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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. 332-351.
CHAPTER CX. — THE COUNCIL OF FRANCE DISAGREE, AS TO THE KING’S GOING INTO GERMANY, ON ACCOUNT OF THE STATE OF THE REALM. — THE DUKE OF BRITTANY STRENGTHENS HIS GARRISONS, AND FORMS ALLIANCES WITH ENGLAND AND THE KING OF NAVARRE. — THE ENGLISH RAISE A LARGE ARMY.
YOU have before heard how the count d’Estampes was sent by the duke of Berry into Brittany, in the hopes of conciliating the duke of Brittany, and had returned unsuccessful, to the great vexation of the duke of Berry, but more particularly to that of the king’s council; for they knew the eagerness of the king to march to Germany to revenge himself for the rude an outrageous challenge the duke of Gueldres had sent him. The wisest of the council, foreseeing what might happen, thought it would be too dangerous for the king, at this moment, to leave the realm. They now clearly saw the duke of Brittany would not listen to terms of accommodation, and felt his conduct, in arresting, confining, and ransoming the constable, for one hundred thousand francs, three castles and a town, highly offensive to the honour of France. They heard also, that the duke had entered into a strong alliance with the king of England, and was laying up stores of all kinds in his different towns and castles. He was seeking friends on all sides, so that his barons and knights knew not how to act, (or at least the greater part) whether to go to France, or to remain with the duke and abide the event; but they would never had taken arms against France, for the knights and squires of Brittany are too loyal Frenchmen to be induced to be guilty of such conduct. The council was fearful, and with reason, should the king march to Germany with a large force, and he could not do otherwise, that the duke of Brittany would introduce the English to his country, by Sant Malo, Saint Matthieu, Kemper, Treguier, Guerrande, Vannes, or on some other parts of the coast, for they could not gain a better entrance into France. They were, therefore, much puzzled, how they could, without compromising the king’s honour and that of the realm, bring about a reconciliation with the duke. But some of the council said, “That it would be very blameable in the king to put off his expedition for this duke of Brittan, who was not master of his own country; and he might be assured that the knights and barons of Brittany would never side with him against the king of France. Let the king, in God’s name, undertake the expedition, and the constable, with his Bretons, may stay at home to guard the country.” This opinion was ably supported in the council; but others opposed it, saying, “It cannot be done, for the king will never undertake it without the constable, as he knows more of war than any other knight.” Some argued, saying, “Let the king then remain, and send thither his uncles, for instance my lord of Burgundy, with two thousand lances and seven thousand lusty varlets; for, as the war principally affects him, he is bound to go thither, from his connection with Brabant, which is the seat of war; and he will be joined, when in that country, by seven hundred spears, and from twenty to thirty thousand of the common people.” — “What you say is to no purpose,” others replied, “for the king is determined to go, as commander in chief: he says, since he is young, the oftener he bears arms, the more will he like them.” — “All this is well,” said some, “but who will be bold enough to advise the king to march so far into Germany, and among such proud and crafty people? The entrance may be easy enough, but not so the return; for, when they know that the king of France and his nobles are in the heart of their country, they will collect together at some of the passes they are acquainted with, and of which we are ignorant, and completely destroy us. They are the most avaricious of mankind, and the most cruel to their prisoners; for, when they take any in war, they throw them into close dungeons, loaded with fetters, and such like prison furniture: they are cunning enough in these matters, in order to obtain a larger ransom for them. They are in the highest spirits when they make captive a nobleman or man of rank, and carry him with them into Bohemia, Austria, or Saxony, and confine him in some uninhabited castle, where you must seek for him. Such people are worse than Pagans or Saracens, for their extreme covetousness robs them of all ideas of honour. Now, if you conduct the king to such a country, and any melancholy event happen, and who can foresee what unfortunate accidents may not occur? 333 It will be said that we have advised him, like traitors, to his ruin, and not for the welfare of him or the kingdom. But, should he king persists in this expedition (God defend the realm from harm!) whom will he take with him, and what nobles are to attend him? for he must be properly accompanied, and the country, being left empty of defender, is in risk of total destruction. Who will now advise the king to undertake this matter in person?” — “What can be done then?” said others in reply. “Why,” answered those who had more maturely considered the matter, and weighed all the difficulties attending it, “Let the king think no more of it, nor send any considerable force thither. The duke of Gueldres is young and hot-headed, and puffed up with having challenged a king of France. It has not proceeded from any solid understanding, but from the self-sufficiency of a young man, who wants to fly before he has wings. Since he has sent his defiance, let him follow it up: the kingdom of France is large, and the moment he shall enter it, whatever part it may be, the king will be instantly informed of it, and have just cause for calling on his subjects for support, and for marching to repel the invader, should he have remained in France, or for pursuing him into Germany. The king will, by such conduct, acquire honour for himself and his kingdom, at a much cheaper rate than by marching into Gueldres. We have been informed, by those well acquainted with the country, that there are four large rivers to pass before you arrive at the duke’s territories, and that the smallest is as wide as the Loire at Nemours or La Charité, and the country was covered with heath and offered no place fit for encampment. Now, those who please may advise the king to undertake his expedition through such country.”
Thus, as I have said, was the council divided respecting this expedition to Gueldres, which the king was very anxious to accomplish. Indeed, more progress would have been made towards it, if they had not been afraid of the mischief that might come from Brittany; and this delayed it much. There was cause for their fears; for the duke, who had received information of the challenge of the duke of Gueldres, and of the king’s eagerness to march against him, was only waiting until the king had quitted the kingdom, to introduce the English, with whom he had formed an alliance, into his duchy. The duke had by his subtle arts gained over the principal towns to his interest, such as Nantes, Vannes, Rennes, Treguier, Guerrande, Lamballe, St. Malo, and St. Matthieu de Fine-Pôterne, but had failed n his attempts to gain the nobles. He hoped, indeed, they would accompany the constable into Germany and give him freer scope for his war. He filled his towns and castles with all sorts of stores, artillery and provisions, plainly showing he preferred war to peace. He had likewise formed a strict alliance with his brother-in-law, the young king of Navarre, and had promised him, that if he succeeded in his attempt to bring over a body of Englishmen at arms and archers, he would lead them instantly to Normandy, and recover for him all those towns and places the late king of France had won from his father by himself, or the lord de Coucy and others. The king of Navarre indulged in these hopes, and paid every respectful compliment to the duke of Lancaster at Bayonne, with whom he entered into an alliance.
On the 7th day of April, in the year of grace 1388, it was determined in the council of the king of England, by the dukes of York and Gloucester, that Richard earl of Arundel should be appointed commander in chief of a naval expedition. He was to have under him one thousand men at arms and three thousand archers, who were to assemble at Southampton, the 15th of May, when the fleet would be ready prepared to receive them, and it was fixed that those who were to accompany him were immediately to begin their march to Southampton. The king of England kept a grand feast on St. George’s day, this year, at Windsor, which was attended by a number of lords, who were to accompany the earl of Arundel, and who there took leave of the king, the queen, his uncles and ladies. The whole of this armament were at Southampton or in those parts, on the appointed day, and embarked on board the fleet the twentieth day of May, when the weather was fine and clear. With the earl of Arundel were, the earls of Nottingham and Devonshire, the lord Thomas Percy, the lord Clifford, sir John de Warwick, sir William Leslie, the lord Camois, sir Stephen de Liberie, sir William Helmon, sir Thomas Moreaux, sir John d’Ambreticourt, sir Robert Scot, sir Peter de Montberry, sir Lewis Clanborough, sir Thomas Cook, sir William Paulet, and several more: in the whole, there were one thousand good men at arms and about three thousand archers. They embarked no horses with them; for they hoped, if successful, to 334 find horses in plenty in Brittany. The day they weighed anchor the sea was so calm and serene, that it was beautiful to behold. They made for the shores of Brittany or Normandy, with a determination to land no where else, unless other intelligence should be sent them. They had in their fleet some light vessels (called Balniers Coursiers) which drew but little water, and these were sent in advance, to seek adventures; in the same manner as knights and squires, mounted on the fleetest horses, are ordered to scour in front of an army, to see if there are any ambuscades. We will, however, leave this army, and speak of the affairs of Gueldres and Brabant, and of the siege of Grave.
CHAPTER CXI. — THE BRABANTERS LAY SIEGE TO THE TOWN OF GRAVE. — THE CONSTABLE OF FRANCE GAINS THE TOWNS OF SAINT MALO AND SAINT MATTHIEU DE FINE-PÔTERNE, AND GARRISONS THEM WITH HIS MEN.
