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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., Volume II, London: William Smith, 1848. pp. 21-35.
CHAPTER CL. — THE TRUCES WHICH HAD BEEN MADE BETWEEN THE FRENCH, THE ENGLISH AND THEIR ALLIES, ARE PROCLAIMED IN SCOTLAND. — THE FRENCH KNIGHTS, ON THEIR RETURN FROM SCOTLAND, ARE IN GREAT DANGER FROM THEIR ZEALOUSNESS.
AT the end of two days, the council agreed on an answer. Sir Simon Burley, chamberlain to the king, drew it up; and by these means all disputes were settled. To say the truth, the lords of England who had been at the conference at Bolinghen had not acted very honourably when they had consented to order their men to march to Scotland and burn the country, knowing that a truce would speedily be concluded: and the best excuse they could make was, that it was the French, and not they, who were to signify such truce to the Scots. The herald was told, that in God’s name he was welcome, and that it was the intention of the king of England, his uncles and council, to keep and maintain what they had sealed and sworn to, and that they would no ways infringe it, but, on the contrary, would preserve it, for those who had been most active had lost the most. The herald demanded all this to be put in writing, that he might the more readily be believed. They made him rich presents, and in such quantity that he was well contented, and greatly thanked the king and his nobles. Having left London, he continued his journey until he arrived in Scotland, where the ambassadors from France were waiting to know his answer, for they were anxious to learn how the English would conduct themselves. When they saw the answers from the king and his uncles, in the sealed letters which were delivered to them, they were well satisfied and much rejoiced thereat. Thus was the truce continued for this year between England and Scotland, and for greater security it was proclaimed throughout the two kingdoms.
The French ambassadors returned to their own country, through England, without any accident, and related to the king of France and his uncles what they had done, and the opposition they had met with: in short, they recounted every thing you have just heard. When sir Geoffry de Charny and the French knights in his company found that the truce was to be established between Scotland and England, they took their leave of the barons of Scotland, more especially of the earls of Douglas and Moray, who had shown them much kindness. These barons of Scotland, as well as some other knights, said to them, joking, — “Gentlemen, you have seen the condition and manner of our country, but you have not seen its whole strength and power. Know that Scotland is the country of the world most dreaded by the English; for we can, as you have seen, enter England at our pleasure, 22 without any danger from the sea: if we were in greater numbers, we should do them more mischief than we are now able to do. Be so good therefore, when you are in France, to tell this to your knights and squires, who shall be eager for renown, to excite them to come hither in search of deeds of arms. We can assure you, that if we had a thousand lances from France, with the good people here, we would give such a considerable blow to England that it should be visible for forty years to come. Have the goodness to remember this when you shall be on the other side of the water.”
The French knights replied they would not fail to do so, for it was not a thing to be forgotten. Upon this, they embarked on board a vessel they had engaged to carry them to Sluys; but they had contrary winds when at sea, which obliged them to run for a port in Zealand called la Virille*. When they landed there, they thought they were in a place of safety, but were disappointed, for the Normans had lately visited that coast, and had done, as it was said, much mischief to the Zealanders. These knights and squires were in great danger; for, while a different language was held in the town, their vessel was seized, their trunks broken open, and their arms taken away, and they themselves in risk of losing their lives.
At that time there was in the town a squire of the count de Blois, whose name was Jacob, an agreeable man, who assisted them in all things. He talked with the principal people of the town, and with such good effect that a part of their baggage was restored to them. In order to save them from their peril, for he knew the people were much enraged against them, and had intentions of attacking them on the sea, as they had sent notice of their plans to the neighbouring towns, and were in sufficient force to do so, he showed them much courtesy, and, out of affection to them, explained how greatly the country was exasperated against them, but that, out of regard to his lord and the realm of France, he would counteract it. They warmly thanked him for his kind intentions. Well, what did Jacob do? He went to a mariner and hired a vessel to carry him and his company wherever he pleased, saying his intentions were to go to Dordrecht. The mariners having agreed to the proposal, he and his company embarked on board the vessel, and at first made for Dordrecht; but, when Jacob saw it was time to alter their course, he said to the sailors, “Now, mind what I am going to say: I have hired with my money this vessel to carry me whithersoever I shall please: turn, therefore, the helm for Strueghene†, as I want to go thither.” The sailors refused to do so, saying they had been only engaged to sail to Dordrecht. “Attend to me,” replied Jacob: “do what I have ordered you, if you do not wish to be put to death.” The sailors dared not make any reply, for they were not the strongest; so they at once turned the helm and set the sails, and made for the town of Estrimohee‡, where they arrived without fear of danger, for it belonged to the count de Blois. After they had refreshed themselves they departed and returned through Brabant and Hainault to their own country, thanking Jacob for the kindness he had done them.
When sir Geoffry de Charny, sir John de Plaissy and the other knights and squires who had been in Scotland, returned to France, they were interrogated as to news from the country. They related all they had seen and heard from the barons and knights of Scotland. Sir John de Vienne, admiral of France, conversed on the subject with sir Geoffry de Charny, who was surprised, as well as other barons of France, to hear that the French, through Scotland, could gain an easy entrance into England. Sir Hemart de Massé continued the conversation, and added, the Scots could not any way love the English; and he had been directed to say this by order of the Scots council, that the king of France and his uncles might have information of it. The French instantly determined, as soon as the truces should be expired, to send a powerful army to Scotland to lay waste England. This was planned by the dukes of Berry and Burgundy, who at that time governed the realm at their pleasure, and the constable of France; but the whole was kept very secret.
* “La Virille.” — Q. if not la Brille.
† “Strueghene.” — Q. Gertruydenbergh.
‡ “Estrimohee.” — Q.
CHAPTER CLI. — THE LORD DESTOURNAY ASSEMBLES FORCES OF RETAKE OUDENARDE. — HE CONQUERS IT BY STRATAGEM.
