The chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 06 [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.VI.

LONDON:

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

1810.

CONTENTS

OF

THE SIXTH VOLUME.

HERE BEGINNETH

THE SIXTH VOLUME

OF THE

CHRONICLES

OF

ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.

[CHAP. I.]

CHARLES VI. KING OF FRANCE, DIES IN HIS HÔTEL OF SAINT POL, AND IS INTERRED AT SAINT DENIS WITH HIS ANCESTORS.

In these days, Charles king of France was confined to his bed by illness; and on the 22d day of October, the feast of the eleven thousand virgins, he departed this life at his hôtel of St Pol. Only his chancellor, his first chamberlain, his confessor, almoner, and a very few of his household, were present at his decease.

Shortly after his death was made public, the lords of his council, the members of his parliament, the chamber of accounts, the university of Paris, many of the colleges, the sheriffs, burghers, and multitudes of the common people, went to see him as he lay on his bed.

His attendants placed the body in a leaden coffin, when it was very reverently borne by knights and esquires to the chapel within his hôtel, where it remained for twenty whole days, until the duke of Bedford were returned to Paris from Normandy in the following month of November. During these twenty days, masses were daily celebrated in the king's chapel, in the same manner as in his lifetime by the priests attached to it,—after which, the service for the dead was celebrated. The four orders of mendicant friars, and the canons from the different colleges, daily performed alternate services. The university caused one grand one to be celebrated, as did the college of the Quatre Nations, and in general this was done by all the parishes in Paris.

On the 10th of November, the king's body was carried from his hôtel of St Pol to the cathedral of Nôtre Dame, in grand procession, preceded by the members of the different churches dressed in their robes, each according to his rank. The prelates were on the right hand, namely, the bishops of Paris, of Chartres, of Terouenne,—the abbots of St Magloire, of St Germain des Pres, of St Maur, and of St Genevieve. On the left hand were the heads of the universities and doctors, equally near as the prelates to the body, which was borne by the king's foresters and by those of his stable. Then followed the maitres d'hôtel and the esquires of the stable.

On the left of the body were the provosts of Paris and of the merchants, having sergeants at arms between them; and near to the body was the king's first valet de chambre. The members of the court of parliament bore the pall, at the head of which was the king's first chamberlain, and the others in succession. After them came the king's pages, and then at a little distance, the duke of Bedford, as regent of the Kingdom. None of the princes of the royal blood of France attended the funeral, which was a melancholy consideration, when it was remembered what great power and prosperity the king had enjoyed during the early part of his reign.

Then came, after the duke of Bedford, the chancellor of France, the masters of requests, the members of the chamber of accounts, secretaries, notaries, burghers, and a great multitude of the commonalty of Paris.

The body was placed on a handsome litter, over which was a canopy of cloth of gold on a ground of vermilion and azure, besprinkled with flowers de luce. Over the coffin was an image of the late king, bearing a rich crown of gold and diamonds, and holding two shields,—one of gold, the other of silver: the hands had white gloves on, and the fingers were adorned with very precious rings. This image was dressed with cloth of gold on a vermilion ground, with close sleeves, and a mantle of the same lined with ermine: the stockings were black, and the shoes of blue velvet besprinkled with flowers de luce.

In this state was he solemnly carried to the church of Nôtre Dame, where a mass for the defunct was chaunted by the patriarch of Constantinople. When the service was finished, the procession moved to St Denis. The body was borne by the attendants of his stable as far as a cross, half way between Paris and St Denis, when the measurers and carriers of salt in Paris took it from them, having each a flower de luce on his breast. They carried the body to a cross near St Denis, where the abbot, attended by his monks and all the clergy of the town, with great multitudes of people bearing lighted torches, received it. Thence with chaunting and singing, recommending his soul to God, was it carried to the church of St Denis.

During this whole time, neither the duke of Bedford nor any of those before mentioned quitted the body. On the body being placed in the church, another service was celebrated by the patriarch of Constantinople; but a night intervened between the two services. No one but the duke of Bedford went to the offering.

There were full twenty thousand pounds of wax expended at these two services; and sixteen thousand persons attended the almsgiving, when three blancs of royal money were given to each.

When the last service had been performed in the church of Saint Denis, and the king's body laid in the sepulchre of his forefathers, the patriarch gave his benediction in the usual manner,—on which the late king's ushers at arms broke their staves and threw them into the grave, and turned their maces downward. Then Berry, king at arms, attended by many heralds and poursuivants, cried over the grave, 'May God shew mercy and pity to the soul of the late most puissant and most excellent Charles VI. king of France, our natural and sovereign lord!' Immediately after Berry cried, 'May God grant long life to Henry by the grace of God king of France and of England, our sovereign lord!' which cry he again repeated. After this, the sergeants at arms, and ushers, returned their maces, and shouted together, 'Long live the king! long live the king!'

When the ceremony was over, the lords returned to Paris, which had been placed under the guard of sir Guy le Bouteiller and the bastard de Thian, with a very large body of men at arms. They had also under their command different detachments in the environs, with able captains, to prevent any surprise or attempts of the Dauphinois.

The duke of Bedford was now regent and sole governor of the realm, in the name of his nephew the young king Henry, in so far as to those parts under his obedience.

Thus ended the life of the most noble king Charles in the 43rd year of his reign, during great part of which the kingdom was sorely troubled and ruined by the continual quarrels of the princes of his blood with each other. May God, through his infinite goodness, have mercy on and receive his soul!

[CHAP. II.]

INFORMATION OF THE DEATH OF KING CHARLES THE WELL-BELOVED IS CARRIED TO HIS ONLY SON CHARLES THE DAUPHIN.—OTHER MATTERS.

News of the death of king Charles the well-beloved was soon carried to his only son the dauphin, then residing at a small castle called Espally, near to Puy in Auvergne, and belonging to the bishop of that place. The dauphin was very much grieved on receiving this intelligence, and wept abundantly.

By the advice of his ministers, he instantly dressed himself in mourning, and on the morrow, when he heard mass, was clothed in a vermilion coloured robe, attended by several officers at arms, in their emblazoned coats. The banner of France was then displayed in the chapel, and all present shouted 'Vive le Roi!' After this, the service of the church was performed without any other ceremony; but henceforth all that were attached to the party of the dauphin styled him King of France.

When the duke of Burgundy was returned to Artois, after the death of the king of England, he held a council of his captains in Arras, when it was determined, that sir John de Luxembourg should assemble a body of men at arms to subdue the Dauphinois in the county of Guise and in the adjacent parts,—for they were harassing greatly the Cambresis and the Vermandois. Sir John therefore fixed his place of rendezvous for his men at and about Peronne.

At this time, the lord de l'Isle-Adam obtained his liberty, through the solicitations of the duke of Burgundy. He had been for a long time prisoner in the bastille of St Anthony, by orders of the late king of England. He was restored to his possessions, and, in part, to the offices he had held.

Many knights and esquires of Picardy were now sent to St Valery to summon sir James de Harcourt to surrender the place according to his promise. The gates of the town were thrown open to their summons,—and sir John de Blondel was made governor thereof.

On Martinmas-night, by means that had been practised before, the town of Rue was given up to sir James de Harcourt, and the inhabitants swore allegiance to the dauphin, thus violating the peace that had been made. Sir James appointed the lord de Verduisant governor; and, as his force was inadequate for its defence, he sent for a reinforcement from the county of Guise, which, on its arrival, oppressed the country much.

About this same time, the lord de Bosqueaux, who had long been most active to serve the Dauphin and Orleans-party, was made prisoner in the castle of Thoisy-sur-Oise and carried to Paris, where he was beheaded and quartered, for having, some time past, maliciously murdered sir Guy de Harcourt, bailiff of the Vermandois.

[CHAP. III.]

CHARLES THE DAUPHIN IS CROWNED KING OF FRANCE, IN CONSEQUENCE OF HIS FATHER'S DEATH.

