, they had been forced to live on horses, dogs, cats, mice and rats, and other things unfit for human creatures. They had nevertheless, driven full twelve thousand poor people, men women and children, out of the place, the greater part of whom had perished wretchedly in the ditches of the town. That it had been frequently necessary to draw up in baskets new born children from mothers who had been brought to bed in these ditches to have them baptised, and they were afterward returned to their mothers: many however, had perished without christening,—all which things were grievous and pitiful to be related. They then added, 'To you our lord and king, and to you noble duke of Burgundy, the loyal inhabitants of Rouen have before made known their distress: they now again inform you how much they are suffering for you, to which you have not yet provided any remedy according to your promises. We are sent to you for the last time, to announce to you on the part of the besieged, that if within a few days they are not relieved, they shall surrender themselves and their town to the English king, and thenceforward renounce all allegiance, faith and service, which they have sworn to you.'

The king, duke and council, courteously replied, that the king's forces were not as yet adequate to raise the siege, which they were exceedingly sorry for; but, with God's pleasure, they should very soon be relieved.

The deputies asked, by what time: the duke answered, before the fourth day after Christmas. They then returned to their town with difficulty, from the great danger of being taken by the besiegers and related all that had passed.

The besieged now suffered the greatest distress; and it is impossible to recount the miseries of the common people from famine: it was afterward known, that upwards of fifty thousand had perished of hunger. Some, when they saw meat carried through the street, in despair, ran to seize it, and, so doing, allowed themselves to be severely beaten, and even wounded. During the space of three months, no provisions were seen in the markets, but every thing was sold secretly: and what before the siege was worth a farthing was sold for twenty, thirty, or even forty; but these prices were too high for the common people, and hence the great mortality I have mentioned.

December was about half over when these last ambassadors returned to Rouen; and during this tempestuous season, sir James de Harcourt and the lord de Moreul assembled about two thousand combatants, whom they led to within two leagues of the English quarters, with the hope of plunder. They posted their men in two ambuscades near to each other, to fall on the enemy, should he pass that way,—and then ordered about six score of their men at arms to attack a village near the town, in which were a party of English. These were either taken or killed, except a few, who by having good horses, escaped to their main army, crying out that they had seen the French in great force.

The English were instantly in motion, and under arms; and the king of England ordered sir John de Cornwall to mount his horse, and take six hundred men to see what truth was in this report. Sir John de Cornwall, without delay, marched off his men, taking with him some of those who had seen the French, and soon came up with the enemy; but the French, seeing the English were too numerous, hastily returned to their ambuscades, to whom they told that the enemy were coming.

Sir John de Cornwall followed them in good array, and so closely that he could plainly distinguish their numbers,—when the French that were in one ambush advanced in order of battle to combat them, but the greater part of the others turned their backs and fled. The English, noticing this, made a vigorous charge, and put the whole to the rout, with a very trifling loss on their side,—and to the great confusion of the French, for on this day were twelve score men at arms killed or made prisoners: among the last was the lord de Moreul, Butor bastard de Croy, and many noble gentlemen of high rank. Sir James de Harcourt and others saved themselves by the fleetness of their horses. Sir John de Cornwall returned with his prisoners to the camp, very much rejoiced at his victory.

CHAP. XVI.

THE KING OF FRANCE HOLDS MANY COUNCILS ON THE MEANS OF RAISING OF THE SIEGE OF ROUEN.—THE SURRENDER OF THAT TOWN TO THE KING OF ENGLAND,—AND OTHER MATTERS.

The king and queen of France, and the duke of Burgundy, held very many councils, while at Beauvais, on the most effectual means to relieve Rouen; but as it was found that at the moment the royal forces were insufficient to combat the army of England, and to raise the siege, the greater part of the men at arms that had been assembled were disbanded, excepting some from the principal towns, who were sent to garrison the frontiers, as well against the English as the Dauphinois.

When this was done, the king, queen, and duke of Burgundy, escorted by his Burgundians and a considerable body of men at arms, departed from Beauvais, and, passing through Creil and Laigny sur Marne, went to Provins. Many were astonished at this measure.

News of it was carried to Rouen, and the duke of Burgundy privately advised the besieged to treat with the king of England on the best terms they could. When this was made public, there was an universal grief throughout the town, for the inhabitants were sorrowful at heart: however, some of the captains and principal citizens comforted them as well as they were able, and afterward assembled in the town-hall to consider on their future conduct toward the king of England.

They resolved, since they had now lost all hope of relief, and that their provisions were nearly exhausted, to treat with their adversaries,—for that purpose they sent a herald to the king of England, to require a passport for six persons, which was granted. They nominated, as their ambassadors, two churchmen, two gentlemen, and two citizens, who were wise, prudent and well spoken. They went strait to the tent of the king, and were conducted to the lodgings of the archbishop of Canterbury, who, with the earl of Warwick, had been appointed to treat with them.

