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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. 311-331.
CHAPTER C. — THE DUCHESS OF BRABANT SENDS AMBASSADORS TO FRANCE FOR ASSISTANCE AGAINST THE DUKE OF GUELDRES. — THEY ARRIVE AT THE SAME TIME THE DUKE’S CHALLENGE IS BROUGHT, AND RECEIVE FAVOURABLE ANSWERS.
THE duchess of Brabant, who resided at Brussels, was well informed of everything that was passing, and that the duke of Gueldres menaced the Brabanters with war. She was fearful that he would put his threats in execution, and said, — “Ah, may God graciously pardon my deceased lord; for, had he been alive, the duke of Gueldres would not have dared to use the expressions I hear he has done; but, because I am a woman, and old, he wants to attack and make war on me.” The duchess assembled her council on the occasion; for she knew her opponent was of a hasty temper, and that action would soon follow his words. At the time this council was held, the duke of Gueldres had sent his defiance to the king of France, which had caused great slander in all countries where it had been told; for the duke was but a petty prince in comparison with others; and the tenor of this challenge was, as I hear, written in such imperious and coarse language as astonished all who saw it. This challenge was spoken of variously, according as the different persons to whom it was told were attached.
The council of the duchess, in answer to her when she demanded their advice, said, — “In the name of God, lady, what you ask may be speedily given. We advise, that you send ambassadors to the king of France and to the duke of Burgundy. You have a good opportunity; for the duke of Gueldres has sent his defiance to the king of France and all his allies. Should he carry his threats into execution, and, as it is reported, make war on that kingdom, in conjunction with the English and Germans, he cannot gain a more convenient entrance into it, than through your duchy. It is right, therefore, the king and the duke of Burgundy be prepared, and that all your castles on the frontiers be well supplied with men at arms; for there is no enemy so contemptible, but that he should be feared. 312 We do not mean to say that against him alone, nor for what the Gueldrians may be able to do against us, we should seek for assistance or allies: oh, no; but on account of the connexions he may have formed with foreign countries, especially with the English, in whose cause he is now arming, and the Germans, who are avaricious, and eager to make war on France for the wealth they hope to find there.” The duchess replied, “Your advice is good, and I will that attention be paid to it.” The envoys to France were chosen from among the privy counsellors of Brabant, and were the lord de Bourgueval master of the household, sir John Opem, a most amiable knight, sir Nicholas de Monnoye, and John de Grave, a clerk. When their credential letters were drawn out and sealed, they left Brussels and took the road to Paris. At this time, however, the king and the duke of burgundy were at Rouen, whither the ambassadors went.
On their arrival at Rouen, they waited first on the duke of Burgundy, who entertained them handsomely, as he knew them well, and showed him their credential letters. The duke having perused them, at the proper hour led them to the king, who received them graciously, from his regard to their duchess. The king, after reading their papers, said, — “What you request, demands consideration: keep near our fair uncle of uncle of Burgundy, and your business shall be attended to, and concluded as speedily as may be.” This answer was satisfactory to them, and, having taken leave of the king and the duke of Burgundy, they returned to their lodgings. The king of France, his uncles and the lords of his council, had, at this moment, full employment, and were daily in council respecting different matters which required it. The challenge of the duke of Gueldres was not very agreeable; and they knew not the intentions of the duke of Brittany, from his strange conduct in regard to the constable of France. They had likewise heard he was busy providing all his towns and castles with stores and men at arms; and that his correspondence was now more frequent than ever with the king of England and his two uncles: for the duke of Lancaster was still in Galicia. The council of France had, therefore, enough to do, to weigh well these matters; and were so much occupied on them, that the Brabanters waited some time for their answer. At length the duke of Burgundy gave it them as follows; ‘You will return to our fair aunt, and salute her many times in my name. Give her these letters from the king and from me; and tell her, that we consider her affairs as our own, and desire her not to be alarmed at anything, for she shall have speedy aid; and tell her that the country of Brabant shall not, in any way, be hurt or damaged.” This answer was very agreeable to the ambassadors, who instantly returned to Paris, and thence to Brussels, and gave the duchess a detailed account of what had passed, and of the answer they had received, so that she was perfectly contented.
CHAPTER CI. — CONCERNING THE RUMOURS OF THE SINGS OF SANCTITY WHICH WERE MANIFESTED BY THE CARDINAL DE LUXEMBOURG AFTER HIS DEATH. — THE EXTRAORDINARY END OF THE KING OF NAVARRE.
ABOUT this period, there were many rumours, that the body of Saint Peter de Luxembourg, who had been a cardinal, showed miraculous powers in the city of Avignon. This holy cardinal was the son of the lord Guy de Saint Paul, slain at the battle of Juliers. I must say, that the cardinal led a most holy and devout life, doing works agreeable to God; for he was courteous, modest, chaste, and a great almsgiver. He kept from his church preferments merely sufficient for his maintenance, and gave all the rest to the poor. He was the greater part of the day and night in prayer, and shunned all worldly vanities. His life was so devout that it pleased God to call him in his youth; and, instantly after his death, his body, which he had ordered to be buried in the common sepulchre with the poor, performed miracles, for his whole life was full of humility, but it was interred in the chapel of St. Michael. When the pope and cardinals perceived that miracles increased from this holy body, they sent an account of them to the king of France, and to the elder brother of the saint, count Waleran de St. Paul, inviting him to come to Avignon. The count could not refuse, and, when he went thither, presented those fine silver lamps which are now before his altar. 313 It was wonderful the great faith that was in this saint, and the numbers who came thither when I was at Avignon; for by that city I returned from Fox, to witness this. His miracles and votaries daily multiplied, and it was said he would be canonized; but I never heard more about it.
Since I have related the death of this holy cardinal, I will mention that of a different person, for I have not yet spoken of the death of a king who has supplied ample materials for many parts of this history. His actions, however, were the reverse from those of the preceding personage, for by them the realm of France was nearly destroyed. You will readily guess I mean the king of Navarre. It is a truth well known, that nothing is more certain than death. I repeat it because the king of Navarre, when he died, did not think his end so near. Had he supposed it, he probably would have taken more care of himself. He resided in the city of Pampeluna, and took it into his head that he would raise two hundred thousand florins by a tax on his country. His council dared not contradict him, for he was a cruel man to all who did so. The principal inhabitants of the great towns were summoned, and, fearful of disobeying, they came. When all were assembled in the palace, the king himself, who was a subtle and eloquent man, explained to them the reasons why he wanted money; and that two hundred thousand florins must be raised from the country, in such wise that the rich should pay ten francs each, the middling ranks five, and the poor, one franc. This demand much astonished his audience; for the preceding year there had been a battle in Navarre, which had caused a tax to be laid for one hundred thousand florins: he had, beside, in the same year, married his daughter the lady Jane to the duke of Brittany, and there were large arrears of the tax of her dower yet unpaid.
The king having demanded their answer, they requested some time to consult together: he allowed them fifteen days, when they were all to meet again in the same place, that is to say, those who had come from the cities and towns; on which they departed. When news of this heavy tax was known, the whole country was in consternation. At the end of fifteen days, they assembled again at Pampeluna, and the deputies from the principal towns amounted to about sixty persons. The king would hear their answer in person, and he ordered them to make it in a large orchard, which was distant from the palace, and inclosed with high walls. In giving their answer, they explained how impossible it was for the country to pay this new tax, from the poverty of the kingdom, and from the arrears of former taxes being still unpaid. They were unanimous in this declaration, and begged of him, for God’s sake, to have pity on them, for the country could not in truth bear any additional tax.
When the king of Navarre found he had not any hopes of success, he was silent and discontented: on leaving them, he said, “You have been badly advised: consult together again:” and then went away, followed by his council. The deputies were shut up in this orchard, with orders for no one to be suffered to go out of it, and very little meat or drink to be given them. They remained thus in great fear of their lives, and none dared open their lips. It may be supposed he succeeded at last in his plan; for he beheaded three of the most determined in their opposition, to frighten the others to his will. At this moment an extraordinary event happened at Pampeluna, which seemed a judgment from God. I will relate it, as several persons from Pampeluna told it me at Fix, which is but three days’ journey off.
It was reported, that the king of Navarre was fond of women, and had at this time a very handsome lady for his mistress, with whom he occasionally amused himself, for he had been long a widower. Having passed a night with her, he returned to his own chamber, shivering with cold, and said to one of his valets, “Prepare my bed, for I want to lie down and repose myself a little.” When ready, he undressed himself and went to bed; but he was no sooner laid down than he began to shake, and could not get warm. He was of a great age, about sixty, and accustomed to have his bed well warmed with heated air to make him sweat; and this practice he had long continued without any visible harm. He ordered his servants to warm the bed as usual; but this time, either by the will of God or the devil, it turned out very unfortunate, for the flames somehow set fire to the sheets, and it could not be extinguished before they were destroyed, and the king, who was wrapped up in them, horridly burnt as 314 far as his navel. He did not instantly die, but lingered on, in great pain and misery, fifteen days; for neither surgeon nor physician could apply any remedies to prevent his death. Such was the end of the king of Navarre, which, however, freed his poor subjects from the tax he would have laid on them. His son Charles was a young, handsome, and gallant knight: he was acknowledged king of Navarre by all his subjects, and, soon after the obsequies of his father, was crowned in the city of Pampeluna*.