I HAVE before given an account of the ancient dukes of Gueldres, and how the eldest son of the first duke married Bertaldo of Mechlin’s daughter, in order to redeem his inheritance, and had mortgaged three of his castles to the count de Mours, who, unable to regain the money he had lent, had sold them to Winceslaus, duke of Brabant, for the same sum, and all the subsequent events to the time of duke William of Gueldres, son of the duke of Juliers. This duke of Gueldres, finding he could no way succeed in recovering his before-mentioned three castles on the Meuse, which had been part of his patrimonial inheritance, resolved to secure himself the possession of Grave from the Brabanters. He had married his bastard-daughter to the young lord of Bruk, who claimed the town of Grave as lord paramount. There was an amicable treaty made between them, such as should be made when fathers and children are concerned: and the young lord of Bruk yielded to the duke all his claims on Grave, and the territories thereto belonging, in the presence of the knights of Gueldres and Juliers. The duke of Gueldres gave him, in return, the town and territory of Breda, situated on the river Merck, in the duchy of Gueldres, bordering on Holland, below Brabant. It had a handsome castle: the town was extensive and of much trade, but Grave was more valuable. The duke had made this exchange to strengthen himself against the claim of the Brabanters; but the duchess and her subjects said, that the lord of Bruk was only mortgagee in possession, and that she or her heirs might redeem it whenever they pleased. The duke of Gueldres denied this, and hence arose their mutual hatreds and wars.
The Brabanters this year, in the month of May, came with a powerful force of barons, knights and squires, to lay siege to the town of Grave. They brought with them springalls, and various other machines of attack, and they amounted altogether to forty thousand men. There were almost daily skirmishes at the barriers. The town of Grave is situated on the Brabant side of the Meuse, over which there is a bridge that connects it with Gueldres. This siege was a bold enterprise; but great plenty was in the army of Brabant, and everything was to be had there for money, and as cheap as at Brussels. In these continued skirmishes at the barriers, where the cross-bows sometimes ventured, the success was variable, as must always happen when the parties are nearly equal.
The duke of Gueldres was regularly informed of everything that passed at the siege, for he had fixed his residence only four leagues off at Nimeguen. He wrote frequently to England for assistance, and was in hopes the armament at sea, under the earl of Arundel, should the winds prove favourable, would come to raise this siege. He knew the town of Grave was strong, and that it was amply supplied with stores and provisions, and could not be won by storm. As it could only be gained by capitulation, he felt assured on that head, as he depended on the fidelity of the inhabitants, that they would never desert him. This siege, therefore, lasted a very considerable time. The earl of Arundel’s fleet was still at sea, and, though no landing had been attempted, it hovered along the coasts of Brittany and Normandy, so that the Normans from St. Michael’s Mount along the shore of Dieppe, Saint Valéry, and even Crotoy in Ponthieu, were much alarmed, and uncertain at what place they would disembark. All these sea-port towns were well provided with men at arms, by orders from the king of France, to oppose any invasion.
335The marshal de Blainville, who commanded on the coast, sent the lord de Coucy, and the lord de Hambre, two great Norman barons, to the town of Carentan, which is situated on the sea-shore, and formerly belonged to Charles king of Navarre. The constable of France took possession of the towns of Saint Malo and Saint Matthieu de Fine-Pôterne; and, as soon as he learnt the English were at sea, he placed sufficient garrisons in both, in the name of the king of France. It was thought in France that war would be declared against the duke of Brittany. The knights and squires said, that this appearance of the English fleet was another instance of the duke’s perfidy; for, by their continued hovering along his coasts, it was clear that he had invited them thither. They never quitted their stations, unless forced by stress of weather, and, when favourable, returned to them again.
CHAPTER CXII. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER HA INTENTIONS OF MARRYING HIS DAUGHTER TO THE DUKE DE LA TOURAINE, BROTHER TO THE KING OF FRANCE. — THE DUKE OF BERRY PROPOSES HIMSELF FOR HER HUSBAND. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER IS MUCH SATISFIED THEREAT.
I HAVE before said that the duke of Lancaster had quitted Castille and Portugal. His thoughts on the unfortunate event of his expedition, were not very agreeable; for he saw his hopes annihilated, and that fortune, as very often happens in worldly affairs had suddenly turned against him, at a time when it was the least expected: for he had left England well accompanied by men at arms, and with every expectation of finishing his campaign in a different manner. It was told him that his adversary had regained, within fifteen days after he had left the country, all his conquests, which had occupied him six weeks. His army had been wasted away by sickness, and he despaired of any assistance from home; for the English were tired of this war, as it was at such a distance, and the accounts they had heard of the country disgusted them: besides, the duke knew that England was much troubled within itself. He foresaw little hope of amendment in his affairs; and though he said not much on this subject, he thought a great deal. At times, he compared himself and his expedition to the duke of Anjou and his march to Naples; for, when he set out from France, he was so magnificently equipped, nothing was ever seen like to it, and attended by multitudes of knights, squires, and men at arms; but the end had been, that all were either killed or ruined.
It was not surprising that the duke, considering his hopes were totally destroyed, should be sometimes melancholy; for the count de Foix, who was one of the wisest princes, in conversation with his knights, had declared the duke of Lancaster’s expectations, in regard to the crown of Castille, were completely at an end. The duke was, however, of a high spirit, and sought consolation in the prospect of the elevation of his children. He had with him a handsome daughter, by the lady Constance, daughter of don Pedro, in whose right he had made war on Castille: he, therefore, musing on this subject, said, — “If fortune is now unfavourable to me, it may be otherwise to my daughter, who is young and handsome, and by her grandfather and mother the true heiress of Castille. Some gallant prince of France may seek her in marriage, either for the above right or her high birth; for she may boats that she springs from the best blood in Christendom.” He would gladly have had some overtures made him from France on this head; for he knew the king had a younger brother, in the duke of Touraine: “and,” added the duke, “we might, through this means, recover our inheritance of Castille; for it has been solely through the aid of France that our adversary has kept his crown: should that power turn against him, which would be the case if a marriage took place with the duke of Touraine, he must speedily surrender his throne to my daughter.” Such were the expectations the duke of Lancaster flattered himself with, and his imaginations were in a way to be realised; not, indeed, by the king of France’s brother, but by one who was well qualified to change the face of affairs in Castille; and who had the complete government of France, for without his consent nothing was done: I mean the duke of Berry.
You have before heard how he and his son were made widowers nearly at the same time. 336 What I am about to relate, I know from my own knowledge; for I, the author of this book, was at the time in the country of Blois, on the borders of Poitou and Berry, with my very dear and honoured lord, the count Guy de Blois, by whose desire and encouragement this history was undertaken. The duke of Berry had, among his other thoughts and plans, a design to marry again. He frequently said to those near his person, that a lord was nothing without a lady, nor a man without a wife. Those in whom he had the greatest confidence replied, “Very well, my lord, marry then your son John: your house will be more pleasant, and better managed.” “Ah,” said the duke, “He is too young.” “That is nothing, my lord: do not you see the count de Blois has married his son, who is of the same age, with your daughter Mary?” — “That is true,” answered the duke: “well name then a lady for him.” — “We name the daughter of the duke of Lancaster.” The duke mused a while, and was some time before he made any reply, when, addressing himself to them, he said, — “You propose marrying my son John with my cousin, the daughter of the duke of Lancaster: by St. Denis, you have made me imagine that she will be an excellent match for myself, and I will shortly write to the duke on the subject. He resides, as I hear, at Bayonne; and I will signify to him that some of my council shall very speedily wait on him to treat of this marriage with me, I say: not for my son John, whom I will marry elsewhere.” Those to whom he had spoken, on hearing the above, burst out into laughter. “What do you laugh at?” said the duke. “We laugh, my lord, because it seems that you prefer to have a good thing yourself, rather than give if your son.” — “By my faith, I am in the right; for my fair cousin of Lancaster will not so readily give his daughter to my son as he will to me.”
Letters were instantly written and sent to the duke of Lancaster. The messengers, on their arrival at Bayonne, presented the letters to the duke, who, having opened them and perused their contents, was highly delighted, and made those who had brought them good cheer, giving them to understand, that their intelligence was very agreeable to him. The duke returned such answers by the messengers as showed the proposal was very satisfactory, and had given him much joy. The messengers, on their return, found the duke of Berry in Poitou, but preparing to return to Paris; for the king and the duke of Burgundy had expressly sent for him, to consider the state of Brittany. Having read the answer from the duke of Lancaster, which afforded him much pleasure, he determined to persevere in the business, although he could not defer his journey to Paris. He resolved, however, to proceed in it by the shortest mode, and sent letters to one of his knights, called sir Helion de Lignac, who at that time was séneschal of La Rochelle, ordering him to place the town under the government of those he could depend upon, and then, without fail, to hasten to him at Paris. Sir Helion, on receiving the duke’s orders, sealed with his seal, and noticing the haste in which he was summoned to follow him, lost no time in putting La Rochelle and its dependencies under the command of two valiant knights of Beauce, called sir Peter de Jouy and the lord Peter Taillepié. When this was done, he took the shortest road he could to join the duke, who he knew, from the tenor of his letter, would be impatient to see him.
We will now return to the duke of Lancaster at Bayonne, and say what were his thoughts on the proposal from the duke of Berry. He was not willing it should be kept secret: on the contrary, he published it everywhere, that his enemies might be alarmed, and the matter known in the court of his adversary of Castille. The duke, in consequence, wrote several letters, detailing the whole business, with copies of the duke of Berry’s proposals, and his answers of consent, to the count de Foix; because he knew there was a continual intercourse of knights and squires from all countries at Orthès, going or returning to Castille, or on pilgrimage to or from Sant Jago. He did the same to the king of Navarre, who had married the king of Castille’s sister, and by whom he had a numerous family, that the intelligence of this marriage might be more readily believed in Castille than if told by common report. He wrote also on the same subject to the king of Portugal, but was silent respecting it in his letters to the king and his brothers in England, for he knew the English would not be pleased at it; indeed, they gave proofs of their dislike to this marriage, as soon as they heard of it, as I shall relate when I am come to that part of my history; but I must now return to the duke of Brittany, as that matter presses.
