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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. 165-186.
CHAPTER XXX. — THE AMBASSADORS FROM PORTUGAL RETURN WITH SATISFACTORY ANSWERS. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER EMBARKS ON AN EXPEDITION TO RECOVER CASTILLE.
NOT long after this conversation, the duke of Lancaster had a conference with his brother, the earl of Cambridge, on the affairs of Castille and Portugal. The earl, who had been in the latter country upwards of a year, said, that during the reign of don Ferdinand, when he was in Portugal, the canon de Robersac, and sir William Windsor and other knights whom he had led thither, had told him of the murmurs of the common people relative to the succession, and on this account had pressed him to carry away his son. “In God’s name,” replied the duke, “the Portuguese squire has informed me most circumstantially of all this matter; and we cannot gain a more convenient entrance to Castille than through Portugal. Arragon is too distant; and, besides, the king of Arragon has always been more attached to France than to us. It is not right, since Portugal asks from us assistance, it should be refused.”
A parliament was held at Westminster on this subject, when it was determined that the duke of Lancaster should have, at the public expense, a thousand or twelve hundred lances, all chosen men, two thousand archers, and one thousand lusty varlets, and that they should receive half a year’s pay in advance. The king’s uncles were well satisfied with this grant: in particular, the duke of Lancaster, to whom, as the matter more nearly concerned him, the 166 command of the army was given. To expedite the ambassadors’ return to Portugal, who were impatient to set out, the king of England wrote very affectionate letters to the king of Portugal, declaring the strict union and intelligence he wished to subsist between the subjects of each kingdom. He made also magnificent presents to the grand master of St. James and Lawrence Fongasse, who were continually with the duke of Lancaster and earl of Cambridge. The day on which they took leave of the king and his council, they dined with the duke of Lancaster and his brother, and had liberty to depart. I believe the duke mentioned in his letters to the king of Portugal, as well as to his ambassadors, his wish that seven galleys, and from eighteen to twenty large vessels, might be sent from Portugal to the port of Bristol, on the confines of Wales, where the duke and his army would embark.
The ambassadors, having promised this should be performed, took leave and set out for Southampton, where their vessel was waiting for them. Having embarked, they put to sea with a favourable wind, and, crossing the Spanish main, arrived in five days at Oporto, where fortunately the king was, and much rejoiced at their return. They related to the king all they had seen and heard in England regarding king Richard and his uncles, and, in confirmation, delivered letters from them. The king of Portugal, impatient for the aid of the English to retaliate on the Spaniards, did not delay calling his council, when it was resolved, that don Alphonso Vietat, high admiral of Portugal, should get ready seven galleys and eighteen ships, to sail to England, and bring back the duke of Lancaster and his army. Don Alphonso was soon ready, and, setting sail from Oporto with favourable winds, arrived in six days at Bristol, where he anchored.
The duke was much rejoiced on hearing of his arrival, for he was at the time in Wales, where the king and all his court were: he hastened his preparations, as his knights, squires, and archers were near Bristol; he having provided at Bristol two hundred vessels to transport them, under convoy of the Portuguese fleet, to the continent. It was intended by the duke that his duchess and daughters should accompany him to Castille and Portugal, where he proposed nobly marrying them; for he wished not to return very soon, and with reason, as he perceived affairs in England were badly managed, and the young king governed by wicked counsellors. This made him the more desirous of quitting the country. Before his embarkation, and in the presence of his brothers, he appointed his son, Henry earl of Derby, his lieutenant for whatever concerned him during his absence, and chose for him a set of able advisers. This Henry was a young and handsome knight, son of the lady Blanche, first duchess of Lancaster. I never saw two such noble dames, so good, liberal, and courteous, as this lady and the late queen of England, nor ever shall, were I to live a thousand years, which is impossible.
When the duke of Lancaster had arranged his affairs in England, and had taken leave of the king and his brothers, he came to Bristol, where he tarried fifteen days, until his horses, to the amount of more than two thousand, and his stores, were safely embarked, with ample provision of hay, straw, oats, and fresh water. The duke then entered a handsome galley, having, beside it, a large vessel for his household and the duchess, who had consented, with great courage, to accompany him on this expedition; for she expected, on her arrival in her native country, or at least before her return, to be queen of Castille. She had with her her own daughter Catherine, and two other daughters of the duke by his former marriage, called Isabella and Philippa. Isabella* was married to sir John Holland, constable of the army. The marshal of the host, sir Thomas Moreaux, was also married to another daughter of the duke of Lancaster; but she was a bastard, and mother to the lady Morielle, Demoiselle Marie de St. Hilaire de Hauman†. The lord Percy was admiral of the fleet.