YOU have before heard who Francis Atremen took by scalado the town of Oudenarde, while the treaties for a truce were negotiating before Bergues and Bourbourg, to the great surprise of Tournay and the adjacent towns. The garrison of Oudenarde, during this time, had overrun the country: and done much mischief to the territories of Tournay: the whole estate of the lord Destournay was under their subjection. They had at the feast of Christmas collected his rents and duty-fowls, from the towns belonging to him, for their own use, which displeased him and his friends exceedingly. He therefore declared, that whatever truce or respite there might be between the kings of France and England with the Flemings, he should not pay any attention to it, but would exert himself in doing them as much damage as he was able, for they had so grievously oppressed him that he was become a poor man.
The lord Destournay turned his whole attention to retake Oudenarde, and succeeded through the friendship of some knights and squires from France, Flanders and Hainault, who assisted him in it. When he sent to these friends, several were ignorant of his intentions. The expedition was undertaken on the 17th day of May 1384; for the lord Destournay learnt by his spies, that Francis Atremen was gone to Ghent, trusting to the truce which had been made with the French: by so doing he committed a fault, and was no longer attentive to guard Oudenarde, as I shall relate. The lord Destournay formed a considerable ambuscade of four hundred knights, squires and good men at arms, whom he had entreated to assist him. These he posted in the wood of Lart, near to the gate of Oudenarde. There were among them sir John du Moulin, sir James de la Trimouille, sir Gilbert and sir John Cacquelan, sir Roland de l’Espierre, sir Blanchart de Calonne, and the lord d’Estripouille, who was created a knight.
I will now relate their stratagem, and how those of Oudenarde were deceived by it. They filled two carts with provision, which they put under the charge of four hardy and determined men dressed as carters, clothed in grey frocks, but armed underneath. These carters drove the carts to Oudenarde, and gave the guards to understand that they had brought provision from Hainault to victual the place. The guards not thinking but all was right, drew up the portcullis, and allowed them to advance on the bridge. The carters knocked out the pins which held the traces of the horses, and flung them into the ditch. Upon this, the guards cried out to them, “Why do you not drive on?” and taking hold of the horses, drove them before them, and thus left the carts standing, for, as I said, they were unharnessed. The guards then found out that they had been deceived and betrayed, and began to strike the carters, who defended themselves ably: for they were well armed under their frocks, and were men of tried courage. Having killed two of the guards, they were instantly reinforced; for the lord Destournay followed them so close with his men, that the guards fled into the town, crying out, “Treason, treason!” but, before the townsmen could be awakened, the men at arms had entered it, and killed all who put themselves on their defence, shouting out as they came to the square, “Victory!” Thus was Oudenarde won. Of the Ghent men, full three hundred were killed or drowned. A large sum was found in the town belonging to Francis Atremen, which I heard amounted to fifteen thousand francs.
News was soon spread abroad, that Oudenarde had been taken during the truce, which angered the Ghenters much, as was natural, for it nearly affected them. They held a meeting on this subject, and resolved to send to the duke of Burgundy to remonstrate with him on the capture of Oudenarde during the truce, and to say, that if it were not delivered back to them they should consider the truce as broken. But the duke excused himself, declaring he had not interfered any way in the business, and that as God might help him, he was entirely ignorant of this expedition of the lord Destournay: he added, that he would willingly write to him, which he did, and order him to give back Oudenarde, for it was neither honourable to him nor agreeable to the duke to capture any towns, castles, or forts during a truce.
The lord Destournay acknowledged the letters from the duke, and in answer said, that the garrison of Oudenarde had always made war on his lands, whether truce or no truce, and had 24 seized on his inheritance, and that he had never consented to any truce with them; that he had conquered Oudenarde in fair war, and that he would keep possession of it as his own proper inheritance until Flanders and Ghent should be completely re-united, for his other property had been ruined by the war. Things remained in this state, for nothing better could be done.
Francis Atremen was very much blamed for not having better guarded the place, and especially by the lord de Harzelles, insomuch that Francis was wroth with the knight, and high words ensued, adding, whatever he might have done in regard to Oudenarde, he had always acquitted himself loyally towards Ghent. This provoked answers, and the lie was given on both sides. Shortly after, the lord de Harzelles was killed; and some say that Francis Atremen and Peter du Bois were the authors of it. About this time, the Ghent men requested the king of England to send them a valiant man for governor, and one who was connected with the crown by blood. In consequence, the king sent to Ghent one of his knights, a gallant man of sufficient prudence to govern the town: his name was sir John Bourchier*, who remained governor of Ghent upwards of a year and a half.
* “Sir John Bourchier.” Lord Bourchier of Essex. See Dugdale.
CHAPTER CLII. — THE DUKE OF ANJOU DIES AT A CASTLE NEAR NAPLES. — HIS WIDOW IS ADVISED TO SOLICIT THE POPE FOR THE POSSESSION OF PROVENCE.
YOU have before heard how the duke of Anjou, who styled himself king of Sicily and Jerusalem, had marched into la Puglia and Calabria, and had conquered the whole country as far as Naples: but the Neapolitans would never turn to his party, and continued the support they had always given to the lord Charles Durazzo. The duke of Anjou remained on this expedition three whole years; you may suppose, therefore, that his expenses were very great, for there is no treasury, however rich, but men at arms will drain it: whoever is desirous of their services must pay them well, if they expect any advantage from them. It must certainly have cost the duke immense sums of money; but those who sunk his treasury the deepest were the earl of Savoy and the Savoyards. That earl, however, and a great many of his knights, died on this expedition, which weakened the duke of Anjou in men. It was on this account that he sent to France to implore the assistance of his brothers the duke of Berry and Burgundy, who did not fail him in his necessities, but replied that they would support him with men and money. These two dukes considered who would be the proper persons to send on this expedition. After having maturely weighed everything, they thought they could not fix better than on the gallant lord de Coucy and the lord d’Anghien, count de Conversano*, whose earldom is situated in la Puglia.