CHAPTER CXIII. — THE LORD DE COUCY AND OTHER BARONS OF FRANCE ARE SENT TO THE DUKE OF BRITTANY. — BEFORE THEIR ARRIVAL, HE HAD RESTORED TO THE OFFICERS OF THE CONSTABLE THE PLACES HE HAD TAKEN FROM HIM.
ON the duke of Berry’s arrival at Paris, many councils were held by those most in the confidence of the king and his uncles, such as the bishops of Langres and Laon, the lord de Coucy and other privy counsellors, as well on the affairs of Gueldres, whither the king was still very desirous of going, as of Brittany; for the duke would not accept of the advances that had been made him towards a reconciliation with France. They knew not whom they could send to make another attempt, since the former negotiators had failed. The council were much troubled on this account, for they had learnt that the duke of Brittany had been busily employed during the winter victualling again and reinforcing all his towns and castles, which plainly indicated his wish to have been for war. The wisest of the council said, — “You talk of going to Germany: you should rather go to Brittany, and destroy that insolent duke, who holds in contempt the crown of France and refuses to obey its orders. You will not obtain anything from him by treaty: and his presumption is so great, he must be taught his duty: he neither loves nor esteems any one but himself. It is clear, that if the king go to Germany, and leave the realm unprotected by men at arms, (and unless he be handsomely attended, he need not think of it,) this duke will introduce the English into his country, and give them an entrance to France. The appearances are now very strong that he will do so; for her is a large English fleet on his coasts, which never leaves them but when forced to it by stress of weather, and when fair it returns; so that I see no alternative; you must have open war or peace.” “It would be well,” replied others, “that we again send to him the bishop of Langres and the count de St. Pol, for this last is, by marriage, his brother-in-law.*.” “Oh no, no,” interrupted sir Yves d’Orient; ‘if you will send to him again, you cannot send one more agreeable to him, nor of greater weight, than the lord de Coucy; for they are connected by marriage, and have always had a great affection for each other; and to the lord de Coucy add whomsoever you please.” “Since you have made this proposal, sir Yves,” said the duke of Burgundy, “name those whom you think should accompany the lord de Coucy.” “Willingly,” replied sir Yves: “If you please, then, sir John de Vienne and the lord de la Riviere shall go with him. They are three very intelligent lords; and, if any can make him listen to reason, they will.” “We agree to this,” said the dukes of Berry and Burgundy.
Although the three lords were instructed what they were to say, and how to act, and to use ever amicable means to settle the business, they did not quit Paris immediately. The duke of Brittany heard, before these noblemen left France, of their mission, but those who had informed him knew not the particulars they were charged with. He was confident, however, it related to mattes of great importance, by the lord de Coucy’s appointment. He frequently meditated on the subject, and opened his thoughts to some of the most confidential of his council, for them to give him advice how to act. “It was commonly reported,” he said, “that the duke of Lancaster was about marrying his daughter in France of the duke of Berry, and that matters had gone so far that sir Helion de Lignac was on his road to Bayonne to conclude the business with the duke, who was well inclined to it. Such a report surprised him exceedingly; for the duke of Lancaster, who was his brother-in-law, had never written to him on the subject, and all he knew was from public rumour. This silence had not been usual to him formerly, for whenever any of his affairs had a connexion with France, he regularly had informed him of them.” His council replied, — “Sir, you must alter your plans, whatever they may be, or you may be too great a loser, and bring destruction on your country. This you should dread; for what occasion have you to go to war since you are now at peace, and they are begging you to remain so? Your lady is far gone with child, and you should pay attention that in her situation she be not alarmed. The king of Navarre can give you but little support, for he has enough to do himself. The duke of Lancaster is a valiant and wise prince; but he marries, as they say, his daughter to the duke of Berry. 338 This will be the foundation for a long peace between France and England, and various treaties will be formed in consequence. You will see shortly the king of Castille driven from his throne; for, as the French seated him on it, they can as easily dethrone him: indeed, more easily, for they will have the aid of the duke of Lancaster and the English. We have in truth heard, that the lord de Coucy, the admiral of France, and the lord de la Riviere, are coming hither, and you may suppose it must be on affairs of the greatest consequence to the king and kingdom, or on the matter of the constable of France, whose cause the king has warmly espoused. They are probably ordered to know positively what are your intentions, and if you persist in your former opinions. Should this last be the case, we suppose (for one may judge tolerably well from appearances) that the immense force, now rumoured to be destined against Gueldres, will be turned against you. Now consider from whom you may expect assistance, should war be declared by France, as it most certainly will be, unless you consent to a reconciliation, should the duke of Lancaster marry his daughter to the duke of Berry; and this he will do, for where can he ally himself better in regard to the recovery of his inheritance? The majority of the prelates, barons, knights, and principal towns of the duchy, are in opposition to you. We therefore say, since you ask our advice, that it is at this moment more than ever requisite for you to consider well your situation, and to avoid risking the loss of your country, which has cost you so much labour and blood to gain. We know how great your hatred is to sir Oliver de Clisson, and that you have mutually shown your dislikes to each other; but you must soften it some little, at least in appearance, for since the king of France, his uncles and barons have taken up his quarrel, they will support him: he is and will continue their constable. Had the late king been alive, who loved him so much, and you had acted the same, we know it would have cost the king half his kingdom, but he would have made you suffer for the injury done him. The present king, his son, is young, and does not pay that attention to affairs which may be expected from him, if he live, ten years hence: he is coming on the stage and you are going off. Should you, therefore, engage in a new war with France, after all we have said, it will be contrary to our opinions, and to those of every man who ash any attachment to you. You must dissemble at present what your real inclinations may be. What is to you the holding these castles from sir Oliver de Clisson, which form part of his inheritance, considering the manner in which you gained them? and, whether you have peace or war, they will cost you more to guard for three years than ever you will gain from them in twelve. Give them back, therefore, handsomely; and when the rumour shall be spread abroad, for there is no fire without smoke, that you have so done of your own free-will, you will pacify the anger of many, and greatly please the duke of Burgundy, who has never interfered so much in this business as he might, had he so pleased, through the good offices of your cousin the duchess of Burgundy: this we know for fact. She has a numerous family, who are now your nearest relations: recollect, therefore, whence your origin, and who are your connexions, and do not estrange yourself from those with whom you ought to be more strongly united: it will be madness if you do, and you will be undeserving pity for what consequences may ensue. Have no connexion with England: the English have sufficient employment at home. They will make you great protestations of friendship, in order to take their advantage of it, and nothing more: this you know, for you were in your youth brought up among them.”
The duke was much struck on hearing such very forcible reasoning, and remained some time leaning over a window that opened into a court, without making any reply. His council were standing behind him; and, after some musing, he turned round and said, — “I perceive clearly that you have well and honestly advised me. I want nothing but good counsel, and yet how can I pretend to cherish love where I only feel hate? How can I ever love sir Oliver de Clisson, who has given me such repeated causes for hatred? and the thing I most repent of in this world is, the not having put him to death when I had him in my castle of Ermine.” “In the name of God, sir,” replied those near him, “had you put him to death, you could never have possessed yourself of his estates, for there is an appeal from this duchy to the parliament of Paris. John of Brittany and the son of the viscount de Rohan are his heirs by marriage with his two daughters, and would of right have succeeded to his estates; and you are much blamed for what you have already done respecting the 339 three castles, by their friends in France. The constable has made his complaints to the chamber of parliament at Paris, where sentences will be given against you, for you have no one there to make any defence for what he may accuse you of. When you shall have lost this cause, sir Oliver de Clisson and his heirs will be entitled to follow up the judgment by force of arms; and, should the king and country take part in resisting them, you must have a greater power than we know you have at this moment to make any resistance. It will therefore be more to your advantage, if, while this matter is pending, you surrender up these castles, and be thanked for so ding, rather than wait until judgment be given against you, with heavy damages. You will also regain the good will of your subjects, which is certainly worth having, and live in peace with those whose affections you should wish to preserve; I mean the king of France, who is your sovereign and natural lord, and my lord of Burgundy and his children your cousins. You have seen an example in your own time in the late earl of Flanders, your cousin-german, who, though a valiant and wise prince, was, through extraordinary events, at the latter end of his days, nearly driven out of his inheritance; but, by humbling himself to the king of France and his uncles, they assisted him in the recovery of his country.” “Well,” replied the duke, “I see, since I have asked your advice, it will be proper for me to follow what you have said.”
I believe everything went on well afterwards; at least, such were the appearances; for the duke of Brittany, who had hitherto kept possession of the constable’s castles, now remanded his men from them, and gave up their possession to the officers of sir Oliver de Clisson. This was the first act of moderation on his part: but it did not satisfy the king nor council of France, who insisted on the restitution of the money that had been paid as part of the ransom, and that the duke should come to Paris, and personally make excuses for his conduct to the king, in the presence of the peers of France, and submit to such punishment as the king and his peers might, after great deliberation, adjudge him. The three envoys to Brittany were well pleased when they heard of the restitution of the constable’s castles, and the lord de Coucy said, — “Now, gentlemen, we have one obstacle the less to surmount, and I suppose the duke will listen to what we may have to say to him.”