Among the knights who followed the duke of Lancaster were sir Evan Fitzwarren, the lord Lucy, sir Henry Beaumont, the lord de Pommiers, sir Richard Burley, the lord Talbot, the lord Basset, sir William Windsor, sir Thomas Tresham, sir Hugh Despenser, the lord 167 Willoughby, the lord Bradeston, sir William Farrington, sir John d’Ambreticourt, sir Hugh Hastings, sir Thomas Worcester, sir Maubrun de Linieres, sir Lewis Rochester, sir John Sounder, sir Philip Tickel, sir Robert Clinton, sir Hugh Calverley, David Holgrave, Thomas Allery, Hobequin Beaucester, and many others with pennons, without including the banners. There were more than one thousand lances of knights, squires, and good men at arms; two thousand archers, and one thousand stout varlets. It was the month of May when they embarked; and they had the usual fine weather of that pleasant season. They coasted the isles of Wight and Guernsey, so that they were distinctly seen from the Norman shores; and a fine sight it was, for there were upwards of two hundred sail. It was delightful to observe the galleys, which had men at arms on board, coast the shores in search of adventures, as they had heard the French fleet was at sea. In truth, they were out before hey showed themselves on the coasts of Carentan; but, when they perceived them approaching, they retired into the port of Havre.
* Her name was Elizabeth. Sir John Holland was created earl of Huntingdon and duke of Exeter. She was, after his death, married to sir John Cornwall, lord Fanhope, but had no issue by him. By sir John Holland she had a son (John) who succeeded his father.
† I cannot explain who this lady is: nor can I find any where, but in Froissart, mention made of this natural daughter of John of Gaunt, nor of the marriage with sir Thomas Moreaux.
Stowe says, sir Richard Burghley was constable of the duke’s army, and after him sir Thomas de la Moleneaux.
CHAPTER XXXI. — MANY FRENCH KNIGHTS AND SQUIRES OFFER THEIR SERVICES TO THE KING OF CASTILLE.
NOTHING happens but what is known, more particularly if relating to deeds of arms; for knights and squires willingly converse on such topics. The news of the defeat of the king of Castille at Aljubarota was soon spread abroad, and was known in France; for those who had lost their friends or relations lamented them. Castille alone offered a field for deeds of arms, as it was rumoured the duke of Lancaster, to support his claim on that crown, had assembled a large army, and would march thither or to Portugal, and without doubt there would be many battles. Some knights and squires, of the interior part of France, consulted together on this, and which was the best road to Castille. Several were of opinion, to march by land, to avoid the dangers of the sea, and of falling into the hands of the English fleet; but others said, the road by land was long, and the intentions of the king of Navarre were not quite clear; for he was not much attached to France: that nation, he said, had robbed him of his lands in Normandy; but I know not if his complaints were just. They were doubtful what road to take; for, should they go round by Arragon, they would never arrive at their journey’s end. At length they resolved to embark from la Rochelle, where they freighted eighteen vessels, with their baggage and stores, but did not take many horses with them.
When all was ready, and the wind favourable, they put to sea, and made for the coast of Bayonne; for that was their line of direction. They were three hundred knights and squires who had volunteered on this expedition. Among them were the lord de Coursy, sir John Handoye, the viscount de la Verliere, sir Peter de Vellamines, sir Guy le Baveux, sir John de Châtelmorant, the lord de St. Liger, sir James de Fougeres, the lord de Bellanes, sir Tristan de Langurant, the lord Barrois des Barres, with many more. They arrived without accident, in the port of St. Andero, in Biscay, on the 4th day of May, 1386, where they rested themselves two days, and had their horses and baggage disembarked. When they had laden their horses, they inquired where they could find the king of Castille, and were told that he was then at Burgos, holding a parliament on the affairs of the nation. On leaving St. Andero, they followed the road to Burgos, and waited on the king, who was truly glad to see them, and asked the news from France, and which way they had come. They replied, “By sea from la Rochelle,” and that it was rumoured in France the duke of Lancaster had raised a very large force of men at arms and archers, to lead into Castille or Portugal; that it was not known where he intended to land, but that the king of Portugal had sent to him many ships and galleys.