When they were met, they opened the business, to discover on what terms they would be received, but could obtain no other answer than that the whole of the inhabitants must submit unconditionally to the king. On this they returned to their town without saying more,—and again assembled the principal burghers and many of the commonalty, to whom they related the answer they had received, which appeared to those who heard it uncommonly harsh. They declared it would be far preferable to die combating the enemy, than to be reduced to subjection by this king. The assembly now broke up, but met again on the morrow more numerous than before. After much conversation, it was resolved unanimously to undermine part of their wall, and support it on props withinside the town, to which they would set fire,—and when the wall should fall down, having completely armed themselves, they would then sally forth through the breach, with their wives and children, and march whither God might please to lead them.

They separated, with the intention of putting their plan into execution on the night of the morrow; but the king of England, having had information of it, and being desirous of gaining the whole town and its inhabitants, had the late ambassadors privately summoned to come again to the camp by the archbishop of Canterbury, who with others delegated to this purpose, concluded a treaty on the following terms.

In the first place, the king of England was to receive from the inhabitants of Rouen the sum of three hundred and sixty-five crowns of gold, of the coin of France, and three men to deal with as he might please,—first, master Robert de Linet, vicar-general to the archbishop of Rouen, who during the siege had conducted himself most imprudently; the second was a citizen called Jean Jourdain, who had had the command of the cannoneers; the third was Alain Blanchart, leader of the common people, and the principal of those who had formerly murdered sir Raol de Gaucourt, bailiff of Rouen, as has been before mentioned. The whole of the inhabitants were to swear faith and loyalty to the king of England and to his successors, he and they promising in return to guard and defend them against all who might attempt to injure them,—and also to maintain them in their liberties, privileges and franchises, of which they had been in possession since the reign of St Louis.

It was likewise ordained, that all who chose to quit the town might freely depart, having only their usual clothes on, leaving the rest behind, as confiscated to the king; and also that the whole of the men at arms should deposit their armour and effects at a specified place; when, after they had sworn not to bear arms for one whole year against king Henry, passports would be granted them, and they would be escorted in safety beyond the king's outposts, but dressed in their usual clothing, with staves in their hands.

When this treaty had been concluded, and sufficient pledges given to the king for its due observance, a certain number of the townsmen were permitted to enter the English camp at their pleasure to seek for provisions, of which there was such abundance that the whole carcase of a sheep was not worth more than six sols parisis.

This treaty was concluded on the 16th day of January in the year 1419; and on the following Thursday, the 19th of the same month, the king of England made his public entry into the town of Rouen with great pomp, attended by the princes of his blood and numbers of his nobles. He was followed by a page mounted on a beautiful horse, bearing a lance, at the end of which, near the point, was fastened a fox's brush, by way of streamer, which afforded great matter of remark among the wise heads.

On his entrance, which was about two o'clock in the afternoon, the bells of all the churches were rung, and the mitred abbots, and all others of the clergy, went out in procession to meet him dressed in their sacred robes, bearing many relics, who, with chaunting, conducted the king to the cathedral of our Lady. When he was come to the great gate, he dismounted, and, bare-headed, reverently entered the church, and returned his thanksgivings to God at the high altar: thence he went to the castle, where he was lodged, and the others wherever they could in the town.

This city of Rouen, now conquered by the king of England, had, with all Normandy, appertained to France, and been under the obedience of her kings for 215 years from the time when king Philip, grandfather to saint Louis, acquired it from king John of England, by judgment of the peers of France, in right of confiscation.

King Henry, the day after his entry, had Alain Blanchart, who had been the leader of the populace, beheaded: the two others escaped punishment by dint of money. The garrison were ordered to march out by the gate leading toward the Seine, and were escorted by the English as far as the bridge of St George, where they were searched by commissaries from the king, who took from them all their money, with every thing valuable, giving them in return only two sols. Some of the gentlemen were even stripped of their handsome robes, made of martin skins, or embroidered with gold, and others of less value given them in return.

This conduct was noticed by those of the garrison who were in the rear; and foreseeing the same would be done to them, they quietly, and unobserved, threw into the Seine many purses full of gold, silver and jewels. Others, to avoid being plundered, had sewed up their money within the waistbands of their breeches. When they had all passed the bridge of St George, they kept together until they came to Pontoise, where they separated, and went to different parts, excepting the nobles, who joined the king of France and the duke of Burgundy at Provins.

