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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. 721-737.
CHAPTER CX. — PHILIP VON ARTAVELD WRITES AFFECTEDLY CIVIL LETTERS TO TOURNAY. — THE FRENCH COMMISSIONERS RETURN TO THE KING.
PHILIP continued with the army before Oudenarde, as you have before heard. He did not repent having sent such harsh and pointed answers to the commissioners of the king of France, but was sorry had had not written cajoling letters of civility to the provost and jurats of Tournay, pretending to show them honour, though he had very little respect for them; for he was not willing to increase the hatred and ill will they bore him.
Philip therefore wrote in manner and form following: the superscription was, “To our honourable, wise and good friends, the provosts and jurats of the good town of Tournay. “Very dear and good friends, may it please you to know that we have received your letters, wherein mention is made of the two citizens of your town, ill intentioned carriers of letters to Ghent and Bruges, from the commissioners of the king of France, who have been arrested and detained by us, and whom you entreat to be set at liberty; by which means the love and affection (which, through God’s grace, subsists between us) may be continued uninterrupted between you and the country of Flanders. This love, very dear friends, does not appear to us to be very great: for we have received information that the king of France, the dukes of Burgundy and Brittany, are assembling their forces to come to the assistance of my lord, the earl, against the country of Flanders, to regain that country, and to fight with us, notwithstanding the letters which they have sent us to treat of peace and concord, which to us does not seem to be a conduct becoming such persons; and for which reason we are upon our guard, and shall continue so henceforth day and night. With respect to the prisoners, your townsmen, we shall detain them until we know for a certainty the truth of this assembling of forces, and until it shall please us to set them at liberty. You know, that when your citizens were lately in Flanders seeking peace, it was then ordered that no person whatever should bring messages or letters without a proper passport. This however is what the lords commissioners, being with you, have done, in order to excite discord and dissentions in the country. We therefore entreat of you, dear friends, that you will not in future send any of your citizens or townsmen to Flanders by order of these commissioners. But if there should be any thing that we can do, affecting your town or its citizens, we will attend to it in the same manner as we should wish our affairs might be attended to by you, in whom we have the greatest confidence, such as good neighbours ought to have for one another. And it is the general intention of all Flanders, that merchants and merchandise pass safely from country to country, without suffering the smallest injury. May God take you into his holy keeping!
“Written at our army the 22d day of October, in the year 1382, Philip von Artaveld regent of Flanders.”
Three days after the first letter had been sent to the commissioners from France, and whilst these lords were assembled in council in the hall, this second letter was brought by a varlet from Douay, who said, that those who were before Oudenarde ha sent it to them. It was carried to the hall where the commissioners were, and read and considered at leisure. At length the commissioners replied to those of Tournay, who requested their advice on the 721 occasion; “Gentlemen, we should advise you not to have any acquaintance or dealings with the Flemings, for you will not be thanked for it in France. Neither receive nor open any letters which may come from them; for, if it should be known in the king’s council that you do so, you will be blamed, and suffer for it. Affairs will not long remain in the state they are now in.” Those of Tournay answered, “They would follow this advice, and, if it pleased God, they would never do any thing to deserve a reprimand.”
The French commissioners staid but three days longer at Tournay, when they set out on their return to the king, whom they found at Peronne, and his three uncles, the dukes of Berry, Burgundy and Bourbon, with him.
CHAPTER CXI. — KING CHARLES, AFTER HEARING THE REPORT OF HIS COMMISSIONERS, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS WHO WAS PRESENT, ASSEMBLES HIS ARMY IN ARTOIS, AGAINST THE FLEMINGS. — PHILIP VON ARTAVELD GUARDS THE PASSES INTO FLANDERS.
THE day before the return of the commissioner, the earl of Flanders arrived at Peronne, to lay his affairs before the king and council, and to do homage for the county of Artois, which he was bounden to do and had not performed since the decease of his mother, who had died this year. On the arrival of the commissioners, the council was assembled in the presence of the young king, when the letters before mentioned were read; that of Philip to them, and the one he had sent to Tournay. They considered them in an unfavourable light, and declared that such pride and presumption in Flanders ought not to be suffered. The earl of Flanders was not, as may be supposed, displeased on hearing this: he therefore laid his grievances before the king and council very opportunely, when they were heard and attended to with pleasure. The king was advised to make the following answer: “Earl of Flanders, you will return to Artois; and in a short time we will ourself be at Arras, where you will perform your duty in the presence of the peers of France. I cannot better show you that I make the quarrel my own, than by my intention to march against our enemies.”
The earl was satisfied with this answer. Three days afterwards, he left Peronne, and, returning towards Artois, came to Hêdin. But the king of France, like one who was desirous of marching to Flanders to abase the pride of the Flemings, as his predecessors had formerly done, set his secretaries at work, and sent his letters and summons by messengers to all parts of his kingdom, ordering every one to hasten to Arras without delay, accoutred each, according to his rank, in the best manner he was able; for, if it were God’s pleasure, he was determined to fight the Flemings in their own country.
No lord of his realm disobeyed, but all sent orders to their vassals, and marched from the most distant countries, such as Auvergne, Rouergue, Toulousain, Gascony, Poitou, Limousin, Saintonge and Brittany: others came from the Bourbonois, Forêts, Burgundy, Dauphiné, Savoy, Bar and Lorrain, and from all parts of France and its dependencies, to Arras. The assemblage of such numbers of men at arms was a wonderful beautiful sight. The earl of Flanders resided at Hêdin, and heard daily from the king of France and the duke of Burgundy of the great levies which were making, and in consequence issued a proclamation throughout Artois, forbidding any one, under pain of losing his life and fortune, to withdraw any thing whatever from house, fortress or town; for he was desirous that the men at arms who were marching to Artois should have the advantage of being served with whatever was in the low countries.
The king of France came into Artois, where he remained. Men at arms came to him from all quarters, and so handsomely equipped it was a fine sight to see: they quartered themselves as they arrived in the plains, and found all the barns quite full and well furnished. The earl of Flanders came to Arras, which greatly pleased the king and his lords: he performed his homage in the presence of those peers who were there, for the county of Artois, and the king accepted him as his vassal. His majesty then addressed him, saying, — “Fair cousin, if it please God, and St. Denis, we will restore you to your inheritance of Flanders, and will abate the pride of Philip von Artaveld and the Flemings 723 so effectually that they shall never again have it in their power to rebel.” “My lord,” replied the earl, “I have full confidence in it; and you will acquire such honour and glory that as long as the world lasts you will be praised, for certainly the pride of the Flemings is very great.”
Philip, whilst at the siege of Oudenarde, was informed of every thing, and that the king of France was marching a large army against him, though he pretended not to believe it, and said to his people, — “By what means does this young king think to enter Flanders? He is as yet too young by a year to imagine he can frighten us by his assembling an army. I will have the entrances so well guarded that it shall not be in their power for this year to cross the river Lis.” He sent to Ghent for the lord de Harzelles. On his arrival, he said to him, — “Lord de Harzelles, you hear how the king of France is making preparations to destroy us. We must have a council on this subject. You shall remain here, and I will go to Bruges to learn surer intelligence, and to encourage the citizens of the principal towns. I will also establish such garrisons on the river Lis, and at the chief passes, that the French shall not be able to advance through them.”