After the death of the king of France, his only son Charles the dauphin, by the advice of the nobles of his party, was crowned king, in the town of Poitiers,—and from that day was called King of France by his adherents, as his father had been before him. A short time prior to this, he had narrowly escaped being killed; for while he was holding a council in the town of la Rochelle, part of the chamber in which he was sitting fell in, when John de Bourbon, lord of Prèaux, and some more were killed. The dauphin was slightly wounded; but his attendants hastily extricated him from his danger, and carried him to a place of security, where he soon recovered his health.

In this year, sir Mansart d'Esne was made prisoner in the castle of Vitry, of which he was governor, by la Hire, both of them being adherents to the dauphin, and notwithstanding they had long been intimate friends. Sir Mansart, however, was deprived of all his effects, of his castle, and a high price withal fixed for his ransom, while he was kept in close confinement for a length of time. It was commonly reported, that John Raoullet was a party concerned with la Hire in playing this trick.

When sir John de Luxembourg had collected his men at arms at Peronne, he entered the country of Guise, and having soon subdued the forts of Buissy-sur-Fontaines, Proisy and some others, and conquered that country, he returned homeward, and disbanded his troops, when they all retired to the places they had come from.

[CHAP. IV.]

THE PARISIANS SEND AN EMBASSY TO ENGLAND, TO YOUNG KING HENRY AND TO HIS MINISTERS.—OTHER MATTERS.

In this year, the Parisians sent a solemn embassy to king Henry, and to the queen of England, to request they would speedily order a sufficient force to France, to oppose the daily advances of the party of the new king of France, the late dauphin of Vienne.

The ambassadors were, the bishop of Terouenne, master John de Mailly, sir Bourdin de Salignies, Michault Lallier, and other persons of note. They took their road through Lille, to have a conference with the duke of Burgundy, and thence to Calais, where they embarked for England.

They were joyfully received by the king and queen, and promised effectual and speedy succours by their ministers. Having thus accomplished the object of their embassy, they returned to France.

On the 14th of January in this year, the fortress on the bridge of Meulan was surprised by the French under the command of sir John de Grasville. He had with him some able captains and a body of five hundred combatants who slew all the English they found there, and used great diligence to put the place in better repair, and to revictual it; for they intended to defend the town and castle against their enemies.

At this time, the countess-dowager of Hainault was defied by a noted plunderer of the name of L'Escremont Castel, a native of Ligny, in the Cambresis, and then captain of the tower of Beaumont under sir John de Luxembourg. Having sent his defiance to the countess, he attacked many of her towns, and made war on her subjects and vassals for a considerable space of time.

About Christmas in this year, some of the burghers of Paris formed a conspiracy against king Henry, with the intent to deliver up Paris to the Dauphinois; but it was discovered, and many arrested, some of whom were beheaded. A woman that had been concerned therein was burnt: the rest saved themselves by flight (among the latter was Michault Lallier), and their property was confiscated to king Henry.

At this period, the town of La Ferté-Milon was won by the French, with the consent of the inhabitants; but the castle was well defended by the garrison, who sent in haste for succour to the lord de l'Isle-Adam, to the lord de Castillon, and to the bastard de Thiam. The lord de l'Isle-Adam collected a force of five or six hundred men, and marched them secretly in the rear of the castle, whence, at an hour previously agreed on with the garrison, they made a joint attack on the town, which was soon gained without any great resistance being made; and the greater part of those found within it were put to death without mercy, and all their effects carried off.

Shortly after the capture of Meulan, the duke of Bedford, who styled himself regent of France, assembled a large body of combatants, English, Normans, Picards and others, and led them to lay siege to the bridge of Meulan on each side of the river. He had bombards, and other warlike engines erected against the gates and walls to destroy them, and continued this siege with great perseverance from the beginning of January until the following March, when the besieged offered to capitulate.

In the month of February, while this siege was carrying on, sir John de Luxembourg conquered the forts of Franquemez, Neufville, Endorans, Vironfosse and Canaple. He had with him the lord de Saveuses, sir Daviod de Poix, and many expert and tried men at arms. After these conquests, he returned before the town of Guise, and had a grand skirmish with its garrison. Having thus succeeded, sir John returned to his castle of Beaurevoir, where he dismissed his captains and men at arms.

[CHAP. V.]

THE CAPTAINS OF KING CHARLES ASSEMBLE IN GREAT NUMBERS TO RAISE THE SIEGE OF MEULAN.—THE DUKE OF BEDFORD TREATS WITH THE GARRISON.

Toward the end of February, a large body of combatants attached to king Charles, from the country of Berry, assembled under the command of the count d'Aumarle, the earl of Buchan, a Scotsman, the viscounts de Narbonne, d'Annechy, de Châtel Breton and others: they amounted to about six thousand men, and were marched to within six leagues of Meulan, where they formed themselves in battle-array; but a quarrel arose among their leaders, so that they broke up in a very disorderly manner, and departed without advancing farther. They lost great numbers of men from the sallies made by the garrisons of Chartres, and other places in the hands of the English, while retreating in such disorder.

The besieged in Meulan, hearing of what had happened, were exceedingly enraged that they had failed of having the promised succour. In their rage, they tore down the banner of king Charles that had been displayed over the gate, and flung it to the ground. Many gentlemen ascended the battlements, and in sight of the English tore to pieces the crosses they had worn as badges of king Charles, and loudly abused those who had been sent to their relief for perjured traitors.

The garrison was not long before they held a parley with the duke's officers; and persons were chosen on each side to conclude a treaty. On the part of the English were deputed the earl of Salisbury, sir John Fastolfe, sir Pierre de Fontenay, sir John de Poulligny lord de la Motte, Richard Widville, Nicholas Bourdee, grand butler of Normandy, and Pierre le Verrad. The deputies from the town were sir John de Grasville, sir Louis Martel, sir Adam de Croisines, knights, John d'Estainbourg, Jean de Mirot, Roger de Boissie, Oudin de Boissie and Jean Marie, esquires. These deputies having met several times, at length agreed to a treaty, the terms whereof were as follow.

[CHAP. VI.]

A COPY OF THE TREATY OF MEULAN.

In the first place, the besieged shall surrender the bridge and fortress into the hands of my lord duke of Bedford, or to his commissaries, fully repaired, and with all its cannons, powder, cross-bows and all other warlike stores, without fraud or deceit, and without committing any damages to these articles. The said bridge and fort shall be thus honestly surrendered three days after to-morrow; that is to say, on the 5th day of this present month of March.

Secondly, all persons now within the fort of the bridge of Meulan, whatever may be their rank, shall submit themselves, with the utmost humility, to the will of my lord the regent, who, in consideration of this their very humble obeisance, and from motives of mercy and religion, in honour of God, and with due reverence to this holy time of Lent, shall grant them their lives, excepting those who shall have formerly been subjects to the late king of England, (whose soul may God pardon!) and such as shall have sworn to the observance of the last peace between the kingdoms of France and England; those who shall have been in any way accomplices in the murder of duke John of Burgundy; all Welsh, Irish and Scots, should any there be, are also excepted; and more particularly so, John Dourdas, Savary, a bernardine monk, Olivier de Launoy, the cannoneers, and those who formed the ambuscade by which the bridge was surprised: all these last are to remain at the disposal of the lord regent.

Thirdly, it is agreed, that if any gentleman or others (excepting such as have been before excepted) be willing to submit themselves to the obedience of the king our sovereign lord of France and of England, and to my lord regent, as true and loyal subjects, and carry on a war against his enemies, in the manner they had done against the king,—my lord regent will receive them into his favour, and acquit them of all imprisonment and ransom, provided they give sufficient pledges for their future good conduct.

Item, all persons now within the fort of the bridge of Meulan who may hold any towns or castles, by themselves or others, against our said king, shall deliver them up to the lord regent, or to his commissioners deputed for that purpose; and they shall exert themselves to the utmost that their relations or friends shall in like manner surrender all castles or towns they may be possessed of. And until all these things shall be done, they are to remain at the disposal of the regent, who engages, on their due accomplishment, to restore them to liberty.

Item, if any persons now within the fort of the bridge of Meulan shall detain there, or elsewhere, any prisoners, english, french or burgundians, or merchants having sworn allegiance to the king of England, they shall release them without calling on them or their securities for any ransom whatever.

