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From Chronicles of England, France and Spain and the Surrounding Countries, by Sir John Froissart, Translated from the French Editions with Variations and Additions from Many Celebrated MSS, by Thomas Johnes, Esq; London: William Smith, 1848. pp. 518-534.
YOU have before heard related how the duke of Burgundy had made an incursion from the borders of Picardy, which was very honourable to him and profitable to the French; and how he had placed in Ardres, and the other castles of which he had gained possession, governors and men at arms to defend them: especially in the town of Ardres, where he had established for a time sir William des Bourdes, and, in his absence, the viscount de Meaux and the lord de Saimpy. These captains had it repaired and strengthened, notwithstanding it was strongly fortified before. The king of France had heard the news of this with infinite pleasure, and considered this expedition as having done him great service. He sent immediate orders to the governor of St. Omer, commanding the town of Ardres to be reinforced and provided with every kind of store and provision in the most ample manner: which orders were punctually obeyed. The army was disbanded, except the troops which were attached to the lord de Clisson and the Bretons; but they returned as speedily as they could into Brittany, for news had been brought to the lord de Clisson and the other barons before Ardres, that Janequin le Clerc †, an English squire and an expert man at arms, had sailed from England to Brittany, and had reinforced Brest with Englishmen. These Bretons, therefore, carried with them sir James de Verchin, séneschal of Hainault. The duke of Burgundy returned to his brother the king of France.
At this period, there was a large body of men at arms assembled on the borders of the Bordelois, in obedience to the summons of the duke of Anjou and the constable of France, who had appointed a day for attacking the Gascons and English, of which I shall speak more fully when better informed than I am at present.
Whilst the duke of Burgundy was with his army in Picardy, as I have before said, the duke of Anjou resided in the good town of Toulouse with the duchess his lady, and was devising, night and day, different schemes to annoy and harass the English; for he found that various castles and towns on the river Dordogne, and on the borders of Rouergue, the Toulousain, and Querci, were still harassing the country and those inhabitants who had put themselves under his obedience. He was anxious to provide a remedy for this, and resolved to lay siege to Bergerac: this place being the key to Gascony, and standing on the frontiers of Rouergue, Querci, and Limousin. But as he found there were yet several great barons of Gascony adverse to him, such as the lords de Duras, de Rosem, de Mucident, de Langurant, de Guernoles, de Carles, and sir Peter de Landuras, with many more, he determined to raise a large force that would not only enable him to oppose these lords but to keep the field. He wrote, therefore, to sir John d’Armagnac, who, in such a business, would not fail him, and sent also to the lord d’Albret. He had before sent for the constable of France, the lord 519 Louis de Sancerre, the lord de Coucy, and many knights and squires, in Picardy, Brittany, and Normandy, who were all willing to serve him and to advance their reputation in arms and renown. The constable and marshal of France were already arrived.
The duke of Anjou knew that there existed a coolness between the relations and friends of the lord de Pommiers, and sir Thomas Felton, high séneschal of Bordeaux, and the Bordelois. I will tell you the reason of it, and afterwards clear it up. Long before this period, In the year 1375, there was a cruel instance of justice executed at Bordeaux by the orders of sir Thomas Felton, lieutenant for the king of England in the Bordelois, upon sir William lord de Pommiers, on suspicion of treason, which astonished every one. By orders of sir Thomas Felton, this lord de Pommiers was arrested in Bordeaux, together with a lawyer, his secretary and counsellor, called John Coulon, a native of Bordeaux. It was proved on them (as I was at the time informed,) that the lord de Pommiers had agreed to surrender himself and all his castles to the French; from which charge they could never clear themselves, so that they were condemned to death. The lord de Pommiers and his secretary were publicly beheaded in the market-place of the city of Bordeaux, before all the people, who much wondered thereat‡. His relations blamed this proceeding exceedingly, and that gallant knight, sir Aymon de Pommiers, uncle to sir William, set out from Bordeaux and the Bordelois very indignant at such a disgrace to his family, and swore he would never again bear arms for the king of England. He crossed the seas to the Holy Sepulchre, and made several other voyages. On his return, he changed to the French interest, placing himself and his territories under the obedience of the king of France. He immediately sent his challenge to the lord de l’Esparre, and made war upon him, because he had been one of the judges of his nephew.
Sir John Blessac, sir Peter de Landuras, and sir Bertrand du Franc, were also implicated in these suspicions of treason, as well as on account of the surrender of the castle of Fronsac, which had been delivered up to the French, it being the inheritance of the lord de Pommiers who had been beheaded: they were detained in prison at Bordeaux upwards of seven months. They were at length set at liberty, through the entreaties of their friends, for nothing could be proved against them. Sir Gaillard Vighier, however, continued a long time in imminent danger, which surprised many, as he was not of that country, but had come from Lombardy with the lord de Coucy, and was in the service of pope Gregory, who exerted himself in his deliverance as soon as he heard of his imprisonment, the knight having insisted on his innocence. By these means, much secret hatred was caused, from which many mischiefs ensued.
When the duke of Anjou saw the time was arrived for his marching from Toulouse, and that the greater part of his men at arms were in the field — in particular, the constable of France, in whom he had the greatest confidence — he set out from Toulouse, and took the direct road to Bergerac. Sir Perducas d’Albret was governor of the place: he resided in a small castle, a short league from Languedoc, called Moueux, which is a strong fort.
The duke of Anjou and his army marched until they came before Bergerac, when they encamped themselves all around it, and as near the river as possible for the greater ease of themselves and their horses. Many great barons were with the duke: in the first place, sir John d’Armagnac, with a large troop; the constable of France, with another large body; the lord Louis de Sancerre, sir John de Bueil, sir Peter de Bueil, sir Evan of Wales, sir Maurice de Trisiquidi (who had formerly been one of the thirty knights on the French side at the duel in Brittany), sir Alain de Beaumont, sir Alain de la Houssaye, sir William and sir Peter de Mornay, sir John de Vers, sir Baldwin Cremoux, Thibaut du Pont, Heliot de Calais, and many other able men at arms with large companies. They encamped themselves to a great extent in those fine meadows along the river Dordogne, so that it was a great pleasure to look at them.
The constable was lodged very near to the quarters of the duke. Those companions who were desirous of advancing themselves frequently came to the barriers to skirmish: many of 520 whom were slain or wounded by arrows, as in such adventures must happen. At the end of six days after the town of Bergerac had been besieged, the lord d’Albret and sir Bernard d’Albret, his cousin, arrived in the camp of the duke, well accompanied by men at arms and foot-soldiers, where they were received with joy, as the army was by them greatly reinforced.