* “Charles, king of Navarre died in 1387, aged 55 years. His death was worthy of his life. He was wrapped up in cloths that had been dipped in spirits of wine and sulphur to re-animate the chill in his limbs, caused by his debaucheries, and to cure his leprosy. By some accident, they caught fire, as they were sewing them about him, and burnt the flesh off his bones. It is thus that almost all the French historians relate the death of Charles; but in the letter of the bishop of Dax, his principal minister, to queen Blanche, the sister of this prince, and widow of Philip de Valois, there is not one word said of this horrid accident, but only of the great pains he suffered in his last illness, and the resignation with which he bore them. Voltaire pretends that Charles was not worse than many other princes. Ferreras had said before him, that he French sirnamed him Charles the Bad, on account of the troubles he had fomented in the kingdom; but that, if his actions were examined, he would be found not sufficiently wicked to deserve such a sirname. It is, however, precisely his actions that have caused it. He was, says father Daniel, treacherous, revengeful, cruel, and the sole cause of the ruin of France. Father Daniel speaks exactly like Mariana, who has painted with energy his cruelties, his infamous debaucheries, and his treasons. Our best historians have done the same. But it is one of the follies of our age to attempt the re-establishment of the most worthless characters, and to cry down those reputations that have been the most exalted.”
Nouveau Dictionnaire Historique
For more of Charles de Navarre, see les Mémoires de l’Académie.
YOU have before read of the treaties the count d’Armagnac and the dauphin of Auvergne attempted to make with the captains of the free companies who held castles and forts in Auvergne, the Gevaudan, and Limousin, and were at war with their neighbours. Many of them were inclined to accept the terms offered, for they thought they had sufficiently plundered France, and wished to do the same elsewhere. The count d’Armagnac promised to lead them into Lombardy; but the count de Foix, whom it was not easy to deceive, imagined that was not his intention, and made secret inquires as to the progress of the business, and whither the men at arms were to march on quitting their strongholds. The common report was, that they still continued their courses, for the men of the country so related it to him. Upon hearing this, he shook his head, and said, &38212; “Such men at arms will not be trifled with. The count d’Armagnac and his brother Bernard are young, and I know they neither love me nor my country: these men at arms, therefore, may perchance fall on me, unless I shall take proper order to guard against them. The proverb says, ‘Long provision beforehand maketh sure possession.’ ”
The count de Foix was not, in truth, wrong in his conjectures, as appearances at one time showed, which I shall relate, if I carry my history to that length. You have heard how that Breton, Geoffry Tête-noire, had long held the castle of Ventadour, on the border of Auvergne and the Bourbonnois, and had refused to surrender for any money that had been offered him. He considered this castle as his own inheritance, and had forced all the surrounding country to enter into composition with him to avoid being plundered. By this means every one could labour the ground at their pleasure, and he was enabled to keep the state of a great baron. He was a cruel man, and very ferocious in his anger, minding no more killing a man than a beast. You must know, that when the tax for the redemption of these castles was first raised, those in Auvergne, imagining that Ventadour would be surrendered to the duke of Berry, and the country delivered from the oppression of the garrison, very cheerfully paid their quota. But when they saw, that of those garrisons who continued their inroads, that of Ventadour was the most daring, they were very disconsolate, and considered the tax that had been raised as thrown away. They declared, that until the garrison of Ventadour was prevented from overrunning the country, they would never pay one farthing of any future tax. This was carried to the duke of Berry, who was lieutenant of Limousin, Gevaudan, and Auvergne, and he declared to his council, that those ho had made such declaration were in the right, and that the promises that had been held out were 315 badly kept, by their not having so closely besieged the place, as to prevent the garrison sallying forth. The duke then ordered that four hundred spears should be collected, and paid by the country, and placed under the command of sir William de Lignac and sir John Bonne-lance, a courteous and valiant knight from the Bourbonnois, for them to invest Ventadour completely on all sides with block-houses.
These knights and men at arms laid their siege as closely as they could to the castle, and erected four block-houses: they also had large trenches cut by the peasants, and every obstruction thrown across the roads they used to take, so that the garrison was completely shut in. Geoffry, however, was indifferent to this; for he knew he had provision and stores to last for seven years, and that his castle was so strongly placed upon a rock that it could not be taken by storm; and, notwithstanding these block-houses, and this supposed complete blockade, he, at times, with some of his companions, made sallies through a postern that opened between two hidden rocks, and overran the country in search of wealthy prisoners. They never brought anything beside with them to the castle, on account of the difficulty of the passes. This opening could not be closed, and, to the surprise of the country, they were found abroad seven leagues distant: if they were by accident pursued, and had once regained their mountains, though the chase lasted for three leagues, they considered themselves as secure as if in their fort. This manner of harassing the country was long continued; had the siege of the castle, in the manner I have related, lasted for more than a year: by it the country was saved the large sums they used to pay as composition-money. We will, for the present, leave Ventadour, and, by way of variety speak of other matters.
* “Ventadour,” — a castle in the diocese of Limoges.
CHAPTER CIII. — THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY SENDS FOUR HUNDRED SPEARS TO THE DUCHESS OF BRABANT. — THEY SURPRISE AND BURN THE TOWN OF SEAULLE IN GUELDRES.
THE duke of Burgundy was not forgetful of his promise to his aunt, the duchess of Brabant. He assembled a body of four hundred good men at arms, from Burgundy and other parts and appointed two knights for their commanders: the one was sir William de la Trémouille, a Burgundian; the other, sir Gervais de Merande, a German: and said to them, — “You will conduct these men at arms to that part of the frontiers of Brabant and Gueldres our fair aunt and her council have fixed on, and make a severe war on her enemy, for such are our commands.” The knights replied, they were ready and willing to obey his orders. When all their stores and men were assembled, they set out for Brabant, and, having entered the duchy of Luxembourg, sent to inform the duchess of their coming. The marshal of Brabant went to meet and conduct them, and, by the directions of the council, quartered them in the three castles the duke of Gueldres claimed, of which they now formed the garrison, and, being on the enemy’s land went forth daily in hopes to meet them. The duke of Gueldres, perceiving that hostilities were begun, reinforced all his towns and castles, and made every preparation to withstand his opponents. Sir William de la Trémouille, desirous to gain renown, and to do some act that should make it known he was in the country, cast his eyes on a town of Gueldres, about four leagues from the castle wherein he was, in hopes to gain it: it was called Seaulle. Having secretly opened his mind to sir Gervais de Merande, and explained his intentions, he agreed to accompany him; for he was equally anxious for deeds of arms. Having collected men from the different garrisons, they marched off at midnight, at a brisk trot, under the care of able guides, who brought them to Seaulle near the point of day. They then halted, and formed another disposition, which, as it was told me, was as follows; sir Gervais, with only thirty lances, was to leave the main body, and, if possible to gain and keep the gate, until sir William should arrive with the remainder; for it the whole had advanced, an alarm might have been given, but so few would possibly be taken for a party whom the duke of Guilders had sent to reinforce the place, or some of his men who were riding from one town to another.
As they had planned, so was it executed: sir Gervais left the army with thirty German spears, and rode towards the town. He passed indeed many people on his road thither; for it was market-day, and, as he passed, saluted them in German, which made them all suppose 316 they were their countrymen, attached to the duke of Gueldres, and going to the garrison. Sir Gervais rode on until he came to the gate, which he found wide open and slightly guarded: indeed it was so early, that few were out of bed. They there halted, and were scarcely masters of the gate, when sir William de la Trémouille, with the main body, came up full gallop, and entered the town, shouting their cry. Thus was the town won without any defence being made: the garrison never imagined the French would have been so enterprising, and the greater part were still in bed. It was on the Martinmas eve this deed was done. Three days before, an English knight had entered the town with ten spears and thirty archers, whom the king of England had sent thither. The knight’s name was sir William Fikaoul*; and, at the moment of the first noise and bustle he was getting out of his bed. Hearing the town was taken, he asked by whom; he was told by Bretons. “Ah!” said he, “Bretons are wicked fellows: they will pillage and burn the town, and then leave it: whose cry have they?” “In the name of God,” replied a knight, “they cry Trémouille!”
Sir William Fikaoul, upon this, armed himself, and made his men do the same, and barricaded his house, to see if any would come to his rescue, but in vain; for every one was so frightened, they were flying in all directions, some for the church, other to escape by an opposite gate to that the enemy had entered, abandoning all they possessed. The French set fire to the town to alarm others at a distance, but there were many houses of stone and brick would could not be affected by it: however the greater part was burnt down and pillaged, for nothing worth taking was left; and they carried away some of the richest inhabitants prisoners.