Sir Guy le Bouteiller, who had been governor of Rouen, turned to the English, with several of his men, and took the oaths of allegiance to the king of England, deserting his own natural lord the king of France, for which he was much blamed by the French, and even by the English. Sir Guy was a native of Normandy, and not only had his estates restored to him, but was appointed deputy to the duke of Glocester, the new governor of Rouen.

The surrender of this town spread such an alarm and fear of the king of England throughout the whole of Normandy and the adjacent countries, as far as Pontoise, Beauvais and Abbeville, that the greater part of the chief towns and castles submitted to him without offering any resistance, or even striking a blow; such as Caudebec, Monstieriller, Dieppe, Fêcamp, Argues, Neuf-Châtel, Denicourt, Eu, Monchaulx,—and on the other side of the Seine, Vernon, Mantes, Gournay, Honfleur, Pont au de Mer, Château Molineaux, le Treict, Tancarville, Abrechier, Maulevrier, Valmont, Neufville, Bellaucombre, Fontaines le Bourc, Preaulx, Nogondouville, Logempré, St Germain sur Cailly, Baudemont, Bray, Villeterre, Charles Maisnil, les Boules Guillencourt, Ferifontaines, le Becq Crepin, Bacqueville,—and many more, in which the king of England placed his own garrisons.

From that time, the inhabitants of these countries wore a red cross as a badge, and several bore arms for the English; not indeed those of great authority, for it was not then become the custom for gentlemen or nobles to join the English. The inhabitants of Rouen in general took the oath of fidelity before the commissioners, at least all who intended to reside there; and they individually gave security to pay whatever they should be assessed to make up the sum of three hundred and sixty-five golden crowns before mentioned.

None were permitted to go out of the town without a billet from the king; and the same was practised in all the other towns under his obedience. These billets cost four sols each, French money; and by this means large sums were raised, to the advantage of the king and his ministers.

CHAP. XVII.

THE CASTLE OF COUCY IS TAKEN BY THE PRISONERS CONFINED THEREIN, AND THE GOVERNOR, PETER DE SAINT TREILLE, KILLED.—OTHER MATTERS.

About Candlemas in this same year, Peter de Saint Treille, governor of the castle of Coucy for the duke of Orleans, prisoner in England, was betrayed by some of his servants, namely, his taylor and marshal. They had entered into a conspiracy with the Burgundians, numbers of whom were confined in this castle, and had suffered many to escape: they went with others secretly by night to knock at the window of the governor's apartment in the great tower. A varlet who slept in the apartment arose, and, opening the window, demanded what they wanted: upon this, the taylor replied, that he had within his room a piece of his master's robe, which he had just cut out. On the door being opened, six persons with stout staves burst into the apartment, and murdered the governor and his servant.

They went thence to another tower, wherein were confined the lord de Maucourt en Santerre, Lyonnet de Bournouville, and other gentlemen,—from whom having obtained certain promises, they set them at liberty.

After this, with one common accord, they seized and killed the watch porters, and all who were not of their party, shouting with a loud voice, 'Burgundy for ever!'

A gentleman, named Brutel de Humerculles, was confined with his servant in the great tower; but hearing this cry, they burst open the doors of the dungeon, and got upon the drawbridge.

While this was passing, La Hire, who was in the town with a body of men at arms, being told what had happened by some of the garrison who had escaped over the walls, and also by a trumpeter that was posted on the leads of the castle, sounding to arms, marched his men to the bridge, thinking to reconquer it: but Brutel found means to ascend to the leads, and flung down on them stones so fast, and the others who had been prisoners made so vigorous a defence, that La Hire and those with him, seeing their attempt was now fruitless, retired with his men within the town until it should be day.

They then armed themselves again, packed up their baggage, and mounted their horses; and alter they had cruelly put to death sixty prisoners who were under confinement in the town, they departed for Guise.

This very much rejoiced those who had won the castle, and they instantly examined into its strength and the great wealth it contained. They dispatched messengers to sir John de Luxembourg to come to their aid, who, without delay, collected as many men at arms as he could, and set out for Coucy.

In the mean time, those who had sent for him resolved, nevertheless, not to let him enter the castle until he should promise that all the riches it contained should belong to them; and for this purpose, they sent the lord de Maucourt to meet him and declare their intentions, but who, in good truth, was afraid of telling him their resolution.

On the arrival of sir John de Luxembourg before the castle, to his great surprise, it was not instantly opened to him, for the reasons above mentioned; and he was so displeased that he caused the lord de Maucourt to be arrested, reproaching him with a design of betraying him,—and if an executioner had been present, or any one who would have done the office, he would have had him immediately beheaded. Shortly after, however, through fear of him and his men, those within the castle opened its gates, and admitted him, excusing themselves for the delay the best way they could. He directly new-garrisoned it; and with regard to its wealth, he seized the greater part, and those who had conquered it were not much enriched thereby.