I was told, that before these three barons left Paris, the dukes of Berry and Burgundy held several private consultations with them, and recommended them to use every gentle method to bring matters to a favourable conclusion, in preference to harsh ones; and to prevail on the duke to come to Paris, or at least half way to the town of Blois, where they would meet him and hold a conference together. The three barons, who were prudent and had received their full instructions, said, they would use their utmost endeavours to comply with their wishes. On leaving Paris, they continued their journey until they came to the city of Rennes in Brittany, where, on asking for the duke, they learnt he was at Vannes, whither they went. Their coming was already known in the household of the duke, for they had sent forwards servants to prepare their lodgings. The duke had assembled his council and the principal barons of Brittany near his person, to show them the more honour. They were well received on their entering Vannes, by the knights and others of the duke’s household, who had gone forth to meet them, and in particular by the lord de Laval, who resided there.
They dismounted at their lodgings, and, having dressed and refreshed themselves with what they there found, re-mounted their horses, and rode to the castle de la Motte, the residence of the duke, who met and received them with much joy, telling them they were welcome, for that he was very happy in seeing them. He took the lord de Coucy by the hand, and showed him much kindness, saying, — “Fair brother, you are welcome: I rejoice to see you in Brittany: before you leave me, I will give you fine sport with hunting stags, and in hawking.” “Dear brother and lord,” replied the lord de Coucy, “I thank you; and I and my companions will cheerfully partake of them.” The duke showed them every attention, and conducted them, laughing and joking, to his apartments, where they amused themselves with much cheerfulness, as great lords are accustomed to do who have not seen each other for some time. All four knew how to keep up a brilliant conversation as well, if not better, than any lords I ever saw, not excepting the duke of Brabant, the count de Foix, nor the count de Savoy; and, in particular the lord de Coucy shone above all others, as was 35 acknowledged by all lords and ladies, in whatever country he had visited, whether France, England, Germany, Lombardy, or any other places. He had seen much of the world, and had travelled to various parts, to which he was naturally inclined.
During the time these lords were in conversation, spices were brought in handsome silver comfit boxes, and fine wines in gold and silver cans. The lords partook of both, and shortly after took leave and returned to their lodgings. Thus passed the first day, without one word being said of the cause of their coming.
* The duke of Brittany and the count de St. Pol married two daughters of sir John Holland, earl of Kent.
CHAPTER CXIV. — WHILE HELION DE LIGNAC, AMBASSADOR FROM THE DUKE OF BERRY TO THE DUKE OF LANCASTER, IS NEGOTIATING THE MARRIAGE WITH HIS DAUGHTER, THE KING OF CASTILLE SENDS AMBASSADORS PRIVATELY TO BREAK IT OFF, AND TO DEMAND THE LADY IN MARRIAGE FOR HIS SON. — HELION DE LIGNAC IS SENT AWAY, THE DAY OF THEIR ARRIVAL, WITH SOME TRUCES RESPECTING THE FRONTIERS OF AQUITAINE.
WE will now return to sir Helion de Lignac, who had been sent by the duke of Berry to the duke of Lancaster. The knight arrived safely at Bayonne, and, having dismounted at his inn, made himself ready to wait on the duke, who had already been informed of his arrival, and, as a mark of honour, had sent two of his knights to visit him at his hôtel, and to conduct him to him. Sir Helion, on being introduced to the duke, saluted him very profoundly, as was proper, and he knew well how to acquit himself. The duke received him most honourably, raised him up in his arms, and took him by the hand to lead him into an apartment, for they had met in the hall. Sir Helion then gave him the letters he had been charged with from the duke of Berry. The duke, having opened and read them, advanced towards sir Helion, who declared he business he had been sent on. The duke very courteously replied, and said to sir Helion, he was welcome; that the matter he was come to treat on was of such importance, it was necessary he should deliberate with his council thereon, and that he could not instantly give him a decided answer.
Sir Helion de Lignac remained at Bayonne with the duke of Lancaster and his knights upwards of a month, and was treated most kindly by words and otherwise, and made to understand that the duke was not unwilling to accept of the duke of Berry’s proposals; but this was not the fact, for all these fine speeches and delays were fictions, and solely used to give more publicity to what was going forward, more especially that it should be known in the kingdom of Castille, for there his affections were placed. The duke of Lancaster said to sir Helion, that if his cousin of Berry married his daughter, he must unite all his forces with him to wage war on his adversary of Castille, that his daughter’s inheritance might be recovered. Sir Helion, in reply, said, — “My lord, I am not charged to say anything respecting this matter: you will, before my departure, write down what you expect, and I will carry it to the duke of Berry, whose affection is, I know, so strong towards you, that he will enter into all reasonable alliances you may propose.” “We wish for nothing more,” said the duke. Things remained in this state during the time of sir Helion’s residence at Bayonne, where he was gaily entertained according to the orders the duke had given.
In the meanwhile, news of this intended marriage was everywhere spread abroad; and, in particular, it was carried to the court of king John of Castille by those who said, — “Do you know what is going forwards? There are important treaties negociating with the dukes of Berry and Lancaster, for a match between the duke of Berry and the lady Catherine; and, if this be concluded, as there seems every probability, it will not be done without strong alliances being made between them. The duke of Berry has at this moment great power: he is the elder uncle of the king of France, and takes the lead in the government of that country. He will succeed in whatever he may propose, as to peace or long truces with England: and, on the other hand, the duke of Lancaster stands in the same relation to the king of England, is wise, and of great power; and, as it should seem, the English are tired of war. If, therefore, by means of this connexion with France, a firm peace should be established with England, we shall have the war to support alone; for the duke of Lancaster 341 will not give up tamely his claims on Castille, but, on the contrary, insist on establishing them, as his daughter’s lawful inheritance and dower. We shall then have war with France and England.” Those most in the confidence of the king of Castille said to him, — “Sire, have you heard the rumours that are abroad? You had never such need of good advice as at this moment. The dangers from the duke of Lancaster are thicker than ever, and the blast comes from France.” “How!” replied the king: “what do you men?” “In the name of God, sir, the report is everywhere current, that the duke of Berry is to marry the duke of Lancaster’s daughter, and you may suppose this will not be done without great alliances being made between them; and you may in future suffer as much from the French as you have lately gained by them.” The king, on hearing this, was very pensive, for he knew what they had said was true. He demanded advice from those who had ever been attached to him, how, in such a circumstance, he ought to act, and they gave him loyal and good counsel, as I will relate.
You have before heard, in this history, how king Henry of Castille had made his peace with the king of Arragon, on condition that his son John, the present king of Castille, married his daughter. This marriage brought peace to the two countries. King John had one son by this lady, who shortly after died; and then, by the advice of his council, he married again with the lady Beatrice, daughter to the king of Portugal. The son, by the princess of Arragon, was a promising youth, though very young. The council of Castille, in reply to the king’s demand, said, — “Sire, we can only see one remedy to avert the evils that may be consequent to this marriage with the duke of Berry.” “What is it,” asked the king. “It is the infant don Henry your son, who is alone capable of preventing this match; for we are persuaded, that if the duke and duchess of Lancaster were informed you were willing to unite him with the lady Catherine, they would prefer him to the duke of Berry.” “In god’s name,” answered the king, “you say well, and I will instantly set about it; for our subjects will be quite satisfied, that by such a marriage they will have peace with England on sea and land. Now, consider of the most proper persons to send to treat with the duke of Lancaster.”
“Sire, it is necessary you should, in this matter, employ those of the greatest prudence and sagacity, and that it be treated with the utmost secrecy, lest you incur the hatred of the king of France. Great jealousies are now abroad, and persons are more eager to report scandal than good actions, for evil reports are sooner made public than others. When it shall be told to the court of France that you are in treaty with the duke of Lancaster, they will wish to know the subject and the particulars, lest it may prejudice the strong alliance the late king, your father, of worthy memory, entered into with them, and on which account the French have assisted you in your wars. You must, therefore, send to the duke of Lancaster wise and discreet persons, that the matter may be secretly treated, and kept private until all things are completely settled.” “What you have said is right,” replied the king: “Now name those whom you think capable of accomplishing the matter.” “Sire,” said they, “we will send your confessor, father Fernando de Torre, and the bishop of Geghene*, who was confessor to the late king, and Peter Gardelempos, who is a great orator.” “Be it so, then,” answered the king: “I consent; let them be sent for, and instructed what they are to say, and how to act; for formerly, when there was a treaty of peace in agitation, they were not listened to by the duke of Lancaster, who insisted, as a preliminary, that I should lay down my crown, and this I will never do.”