These two lords, having been solicited to undertake the business by the king of France and his uncles, cheerfully complied, for it was highly honourable to them. They instantly began their preparations, and set off as speedily as possible with a handsome company of men at arms; but when they arrived at Avignon, and were busily employed in forwarding their troops and other business, certain intelligence was brought them of the death of the duke of Anjou at a castle near Naples†. The lord de Coucy, on hearing this, advanced no further, seeing that the expedition was at an end; but the lord de Conversano continued his march, for he had many things to settle in his own country, in la Puglia and in Conversano. This intelligence was soon known in France to the king and his uncles, who supported the death of the king of Sicily as well as they could.
When madame d’Anjou, who resided at Angers, heard of the death of her lord, you may imagine she was greatly afflicted. The count Guy de Blois her cousin-german, who lived at Blois, on receiving the news, set out with all his equipage to visit her at Angers, where he remained a considerable time comforting and advising her to the best of his abilities. From 25 thence the queen came to France (for she styled herself queen of Naples, Sicily, la Puglia, Calabria, and Jerusalem) to wait on the king and the dukes of Berry and Burgundy, to have their advice and comfort: she was accompanied by her two sons, Louis and Charles. The lady was advised by the nobles of her blood to go to Avignon, and entreat of the pope that she might have possession of Provence, which is a territory dependent on Sicily. The queen approved the advice, and made preparations for her journey, carrying with her her eldest son Louis, who was everywhere on the road called king, from being heir to the king his father; but these affairs were not so speedily terminated as I have pointed them out.
* Conversano is a town in the Neapolitan dominions, near Bari: its bishopric is suffragan to Bari.
† He died at Bisélia, near Bari, the 20th or 21st September, 1384. — Art de Vérifier les Dates.
The authors of the Nouveau Dictionnaire Historique, by mistake, have placed his death at Paris, but with the same date.
CHAPTER CLIII. — PREPARATIONS ARE MADE IN FRANCE FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE WAR WITH ENGLAND. — THE DUCHESS OF BRABANT SUCCEEDS IN FORMING A MARRIAGE BETWEEN THE CHILDREN OF BURGUNDY AND THOSE OF HAINAULT.
DURING the winter, the French were busily employed in preparations to send forces to Scotland; but the truces were prolonged between the French and English, and their allies, from Michaelmas to the ensuing first day of May. They, however, continued their preparations by sea and land, for it was the intention of the council of France to carry on the war with vigour in the course of the next summer; and the admiral of France was to sail for Scotland with two thousand spears, knights and squires. On the other hand, the duke of Bourbon and the count de la Marche were ordered into Languedoc, Limousin, and Auvergne, with two thousand men, to recover certain castles which the English and pillagers held, and which did much mischief to the country. Great numbers of battle-axes were ordered to be made in Picardy and Hainault for the expedition into Scotland; and in Artois, Lille, Douay, and Tournay, much biscuit was made, and various other stores got ready along the coast from Harfleur to Sluys, which was the principal harbour whence this armament was intended to embark.
The duchess of Brabant, widow of Winceslaus duke of Bohemia, by whose death she had lost a companion and much comfort, which had caused her great grief, resided with her attendants at Brussels. She was much hurt at the troubles which existed in Flanders, and, if she had possessed the means, would most cheerfully have put an end to them; for she was daily hearing how the Ghent men were strengthening themselves by an alliance with the English, who promised them great support. She also saw that her nephew and niece of Burgundy, who were in truth her heirs, and among the greatest princes of the world, as well by their own heritages, as by what they had in reversions, were very uneasy at these disturbances in Ghent. She knew that duke Albert, regent of Hainault, had two fine sons and two handsome daughters, neither of whom were yet married; but she had heard that the duke of Lancaster was very desirous to accomplish the marriage of his daughter Philippa, who had been borne to him by the lady Blanche, his first wife, with the eldest son of duke Albert, who, by his own right, was heir to the countries of Hainault, Holland, and Zealand.
This lady foresaw, that if such an alliance should take place between Hainault and England, the French would be much hurt, and the fair country of Hainault harassed either secretly or openly, by all those who should pass and repass from France to Flanders. In addition to this, the Hollanders and Zealanders who bordered on the sea assisted the Ghent men in various ways, of which the duke of Burgundy and his council had been informed. He did not love duke Albert the better for this; not, however, that he was any way to be blamed for it; for with regard to the Hollanders and Zealanders, as the war in Flanders no way concerned them, he could not, neither ought he to have, forbidden the free course of commerce.
The good lady having considered all these things, and the dangerous consequences which might ensue, resolved to bring the duke of Burgundy and duke Albert to a good understanding, and offered herself as guarantee of all the treaties. She was determined also to prevail on the duke of Burgundy to receive the men of Ghent into his mercy. Clerks and messengers were immediately set to work: and she managed so well that a conference was fixed to meet at Cambray on the part of the two dukes. They both assented to it, as well as their council, though neither of them knew the subjects this conference was to treat of. 26 To this conference, which they had under their seals appointed to be holden at Cambray on the twelfth day in the ensuing January, the two dukes came, attended by their councils. The duchess of Brabant came thither also, who was the mover in the business. She first addressed the duke of Burgundy, saying, “He was the greatest prince on earth, and had very fine children: she, however, would be more happy if they were placed in a different situation from what they actually occupied, which would increase their worth; and, for the present, she could neither see nor point out any better place than Hainault, Holland, and Zealand, which would unite the whole country together, and give greater fear and alarm to its enemies; for, ‘fair nephew,’ added she to the duke of Burgundy, ‘I know for a truth, that the duke of Lancaster, who is so powerful in England, is extremely anxious for his daughter to espouse my nephew, William of Hainault, and I certainly wish such good fortune may fall to your children rather than to the English.’” “My good aunt,” replied the duke of Burgundy, “I return you my thanks, and, as a proof that I believe you, I shall allow you to unite my daughter Margaret with the youth of Hainault.” Upon such good success, she instantly began to treat of this marriage. Duke Albert, to whom the proposition was quite new, replied very courteously, but said, he had not with him those whom he wished to consult on the subject. “And what advice do you want?” answered the duchess, “when it is a question to act properly, and keep your country in peace.” “My wife,” replied the duke; “for without her I shall do nothing: she is as much interested in my children as I am; and, besides, fair aunt, it will be proper that the nobility of the country be apprised of it.” The duchess answered, “Well, God’s will be done.” She thought the best she could now do was to let them separate in good humour with each other, and desire they would permit her to call them again together in the same city during Lent, and that they would bring the duchess of Burgundy and madame de Hainault, with their councils, along with them.