The lord de Harzelles having assented to do this, Philip left the siege, and took the road towards Bruges. He travelled like a lord, having his displayed pennon borne before him, blazoned with his arms: which were three hats argent on a field sable. On his arrival at Bruges, he found Peter du Bois and Peter le Nuitre, the governors of Bruges; and having informed them, that the king of France was marching towards Flanders with a large army, and that it was necessary to provide a remedy by guarding the passes, he added, — “You, Peter du Bois, must go to the pass of Commines, to guard the river; and you, Peter le Nuitre, will defend the bridge of Warneton: you will break down all the bridges on the river as far as La Gerge, Haselles, Meureville and Courtray, by which means the French will not be able to pass. I will myself go to Ypres, to encourage them, and to remonstrate with them, that as we are all united in one common cause, none should fail or hesitate to perform what we have sworn to do. It is not in the power of the king of France, nor these Frenchmen, to cross the river Lis and enter Flanders provided the passes be well guarded, for they must follow the course of the river to seek for a passage.”
The two Peters replied, “Philip, you speak well, and we will obey what you have ordered. But have you had any news from our people in England.” “No, by my troth,” said Philip, “which I much wonder at. The parliament is sitting at London, and very shortly we must receive intelligence from them. The king of France cannot make such haste, but we shall have received succours from England, before they can do us much harm. I hope the king of England has issued his summons, and that the English will arrive here some night before we are aware.” Thus did these companions discourse together, who held all Flanders under their obedience, except Dendremonde and Oudenarde.
CHAPTER CXII. — SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF THE PARTY OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, HAVING PASSED PONT-AMENIN, ARE DEFEATED AND KILLED ON THEIR ATTEMPT TO REPASS IT, THE FLEMINGS HAVING BROKEN DOWN THE BRIDGE. — PHILIP, HEARING THE NEWS WHEN AT YPRES, MAKES USE OF IT TO ENCOURAGE THE INHABITANTS.
WHILST these preparations were going forward, and during the residence of the king of France at Arras, great bodies of men at arms were assembling in the Tournesis, Artois, and castlewick of Lille and its neighbourhood. Some knights and squires, who resided at Lille and thereabout, resolved to perform feats of arms that should gain them renown, chiefly through the exhortations of the Haze de Flandres. They collected about six score knights and squires, and crossed the river Lis at Pont-Amenin, which was not then broken down, two leagues from Lille. They rode for the town of Harle, which they surprised; and, after slaying many in the town and environs, they drove the remainder out of the town. Their cries were heard in the neighbouring villages; the inhabitants of which sounded their alarm bells, and marched towards Harle and Pont-Amenin, whence the cries seemed to come.
When the Haze, sir John Jumont, the constable de Vuillon, sir Henry Duffle, and the 724 other knights and squires, had sufficiently alarmed the country, they thought it was time for them to retreat, and set out on their return, intending to repass the bridge, but they found it strongly occupied by Flemings, who were busily employed in destroying it; and, when they had broken down any parts, they covered them with straw, that the mischief might not be perceived. The knights and squires at this moment arrived, mounted on the best of horses, and found upwards of two thousand peasants drawn up in a body without the town, prepared to advance upon them. The gentlemen, on seeing this, formed, and having fixed their lances on their rests, those best mounted instantly charged this body of peasants, with loud shouts. The Flemings opened their ranks through fear, but others say through malice; for they well knew the bridge would not bear them; and they said among themselves, “Let us make way for them, and we shall soon see fine sport.”
The Haze de Flandres, and his companions, desirous to get away, for any further stay would be against them, galloped for the bridge, which was now too weak to bear any great weight: however the Haze, and some others, had the courage and good luck to pass over: they might be about thirty: but, as others were following, the bridge broke down under them. Horses and riders were overthrown, and both perished together. Those behind, seeing this misfortune, were thunderstruck, and knew not whither to fly to save themselves. Some leaped into the river, intending to swim, but they were not able thus to escape. The river was deep, and the banks so high and steep that the horses could not land. Great slaughter ensued; for the Flemings fell upon them and killed them easily, and without pity. They made several leap into the water, and they were drowned. Sir John de Jumont narrowly escaped, for the bridge broke under him, but, by great agility of body, he saved himself: he was, however, badly wounded on the head and body by arrows, and it was six weeks before he recovered. At this unfortunate action were killed, the constables de Vuillon, de Bouchars, de St. Hilaire, and more drowned: sir Henry Duffle was slain. Including drowned and killed, there were upwards of sixty; and very fortunate were those who escaped. Great numbers returned wounded from this enterprise. News was carried to the lords of France at Arras, of their countrymen having lost the day: and that the Haze de Flandres had conducted this foolish expedition. He was pitied by some, but by others not. Those who had been most accustomed to arms said, they had acted ill, to cross a river that was not fordable, attack a large town and enter an enemy’s country, and return the way they had come, without having established guards on the bridge. It was not an enterprise planned by prudent men at arms, who were desirous of success; but, since they planned their enterprise with so much self-sufficiency, they had suffered from the consequences.
This affair passed off, and was soon forgotten. Philip departed from Bruges and came to Ypres, where he was most joyfully received. Peter du Bois went to Commines, where all the inhabitants of the flat country were assembled, and instantly began his preparations for defence, loosening the planks of the bridge, so that, if there should be occasion, it could immediately be pulled down: but he was unwilling totally to destroy the bridge, lest the inhabitants of the adjacent flat country might suffer, who daily crossed it with their cattle in droves, to place them in greater security on that side of the Lis. The whole country was so much covered with them it was marvellous to see.
The day Philip von Artaveld came to Ypres, news arrived of the defeat of the French at Pont-Amenin, and that the Haze had been nearly taken. Philip was mightily rejoiced at this, and said with a smile, to encourage those near, — “By the grace of God, and the just cause we are engaged in, it will all end so; and never shall this king, if he should be so foolishly advised to cross the Lis, return again to France.”
Philip was five days in Ypres, and harangued the people in the open market-place, to encourage them and to keep them steady to their engagements, telling them that the king of France was coming to destroy them without the least shadow of right. “Good people,” said Philip, “do not be alarmed if he should march against us; for he will never be able to cross the river Lis, as I have had all the passes well guarded, and have ordered Peter du Bois to Commines with a large body of men: he is a loyal man, and one who loves the honour of Flanders; and Peter le Nuitre I have sent to Warneton; all the other bridges on the Lis are broken down, and there is neither pass nor ford which they can cross but at these 725 two towns. I have also heard from our friends whom we sent to England. In a short time we shall receive considerable succours from thence, as we have made a strong alliance with them. Keep up, therefore, valiantly your hopes, for our honour shall be unsullied, and observe punctually what you have promised and sworn to us in the good town of Ghent, which has had such trouble and difficulty to maintain the rights and franchises of Flanders. Now, let all those who are determined to remain steady to the cause, according to the oath they took, gallantly lift up their hands to heaven as a token of loyalty.”
At these words all who were in the market-place, and who had heard the speech, held up their hands as a sign of their loyalty. After this Philip descended from the scaffold on which he had harangued, and returned to his house, where he remained the whole day. On the morrow he and his attendants mounted their horses and went towards Oudenarde, where the siege was still going on, notwithstanding the news of the French; but on passing through Courtray, he rested two days.
CHAPTER CXIII. — THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN ITS MARCH TO FLANDERS, AFTER THEY HAD HEARD THE BRIDGES WERE BROKEN AND GUARDED.