Item, it is agreed, that the besieged shall, the day after to-morrow, either by themselves or others, carry to one or more appointed places, all their armours, without any way damaging the smallest article of them; and they will also have carried to another part all gold and silver plate, money, jewels, and every article of value within the said fortress, without concealing any part thereof or destroying it. They will deliver to the commissaries of the lord regent exact lists of the same without fraud or deception, under pain of forfeiting all benefit of this treaty, and of the grace of the lord regent.

Item, they will also deliver up their horses at an appointed place in the state they are now in, with their armours, to the said commissaries of the lord regent, on pain of forfeiture as above.

Item, under similar penalty, the besieged shall not, until the full accomplishment of the treaty, suffer any person or persons to depart from, or to enter the said fortress, without the express leave of the lord regent first had and obtained.

Item, under pain of the above, they shall denounce and deliver up to the said commissioners all those who have been especially named. And in order that all these articles may be fully complied with, the commissioners and deputies of either party have thereto set their seals, this first day of March; in the year 1422.

This treaty was fully completed; and in consequence of it, the fortresses of Marcoussy, of Montlehery, and several others held by the besieged were yielded up to the regent. On the day Meulan was surrendered, one hundred gentlemen, and two hundred others of the garrison, took the oaths before required, and swore faith and allegiance to the lord regent: even the lord de Grasville took these oaths: when they were conducted prisoners to Rouen, until all the articles of the treaty should be accomplished. The lord de Grasville certified to the regent's commissioners, that king Charles was in full health when he parted from him to come to Meulan,—but that he had been hurt by the falling in of a room at la Rochelle, where he was holding a council, as has been before mentioned.

[CHAP. VII.]

THE FRENCH TAKE THE FORTRESS OF DOMMART IN PONTHIEU BY SCALADO.—AND MANY OTHER EVENTS.

On the 20th day of March in this year, the French escaladed and won the castle of Dommart in Ponthieu,—in which were the borgne de Fosseux, knight, and Jacques de Craon his son-in-law, who made their escape, with a few attendants, by a postern, on hearing the tumult and the numbers of the enemy. Sir Simon de Boulenviller, John de Douceure, and others within the castle, with the lady of de Fosseux, were detained prisoners.

All the effects, which were very abundant, were seized as lawful prey and carried off.

Shortly after, the lord de Crotoy, with three or four hundred combatants, fixed his quarters at a castle belonging to the bishop of Amiens, called Pernois, about a league distant from Dommart, to make head against and oppose the farther progress of the French. A treaty was concluded with the French some days after the lord de Crotoy's arrival, by which they were to return unmolested, with their plunder, on condition they surrendered Dommart. The chief of this expedition was one called Dandonet.

At this period, the duke of Glocester married Jacqueline duchess of Bavaria, countess of Hainault and of Holland, who had for some time resided in England, notwithstanding that Jacqueline had been married to duke John of Brabant, then living. This marriage astonished many persons.

In this same year, the king of Arragon went to Italy, at the request of queen Johanna, wife to sir James de Bourbon, as her elected heir. On his arrival he drove the duke of Anjou, who styled himself king of Sicily, and all his people, out of that country. He then attached to his service all the great captains of the queen of Naples, namely, Sforza, Braccia-Monte and Tartaglia, with others of the leading men in Italy, who, uniting with the king of Arragon, made the queen Johanna prisoner. Thus was she punished in the same way she had treated her former lord sir James de Bourbon. The king of Arragon, by these means, remained for a considerable time master of great part of Italy: even the pope joined his party, and sent the cardinal of St Angelo to conclude a treaty of friendship with him. This cardinal, while on the journey, fell from a plank, as he entered a fort, into the ditch, and was so grievously bruised that he died soon after.

News was now brought to France that the heretics at Prague were in great force, and attempting to subdue all the Christian castles and fortresses. Their heresy was more powerful and extended than it had ever been, in so much that the emperor, unable to resist them, was returned to Hungary without effecting any thing.

About this time also, sir James de Harcourt's men made several secret inroads to the countries of Vimeu, Ponthieu and Artois, and seized and carried away many ploughs from the farmers of Mont St Eloy, near to Arras, which they sold, with other booty, in the town of Crotoy, so that the farmers were afraid of residing on or working their lands.

On the other hand, the French, quartered at Guise, made frequent visits to Crotoy and Rue, by which the country was sorely harrassed by each party,—and justice was no where obeyed.

The Burghers and commonalty of Tournay had, at this time, great dissentions, and assembled in arms under the banners of the different trades, that is to say, the great against the small. The commonalty admitted the lord de Moy into the town, who was attached to the party of king Charles, as well as themselves; and they elected several men of low degree for their captains, in place of the provost and their rulers. This time, however, the quarrel was appeased without coming to blows; but similar agitations and changes frequently took place afterward within the town of Tournay.

Two thousand five hundred English were now assembled in Normandy under the command of the lord de la Pole, sir Thomas Berry and other captains, who marched them through the country of Maine, wasting every part they passed through, to Angers, where they did much damage, and made numbers of prisoners. They returned with them and their plunder to a large town, called Busignes de la Graville, where they halted many days.

While these things were passing, John count d'Aumarle, who had received from the country people intelligence of this expedition together with the baron de Colilouvre, the lord de Fontaines in Anjou, and sir Peter le Porc, collected a large body of men at arms and common people, and lay wait for the enemy in handsome array not far from La Graville. When the English perceived them, they dismounted, and posted the baggage in their rear. The French were mounted, and began the attack with great vigour, but the English defended themselves with such courage, the conflict was very severe and doubtful; but at length the English were conquered, and left full twelve hundred men on the field. The lord de la Pole, was made prisoner, and thirty other gentlemen at the least. Of the commonalty on the side of the French, six score persons were killed.

[A.D. 1423.]

CHAP. VIII.

THE DUKES OF BEDFORD, BURGUNDY AND BRITTANY, MEET AT AMIENS, AND FORM A TRIPLE ALLIANCE.

In the beginning of this year, the dukes of Bedford, Burgundy and Brittany, met in the town of Amiens, attended each by a large company of knights and esquires. With the duke of Bedford, who styled himself regent of France, came the great council of the young king Henry of England; and with the duke of Brittany was his brother Arthur count de Richemont.

These princes, on their arrival at Amiens, paid each other the utmost respect, and every outward symptom of affection; and the duke of Bedford splendidly and royally entertained them at dinner at the bishop's palace, where he lodged. When this had been done, they formed a triple alliance, in the form and manner following, signed with their hands and sealed with their seals.

'John, governor and regent of the kingdom of France, Philip duke of Burgundy, and John duke of Brittany, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting.

'Know ye, that in consideration of our friendships, and the approaching near connection about to take place by the marriages concluded between us, John duke of Bedford, regent of France, on the one part, with our very dear and well-beloved companion and cousin Anne of Burgundy on the other part; and between our very dear and well-beloved brother Arthur count de Richemont, de Montfort and of Ivry, on one part, with our very dear and well-beloved sister and cousin, Margaret of Burgundy, on the other part; and for the general welfare of the king our lord, and of his kingdoms of France and England, for ourselves and for our lordships, lands and vassals, do faithfully swear and promise to each other eternal friendship and love so long as we shall live, as affectionate brothers ought to do; and we will defend the honour of each both publicly and in private, without fraud or any dissimulation, and we will mutually inform each other of whatever may be for the advantage or disadvantage, the glory or disgrace, of ourselves or of our territories and subjects.

'Should any persons make evil reports to us of either in his absence, we will not put any belief in such reports, but detain all those who shall make such in safe custody, and give immediate notice to him of whom such reports shall have been made.

'Should either of us feel himself bound in honour, or for the safeguard of his inheritances, to make war, each of us binds himself to aid the other, when called upon, with five hundred men at arms, or with an equivalent number of archers, according to the will of the person making such demand for aid. He who shall send the succour shall be obliged to pay them for the first month, and the supplicant to pay them for so long as they shall remain with him more than the time of one month.

'Should a greater number of men be required by either of us, the others shall furnish him therewith to the utmost of their power, without, however, leaving their countries defenceless.