[DUKE OF ANJOU with his army, marching against Bergerac. From a MS. Froissart of the 15th century.]
The duke, with the principal leaders of the army, held a council on the eighth day, to consider in what manner they could most effectually annoy the inhabitants of Bergerac. Many speeches were made, and different proposals offered. It was long debated to storm the town, but afterward this measure was abandoned, as their men might suffer much, and not make any great gain. The council broke up without coming to any determination, except to continue the siege; for they were still expecting large bodies of men at arms from France, and in particular the lord de Coucy.
* The author employs the first twenty-seven chapters in recapitulating the events of the three last years of the preceding volume, which had been too succinctly related. — St. Palaye’s Essay on the Works of Froissart.
† Janequin le Clerc, — I imagine to be sir John Clark, of whom Hollingshed speaks so handsomely in the 3rd of Richard II. and who was killed in a battle at a sea-port in Brittany. — See Hollingshed.
‡ A. D. 1377, 1378.
Rotuli Vasconiæ de anno primo Ricardi II. — Membranæ 16, 17, 18, 19.
1. Processus judicii rediti contra Willelmum Sans, dominum de Pomers, pro proditione, in curia Vasconiæ, et de castris et terris suis satisfactis ad dominum regem.
CHAPTER II. — SIR THOMAS FELTON IS DEFEATED AND MADE PRISONER, WITH MANY OF THE PRINCIPAL LORDS OF GASCONY, BY A PARTY OF FRENCH AT THE SIEGE OF BERGERAC.
SIR THOMAS FELTON, who resided at Bordeaux, was not at his ease from knowing that this enemies were but twelve leagues distant, and in such numbers that he could not think of opposing them by force, having also learnt the duke of Anjou’s summons and intentions: he had, therefore, sent information to the king and council in England; but those whom he had despatched thither had not been able to do anything, for the kingdom of England was 521 much shaken, and different parties were mutually opposing each other. The duke of Lancaster, in particular, was unpopular with the common people; from which cause much party animosity and danger happened afterwards in England. No men at arms were sent either to Gascony or to Brittany; on which account, those who were defending the frontiers for the young king were very ill pleased. It happened that sir Thomas Felton had desired the lord de l’Esparre to go to England, for the better information of the king and his uncles respecting the affairs of Gascony, in order that they might take council to provide for them. The lord de l’Esparre had already left Bordeaux, and was proceeding on his voyage; but the wind proving unfavourable, he was driven into the Spanish seas, where he was met by some ships from Spain, with whom he engaged unsuccessfully; he was made prisoner and carried to Spain, where he remained upwards of a year and a half, and suffered many mortifications from the relations of the lord de Pommiers.
Sir Thomas was a truly valiant man: he had written and sent special messengers to the lords de Mucident, de Duras, de Rosem, and de Langurant, four of the most noble and powerful barons of Gascony, and who were attached to England, to request, that for the honour of the king their lord, they would not fail, on any account, to defend the principality, and to desire they would come to Bordeaux with their vassals; for all knights who were anxious to acquit themselves towards the king and lord were already arrived there. When they were all assembled, they amounted to full five hundred lances: they remained at Bordeaux, and in the Bordelois, during the time when the duke of Anjou was beginning the siege of Bergerac. Sir Thomas Felton and these four Gascon barons held a council, in which they resolved to march towards the French, and post themselves in a secure situation, to see if they could gain any advantage over them. They set out, therefore, from Bordeaux with upwards of three hundred lancers, taking the road for la Réole, and came to a certain town called Yuret*, in which they quartered themselves. The French knew nothing of this ambuscade, and suffered much from it. The siege of Bergerac was still going forward: there were many skirmishes and deeds of arms performed with the garrison by the besiegers; but the French were not great gainers, for sir Perducas d’Albret, the governor, was very active in opposing them, that no blame might be imputed to him.
The army called another council, and resolved to send for a large machine, called a sow, from La Réole, in order the more to harass the garrison. This sow was a large engine, which cast weighty stones, and one hundred men, completely armed, could be drawn up in it, and attack the walls. Sir Peter de Bueil, sir John de Vers, sir Baldwin de Cremoux, sir Alain de Beaumont, the lord de Montcalay, and the lord de Gaures, were ordered to go for this engine: they left the army, in consequence, with about three hundred men at arms whom they could depend on, and, fording the river Dordogne, rode towards La Réole: they advanced between Bergerac and La Réole, until they came to Yurac, where the English were in ambuscade with upwards of four hundred combatants, of which they were ignorant.
News was brought to the army and to the constable of France, that the English had taken the field; but it was unknown which way they had marched. The constable, lest his men might be surprised, immediately ordered a large detachment to guard the foragers, who were out between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, and gave the command of it to sir Peter de Mornay, sir Evan of Wales, Thibaut du Pont, and Heliot de Calais: there might be in this detachment two hundred lances of tried men. Sir Peter de Bueil, and the others who were sent to bring the sow, rode on to La Réole, and, having laden a great many carts with it, set out on their return, but by a different route from that by which they had arrived, for they required a broader road for their convoy, and yet they were to pass by Yurac, or very near to it, where the English were in ambuscade: however, they were so fortunate to meet with a second detachment from their army, when they were within a short league of the town. The whole then amounted to full six hundred lances. They continued their march in greater security, and more at their leisure.
Sir Thomas Felton and the barons of Gascony in Yurac were informed, that the French were escorting that way a very large engine, from La Réole to their siege of Bergerac. 522 They were much rejoiced at this intelligence, and said it was what they wished. They then armed themselves, mounted their horses, and drew up in the best array there were able. When they had advanced into the plain, they had not long to wait before they saw the French, marching in a large body, and in handsome order. No sooner was each party assured that those whom they saw were enemies, who seemed mutually eager for the contest, than sticking spurs into their horses, and with spears in their rests, they charged each other, shouting their different war-cries. I must say, that in this first conflict, many a gallant tilt was performed, and many a knight and squire were unhorsed and driven to the ground. In such deadly warfare, there is no accident but what may happen. Heliot de Calais, a most able squire and good man at arms, was knocked off his horse, by a violent stroke on the throat-piece with a spear, whose broad point was as sharp and as fine as a razor. This iron cut through the throat-piece, as well as all the veins: the stroke beat him to the ground, when he shortly after died: the more the pity. By this accident did he end his days. Among the French, there was a knight from Berry or Limousin, named sir William de Lignac, an excellent man at arms, who this day performed many gallant deeds.