The English knight wad taken doing his duty. When he saw all was lost, he ordered his house to be cleared of the barricades; for he was fearful of fire, as his hall was full of smoke, and, placing himself and men in front, fought very valiantly, but at length was made prisoner by sir William de la Trémouille: his men were likewise taken, for few were slain. When the French had done all they listed at Seaulle, in Gueldres, and their servants had packed up the plunder, they departed, for it would have been folly to have remained longer, and marched to their different garrisons. Such was the success of this first blow the duke of Gueldres received: he was much vexed when he heard of his loss, and hastened thither with a large body of men at arms, hoping to find the French still there. He strengthened and repaired the town, and placed therein a garrison, who were more diligent in guarding it, than the preceding one had been. Thus it happens in war; sometimes one side loses, and sometimes another.
The duchess of Brabant was highly pleased with the success of sir William de la Trémouille and sir Gervais de Merande, and they acquired much renown for it throughout the country. It was the common talk in Brabant, that in the course of the ensuing summer, they would renew the attack, and keep possession of it, for they should then have a sufficient force. The duke of Burgundy was well pleased to hear such satisfactory accounts of the good conduct of those he had sent to Brabant; and, to encourage them to persevere, he frequently wrote to his knight sir William de la Trémouille. They guarded so well the castles on the frontier, that no loss happened; and the enemy was more careful in regard to their towns than they had been before the capture of Seaulle. I will now relate an exploit of Perrot le Béarnois in Auvergne, and detail the whole history of it at length.
* “Fikaoul.” Ferard has Vilzraoul, and my MS. Fitz-Paul. Lord Berners has the same as in the text.
CHAPTER CIV. — GERONNET DE MAUDURANT, ONE OF THE CAPTAINS OF PERROT LE BEARNOIS, HAVING BEEN MADE PRISONER BY JOHN BONNE-LANCE, AT MONTFERRANT IN AUVERGNE, FINDS MEANS, AFTER HIS RANSOM WAS PAIN, TO PUT LE BEARNOIS IN POSSESSION OF MONTFERRANT.
THIS same year, about the middle of May, forty bold companions set out from Chaluçet*, in the possession of Perrot le Béarnois, in Limousin, to seek adventures in Auvergne, under the command of a squire from Gascony called Geronnet de Maudurant, an able man at arms. 317 On account of the dread this country and the borders of the Bourbonnois had of these people, the duke of Bourbon had appointed, for its defence, one of his knights, a valiant man at arms called sir John Bonne-Lance, who was courteous, amorous, and eater to display his courage. When he heard these companions were abroad, he asked how many they might be: and when they said, “About forty,” he replied, “As for forty lances, we do not fear that number: I will take as many to meet them.” He then departed from the place where he had heard of this excursion, but his greater force was before Ventadour, and collected about forty or fifty of his men at arms that were dispersed on the borders of Limousin, Auvergne, and the Bourbonnois, for he was very desirous to perform some deed of arms. He had with him sir Lewis d’Ambiere, sir Lewis d’Abton, and the lord de St. Obise. They took the filed without following any particular road, for they were well acquainted with the country, and came to a pass through which they imagined the enemy must cross, and nowhere else, on account of the mountains, and a river which is wide and deep from the melting of the snow. They had not been there half an hour when the enemy appeared, no way suspecting this meeting. Bonne-lance and his party, with their spears in their rests, charged them, shouting their cry as they were descending the mountain on foot. When they found they must fight, they put a good countenance on it, and prepared for their defence: Geronnet, who as a stout squire, set them the example. Many were, at the first onset, beat down on both sides;, but, to say the truth, the French were by far better men at arms than these adventurers, which they showed, for not one turned his back but the servants, who by flight saved themselves while their masters were fighting. Tow-and-twenty were made prisoners, and sixteen left dead on the field: their leader surrendered himself prisoner to Bonne-lance.
The victorious party set out on their return, carrying their prisoners with them. On the road, Bonne-lance recollected that, about a month ago, when at Montferrant in Auvergne, he had been well received by the ladies and damsels, and that, as they were amusing themselves, they said to him, “Fair brother Bonne-lance, you are often in the field, and must at times meet your enemies.” A lady, who was much in his good graces, added, — “I am sure you have frequent engagements with them, and I say so because I should like to see an Englishman. I have often heard, for a squire of this country with whom you are well acquainted of the name of Gourdines, that they are determined men at arms, and as expert as any in this country. Indeed, they prove it by their gallantry, and by taking from us towns and castles, and keeping possession of them.” “By God, fair lady,” replied Bonne-lance, “if I have the good fortune to make one of them my prisoner, you shall see him.” “Many thanks,” answered the lady. When Bonne-lance remembered this, he had taken the road to Clermont in Auvergne, as the engagement had been hard by; but he quitted it, and followed that to Montferrant, which lay about one league off on the left hand. The inhabitants of Montferrant were in high spirits at the success of Bonne-Lance over these adventurers, and gave him a hearty welcome.
When he and his people had dismounted at the hôtel, they disarmed and took their ease. The ladies and damsels assembled to entertain and feast Bone-lance, whom they came twenty times to see. He gallantly received them, for he was a prudent knight, and addressing himself to the lady who was so anxious to see an Englishman, said, — “Lady, I am come to acquit myself of the promise if made you about a month age, that if I should, by good fortune, take and Englishman prisoner, I would show him to you. Through the grace of God, I have this day fallen in with a party of very valiant ones; but, although they gave us enough to do, the field is ours. They were not indeed real Englishmen, but Gascons who wage war under that name, and come from Béarn and upper Gascony. You may view them at your leisure; for, out of my love to you, I shall leave them in this town until they have paid me their ransom.” The ladies laughed, turned the matter into merriment, and said they were obliged to him. When they departed, he accompanied them, and remained in Montferrant for three days, amusing himself with the ladies and damsels. Bonne-lance, during his stay, gave good entertainment to Maudurant and his companions, as he saw they were poor, but bold fellows in the field; it would have been better for the town had he killed or drowned them than to have left them there.
318When he was going away, he said to Geronnet, “You will remain here as hostage for your companions, who are to seek your ransom; and, when you shall be prepared to pay, I have ordered a person to receive it for me; and, the moment you have acquitted yourself to me, you may depart, for I have left instructions that you may meet with no impediment. Remember, Geronnet, that I have treated you handsomely; and, if any of our men fall into your hands, do you treat them in like manner.” “On my faith,” replied Geronnet, “my fair lord and master, that I will cheerfully do, for we are bounden to it by your generous conduct.” Bonne-lance returned to the siege of Ventadour, and twelve of his prisoners remained in Montferrant. The ten others, according to agreement, returned to Chaluçet, to seek from Perrot le Béarnois two-and-twenty hundred francs; for this was the sum their ransoms had been fixed at. The twelve in Montferrant were lodged in a handsome house, and lived at much expense. They were not strictly watched; and, during the fifteen days they staid, they went about the town to amuse themselves, and made such observations on the state of it as cost it afterwards one hundred thousand francs.
When the captain of Chaluçet heard of the ill success of Geronnet de Maudurant, and that he and his companions had been defeated by sir John Bonne-lance, he was very indifferent about it, and replied to those who had brought him the news, — ‘You are come hither to seek for money to pay his and your ransoms: are you not?” “Yes,” they replied, “for gain is not always to be looked for.” “I know nothing of gain or loss,” answered the captain; “but this I know, you will get nothing from me. I did not send you on this excursion: it was your own free election to seek an adventure. Send to, or tell you companions when you see them, that adventure must deliver them. Do you suppose that I will thus spend my money? No, my friends, that I will not, by my faith! I can always have men enough, who will make more prudent excursions than ye have done. I will not, therefore, ransom any man belonging to me, unless he be taken when in my company.” This was all the answer they could get respecting Geronnet’s ransom. They consulted together, and thought it would be right to send three of them to give Geronnet information of this, that he might consider the matter. The three who were sent, passing without the walls of Clermont, gave their horses water at the mill brook, which runs hard by. They remained some time in the brook observing the walls of Clermont, and noticing they were not too high to be scaled. “By the head of Saint Anthony,” said they among themselves, “this town may be easily taken: if we come here some night, we may have it, provided the guard is not very strong.” they then added, in their Gascon dialect, “We will bargain for it now, and another time buy it: one cannot bargain and buy in the same day.” They then passed on, and arrived at Montferrant, where they found Geronnet and their companions. They related to them, word for word, all that had passed between them and Perrot le Béarnois, which, as they knew not where else to seek for money to pay their ransoms, vexed them exceedingly, and for a day and night they were outrageous at his conduct.