'Item, we engage to exert ourselves to the very utmost to the relief of the poor of this realm who have suffered, and are now suffering greatly, from poverty,—and to the driving out all foreign bands from the kingdom, so that peace and tranquillity may be restored, that God may be properly served and honoured, and commerce and labour be renewed.

'We, and each of us, do loyally promise, on the word of a prince, to fulfil all the above articles of alliance so long as we shall live, without doing any one thing to the contrary, under pain of forfeiting our honour in this world and our salvation in the next. In testimony of which, we have set our respective seals to these presents, and signed the same with our own hands, in the town of Amiens, this 27th day of April, in the year 1423.'

With this treaty, the intended marriages were confirmed, between the duke of Bedford, regent, with Anne sister to the duke of Burgundy,—and Arthur of Brittany with Margaret, sister also to the said duke, who had been before married to the eldest son of the late king Charles, duke of Acquitaine and dauphin of Vienne.

In truth, the duke of Burgundy gave with his sister Anne, the county of Artois, with all its dependancies, to the duke of Bedford, to inherit for ever, in case he had by this marriage legal heirs.

When all these things had been settled, the dukes of Bedford and Burgundy quitted Amiens, and returned together to Paris. The count de Richemont went to Arras; and the duke of Brittany, having received six thousand crowns to defray the expenses of his journey, by orders from the regent returned home with his Bretons.

During the time these dukes were at Amiens, the duke of Burgundy requested of the regent, that in case the castlewicks of Peronne, Roye and Mondidier were placed under subjection to king Henry, he might have the towns of Amiens, Abbeville, Montrieul, Dourleans, Beauquesne, with all their appurtenances, given to him in exchange. The regent replied, that he would lay the matter before the grand council.

The duke of Bedford, after a short stay in Paris, went to Troyes in Champagne with a very grand attendance of English,—whither was conducted, in a most honourable manner, from Burgundy, Anne sister to duke Philip, magnificently attended by the lady of Rochefort and the lady of Salins, the lord de St George, and many other great barons of Burgundy. With them came one John de Quielong, whom the duke had sent to the duchess-dowager, to make preparations for this ceremony. The regent espoused the lady Anne on her arrival at Troyes, and the wedding was celebrated solemnly and royally. After some days the ladies who had accompanied the duchess, took their leaves, but not without many tears, and returned to Burgundy. The duke and duchess of Bedford journeyed towards Paris; but on the road he attacked the town of Pont-sur-Seine with such courage it was taken by storm, and all the French within it cruelly put to the sword. He then continued his journey, and resided a considerable time in the hôtel des Tournelles in Paris, which he had caused to be magnificently fitted up for his reception.

[CHAP. IX.]

POTON DE SAINTRAILLES AND LYONNEL DE WANDONNE PERFORM A COMBAT AT ARMS AT ARRAS, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.

In these days, a combat at arms was performed at Arras, in the presence of the duke of Burgundy as judge of the lists, between Poton de Saintrailles and Lionnel de Wandonne. Poton had demanded of Lyonnel to break six lances with him, and Lyonnel, in return, had required, afterward, a combat with battle-axes so long as they should hold out.

When the preparations had been finished, and the day of combat was arrived, Poton entered the lists first as the appellant, handsomely accompanied by his friends, and having made his reverence to the duke, who was seated as judge, he retired to his pavilion. Soon after, Lyonnel, entered the lists, attended by sir John de Luxembourg, who, during the fight, supplied him with lances, and some other lords and friends. He, like Poton, went to make his bow to the duke, and then retired to the end of the lists, when the combat began. Many strokes were given with great vigour, and several lances broken and damaged on both sides. However, toward the end, the helmet of Lyonnel was somewhat fractured by the point of the lance of his adversary, and his head slightly wounded. When the duke saw this, he put an end for this day to any further combat on horseback.

On the morrow, the duke of Burgundy returned to the lists about ten o'clock in the morning, accompanied by the count de Richemont and the lords of his council, to be ready for the champions who were to fight on foot. Shortly after came Lyonnel, attended, as before by sir John de Luxembourg, and, having made his obeisance to the duke, withdrew to his pavilion to wait for his opponent. Poton was not long in making his appearance, and, saluting the duke retired to his pavilion also.

Upon this, the usual proclamation was made by an herald, for all persons to clear the lists, and to give no hindrance to the champions on pain of death. Lyonnel de Wandonne then, as appellant, issued from his tent, his battle-axe on his wrist, and marched with long strides toward his adversary, who, seeing him approach, advanced to meet him. Lyonnel made a gallant attack, and gave Poton many back-hand strokes with his battle-axe, without drawing breath. Poton coolly received and parried them as well as he could; but, watching his opportunity, closed with Lyonnel, and struck him such repeated blows with the point of his axe under the vizor of his helmet that he broke it, and the face of his opponent was clearly seen. On finding his danger, Lyonnel grappled and seized the end of the axe under his arm, and Poton, taking hold of the broken part of the helmet, scratched his face with his gauntlet. While the struggle lasted, Lyonnel nearly replaced his vizor but the duke put an end to the contest, by causing them both to be conducted to him by those who had charge of the lists, and ordered them henceforth to be good friends, for that they had well performed their combat. On this, they returned to their lodgings, where Poton kept up a great expense with his companions.

The next day a tilting took place with lances between Rifflard de Champremy, attached to king Charles, and the bastard de Rosebecque. They broke many lances, but, in the end, Rifflard was pierced through his armour and side but not mortally hurt. The duke then put an end to the business; and each party retired to his lodgings with his friends. Within a few days after this last combat, Poton, with his companions went back to the county of Guise.

[CHAP. X.]

THE EARL OF SALISBURY BESIEGES THE CASTLE OF MONT-AQUILON, WHICH SURRENDERS TO HIM.—OTHER MATTERS.

At this period, the earl of Salisbury, by orders from the duke of Bedford, who called himself regent of France, laid siege to the castle of Mont Aquilon in Champagne. Lord Salisbury was then governor of the countries of Champagne and of Brie.

This siege, notwithstanding the many attacks that were made, and the warlike engines employed, lasted for six months, or thereabout. The garrison consisted of full six score combatants, under the command of the lords de la Bourbe, de Cotigny, and a man at arms named Bourghenon. Very many of these six score left the place, so that toward the end no more than about thirty remained, who were so much distressed that they were forced to eat their horses.

At length, the earl of Salisbury accepted their surrender, on condition that they paid twenty-two thousand saluts of gold for their lives being spared; and for the payment of which, they were to give four of the principal men at arms as pledges. The garrison now departed in their bare pourpoints, under safe escorts, excepting those who had sworn to the observance of the last peace between the kings of France and England; and then the castle was demolished and razed to the ground.

About this same time sir Mauriod de St Leger was arrested in Arras, by command of the duke of Burgundy, many complaints having been made against him to the duke, and particularly for having plundered his town of Auchin. He was carried prisoner to the castle of Chavetignes, where he remained a whole year and was delivered therefrom by the solicitations of his friends.

The duke of Bedford now caused the strong castle of Orsay, between Paris and Montlehery, to be besieged by his English. It held out for about six weeks and then was unconditionally surrendered. The garrison were led to Paris bareheaded, in their under doublets, some with cords round their necks, and others with the points of their swords turned to their bosoms. In this manner they were brought before the duke and duchess of Bedford, at the hôtel des Tournelles, when the duke commanded them to be carried instantly to the Châtelet; but the duchess, moved by pity, pressed the duke so urgently for mercy that they were all set at liberty, without any other punishment, and went whithersoever they pleased. Some joined the English, and others returned to their own party.

In the month of May, seven hundred English marched from Rouen and the territory of Caux, under the command of the bailiff of Caux, through Abbeville, to besiege the castle of Noëlle on the sea side, belonging to sir James de Harcourt. Those within the castle being doubtful of succour, after a few days, surrendered it, on condition that their lives and fortunes should be spared.

Sir James de Harcourt, on hearing this, hastily remanded his men from Rue, and abandoned that town, without any defence, to his enemies. The English lost no time in taking possession of it, and much harrassed the poor inhabitants who had remained. They made it a frontier-town, to oppose that of Crotoy, as you will hear.