The combat was sharp, and long continued on each side, close to the village of Yurac: when their lances failed, they drew their swords, and the attack was more vigorously renewed. Many feats of prowess were performed, many captures made, and many rescued. Of the English slain on the spot, was a Gascon knight, called the lord de Gernos and de Calais: of the French, Thibaut du Pont. This battle was well and long fought: many handsome deeds were done, for they were all men of valour: but in the end the English could not gain the field: they were fairly conquered by the French. Sir William de Lignac captured with his won hand sir Thomas Felton, séneschal of Bordeaux: nearly at the same time, the lords de Mucident, de Duras, de Rosem, de Langurant, were also made prisoners. Few of the English or Gascons but were made prisoners or slain.
Those who could escape met, on their return towards Bordeaux, the séneschal des Landes, sir William Helman, the mayor of Bordeaux, and sir John de Multon; in the whole, about one hundred lances: who were hastening to Yurac, but, when they heard the news of so complete a defeat, they wheeled about, and returned as speedily as possible to Bordeaux.
* “Yuret,” — probably Yurac, — a village in Guienne, near Bordeaux.
CHAPTER III. — BERGERAC SURRENDERS TO THE DUKE OF ANJOU — THE LORDS DE DURAS AND DE ROSEM, AFTER HAVING PROMISED TO BE OF THE FRENCH INTEREST, REURN AGAIN TO THE ENGLISH.
WHEN this engagement was over and the field cleared, and all those who had been made prisoners placed under a secure guard, they set out on their return to the siege carrying on at Bergerac. The duke of Anjou was mightily rejoiced when he heard of the detachments having had such success, and that all the flower of Gascony, the knights and squires his enemies, were either killed or taken, and among them sir Thomas Felton, who had been very active against him; so that he would rather have lost five hundred thousand francs than that it should have been otherwise. Sir Peter de Bueil, sir William de Lignac, sir Evan of Wales, and others, continued their march until they came to their army before Bergerac, where they were received with much pleasure by the duke of Anjou, the constable, the barons and knights their friends, who considered their success as very honourable and profitable to them.
On the morrow, the sow they had brought was erected near to the walls of Bergerac, which much alarmed the inhabitants, who held a council to consider their situation, and whether they could maintain it. They addressed themselves to their governor, for they found they could not long hold out, as no succour was to be expected since their séneschal was taken, and with him the chivalry of Gascony, on whose assistance they had depended. Sir Perducas told them, they were in sufficient strength to hold out for some time, being well provided with provisions and artillery, if they made not any foolish agreement.
Things remained in this situation until the next morning, when the trumpets of the army sounded for an assault, and every one repaired to his banner. The constable of France, who 523 was in the field with a grand array, sent to hold a parley with the inhabitants before the assault began, or any of their men were wounded or slain; in which he remonstrated with them, that having had their leaders made prisoners, from whom alone they could hope for assistance, and who were now in treaty to place themselves and their lands under the obedience of the king of France, they could not look for any relief; and, should the town be taken by storm, it would inevitably be destroyed by fire and flame, and none receive quarter. These threats frightened the inhabitants, who demanded time to hold a consultation, which was granted to them. The burghers then assembled, without calling in their governor, and agreed to surrender as good Frenchmen, provided they were peaceably and gently dealt with, without any of the army entering their town, which was directly granted.
When sir Perducas d’Albret, their governor, heard of this, he mounted his horse, ordered his men to march, and, having passed the bridges, made for the fort of Moncin, when Bergerac surrendered to the French. The constable of France took possession of it, placing therein a governor and men at arms to keep and defend it.
After the surrender of Bergerac, the duke of Anjou was advised to advance further into the country, and lay siege to Castillon* on the Dordogne. News of this was soon spread through the army, when every one began to make his preparations accordingly; that is to say, the duke, the constable, and the other men at arms, except the marshal of France, who remained behind to wait for the lord de Coucy, as he was expected to arrive that evening (which indeed he did), when the marshal advanced to meet him with a very large attendance of his men, and received him most amicably. They remained all that night in the place which the duke had left. The duke and his army advanced to a fine mead, on the banks of the Dordogne, in his march to Castillon.
Under the command of the lord de Coucy were, sir Aymon de Pommiers, sir Tristan de Roye, the lords de Faignelles, de Jumont, sir John de Rosay, sir Robert de Clermont, and several other knights and squires. They marched from their quarters, and continued advancing in company with the marshal of France and his troops until they arrived at the army of the duke, where they were received with much satisfaction.
In the road to Castillon, there is a town called St. Foy: before the van-guard arrived at Castillon, they marched thither, and having surrounded it, began to attack it briskly. This town had not any men at arms, and but trifling fortifications, so that it did not long defend itself. On its surrender, it was pillaged. The siege was formed before Castillon above the river, and continued for fifteen days: of course, there were many skirmishes at the barriers, for some English and Gascons had retreated thither after the battle of Yurac, and defended themselves valiantly. The Gascon barons who had been made prisoners at Yurac, were still in the French camp, and in treaty to turn to the French party. Sir Thomas Felton was not solicited so to do, as he was an Englishman, but had his ransom fixed by his master, sir William de Lignac, to whom he paid thirty thousand francs, and obtained his liberty: but this was not immediately settled. After much negotiating, the four Gascon barons turned to the French: they engaged, on their faith and honour, that themselves and their vassals would ever after remain good Frenchmen; for which reason the duke of Anjou gave them their liberties.
The lords de Duran and de Rosem left the duke with a good understanding, intending to visit their own estates: the lords de Mucident and de Langurant remained with the army, and were graciously treated by the duke of Anjou, with whom they frequently dined and supped. The first-mentioned lords thought the duke very obliging in thus lightly allowing them to depart, which indeed he afterwards repented, as he had good reason. These two lords, when on their road conversing together, said, “How can we serve the duke of Anjou and the French, when we have hitherto been loyal English? It will be much better for us to deceive the duke of Anjou than the king of England, our natural lord, and who has always been so kind to us.” This they adopted, and resolved to go to Bordeaux, to the séneschal des Landes, sir William Helman, and assure him that there hearts would never suffer them to become good Frenchmen. The two barons continued their journey to Bordeaux, where they 524 were joyfully received: for they had not then heard anything of their treaties with the duke of Anjou.
The séneschal des Landes, and the mayor of Bordeaux were inquisitive after news, and what sums they had paid for their ransoms. They said, that through constraint and threats of death, the duke of Anjou had forced them to turn to the French: but added, “Gentleman, we will truly tell you, that before we took the oath, we reserved in our hearts our faith to our natural lord the king of England; and, for anything we have said or done, will we never become Frenchmen.” The knights from England were much pleased with these words, and declared they had acquitted themselves loyally towards their lord.