At this time, the frontiers of Normandy, as far as Pontoise, Clermont, Beauvais, Mondidier, Bretueil, Amiens, Abbeville and St Valery, were overrun by the English, and wasted by fire and sword: sometimes, in their excursions, they carried off prisoners and considerable booties. The Normans now generally wore the red cross, which served them as a passport to go whither they pleased in security; and the Dauphinois also adopted the same badge. The party of the king and the duke of Burgundy were not idle; and thus the noble realm of France was, in divers places, torn in pieces by three different factions. The clergy and poor people were left defenceless, and had no other resource than to offer up their prayers lamentably to God their Creator, and patiently to wait his benign grace and pity.

CHAP. XVIII.

THE KING OF ENGLAND SENDS AN EMBASSY TO THE KING OF FRANCE AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY AT PROVINS.—OTHER MATTERS RELATIVE TO WHAT PASSED ON THE FRONTIERS.

While the king of France and the duke of Burgundy resided at Provins, an embassy, consisting of the earls of Warwick and Kent, was sent to them by the king of England. They were escorted by a party of Burgundians, but, on the road, were attacked, close to Chammes in Brie, by Tanneguy du Châtel and the Dauphinois,—who at first succeeded in gaining some of the horses and baggage of the ambassadors, but in the end were defeated, leaving upwards of forty men at arms dead on the field. The remainder, with Tanneguy, retreated to Meaux.

After the English had conferred with the duke of Burgundy and the king's ministers at Provins, they returned to the king of England at Rouen.

To afford satisfaction to the Parisians, Philip count de St Pol, nephew to the duke of Burgundy, and about fifteen years of age, was sent thither, and appointed king's lieutenant thereof: he was accompanied by master Eustace de Lactre, chancellor of France, who was to reside in Paris, and direct every measure as well respecting justice as war.

Le veau de Bar, bailiff of Auxois, was deprived of the provostship of Paris, and sir Giles de Clamessy nominated in his room.

At this period, Hector de Saveuses collected a great body of men at arms at Pont de Remy, whom he marched against the castle of Monchaulx, in the county of Eu, held by the English. On their approach, the garrison made a vigorous sally, and a severe skirmish ensued, in which the governor made Hector prisoner, and carried him off some distance; but he was rescued by his men, who killed about a dozen of the English, and took a gentleman of arms called Jovancherum. After this, they all returned to Pont de Remy.

In like manner, sir Louis Burnel, his brother Guichard, Guavain and Jean de Hersellames, with several other gentlemen who were in the town of Gamaches, kept up a sharp warfare against the English, often killing them, or making prisoners, and plundering all they met. They also sorely harrassed the towns and peasants who had turned to the enemy.

On the other hand, sir John de Luxembourg was hard pressed on the frontiers to resist the enterprises that were daily made on him by La Hire, Poton de Santrailles, and other captains of the dauphin's party. He was also charged with the defence of the fortresses toward Roye and Mondidier, against those of Compiegne, which obliged him to keep up a very large force of men at arms in those countries.

CHAP. XIX.

THE DAUPHIN CARRIES ON A VIGOROUS WAR IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE REALM.—THE ENTERPRISE OF LYONNET DE BOURNOUVILLE AND DAVIOD DE GOUY,—AND OTHER MATTERS.

The dauphin, on gaining Tours, made that place his residence, and carried on from thence a vigorous war on Chartres and other places under the subjection of the duke of Burgundy. The town of Bonneval surrendered to his arms, as did several more in the country of the Chartrain.

During these unfortunate times, Lyonnet de Bournouville, brother-in-law to the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, and Daviod de Gouy, both very expert in arms, had posted themselves in Gisors, near to the frontier of the English, to whom they did much mischief. They had information that about eight hundred of the Irish were quartered in Ferrifontaine, together with about two hundred English. They formed a plan to attack their quarters during the night; and when they executed it, found them all disarmed, fast asleep, and without any guard. Their attack was so sudden, that very many were instantly killed; but the others, hearing their cries, barricaded and defended their houses the best way they could, when their enemies set them on fire. In short, what with killed and burnt, there remained four hundred dead on the spot, and one hundred were made prisoners, the rest saved themselves as they could in the adjacent woods. With their prisoners and plunder, the Burgundians returned to Gisors in great joy for their victory.

About Palm-Sunday, the king and queen of France and the duke of Burgundy, with their households, went to reside at Troyes in Champagne, where they were most honourably received by the inhabitants, and celebrated the feast of Easter there in company with a large retinue of nobles.

[A.D. 1419.]

CHAP. XX.

SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG MARCHES SIX HUNDRED COMBATANTS TO MEET HIS BROTHER IN THE COUNTY OF BRIENNE.—THE DEFEAT OF HECTOR DE SAVEUSES.