Geronnet having calmly considered the matter, said to those who had come from Chaluçet, “Brother-soldiers, return to our captain, and tell him form me, that ever since I have been under his command, I have loyally and faithfully served him, and, if he pleases, will continue to do so; and let him know, that if I shall be forced to turn to the French to obtain my liberty, he will not gain by it. I shall, however, delay doing this as long as I can; and it will be always against my own inclinations. Tell him also, that if he will pay our ransoms, I will, within one month after our deliverance, conduct him to such a place, that it will be his own fault if he does not gain one hundred thousand francs from it.” The three companions returned to Perrot, and punctually gave him the message that Geronnet had charged them with. On hearing it, he mused a while, and said, “It may be so: I will speedily give him his liberty.” He ordered a large coffer to be opened, that contained upwards of forty thousand francs, money acquired by pillage you must understand, and not from the rents of his estate in Béarn; for the town wherein he was born, and always resided before he left Béarn, has but twelve houses, and belongs to the count de Foix. The name of it is Dadam, three leagues from Orthès. Perrot le Béarnois had counted out before him two-and-twenty hundred francs, and one hundred for their expenses, which he put into a purse, and, calling to him the three companions who had returned from Montferrant, said, — “I give you three-and-twenty 319 hundred francs: a friend in need is a friend indeed; I shall risk them for Geronnet’s freedom: he is able to regain for me, if he pleases, as much again, if not more.”
The companions took the money and set out again for Montferrant, which was fourteen long leagues distant; but they had very good passports, which permitted them to pass and repass. Geronnet, on learning that they had returned with the money, was much pleased: he sent for those to whom sir John Bonne-lance had directed him to pay it, and said to them, — “Count it: you will find the purse contains two thousand two hundred francs, which is all we are to give you.” After this, he paid liberally, and to the satisfaction of all, the expenses they had been at. When this was done, Geronnet borrowed and hired horses and men to conduct them to Chaluçet, sir John Bonne-lance having received a certificate of the ransom being paid. I am ignorant whether sir John Bonne-lance sent for this money or left it in Montferrant, trusting to the strength of the place; for sir Peter de Giac, at that time chancellor of France, had there deposited his wealth, of which he lost the whole, or at least as much as could be discovered, according to what you will hear told.
When Geronnet de Maudurant returned to Chaluçet, his companions gladly received him, and made him good cheer. After three or four days, Perrot le Béarnois called him, and said, — “Geronnet, you are obliged to the fair offers you sent me, for your freedom, and to them alone; for you know, I was not any way bound to pay your ransom, when taken in excursions made without my orders: now, keep your word, and prove the truth of your offer; otherwise we shall be on bad terms, and you will incur my serious anger: for know that I have not learnt to lose, but to win.” “Captain,” replied Geronnet, “you have reason to say so; and I now offer to put you in possession of Montferrant, within fifteen days, if you be willing to undertake it. In this town there is great wealth and wherewithal to plunder; for besides its riches in silk and merchandise, many of the inhabitants have much money. Sir Peter de Giac, chancellor of France, who knows well where to seek for money, has deposited, as I have been informed, a very large sum in this town of Montferrant; and I must say, it is the weakest and worse guarded town in the realm; this is the offer is sent to you, and the promise I entered into.” “In God’s name,” answered Perrot, “it is well said, and I accept it: I will secretly make preparations: you know all the outlets of the town: but will it require many men?” “Three or four hundred spears,” said Geronnet, “will do the business; for they do not seem people likely to make any great resistance.” “Well, by God,” replied Perrot, “I will undertake it, and make it known to the captains of the forts that are near us, and when we be all assembled, will march thither.”
In consequence, Perrot le Béarnois got himself in readiness, and sent information of his intentions to the captains of the forts in the neighbourhood, and fixed their rendezvous at the castle of Donzac†, in the bishopric of Clermont, that was not far distant from Montferrant: Olim Barbe, a Gascon, and famous pillager was captain of it. The companions from seven forts attached to the English met, on the appointed day, at Donzac, and were upwards of four hundred lances, well mounted, whence they had only six leagues to ride to Montferrant. The first captain who arrived was Perrot le Béarnois, to show he was the chief of the expedition, and to consult with the other leaders before the whole came thither, and lay their plans according to the information which had been given by Geronnet de Maudurant, and as to the time he had fixed for their coming to the town.
Geronnet, with eleven companions, dressed themselves in coats of frise, like to traders, and each leading a horse well laden, according to the custom of the country, set out from Donzac before day, conducting their horses on the road, as carriers. They arrived about noon in the town of Montferrant. Non one made any inquiries who they were, never suspecting them to be otherwise than traders or carriers, as their dresses showed, and supposing that they were come to purchase draperies and linens at the fair; for they had travelled, they said, from beyond Montpelier for this purpose; and already much merchandise had arrived from the neighbouring towns. Geronnet carried his company to the Crown Inn, where, having put their horses in a stable, they chose a handsome apartment for themselves, where they remained in quite, not venturing abroad, in the town, lest their plan might be discovered, but thought only of enjoying themselves, as they intended others should pay their reckoning. Towards evening, 320 they took a great deal of care of their horses, and gave the host, hostess, and servants to understand, as they had come afar off, it was necessary they should be well attended to. They called so loudly for candles, they could not satisfy them; and would not go to bed, but kept drinking and roaring in their chamber. The host and hostess, noticing the merry life they led, and not having the smallest suspicion of them, went to bed.
I will now return to Perrot le Béarnois and his companions. This same day, towards evening, they left Donzac, under the command of seven captains. Perrot le Béarnois was the chief, then the bourg de Copane, whose name was Arnaudon, the bourg Anglois, le bourg Carlat, Apton Seighin, Olim Barbe, and Bernadon des Isles: there was also with them a grand pillager from Béarn, called the lord de Lance-plaine. It was form him and the bourg de Copane I learnt all this business, and the manner of its being undertaken, after Candlemas, when the nights are long and cold. The weather this night was so severe, with wind and rain, that the captain of the guard would not leave his house, but sent his son, a boy about sixteen years old, to examine the state of the guard. On his arrival, between the outward and inward gate, he found four old men, almost frozen with cold, who said to him, “Take from each of us a halfpenny, and allow us to go and warm ourselves.” The youth was eager for the money, which he took, and suffered the guard to go home. Geronnet or some of his people were constantly on the watch at the gate of the Crown, for the relief of the guard. Observing the youth return, and the guard with him, they said, — “Things go well: it will be a good night for us: there are none in the town but those who are now in bed, and, as the guard is dismissed, we have nothing to fear.”
Perrot and his companions were making all the haste they could; but they were obliged to pass under the walls of Clermont. When within one league of that place, they met Amerigot Marcel, governor of Alose, near St. Flour, with about one hundred spears. When they were known to each other, there was much joy; and they mutually asked whither they were going, in such bad weather, and what were the objects of their being abroad. Amerigot Marcel said, — “I come from my castle of Alose, and am going to Carlat.” “In God’s name,” replied the two captains of Carlat, the bourg Anglois, and the bourg de Copane, 321 “here we are, if you have anything to say to us. Do you want anything?” “Yes,” said he: “You have some prisoners who belong to the dauphin d’Auvergne, and you know he is in treaty with us through the count d’Armagnac. I wish, therefore, to have those prisoners in exchange for some others who are in my fort, as I have been earnestly requested to get them by the lady dauphin, and she is so good a lady, once cannot refuse her anything.” The bourg de Copane replied, — “Amerigot, you are indeed bounden to oblige this lady, for you had from her, three years ago, five thousand francs of her money for the ransom of the castle of Mercier. Where is now the lord dauphin?” “They tell me,” says Amerigot, “that he is at Paris, negotiating the treaties you know we have engaged in with him and the count d’Armagnac.” “Come with me,” said Perrot le Béarnois, “and leave all these things; you will gain by it, for you shall have a share of our booty.” “Whither are you going?” asked Amerigot. “By my faith, brother-solider, we are going straight to Montferrant, as that town is to be delivered to me this night.” Amerigot replied, — “Perrot, what you are about is very wrong; for you know we have entered into a treaty with the count d’Armagnac and this country, which, on that account, thinks itself in a perfect state of security. You will act indeed very ill, if you execute what you have said, and by it break off all our treaties.” “On my troth, companion, I will never keep any treaty,” said Perrot, “as long as I am master of the field, for we must live. Come with us, for you have nothing to do at Carlat, as the captains are here, and those they have left behind will never give you admittance into the fort.”
“With you,” replied Amerigot, “I will not go, but, since things are thus, return to my own castle.” The parties then separated, and Perrot continued his road toward Clermont and Montferrant. When they were below Clermont, they suddenly halted, for a new thought had struck some of them from what the Gascons told who had been backwards and forwards to Chaluçet from Montferrant. They said to the captains who were collected together, — “This city of Clermont is large and rich, and as easy to be taken as Montferrant: since we have ladders with us, let us scale the walls; we shall gain more than at Montferrant.” — On hearing this, they said, — “Clermont is a strong town, populous, and well provided with arms: if once we alarm them, they will collect together and defend themselves. There is not a doubt of our having the worst of it; and if we be repulsed, and our horses taken or lost, we shall be disabled from advancing any further. We are at a distance from our castles: the country will rise against us: we shall be pursued, and run the greatest hazard of loss of life or liberty. It will be more advisable to continue our road, and finish what had been first fixed on, than to attempt any new exploit that may cost us too dear.” This advice was followed, and not one word more said on the subject. They passed Clermont as quietly and quickly as they could, and, on the point of eleven o’clock, came before Montferrant. They suddenly halted, when they perceived the town about two bow-shots off, and Perrot said, — “We are now at Montferrant: our people must be within it. Do you wait here, and I will go by these ditches to see if I can learn anything of Geronnet, who has brought us hither; and do not you stir until I return.” “Go,” replied his companions: “we will wait for you.”