In this month of May, a severe battle was fought near to Naples, between Alphonso king of Aragon and the great captains of Italy, who had revolted from him. The defeat was so complete that Alphonso was forced to fly with a few attendants, or he would have been slain or made prisoner by his enemies.

About St John Baptist's day following, the English besieged Crotoy by sea and land, under the command of sir Raoul le Bouteiller, who having posted his men very advantageously, had his camp strongly fortified. Sir James de Harcourt prepared for an obstinate defence, and pointed many cannon and other warlike engines to annoy the enemy, and to prevent their nearer approach. The country people round were very much rejoiced at this siege.

[CHAP. XI.]

KING CHARLES OF FRANCE HAS THE TOWN OF CREVANT BESIEGED BY THE CONSTABLE OF SCOTLAND AND THE COUNT DE VENTADOUR.

In the beginning of the month of July, king Charles ordered a large body of forces to cross the Loire and besiege the town of Crevant, which was of the burgundian party. The chief of this expedition was the constable of Scotland who had under him many great lords and expert captains: and they vigorously assaulted the town by their engines of war.

As neither the English nor Burgundians seemed to attend to this siege, the duchess-dowager of Burgundy sent in haste to the nobles of that country, to require, in the name of her son the duke, that they would assemble their men, and march to the relief of Crevant. The lord de Toulongeon, marshal of Burgundy, in consequence, assembled his men, and, with the united forces of the other lords, advanced to Auxerre to join the earl of Salisbury, the earl of Suffolk, the lord Willoughby, and other English lords, whom the duke of Bedford had sent thither to the amount of four thousand combatants, all picked men and tried in arms. To do these English honour, the count de Joigny, the borgne de Toulongeon, the lord du Vergy, sir John and sir William de Vienne, sir Regnier Pot, the lord de Rochefort, and many more notable lords, went out of Auxerre, to meet them on their march.

On their meeting, very great and mutual respects were shewn on both sides; and they rode together in handsome array into the town, where the earl of Salisbury was lodged in the bishop's palace. When they had somewhat refreshed themselves with meat and drink, the English and Burgundians assembled in the cathedral, and there entered into such resolutions as you shall hear.

This united force began their march toward Crevant; and when within a long quarter of a league from the town they dismounted. It was at the time very sultry; and they suffered much thus marching on foot, by the weight of their armour and from the extreme heat of the sun. This day were knighted William de Vienne, son to the lord de St George, John lord of Auxi, Philip lord de Trenont and Coppin de la Viefville.

The regulations that had been made by the chiefs of the English and Burgundians, when in the cathedral of Auxerre, were as follow:

First, that on the morrow, Friday, they would march away at ten o'clock in the morning, to fix their quarters near to Crevant.

Secondly, two marshals were to be appointed to overlook and inspect the army, namely, the lord du Vergy for the Burgundians, and sir Gilbert de Hallesal for the English.

Thirdly, it was to be proclaimed that the Burgundians and English should live in good harmony with each other, without quarrels or strife, on pain of being severely punished by their commanders.

Fourthly, that the whole should form one army; and that there should be six score men at arms, namely sixty English and sixty Burgundians, with as many archers, sent forward as scouts to gain intelligence.

Fifthly, it was ordered that when the army should arrive near any spot where a battle was likely to take place, proclamation should be instantly made for every one to dismount,—and those who refused should be put to death: the horses were to be led half a league in the rear; and all that should be found nearer the army should be seized and confiscated.

It was also ordered, that every archer should provide himself with a stake with two sharp points, to plant before him should it be found necessary.

Item, that no person, whatever might be his rank, should dare attempt making any prisoners on the day of battle until the field should be fairly won. Should any such be made, the prisoner was to be instantly put to death, and with him the person who had taken him, should he refuse to obey.

Item, that every man should provide himself with provision for two days; and that the town of Auxerre should send after the army as much provision as could possibly be collected, for which they were to be well and truly paid.

Item, it was then also ordered that no one should precede or remain behind their captains, but that every man should keep the station that had been assigned him, under pain of corporal punishment.

All these regulations and orders were proclaimed by sound of trumpet throughout Auxerre; and on the ensuing day, after having heard mass with great devotion, and drank a cup, they departed from Auxerre in much brother-like affection, and fixed their quarters within a short league of their enemies.

On the following Saturday, they decamped at ten o'clock in the morning, and advanced in handsome array toward the French, whom they saw posted on a mountain in front of the town of Crevant, and where they had remained the preceding night waiting the arrival of more men.

Upon the English and Burgundians crossing to the other side of the river Yonne, near to Coulogne les Vimeus or Vigneuses, the French descended the mountain, and marched toward the enemy with great appearance of courage; and each party formed their order of battle, in which they remained without doing any thing more for three hours, as the river Yonne was between them. The English and Burgundians, however, made an advance, and gained possession of a bridge, whence they annoyed the French greatly, those in Crevant, at the same time, making a sally, and attacking them briskly in their rear. The battle now began in earnest on both sides, and, finally, the English and Burgundians won the day and the field; the greater part of the Scots, amounting to three thousand, who were in the front ranks, were either killed or taken.

The constable of Scotland surrendered himself prisoner to the lord de Châtellux, but with the loss of an eye. In like manner, the lord de Ventadour surrendered to the lord de Gamaches,—and he also had lost an eye. Stephen and John de Farimeres[1], scots, knights, with several gentlemen of note, to the number of four hundred were made prisoners.

The nephew of the earl of Buchan was slain, as were sir Thomas Secron[2], sir William Hambon[3] and his son, all three knights of Scotland, John Pillot[4], a scots captain and bastard to the king, with many others, to the amount of twelve hundred or thereabout.

The english and burgundian captains assembled together in great harmony and joy after the victory, and entered the town of Crevant rendering thanks to the Creator for their success. They were received with every demonstration of joy, and their men lodged within and near to it.

Perrinet, however, and some others followed the runaways, and took and slew several in the pursuit. On the Monday following, when all their men were returned, the army separated: the Burgundians went home, and the earls of Salisbury and Suffolk returned to the siege of Mont-Aquilon, whence they had come, having left a sufficient force to blockade the place.

Soon after the battle of Crevant, the earl of Suffolk laid siege to the town of Coussy, which was yielded up to him within a few days. He thence marched into the Maconnois, where he subdued many castles held by the French. He ordered one of his captains, called Claidas, to besiege the strong castle of la Roche, which in the end surrendered to him.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] To clear up, if possible, these misnomers, I consulted my friend, Dr Robert Anderson, at Edinburgh. 'He thinks, that Stephen and John de Farimeres may perhaps mean Ferrier, or Ferrieres, which are scottish names. It may be Farmer, or Farnihurst, or Fernihurst, the ancient title of the family of Lothian. Stephen, however, is a Christian name of but rare occurrence.

The nephew of the earl of Buchan is doubtful. Robert Stewart was active in raising the levies, but whether he attended his uncle to France, and was killed at Crevant, is uncertain.

[2] Sir Thomas Secron is probably sir Thomas Swinton, who is mentioned by our historians among the gentlemen of reputation and honour who fell at this battle. This is almost certain.

[3] Sir William Hambon is evidently sir William Hamilton. Hume mentions him among those who were left on the field of battle.

[4] John Pillot does not apply to any Scottish name, except perhaps Pollock, which seems probable. Of the bastard of the king, I find no name.'

[CHAP. XII.]

MANY EVENTS BRIEFLY SPOKEN OF.

While these things were passing, the duke of Burgundy left Artois, and, making Paris in his road, went to Burgundy, where he remained until the month of February following. He took with him the count de Richemont, who there espoused his sister, as this marriage had been agreed on some time before.

At the end of July, a body of French assembled from the borders of Mousson, the county of Guise and other parts, and suddenly shut up within Bethlehem the bailiff of the Vermandois, and the bastard de St Pol; but sir John de Luxembourg, and the earl marshal of England instantly collected a number of their men, and hastened to raise the siege. The French, on hearing this, decamped as speedily as they could for their own territories, and were pursued full twenty leagues by the earl marshal and sir John de Luxembourg, who hastened after with the intent to combat them.