The king, on hearing this, became pensive, although it was what he expected, and did not at this meeting display his courage; for he perceived, from every appearance, he should have a severe war ,made on him. However, he entertained the knights very handsomely, and thanked them much for coming. Addressing himself to sir Robert de Braquemont, and his brother, sir John de Braquemont, he said, “I desired you both, when you left me last year, 168 that, on your return, you would bring me from Paris some tennis balls, that we might amuse ourselves at that game; but I believe it would have been better I had desired you to bring good helmets and armour; for I fancy we shall soon have much need of them.” “Sire,” replied the lord de Braquemont, “we have brought both; for we can neither fight nor play continually.” In truth, the king of Castille showed great attention to these knights, feasted them well, and liberally supplied them with every thing they wanted. Some of them having vows to perform, wished to make a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James at Saint Jago, since they were in the country; and all of them set out in company, having armed themselves as if they were going to battle: it was fortunate for them they had done so; and whoever had advised them showed great prudence, as you will see hereafter: but I must now return to the duke of Lancaster and his fleet, whom we left coasting Normandy.
CHAPTER XXXII. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER, IN HIS VOYAGE TO CASTILLE, ATTACKS THE FRENCH BEFORE BREST, AND FORCES THEM TO RAISE THE BLOCKADE.
JUST as pilgrim falcons, who have long rested hungry on their perch, are desirous of flight in search of prey, (if I may use the comparison) were those English knights and squires impatient to try their arms in the field. As they coasted Normandy, they said to each other, “Why do we not disembark in some of these Norman orts, where we shall meet with knights ready to offer us combat?” At last, these speeches reached the ears of the duke, who knew well, before he left England, that sir John de Malestroit, the lord de Mucident, the lord de Cambor, Morfonace, with a number of other knights and squires from Brittany, had blockaded Brest, under the command of the constable; so that when he learnt the eagerness his knights expressed for some deeds of arms, he ordered his admiral, the lord Thomas Percy, and his constable, lord John Holland, to steer the fleet towards Brittany, for he wished to visit the castle of Brest and his countrymen who were within it. This order gave great joy to the English; and don Alphonso Vietat, who was admiral-in-chief, and well acquainted with these dangerous seas, took the lead, for the rest of the fleet to follow him. The weather was now delightful, and the sea so calm, it was a pleasure to be on it: the fleet advanced with an easy sail, and arrived at the mouth of Brest harbour, where, waiting for the tide, they entered it in safety. The clarions and trumpets sounded sweetly from the barges and the castle. Sir John de Malestroit and his companions were seated at table when the news was brought of the arrival of the English fleet: they instantly leaped up and armed themselves. They knew that, as soon as the duke of Lancaster had landed, they should have an engagement; for the English were come to raise the blockade.
They were not long in making themselves ready, and amounted to about three hundred men at arms, knights, and squires. The English were rejoiced at finding themselves in Brest harbour, and that the Bretons were still guarding their blockhouse; for they were aware an engagement must ensue, and they were thirsty for battle. The duke of Lancaster and his men landed as near as possible to the castle, but left their horses and stores on board their ships. The ladies, however, went on shore to repose themselves. The first day the made no attack, only marched out of their quarters, when some of the lords fixed their tents and pavilions on the harbour side and near the castle, where they remained that day and the following night. On the morrow, the constable and marshal’s trumpets sounded, for the army to make ready for an assault. When all were armed, they marched in good array towards the castle and blockhouse which had been raised in front of it. This was so solidly built, it would have lasted nine or ten years; for it was surrounded with ditches, and had walls, towers, and gates of strong timber.
The English knights, on their arrival, began to skirmish gallantly at the barriers of the blockhouse, and attempted to win them. The knights and squires within, and there were numbers of good one, vigorously defended themselves; and, in order to gain more room, they took away the palisadoes, which was foolish enough, but they trusted to their skill and valour. Many were the fine deeds of arms and much pushing with lances, and those fared the best who could the longest hold their wind. The English, being so numerous, gave the 169 Bretons full employment, and, by dint of courage, won the barriers: within the court of the blockhouses were upwards of one hundred, so that the Bretons were on the point of losing everything. Sir John de Malestroit and the viscount de Cambor, seeing this, shouted their cry, and said, “How, gentlemen, shall we be thus overcome? Advance, advance, and push with vigour, for there must be no sham-fighting here: we have only the choice of death or victory.” Upon this they rallied, and, placing the ends of their lances in the ground, made an obstinate resistance to those who had driven them within the barriers. Hard blows were given on each side; but the English, whether they would or not, were forced to retire, and were beaten back out of the court, so that during he day they could not regain it.