The three above-mentioned persons were summoned to Burgos, where the king resided, and told from him on what object they were to be sent to Bayonne, to treat with the duke of Lancaster. They professed themselves willing to undertake it to the best of their abilities, and set out on their journey with few attendants, not like to ambassadors going to form alliances, for they were not certain what success they should have. On entering Navarre, they made for Pampeluna, the residence of the king, who had married the king of Castille’s sister. She entertained them kindly, but they did not discover to her, nor to the king, the cause of their journey. They passed over the mountains of Pampeluna and Roncesvalles, through the country of the Basques, and arrived at the good town of Bayonne. At the time of their arrival, sir Helion de Lignac was still there, but made no long stay afterwards; 342 for father Fernando, the king of Castille’s confessor, waited privately on the duke of Lancaster, as better acquainted with him than the others, and gave him to understand the cause of their coming, and by whom they were sent.
The duke, on hearing this, opened his ears, for the intelligence was highly agreeable to him, and bade father Fernando a hearty welcome. This same day he gave sir Helion de Lignac leave to depart; and it seems to me that the duke consented to a truce for those who were carrying on the war under his name in the séneschalships of Aquitaine, Bigorre, Toulouse, and other places, comprehending all within the river Loire, but not beyond it, to last until the first day of May 1389. This truce had been requested by the duke of Berry, that his people might pass and repass from him to the duke of Lancaster with greater security; for those of Mortagne-sur-mer, Bouteville, and the garrisons in Quercy, Perigord, and on the Garonne, were very cruel, sparing none, and acknowledging no lord. It was to keep these people in better order that the duke of Berry had solicited a truce, which was well observed. Sir Helion de Lignac left the duke of Lancaster on terms of the strongest affection, and he seemed sensible things were in the train he wished them, for the duke seemed very well satisfied with what the duke of Berry had offered. He had indeed declared, that he never could marry his daughter in France without the consent of his nephew the king of England and the English council; but matters were not so far advanced, he seemed to think there would not be any great difficulty to obtain them. On theses assurances, sir Helion returned to France, delivered letters from the duke of Lancaster to the duke of Berry, and related to him all that had passed; with which he was much satisfied.
We will now speak of the ambassadors from Castille. These were indeed cordially listened to by the duke and duchess, for their hearts were wrapped up in their hopes of regaining the crown for themselves or their child. They were very kindly received on their introduction at the castle by the duke and duchess, to whom they delivered their credential letters, and explained the object of their mission. They first proposed a treaty of peace with Castille, which the father-confessor discoursed much on, in the apartment of the duke when only the duchess was present, who interpreted to the duke what he did not understand, as she had in her youth been educated in Castille and understood the language perfectly well. The duke of Lancaster, at this first interview, did not discover his real sentiments, although he entertained them well, but said it would be difficult to exchange such hatred for peace, and to establish it with one whom they wanted to disinherit, and that it was not his intention to relinquish his claim to the crown of Castile. The friar and bishop replied, — “that there was one means of reconciling his right and the right of their lord and king; and, my lord, we have found it.” “What is it?” said the duke, “Sir, you have by your lady a beautiful daughter, of an age to marry, and our lord of Castille has a handsome and young son: if a union between those two could be brought about, the kingdom of Castille would have peace for ever; for what you claim will fall where it ought, to your own heir, who is the lineal descendant from our kings of Castille; and all the fatigues you have undergone in this war much have been for the ultimate succession of this young lady.”
“That is true,” replied the duke; “but I must have my expenses reimbursed, for I would have you know that my expedition to Castille has cost England and me upwards of five hundred thousand francs. I should like, therefore, to hear what you say of repayment.” “My lord,” said the confessor, “if what we have proposed shall be agreeable to you, we will manage all other things to your perfect satisfaction.” “Your coming hither,” replied the duke, “has given us pleasure; and I shall certainly marry my daughter, before I return to England, to Castille or France, as I have had proposals from thence; but matters like these are of such importance, that an answer cannot be given at the first overture — With regard to my daughter, whom I consider as the rightful heiress of Castille, I would be well acquainted with him who should marry her.” “That is but reasonable, my lord,” said the confessor. Thus, as I have related, were the proposals of marriage made from France and Castille, to the duke of Lancaster, for the marriage of his daughter. They were both well received, refusals made to neither, and the ambassadors well entertained. The marriage, however, with Castille was more agreeable to the duke and duchess, because their daughter would in due time become queen of Castille.
We will now leave the duke of Lancaster, and return to the affairs of Brittany.
* “Geghene.” Q.
CHAPTER CXV. — THE DUKES OF BERRY AND BURGUNDY LEAVE PARIS FOR BLOIS, TO HOLD A CONFERENCE WITH THE DUKE OF BRITTANY, WHO MEETS THEM THERE. — THEY PERSUADE HIM, AGAINST HIS INCLINATION, TO COME TO PARIS.
THE duke of Brittany, as I have said, received the French knights with much kindness, more particularly the lord de Coucy, whom he had been desirous to see. I was informed at the time, the lord de Coucy was the most instrumental in making the duke change his mind: not but that sir John de Vienne and the lord de la Riviere exerted themselves to the same purpose, but all princes, when they are entreated, will naturally incline to some persons more than others. The duke of Brittany consented, with great difficulty, to meet the dukes of Berry and Burgundy at Blois: after many fair speeches, he said he would go thither, but not one step farther. The lord de Coucy replied, that they asked nothing ore, unless it should be perfectly agreeable to him. These three lords staid with the duke of Brittany I know not how many days, and then returned to the dukes of Berry and Burgundy to tell them their success.
Upon this, the two dukes made preparations for going to meet the duke of Brittany at Blois, and sent before all purveyances suitable to their rank. The duke of Berry arrived first at the castle, where he was kindly received by the countess of Blois, his son, and her daughter, as was becoming him and them. Count Guy de bois was not at this time in the country, but at Châtel Regnaud, and, as the countess and her children were at home, he paid no attention to the arrival of the duke of Berry. The duke of Burgundy came in a grand style, accompanied by his son-in-law, lord William of Hainault, count d’Ostrevant, and his son John of Burgundy, called count de Nevers. The duke was also lodged in the castle, and held there his court.
The duke of Brittany came last, but with no great array, attended only by those of his household, in number about three hundred horse; for it was his intention to return to his own country as soon as these conferences should be over. Such, however, were not the intentions of the other dukes; for they said, whether he would or not they would force him to come to Paris. The duke of Brittany was lodged at the house of a canon of St. Sauveur, within the castle; but his attendants, with those of the other lords, were quartered in the town. These princes kept their state in the castle, which is large, and one of the handsomest in the kingdom of France.
Conferences were held between the three dukes; and those of France gave handsome entertainments to the duke of Brittany, showing him much affection, and repeatedly thanking him for coming to Blois. The duke dissembled as well as he could, and said, that indeed it was from his love to them he had undertaken such a journey, for that he was very unwell. In the course of their conversations they told the duke of Brittany, that since he had come so far, he would have done nothing if he did not continue his journey to Paris, for the king was very anxious to see him. The duke made every excuse for not complying with the proposal, saying his health was too bad to go so far; that he had not brought any attendants with him, but simply those of his household, meaning to return home directly. They kindly answered, that, begging his pardon, it would not be decorous for him to visit his lord paramount with too large a company; that if he were too ill to ride, they were provided with litters and cars that should be at his service; and that he was bound to pay his homage to the king, which he had never yet done.
The duke of Brittany, in excuse, said, that when the king should be of age, and take the reins of government, he would come to Paris, or to any other place whither he might order him, to perform his homage, for he was bounden so to do. The dukes of Berry and Burgundy replied, that he was of sufficient age and understanding to receive homage; and that every lord of France, and all who held fiefs under the crown, excepting himself, had done their homage, for the king was now in his twenty-first year. The duke of Brittany, finding his excuses of no avail, said, — “Should I go to Paris, it will be much against my inclination, and very prejudicial to my interests; for, when there, I shall meet sir Oliver de Clisson, whom I hate, and we can never cordially love each other after what has passed: he will 344 make me bitter and injurious reproaches, and consider what may be the consequences.” “Oh no,” answered the two dukes, but in particular the duke of Burgundy, “fair cousin, have no fear from that quarter; for we solemnly swear to you, that neither the constable nor John of Brittany, unless you wish it, shall see or speak with you: of this be assured: but you shall see the king, who is anxious for it, and the barons and knights of France, who will make you good cheer; and when you have completed the object of your journey, you shall return home without hindrance or hurt.”
Why should I make a long story? The duke of Brittany was so sweetly entreated, that he consented to go to Paris; but he insisted that he should never see the constable of France nor John of Brittany, and that they should never be in the same company with him. The two dukes solemnly pledged themselves to all his requests; and on their faith he engaged to set out for Paris. They remained five or six days in the castle of Blois, and alternately gave grand entertainments to each other, the countess, and her children. Everything having been so settled, the two dukes took leave of the duke of Brittany and returned to Paris; but the lord William of Hainault did not accompany his father-in-law the duke of Burgundy. He attended the countess of Blois and her family to Châtel Regnaud, to visit count Guy de Blois, where he was kindly received and entertained for three days, when he took leave of them and went to Paris, by way of Chateaudon* and Bonneval†.
* “Chateau-dun,” an ancient town in Beauce, diocese of Blois, twelve leagues from Chartres, thirty-four from Paris.