WE will for a while leave Philip von Artaveld, and speak of the young king of France who resided at Arras, and who, as he showed, had a great desire to enter Flanders, to lower the pride of the Flemings; and was daily increasing his army, by the arrival of men at arms from all quarters. After the king had tarried eight days at Arras, he went to Lens*, in Artois, where he staid two days. On the third day of November he departed and came to Seclin†, where he halted. A council was held, in the presence of the constable of France, the marshals of France, Burgundy and Flanders, to consider how they should proceed; for the common report in the army was the impossibility to enter Flanders in case the passes of the river should be strongly guarded. It rained, besides, at this time continually, and was so exceedingly cold that they could not advance. Some of the wisest said it was wrong to undertake such an expedition at this season of the year, and to bring the king so far into such a country. They ought not to have united before the summer to carry the war into Flanders, for the king had never been so far in his life.
This river Lis is so difficult to cross, that, except at certain places, it cannot be passed. There are no fords, and the country it runs through is so very marshy, horses cannot approach it. The constable, on hearing this, asked, “Where does it rise?” He was answered, that it came from near Aire and St. Omer. “Since it has a spring,” replied the constable, “we will easily pass it. Order our men to march towards St. Omer, where we can cross this river at our ease, and enter Flanders. These Flemings are so proud and self-sufficient they will march to attack us, either before Ypres or at some other place.”
The marshals agreed to the proposition of the constable, and every thing remained in this state the whole day and night, when, on the morrow, the lord d’Albreth, the lord de Coucy, sir Aimemon de Pommiers, sir John de Vienne, admiral of France, sir William de Poitiers, the bastard de Langres, the bègue de Villaines, sir Raoul de Coucy, the count de Conversant, the viscount d’Acy, sir Raoul de Raineval, the lord de St. Just, sir Arthur de Hêdin, sir Anthony d’Archies, the lord de Saimpi, sir William des Bourdes, the lord de Longueville, the lord de Sulli, sir Tristan de l’Estouet, sir Oliver du Guesclin, sir Maurice de Tresiquidy, sir Guy le Baveux, sir Lucas de l’Estrughen, sir Nicholas Pamel, the two marshals of France, sir Louis de Sancerre, and sir Louis de Blainville, the marshals of Burgundy and Flanders, sir Enguerrant de Haluyn, entered the chamber of the constable, to receive orders, how, and in what direction, they were to advance: whether they should march through Lille to Commines and Warneton, where the passes were guarded, or make for the upper countries of Venoye and St. Venant‡, and there cross the Lis. There were many debates among these lords on this subject: and those who knew the country said; “Certainly, at such a season as this, it will not be right 726 to advance into that country, neither can we go into the territories of Cassel, Surnes, or Verthes.” “And what road shall we then take?’ cried the constable. Upon which, the lord de Coucy said, “I would propose that we march to Tournay and there cross the Scheld, and take the road towards Oudenarde. This road is very easy, and we shall engage with our enemies. After passing the Scheld we shall not have any thing to stop us before Tournay. We may thus arrive before Oudenarde, and punish Philip von Artaveld. We can have daily refreshments of provision come to us from Hainault, and follow us down the river from Tournay.” This speech of the lord de Coucy was well attended to, and supported by several for some time: but the constable and marshals were more inclined to follow the course of the Lis, to seek a shorter passage, than to march to the right or left, by a longer road; and they urged strong reasons for it, saying, “If we look for any other road but the straight one, we do not show ourselves good men at arms, at least it is our duty to examine if we cannot cross the river above or below this pass at Commines, which is guarded. Besides, if we retreat, our enemies will rejoice and be encouraged: their forces will increase, and they will say that we fly from them. There is also another point which ought to be considered: we are ignorant what has been the success of the ambassadors they sent to England; for if, by any treaty, assistance should come to them from that quarter, they will give us much trouble. It is therefore better that we get rid of this business in Flanders as speedily as possible, than be thus long in determining upon it. Let us instantly, and with courage, march towards Commines, and God will assist us. We have so often crossed and recrossed larger rivers than this Lis, that it cannot long prevent us from passing it. Happen what may, when we are on its banks we can then form our opinions; and when those of our company in the vanguard (who have for these twenty or thirty years seen many more dangerous passes than this) have crossed this river, and gained the other side, our enemies will be a hundred times more frightened than if we had marched at our ease, seeking a passage on the right or left, out of our direct road: we may then consider ourselves as lords of Flanders.”
This plan was unanimously adopted. During the time these lords were assembled, they considered how they should form their battalions; and selected those who were to march on foot with the constable in the vanguard, in order to clear the roads for the army to pass and march in a line, and to act as scouts to observe and find out their enemies. They also chose those who were to be in the king’s battalion, regulated the arms with which they should serve, and appointed proper persons to carry the Oriflamme of France and to guard it; and likewise determined of what numbers the wings were to be composed, and how many were to be in the rearguard. All these things they debated and arranged. When these points had been settled, and they could not think of any thing more that was necessary to be done, the council broke up, and every one retired to his lodgings. Those lords and barons who had not been present were informed of the regulations, and the manner in which they were to act from henceforward. It was this day ordered that the king should on the morrow dislodge from Seclin, march through Lille without halting, and take up his quarters at Margnette l’Abbaye; and that the vanguard should pass on to Commines and Warneton, and do the most they could in the course of the day. This being settled, the master of the cross-bows, in conjunction with the constable and marshals, unanimously appointed sir Josse de Haluyn and the lord de Rambures to the command of the infantry, who were to clear the roads by cutting down hedges and forests, filling up valleys and every thing else that might be necessary: their numbers amounted to seventeen hundred and sixty.
In the vanguard were the marshals of Flanders, France and Burgundy, who had under their command seventeen hundred men at arms and seven hundred cross-bows, besides four thousand infantry whom the earl had given to them, armed with large shields and other weapons. It was also ordered that the earl of Flanders, and his battalion, consisting of about sixteen hundred men at arms, knights, squires and infantry, should march on the wings of the vanguard to reinforce it, should it be necessary. It was likewise ordered that the king’s battalion should march between the vanguard and the battalion of the earl of Flanders, and that the king’s three uncles, Berry, Burgundy and Bourbon, should be in it; and also the count de la Marche, sir James de Bourbon, his brothers, the count de Clermont, 727 the dauphin d’Auvergne, the count de Dampmartin, the count de Sancerre, Sir John de Boulogne, to the amount of six thousand men at arms, two thousand Genoese cross-bows and others.
The rearguard was to consist of two thousand men at arms and two hundred archers; the commanders of which were the lord John d’Artois count d’Eu, the lord Guy count de Blois, sir Waleran count de St. Pol, sir William count de Harcourt, the lord de Châtillon and the lord de Sere.
Sir Peter de Villiers was appointed to bear the Oriflamme, attended by four knights, whose names were sir Robert le Baveux, sir Morice de Sancourt, sir Guy de Tresiquidi and Brandon de la Heuse: le borgne de Ruet and le borgne de Mondoulcet were named to guard the banner.
It is proper to be known, that the lords who had planned this expedition had determined they would never return to France until they had engaged Philip von Artaveld and his forces, and it was for this reason they had drawn up their battalions as ready for the combat on the morrow. The lords d’Albreth, de Coucy, and sir Hugh de Hanlon were ordered to form the battalions and place them in array. Sir William de Bannes and the lord de Champreny were appointed marshals to attend to the quarters of the king and his battalion.