Five days afterwards, news was brought to the duke of Anjou and the army before Castillon, that the lords de Duras and de Rosem had turned to the English, which very much astonished the duke, the constable, and the other barons. The duke then sent to the lords de Mucident and de Langurant, told them what he had heard, and asked what they thought of it: these barons, who were exceedingly vexed, replied, “My lord, if they have broken their faith, we will not belie ours; and that which we have said and sworn to you we will loyally keep, nor shall the contrary be ever reproached to us; for by valour and gallant deeds of arms have your party conquered us, and we will therefore remain steady in our obedience to you.” “I believe you firmly,” said the duke of Anjou; “and I swear by God first, and then by my lord and brother, that on leaving this place, we will not undertake any one thing before we have besieged the towns of Duras and Rosem.” Things remained in this state; that is to say, the duke of Anjou much enraged at the conduct of the two Gascon barons, and the siege continuing before Castillon. The town and castle of Castillon, on the Dordogne, was a town and inheritance of the captal de Buch, whom the king of France had detained in prison at Paris.
* “Castillon,” — a town of Guienne, election of Bordeaux.
DURING the time Castillon was besieged, there was a great famine, insomuch that for money there was difficulty in getting provisions. The French were forced to march twelve or fifteen leagues for forage for the army, and in going and returning they ran great risks; for there were many castles and English garrisons on the frontiers, from whence they sallied forth and formed ambuscades; or they waited in the narrow passes and defiles; and whenever they found themselves the strongest, they fell upon the French foragers, killed and wounded them, and carried off their forage. For this reason, they never could forage but in large bodies.
The siege of Castillon was carried on with much vigour, and the garrison so harassed by assaults and engines that they surrendered, on their lives and fortuned being spared. The men at arms marched out, and as many more as chose to leave it, and went to St. Macaire*, where there is a good castle and strong town. On the surrender of Castillon, the duke of Anjou received the fealty and homage of the inhabitants, and renewed the officers: he appointed as governor of it a knight from Touraine, called sir James de Montmartin. When they were about to march from Castillon, they called a council to consider whither they should go next; and it was determined to advance towards St. Marine; but, as several small forts were scattered about the country before they could arrive there, it was not though proper to leave them in their rear on account of the foragers. They therefore, on quitting Castillon, marched to Sauveterre†, which they besieged.
Other intelligence was brought, respecting the lords de Duras and de Rosem, different from what had been at first reported; that in truth they were at Bordeaux, but it was not known on what terms. This news was spread through the army, and was so public as to come to the ears of the lords de Mucident and de Langurant: they mentioned it to the lord 525 de Coucy and sir Peter de Bueil, whom they were desirous to interest in excusing those knights, adding that it was very simple to believe such tales so lightly told. They replied, they would willingly undertake to speak to the duke, who told them he should be very happy to find the contrary true to what he had heard. The affair remained in this state, and the siege of Sauveterre continued. The town of Sauveterre held out only for three days; for the knight who was governor surrendered it to the duke, on condition of himself, his troops, with their fortunes, being spared. By these means they marched, and came before St. Bazille, a good town, which immediately surrendered, and put itself under the obedience of the king of France.
They then advanced to Montsegur‡, which they attacked on their arrival, but did not gain it on this first attempt. They encamped and refreshed themselves for the night. On the morrow, they prepared for the assault, and those within, seeing they were in earnest, began to be greatly alarmed, and called a council, wherein it was at last determined that they would offer to surrender on having their lives and fortunes spared; and upon these terms they were received. The French marched away to another good walled town, situated between St. Macaire and La Réole, called Auberoche. They were four days before they could gain it, which was done by capitulation. The French then advanced to St. Macaire.
* St. Macaire, — a city in Guienne, on the Garonne, nine leagues from Bordeaux.
† Sauveterre, — a town in Gascony, diocese of Comminges.
‡ A village in Gascony, election of Landes.
CHAPTER V. — THE DUKE OF ANJOU TAKES THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF ST. MACAIRE BY CAPITULATION, — THE TOWN OF DURAS BY STORM, BUT THE CASTLE RECEIVES QUARTER.
THE army of the duke of Anjou was daily increasing from all quarters; for such knights and squires as were desirous of renown came to wait on him, and to serve him. The siege was formed before St. Macaire in a very handsome manner; for those men at arms had retreated thither who had quitted the garrisons which had surrendered. The town, therefore, had been greatly reinforced, and better guarded. There were many grand assaults and skirmishes, as well before the town as at the barriers. Whilst the siege was going forward, the duke of Anjou and the constable of France ordered the leaders of the different corps to make excursions in various parts. Large detachments, therefore, set out, under the orders of the marshal of France, sir Perceval de Marneil and sir William de Moncontour. These detachments remained for six days in the field, took several towns and small castles, and put all the surrounding country under the subjection of the king of France. None went out to oppose them, for the whole country was almost empty of men at arms attached to the English, and the few who were there fled towards Bordeaux. When they had finished their expeditions, they returned to the army.
The inhabitants of St. Macaire knew well that they could not hold out for a long time: and the besiegers promised them every day, that if they suffered themselves to be taken by storm, they should all without mercy be put to death. They began to be doubtful lest their career might terminate in this cruel manner, and secretly opened a treaty with the French to surrender, on their lives and fortunes being spared. The men at arms in St. Macaire had intelligence of this, and suspecting the inhabitants might perhaps form some treaty inimical to them, they retired into the castle, which was large and strong, and built to stand a good siege, taking with them all their own wealth, and a good deal of pillage from the town. Upon this, the inhabitants surrendered their town to the king of France. The duke of Anjou received intelligence during the siege of St. Macaire, that his lady the duchess had been brought to bed of a son at Toulouse. The duke and the whole army was much rejoiced at this event, and their warlike heroism was greatly increased. The men at arms entered the town, for it had large and handsome houses, in which they refreshed themselves, as they had wherewithal, the town being well provided with every sort of provision.
The castle was surrounded on all sides, and engines erected before it, which cast such large 526 stones as greatly astonished the garrison. Whilst this siege was carrying on, true intelligence was brought respecting the lords de Duras and de Rosem, by two heralds, who declared they had turned to the English. On hearing this the duke said, “Let me but gain St. Macaire, and I will immediately march and lay siege to Duras.” He ordered the attacks on the castle to be renewed with greater vigour, for he was not willing to leave it in his rear. The garrison seeing themselves thus attacked, without any hopes of succour, and knowing that the duke and constable were determined to have them by fair or foul means, thought they should act wisely if they entered into a treaty, which they accomplished, and delivered up the castle, on their lives and fortunes being spared, and on being conducted to Bordeaux. Thus did the town and castle of St. Macaire become French. The duke of Anjou took possession of it, appointed a governor, and then decamped with his whole army, taking the road towards Duras.