† “Bonneval,” — a town in Beauce, four leagues from Chateau-dun.
CHAPTER CXVI. — LEWIS OF ANJOU, SON TO THE LATE DUKE OF ANJOU, UNCLE TO KING CHARLES VI., MAKES HIS PUBLIC ENTRY INTO PARIS AS KING OF SICILY. — THE DUKE OF BRITTANY COMES THERE SHORTLY AFTER. — THOMAS HAPURGAN, AN ENGLISHMAN, AND JOHN DES BARRES, A FRENCHMAN, PERFORM A DEED OF ARMS BEFORE THE KING OF FRANCE AT MONTEREAU SUR YONNE*.
THE duke of Brittany went to Beaugency, on the Loire, where he made his preparations for going to Paris. But before he came thither, there arrived the queen of Sicily and Jerusalem, widow of the late duke of Anjou, who had borne the title of king of those countries, as well as of Naples. She had brought with her her young son Lewis, who, throughout France was acknowledged as king of Naples, and was likewise accompanied by her brother, John of Brittany. Before she entered Paris, she signified to her brothers, the dukes of Berry and Burgundy†, her arrival, with her son Lewis, their nephew, and desired to know whether he should make his entry as king, or simply as duke of Anjou. The two dukes, having considered the matter, sent for answer, that they desired he would make his entry as king of Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem, although he was not as yet in possession of these kingdoms; for they would assist him, and prevail on the king of France to do the same, so effectually, that he should recover those territories, and peaceably possess them as his right, and what they had most sacredly promised to perform to their late brother the king of Naples. The lady, upon this, made preparations accordingly; and, having entered Paris, her son passed in grand cavalcade, through the street of St. James, to his hôtel in the Grêve, with kingly state, accompanied by numbers of dukes, counts, and prelates. The queen and her son, having established themselves there, waited on the king, who resided at the castle of the Louvre, expecting the duke of Brittany.
The duke of Brittany, on his approach to Paris, stopped one night at Bourg la Reine, previous to his entry which he made on the morrow. This was great news for the Parisians, on account of the late events of the arrest and imprisonment of the constable, and the fruitless embassies that had been sent to summon him‡: his late conduct, and his coming now as it were of his own free will, were variously spoken of. It was on a Sunday, the vigil of St. 345 John Baptist’s feast, in the year 1388, at ten o’clock in the morning. The duke of Brittany entered Paris by the gate de l’Enfer§, and passing the whole length of the rue de la Harpe, crossed the pont de St. Michel, and came in front of the palace. He was handsomely accompanied by numbers of barons and knights; among whom was the lord William of Hainault, count d’Ostrevant: his brother-in-law John of Burgundy, and the lord William de Namur rode before him. When he arrived at the castle of the Louvre, he dismounted, and as he passed through Paris, was much stared at by the common people.
The duke entered the gate of the Louvre well prepared what to say, and how to act. He was preceded by the lord de Coucy, the count de Savoye, sir John de Vienne, sir Guy de la Tremouille, sir John de Beuil, the count de Meaux, sir Reginald du Roye, and sir John des Barres: nearer to him, on each side, were the lord William de Namur, John of Burgundy, and the count d’Ostrevant: behind him were, the lord de Montfort in Brittany, and the lord de Malestroit, his relation and minister. There was a great crowd in the apartment, which was not only small, but the table was spread in it for the king’s dinner, who was standing before it with his three uncles, Berry, burgundy, and Bourbon. The moment the duke of Brittany entered the room, way was made for him, and an opening formed to the king, by the lords falling on each side. When in the presence, he dropped on one knee, but speedily arose, and advance about ten or twelve paces, when he again kneeled: on rising, he came close to the king, kneeled the third time, and saluted him bare-headed, saying, “My lord, I am come to see you: may God preserve you!” “Many thinks,” replied the king. “I was anxious for your coming: we will see and converse with you at our leisure.” On which he took him by the hand, and raised him up. When the duke had risen, he bowed to all the princes present, one after the other, and then stood opposite the king without saying a word; but the king never took his eyes off him.
A signal was made to the master of the household to bring water, when the king washed, and the duke of Brittany held the bason and towel. When the king was seated, the duke took leave of him and his uncles. The lord de Coucy, the lord de Saint Pol, and other great barons conducted him to the court where his horses waited, and, having mounted, he returned 346 with his attendants the way they had come, through the street de la Harpe, and dismounted at his hôtel. None of those who had attended him remained, excepting such as had accompanied him from Brittany to Paris. The duke of Brittany had frequent conferences with the king of France and his uncles to their mutual satisfaction; and they religiously kept the promise they had made him, for he never saw, during his stay at Paris, John of Brittany nor the constable of France. When affairs were in so good a train that they had not reason to be suspicious of the duke of Brittany, (for if he had not consented to everything the king and his council wished, they would never have suffered him to escape from their hands, as they now had him in Paris,) they thought it time to prepare for the expedition to Gueldres for which the king was impatient, to punish the duke of Gueldres for the insolent and rude challenge he had sent him; which, the more it was considered, was the less to be borne.
The lord de Coucy was therefore ordered into the country, near Rheims and Châlons in Champagne, to mark out the line of march for the king and his army, and to excite the knights and squires of Bar and Lorraine to join him. He was in no way to introduce the king’s name, but to engage them for himself, as if preparing for an expedition into Austria. Upon this, the lord de Coucy left Paris, and went to Châlons, where he resided about one month, and retained knights and squires from all parts in Bar, Lorraine, Champagne, and in the Rethelois. The king of France, after several conferences with the duke of Brittany, left Paris, though the duke’s pleadings in his courts were not near concluded; for their proceedings, when they choose, are very tedious, and they make the suitors spend much money without any great advance in their suits.
The king went to Montereau sur Yonne, on the borders of Brie and the Gatinois, where he held his court, and frequently amused himself with hunting stags and other animals in the adjacent forests. During the residence of the king at Montereau, a deed of arms was there performed between an English knight attached to the duke of Ireland, called sir Thomas Hapurgan, and sir John des Barres. This duel had made a great noise throughout France, and in other countries; and it was to be fought with five courses of the lance on horseback, five thrusts with swords, the same number of strokes with daggers and battle-axes; and, should their armour fail, they were to be supplied anew, until it were perfect.
The knights, being well armed, mounted their coursers to perform their duel, in the presence of the king, his barons and knights, and a great concourse of people. They tilted on horseback four courses very stiffly, and kept their seats well. It was then the custom, I believe, to lace on the helmets with a slight thong, that they might not make too great resistance to the blow of the lance. At the fifth course, John des Barres struck his opponent so violent a blow on the shield, that he knocked him over the crupper of his horse to the ground. Sir Thomas was stupified by the fall, and it was with much difficulty he could be raised: however he recovered well enough to perform his other courses with the different arms, to the satisfaction of the king and his lords.
* “Montereau-sur-Yonne,” — a town in Brie, seven leagues from Melun, twenty and a half from Paris.
† Her brothers-in-law, own brothers to her deceased husband Louis of Anjou. — ED.
‡ He had been summoned several times, and the king had expected his appearance ever since the month of May. — ED.
§ “De l’Enfer.” It is now the gate of Saint Michel. For more particulars, see Sauval, Antiquités de Paris, tom. i. p. 36.
CHAPTER CXVII. — PERROT LE BEARNOIS TAKES THE FIELD BY COMMAND OF THE EARL OF ARUNDEL, WHO LANDS HIS FORCES AT MARANS*, NEAR LA ROCHELLE.
I HAVE been some time silent respecting the expedition that was at sea under the command of the earl of Arundel: it is now necessary I should speak of it. You have before heard the cause of its being sent from England, and the treaties that were made between the king and the duke of Brittany. This fleet had remained the whole season on the coasts of Brittany and Normandy, except when driven off by storms, but it always returned to its station. There were in this fleet some light vessels called Balleniers, which are much used by corsairs; for, as they draw little water, they can the easier approach the shores. This fleet had lain at anchor upwards of a month off the island of Brehat, whence it had got provisions. As it was not far from la Roche-derrien, they heard that the duke of Brittany was gone to Blois, to meet the dukes of Berry and Burgundy, who had held such fair language as 347 persuaded him to go to Paris, where he had been so well received by the king, as to prevent him from leaving that place until everything had been satisfactorily settled.
The earl of Arundel was much cast down when he heard the above, and called a council of his principal officers, to consider how they were to employ their forces during the remainder of the mission. In this council they resolved to sail for la Rochelle and make war on that country; for, though they had not any castle sin those parts, yet they were in sufficient numbers to withstand the force Saintonge or Poitou could send against them. They intended likewise to make their situation known to their friends in Limousin and Auvergne, by some person in their fleet that was acquainted with the country, whom they would land on the coast of Brittany. The truces which sir Helion de Lignac had obtained from the duke of Lancaster had not yet taken effect. They were to commence on the first of August, and the knight was at this time going or returning, I know not which, to or from the duke of Lancaster at Bayonne.