It was also ordered, that on the day of battle, no one but the king and eight valiant men appointed to attend his person should be on horseback. The names of these eight men were as follows: the lord de Raineval, le bègue de Villaines, sir Aymemon de Pommiers, sir Enguerrant de Haluyn, the viscount d’Acy, sir Guy le Baveux, sir Nicholas de Pennel and sir William des Bourdes. The lord de Raineval and sir Enguerrant de Haluyn were to take post in front of the king: le bègue de Villaines and the viscount d’Acy (who is called several places hereafter the viscount d’Aunoy) were to place themselves on each side; and sir Aymemon de Pommiers, sir Nicholas de Pennel, sir Guy le Baveux, and sir William 728 des Bourdes, were to take post in the rear. It was likewise ordered, that on the day of battle, sir Oliver de Clisson, constable of France, and sir William de Poitiers, bastard de Langres, should advance on horseback, to reconnoitre and observe the appearance of the enemy.
* “Lens,” — a town in Artois on the Souchets, four leagues from Bethune.
† “Seclin,” — an ancient town in Flanders, near Lille.
‡ “St. Venant,” — a town in Artois on the Lis, four leagues from Bethune.
CHAPTER CXIV. — SOME FEW OF THE FRENCH, NOT BEING ABLE TO CROSS THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES, FIND MEANS OF DOING SO, BY BOATS AND OTHER CRAFT, UNKNOWN TO THE FLEMINGS.
THE orders above mentioned were punctually obeyed; and the vanguard dislodged on the morrow, marching in order of battle towards Commines. They found the roads well made, for the lord de Fransures* and sir Josse de Haluyn had paid great attention to them; this was on the Monday. When the constable and marshals of France, with the vanguard, arrived at the bridge of Commines, they were forced to halt; for it was so completely destroyed that it was not in the power of man to repair it, if any opposition should be made when they were attempting it, as the Flemings were in great force on the opposite side of the river, and ready to defend the pass against all who might wish to attack them: they were upwards of nine thousand, under the command of Peter du Bois and others, who showed good inclinations to repulse any attempt. Peter du Bois had placed himself on the causeway, at the end of the bridge, with a battle-axe in his hand; and the Flemings were drawn up on each side.
The constable of France and the lords with him, having considered the situation, thought it impossible to pass the river at that place unless the bridge were rebuilt; they ordered their servants to follow the course of the river, and examine its banks for about a league up and down. When they returned, they informed their masters, who were waiting for them, that they had not been able to find any place where the cavalry could pass. Upon hearing this, the constable was much vexed and said, — “We have been badly advised to take this road: better would it have been for us to have gone to St. Omer than remain in this danger, or to have crossed the Scheld at Tournay, as the lord de Coucy advised, and to have marched straight to Oudenarde and fought our enemies, since it is both our duty and inclination to combat them; and they are so presumptuous they would have waited for us at their siege.” — The lord Louis de Sancerre then said, — “I am of opinion that we fix our quarters here for this day, and lodge our army, should it arrive, as well as we are able; and that we send to Lille to seek for boats and hurdles, that may come down the river, with which to-morrow we can throw a bridge from these fine meads and cross over; for we have no other alternative.” Upon this, sir Josse de Haluyn said, — “My lord, we have been informed that there will be great difficulties between this and Lille; for the river Menyn, on which all boats must pass to come hither, has been obstructed by large beams thrown across it by the Flemings who are in those parts: they have besides totally destroyed the bridge, and we learn it is impossible for any vessels or boats to pass.” “I know not then,” added the constable, “what we can now do. It will be better for us to take the road to Aire, and cross the Lis at that place, since we are unable to do so here.”
During the time the constable and marshals of France and Burgundy were in this dilemma at the bridge of Commines, several knights and squires silently withdrew, with the intent to hazard some gallant deeds of arms and attempt to cross the river, whatever it might cost them. They meant likewise to combat the Flemings in their entrenchments and open a passage, as I shall now relate. — While the vanguard was on its march from Lille to Commines, the lord de St. Py, and some other knights from Hainault, Flanders, Artois, and even France, had held a council without the knowledge of the constable or marshals. They said, “We will procure two or three boats, which we will launch into the river Lis, at a sheltered place below Commines, and will fix posts on each side of the river where it is not wide, to fasten cords to. We shall by this means soon convey over a large body of men, and by marching on the rear of our enemies we may attack them, and, if victorious, we shall gain 729 the reputation of valiant men at arms.” After they had thus determined in council, the lord de St. Py exerted himself so much that he procured from Lille a boat and cords, with every other necessary article. On the other hand, sir Herbeaux de Belleperche and sir John de Roye, who were companions in this expedition, had also caused a boat to be brought. Sir Henry de Manny, sir John de Malatrait and sir John Chanderon, Bretons, who had been at this council, had likewise provided one, and followed the preceding companies.
The lord de St. Py was the first who arrived at the river with his boat, cords and fastenings. They fixed a strong stake to which they tied the cord: three varlets then crossed over, and the boat, with the cords, being launched, they fixed on the opposite side another strong post, to which they fastened the other end of the cord: and, this being done, they returned with the boat to their master. It happened that the constable and marshals of France were at that time at the bridge of Commines, pondering how they could discover a passage. They were then informed of the intentions of the lord de St. Py and the other knights. Upon which the constable, addressing himself to the lord Louis de Sancerre, said, “Marshal, go and see what they are doing, and if it be possible to cross the river in the manner they propose, add some of our men to theirs.”
Just as these knights were preparing to embark, the marshal of france came thither, attended by a large company of knights and squires. They made way for him, as was right. He stopped on the bank, and with pleasure saw the arrangement of the boats. The lord de St. Py, addressing him, said, “My lord, is it agreeable to you that we should cross here?” “I am very well pleased with it,” replied the marshal; “but you are running great risks; for if our enemies, who are at Commines, should know your intentions, they would do you great mischief.” “My lord,” answered the lord de Saint. Py, “nothing venture nothing win: in the name of God and St. George, we will cross over, and, before to-morrow evening, will fall suddenly on our enemies and attack them.” The lord de St. Py then placed his pennon in the boat, and was the first who stepped into it: he was followed by nine others, who were as many as the boat could hold; and instantly, by means of the cord they held, crossed over. When disembarked, in order to prevent themselves from being discovered, they entered a small alder grove, where they lay hidden. Those on the bank, by means of the cord, drew the boat back. The count de Conversant, lord d’Anghien, embarked with his banner, with the lord de Vertain his brother, and seven others. These nine then passed, and the third time others followed them.
The two other boats now arrived that belonged to sir Herbaut de Belleperche, sir John de Roye and the Bretons, which were launched in the same manner the first had been. These knights then crossed, and none but determined men at arms did the same. It was a pleasure to see with what eagerness they embarked: at times a great crowd was pushing who should cross first, so that if the marshal of France had not been there, who kept them in proper order, accidents would have happened from their overloading the boats.