The army continued its march until it came before Duras, when an attack was immediately ordered. The men at arms made themselves ready, and the cross-bowmen, well shielded, advanced to the town: some of whom had provided themselves with ladders, in order the more easily to scale the walls. This attack was very severe, and those who had mounted the walls fought hand to hand with their opponents: so many gallant deeds were done by each party, that it lasted the greater part of the day. When they had thus well fought for a length of time, the marshals ordered the trumpets to sound a retreat, and every man retired to his quarters for the night. In the meantime, sir Alain de la Haye, and sir Alain de St. Pol, arrived at the army with a large troop of Bretons, who had marched towards Libourne*, and had attacked an English garrison at Cadillac†, which they had taken by storm, and slain all within it.
On the morrow morning, the duke ordered the storming to be renewed, and that each man should exert himself to the utmost. He had it also proclaimed by a herald, that whoever should first enter Duras should receive five hundred francs. The desire of gaining this reward made many poor companions come forward. Ladders were placed against the walls in various places, and the attack began in earnest; for the young knights and squires, who were eager for renown, did not spare themselves, but fought with a thorough good will.
The lord de Langurant had ascended a ladder, with his sword in his hand, and fought hard to enter the town the first, not indeed for the five hundred francs, but to illustrate his name; for he was exceedingly angry that the lord de Duras had so lightly turned to the English. The lord de Langurant, as I must say, performed such deeds that his own people as well as strangers were quite astonished therewith, and advanced so far that his life was in great jeopardy; for those withinside the walls tore off the helmet from his head, and with it the hood, so that he would inevitably have been slain, if his own squire, who followed him close, had not covered him with his target. The knight descended the ladder by degrees, but he received in his descent several heavy blows on the target. He was much esteemed for this assault, by all those who saw him.
In another part, sir Tristan de Roye and sir Perceval d’Ayvenal, mounted on ladders, fought most valorously; and also sir John de Jumont and sir John de Rosay, where each for his part did wonders in arms. On the battlements was the lord de Seriel, mounted on a ladder, fighting gallantly hand to hand with those on the inside; and all who saw him said, that if any one was likely to have the advantage of first entering the town, he was in the road so to do. This knight did not thus adventure himself for profit, but for glory: however, as fortuned is hazardous, he was struck down with such force by a sword, that he tumbled into the ditch, and broke his neck. In suchwise died this knight. The same fate attended a squire from Brittany, who bore for his arms two chevrons gules, chequered with or, argent, and azur. This vexed the constable so much that he ordered the assailants to be reinforced, and the fight continued with more vigour than before. The lord de Mucident proved himself an able knight, and showed he was indeed a Frenchman from the manner in which he assaulted.
527The town of Duras was taken by storm, and the first persons who entered it were sir Tristan de Roye and sir John de Rosay. When the men at arms in Duras saw that the town must be lost, they retreated into the castle, leaving the rest to its fate. Thus was Duras taken, and all found in it were put to death. The men at arms retired to their quarters, where they disarmed themselves, and took their ease, having plenty of provision with them.
On the morrow morning, the constable of France, attended by the marshal, mounted their horses, and rode to the castle to reconnoitre, and see on which side they could best attack it. Having well examined it, they found it was marvellously strong, and said, that without a very long siege, it would not be easily taken: on their return, they related this to the duke of Anjou. “That does not signify,” replied the duke, “for I have said and sworn, that I would not stir from hence until I should have this castle under my obedience.” “And you shall not forswear yourself,” answered the constable. Engines were directly pointed against the castle, as they were ready on the spot. When those within saw the great preparations that were making against them, as well by those in the town as by the French, and that the attack would be severe, and probably fatal to them, they thought it advisable to enter into a negotiation. They opened a treaty with the constable, who agreed to spare their lives and fortunes on their surrendering the castle. The duke of Anjou was therefore advised by the constable not to fatigue or hurt his men, but to grant them quarter, which he did. On the third day they marched out of the castle, and were conducted whither they wished to go, and the constable took possession of it; but I believe the duke of Anjou ordered it to be razed to the ground.
* “Libourne,” — a city of Guienne on the Dordogne, ten leagues from Bordeaux.
† “Cadillac,” — a town in Guienne, seven leagues from Bordeaux.
CHAPTER VI. — THE DUKE OF ANJOU RETURNS TO THE DUCHESS AT TOULOUSE, AND THE CONSTABLE TO THE KING OF FRANCE. — EVAN OF WALES LAYS SIEGE TO MORTAIN-SUR-MER.
AFTER the conquest of the town and castle of Duras, the duke of Anjou ordered sir John de Jumont, sir Tristan de Roye, and sir John de Rosay, to remain in the town of Landurant* (for the lord of it had turned to the French since he had been made prisoner at the battle of Yurac), with one hundred good spears to guard the frontiers against the Bordelois: he himself wished to return to Toulouse to see his duchess, who had been delivered of a handsome boy, for he was desirous of holding a grand feast at Toulouse to celebrate this event. He therefore ordered men at arms to the different towns and castles which he had conquered. On dismissing Evan of Wales, he said to him: “You will take under your command the Bretons, Poitevins, and Angevins, with whom you will march into Poitou, and lay siege to Mortain-sur-mer, which the lord de l’Estrade† holds; and do not quit the place for any orders which you may receive in the king’s name until you have had possession of it; for it is a garrison that has done us much mischief.” “My lord,” replied Evan, “as far as shall be in my power I will loyally obey you.” The duke, the constable, and the lord de Coucy, then ordered all those who were to accompany Evan into Poitou. Upon this, full five hundred good men at arms left the duke, and took the road to Saintonge, in order to advance towards St. Jean d’Angely.
The duke of Anjou, the constable of France, the lord de Coucy, the marshal of France, sir John and sir Peter de Bueil, returned to Toulouse, where they found the duchess newly recovered from her lying-in. On this event there were very great rejoicings and feastings at Toulouse, The constable and the lord de Coucy then returned to Paris: the marshal de Sancerre into Auvergne, to assist the dauphin of Auvergne and the barons of that country, who were carrying on the war against the English that had remained in Limousin, Rouergue, and on the borders of Auvergne.