It fell out just as the earl of Arundel and the English barons wished; for they found a man from lower Brittany, who served under sir William Helmon, then on board, who came from near Vannes, and understood four languages perfectly well, that of lower Brittany, English, Spanish, and French. Before they landed hi on the sand, they gave him the following orders: — “Thou wilt go by all the bye-roads in this country, which thou sayest thou art acquainted with, until thou shalt come to Chaluçet†. Thou wilt salute Perrot de Béarnois, from us, and tell him, that we desire he will take the field, with as many other garrisons of our party as he can, and make war on France under our commission. Thou shalt not carry any letters for fear thou mightest be stopped and searched. Say, if thou findest thyself in danger, that thou belongest to a wine-merchant of la Rochelle, who had sent thee with some commissions, and thou wilt pass everywhere. Tell Perrot to give instant alarm to Berry, Auvergne, and Limousin, by taking the field; for we will disembark near la Rochelle, and make such a war that he shall soon hear of us.”
The Breton said, he would faithfully deliver the message, unless he was stopped on the road. On being landed, as he knew well the country of Brittany, he avoided all great towns, and, passing safely through Poitou and Limousin, arrived at Chaluçet, of which Perrot le Béarnois was governor. On coming to the barriers, having made acquaintance with the garrison, they allowed him to enter, after examining him at the gates, and led him to Perrot, to whom he punctually delivered the message, to the great joy of the governor, who had been long impatient to hear some news of the fleet, and now he had it quite fresh. He said to the Breton, — “Thou art welcome: my companions and myself are very eager to take the field, which we will now speedily do, and then act as we are ordered.” Perrot le Béarnois instantly sent to the governors of Carlat, the bourg de Compane, to Olim Barbe, captain of Ouzach, to Amerigot Marcel, captain of Aloise, near Saint Flour, and to the captains of the other forts in Auvergne and Limousin, to say he was about to take the field, as the season was now favourable, and desiring they would join him, after having left garrisons in their forts strong enough to prevent any accident during their absence. These companions had as great a desire to take the field as Perrot le Béarnois; for they could only enrich themselves by the losses of others, and, making their preparations in haste, came to Chaluçet, where the general assembly had been fixed. They amounted to full four hundred lances, and thought themselves in sufficient strength for any gallant enterprise, and that there was not a lord in the country able to withstand them; for sir William de Lignac and Bonne-lance would not, on their account, break up the siege of Ventadour.
Being masters of the country, they began their march through Auvergne, towards Berry, because they knew the duke was with the king at Montereau-sur-Yonne. We will, for a while leave Perrot le Béarnois, and speak of the earl of Arundel and his fleet, and what they did on quitting the coast of Brittany. When they weighed anchor, the weather was so fine and beautiful, they hoisted every sail, and advanced as it pleased God. It was a magnificent sight to view this fleet of six score vessels, whose streamers, emblazoned with the arms of the different lords, were glittering in the sun, and fluttering with the wind. They floated, as it were, on a sea that seemed proud to bear them, and which might be compared to a vigorous 348 courser, who, after being long confined in the stables, gains its liberty to bound over the plains: for thus did the sea, gently ruffled by the wind, swell on with a burden it was lustily bearing, and, figuratively speaking, it may be supposed to say, — “I delight in carrying you, and will do so without danger, until you be arrived in a safe harbour.”
The fleet coasted Saintonge and Poitou, and cast anchor off Marans, near la Rochelle. Some of the most adventurous, to the amount of two hundred, observing the tide was flowing, entered their barges, and sailed up the river to Marans. The watch on the castle had sounded his horn frequently, to alarm the townsmen, that they might save all they could of their property. The inhabitants, of both sexes, carried their most valuable things to the castle for safety; and it was well they did so, or they would have been lost. While the English were landing, they discontinued saving their property, to take care of their lives. The English, on entering the town, began to pillage it, for this had been the object of their coming, but they only found empty coffers: their contents had been carried to the castle. They discovered, however, plenty of corn, wine, and salted provisions; for there were upwards of four hundred tuns of wine in the town. They resolved to remain to guard this provision, which came very opportunely to them; for, should they depart, they imagined the greater part would be carried away by the French, up the river, to Fontenay le Comte. The remained this night in the place, having arrived there only about vespers, and gave themselves full liberty, sending, however, to inform their companions of their situation, and the reason why they did not return.
The earl of Arundel and the other lords were satisfied, and said they had acted right. On the morrow, when the tide began to flow, the smaller vessels weighed anchor, and in them were embarked the armour and other necessaries from the large ships that, from their size, could not enter the river. There were left in them one hundred men at arms and two hundred archers to guard them, as they lay at anchor off the mouth of the river. When this had been done, they sailed for Marans, and landed at their leisure, for none came to oppose them, and fixed their quarters between Marans and la Rochelle, which is but four short leagues distant. The alarm was soon spread over the country that the English had landed at Marans, to the amount of four hundred combatants, including archers. The towns and castles in the low country were much frightened, and the villagers instantly fled to the neighbouring forests for protection.
* “Marans,” — a town in Aunis, four leagues from la Rochelle.
† “Chaluçet,” — a town in Limousin, near Pierre-buffiere.
CHAPTER CXVIII. — THE ROCHELLERS SKIRMISH WITH THE ENGLISH NEAR MARANS. — THE ENGLISH, AFTER PILLAGING THE COUNTRY ROUND, RETIRE WITH THEIR BOOTY TO THEIR FLEET. — PERROT LE BEARNOIS DOES THE SAME TO HIS FORT, WITH A GREAT DEAL OF PLUNDER.
IF the English had had horses, they would have much harassed the country round la Rochelle; for it was void of men at arms, at least such as could have opposed them successfully. True it is, that the lords de Partenay, de Pons, de Linieres, de Tannaybouton, sir Geoffrey d’Argenton, the lord de Montendre, sir Aimery de Rochechouart, the viscount de Thouars, and many other knights and squires of Poitou and Saintonge, were in the country, but each was in his own castle; for they had not any suspicions of the English coming to invade them. Had they been so fortunate as to obtain notice of their intentions, they would have been prepared to receive them, but it was not so; and the surprise was so great, that all were frightened, and impatient to save what they could. The farmers began to hasten their harvest of corn, for it was the beginning of August. Add to this, there was not then in the country any person to take the lead. The lieutenant of Poitou, the duke of Berry, was at Montereau: the séneschal of Poitou was just gone to Paris; the séneschal of Saintonge was from home: the séneschal of la Rochelle, sir Helion de Lignac, was at Bayonne, on the business of the duke of Berry, by which the country was left defenceless; for, from want of heads, their courage failed, and without that nothing effectual can be done. The country was much alarmed for two causes: they had the English army and fleet on one side, and 349 rumour had already informed them that Perrot le Béarnois was on his march, with more than fifteen hundred combatants, and had already entered Berry. They knew not what measures to adopt, except that of placing their wealth in safety; for it was said these two armies were to form a junction in Saintonge or Poitou, as was the intention of many.
There were, indeed, at the time the English landed at Marans, two gallant knights from Beauce in the town of la Rochelle, sir Peter de Jouy and the lord Taillepié, whom sir Helion de Lignac had placed there fore its defence, when he set out to meet the duke of Berry at Paris. They had acquitted themselves ably; and on hearing that the armament under the earl of Arundel, which had been much talked of all the summer, had disembarked at Marans, they told the mayor and the principal citizens, for it is a populous place, that it would be right to beat up the English quarters, and added, — “We hear they have established themselves at Marans, and lay the surrounding country under contribution: we two are determined to bid them welcome, and they shall pay us, or we will repay them, for what they have done. Great blame and reproaches will fall on us, to whom has been committed the government of this town and country, if we suffer them quietly to fix their quarters there. There is one thing much in our favour: they have not any horses, and are for the most part sailors, whilst we are all well mounted. We will send our cross-bows before us to awaken them with a shower of arrows; and, when they have made their attack, they will return homeward: the English will soon be on foot, and we will then charge them, and, by being on horseback, may do them great mischief.”
Those who heard this speech approved of it, and instantly assembled a body of twelve hundred cross-bows and varlets, including all sorts. At the first dawn of day, they were all prepared, and set out from la Rochelle at a good pace, to beat up the quarters of the English. During this, the horse got ready, and they were about three hundred, for many knights and squires had hastened to la Rochelle on the first intelligence of the English having landed at Marans. They left the town under the command of the two knights before named. Had the English fortunately had any suspicion of this attack from the Rochellers, and had formed an ambuscade of two hundred archers and one hundred men at arms, not one would ever have returned to la Rochelle.
When the cross-bowmen arrived at the English quarters, it was very early morn; and lucky it was for them that the guard, who had watched all night, was retired at sun-rise. The cross-bowmen began to shoot their bolts and arrows, which passed through the huts made of boughs and leaves, to the great surprise of the English who were asleep within-side, on straw. Many were wounded before they discovered they were attacked by the French. When they had made each about six shots, they retreated, according to their orders, and the men at arms advanced on horseback amidst the English huts. Knights and squires speedily left their lodgings, and drew up together; and the French captains, seeing they were preparing themselves in earnest to take the field, made after their cross-bows an infantry, who were hastening homeward, for they were much afraid of the English arrows. Thus harrying, and in dismay, were the Rochellers pursued, thought the horse guarded the rear, to the town of la Rochelle. The earl of Arundel with upwards of four hundred men at arms was closely following, each man with his lance in his hand or on his shoulder. There was much crowding and difficulty to pass the gates; and sir Peter de Jouy and the lord Taillepié fought like valiant heroes in defending their men, keeping still on their rear, until they were come to the barriers. They were so hard pressed by the English, who were at their heels, they ran a great hazard of being slain or made prisoners; for the attack was the more vigorous against them as it was visible they were the commanders. Sir Peter de Jouy had his courser killed under him, and was with great difficulty dragged within the barriers. Sir Peter Taillepié was pierced through the thigh with a lance, and hit by an arrow on the helmet, which entered his head, and his good horse fell dead under him at the gate. There was much slaughter made on the Rochellers re-entering the town: upwards of forty dead and wounded lay at the gates. The inhabitants had mounted the battlements, and fired so many cannons and bombards that the English dared not approach nearer.