News was brought to the constable and the lords of France at the bridge of Commines, how their people were crossing the river, when he said to the sénéschal de Rieux, “Go and examine this passage, I beg of you, and see if our people be passing as they tell us.” The lord de Rieux was never happier than when he had this commission, and, clapping spurs to his horse, hastened thither with his whole company, to the amount of full forty men at arms. When he arrived at the passage where one hundred and fifty of his countrymen had already crossed, he immediately dismounted, and said he would also pass the river. The marshal of France would not refuse him; and intelligence was sent to the constable, that his cousin the lord de Rieux had crossed. The constable mused a little, and then said, “Make the cross-bows shoot, and skirmish with the Flemings who are on the other side of the bridge, to occupy their attention, and prevent them from observing our people; for, if they should have any notion what they are about, they will fall upon them, destroy the passage, and kill all those who have crossed: and I would much rather die than that should happen.”
Upon this, the cross-bows and infantry advanced. There were among them some who flung hand-grenades†, which bursting, cast out bolts of iron beyond the bridge, even as far 730 as the town of Commines. The skirmish now began to be very sharp, and the vanguard, by their movements, seemed determined to cross the bridge if they could. The Flemings, being shielded up to their noses, made a good appearance, and defended themselves well. Thus passed this day, which was a Monday, in skirmishing; and it was soon dark, for at that season the days are very short. The boats, however, continued to carry over men at arms in great numbers, who, on their landing, hid themselves in the alder wood, waiting for more.
You may easily guess what perils they were in; for, had those in Commines gained the least intelligence of them, they must have had them at their mercy, and conquered the greater part, besides taking their boats; but God favoured the other party, and consented that the pride of the Flemings should be humbled.
* “Fransures.” He before calls him Rambures.
† I call bombards, hand-grenades: to my mind, it explains this passage more easily. Lord Berners totally omits it.
[The original is as follows: “Et y en avoit aucun autres qui gettoyent bombardes portatives et qui gettoyent gros carreaux empennez de fer, et les faisoient voler outre le pont, jusques à la ville de Commines;” literally, “and they had there some others who threw portable bombards, and which (or who) threw large quarrels (cross-bow bolts) pointed with iron, and made them fly beyond the bridge as far as the town of Commines.” The construction of the original sentence is such as to render it obscure; it is not clear whether the soldiers, or the bombards, threw the quarrels into the town. It does not appear that the town was near enough for the soldiers to throw grenades into it, over the river, and it is difficult to believe that the explosion of a hand-grenade could do damage at any considerable distance. Most of the cannons made about the time, when they began to be in general use, were of small dimensions, and were fitted with rings at the sides, by which they were carried; to such, the term “portable bombards” may be justly applied, but grenades adapted to be thrown by the hand would, in all probability, have been more particularly distinguished. If we read, “They had there some others who carried portable bombards which threw,” &c., we shall probably restore the true text, and the sentence becomes at once perfectly clear. Those who are at all acquainted with the nature of the errors which creep into and are continued in repeated MS. transcripts, will readily perceive the cause, in this instance, where the improper repetition of the word “gettoyent” has rendered a passage, at first perfectly plain, inelegant, and unintelligible. Mr. Johnes having once taken up the idea of the hand-grenade (which, according to all received accounts, was not invented till long after the events narrated in the text), has spoken of their bursting, a circumstance alluded to by Froissart. Lord Berners, who, though he does not speak of grenades, does not omit the bombards, says, “Then the cros-bowes and men a-fote, and gunners, shote over the bridge into the towne.” — ED.
CHAPTER CXV. — A SMALL BODY OF FRENCH, HAVING CROSSED THE LIS, DRAW UP IN BATTLE ARRAY BEFORE THE FLEMINGS.
I MAINTAIN, that all men of understanding must hold this enterprise of the boats, and passage of men at arms, as a deed of superior valour and enterprise. Towards evening, the knights and squires of the vanguard were eager to cross with their companions; and the lord de Laval, the viscount de Rohan, the lord de la Belliere, the lord de Combort, sir Oliver du Guesclin, le Barrois des Barres, the lord de Collet, sir Reginald de Thouars, the lord de Pousanges, sir William de Lignac, sir Walter de Passat, le sire de Thouars, sir Louis de Consaule, sir Tristan de la Jaille, the viscount de Meaux, the lord de Mailly, passed over, and Bretons, Flemings, Poitevins, French, Berruyers, Burgundians, Artois-men, Troyens, and Hainaulters, in numbers, so that late in this Monday evening there were, on the Flanders side of the river, about four hundred men at arms, all the flower of knighthood: for no varlet was suffered to cross.
The lord Louis de Sancerre, seeing so many gallant men (sixteen banners and thirty pennons,) said, he should think himself to blame, if he remained behind. He then entered the boats, with his knights and squires; and the lord de Hangest, &c. crossed at the same time. When they were all assembled, they said, “It is time to march towards Commines, to look at our enemies, and see if we cannot make our quarters good in the town.” Upon this, they tightened their arms, buckled their helmets on their heads in a proper manner, and advancing through the marshes which are contiguous to the river, marched in order of battle, with banners and pennons displayed, as if they were immediately to engage. The lord de Saint Py was the principal conductor and commander-in-chief, because he knew the country better than any of the others.
As they were thus marching in close order, in their way towards the town, Peter du Bois and the Flemings were drawn up on the causeway; when, casting their eyes towards the meads, they saw this body of men at arms approaching. They were exceedingly astonished, and demanded from Peter du Bois, “By what devil of a road have these men at arms come? and how have they crossed the Lis?” He replied, “They must have crossed in boats, and we have known nothing of the matter; for there is neither bridge nor passable ford over the 731 Lis between this and Courtray.” “What shall we do?” said some of them to Peter du Bois: “shall we offer them battle?” “By no means,” replied Peter: “let them advance: but we will remain in our strength and in our place: we are on high ground, and they on low, so that we have great advantage over them; and, if we descend to meet them in the plain, we shall lose it. Let us wait until the night becomes more obscure, and then we will consider how we had best act. They are not of force sufficient to withstand us in battle: and, besides, we are acquainted with all the roads of the country, of which they must be ignorant.” This advice was followed; for the Flemings never budged from their post, but remained steady at the foot of the bridge, drawn up in order of battle on the causeway, in silence, and, by their appearance, seemed as if they had not noticed what was passing. Those who had crossed the river continued advancing slowly through the marshes, following the course of it as they approached Commines.
The constable of France, on the opposite side of the water, saw his men at arms, with banners and pennons fluttering in the wind, drawn up in a handsome small battalion, and marching toward Commines. On seeing this, his blood began to run cold from the great dread he had of their being defeated; for he knew the Flemings were in great force on that side of the water. In the excess of rage, he cried out — “Ah, St. Ives! ha, St. George! ha, our Lady! What do I see there? I see in part the flower of our army, who are most unequally matched. I would rather have died than have witnessed this. Ah! sir Louis de Sancerre, I thought you more temperate and better taught than I see you now are; how could you have hazarded so many noble knights and squires, and men at arms, against ten or twelve thousand men, who are proud, presumptuous, and well prepared, and who will show them no mercy, whilst we are unable, if there should be a necessity, to aid them? Ah, Rohan! ah, Laval! ah, Rieux! ah, Beaumanoir! ah, Longueville! ah, Rochefort! ah, Manny! ah, Malatrait! ah, Conversant! ah, such a one and such a one, how afflicted am I for you all! when, without consulting me, you have run into such imminent danger. Why am I constable of France? for, if you be conquered, I shall incur all the blame, and they will say I ordered you on this mad enterprise.” The constable, before he heard that such numbers of valiant men had crossed, had forbidden any of those near him to pass the river; but, when he saw the appearance of those who had passed, he said aloud, “I give free liberty for all who wish to cross, if they be able.”