In the beginning of this year, sir John de Luxembourg, accompanied by Hector de Saveuses and about six hundred combatants, marched through the Vermandois, Laonnois and Rheimois, to meet his brother, the count de Conversan, in the county of Brienne. On their junction, they made a severe war on the Dauphinois, who, a little before had wasted that country, and burnt the suburbs of Vitry. They also overran great part of the Barrois, toward Grand Pré.

When this had been finished, sir John de Luxembourg departed, leaving the greater number of his men together with his banner, under the command of Hector de Saveuses. Fifteen days after this, Hector, with the consent of the count de Conversan, set out with about three hundred combatants, and the banner, on his return to Artois; but, on passing through Champagne, he was surprised by the Dauphinois, who had posted themselves in Montagu. Notwithstanding the Dauphinois were inferior in numbers, they conquered Hector and won the banner: many were killed and one hundred taken, with a quantity of baggage, all of which they carried back with them to Montagu; but the men at arms saved themselves by the goodness of their horses, with their commander Hector, who retreated very melancholy at his ill success toward the Artois. The Dauphinois brought only about forty prisoners to Montagu, who within a month perished in prison, not without suspicion of being poisoned, excepting a few who had been set at liberty, to seek for their ransoms.

CHAP. XXI.

THE QUEEN OF FRANCE, THE PRINCESS CATHERINE, AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY UNITE WITH THE KING OF ENGLAND.—PEACE BETWEEN THE DAUPHIN AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.

About the middle of April, the English ambassadors, who had been lately at Provins, returned to the king of France and the duke of Burgundy at Troyes in Champagne,—when a treaty was negotiated so far that a truce was agreed on between the two kings, to last for a certain space of time, in the expectation that more conclusive measures would be adopted; and a day was fixed on for the negotiation to be continued on both sides, near to the town of Meulan.

When this had been settled, the ambassadors went back to their king at Rouen; and within a short time afterward, the king and queen of France, with their daughter, the princess Catherine, and the duke of Burgundy, escorted by a powerful body of men at arms, came to Pontoise. On their arrival, according to the measures that had been agreed on with the said ambassadors, they ordered a large inclosure to be made with planks, within which the conferences were to be carried on: it was also surrounded with a deep ditch, having one side on the bank of the Seine. There were several entrances, well secured by three barriers; and tents and pavilions were pitched within, for the lords to repose themselves in.

They then had proper arrangements made in the adjacent villages for the lodging the attendants and equipages of the ambassadors. At this time the king of England had advanced from Rouen to Mantes.

When the day appointed for the conference was come, notwithstanding the king of France was much indisposed as to his health, the queen, the princess Catherine, the duke of Burgundy and the count de St Pol, with the members of the council, escorted by a thousand combatants, went to the place of conference near to Meulan, and entered the tents that were without the inclosure.

Soon after, the king of England arrived, attended by his brothers, the dukes of Clarence and Glocester, and a thousand men at arms. He entered the tent that had been pitched for him, as the others had done; and when they were about to commence the conference, the queen on the right hand, followed by the lady Catherine, the duke of Burgundy, and the count de St Pol, entered the inclosure. In like manner did the king of England, with his brothers and council, by another opening, and, with a most respectful obeisance, saluted the queen, and then kissed her and the lady Catherine. After this, the duke of Burgundy saluted the king, bending his knee a little and inclining his head; but the king took him by the hand, embraced him, and shewed him great respect.

They then entered the tent appointed for the conference, the king leading the queen, where they staid a very considerable time. Their men at arms were drawn up without the paling; but a sufficient number of guards were within side, to prevent any improper persons, or such as were not especially ordered, from entering it.

After they had remained in conference a long time, they separated, taking most respectful leaves of each other; and one party returned to Pontoise, and the other to Mantes.

On the morrow three weeks, they again met there, and remained together for several days, in the same state, and with the same number of persons, as before, with the exception of the lady Catherine, who had been brought the first time that the king of England might see her, and who was not now present. King Henry was very desirous to marry her, and not without cause, for she was very handsome, of high birth, and of the most engaging manners.

During their meetings, several matters were brought forward, in the hope of concluding a solid peace. It frequently happened that one party was more grandly attended than the other, and at other times less; and although the English and French were quartered close together, there was never the smallest riot or quarrel between them,—and they exchanged provision with each other. This conference, however, ended in nothing, from the demands of the king of England, in regard to the portion of the lady Catherine, being as exorbitant as before.

The dauphin, during the holding of this conference, with the intent of seducing the duke of Burgundy, sent Tanneguy du Châtel to propose a treaty of peace with him, although the duke had before made repeated offers of the same. When the conference was broken off, the inclosure was destroyed, the tents and pavilions pulled down,—and the two parties returned to Pontoise and Mantes.