The lady acted in all this so secretly, that very few persons knew anything of the matter, nor why this conference had been holden. In this state the two dukes left Cambray: the duke of Burgundy went to the city of Arras, where his lady was, and duke Albert returned to his duchess in Holland. The duchess of Brabant returned to her own country, and continually wrote to each party, but secretly. She had great difficulty to bring them and their ladies to Cambray, and laboured hard at it; for she was very eager this marriage should take place, to confirm the union and friendship of Flanders, Brabant, and Hainault. The duchess managed so well that the different parties and their councils met her and her council at Cambray, where was a grand display of pomp, for each was anxious to do honour to the other. The duchess Margaret of Burgundy and the duchess Margaret of Hainault were present, and the last very active in this business. She said, that if they wished to marry their son with Margaret of Burgundy, John of Burgundy must marry her daughter, by which the ties of affection would be more strengthened.
This business had been delayed four or five days by an obstacle which had arisen from the council of the duke of Burgundy, who stated that duke Albert had only a reversionary interest in Hainault, for his elder brother William was then alive, though dangerously ill at Quesnoy, and he might survive his brother, and if that should happen, it was clear his other brothers would have the government of Hainault, and the children of duke Albert be driven from thence. This obstacle delayed the marriage a short time, which was employed in 27 proving that duke Albert had no other brother but William, and that the country of Hainault must descend to him and to his children. When all this was cleared up, there was not any longer delay, but the marriages were concluded and sworn to for William of Hainault to have for his wife Margaret of Burgundy, and John of Burgundy to espouse Margaret of Hainault. They were all to return to Cambray the octave of Easter, in the year of grace 1385, to perform the ceremonies of this marriage.
CHAPTER CLIV. — THE KING AND THE NOBLES OF FRANCE AND HAINAULT LAY IN GREAT PROVISION OF STORES AT CAMBRAY. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER SENDS AMBASSADORS TO THE EARL OF HAINAULT. — THE MARRIAGES OF THE CHILDREN OF BURGUNDY AND HAINAULT ARE CONCLUDED.
THINGS were in this state when they all left Cambray. The duke of Burgundy returned to the king in France; the duchess to Arras. Duke Albert and his duchess went to Quesnoy in Hainault; and the duchess of Brabant to her own country. Carpenters and masons, and all sorts of workmen, were instantly sent to prepare hôtels in the city of Cambray, and purveyors were also ordered thither to lay in vast quantities of provision; it was proclaimed, that every store was to be delivered into the city the week before the octave of Easter. When the king of France heard of this, he said that he would be present at the marriages of his cousins; and commanded his maîtres-d’hôtel to lay in there such provisions as was befitting him. The palace of the bishop had been retained for the duke of Burgundy, and was already preparing for him; but it was necessary to give it up to the king, and workmen were set to embellish it in a royal manner, as it appears at this day: for never was there a feast in the memory of man, nor for these last two hundred years, that had such grand preparations made for it. The nobility, in order to appear with the most pomp and magnificence, were no more sparing of their money than if it had rained gold on them: and each endeavoured to outshine the other.
Intelligence of these marriages was carried to England, and how the dukes of Burgundy and Albert intended uniting their children together. The duke of Lancaster (who had nourished the hope that William of Hainault would choose his daughter, at least he had so been given to understand) was pensive and melancholy at this news; in order to be better assured of it, he determined to send, as ambassadors, knights and squires of his household to Ghent, with instructions to talk with duke Albert on the subject. When they arrived at Ghent, they found there the lord Bourchier, Francis Atremen and Peter du Bois, who entertained them handsomely for two or three days. They then departed and went to Mons in Hainault; from thence to Quesnoy where duke Albert resided, and waited on him. The duke, the duchess, and their children, in honour of the duke of Lancaster received the English very politely, and the duke entertained them well, as did the lord de Gouvingen.
The master of the wool-staple of all England, being one of the envoys, delivered his credential letters, and spoke first. He strongly recommended the duke of Lancaster to his cousin duke Albert, and then began on the subjects with which he had been charged. Among other topics, as I have been informed, he asked the duke if it were his intention to persevere in the proposed union of his children with those of the duke of Burgundy. This speech moved a little the duke’s choler, who replied, “Yes, sir, by my faith do I: why do you ask?” “My lord,” said he, “I mention it because my lord of Lancaster has hitherto had hopes that the lady Philippa, his daughter, would have been the wife of my lord William your son.” Upon this, duke Albert said, — “My friends, tell my cousin, that when he marries any of his children, I shall never interfere: he therefore need not trouble himself about mine, nor how I marry them, nor with whom, nor when.” This was the only answer the English duke had from duke Albert. The master of the staple and his companions took leave of the duke after dinner and went to Valenciennes, where they lay that night: on the morrow they returned to Ghent. More of them I know not, but I believe they returned to England.
Easter was the time fixed for the king of France, the dukes of Burgundy, of Bourbon, the duke Albert with the duchess his lady, the duchesses of Burgundy and of Brabant, sir 28 William and sir John de Namur, to be at Courtray [???]. The king resided in the bishop’s palace, and each lord and lady at their own hôtels. You may easily imagine, that where the king of France was and so many of his nobles, there would also be the flower of his knighthood. The king arrived at Cambray on the Monday by dinner-time. All the nobles and ladies, having preceded him, went to meet him out of his city; into which he was escorted, and conducted to the palace, to the sound of numerous trumpets and minstrels. On Monday, the contracts of marriage were signed in the presence of the king and his nobles. The lord William was to possess from thenceforward the county of Ostrevant*, and the lady Margaret his wife was to have the whole territory and castlewick of Arque† in Brabant: the duke of Burgundy gave besides to his daughter one hundred thousand francs. Thus were the portions settled.