At these words, the knights and squires stepped forth, seeking means to cross the bridge; but it was soon night, and they were forced to leave off their attempt, though they had begun to lay planks on the beams, and even some had placed their targets to make a road; so that the Flemings who were in Commines had enough to do to watch them, and were puzzled how to act, for on the one hand they saw below the bridge, in the marshes, a large body of men at arms, who had halted with their lances advanced before them, and to whom great reinforcements were coming, and on the other, those of the vanguard on the opposite side of the bridge, were constantly skirmishing with them and exerting themselves lustily to repair the bridge.
In this situation were the French who had that evening crossed over in boats. They had halted on the marshes, in mud and filth, up to their ancles. Now consider what must have been their courage and difficulties, when in these long winter nights they thus remained a whole night with their arms and helmets on, with their feet in the mire, and without any sort of refreshments. Certainly, I say, they are worthy of great renown, for they were but a handful of men in comparison with the Flemings in Commines and in that neighbourhood. They dared not, therefore, advance to attack them, and for this reason had halted, saying among themselves, “Let us stop here until it be day-light, when we shall have a sight of these Flemings who quit not the advantage of their entrenchments; but at last they will not fail to come to us, and when near we will shout our war cries with a loud voice, each his own cry, or the cry of his lord, notwithstanding all our lords may not have joined us: by this means we shall frighten them, when we will fall on them with a thorough good-will. It is in the power of God, and within the compas of our own ability, to defeat them, for they are badly armed, whilst our spears and swords are of well tempered steel from Bordeaux; and the haubergeons* they wear will be a poor defence, and cannot prevent our blows from 732 penetrating through them.” With such hopes as these did those who had passed the river comfort themselves, and remain in silence during the night.
The constable of France, who was on the other side of the river, towards Lille, had great anguish at heart on their account, and wished himself and army in the town of Commines with them. The marshals of Burgundy and Flanders, and those knights who were near his person, in order to comfort him, said: “My lord do not be so cast down; for all must own that those who have crossed the river are truly valiant, as well as prudent knights, and we must believe they will not do any thing but what shall be dictated by good sense and valour. They will not engage in combat this day, and you have given permission for all to pass the river as they can. To-morrow, as soon as day-break shall appear, let us exert ourselves to cross the bridge. We have this day made more provision of planks and timber than will be necessary, so that we may be soon over to reinforce them, should they have need of it, and these wicked people will be prevented from overpowering them.”
Thus was the constable of France consoled by the valiant men in his company.
* “Haubergeons,” — small coats of mail.
CHAPTER CXVI. — THE FRENCH WHO HAD CROSSED THE LIS DEFEAT, WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER, PETER DU BOIS AND THE FLEMINGS. — THE VANGUARD OF THE FRENCH ARMY REPAIR AND PASS OVER THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.
PETER DU BOIS knowing these men at arms were in the marshes joining Commines, was not perfectly at his ease, for he was uncertain what might be the event. He had, however, under his command, six or seven thousand men, to whom, during the night, he had thus spoken: “The men at arms who have crossed the river to fight with us are neither of iron nor steel. They have laboured hard this whole day, and have been all night standing in these marshes, so that it is possible, towards day-break, they will be overpowered with sleep. While they are in this situation, we will come slily to attack them: our numbers are sufficient to surround them: but when we have so done, let no one dare to rush upon them, but remain silent; for when it shall be proper time for you to act, I will inform you.” To this command of Peter they all promised obedience. On the other hand, the barons, knights and squires, who had remained in the marshes so near the enemy, were far from being comfortable: some of them were up to their ancles in mud, and others half way up their legs. But their eagerness and joy, on gaining this pass with so much honour, (for very gallant deeds of arms were likely to ensue) made them forget all their pains and difficulties. If it had been in summer-time, instead of the seventh day of November, they would have enjoyed it; but now the ground was cold, muddy and dirty, and the nights were long. At times also it rained heavily on their heads, but it ran off, as they had their helmets on and every thing prepared for the combat, and were only waiting for the enemy to come and attack them. The great attention they paid to be in readiness kept up their spirits, and made them almost forget their situation.
The lord de Saint Py full loyally acquitted himself in this expedition, as a scout and observer of what the Flemings were doing, though he was the commander-in-chief. He was continually on the look-out, and went privily to reconnoitre their motions. On his return, he said to his companions in a low voice, “Now up: our enemies are very quiet: perhaps they will advance on us at day-break: therefore be on your guard, and prepared to act.” He would then return again, to see if any thing were going forward, and then come back to tell what he had observed. This he continued to do until the hour which the Flemings had fixed upon to attack them. It was on the point of day when they began to march in close order, without uttering a word. The lord de Saint Py, who was on the watch, no sooner saw this manœuvre than he found they were in earnest, and hastening to his companions, said to them, “Now, my lords, be alert, we have but to do our utmost, for our enemy is on his march, and will be instantly here. These barons of new date are advancing slowly, and think to catch and surprise us: show yourselves true men at arms, for we shall have a battle.” As the lord de Saint Py uttered these words, the knights and squires, with great courage, seized their long Bordeaux spears, and having grasped them 733 with a hearty will, placed themselves in as good order as any knights or squires could devise.
When the lords who had crossed the river, and, as I have before said, found themselves obliged to halt in the marshes, saw that the Flemings waited their opportunity to attack them, they said among themselves, “Since we are not in sufficient force to begin the combat, when the Flemings advance upon us they will not know what numbers we are: let us each set up one cry, or that of the lord to whom we may belong whether he be present or not; and, by thus shouting loudly, we shall so much alarm them that they may be defeated. In addition to this, we will receive them on the points of our spears. In this manner did it fall out: for, when the Flemings advanced to the combat, the knights and squires began to utter their war cries, insomuch that the constable and vanguard, who had not yet crossed the bridge, heard them, and said, “Our friends are engaged: may God help them! for at this moment we are unable to give them any assistance.” Peter du Bois marched in front, and was followed by his Flemings; but, when they approached the French, they were received on the sharp points of their long Bordeaux spears, to which their coats of mail made not more resistance than if they had been of cloth thrice doubled, so that they passed through their bodies, heads and stomachs.
When the Flemings felt these sharp spears which impaled them, they fell back, and the French advancing gained ground upon them; for there were none so hardy but what feared their strokes. Peter du Bois was one of the first wounded and run through by a lance. It came quite out at his shoulder: he was also wounded on the head, and would have been instantly slain if it had not been for the body-guard he had formed, of thirty stout varlets, who taking him in their arms, carried him as quickly as they could out of the crowd. The mud from the causeway to Comines was so deep that all those people sunk in it up to the middle of their legs. The men at arms, who had been long accustomed to their profession, drove down and slew the Flemings without let or hindrance: they shouted, “Saint Py for ever!” “Laval, Sancerre, Anghien,” and the war-cries of others who were there. The Flemings were panic-struck, and began to give way, when they saw these knights attack them so vigorously and pierce them through with their spears. They retreated, and falling back on each other, were followed by the French, who marched through them or around them, always attacking the thickest bodies. They no more spared killing them than if they had been so many dogs; and they were in the right, for, had the Flemings conquered, they would have served them the same.