The king of England was much displeased at the breaking off the conference, as it prevented him from gaining his ends, and was very indignant against the duke of Burgundy, whom he considered as the cause of it, he being the principal leader of the government. The last day they were together, seeing that his demands would not be complied with as to his marriage with the lady Catherine, he said to the duke of Burgundy, 'Fair cousin, we wish you to know that we will have the daughter of your king, and all that we have asked, or we will drive him and you out of his kingdom.' The duke replied, 'Sire, you are pleased to say so; but before you can drive my lord and me out of his kingdom, I make no doubt but that you will be heartily tired.'

Many more words passed, which would be too tedious to report; and, taking leave of each other, they separated, and went different ways.

Within a few days, sir John de Luxembourg came to Pontoise with a large body of men at arms, which he had assembled from Picardy by orders of the duke of Burgundy, to escort him to Melun, where he was to meet the dauphin; for the ambassadors from each had advanced their treaty so far, that they had fixed on a place and day for their principals to meet and conclude it. In compliance with the above, the dauphin had departed from Tours, and was come to Melun, by Montargis, with a large force of men at arms.

In like manner, the duke of Burgundy had left Pontoise, attended by his nephew, the young count de St Pol, sir John de Luxembourg, many great lords, and a numerous body of men at arms, and went to Corbeil. The lady of Giac, who had been the chief manager to bring about this reconciliation, was also in company with the duke.

On the morrow, the 11th day of July, the two parties took the field with their whole force, and met about a league from Melun, near to Pouilly le Fort. When they were about two bow-shots distant from each other, they halted their men, and, attended by about ten persons each, whom they had selected, they rode forward between the two battalions, and dismounted. On the duke of Burgundy's approaching the dauphin, he inclined his body most humbly several times; and the dauphin doing the same, took the hand of the duke, who was on his knees, and kissed it, and wished to make him rise, but he would not, saying, 'My lord, I know how I ought to demean myself when speaking to you;' but the dauphin, in the mean while, raised him up, and pardoned him for any offences he might have committed against him, adding, 'Fair cousin, should there be any articles in the treaty that has been drawn up between us that you dislike, we will that it be altered; and henceforth doubt not but that our wishes shall be ever the same as yours.'

In short after much conversation between these princes and their attendants, they swore to preserve for ever a peace between them; on which the two battalions, joining together, shouted for joy, and cursed all who should ever again bear arms in so damnable a quarrel. When they had remained some time together, mutually shewing each other the greatest affection, the dauphin mounted his horse, the duke of Burgundy holding the stirrup, notwithstanding the dauphin frequently requested him to desist. The duke then mounted, and, having rode a short way together, they took an affectionate leave, and separated: the dauphin went to Tours, and the duke to Corbeil.

Here follows a copy of the treaty that was concluded between them.

'Charles son to the king of France, dauphin of Vienne, duke of Berry and of Tours, count de Poitiers, and John duke of Burgundy, count of Flanders and Artois, palatine of Burgundy, lord of Salines and of Mechlin, to all who these presents shall see or hear of, greeting. Since by the unfortunate divisions that have for some time reigned within this kingdom several hatreds and suspicions have arisen within the hearts of ourselves, our vassals and our subjects, against each other, the which effectually put a stop to any concord or unanimous effort for the reformation of abuses that have crept into the government, or to resist the damnable enterprises of our ancient enemies the English, who under the shadow, and by means of these divisions, have been hardy enough to advance into the middle of the kingdom, and in fact have conquered, and do now occupy a great part of the dominions of our lord the king, and may do still greater mischiefs, should public affairs remain as they are at this moment.

'We make known, therefore, that considering what infinite evils might result from these divisions unless put an end to, even to the total perdition of the kingdom, which, though severe to all, would fall most heavy on us, who are bounden by every tie to provide a remedy against so great a misfortune.

'In consequence, we have entered into terms of pacification, and are now assembled with the unanimous intent of concluding a peace,—first in honour of God, and for the love of peace, to which every good Catholic ought to incline, and to relieve the poor people who have suffered many grievous oppressions from these said divisions.

'We have therefore promised and sworn, in the presence of the reverend father in God, Alain, bishop of Léon in Brittany, sent to us for this purpose by the holy apostolical see of Rome, on part of the true cross, and on the holy evangelists by us touched, on condition of failure to be deprived of Paradise, and on the word of honour of a prince, to observe and punctually maintain every article of the treaty of peace made between us.