On Tuesday, at the hour of high mass, they were married, in the cathedral church of our Lady in Cambray, with great solemnity, by the bishop of Cambray, whose name was John, and a native of Brussels. There was a very magnificent dinner at the palace, to which were invited many of the great nobles. The king of France had the bridegrooms with their brides seated at his table. Several of the principal lords served the king and his guests, mounted on large war-horses. The constable and the admiral of France were seated at table. Sir Guy de la Trimouille and sir William de Namur served, with many other great barons of France. There had not been, for five hundred years, so magnificent or renowned a solemnity seen in Cambray as was that of which I am now speaking.
After this noble and grand dinner, great numbers of lords and knights armed and made themselves ready for the tournament. It was held in the market-place, and there were forty knights. The king of France tilted with a knight from Hainault called sir Nicholas d’Espinoit. This tournament was very handsome: the tilts were well performed and lasted a considerable time: a young knight, called sir John Destrenne, from near Beaumont in Hainault, won the prize. This knight tilted to the satisfaction of the lords and ladies, and received as the prize a clasp of precious stones, which the duchess of Burgundy took from her breast; and the admiral of France and sir Guy de la Trimouille presented it to him. These feasts and amusements continued until Friday, when they took leave of the king after dinner; and the king, the lords and the ladies, departed from Courtray. The duchess of Burgundy carried with her, to Arras, Margaret of Hainault, her daughter-in-law: and madame de Hainault carried madam Margaret of Burgundy to Quesnoy. Thus ended all this business.
* Ostrevant, or island of St. Amand. This was formerly a part of the country of Valenciennes. It lies on the borders of Flanders and Artois. — Baudrand.
† Q. if not Ath.
CHAPTER CLV. — THE DUKE OF BERRY BETROTHES HIS DAUGHTER TO THE SON OF THE COUNT DE BLOIS. — THE DUKE OF BOURBON AND THE COUNT DE LA MARCHE ISSUE THEIR SUMMONS TO INVADE LIMOUSIN.
ABOUT this time there was a treaty of marriage between Louis de Blois, son of the count Guy de Blois, and the lady Mary de Berry, daughter of the duke of Berry. The count de Blois carried his countess and his son Louis, well attended by lords and ladies, to Bourges in Berry, where the duke and duchess were waiting for them, who received them and their company most magnificently. Every thing was there settled respecting this marriage, and the archbishop of Bourges betrothed them in the presence of a large company of nobility of both sexes. The marriage was not solemnised at that time, because both were very young; but all the contracts and engagements were signed, as to its future completion, in the presence of several great barons and knights. There were, at this betrothing, great feasts of dinners, suppers, dancings and carollings; after which, the count and countess returned with their son to Blois, The young lady remained with the duchess her mother, at a handsome castle in Berry called Mehun sur Yvre.*
At this time, the duke of Berry set out for Auvergne, Languedoc and Avignon, to visit pope Clement. It had been before determined that the duke de Bourbon and the count de 29 la Marche should enter Limousin, with two thousand men at arms, to free the country from the English thieves, who were pillaging it; for there were still some castles in Poitou and Saintonge whose garrisons did much mischief; and, complaints of them having been made, the duke of Berry was desirous of providing a remedy for them. He had therefore entreated his cousin the duke of Bourbon to undertake it, and not to quit Limousin or Saintonge until he should have conquered the castle of Vertueil: for it was from that garrison the country had suffered the most. The duke of Bourbon accepted the command, and issued his summons for the assembling of his vassals at Moulins in the Bourbonnois, the first day of June. From thence they amrched towards Limoges, and were met by several bodies of men at arms. The duke de Bourbon had at that time for his squire an amiable gentleman called John Bonne Lance†, master and captain of his men at arms. Of all the flower of his knights and squires, certainly this squire was well worthy of such a command.
The count de la Marche was to accompany the duke de Bourbon in this expedition, and made his preparations in the town of Tours.
* “Mehun sur Yvre,” — four leagues from Bourges.
† “Bonne Lance.” I suspect this is a nom de guerre, for no mention is made of him under this name in the life of the duke.
CHAPTER CLVI. — SIR JOHN DE VIENNE, ADMIRAL OF FRANCE, SAILS TO SCOTLAND, TO CARRY ON THE WAR AGAINST THE ENGLISH AT THE EXPIRATION OF THE TRUCE.
AT this period, those men at arms who had been fixed on to accompany sir John de Vienne, admiral of France, to Scotland, arrived at Sluys in Flanders. He was to have under his command a thousand lances, knights, and squires, and, I believe, they were all there: for such was the ardour of those who wished to advance themselves, that several went with the admiral though they had not been summoned.
The fleet was ready prepared at Sluys, and the stores in great abundance and good. They embarked arms sufficient for twelve hundred men from head to foot. These they had brought from the castle of Beauté, near Paris, and they were the arms of the Parisians, which had been ordered to be deposited there. With the admiral were plenty of excellent men at arms, of the flower of knighthood. It was the intention of the admiral to give these arms to the knights and squires of Scotland, the better to succeed in their enterprise; for sir Geoffry de Charny and the others had told the king, on their return home last year, that the Scots were very poorly armed.
I will now name some of those lords of France who went into Scotland, First, sir John de Vienne, admiral of France, the count de Grand-pré, the lords de Verdenay, de Sainte Croix, the lord de Montbury, sir Geoffry de Charny, sir William de Vienne, sir James de Vienne, lord D’Espaigny, sir Girard de Bourbonne, the lord de Hetz, sir Florimont de Quissy, the lord de Marnel, sir Valeran de Rayneval, the lord de Beausang, the lord de Wainbrain, the lord de Rinolle, baron d’Yury, the lord de Coucy, sir Perceval d’Ameual, the lord de Ferrieres, the lord de Fontaines, sir Bracquet de Braquemont, the lord de Grandcourt, the lord de Landon, a Breton, sir Guy la Personne, sir William de Courroux, sir John de Hangiers, sir Bery de Vinselin, cousin to the grand master of Prussia, and many other good knights whom I cannot name: there were a thousand lances, knights and squires, without reckoning the cross-bows and sturdy varlets.