On this, Perrot le Béarnois, with three others, went away; but it was so very dark, they could not see the length of an acre, and it rained, snowed, and blew, most unmercifully. Geronnet was at this hour on the walls, impatiently listening to hear of the arrival of his friends. He looked down, and saw, as he thought, the shadows of men entering the ditches: on this he began to whistle. He was heard by Perrot, who advanced more into the ditch, for there was no water in it on that side; and Geronnet asked, “Who is there?” Perrot knew him from his Gascon pronunciation, and said, “I am Perrot le Béarnois: is it then, Geronnet?” “Yes,” replied he: “it you will make yourself ready, and advance your men, you shall enter the town at this place: we cannot fail of success, for the inhabitants are all in bed.” “At this place!” said Perrot, “God forbid: I will never enter that way; and, if I do at all, it shall be through the gate.” “Then you will not enter at all,” replied Geronnet, in a passion. “On my troth, Perrot, it is no in my power: come hither with your rope-ladders, 322 and none will attempt to oppose your entrance.” “Listen to me, Geronnet,” said Perrot: “thou hast promised to give me entrance into this town; and, according to thy engagement, I will enter it no other way than by the gate.” “I cannot help it,” said Geronnet, “for it is impossible to enter by the gate, as it is closed and guarded, although the men may be asleep.”
While they were thus disputing, some of Perrot’s men came near the ditch to hear if anybody were stirring. Near to where they were, was a small insulated house, adjoining the walls, in which lived a poor tailor, who, having been hard at work until that hour, was going to bed. As the wind carried the sounds of their voices, and as persons hear better in the night than in the day-time, he fancied he heard some loud talking on the bulwarks. He left his house, and, advancing on the walls, saw Perrot’s men walking about; on which he cried out, “Treason!” when one of Geronnet’s companions seizing him by the throat, said, — “If thou utterest another word, thou art a dead man.” On this, fearing to be murdered, he was silent, and Geronnet, turning towards them, said, — “Do not kill the fellow, for he comes so opportunely, it must be through the mercy of God that he is sent, since by his means we shall completely succeed in our enterprise.” then addressing himself to Perrot, he added, — “Do you return to your men; and, when you shall hear the inner gate open, do you attack the outward one with axes to gain admittance.” He then told him the use he meant to make of the tailor. Perrot went to his men, and related to hem all you have heard. When he was gone, Geronnet said to the tailor, “If thou dost not promise to do all I shall order thee, thou art instantly a dead man.” “And what do you want me to do? “I want thee to go with me to the gate of the town, and awaken the porters, and tell them the governor has sent thee thither to order them to open the gates, or to let thee open them, to some merchants from Montpelier, who are without, heavy laden with merchandise for the fair.” “I do not think they will believe me,” said the man. “Yes, they will if thou tell them, as a token of being sent by the governor, that he could not come himself to relieve the guard, but sent his son in his steed. If thou dost not well perform all that I have now told thee, or should we fail in our exploit, I will slay thee with this dagger.”
The poor man, seeing himself menaced with death, for the Gascons are ready enough at this business, promised to do everything according to the orders given to the utmost of his power. They went to the gate, and after knocking at it for some time, awakened the porters: they asked, — “Who are ye that awaken us at such an hour?” “I am such a one,” naming himself, “who have this night carried home some work to the governor’s house; and as I was coming this way, news was brought that some merchants from Montpelier were without the gate, quite jaded and wet with their journey and loads. He has therefore sent me to tell you to open the gats, or to give me the keys to do so; and, as a proof I am sent by him, I was to say he did not relieve the guard this evening, but sent his son.” “That is true,” replied they: “thou shalt have the keys: only wait a moment.” One of them arose, and taking the keys, that were hanging on a peg, opened a small window, and gave them to him. The moment after, Geronnet snatched them from him, and went to the bars of the gate. The first key he put into the lock luckily opened it: and he then went to the outward gate, thinking to do the same there, but in vain.
Perrot and his companions were on the outside, waiting its opening; but, as Geronnet’s endeavours were fruitless, he said to them, “My fair sirs, give some assistance; for I cannot any way open the gate.” Then those who were provided with axes and wedges, began to use them like carpenters. As soon as they had made a hole, Geronnet gave them hatchets and saws to cut the bars. Several of the inhabitants, on hearing the noise, quitted their beds, wondering what it could be; for they never imagined the English were come to awaken them at such an hour. The porters at the gate, who had so badly guarded it, hearing the clattering of armour and the neighing of horses, knew they had been deceived and surprised. They went to the windows over the gate, and bawled out, “Treason! treason!” which alarmed the whole town: many rose and fled to save themselves and fortune in the castle, but few were allowed to enter it: for, when the governor heard the English had surprised the town, for fear of consequences he would not lower the draw-bridge. He received, indeed, some of his friends at the first moment, by means of a plank; but when he 323 heard the cries of the women and children, he withdrew the plank, and would never replace it, but made his preparations for defence, in case the castle should be attacked.
I have said how the first gate was opened: the second was cut down with axes, and the captains, with their companions, marched into the town without any opposition. They did not, at first, enter a house, for they knew not if any bodies of men were collecting to resist them, but went through the town to be assured of it. They only found a few, who were attempting to enter the castle, that made any resistance, but they were soon either slain or made prisoners. Why should I make a long story of it? The town of Montferrant was thus surprised, on a Thursday night, the thirteenth of February, by Perrot le Béarnois and his accomplices. When they saw themselves masters of the place, they took up their lodgings at different hôtels, without doing violence to any one; for Perrot had ordered, under pain of death, that neither woman nor damsel should be violated, that no houses should be burnt, nor nay prisoners made without his knowledge; and that no one, under he same penalty, should hurt church or churchman, nor take away anything from thence. These were the orders Perrot le Béarnois always gave; and he had made them be strictly observed ever since he entered France, to carry on a war against its towns and castles.
Such was not the conduct of Geoffry Tête-noire: it was indifferent to him whether churches were plundered or not, so that he gained by it. When news was brought to Clermont, which is but a short league distant, of the capture of Montferrant by the English, the inhabitants were greatly alarmed, and not without cause, for their enemies were too near. They knew not well how to act; but they made preparations for the defence of the town. This intelligence was also carried to Château-neuf, on the Allier, Thonne, Vic, Yssoire, Riom, Aigue-perse, and the strong castle of Montpensier: all, or the greater part, of these places belonged to the duke of Berry. Those who heard it, or were any way affected by it, were exceedingly surprised: and the neighbouring parts of Auvergne, Bourbonnois, Forêts, and even as far as Berry, trembled. When the news came to Paris, the king and his uncles were, as was natural, very wroth. The count-dauphin of Auvergne was at this time in Paris, on the affairs of his country, and greatly hurt when told of the surprise of Montferrant; for, as he was with the count d’Armagnac, lieutenant for the king over these countries, he was afraid blame would be imputed to him for being absent from his government. But his excuse was, that he was at Paris for the completion of the treaties that had been entered into with the captains of the free countries, and that, on the faith of the, the country had thought itself in perfect security. The dauphin, however, set out from Paris, for Auvergne, the moment he heard of it, leaving his state behind, and, only attended by one page, took the road for Moulins, in the Bourbonnois, changing horses daily. In this haste, he came to St. Pierre le Moustier‡, where he learnt other intelligence, which I will relate to you.
* “Chaluçet,” — election of Limoges, near Pierre-buffiere.
† “Donzac,” — a village in Armagnac, diocese and generality of Auch.
‡ “St. Pierre le Moustier,” — a town in the Nivernois, seven leagues from Moulins.
CHAPTER CV. — PERROT LE BEARNOIS AND HIS COMPANIONS DETERMINE NOT TO KEEP POSSESSION OF MONTFERRANT. — THEY MAKE A SALLY ON SOME TROOPS FROM CLERMONT, WHO HAD ADVANCED TO THE BARRIERS OF THE CAPTURED TOWN, AND INSTANTLY DEFEAT THEM.
ON the Friday morning these captains, being complete lords of Montferrant, and having had all the inhabitants tied together, so that they could not nay way oppose them, searched their houses, and packed up whatever they thought might be profitable to them, in draperies, cloths, furs, dresses, and other articles. When at breakfast they had a long consultation, whether to keep the town or not: some were for keeping and fortifying it; but the majority were of a contrary opinion, and said it would be madness to do so, for they would be at too great a distance from their own castles, and be inclosed within it. Should they be besieged, they were not in force to hold out, and too far from any assistance. They would be starved into a surrender; for there were numbers of gentlemen in the towns and cities about; and the duke of Berry, as soon as he should hear what they had done, would order thither the marshal of France, the lord Lewis de Sancerre. The count d’Armagnac and the dauphin 324 would advance to the siege with a great force, without waiting to be sent to; for they had under them the following great barons: the lords de la Tour, d’Apton, d’Aptiel, de Renel, de la Palisse, and several more; but, above all, sir John Bonne-lance would come hither, with a large body of friends; for it had been said the town was lost by his imprudence and neglect.