'And in the first place, I John duke of Burgundy, so long as I shall live, do promise and swear, that, after the person of my lord the king, I will honour and obey, from the bottom of my heart, the person of the dauphin, and will not suffer any thing knowingly to be done to his prejudice, but will aid and support him and his measures to the utmost of my power, and will conduct myself toward him as becomes a loyal and kind relative; and I will always advertise him of any thing that may be attempted to injure him.

'And should it happen that any person, whatever may be his rank, undertake a war against him, I will serve him with my whole forces, in the same manner as if the war had been mine own.

'In like manner, I Charles the dauphin, so long as it may please God to grant us life, having put out of our memory all remembrance of past actions, do promise, very sincerely to love our very dear and well beloved cousin the duke of Burgundy,—and in all that concerns him will treat him as our near and loyal relative, and procure for him all the good he may desire, and ward off every evil. Should any one attempt to injure him of his estates, we will aid and support him to the utmost of our power, when he shall call on us, against all persons whatever: even if any of our blood and kindred should, on account of matters that have passed some time since, pretend to injure him or his dominions, we will exert ourselves to the utmost in his support, and defend him against them.

'Item, we Charles the dauphin and John duke of Burgundy do undertake henceforward the government of public affairs for the good of the realm, without harbouring any envy or jealousy of each other; and should any of our officers make to us reports contrary to our honour, and likely to create a division between us, we mutually engage to give information thereof, and not to put any faith in such reports.

'As true and loyal subjects to our lord the king, and to the crown of France, we will earnestly exert ourselves to drive the enemy out of the kingdom, and to repair the mischiefs done by him as speedily as possible; and we will neither of us enter into any treaty or alliance with him, without the approbation and consent of the other; for we engage that henceforth all our alliances shall comprehend both of us. Should any treaties or alliances have been made with the said enemy, or with others, prejudicial to our personal interests, we will and agree that all such shall be and are annulled: all which things we do faithfully promise and swear to observe, without any fraud or covin whatever.

'Should either of the parties wish to infringe or break this present treaty, which God forbid! then we will and order that all vassals, subjects and servants of the person who shall thus break it, do not obey his orders, but do aid and support his opponent; and in this case they shall be absolved from all oaths of allegiance and service,—and in times to come, no blame or reproach shall ever be cast upon them or their heirs for so doing.

'For the further security of this treaty, we willed and ordered, that our principal vassals and servants should swear to the observance of every article; and they instantly did take the oath prescribed, at the hands of the said bishop of Léon, in as much as it concerned them, and that they would use their utmost endeavours to preserve union between us; and should any appearance of coolness arise, they would immediately strictly perform their duty by giving information thereof under their seals.

'Our faithful and well beloved servants, hereafter mentioned, by orders from us the dauphin, have sworn to the above on the holy evangelists, namely, sir James de Bourbon, master Robert le Masson, late chancellor, the viscount de Narbonne, the lords de Barbasan, d'Espaignon, du Bosquaige, de Montenay, de Gamaches, sir Tanneguy du Châtel, sir John Louvet, president of Provence, Guillaume de Margouin, Hue de Noyeries, Jean de Mesnil, Pierre Frotier, Guichard de Bourdon and Collart de la Vuigne.

'On the part of the duke of Burgundy, his well beloved and loyal servants the count de St Pol, sir John de Luxembourg, sir Archambault de Saxe, the lord de Nouaille, the lord d'Autun, sir Thibault de Neuf-chatel, the lord de Montagu, sir John de la Trimouille, Guillaume de Vienne, sir Pierre de Bauffremont grand prior of France, sir Gaultier des Ruppes, sir Charles de Lens, John lord of Coctebrune marshal of Burgundy, John lord de Toulongeon, Regnier Pot, Pierre lord of Giac, Anthony de Toulongeon, Guillaume de Champdivers, Philip de Jossequin and Nicolle Raullin.

'And for greater security of the above treaty, we will and consent that the princes of our blood, ecclesiastics, and the magistrates of the principal towns, do likewise swear to the observance of the different articles, which we, on our part mutually and individually, do faithfully promise to keep; and should we, or any of those who may take the said oath fail to observe it, we submit ourselves and them to our holy mother the church, and to our sacred father the pope, or to any persons deputed by him, to inflict on us their interdict or excommunication, or any other punishment that may be appointed for our said breach of promise.

'In testimony whereof, we have each of us signed this treaty with our own hands, and have added our seals. Given at our place of meeting on the Ponchiel, one league distant from Melun, and very near to Poilly le Fort, on Tuesday, the 11th day of July, in the year of Grace 1419.'

CHAP. XXII.

THE TREATY OF PEACE CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE DAUPHIN AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY IS PROCLAIMED THROUGH DIVERS PARTS OF FRANCE.—OTHER MATTERS.