They had favourable winds and a good voyage; for the weather was very fine, as it usually is in the month of May. The truces had expired between the French and English, the Ghent men and the Flemings, and in all other parts. War was sought for, as it seemed, in every quarter; and those knights and squires who went to Scotland gallantly wished for it, as they said, with the assistance of the Scots they would make a good campaign, and carry on a successful war against England. However, the English, who had received intelligence of this expedition, very much suspected whither it was bound.
CHAPTER CLVII. — THE PILLAGERS OF GHENT, SURNAMED PORKERS, COMMIT MUCH MISCHIEF. — FRANCIS ATREMEN DEFEATS SOME FRENCH TROOPS NEAR ARDEMBOURG.
THE lord Bourchier, who had the government of Ghent by order of the king of England and the captains of the commonalty, Francis Atremen, Peter du Bois and Peter le Nuitre, had made every preparation, knowing the war was to be renewed. They had been very busily employed during the truce, in strengthening and victualling the town of Ghent, as well as the castle of Gauvre and all other places under their obedience.
At this period, there were a set of vagabonds who had taken refuge in the wood of la Respaille, and had fortified themselves in a house so strongly that it could not be taken. They had been driven out of Alost, Grammont and other towns in Flanders: having wasted their all, and not knowing how to live otherwise than by plunder, they robbed and pillaged any one who fell in their way. The subject of universal conversation was these Porkers of la Respaille, which wood is situated between Regnais, Grammont, Anghien, and Lysines. They did much mischief in the castlewick of Ath, and on the lands of Floberge, Lysines and Anghien; and these pillagers were supported by Ghent. Under their countenance they committed many murders and robberies: they entered Hainault, from whence they dragged people out of their beds, and carried them to their fort, when they ransomed them, and thus made war on all mankind. The lord de Baudrius and de la Morte, castellan of Ath, watched them several times, but he could never catch them, for they were too well acquainted with the means of escaping. They were so much dreaded on the borders of Hainault and Brabant that none dared to travel those roads, nor through that part of the country.
The duke of Burgundy, in consequence of the renewal of the war, had reinforced the garrisons of his towns and castles in Flanders with men and stores. The lord de Guistelles was commander in Bruges, and sir John de Jumont in Courtray: for sir William de Namur was at that time lord of Sluys: sir Roger de Guistelles governed Damme, and sir Peter de la Sieple Ypres. Men at arms were stationed in all the frontier towns of Flanders by order of the duke of Burgundy. Sir Guy de Pontarleir, marshal of Burgundy, remained in garrison in the town of Ardembourg, with sir Rafflart de Flandres, sir John de Jumont, sir Henry du Coing, the lord de Montigny in Ostrevant, the lord de Longueval, sir John de Bernect, sir Peter de Bailleul, Belle-Fourriere, Phelippot Ganey, Raoullin de la Folie, and several more, to the amount of two hundred combatants. They determined among themselves to make an excursion into the Quatre Mestiers and ravage that country, for much provision was carried from thence into Ghent. They therefore, having fixed on a day for this enterprise, armed themselves and marched thither.
The same day that the French had fixed on for their expedition, about two thousand determined men had sallied out of Ghent under the command of Francis Atremen: accidentally they found themselves in a village in the midst of the French. When they had reconnoitred each other, they saw a battle was unavoidable. The French instantly dismounted, and grasping their lances, advanced on the enemy: the Ghent men, who were as numerous, did the same. The combat began sharply; but the Ghent men advanced into a pass which was much to their loss, where the battle was more severe: many gallant deeds were done, and many beat down. Sir Rafflart de Flanders in that place showed the greatest courage; and the knights and squires engaged the Ghent men with determined valour, as indeed it behoved them to do, for quarter was given to none. At last the Ghent men, by having superior numbers, gained the field, and the French were obliged to mount their horses or they would have been slain, for their opponents much outnumbered them. In this encounter were killed sir John de Bernect, sir Peter de Bailleul, Belle-Fourriers, Phelippot de Ganey, Raouilin du la Folie, and many others: the more the pity. The rest were obliged to fly and re-enter Ardembourg, or they must inevitably have been killed.
After this event, the viscount de Meaux was sent with all his men at arms to garrison Ardembourg, which he repaired and strengthened. He had with him several knights and squires who were good determined soldiers. At this time sir John de Jumont was great bailiff of Flanders, and had been so for the two preceding years. He was much feared 31 through all that country for his great prowess, and the deeds he had performed. Whenever he got hold of any Ghent men he put them to death, or had their eyes thrust out, or their hands, ears or feet cut off, and in this state sent them away to sere as an example to their fellow-citizens, He was so renowned throughout all Flanders for his pitiless justice in thus cruelly punishing the Ghent men, that no one was talked of but him in the whole country.
CHAPTER CLVIII. — THE DUCHESS OF ANJOU URGES HER CLAIM TO THE POSSESSION OF PROVENCE. — GALEAS VISCONTI, COUNT DE VERTUS, ORDERS HIS UNCLE BERNARDO VISCONTI TO BE IMPRISONED.
THUS was there confusion in all parts of the world, as well between the kings of France and England as between John king of Castille and the king of Portugal, for the war there had been renewed.
Madame d’Anjou, who retained the title of queen of Naples and Jerusalem, went to Avignon, where the pope resided, and there kept her state with her son Lewis, who styled himself king of Sicily, which his father had conquered. The queen had intentions to make war on the Provençals, if they did not acknowledge her as their sovereign lady and put themselves under her obedience. Sir Bernard de la Salle had already entered Provence and declared war in her name. At this time, the lord de Coucy was also at Avignon; for he had been confined to his bed for fifteen weeks from a bruise he had received on his leg during an excursion on horseback. On his recovery, he often visited the queen, and comforted her much, as he was well able to do. She was expecting the duke of Berry, who was on his road to Avignon to hold a conference with the pope, to assist her.