Such were the arguments urged against keeping the town, particularly by Perrot le Béarnois and Olim Barbe. Many other reasons were added; for, should they be taken, they would lose all they had, be punished for what they had done, and their forts would be taken from them. They therefore resolved to march away that evening, and carry away their booty and prisoners, of whom they had more than two hundred. To prevent any hindrance to this plan, they posted strong guards at all the gates, so that no one could leave the town.
I will now relate a skirmish that passed between them and some from Clermont. When news first came to Clermont that Montferrant was taken by the English, they were much alarmed at having such neighbours, and held many consultations on the subject. There was, on the road from Clermont to Montferrant, the handsomest, strongest, and best built church, belonging to the mendicant friars, in France. It had large enclosures, surrounded by high walls, within which were very productive vineyards; for, one year with another, these friars made from one hundred to six score hogsheads of wine. In these consultations, some advised the destruction of this monastery; as they said it was so near the town, that it was not unlikely to be its ruin, if in the hands of these pillagers. The pulling it down had been in agitation formerly, and they were now eager to effect it. But others said, it would be a pity to destroy such handsome buildings; and that it would be better to march to Montferrant, and skirmish with the conquerors, at the barriers, and, if possible, invest the place, to prevent the enemy leaving it; for, within four days, the knights and squires of the Bourbonnois and Forêts would be collected and lay siege to it. While these conversations were going forward in the city of Clermont, about sixty men at arms, well mounted, were ready to march towards Montferrant, and skirmish at the barriers, and then return home again. No one checked their ardour; for there were among them some of the noblest in the town, who seemed eager to perform deeds of valour. Being all equipped, they set off for Montferrant, taking with them thirty cross-bows. Upwards of two hundred volunteers left Clermont and followed them on foot.
It was told to the companions in Montferrant, that a party from Clermont were at the barriers. This news pleased them much: upwards of one hundred of the most expert having armed themselves, and mounted their horses, ordered the gates to be thrown open, and fell upon those from Clermont, shouting, “Saint George!” When the party saw themselves thus vigorously attacked, they were panic-struck and instantly defeated, without making the smallest defence, but flying in all directions. The best mounted, on leaving Clermont, took the lead, said on the road they would be the first to attack these pillagers; but shortly they were the first to return to their town, and the Gascons at their heels. Had the last had as good horses, all or the greater part would have remained with them: they, however, chased them until they met the volunteers on foot, who, when they perceived the defeat of their townsmen, kept no longer any order, but ran away fro the fastest, leaping from hedge to hedge, and from ditch to ditch, to save themselves. The cross-bows from Clermont kept in better array when the others fled, and drew themselves up in a vineyard with presented bows, making a show of defence. They then remained until the English had returned to Montferrant, for they never thought of going after them. The Clermontois lost twenty of their men, six killed and fourteen made prisoners.
CHAPTER CVI. — PERROT LE BEARNOIS AND HIS COMPANIONS HAVING PLUNDERED MONTFERRANT, RETREAT TO THEIR FORTS. — HIS ANSWER TO THE DAUPHIN OF AUVERGNE, WHO COMPLAINS OF HIS HAVING SURPRISED THIS TOWN DURING THE TIME TREATIES WERE IN AGITATION FOR HIS LEAVING THE COUNTRY.
WHEN this business was over, they were busily employed until near night in packing up their plunder. On the point of six o’clock, having completed it, they were on foot, except about sixty on horseback, and conducted down the streets more than four hundred horses laden with cloths, linen, furs, and whatever they had seized. They had found in the houses of the rich, caskets full, but had left them empty. Having bound all the inhabitants, two and tow, they had the gates opened after nightfall and departed, not having staid at Montferrant more than eighteen hours. They sent their baggage and prisoners before, with those on foot; and the captains followed close after on horseback. It was dark night; and, as the country did not suspect their stay would have been so short, they were not pursued. About midnight they came to Donzac, which they had left two days before, and there unpacked and examined their plunder. I heard, when in that country, that they gained by his expedition upwards of one hundred thousand francs, besides prisoners; for sir Peter de Giac, chancellor of France, alone lost more than thirty thousand francs in gold.
The companions had wisely resolved to leave Montferrant as they did: had they staid two days longer, they could not have attempted it without great danger of their lives. The whole surrounding country were collecting, and advancing in great bodies to lay siege to them, under the command of the lords de la Tour, de Montague, d’Apthier, d’Apthon, sir Guiscard Dauphin, the marquis of Gaiulhat, sir Lewis d’Ambiere, the lord de la Palisse, sir Ploustrac de Chastelux, and the séneschal de Montaigne. None remained at home, and the count-dauphin was very active in the matter. He would have been there within two days, had he not heard that the Gascons had retreated to their forts: at the same time, he received an account of all the mischief which they had committed. When he was assured this intelligence was true, he travelled more slowly to Saint Pourçain, and thence to Moulins in the Bourbonnois, where he met his daughter, the duchess of Bourbon, who had been very much alarmed, but was rejoiced on hearing the enemy had retreated, though those of Montferrant had suffered severely by their visit, as her country was now freed from such near and troublesome neighbours. “On my faith,” said the count-dauphin, “though it were to cost me a very large sum of money, I wish these pillagers had remained in Montferrant, for it should have ended badly with them. We in Auvergne could never have had so fair an opportunity of punishing them, and gaining their forts. They prove their abilities in way by having so expeditiously finished the matter. They have now re-entered their forts, and their plunder is in safety.” Thus did the count-dauphin of Auvergne and his daughter, the duchess of Bourbon, converse together.
Perrot le Béarnois, Olim Barbe, le bourg de Copane, le bourg, Anglois, Apthon Seiglin, and the other captains of the free companies, on their arrival at Donzac, made a division of their pillage and prisoners; some they ransomed, others were carried with them to their different forts, when they separated at Donzac for Carlat, Chaluçet, and their other garrisons. The country of Auvergne was now better guarded than ever. The count d’Armagnac and the count-dauphin sent, however, to tell Perrot le Béarnois, that he had treacherously and wickedly surprised and plundered Montferrant, during the time when treaties were negotiating between them, and that, as he has assented to such treaties, they expected he would make reparation for the mischief that had been done. Perrot replied to this message by saying, that “under their graces’ favour, neither he nor any of the seven captains, who had plundered Montferrant, had ever entered into any treaty with them: that they had not taken the town treacherously nor by scalado, but had fairly entered by the gate, which had been opened to them on their arrival: that if they has assented to a treaty, legally sworn and sealed, they would, on their part, religiously and loyally have adhered to it; but that 326 was not the fact, nor had they intentions of ever entering into any treaty with him.” Things remained in this state, nor could these lords gain anything more. Sir Peter de Giac was much vexed at his loss, and the townsmen of Montferrant recovered themselves as well as they could from such an unfortunate adventure.
CHAPTER CVII. — THE LORD LEWIS OF BLOIS MARRIES THE LADY MARY OF BERRY, AND THE LORD JOHN OF BERRY THE PRINCESS MARY OF FRANCE, WHO DIES SHORTLY AFTER. — THE DEATH OF THE LADY JANE OF ARMAGNAC, DUCHESS OF BERRY.
COUNT Guy de Blois, in company with his countess and a handsome attendance of knights, squires, and ladies, set out, in the month of August of the year of our Lord 1386*, in grand array, from his castle of Blois, for Berry. They carried with them their young son, who, the preceding year, had been betrothed to the lady Mary, daughter of the duke of Berry; and it was the intention of all parties, that on their arrival at Bruges the marriage should be consummated. When the contracts had been signed, the marriage ceremony was performed in the cathedral church of St. Stephen, at Bourges, by a valiant prelate, the cardinal of Avignon. The chancellor of Berry and the bishop of Poitiers had betrothed them to each other the year before. There were many grand feasts and entertainments at this wedding of lord Lewis of Blois with the lady Mary of Berry, and the tilts and tournaments of the knights and squires lasted for eight days. The count and countess of Blois, when all was over, took leave of the duke of Berry and returned to Blois, accompanied by their daughter-in-law.
This same year, John of Berry, son of the duke of Berry, and styled count de Montpensier, was married to lady Mary of France, sister to king Charles. The duchess of Berry, with her son and the lady Mary of France, paid a visit to the count and countess of Blois during the Lent of the ensuing year. They and their attendants were grandly received in the castle of Blois, as the count understood these matters well. I was present at the time of this visit. When the duchess and her children had said three days, they departed for Poitiers; but they went by water down the Loire as far as Amboise, and from thence travelled in cars and on horseback to Poitou. The duchess and her children resided for the most part in the fair castle of a handsome town called Chinon†.