Let us now say something of Evan of Wales, how he laid siege at this season to Mortain, and how he harassed its garrison. Evan of Wales, being desirous of obeying the orders of the duke of Anjou, (for he knew well that whatever the duke did was by the directions of the king of France his brother, as he had paid all the expenses of the different expeditions he had made) had advanced as far as Saintes. He had halted to refresh himself and his companions in that rich country between Saintes and Poitou, and in the beautiful meads which are on the banks of the rivers in those parts. Many knights and squires of Poitou were with him, such as the lords de Pons, de Touars, de Vivarois, the lord James de Surgeres, and several more. On the other hand, from Brittany and Normandy, were sir Maurice de Trisiquedi, sir Alain de la Houssaye, sir Alain de St. Pol, sir Perceval d’Ayneval, sir William de Montcontour, the lord de Mommor, and Morelet his brother. These troops, when ordered, marched away, and laid siege to Mortain. The castle is situated on the Garonne, near to and below its embouchure with the sea; it is the handsomest and strongest fort in all the borders of the countries of Poitou, la Rochelle, and Saintonge.
When Evan of Wales, the barons and knights, were arrived there, they formed the siege very prudently, and provided themselves by little and little with every thing they wanted; for they were well aware that they could never conquer the castle by storm, but that it must be won by distressing the garrison with famine and a long blockade. Evan, therefore, ordered four block-houses to be erected, so that no proviso could enter the place by sea or by land.
At times the young knights and squires who wished to display their courage, advanced to the barriers of the castle, and skirmished with the garrison. Many gallant deeds were there performed. There was a knight in Mortain called the souldich, who was from Gascony, a valiant knight and able man at arms, whose orders they obeyed as if he had been their governor. The castle was plentifully supplied with wines and provision, but they were in great want of several smaller necessaries.
* “Landurant,” — should be Landiras, — a town in Guienne, near Bordeaux. William Shalton was lord of Landiras. — See Rolles Gascones.
† The souldich de l’Estrade. — See Anstis.
CHAPTER VII. — KING CHARLES OF FRANCE INSTIGATES THE SCOTS TO MAKE WAR ON ENGLAND. THE SCOTS TAKE THE CASTLE OF BERWICK.
KING Charles of France, notwithstanding he always resided at Paris, or at various other places in France which pleased him more, and that he never bore arms himself, kept up a very sharp war against his enemies the English. He had formed alliances, as well in the empire as with the adjoining kingdoms, in a greater degree than the four or five preceding kings of France had ever done. He paid great attentions to all from whom he thought he should derive any assistance; and because king Richard of England was young, and his kingdom unsettled, he had sent to renew his alliance with the Scots, and with their king, Robert Stuart, who had succeeded his uncle king David Bruce, and to excite them to make war upon the English, so that they should be disabled from crossing the seas. Upon this, king Robert, after the death of Edward and the coronation of Richard, assembled his council at Edinburgh, where he had summoned the greater part of those barons and knights from whom he looked for assistance. He remonstrated with them against the English for having in former times done them much mischief by burning their country, razing their castles, killing and ransoming the inhabitants: that the time was now arrived when they might revenge themselves for all these disgraces; as king Edward was deceased, who had been so successful against them, and a young king was now on the throne.
The barons of Scotland and the young knights present, being desirous of advancing themselves and revenging the injuries which the English had formerly done to their country, replied unanimously, that they were willing and prepared to invade England, either to-day or to-morrow, or whenever he pleased. This answer was very agreeable to the king of Scotland, who returned them his thanks for it. Four earls were appointed captains of men at arms; namely, the earl of Douglas, the earl of Moray, the earl of Mar and the earl of Sutherland; sir Archibald Douglas constable of Scotland, and sir Robert de Versi* marshal of the whole army.
Summonses were immediately issued for the assembling of the forces by a certain day in the Merse†, which is the country bordering on England. Whilst this summons was obeying, a valiant squire of Scotland, named Alexander Ramsay, set off with forty men from his company, determined to perform a gallant enterprise. They were all well mounted, and, having rode the whole night through bye-roads, came to Berwick nearly at day-break. A squire attached to the earl of Northumberland, called William Bisset, was governor of the town of Berwick; and a very able knight, called Robert Abeton‡, was constable of the castle.
When the Scots were arrived near Berwick, they concealed themselves, and sent a spy to observe the state of the castle. The spy entered it as far as the ditches, wherein there was not any water, nor indeed could any be retained in them, for they were of moving sands: he looked about him on all sides, but did not see a soul: upon which, he returned back to his masters. Alexander Ramsay directly advanced with this companions, without speaking a word, and passed the ditches: they had brought good ladders with them, which they placed against the walls. Alexander was the first who mounted them sword in hand, and entered the castle followed by his men without opposition.
When they had all entered, they hastened to the great tower where sir Robert Boynton slept, and began to cut down the door of it with the axes they had brought. The governor 530 was suddenly awakened: he had slept all the night, and kept but a poor watch, for which he paid dear. He heard the door of his chamber broken, and thought it might be done by some of his own men who wanted to murder him, because he had quarrelled with them the preceding week. With this idea, he opened a window which looked on the ditches, leaped out it without further consideration, and thus broke his neck and died on the spot. The guards of the castle, who towards day-break had been asleep, awakened by his groans, found the castle had been scaled and taken: they began to sound their trumpets, and to cry out, “Treason! treason!”
John Bisset, the governor of Berwick, on hearing their cries, armed himself as well as all the able men of the town, and advanced toward the castle, when they plainly heard the noise of the Scots; but they could not gain entrance, for the gates were shut, and the drawbridge raised. Upon this, John Bisset, having considered a short time, said to those with him: “Come quickly: let us break down the supports of the bridge, so that none can sally out, nor get away without danger from us.”
They soon got hatchets and wedges, and the supports of the gate next the town were destroyed. John Bisset sent off a messenger to the lord Percy at Alnwick, which is but twelve short leagues off, to request he would come immediately to his assistance with all his forces, for that Berwick castle had been taken by the Scots. He also said to Thomelin Friant§, who was the person he sent: “Tell my lord of Percy the state you have left me in, and how the Scots are shut up in the castle, and cannot get away, unless they leap the walls; so let him hasten here as fast as he possibly can.”
Alexander Ramsay and his men having scaled the castle of Berwick, thought they had done wonders, as in truth they had: they would have been masters of the town if John Bisset had not acted so prudently, and slain whomever they pleased, or shut them up in the tower, for such was their intention: hey said, “Let us now go into the town; it is ours; and seize all the riches, which we will make the good men of the town carry away for us, and then we will set fire to it, for it cannot now make any resistance; in three or four days time, succours will come from Scotland, so that we shall save all our pillage: and on our departure we will set the castle on fire, and by these means repay our hosts.” All his companions assented, for they were eager for gain. They tightened on their arms, and each grasped a spear, for they had found plenty in the castle, and, opening the gate, let down the draw-bridge. When the bridge was let down, the chains which supported it broke; for the pillars on which it should have rested were destroyed, and the planks carried into the town. When John Bisset, and the inhabitants who were there assembled, saw them, they began shouting out, “Oh what, are you there? keep where you are, for you shall not go away for a certainty without our permission.”