In this year, a numerous army of Castilians and Arragones arrived at the port of Naples, and took by storm that town, which was plundered and sacked. Eight hundred of the principal inhabitants were made prisoners and sent to Arragon, where the greater number of them died. A third part of the town was burnt and totally destroyed, to the great grief of king Louis; but he shortly after, by the succours sent him from the duke of Milan reconquered it and several other towns.

In August following, sir John de Luxembourg took by storm the fortress of Arsie, in which were about thirty pillagers of the party of king Charles, some of whom were beheaded, others hung, and the place demolished. Sir John went thence to besiege Landrecy, where he remained until October battering the wall with his engines of war. In the end, however, the garrison surrendered, on having their lives and great part of their fortunes spared; and the castle was also demolished.

At the same time, the earl marshal of England, with about six hundred combatants, entered the Laonnois; and those of the party of king Charles assembled a body of men to repel him,—but the earl, having notice thereof, marched against them, and forced them to fly. Part of them, in their flight, took shelter in a fort wherein they were so closely besieged by the earl that they surrendered at discretion, when many of them were hanged, and the fort demolished.

In this month of August, the governor of la Buisserie, between Tornus and Mâcon, who was attached to king Charles, fixed a day for the surrender of that castle to the lord de Toulongeon, marshal of Burgundy, on payment of a sum that had been previously settled between them; but on that day the governor placed two ambuscades near to the town, and when the lord de Toulongeon had passed the first with but a dozen persons, those in ambush fell on him so suddenly that few escaped being carried with their lord prisoners into the castle. After a certain time, he was exchanged for the count de Ventadour, made prisoner at the battle of Crevant, as has been related.

In this year also, sir John de Luxembourg reduced to obedience the strong places which king Charles held in the Cambresis and Tierrache; and all the lands in that country belonging to the count de Pontieuvre were placed in the hands of the count de Hainault by the lord de Havrech, governor thereof,—because it was suspected that the count de Pontieuvre would not garrison the strong places which he had there, such as Landrecy, Avesnes, and others.

[CHAP. XIII.]

SIR JAMES DE HARCOURT HOLDS A CONFERENCE WITH SIR RAOUL LE BOUTEILLER FOR THE SURRENDER OF CROTOY.

Sir Raoul le Bouteiller having continued the siege of Crotoy by sea and land until the month of October, then held a parley with sir James de Harcourt, when each of them appointed commissioners to draw up a treaty, truces having been agreed on for the intermediate time.

After a short delay, the following were the terms proposed by their commissioners, and ratified by them.

Articles of a treaty concluded between sir Raoul le Bouteiller, knight, and William Miners, esquire, as deputies for that most excellent prince John duke of Bedford, regent of France, on the one part, and sir James de Harcourt, knight, lieutenant-general of Picardy for king Charles,—he the said sir James answering for the clergy, nobles and inhabitants of the town and castle of Crotoy on the other part.

In the first place, my lord regent, or his deputies, shall, on the first day of March next, appear in arms in the plain between Crotoy and Rue, and for three successive days, from sun-rise until three o'clock in the afternoon; when if they should not be combated by the said sir James so powerfully that the field of battle shall remain to the said sir James de Harcourt, he, the said sir James, engages loyally to deliver up the town and castle of Crotoy to the said lord regent, or to whomever else he may appoint. This is to be accomplished at three o'clock in the afternoon of the said ensuing third day of March.

Item, the said sir James de Harcourt and all such as may please shall have full liberty to depart from the town and castle of Crotoy, on the day of its surrender, excepting those who may have been implicated in the death of the late duke of Burgundy, should any such be there, who are to remain at the discretion of the lord regent.

Item, sir James shall leave within the castle all the powder, cross-bows and bolts, without any way injuring or damaging them, with the exception of nine veuglaires, two kegs of powder, twenty three cross-bows, and nine boxes of bolts. His men to be allowed to carry with them their armour, clothes and other effects.

Item, in case any of the men at arms, or inhabitants of the said town and castle shall wish to take the oaths of allegiance to the lord regent, all their effects, moveable and immoveable, shall be preserved to them, and sufficient certificates given them thereof.

Item, the said sir James shall have the use of part of the fleet before Crotoy, namely, the great hulk and the barge, Colin l'Anglois, Plumeterre, Balenier, Jacquese and Martinet,—and he shall leave behind all other vessels. The boats of the fishermen shall remain to their owners, on condition that they take the oaths of allegiance.

Item, sir James shall deliver up all the prisoners whom he may have at this moment in the town and castle of Crotoy, and, in return, sir Raoul le Bouteiller will give up one of his men, whom he has captured.

Item, during the whole intermediate time henceforth to the first day of March, all those within the said town and castle shall abstain from making war either secretly or openly, saving that sir James de Harcourt may carry on the war wheresoever he pleases on the other side of the Seine.

Item, it is strictly forbidden any persons that belong to the lord regent to make any inroads, or to plunder the lands appertaining to the said town and castle, or on the lands of any of their allies, during this said space of time.

Item, from henceforward to the first day of March, the inhabitants of Crotoy may carry on commerce with the towns of Rue, Abbeville and Saint Valery, provided they obtain leave from the governors of these towns, but not otherwise. They shall also have liberty to traffic by sea, and to bring wines and other provision for sale, but not in sufficient quantities to revictual the town or castle, but solely for their daily supply during the aforesaid term.

Item, all persons attached to the lord regent shall have liberty to enter the town of Crotoy on business, provided they first obtain leave from the governor.

Item, should it happen, that during this intermediate time, any armed vessel, or other having men at arms on board, appear before Crotoy, such shall not be admitted into the harbour, nor receive any succour from the vessels then within the port. Sir James de Harcourt shall not, during this aforesaid term, in any way strengthen or demolish the said town and castle.

Item, the lord regent, or his commissioners, shall, at the time of surrender, grant passports to all within the town and castle to go whithersoever they may please to join their party, and carry with them all their effects,—for the moving of which they shall be allowed fifteen days, and passports to continue for fifteen days more.

Item, sir James de Harcourt shall in like manner have passports for himself, his children and family, to depart by sea or land, as he may please, and whithersoever he shall choose.

Item, for the due performance of these articles, the said sir James shall deliver as hostages the lord Pierre de Hergicourt, knight, Boort de Fiefiez, Jean Sarpe, and Percival Combiet, esquires, Jean d'Estampes, Gilles le Roi, and Jean de Gonne, burghers of the town of Crotoy. These hostages shall be set at liberty on the surrender of Crotoy; and in case that he who calls himself their king shall, by himself or others, come to their succour, and remain victorious, these said hostages shall have their liberty as before.

On the signing this treaty, and the delivery of the hostages, the siege was broken up. Sir James de Harcourt, had all his stores of provision in Abbeville and elsewhere sold, and ordered his children from Hainault to the castle of Hamesche, whence, on their arrival, he sent them to Monstreul-Bellay.

After sir James had disposed of his stores, he embarked with a part of his people and his immense wealth, leaving sir Choquart de Cambronne his lieutenant in the castle of Crotoy. He sailed for Mont St Michel, where he was received honourably, and thence to visit his children at Monstreul-Bellay, where he deposited the greater part of his wealth.

Some days after, he waited on king Charles, who received him very kindly, and made him kingly presents. He thence took his way to visit the lord de Partenay, uncle to his lady, who was attached to the Burgundy interest. When the lord de Partenay had shewn him much honour and liberal entertainment, sir James required his uncle to give up his castle to his guard, and that he would quit the duke of Burgundy, whose quarrels he had hitherto espoused, and he (sir James) would make his peace with king Charles, so that he should keep up his usual state.

The lord de Partenay replied, that it was his intention to remain lord of his own castle and lands, and that those to whom they would belong after his decease might then do with them as they listed. Upon this, sir James, having formed his plan so that it could not fail, laid hands on the lord de Partenay, and made him prisoner in the name of king Charles. Sir James's people raised the drawbridge of the castle; but in doing so, they made a noise which alarmed the townsmen, who hastened in crowds to enquire what was the matter,—and as the bridge was neither fastened by bolt nor latch, they pulled it down again, and entered the castle so suddenly that they put to death sir James, Jean de Huselames, Jean de Frousieres, Philip de Neufville, and others of his men. Thus did sir James de Harcourt find a sudden and cruel death through somewhat too much covetousness,—although this has been related in various other manners.