The king of France and his uncles had sent the lord Louis de Sancerre, marshal of France, to Provence, with five hundred men at arms, to make war on the Provençals, if they did not submit to the queen. Some had done so, but not all; however, the city of Marseilles and the greater part had surrendered themselves to her; but the cities of Aix and Tarascon, and some knights of the country, refused to admit her claim to the county of Provence, until she had been peaceably acknowledged as queen, and her son as king, of la Puglia, Calabria, Naples, and Sicily; and they said, that when she should be in quiet possession of the above, all Provence, as would be just, would obey her. The count de Conversano and his son sir John de Luxembourg made war for her in those distant parts, against the lord Charles Durazzo. Sir John de Bueil remained with the queen, at Avignon, as her counsellor.
At this period, another marvellous event happened in Lombardy, which was the subject of general conversation. The count de Vertus, whose name was John Galeas Visconti*, and his uncle were the greatest personages in all Lombardy. Sir Galeas and sir Bernabo were brothers, and had peaceably reigned and governed that country. One of these lords possessed nine cities, and the other ten; the city of Milan was under their government alternately, one year each. When sir Galeas, the father of the count de Vertus, died, the affections of the uncle for his nephew were much weakened; and sir Galeas suspected, that now his father was dead, his uncle Bernabo would seize his lordships, in like manner, as sir Galeas, his father, and uncle Bernabo had done to their brother sir Matthew, whom they had put to death. The count de Vertus was very suspicious, and plainly showed that he had his fears of this event taking place. However, by his actions and the capture he made, he proved himself the more subtle of the two. I will relate the circumstance.
Sir Bernabo heavily oppressed that part of Lombardy of which he was lord, and taxed his vassals, two or three times a-year, a half or a third of their wealth; but none dared to murmur against him. Sir Galeas, count de Vertus, to acquire popularity and praise, did not levy any taxes on his possessions, but simply lived on his rents. This mode he had followed for five years, ever since the death of his father, which gained him so much the love of the Lombards, that they all praised him, and lived happily under him; whilst, on the contrary, they abused underhand sir Bernabo, who would not leave them anything. The count de 32 Vertus (who had formed his plan, and was acting accordingly, from the suspicions he had of his uncle, and, as some said, from appearances having been manifested, that confirmed them) issued a secret summons to those in whom he confided the most: to some of whom he revealed his plan, but not to all, lest it should be made public. A day had been appointed by sir Bernabo to make an excursion of pleasure from one of his castles to another. Upon this, his nephew placed three ambuscades on the road sir Bernabo was to take; so that it was not possible but he must fall into one of them. He had ordered that he should be made prisoner, and on no account killed, unless he made too obstinate a defence.
Thus as sir Bernabo was riding from one town to another, mistrusting no evil, nor any way thinking of his nephew, but considering himself as perfectly safe, he entered one of the ambuscades, when the men planted in ambush instantly advanced to him full speed and with lances in their rests. Sir Bernabo had a German knight with him, who cried out, “My lord, save yourself! for I see people of a bad mien coming towards you, and I know them to be persons belonging to your nephew sir Galeas.” Sir Bernabo replied, that, “he was not acquainted with any place where he could save himself, if they had any evil intentions against him, and that he was unconscious of having done anything against his nephew that should make him fly.” Those who had been placed in ambuscade continued advancing towards sir Bernabo. When the German, who was a man of honour and knight of the body to sir Bernabo, saw them thus approaching his lord, having the sword of his master before him, he instantly drew it out of its scabbard and placed it in the hands of sir Bernabo (which was seen by those who were pressing forward); and then the knight drew his own sword, like a valiant man, and put himself on his defence. This, however, did not avail, for he as was well as sir Bernabo were instantly surrounded, and the knight was slain under pretence that at the commencement he meant to defend himself; for whose death sir Galeas was afterwards sorely vexed.
Sir Bernabo was made prisoner without any defence made by him or his attendants, and carried to a castle where his nephew was, who much rejoiced on his arrival. That same day his wife and children that were marriageable were also arrested, and confined by the lord of Milan, who took possession of all the lordships, castles, towns, and cities which sir Bernabo held in Lombardy. His uncle died shortly after; but I know not by what means, though I believe it was from being bled in the neck, for in Lombardy they are accustomed to make such bleedings when they wish to hasten the death of any one†. News of this was soon spread abroad: some were pleased at it, others vexed; for sir Bernabo had in his time done so many acts of cruelty, and without reason, that few pitied him, saying, he had well deserved it. This was the end of sir Bernabo Visconti, who had reigned most powerfully in Lombardy.
* John Galeas Visconti, count of Vertus, succeeded his father Galeas in the government of one-half of Lombardy in 1378. — ED.
† Bernabo was seized by his nephew on the 6th of May and died on the 18th December, 1385. — ED.
CHAPTER CLIX. — WILLIAM DE LIGNAC, SENESCHAL OF SAINTONGE FOR THE KING OF FRANCE, CONQUERS FROM THE ENGLISH THE CASTLE OF AIGLE. — THE ARMY OF THE DUKE OF BOURBON TAKES MONTLIEU AND THE BRIDGE OF TAILLEBOURG, WHILE BESIEGING THAT PLACE.
WE will now return to the army which the duke of Bourbon and the count de la Marche conducted into Poitou and Limousin. The duke left Moulins in the Bourbonnois, and marched with a handsome company of knights and squires to accomplish his expedition, attended by John de Harcourt his nephew. The duke of Bourbon had issued his special summons for those of Berry, Auvergne, Poitou, Rouergue, Saintonge, and Limousin, to assemble at Niort, twelve leagues from Poitiers. While this army was assembling, sir William de Lignac, a valiant knight and séneschal for the king of France of Saintonge, and governor of Millau*, resided in that country. He advanced into the Angoumois with all his men at arms, to the amount of two hundred combatants, and halted before the castle of Aigle, 33 which the English possessed, and from this place during the winter and the preceding summer, they had exceedingly harassed the country.