The Flemings, finding themselves thus driven back, and that the men at arms had won the causeway and bridge, counselled together, to set fire to the town, in hopes it would cause the French to retreat, or enable them to collect their people. This was executed, and fire set to several houses, which were instantly in flames; but they were disappointed in thinking by this to frighten the French, for they pursued them as valiantly as before, fighting and slaying them on the ground, or in the houses whither they had retreated. Upon this the Flemings made for the open plain, where they collected in a body. They sent to Vertain, Poperingue, Bergues, Rollers, Mesieres, Warneton and the other neighbouring towns, to urge them to come to their assistance at Commines. Those who fled, and the inhabitants of the villages near Commines, began to set their bells a-ringing, which clearly showed there was an engagement going forward. Some of them, however, began to slacken, and others to occupy themselves in saving what they could of their goods, and to carry them to Ypres or Courtray. Women and children ran thither, leaving their houses full of furniture, cattle and grain. Others again marched in haste towards Commines, to help their countrymen who were fighting.
While all this was passing, and those valiant knights who had crossed the Lis in boats were so gallantly engaged, the constable and vanguard were busily employed in attempting to repair the bridge and cross it. There was a very great throng, for the constable had given permission for all to pass it who could. There was much danger for those who crossed it first; and the lords who did so were obliged to step on targets thrown on the beams of the bridge. When they had crossed, they began to strengthen the bridge, for they found the planks lying on the ground, which they put in their proper places. 734 During the night two waggon-loads of hurdles were brought, which were of great use to them, so that shortly it was made as strong as ever. On the Tuesday the whole vanguard passed, took possession of the place, and, as they crossed, fixed their quarters in the town.
The earl of Flanders, hearing that the vanguard was engaged at the pass of Commines, sent thither six thousand infantry to their assistance; but when they arrived, the business was over and the bridge rebuilt. The constable sent them to Warneton to rebuild that bridge, that the baggage might pass it this Tuesday without delay. News was brought on Tuesday morning to the king of France at the abbey of Marquette, that the pass at Commines was won, and the vanguard on the other side, which was very agreeable to the king and his uncles. It was instantly determined that the king should cross the river; and, the king having heard mass with his lords and drank a cup, they mounted their horses and took the road to Commines. Those of the vanguard who were in Commines drove out the Flemings. There were slain of them in the streets and fields about four thousand, not including those killed in the pursuit, in wind-mills, and in monasteries, whither they had fled for shelter; for, as soon as the Bretons had crossed, they mounted their horses and began a chase after the Flemings, and overran the country, which was then rich and plentiful.
The lords de Rieux, de Laval, de Malatrait, the viscount de la Belliere and the lord de Combort, with their men, rode on until they came to Vertain, which is a large town: it was taken and burnt, and those found in it were put to death. The Bretons had great profit from their pillage, as well as the others who had spread abroad over the country. They found the houses full of draperies, furs, with cloths of gold and silver: for, trusting to the strength of the passage over the river Lis, the Flemings had not carried away any thing from their houses to the strong towns.
The first Bretons, Normans and Burgundians who entered Flanders by the pass at Commines, paid no attention to pieces of cloth, furs or jewels, but to the gold and silver which they found. However, those who followed cleared the whole country, for every thing was acceptable to them.
CHAPTER CXVII. — PHILIP VON ARTAVELD TAKES MEASURES TO RESIST THE FORCE OF THE KING OF FRANCE. — HE RECEIVES AN ANSWER FROM THE AMBASSADORS IN ENGLAND.
BAD news soon flies abroad. On Tuesday morning Philip von Artaveld heard, while he lay before Oudenarde, that the French had crossed the Lis on the Monday in boats, and had advanced as far as Commines, having conquered the Flemings posted there and in the adjacent parts; that about six thousand Flemings had been slain, and that Peter du Bois was supposed to be dead. Philip was thunderstruck at this intelligence; and he asked the lord de Harzelles, who was present, “what was to be done.” The lord de Harzelles replied, “You must go to Ghent, and collect as many people as you can in the town, and return with them hither: you must then march your whole army to Courtray; for when the king of France learns that you are marching in full force against him, he will consider well before he advances further into the country. We ought in a short time to receive news from our ambassadors in England. It may be that the king of England and his uncles will cross the sea with a large army, or perhaps they have already done so, which will be fortunate for us.”
“I am surprised,” answered Philip, “how the English can so long delay it, when they know they are to have free entrance into this country; and I marvel what they are thinking of, as well as our people who are there. Notwithstanding this, I will not hesitate going to Ghent to draw out the arriere-ban, with which I will return and offer battle to the king of France, whatever be the consequences. I am informed by Peter du bois, that the king of France has full twenty thousand men at arms, which constitute sixty thousand fighting men. I will draw up in battle-array as many to meet him; and if God, out of his grace, and the just cause we have, should enable me to defeat him, I shall be the most respected lord in the world; if I be discomfited, better fortune will befal a greater lord then myself.”
As Philip von Artaveld and the lord de Harzelles were thus conversing, some soldiers 735 arrived who had been at the battle of Commines, who confirmed the first intelligence. Philip said, “And Peter du Bois, is he dead, or a prisoner?” They answered, “Neither; but he has been severely wounded in the battle, and has retired to Bruges.” At these words, Philip mounted his horse and ordered thirty of his men to do the same, when he set out for Bruges. He quitted, however, the direct road, to view some of the garrison of Oudenarde who had made a sally the preceding night, but had been overpowered and slain: they were twelve in number who had been put to death. As he was then examining the dead, he saw, coming towards him from Ghent, a herald attached to the king of England, whose name was Chandos, though called Ireland king at arms. Philip was much pleased at the arrival of this herald, and asked “what news he had brought.” “My lord,” replied the herald, “five of your ambassadors returned to Ghent, accompanied by a knight called sir William Frenenton*, who, by orders from the king and council, bring letters (as we learnt from them at Dover) addressed to you as regent of Flanders. When you know the contents of these letters, and approve of the great alliance offered to you, large reinforcements will be instantly sent you on the return of the knight and his companions to England.” Philip said, — “I am not well satisfied with such an arrangement: the succours will come too late. Go to my quarters.” he ordered him to be conducted to the lodgings of the lord de Harzelles, that he might hear the news; while he took the road to Ghent, but in so melancholy a temper of mind that nothing could be got from him, nor could he be persuaded to enter into any agreeable conversation.
* “Sir W. Frenenton.” Q. if not Farringdon.
CHAPTER CXVIII. — THE KING OF FRANCE CORSSES THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES. — THE TOWN OF YPRES SURRENDERS TO HIM.
WE will now return to the king of France, and say how he went on. When intelligence was brought him of Commines being conquered, that the Flemings were dispersed, and the bridge rebuilt, he set out from the abbey of Marquette, where he had lodged, and marched with his whole army in battle-array, as was befitting him to do, towards Commines. The king and his uncles arrived at Commines on the Tuesday, and took up their lodgings in the town; from whence the vanguard had marched for the hill of Ypres, where they had fixed their quarters. On the Wednesday morning, the king advanced to the hill of Ypres, where he remained until the baggage and the remainder of his army should cross the river at Commines or at Warneton, for there were very numerous trains, and multitudes of horses.