[CHAP. XIV.]

SEVERAL EVENTS BRIEFLY TOUCHED UPON.

In these days, the county of Hainault was in great alarm and tribulation for fear of a war between the dukes of Glocester and of Brabant, which now seemed very probable, for both of them had espoused the heiress of these territories; and each styled himself lord of the country as a matter of right.

The lords of these parts were also divided, some declaring for the duke of Brabant, and others for the duke of Glocester, notwithstanding they had all sworn fidelity to the duke of Brabant, and had, for a long time acknowledged him for their legal lord.

The dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy met at Amiens, having with them many of their council, to adjust the differences between these two dukes; but not being able to do so, they adjourned the business for final determination at Paris, and fixed a day for meeting there.

About this time, the regent caused the castle of Ivry to be strongly besieged by his English, in conjunction with the lord of Isle-Adam and the bastard de Thyan. The count d'Aumarle, the bastard d'Alençon and other captains, assembled a large force to raise this siege. On their march for this purpose they met the governor of Avranches, brother to the earl of Suffolk, who, returning from an excursion, had dismissed a part of his men. The French instantly charged and defeated his remaining force, and made him prisoner; and supposing that Avranches would have now but a small garrison, they pressed forward to the attack, thinking to conquer it. They did indeed make a sharp assault; but the townsmen defended themselves so courageously, that many were slain and wounded, and left in the ditches. The French, having heard that the duke of Bedford was on his march to combat them, departed with all speed for the duchy of Touraine, but not without being closely pursued by the English.

On the third day of October, in this year, the town of Hamme sur Somme was taken by scalado by a party of king Charles's men, under the command of Poton de Saintrailles, through neglect of the night-guard. Sir John de Luxembourg was so much vexed at this event, (as that town belonged to him) that he instantly collected a body of men at arms, and on the third day after the capture advanced thither. He had it suddenly attacked, and with great courage; and ordered a detachment to cross the river with his banner, which was valiantly borne on that day by a man at arms called Jacotin de Cambray. In short, sir John speedily reconquered the town, and cruelly put to death the greater part of his enemies. Poton de Saintrailles escaped as quickly as he could, and lied to Tierrache, but was pursued by the burgundians,—and many of his men were taken. In this attack on Hamme, two men at arms were grievously wounded, namely, sir John de Fontenelle and Valerien de St Germain; but this last was almost immediately beheaded, by orders from sir John de Luxembourg.

About this time, king Charles's queen was brought to bed of a son, who was christened Louis, dauphin of Vienne. This birth caused great rejoicings throughout all parts under his dominion, more especially in Tours, where bonefires were made in all the streets, carols sung, and every sign of joy manifested.

The French gained also the castle of Beaumont sur Oise, which was, however, soon after besieged by orders from the duke of Bedford, reconquered and demolished.

The commonalty of Tournay again rose in rebellion, with displayed banners, because they were suspicious of the lords de Moy and de Conflans, who, having great weight in the town, would introduce a garrison sufficiently strong to keep them in awe. This rebellion was soon appeased without coming to blows; but the two above-mentioned lords quitted the town for fear of the populace,—and the lord de Moy fixed his residence at Liége.

About this time, the town of Compiègne was won by scalado by a party of king Charles's men, through neglect of the watch, they amounted to nearly three hundred combatants, under the command of Yvon du Puis, Angerot de Laux, and Broussart, who, instantly on winning the town, imprisoned all the English and Burgundians, with those attached to them and seized their effects.

Shortly after, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, Lyonnel de Bornouville, the lord de Thyan, with others, appeared before it, to reconquer it; but they did little or nothing, although the country round suffered great oppressions from them.

In these same days, the town of la Charite sur Loire was retaken from king Charles, by an adventurer attached to the duke of Burgundy, called Perrinet Crasset, who had a long time before carried on a successful war in the country of Berry and in that neighbourhood. The French were much grieved and vexed at this loss; for they were prevented crossing the Loire, which would have been of great utility to them.

In this year, Arthur count of Richemont, notwithstanding his marriage with Margaret of Burgundy, and the oaths and alliances he had made with the late king Henry and his successors, joined king Charles, owing, as it was said, to a quarrel between him and the duke of Bedford. King Charles received him with the utmost joy, and instantly made him constable of France: but very many wondered at this change, considering how lately he had connected himself with the duke of Burgundy.

In the month of January of this year, the dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy, the count de Conversan, the bishop of Tournay his brother, sir John de Luxembourg, with a number of other notable persons, the ministers of each prince, and commissioners from the dukes of Glocester and Brabant, assembled in the town of Amiens. Although the matter of dispute between these two last had been frequently discussed, nothing amicable could be concluded. The meeting was therefore broken up, and the commissioners ordered to meet them again on Trinity-day following.

[CHAP. XV.]

THE TOWN OF COMPIÈGNE IS DELIVERED UP TO THE ENGLISH.—THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF CROTOY ARE SURRENDERED TO THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.

About this period, the duke of Bedford went to the town of Mondidier, where he staid five or six days: he thence gave orders for his captains, as well burgundian as english, to lay siege to Compiègne, and appointed the lord de Saveuses chief of the expedition. The principal captains were the bailiff of Rouen, the governor of Gisors, called Malberry, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, sir Lyonnel de Bournouville, the bastard de Thyan, the lord de Crevecoeur and Robert de Saveuses.

In obedience to these orders, they assembled their men with all speed at the bridge of St Maixence, and thence marched in good array toward Compiègne. The lord de Saveuses advanced with the English on the side toward Mondidier, and fixed his quarters in a meadow near to a town called Venvette,—while the lord de l'Isle-Adam, Lyonnel de Bournouville and other captains, advanced on the opposite side of the river to the abbey of Royaulieu, and then besieged the town on both sides of the river for about three weeks.

During this time, many considerable skirmishes took place; but at length the French, not having any hope of succour, entered into a treaty with the English to surrender the town within three weeks from that time, if they were not delivered by their king, and on condition they should depart in safety with all their effects. They gave hostages for the due performance of the above, and were likewise to deliver up the lord de Soral, who had been made prisoner by the besieged.

On the conclusion of this treaty, every one returned to his home. On the appointed day, no succours arrived, and the place was put into the hands of the English by command of the duke of Bedford, who styled himself regent of France. The lord de Montferrant, who had received the surrender of Compiègne, nominated the lord de l'Isle-Adam governor thereof.

About the end of February, the duke of Bedford went to Abbeville, with a large army, to keep the appointment that had been made for him to meet the French before Crotoy: but as the duke had received certain assurances that the French would not appear, he sent sir Raoul le Bouteiller to command in his stead, while he remained at Abbeville. Sir Raoul kept the field on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of March; when, about 12 o'clock on that day, sir Cloquart de Cambronne surrendered the castle and town of Crotoy into the hands of sir Raoul, who returned him the hostages, and gave him passports for himself and his men to join their king, or to go whithersoever they pleased on the other side of the Seine.

When sir Raoul le Bouteiller had made his entry, he received the oaths of allegiance from the inhabitants of Crotoy and from such as had remained within the town and castle. He was appointed by the regent governor general of that place and its dependancies; but this surrender was not very agreeable to many of the neighbouring lords and commonalty, for they suspected that the connexion between the English and the duke of Burgundy would not be of long duration, and that by means of this place they would be totally ruined, notwithstanding that many of them had been already great sufferers.

In this year died Pedro della Luna, who called himself Pope Benedict: he had been, ever since the council of Constance, rebellious and contumacious to the roman church, being resolved to die pope. The cardinals of his party attempted to elect another on his decease; but they soon returned to a proper obedience to the church, and to the holy father pope Martin, and thus perfect union was restored to the whole Christian church.

[CHAP. XVI.]

TWO MASTERS OF ARTS ARE SENT TO TOURNAY TO ADMONISH THE PEOPLE, AND TO KEEP ALIVE THEIR AFFECTION TO KING CHARLES.