In this year died the lady Mary of France, the young bride of the count de Montpensier. Soon after died also, the lady Jane d’Armagnac, duchess of Berry. Thus the duke and his son were left widowers: they, however, married again, but not immediately. I shall speak of these second marriages, more especially of that of the duke, at a proper time, as our history claims that mention be made of it.
* Denis Sauvage, in a marginal note, says, that Froissart having omitted to notice these marriages at their proper time, prefers mentioning them here rather than omit them entirely.
† “Chinon,” an ancient town of France, election of Tours. It is remarkable for the death of Henry II. of England, and the residence of Charles VII. of France. Rabelais was born very near to it.
CHAPTER CVIII. — WHILE THE COUNCIL OF FRANCE IS IN DELIBERATION WHETHER OR NOT TO MARCH AN ARMY AGAINST THE DUKE OF GUELDRES, THE DUKE OF BERRY SENDS THE COUNT D’ESTAMPES TO THE DUKE OF BRITTANY, TO ENDEAVOUR TO WIN HIM OVER THE PARTY OF FRANCE, AFTER HAVING ALIENATED HIMSELF FROM IT BY THE ARREST OF THE CONSTABLE.
I HAVE before mentioned the challenge which had been sent by the duke of Gueldres to the king of France. It was much talked of everywhere, from the uncourteous and indeed rude language it was said to contain. I was in truth shown some rough drafts, which were said to be exact copies of this challenge; but as I never saw the original, nor any certified copy, I did not give much credit to what so nearly concerned a little prince, like the duke of 327 Gueldres and a king of France. It was evident that this conduct had greatly angered the king of France, who seemed determined to have reparation, and expected excuses to be made for it by the duke of Gueldres. The king’s council had resolved it should not remain quite: for the great barons had declared, that if the king did not show his resentment, whatever sums it might cost France, they would be alone to blame; for the king had proved, when in Flanders, his willingness to pursue his enemies. The king was young, indeed, but of good courage; and if he suffered such insults with patience, foreign countries would hold the nobility of France very cheap, as they were the king’s advisors, and had sworn to guard his honour. The lord de Coucy took great pains in the council, that no blame might fall on him; and showed clearly he personally felt the insult. He was better acquainted with the character of the Germans than many others, from his disputes with the duke of Austria, and from different transactions in which he had been engaged with them.
The king’s ministers saw that the greater part of the nobles of the realm were for war against Gueldres, and, in particular the duke of Burgundy, on account of the warfare the duke was carrying on against his aunt, the duchess, and the country of Brabant. This duchy reverted to him after the decease of his aunt and her sister*, who were both old ladies. The duke of Burgundy would very gladly have seen the duke of Gueldres, who was chivalrous enough, checked by fair or foul means. It was necessary, however, the kingdom should be unanimous in this disposition; for it was a great distance the king of France would have to march into Germany to make conquests and put lords under his obedience; and he must carry with him the whole force of the kingdom; for, as the Germans were so avaricious, it was uncertain if they would not all unite in the support of the duke of Gueldres. In addition, the duke of Burgundy and the other nobles were aware of the consequences the conduct of the Duke of Brittany might lead to; for he showed his preference of war to peace with France; and the lords of the council knew he was laying provision of stores and artillery in all his strong towns and castles for their defence, in case of being besieged. Besides this, he was constantly sending over letters and messengers to England, to the king and his council, in the most affectionate terms, offering henceforth the strongest friendship, so that the English might continue the war with the most flattering hopes of success.
The council were unwilling to decide on any bold measures, until this cloud, which hung over Brittany, was removed by some means or other, so that the kingdom might not have any fear from that quarter: for, should the king march into Germany, the country would be left defenceless, and they knew not well how to bring about an accommodation. Those who had been sent into Brittany, the Bishop of Langres, sir John de Vienne, and sir John de Bueil, were returned, and had told the king and his uncles of their ill success. Upon this the duke of Berry resolved to send thither his cousin, the count d’Estampes, who was a valiant man and able negotiator. He therefore addressed him in such words as these, — “Fair cousin, I entreat you would go to Brittany: it is absolutely necessary you should do so, to negotiate with our cousin, the duke of Brittany; and should you find him hot and imperious in speech, do not you mind it, nor put yourself in any passion. Treat him gently, and with the greatest attention, and endeavour to make him listen to reason: tell him that the king, myself, and brother of Burgundy, wish him every thing good, and bear him the strongest affection; and that, if he would come and live with us, he would find us always ready to serve him. In respect to the castles which he holds from the constable, say, jokingly, that, to be sure, he had seized them unjustly, and that, if he would be pleased to render them back, it would redound greatly to his honour, and the king would give him as rich and as strong ones in any part of the kingdom he may choose. Exert yourself, dear cousin, to bring us back good news; and do not quit him, however you may be delayed 328 without bringing matters to some sort of conclusion, taking care to remember all the duke’s answers, and to examine well the state of the duchy.” The count d’Estampes assured the duke he would cheerfully undertake it; and he made no long delay, from the time of his conversation, in his preparations for the journey. When ready, he set out for Brittany, taking his road through Chartres and Mans, and the rich country of Maine to Angers, where he met the queen of Naples, widow of the duke of Anjou, who had styled himself king of Naples, Sicily and Jerusalem, duke of La Puglia, and count de Provence. Her two sons, the lords Lewis and Charles, were with her.
The queen received her cousin, the count d’Estampes, handsomely, and becoming her situation; and they had many conversations together, such as lords and ladies are accustomed to have. John of Brittany was likewise there, who was not in the good graces of the duke of Brittany, whither the count was going: but he carried it off as well as he could; for, not having any forces to support his pretensions, he was obliged so to do. The count remained at Angers a day and night, and then took his leave, and departed for Chantoceaux†, where he arrived that day, and then continued his journey to Nantes, where he refreshed himself, and inquired after the duke of Brittany. He was told that he was at Vannes, or in that part of the country, which was his usual place of residence. He took the road for Vannes, where, on his arrival, he waited on the duke, who received him very kindly, for they were nearly connected by blood. The count d’Estampes, knowing well how to conduct himself with great princes and dames, for he had been brought up and educated with them, acquitted himself with much prudence when in the presence of the duke, and, dissembling with him, did not, for some days, discover the object of his coming. When he found a proper opportunity, he began upon it with great caution and humility, to gain the duke’s affection, in manner something like the following: “My lord and very dear cousin, you must not be surprised if I am come to see you from such a great distance, for I was very desirous of so doing.” He then continued to inform him, word for word, what the duke of Berry had charged him to say. The duke of Brittany did not seem to pay any great attention to what he said, but, when he had done, replied to the count d’Estampes, — “We have in truth heard before what you now tell us, and will consider of it, for we have not as yet done so. You will remain with us as long as you please, for your coming has given us much pleasure.’
The count could not, for the present, obtain any other answer: but he continued with the duke, and was lodged within his castle. He staid about fifteen days with the duke of Brittany in Vannes, and thereabouts, who treated him with much affection. He showed him his fair castle of Ermine, which he had had newly repaired and beautified, as he there enjoyed himself the most. The count, one day finding him in good humour, again remonstrated with him on his late conduct, and repeated the cause of his coming; but, though the duke’s answers were fair, there was no dependence to be placed on his restitution of the hundred thousand francs and the castles to the constable. He did at length restore them; but it was of his own free-will, without any request being made, and when it was the least expected, as I will relate in the course of this history, according to the information I received. The count d’Estampes, finding that a longer stay in Brittany would be useless, determined to take his leave of the duke, and return to France, to the duke of Beery, who had sent him thither. The duke of Brittany parted with him very affectionately, and presented him with a handsome white palfrey, saddled and equipped as if for a king, and a ring with a rich stone, which had cost at least one thousand francs.
The count, on leaving Brittany, went to Angers, where he waited on the queen of Naples, and John of Brittany, who were anxious to hear what had passed. They said, “Fair cousin, you must have been well employed, for you have made a long stay in Brittany.” He related to them partly what he had done, but the conclusion was, that he had been unsuccessful. When he had remained with them one day, he departed for Tours, and continued his journey into Berry, and found the duke of Berry at Mehun-sur-Yevre‡, where he had lately built a very fine castle, and was daily adding to it. The duke of Berry entertained the count well, and inquired what had passed in Brittany. The count told him, word for word, the conversation between him and the duke, and that it had been impossible to turn him from his purposes, 329 whatever they might be. The duke of Berry, seeing nothing better could be done, made light of it, and, shortly after, returned to the king and the duke of Burgundy, to relate to them the ill success of the journey the count d’Estampes had undertaken, at his request, to Brittany. As they saw they could not do more, affairs remained in this state.
* In the 12th annotation of Denis Sauvage, he makes the following observations:
“Sister.” “I should suppose this sister to be Jane, widow of the late William count of Hainault, according to he 29th and 117th chapters of the first volume, if the 257th of the same volume, and the 209th of the second, did not incline me to believe, that this widow was the Jane of Brabant married again to Winceslaus, last duke of Brabant, who acquired, by this union with her, that duchy. The countess of Flanders, who was sister to this duchess, died five years before her husband, count Lewis of Flanders, who deceased in the month of January, 1384; so that I suspect the reading should be, ‘after the decease of his aunt who was now very old;’ for I cannot say who this sister was.”