Alexander Ramsay, seeing their appearance, soon found they intended to keep them confined in the castle, and that they must get away as well as they could: he therefore shut the gates, to avoid their arrows, and ordered his people to inclose themselves within, intending to defend the castle. They flung all the dead into the ditches, and shut up the prisoners in a tower. They thought the place was full strong enough to hold out until succours should come from Scotland, for the barons and knights were assembling in the Merse and in that neighbourhood: the earl of Douglas had even left Dalkeith, and arrived at Dunbar. We will now return to the squire whom John Bisset sent to Alnwick, and speak of his arrival, and of the information he gave to the earl of Northumberland.
* “Sir Robert de Versi.” Q.
† The Marches. — ED.
‡ “Sir Robert Abeton” — sir Robert Boynton. Dr. Fuller in his history of Berwick, 1799, says, “that seven intrepid Scotsmen in 1377 took possession of Berwick castle by storm in the night, and continued masters of it for eight days, though it was besieged by seven thousand English archers and three thousand cavalry, and only lost two of their number, which had increased to forty-eight when they were subdued. Notwithstanding this heroic achievement, they were all put to the sword.
“Upon entering the castle, they killed the governor, sir Robert Boynton, but liberated his lady for two thousand marks.
“When the earl of Northumberland summoned these heroes to surrender, they boldly replied;
“That they would not yield it either to the kings of England or Scotland, but would retain and defend it for the king of France.”
No authority is mentioned.
§ “Thomelin Friant.” Q.
THOMELIN Friant made haste until he arrived at Alnwick, and entered the castle from the knowledge he had of it; for it was so early that the earl of Northumberland was not out of bed. Having arrived at his bedside to speak to him, for the business was very pressing, he said: “My lord, the Scots have this morning taken Berwick castle by surprise; and the 531 governor of the town sends me to inform you of it, as you are the lieutenant of all these countries.” When the earl heard this news, he made every possible haste to order succour to Berwick: he sent off letters and messengers to all knights and squires of Northumberland, and to those from whom he expected any assistance, desiring them to repair to Berwick without delay, and informing them that he was marching thither to besiege the Scots, who had conquered the castle.
This summons was soon spread over the country, and every man at arms, knight, squire, and cross-bowman, left their houses. The lord Neville, the lord Lucy, the lord Gastop*, the lord Stafford, the lord de Blelles†, the governor of Newcastle, and a right valiant and expert man at arms, called Sir Thomas Musgrave, were there; but the earl of Northumberland first arrived at Berwick with his people; and forces daily came thither from all parts. They were in the whole about ten thousand men, who surrounded the castle so closely on all sides that a bird could not have escaped from it without being seen. The English began to form mines, the sooner to accomplish their purpose against the Scots and regain the castle.
Intelligence was brought to the barons and knights of Scotland, that the earl of Northumberland, with the chivalry of that country, were besieging their countrymen in Berwick castle: they therefore determined to march thither, raise the siege, and reinforce the castle, for they considered what Alexander Ramsay had performed a most gallant achievement. Sir Archibald Douglas, the constable, said, “Alexander is my cousin, and it is his high birth that has caused him to undertake and execute so bold a feat as the taking of Berwick castle: it behoves us to do all in our power to assist him in this business, and if we can raise the siege it will be to us of great value: I am of opinion, therefore, that we march thither.” He immediately ordered part of the army to remain behind, and the rest to advance towards Berwick. He chose five hundred lances from the flower of the Scots army, and set off well mounted and in good order, taking the road to Berwick.
532The English, who were before Berwick with ten thousand men, including archers, soon heard how the Scots intended to raise the siege and reinforce the garrison: they called a council, and resolved to extend their ground, to wait for them and offer battle, as they were anxious to meet them. The earl of Northumberland ordered all to prepare themselves, and march into the plain to be mustered, when they were found to amount to full three thousand men at arms and seven thousand archers. When the earl saw his army so numerous, he said, “Let us keep to this ground, for we are able to combat all the force Scotland can send against us.” They encamped on an extensive heath, without the walls of Berwick, in two battalions, and in good array.
This had been scarcely done an hour before they perceived some of the scouts of the Scots army advancing, but too well mounted to be attacked by the English: however, some English knights and squires would have been glad to have quitted their lines to have checked their career, but the earl said, “Let them alone, and allow their main body to come up: if they have any inclination for the combat, they will themselves advance nearer to us.” The English remained very quiet, so that the Scots scouts came so close they were able to reconnoitre their two battalions and judge of how many men they were composed. When they had sufficiently observed them, they returned to their lords, and related what they had seen, saying, “My lords, we have advanced so near to the English that we have fully reconnoitred them: we can tell you, they are waiting for you, drawn up in two handsome battalions, on the plain before the town: each battalion may consist of five thousand men: you will therefore consider this well. We approached them so close that they knew us for Scots scouts; but they made not the smallest attempt to break their line to pursue us.”
When sir Archibald Douglas and the Scots knights heard this account, they were quite melancholy, and said, “We cannot think it will be any way profitable for us to advance further to meet the English; for they are ten to one, and all tried men: we may lose more than we can gain: and a foolish enterprise is never good, and such is what Alexander Ramsay has performed.” Sir William Lindsay, a valiant knight and uncle to Alexander Ramsay, took great pains to persuade them to succour his nephew, saying, “Gentlemen, my nephew, in confidence of your assistance, has performed this gallant deed, and taken Berwick castle. It will turn to your great shame, if he should be lost, and none of our family in future will thus boldly adventure themselves.” Those present answered, “That they could not amend it, and that the many gallant men who were there could not be expected to risk their own destruction in the attempt to prevent a single squire from being made prisoner.” It was therefore determined to retreat further up in their own country among the mountains near the river Tweed, whither they marched in good order and at their leisure.