On Wednesday, the king’s rear guard passed the bridge of Commines. It consisted of two thousand men at arms and two thousand cross-bows, under the command of the count d’Eu, the count de Blois, the count St. Pol, the count de Harcourt, the lords de Châtillon and de la Fere. These lords, with their men, lodged this Wednesday at Commines.
When night came, and these lords thought of reposing themselves after their march, they heard the cry, “To arms!” They thought certainly they should have a battle, and that the Flemings from Ypres, Cassel, Bergues, and their dependencies, were collected and on their march to attack them. The lords armed themselves, put on their helmets, displayed their banners before their lodgings: and, having lighted torches, each lord advanced to the causeway under his banner or pennon; as their men came, they drew up and arranged themselves under their proper banners; and thus they remained, half way up their legs in mud, almost the whole night. You may imagine if these lords had the best of it, such as the count de Blois and the others, who had not been accustomed to suffer such cold and comfortless nights as these a month before Christmas; but, when their honour was at stake, they minded it not, for they thought they should be attacked every moment: however, it was not so, for this was a false alarm caused by a scuffle among the varlets. Their lords, however, suffered for it, which they bore as well as they could.
On Thursday morning, the rearguard dislodged from Commines, and marched in good order towards their main army, which was encamped on the hill of Ypres, the vanguard, the battalion of the king and all. The principal commanders held a council, to consider whether 736 they should march to Ypres, Courtray, or Bruges. Whilst they remained there, the French foragers overran the country, where they found a marvellous quantity of beasts, grain, and all other provisions; for, since they had gained the passage at Commines, they were never in want. The inhabitants of Ypres, finding the king so near with his whole army, and the passage gained, were not much at their ease, and considered how they should act. The town-council assembled. The richest and chief inhabitants, who had been of the moderate party, but who had not dared to show it, proposed throwing themselves on the king’s mercy, and sending to him the keys of the town. The governor, who was from Ghent, appointed by Philip von Artaveld, would not listen to a surrender, but said, “Our town is sufficiently strong, and we are well provided with every thing. We will stand our ground; during which time Philip will assemble his forces, to combat the king and raise the siege.” Others replied, “That he was not assured this would so happen: that it was not in the power of Philip von Artaveld, nor of the whole country, to defeat the king of France, unless they had the assistance of the English, of which there was not any appearance; and that, in short, the best thing they could do would be to surrender themselves to the king of France.” High words ensued, which ended in a riot, in which the chief inhabitants were masters. The governor, named Peter Vauclaire, was slain. When this was over, they called to them two preaching friars, whom they sent to the king and his uncles on the hill of Ypres, to know if it were agreeable to them to enter into an amicable treaty with the town.
The king was advised to grant passports to twelve of the citizens and an abbot (who being at Ypres had interfered in this business) to come to the camp, and explain more fully what their intentions were. The friars returned to the town, when the twelve citizens elected by the council and inhabitants, and the abbot, went to mount Ypres, where, casting themselves on their knees, they offered to place the town under the king’s obedience for ever, and without any terms of reservation. The king of France following the good advice which was given him, to gain the country by gentle means, and not wishing to show any ill will or cruelty, received them kindly, and accepted their offer; on condition that the town should pay forty thousand francs, to defray the smaller expenses which this expedition had hitherto cost.
The inhabitants of Ypres were much rejoiced at this event, and never afterwards rebelled. Thus were the citizens pardoned. They entreated the king and his uncles would be pleased to partake of some refreshments in their town, which would give great joy to the inhabitants. A promise was in truth made them, that the king should come thither, when he should be further advanced in Flanders. Upon this the deputation returned to the town, mightily pleased to find themselves at peace with the king of France. The forty thousand francs were instantly raised among themselves, and paid to the king, or to his commissioners, before he made his entry into Ypres.
CHAPTER CXIX. — THE KING OF FRANCE RECEIVES INFORMATION OF A RIOT AMONG THE PARISIANS. — SEVERAL PLACES IN FLANDERS SURRENDER TO HIM.
DURING the time the king of France was encamped on the hill of Ypres, news was brought that the Parisians were in rebellion: and that they had resolved, as it was then reported, to pull down the castle of Beauté, which is situated in the wood of Vincennes, and the castle of the Louvre, as well as all other castellated houses in the neighbourhood of Paris, to prevent being oppressed in future by their means. One of their leaders made a speech to excite to mischief, but which, however, as it appeared afterwards, turned out quite the contrary: — “My fair sirs, let us abstain from doing this, until we see how the king’s affairs turn out in Flanders. If the Ghent men succeed, as I truly hope they will, then will be the time to destroy all these castles. Let us not begin any thing which we may repent of afterwards.” It was Nicholas de Flamand who by this speech made the Parisians give up their attentions of committing outrages. They kept within the walls of Paris, which they had amply supplied with every thing; and has as rich and handsome armour as if they had been great lords. There were upwards of thirty thousand armed from head to foot, like true men at 737 arms, and more than thirty thousand armed with mallets. They worked day and night in forging helmets, and purchased armour wherever it was to be sold.
Now consider what a sad devilment it would have been, if the king of France, and the gallant chivalry with which he was accompanied, had been defeated in Flanders. It may readily be supposed, that then all the nobility would have been destroyed in France, as well as in other places; for the Jacquerie were never so ferocious as they would at such a time have been. In like manner the peasants began to rebel at Rheims, at Châlons in Champagne, and down the river Marne, and to menace those gentlemen, ladies and children who had remained at home. At Orleans, Blois, Rouen, and in the Beauvoisis, the devil had entered their heads to prompt them to murder every one, if God had not provided a remedy, as you will soon have related.
When those of the castlewicks of Cassel, Bergues, Bourbourg, Gravelines, Furnes, Dunkerque, Poperingue, Tourrout, Vaillant, and Malines, had heard that the men of Ypres had surrendered and put themselves under the obedience of the king of France, who had graciously pardoned them, they began to be much alarmed. After these towns had well considered the business, the inhabitants seized their governors, whom Philip von Artaveld had put over them, and having bound them strongly, so that they could not escape, led them to the king on mount Ypres, in order to please him and to appease his anger. On their arrival, they cast themselves on their knees and said, — “Noble king, we put our lives, towns, and fortunes under your obedience, and wish so to remain. In order to show that we regard you as our true lord, here are the governors whom Philip von Artaveld had set over us; for by force, and not otherwise, has he made us obey him: you may do your pleasure with them, for they have governed us according to their wills.” The king was advised by his lords to grant his pardon to all these towns: on condition, however, that they should pay him, as part of his expenses in this war, sixty thousand francs. All the provisions were to be given up, and whatever cattle might be found in the fields; but they were assured that their towns should neither be burnt nor pillaged. This was very satisfactory to them, and they greatly thanked the king and his council. They were much rejoiced on finding they had escaped so well; but the governors of Philip von Artaveld, who had been carried thither, were beheaded on the bridge of Ypres.
No mention whatever was made in these treaties and submissions of the earl of Flanders: nor was he, or any of his court, ever summoned to the councils of the king. If he was displeased at this I am ignorant, but during the whole expedition he was treated in the same manner. None of his people were permitted to quit the army, or the battalion which was posted by orders of the master of the cross-bows, on the wings, although they were Flemings. It was also ordered by the king, under pain of death, that no one in the army should speak Flemish, nor carry any stick bound with iron.*
* Baston à virolle, literally, “a stick with a ferule.” — ED.
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