In this year, two masters of arts were sent to Tournay by king Charles, to admonish the burghers and commonalty, and to press them to continue in the loyalty they had for some time borne to him, promising, on the word of a king, that should he, through the grace of God, succeed in regaining his kingdom, he would most handsomely reward them.

These ambassadors were received by the nobles and commonalty with every honour and respect; rich presents were made them, and their expenses were most liberally paid by the municipality. When they had staid some time in Tournay, one of them departed for Berry; but the other remained behind, and made many harangues to induce the inhabitants to keep steady to the interests of king Charles,—but at length his establishment was lessened, and those in Tournay were cooled in their attachment to him, and began to repent having made him such large presents on his first arrival.

In the month of April following, sir John de Luxembourg assembled his men at arms, and in company with sir Thomas Ramstone, an english knight, went to lay siege to Oysi in Tierrache. Within a few days, le Cadet, the governor, treated conditionally to surrender the place on the 5th of May next, if he were not relieved before that day. Thus the siege was broken up, and the surrender took effect.

Nearly at the same time, sir John de Luxembourg besieged the church of Broissi, which some pillagers of king Charles's party had fortified, and committed great ravages over the country. He also besieged the tower of le Borgne; and at the capture of both places, about fourscore of these marauders were taken, with one of their captains, called le Gros Breton; and they were all hung on trees near to Sery les Maizieres.

In this year, a mischievous fire burnt about six hundred houses in the town of St Amand, with the gates of the lower court of the abbey, and the apartments of two monks of that place: only two small houses were saved within the gates of the town; and the poor inhabitants were in the utmost distress and affliction.

The truces were now broken, that had subsisted for thirteen years, between the sultan of Babylon and the king of Cyprus,—owing to falsities told the sultan by renegado Christians, that the king of Cyprus put to death the sultan's subjects whenever he could lay hands on them.

On this report, the sultan, without any declaration of war, sent six galleys full of Saracens to invade Cyprus and destroy the country with fire and sword. They first burnt and demolished the town of Lymessa, and many other parts. When the king of Cyprus was informed of this, he sent one of his knights, sir Philip Prevost, with a large body of men, to oppose them; but at the first skirmish, he was sorely wounded by an arrow in the face, and fell from his horse,—when the Saracens, advancing, cut off his head, and seizing his golden spurs, carried both with them to their galleys, and made sail for Syria.

[CHAP. XVII.]

SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG BESIEGES THE CASTLE OF WIEGE.—HE LAYS AN AMBUSH, IN WHICH POTON DE SAINTRAILLES AND HIS COMPANIONS ARE MADE PRISONERS.

Sir John de Luxembourg now besieged the castle of Wiege with a numerous army. The siege lasted for three weeks, during which he continually battered the walls and gates with his engines. At length, the besieged, losing all hope of relief, made a treaty with sir John to surrender the place, on condition they should depart in safety with their effects promising not to bear arms again on that side of the Loire, except when in company with king Charles. On the signing of the treaty they went away for Guise, and the castle was demolished.

One or two days after this, sir John decamped, with some of the most trusty of his men, and formed a plan for taking Poton de Saintrailles, as you shall hear. Sir John on the departure of the garrison, placed an ambuscade behind a small church, on the borders of the country of Guise, to watch the motions of the enemy, and to be prepared should they attempt any incursions on that side.

Poton de Saintrailles, l'Estandart de Mailly, the lord de Verduisant, with some others expert in arms, made a sally from Guise, near to where the ambuscade had been posted. When they were far enough advanced, sir John, profiting of his advantage, made so vigorous a charge that they were instantly, thrown into confusion,—and Poton, the lord de Verduisant, and a few more were taken prisoners. But l'Estandart de Mailly, on the first shock, pointed his lance against Lyonnel de Vandonne, unhorsed him, and gave him so violent a blow on the shoulder that ever after the said Lyonnel was lame on that side. L'Estandart finding, however, that prowess would avail nothing, and that numbers were against him, wheeled about, and returned as quickly as his horse could carry him to the town of Guise.

Sir John de Luxembourg pursued for a long time the others, who fled different ways. On his return, he collected his men together, and, rejoicing at his good fortune, carried the prisoners to his castle of Beaurevoir, where he dismissed his captains until further orders.

[A.D. 1424.]

CHAP. XVIII.

A LARGE BODY OF ENGLISH ARRIVE AT CALAIS.—SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG BESIEGES THE TOWN OF GUISE.—OTHER MATTERS BRIEFLY SPOKEN OF.

At the beginning of this year, sixteen hundred combatants, or thereabout, were landed at Calais from England,—the greater part of whom went to the duke of Bedford at Paris, and the rest to sir John de Luxembourg on the borders of the country of Guise.

Sir John consented to treat with Poton de Saintrailles and the other prisoners, on condition that they would, with their men, abandon Guise, and cross the river Loire without harrassing the country, and promise never to return unless in company with king Charles. By this treaty, and a considerable sum paid down as ransom, Poton and his companions obtained their liberty, and marched away to the country on the other side of the Loire.

In this year La Hire, Jean Roullet, and some other of king Charles's captains, assembled a large body of men on the borders of Champagne, whom they led toward the Ardennes and the Rethelois, and besieged Olivier d'Estanevelle in his castle.

About this time, sir John de Luxembourg, by orders from the dukes of Bedford and Burgundy, made great preparations, with men and artillery, to lay siege to the town of Guise in Tierrache. When all was ready, he marched thither, accompanied by the lord de Picquigny, the vidame of Amiens, the lords d'Antoing, de Saveuses, sir Colart de Mailly, his brother Ferry de Mailly, sir Daviod de Poix, Maufroy de St Leger, sir Lyonnel de Bournouville, the bastard de St Pol, and very many more.

Sir Thomas Ramstone and a certain number of English were also with him. On commencing their attacks, they met with great resistance from the garrison within the town, who, to prevent the enemy from approaching, had set fire to the suburbs, where many handsome houses were burnt.

But this availed them nothing; for sir John instantly surrounded the place with his men, and had his engines pointed against the walls and gates on the side next the suburbs. Intelligence of this siege was immediately sent to Réné duke of Bar, to the count de Guise, and to the duke of Lorraine, his father-in-law, by John lord de Proisy governor of Guise, who informed them of the urgent necessity there was of instant relief being sent him.

This news was very displeasing to the two dukes, who held many councils thereon, and assembled men at arms, in compliance with the governor's request; but, fearful of incurring war with the young king of England and the duke of Burgundy, they abstained from any open hostilities.

The siege continued for a considerable time without any material occurrences, excepting that the garrison made frequent sallies to annoy the enemy,—but it would take too much time to enter into the detail of each.

About St John Baptist's day, in this year, the earl of Salisbury, governor of Champagne and Brie, and very renowned in arms, besieged a good little town called Sodune, in the county of Vertus, which was taken by storm, by means of a mine, and the greater part of those within were cruelly put to death, to the amount of two hundred at least, and the rest made prisoners. Their effects were pillaged, their women ravished, and the place demolished.

The lord de Châtillon was with the earl of Salisbury, and created a knight by the hand of the earl within the mine. The governor of the town was a valiant man at arms called William Marin, who was slain with the others at the storming.

While this was passing, the duke of Bedford caused the castle of Gaillon, a very strong place belonging to the archbishop of Rouen, to be besieged, as it was held by the partisans of king Charles. It was battered so effectually, that the garrison surrendered on having their lives spared,—and the place was utterly destroyed.

In the month of June, the duke of Bedford ordered the town and castle of Ivry to be besieged. The first was soon won; but the castle, being strong and well garrisoned, held out for about a month, when the garrison capitulated to deliver up the fort to the English on the night of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, in case king Charles should not appear before that day with a sufficient force to combat them with success. When the treaty had been signed, and proper hostages given for its performance, the siege was broken up.

The English and Burgundians at this time besieged many places on the borders of Normandy. Neelle in Tardenois submitted to king Henry; and Alardin de Monsay treated with the duke of Bedford for the castle of La Fere, and stipulated that he would not make further war against him if he should be suffered to keep it, unless king Charles should muster forces enough to cross the Seine, and advance to Champagne. The French were at this time much the weakest.