Sir William, on his arrival at the castle, dismounted, and ordered his men to do the same, when they instantly began the attack. It was very severe and of long continuance, for those within it fought for their lives. Sir William performed such gallant deeds as proved him worthy of being their leader. He did not spare himself, and showed how they ought to attack it. The place was at last taken by storm, and the French, entering it by ladders, made prisoners of all that were found there, or put them to the sword. This first conquest this season was made by sir William de Lignac, as he was waiting for the duke of Bourbon and his army.
On the duke’s arrival at Niort, he found plenty of men at arms impatient for his arrival. His cousin the count de la Marche, with a large body, the viscount de Tonnerre, sir Henry de Thouars, séneschal of Limousin, the lords de Pons, de Partenay, de Tours, de Pousanges, and many other barons of Poitou and Saintonge were there. Sir William de Lignac came thither to wait on the duke, having conquered the castle de l’Aigle, for which the duke felt himself obliged to him. When all these men at arms were mustered, they amounted to full seven hundred lances, not including the Genoese and the lusty varlets: in the whole, two thousand combatants. They then held a council whither they should turn their arms; to Bertueil, Taillebourg†, or Montlieu‡. After having well considered each situation, they determined to march to Montlieu, because it was a strong castle near the moors of Bordeaux; and, if they should succeed in taking it, the others would be weakened, and none able to quit Bordeaux without their knowledge.
They marched through the Angoumois, and on arriving at Montlieu, prepared for the siege. Sir James Poussart and John Bonnelance were the leaders of the duke of Bourbon’s men at arms, and of the whole army. They were not long besieging Montlieu before they made ready their ladders, and other things, necessary for an attack. They surrounded the castle and began the assault, but those within defended themselves vigorously. The combat was very sharp, long continued, and many gallant deeds were done; for the French mounted their ladders with rapidity, and fought hand to hand on the battlements with their daggers: in short, they exerted themselves so much that the castle was fairly won by storm, and most within perished.
When the lords of France had got possession of Montlieu, they reinforced it with a new garrison and stores, and then took the road to Taillebourg on the Charente. Dinandon de la Perate, a Gascon, was governor of this fortress, an able man at arms, who held the French cheap. When they came before Taillebourg, the duke of Bourbon and his company took two small forts which had much harassed the borders of Poitou and Limousin, la Froncette, and Archac: the garrisons were slain, and the castles given up to those of the adjacent countries, who instantly razed them to the ground.
The siege of Taillebourg was now formed, and four block-houses were erected before it. Near Taillebourg was a bridge over the Charente, which the English and Gascons had fortified, so that no vessels from la Rochelle or Saintonge could pass without great danger, unless by paying toll. The French lords determined to gain this bridge, to facilitate their other attacks, and to be in greater security in their block-houses. They ordered vessels ready prepared and armed to ascend the Charente from la Rochelle, in which they had placed large bodies of cross-bows and Genoese, to skirmish with those at the bridge. The attack was severe, for the English and Gascons had well fortified the bridge, and they defended it with spirit, as it behoved them to do, for they were vigorously attacked by land and water. The eldest son of the count de Harcourt, named John, was made a knight at this assault, by his uncle the duke of Bourbon, and displayed his banner.
This attack on the bridge of Taillebourg was long continued: many gallant actions were performed; but the cross-bows and Genoese in the vessels shot so ably, that those on the bridge scarcely dared to appear and defend themselves. Why should I make a long tale of this? The bridge was carried by storm, and all found there slain or drowned: not one 34 escaped. Thus did the French gain the bridge of Taillebourg. Their siege was carried on more eagerly for this. Taillebourg is situated three leagues from St. Jean d’Angely, and two from Saintes, in the finest country in the world.
Dinandon, and those in the castle, were much astonished and vexed at the capture of the bridge; and they had reason, for they lost by it the passage of the river. However, they would not surrender; for they felt themselves in a strong place, and expected succours from Bordeaux, as it had been currently reported on the borders of the Bordelois, and confirmed by all the English and Gascon garrisons, that the duke of Lancaster or the earl of Buckingham, was to arrive at Bordeaux, with two thousand mean at arms and four thousand archers, to combat the French and to oblige them to raise all their sieges: in this they placed great hopes, but it turned out otherwise, as I shall tell you.
In truth, before the army under the command of the admiral of France was prepared to sail for Scotland, it had been ordered in England that the duke of Lancaster, sir John Holland, brother to the king, sir Thomas Percy, sir Thomas Trivet, the lord Fitzwalter, sir William Windsor, sir John Silbain, and other barons and knights to the amount of a thousand lances and three thousand archers, should sail for Bordeaux, and remain there the whole summer, to reinforce Mortaigne, Bouteville, and those castles which held out for them in Gascony and Languedoc: they were to fight with the French, should they find them in the country; and, after having remained there a season, they were to march to Castille by way of Bayonne and Navarre, for there was a treaty between them and the king of Navarre. All this was settled in the imaginations of the English, but it proved a disappointment; for, when they learned for a truth that the admiral of France with a thousand lances of chosen knights and squires were preparing to sail for Scotland, their counsels were changed, and none dared to 35 think of quitting their country, nor of weakening their forces: for they much dreaded the consequences of this junction of the French with the Scots. There was also a report at this time, that England was to be attacked in three different parts by the French. One expedition was from Brittany, as it was said that the duke of Brittany was become a good Frenchman; another from Normandy, where the constable of France was making his preparations at Harfleur, Dieppe, and all along the coast as far as St. Valery and Crotoy; the third from Scotland. From fear of this, the government of England would not allow any knights or squires to quit the country, but attended to the fortifying of their harbours. At this season Richard, earl of Arundel, admiral of the English sea, was cruising with sixty or fourscore large vessels, armed and fitted with men at arms and archers: he had, besides, nine light vessels off Normandy to gain intelligence.
We will leave for a while the duke of Bourbon and the siege of Taillebourg, which lasted upwards of nine weeks, and relate how the admiral of France, with the army under his command, landed in Scotland, and what a handsome reception, in appearance, they met with from the country.
* “Millau.” Q. if not Millac; which is in those parts.
† “Taillebourg,” — a town in Saintonge on the Charente, three leagues from Saintes.
‡ “Montlieu,” — a village in Saintonge, election of Saintes.
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