Thus ended this skirmish between the English and Rochellers. As it was near noon, the earl of Arundel had sounded the retreat, when the men at arms and archers retired in 350 handsome array to their quarters, where they disarmed and refreshed themselves. They had wherewithal, having been amply provided with wines and meat from the surrounding country. The English lords remained at Marans for fifteen days, waiting for deeds of arms and adventures; but the Rochellers never ventured again to come near them, for they had found to their cost how valiantly they had defended themselves. Their two commanders were also wounded, which induced the others to wish for peace. The earl of Arundel, indeed, had sent four times parties to overrun the country round la Rochelle, and as far as Thouars, who did much mischief and terrified the inhabitants. They would have done more had they had horses; but only a few were mounted on what they could find in the country, and these were scarce, for no sooner was the invasion known than all the inhabitants of the flat country fled with their stock and wealth to the great towns, and there shut themselves up.
When the English had remained near la Rochelle for fifteen days, without seeing any attempt made to oppose them, and the wind became fair, they embarked a great quantity of wine and fresh meat they had taken, and, having weighed anchor, put to sea. This same day, they met twelve ships from Bayonne, on their voyage to England with Gascony wines and other merchandise. They sailed together for some time, being much rejoiced at this meeting, for they were all acquainted, and the Bayonnois gave the earl of Arundel two pipes of wine for the love they bore him. The Bayonnois then separated to continue their voyage, and the fleet kept cruising about in search of adventures.
While this armament was lying before Marans, Perrot le Béarnois and his companions had taken the field, and, having passed Limousin, had entered Berry. He had with him four hundred spears and as many pillagers, and carried off in one day all the merchandise that was in the town of Blanc* in Berry, and gained great wealth and many prisoners, for it was fair-day. He then marched to Selles†, which he plundered. Thus did Perrot le Béarnois maintain himself. He advanced far into the interior of the country, doing great mischief wherever he went, for none ventured to oppose him; and all parts were alarmed, even as far as the county of Blois and the Touraine, for they were uncertain whither these two armies would march next. Some imagined they would unite; but it was not so, for the earl of Arundel had embarked again, as I have mentioned, and Perrot with his companions returned to their strong-holds. When they had completely plundered the country, though thought it would be more safe for them to retire to their castles and secure their gains. They took, in consequence, the roads through Limousin and Auvergne to their forts; and nothing more was done, as to deeds of arms, in these two provinces the remainder of the season, for the truce that had been agree to last until the ensuing month of May now took place. The siege of Ventadour by sir William de Lignac, sir John Bonne-lance, and sir John le Bouteiller, still continued; for Geoffry Téte-noire was so presumptuous as to pay not the least attention to the truce, nor to the besiegers, depending on the strength of his castle.
We will now, for variety, return to the affairs of Brabant and Gueldres.
* “Le Blanc,” — in the generality of Bourges, seventeen leagues from Poitiers, nine from Argenton.
† “Selles,” — or Celles, three leagues from St. Aignan, ten from Blois.
CHAPTER CXIX. — THE BRABANTERS PRESS GRAVE HARD BY THEIR SIEGE. — THE GUELDRIANS BURN A BRIDGE THE BRABANTERS HAD THROWN OVER THE MEUSE, TO ENTER GUELDRES.
I HAVE already discoursed of and explained the situation of the dukes of Gueldres. How the ancestor of the duke of Gueldres of whom I now treat, married the daughter of Bertaldo of Mechlin to rescue and repair his heritage which was very much embarrassed and dilapidated; and how the duke of Gueldres, son of the duke of Juliers, to maintain the city of grave against the Brabanters, for which he had good cause and title, determined, since he could not recover the three before-mentioned castles seated on the river Meuse, Goch, Buch, and Mille, which had once been his fiefs, that he would attach the city of Grave to his heritage in perpetuity. This duke had a bastard daughter bestowed upon and married to the damosel* of Kuck, which sire de Kuck was the heir of the city of Grave. So he applied 351 himself to him so amiably that both father and son had nothing else left for it; and the damosel de Kuck gave him the city and lordship of Grave, and assured him the inheritance in the presence of the knights and barons of Juliers and Gueldres; and on this account the duke of Juliers recompensed him with the land and lordship of Bois le Duc, situated on the river Ligne, in the duchy of Guelderland. A very handsome castle belongs to this city of Bois le Duc, which is a good large town and of good profit, but Grave is worth more. The duke of Gueldres made this bargain, to the intent that he might have a good ground of quarrel to take Grave from the Brabanters; for the duchess of Brabant and her council said that anciently the lords of Kuck had held it in mortgage, but that she or her heirs might redeem it whenever they pleased, and that the duke of Gueldres had no right to keep it except as a pledge. The duke of Gueldres maintained an opposite opinion, and said that it was his good inheritance and he would hold it to the last. This was the cause of the war and ill-will that arose between those of Brabant and Guelderland: and, in the month of May, the Brabanters came to lay siege to the city of Grave; knights, squires, and the commonalty of the good towns; and they brought and carried engines, springalls, trebus, and all other such machines for the assault. And there were full forty thousand men one with another, who were encamped before Grave, over against the valley of the river Meuse. And their host was well furnished, for they had their own country behind and on all sides of them, from whence they received plentiful supplies. And this is the delight of the Brabanters, for, wherever they may be or go, they will be stuffed to the neck with wine, meat, and delicacies, or they will return to their own houses.
You have before read how anxious the duchess of Brabant was to make war on the duke of Gueldres, and to besiege Grave. There was a great force of knights and squires from the principal towns before it, who declared their intentions were not to depart until they had gained possession of it; and the duchess, to show how interested she was in the matter, had come to reside at Bois le Duc, four leagues distant from it. The besieging army was plentifully supplied with all things that came thither by sea, or down the Meuse, from the rich country of Brabant, so that the siege was long continued; and the Brabanters had many large machines which threw into the town stones of such weight as to do much damage wherever they fell. In addition, they flung into the town all the dad carrion of the arm to empoison the inhabitants by the stink. This was sorely felt by them, for the weather was hot, and the air too calm to carry off these villanous smells.
At times, many of the knights and squires of Brabant came to skirmish with the garrison at the barriers; for the duke of Gueldres had placed within the town some gallant companions, who were not shy of showing their courage when occasions called for it, and the enemy advanced so near as the barriers. The siege lasted a long time; and the duke of Gueldres had fixed his quarters at Nimeguen; but he could neither raise the siege, nor offer combat to the Brabanters, for want of sufficient force. He had sent to England an account of his situation, and expected for certain he should have a reinforcement from thence, but he was disappointed; for England at that time was in a very unsettled state, and new ministers had been forced on the king by his uncles and the archbishop of Canterbury. A parliament was indeed holden, about St. John Baptist’s day, at the duke’s request, to consider whether a body of men at arms and archers should be sent to assist the duke of Gueldres, according to treaty. Having considered the manner fully, they would not agree to it; for it was strongly rumoured, that the king of France was assembling a large army, and it was doubtful whither he would march it, and the English imagined it was intended to attack Calais. They were also uneasy respecting the Scots on the borders, and were fearful of sending more forces out of the kingdom, as a large body of men at arms and archers were at sea, under the earl of Arundel, lest the country might be defenceless. When the council was considering the affairs of Gueldres, some of the lords said, — “Let the duke of Gueldres take care of himself: he is valorous enough, and in his own country, and will withstand all the Brabanters can do against him: if anything worse befal him, he shall have assistance. He has again the Germans, his neighbours, on his side, who formerly joined him against France.” Such was the state of affairs in England; but those in Grave suffered much from the siege. During the time it lasted, the Brabanters resolved to throw a wooden bridge over the Meuse, that 352 they might have an entrance into Guelderland, overrun that country, and, by investing the town of Grave on all sides, prevent any provision from entering it; for they were numerous enough to surround it, could they gain a passage over the river. As they finished the different parts of this bridge, they joined and placed them in their proper situation, and had made such advances, that it was within the length of a lance of the opposite shore. You may suppose that the duke was no way ignorant of what they were about, but he gave not any interruption to their building the bridge, until it was nearly completed. He then advanced with cannons and other artillery, and attacked it so roughly, that it was set on fire and destroyed. Thus did the Brabanters, to their great vexation, lose all the effect of their labour. They, upon this, called a council to determine how to act.
* A title bestowed indifferently on young nobles of both sexes. — ED.
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