When the earls of Northumberland and Nottingham, and the other barons of England, found the Scots were not advancing, they sent off scouts to enquire what was become of them, who brought back intelligence that they had retreated, towards the Merse beyond the castle of Roxburgh‡. On hearing this, each man retired quietly to his quarters, where they kept a strict guard until the morrow morning about six o’clock, when they all made themselves ready for the attack of the castle. The assault immediately began: it was very severe, and continued until the afternoon. Never did so few men as the Scots defend themselves so well, nor was ever castle so briskly attacked; for there were ladders raised against different parts of the walls, on which men at arms ascended with targets over their heads, and fought hand to hand with the Scots. In consequence, many were struck down and hurled into the ditches. What most annoyed the Scots were the English archers, who shot so briskly that scarcely any one dared to appear on the bulwarks. This assault was continued until the English entered the castle, when they began to slay all they could lay hands on: none escaped death except Alexander Ramsay, who was mad prisoner by the earl of Northumberland.
In this manner was Berwick regained. The earl of Northumberland appointed John Bisset constable thereof, a very valiant squire, through whose means, as you have already heard, it had been reconquered. He had every part of it repaired, and the bridge which he had broken down restored.
* “Gastop.” Q.
† “Blelles.” Q. Bellasis.
‡ There seems some mistake of geography here.
AFTER the re-capture of Berwick castle, the earls of Northumberland and Nottingham, the two most powerful barons of the army, determined to make an excursion after their enemies, and if they could find them to offer them battle. As they had resolved, so did they execute: early on a morning they marched away taking the road to Roxburgh up Tweedside. When they had marched about three leagues, they called a council, and the two earls thought it advisable to send a detachment to Melrose, a large monastery of black monks, situated on the Tweed, which is the boundary of the two kingdoms, to know if any Scots were lying thereabouts in ambuscade; whilst they with the main body would march into the Merse; by which means they would not fail of hearing some news of the Scots. That valiant knight sir Thomas Musgrave was appointed commander of this detachment: it consisted of three hundred men at arms and as many archers. They left the army, which on the separation, took a different route, one marching to the right and the other to the left. Sir Thomas and his son rode on to Melrose, where they arrived at an early hour, and took up their quarters, to refresh themselves and their horses, as well as to make enquiries after the Scottish army.
They ordered two of their squires, well mounted, to ride over the country, to endeavour to find out the situation of the Scots, and in what order they were. These two squires, on leaving their commanders, continued their route until they fell into an ambuscade of the Scots, commanded by sir William Lindsay, who had posted himself in hopes of meeting with some adventure, and to hear news of Berwick, and also what had been the fate of his nephew, Alexander Ramsay, and into whose hands he had fallen: this he was very anxious to learn: he had with him about forty lances. The English were seized immediately on their entering this ambush, which gave the knight very great pleasure. He demanded from them whence they came: but they were afraid of speaking, lest they should betray their masters: however, they were forced to be explicit, for the knight assured them that he would have them beheaded, if they did not truly answer all the questions he should put to them.
When things became so serious, and they saw no means of escaping, they related how the castle of Berwick had been regained, and all found within put to death except Alexander Ramsay: they afterwards told how the earls of Northumberland and Nottingham were marching along Tweedside in search of the Scots, and how sir Thomas Musgrave, his son, sir John Seton, and sir Richard Breton, with three hundred spears and as many archers, were lodged in the abbey of Melrose, and that these knights had sent them out to discover where the Scots were. “By my troth,” replied sir William Lindsay, “you have found us, and you will now remain with us.” They were then taken aside, and given up to some of their companions, with orders to guard them well under penalty of their lives. Sir William Lindsay instantly sent off one of his men at arms, saying, “Ride to our main army, and tell them all you have heard, and the situation of the English: I will remain here until morning, to see if anything else may happen.”
This man at arms rode on until he came to a large village beyond Morlaine*, which is called Hondebray†, situated on the Tweed, among the mountains, where there were large meads and a plentiful country; for which reasons the Scots had quartered themselves there. Towards evening, the squire arrived; and, as they knew he had brought some intelligence, he was conducted to the earls of Douglas, Murray, Sutherland, and to sir Archibald Douglas, to whom he related all you have just read. The Scots were much vexed on hearing of the recapture of Berwick castle, but they were reconciled by the news of sir Thomas Musgrave and the other English knights being quartered at Melrose. They determined to march instantly, to dislodge their enemies, and make up from them for the loss of Berwick. They armed themselves, saddled their horses, and left Hadingtoun, advancing to the right of Melrose, for they were well acquainted with the country, and arrived a little before midnight. 534 But it then began to rain very heavily, and with such a violent wind in their faces that there was none so stout but was overpowered by the storm, so that they could scarcely guide their horses: the pages suffered so much from the cold, and their comfortless situation, that they could not carry the spears, but let them fall to the ground: they also separated from their companions and lost their way.
The advanced guard had halted, by orders of the constable, at the entrance of a large wood, through which it was necessary for them to pass; for some knights and squires who had been long used to arms said, they were advancing foolishly, and that it was not proper to continue their course in such weather, and at so late an hour, as they ran a risk of losing more than they could gain. They therefore concealed themselves and their horses under oaks and other large trees until it was day. It was a long time before they could make any fire from their flints and wet wood: however, they did succeed, and several large fires were made; for the cold and rain lasted until sun-rise, but it continued to drizzle until the hour of six. Between six and nine o’clock, the day began to get somewhat warmer, the sun to shine, and the larks to sing. The leaders then assembled to consider what was best to be done, for they had failed in their intentions of arriving at Melrose during the night. They resolved to breakfast in the open fields on what they had, to refresh themselves and horses, and send out parties to forage. This was executed, and the greater part of their foragers spread themselves over the country and adjacent villages. They brought hay and corn for the horses, and provision for their masters.
It happened that the English quartered in the abbey of Melrose had that morning sent out their foragers, so that the two parties met, and the English had not the advantage: several of their party were slain and wounded, and their forage seized. When sir Thomas Musgrave and the English knights in Melrose heard of it, they knew the Scots were not far distant: they ordered their trumpets to sound, and their horses to be saddled, whilst they armed themselves, for they were determined to take the field. They left the abbey in good order, and in handsome array. The Scots knights had received information from their foragers of their enemies being near: they therefore made all haste to refresh their horses, to arm and draw themselves up in order of battle, alongside and under cover of the wood. They were full seven hundred lances, and two thousand others, whom I call lusty varlets, armed with hunting spears, dirks, and pointed staves. The lord Archibald Douglas and his cousin the earl of Douglas said, “We cannot fail to have some business since the English are abroad: let us therefore be on our guard, for we will fight with them if the parties be nearly equal.” They sent two of their men at arms to observe the order of the English, whilst they remained snug in their ambush.
* “Morlaine.” Lambirlaw. — M‘Pherson’s Geographical Illustrations of Scottish History.
† “Hondebray.” “It seems Hadingtoun; and, if so, the river ought to be Tyne.” — M‘Pherson’s Geog. Illust.
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