† “Chantoceaux, — a small town, diocese of Nantes.
‡ “Mehun-sur-Yevre,” — a town in Berry, on the Yevre, four leagues from Bourges.
CHAPTER CIX. — THE CASTILLIANS AND FRENCH, AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF THE DUKE OF LANCASTER FROM GALICIA, RE-CONQUER, IN A VERY SHORT TIME, ALL THE TOWNS AND CASTLES HE HAD WON. — THE ENGLISH ABUSE CASTILLE, WHEN IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY. — THE KING OF FRANCE AND HIS COUNCIL INVITE THE DUKE OF IRELAND, WHO HAD FLED FROM ENGLAND, TO PARIS.
YOU have before heard how the English, who had come with the duke of Lancaster to Galicia, had departed, and how the duke and duchess had retired to Oporto, where they had resided some time with king John of Portugal, who had married the duke’s daughter. The duke of Lancaster was very disconsolate that his affairs had taken so ruinous a turn, and that his best knights and squires had fallen victims to disease. The whole country of Galicia was now returned to its allegiance to the king of Castille; for the moment the Castillians, and the French knights under sir Oliver du Guesclin, heard of the duke of Lancaster’s departure for Portugal, and that few English had remained behind, they sallied forth to conquer Galicia back again, which was soon done. The inhabitants of cities and towns were more attached to the king of Castille than to the duke of Lancaster, provided, however, he was able to keep the field; for the Castillians and Galicians resemble a good deal the Lombards and Italians, who are always on the side of the strongest, and shout out, “The conqueror for ever!”
All which the duke of Lancaster had been able to win before the beginning of July was regained, and the places garrisoned again by French and others under the obedience of the king of Castille. The English, who thought to pass the winter quietly there, were driven out by fair or foul means, for such as made resistance were put to death. Others, seeing affairs go badly, surrendered on having passports given them to return through Castille to 330 Gascony by Bayonne and Bordeaux. The duke of Lancaster was duly informed of all this when at Oporto, and not being able any way to provide a remedy, it gave him great unquietness of heart. This may be readily believed, for the higher the spirit and expectations are, the greater and more bitter are disappointments when things turn out contrary. He, however, kept up his courage tolerably well, and said at times, that if he had been unsuccessful this year, through the grace of God he should do better another: for the fortunes of this word are so changeable, they cannot remain always the same. The king of Portugal comforted him as much as was in his power, saying, — “Sir, you will keep your state in this country, while you write to your brothers and friends in England the melancholy event of your expedition, though they be now fully informed of all, and press them to send you, early in March next, five or six hundred spears and two thousand archers. I will re-assemble my forces, for my subjects are well inclined to fight the Castillians, and we will make an effectual war against them. A kingdom may be won and lot in one campaign.”
The duke, on hearing the king thus discourse, was much pleased, and returned him his thanks. But, notwithstanding the king of Portugal had held such language to induce his father-in-law to take courage, the duke was not ignorant that England was in a very troubled state, that the council had many weighty things to attend to, as well respecting the affairs of the borders of Scotland, which gave them much uneasiness, as concerning the duke of Brittany, who was negotiating important treaties with them. He remembered also that he had many difficulties to obtain the force he had brought with him to Galicia, and that, knowing his countrymen well, he had never had any intention of seeking a reinforcement, for he was aware the country at present was as heavily pressed as it was able to bear; that those who had gone home from Castille would never return thither, and he was fearful they would discourage any others from coming to his aid. Although he knew all this, he did not behave well to the king and barons of Portugal in hiding it from them. After residing some time at Oporto, he told the king, that many reasons urged him to return to Bayonne and the Bordelois; for that Portugal, though he was so agreeably received there by all, was not his own inheritance. He added, that as there were so many strong places and castles in the archbishopric of Bordeaux, on the borders of Foix, Armagnac, beyond the Garonne and Dordogne, in Quercy, Perigord, Limousin, Auvergne, and other parts, which were still attached to the English, and whose garrisons were carrying on a war under his name: it therefore was his duty to go thither, and give them aid and advice, should there be occasion. He was besides, when in Portugal, too remote to hear news from England; for the English dread the voyage to Portugal, for its length and danger of meeting Castillian, Galician, or Seville vessels, which cover that sea, either in going to, or returning from Flanders, with merchandise.
For these and other reasons, the duke of Lancaster made his preparations for departure, and when the galleys, which the king of Portugal had provided for him, under the command of his principal admiral Alphonso Bretat were ready, and the weather favourable, he and his duchess took leave of the king, their daughter, and the barons of Portugal, and embarked and put to sea. They coasted the shores, and, having wind and weather fair, arrived safely at Bayonne in a few days. The inhabitants of Bayonne and the adjacent parts were much rejoiced at their arrival, for they desired greatly their coming, and waited on them to pay their respects. News of the duke and duchess being at Bayonne with their daughter was spread far and near, and gave much pleasure to Bordeaux and the Bordelois.
Sir John Harpedon, séneschal of Bordeaux, and the séneschal des Landes, with other gentlemen of the country, such as the lord de Mucident, the lords de Duras, de Rosem, de Landuras, de Chaumont, de l’Esparre, de Copane, and several more of the principal barons and knights, paid their compliments to the duke. He received them kindly as they came, for they arrived separately. All offered him such services and affection as are due to a lord. The duke resided this season at Bayonne. He frequently wrote to the king of England and to his brothers; but, for whatever he could urge, he had not any reinforcement of men at arms or archers; and, as things were then situated, the duke of Lancaster and his concerns were totally disregarded. Those who had returned from Castille gave such accounts as discouraged others from going thither. They said, “The voyage was so long, a war with 331 France would be far more advantageous. France has a rich country and temperate climate, with fine rivers; but Castille has nothing but rocks and high mountains, a sharp air, muddy rivers, bad meat, and wines so hot and harsh there is no drinking them. The inhabitants are poor and filthy, badly clothed and lodged, and quite different in their manners to us, so that it would be folly to go thither. When you enter a large city or town, you expect to find everything, but you will meet with nothing but wines, lard, and empty coffers. It is quite the contrary in France; for there we have many a time found, in the cities and towns, when the fortune of war delivered them into our hands, such wealth and riches as astonished us. It is such a war as this we ought to attend to, and boldly hazard our lives, for it is very profitable, and not in a war with Castille or Portugal, where there is nothing but poverty and loss to be suffered.
Such were the conversations of the English who had returned from Castille, so that the ministers who ruled the country, perceived that any expedition thither would be very unpopular. The country was not as yet recovered from the late troubles, which the executions of sir Robert Tresilian and others, and the flight of the duke of Ireland, had thrown it into. The king had also new counsellors, with whom he was not, at that time, well reconciled. All these things prevented any attention being paid to what related to the duke of Lancaster, who still resided at Bayonne. The situation of England, with respect to its internal divisions, the desperate state of the affairs of the duke of Lancaster, and all that related to the duke of Ireland an his partisans, were perfectly known to the king of France and his council. To gain more information on these subjects, the king, by the advice of his uncles, resolved to invite the duke of Ireland into France, and to send to him at Utrecht, where he resided, proper passports for his coming thither, and for remaining as long as it should be the king’s pleasure, and to return whenever the duke should please. It was necessary to send special messengers, and that his passport should be particularly made out otherwise the duke would not quit Utrecht; for he knew he was in the ill graces of the lord de Coucy, (who was a great baron, and of high birth in France) and not without cause, for, to say the truth, he had very scandalously treated his duchess, the daughter of the lord de Coucy. This certainly was the principal reason that had blasted his character in France and elsewhere; for he was there as much hated and despised as in England. When this matter was discussed in the council of France, the lord de Coucy strongly opposed it; but they gave so many reasons for the advantages the might be reaped from the duke’s coming, as to induce him to yield; indeed as the king willed it, he could not say more.
the king, being young, was desirous to see the duke of Ireland, because he had been told he was a gallant knight, and that the king of England’s love for him had been unbounded. A knight and clerk, who was one of the king’s notaries, were sent to seek him. The duke of Ireland was very much astonished when he first heard the king of France wished to see him, and had many ideas what could be the cause of it. Having considered the passport, he found he might safely go to the king in France, and return to Utrecht when he pleased. He therefore left Utrecht, in company with those who had been sent for him, and continued his journey until he arrived at Paris, for the king then resided at the castle of the Louvre. The duke was well received by the king and his uncles; and the king was desirous he would fix his residence in France, and had an hôtel appointed for him to live and keep his state. He had wherewithal to do so handsomely, for he had brought immense sums of money with him from England, and the constable of Franc was still much indebted to him for the ransom of John of Brittany, as the whole had not been paid. The duke of Ireland made frequent visits to the king, who entertained him well; and he was invited to all the feasts, tilts, and tournaments.
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