On the morrow after the conclusion of this peace, the dauphin left Melun with his whole force, and went by Tours to Partenay, which he had before held besieged, by the count de Vertus and others of his captains, because the lord de Partenay had been ever attached to the duke of Burgundy. He ordered the count to break up the siege, and to make every preparation to carry on the war against the English.

The duke of Burgundy returned to Pontoise, where he gave great joy to the king and queen of France by his intelligence of the happy reconciliation that had taken place. From Pontoise, the duke conducted the king and queen, with their state, to reside at St Denis, leaving the guard of Pontoise to the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, and giving him a large sum of money to pay the men at arms that should garrison that town.

When the articles of the peace were made public, the greater part of the nobles, clergy and people were much rejoiced, flattering themselves that there would be an end of the heavy persecution they had suffered from a war that had lasted for such a length of time. People of both parties began to traffic, and to visit each other. In many of the principal towns the commonalty assembled and shouted for joy, making at the same time large bonfires in the squares, more particularly at Paris.

On the 20th day of July, the archbishop of Sens brought the treaty to Paris and presented it to the lords of the court of parliament, of the requests, and of the chamber of accounts; where it was read by master Nicolle Raullin, in the presence of master Robert Mailliere and master John Champion, both secretaries to the dauphin. When it had been read, the archbishop produced an edict from the king, by which he ordered a general oblivion of all crimes that had been perpetrated in consequence of the late intestine divisions, and directed that every person whose properties had been confiscated should be restored to their possession, with the exception of the moveables.

The duke of Burgundy was to appoint a governor of Partenay, for the defence of Poitou, that was well inclined to the dauphin; and all garrisons were ordered to be removed, excepting from those towns and castles on the borders near to where the English lay.

Letters were then produced from the dauphin, which were incorporated with those of the king, by which he consented, agreed to, and promised to observe all the articles of the treaty, and to conform to the royal edict.

In like manner, Raullin produced similar letters from the duke of Burgundy. When these different papers had been read and verified, the lords of the parliament and all present swore to keep this peace, which was now proclaimed in Paris and elsewhere. On the morrow, a solemn procession was made to the church of St Martin des Champs, to return thanks to Heaven for the above peace.

CHAP. XXIII.

KING HENRY OF ENGLAND IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE PEACE BETWEEN THE DAUPHIN AND THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.—THE ENGLISH CAPTURE THE TOWN OF PONTOISE FROM THE LORD DE L'ISLE-ADAM.—THE CONSEQUENCES THEREOF.

We must now return to the king of England. When king Henry heard of a peace being concluded between the dauphin and the duke of Burgundy, he was not very well pleased, for he was aware how much stronger they would be by their union than when divided.

Notwithstanding this, he determined to pursue his enterprise in spite of all obstacles, and considered, that if he could gain Pontoise, it would be very advantageous to him.

He summoned his most trusty captains, and those who had attended the late embassy to Pontoise, and declared to them his intentions: they replied, that in whatever he should be pleased to command them, they would exert themselves to the utmost, without regarding their lives or fortunes, or the difficulties and hardships they might have to encounter. The king then nominated those who were to be of the expedition against Pontoise.

They arrived on the last day of July, between day-break and sun-rise, at one of the gates of Pontoise, and might be about three thousand combatants. The gate was not open, and some of them scaled the walls by means of ladders, without alarming the guard, and instantly opened the gate, so that their whole army entered, shouting 'Saint George!' 'The town is taken!'

At this cry, there was a general alarm, and the lord de l'Isle-Adam awakened, who, without delay, armed himself, mounted his horse, and, with some of his men, hastened to where the shoutings came from; but when he saw the English so numerous within the place, he speedily returned to his quarters to pack up his effects and money, and, with many of the principal inhabitants, went to the gate leading to Paris, which was still closed,—but he had it forced open, and, with about ten thousand of the townsmen, in despair and affliction, took the road toward Paris. Several of them carried away their most precious articles, such as plate and jewels, and, having separated from the others to go toward Beauvais, were robbed of their effects by Jean de Guigny and Jean du Clau.

The English, meeting with no resistance, treated the place as a conquered town, and did innumerable mischiefs: they gained great riches, for the town was full of wealth. The principal commander of this expedition was the captal de Buch, brother to the count de Foix.

The whole country of France, more particularly those parts nearer to Paris were infinitely alarmed at this conquest; and the inhabitants within the Isle de France began to quit their dwellings in all haste. When the news of it was brought to St Denis, where the king of France and the duke of Burgundy held their court, they instantly departed, and, by way of Provins, hastened to Troyes in Champagne, accompanied by the queen, the lady Catherine, and many others of the nobility. They left in Paris, for its government, the count de St Pol, master Eustace de Lactre chancellor, and the lord de l'Isle-Adam marshal of France.