On the other side of the blockhouse was a stone tower situated on a rock, which the Bretons had garrisoned. A severe attack was made on it by the English; for, while the fight was going on at the barriers, they had crossed a narrow ditch, and, with pick-axes, advanced up to the walls, where they began to work and force out the stones. Those within defended themselves well with what they could lay their hands on; but the archers shot so sharply that none dared show themselves unless strongly shielded. The pick-axe men continued their work, until the tower, which leaned much on that side (for they had undermined the foundation) opened in two parts. The garrison saved themselves in the ruins of what remained, for one half fell to the ground. On this, the English set up a grand shouting; but, it being now late, the trumpets sounded the retreat, as they imagined they had done enough for one day. When they marched away, they said to the Bretons, “Gentlemen, keep a good watch to-night, and stay where you are, for to-morrow we will visit you again: you see well what situation you are in, and that you have nothing to shelter you from us.”
It was fully the intention of the English to return the next day and conquer the blockhouse with its garrison, for it was in their power; and in this idea they passed the night comfortably, as they had wherewithal so to do. There is an old saying, that “John is as wise as his master,” which I repeat, because, if the English are subtle in war, the Bretons match them; for they were equally clear-sighted as to what was to their advantage, and what not. They saw, if they wished to avoid death or captivity, there was no time to be lost in packing up their baggage and leaving the blockhouse. They instantly made themselves ready, and, mounting their horses, rode towards Hennebon, which was four leagues distant. They acted wisely; for they were not afraid of a pursuit, as the English had not disembarked any of their horses.
Sir John de Malestroit and his companions arrived safely in Hennebon, the gates of which they found open, without any suspicion of the English being so near. On the morrow, the trumpets sounded for a renewal of the attack, and they were anxious to make up for their forced retreat of the preceding day; but news was brought that the Bretons had evacuated the blockhouse. The English repented sorely not having laid an ambush, to have prevented the loss of their prey. The lords sent varlets to destroy the blockhouse, and set it on fire. Thus was the siege of Brest raised by the duke of Lancaster. The duke, sir John Holland, and some of the other knights, went into the castle of Brest, carrying their ladies with him, where they had refreshments, and then returned to their quarters. On the morrow, being the third day, they had their vessels watered; and on the ensuing day they embarked, and continued their voyage.
CHAPTER XXXIII. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER ARRIVES AT CORUNA IN GALICIA. — THE FRENCH, IN THE SERVICE OF SPAIN, ENTER THE CASTLE TO OPPOSE HIM. — THEY SHORTLY AFTER DEFEAT A PARTY OF HIS FORAGERS.
BEFORE the duke sailed from Brest, he held a council to determine whether they should steer to Lisbon, Oporto, or Coruña. To this council the Portuguese admiral and his captains were called, and it lasted some time. Don Alphonso Vietat said, that he had been ordered to England for their service by the king of Portugal, by whom they would be made heartily welcome, should they land in his country; for he was expecting them, and would be much gratified by their coming. Upon this, they determined to make for Oporto, which is but 170 Thirty leagues from Lisbon; but they altered their mind, saying it would be more honourable to land on the enemy’s coast; and that by so doing they should the more alarm them. They then steered for Coruña, and, having a favourable wind, were not more than five days sailing thither from Brest: they cast anchor in the road, to wait for the tide, as it was too low water when they arrived to approach near the shore.
I will now speak of the French knights, sir Barrois de Barres, sir John de Châtelmorant, the brother de Braquemont, and the rest, who had set out on a pilgrimage to St. Jago de Compostella. After they had made their offerings and prayers to the shrine of St. James, and were sitting at their inn, news was brought by those who were guarding the coasts, that he English fleet was in sight, and showed a disposition to land at Coruña. Before their baggage was unloaded, or the saddles had been taken from their horses, they mounted them again, saying, they must hasten back to Coruña, to defend the port; for, should the English unfortunately gain the castle and town, they would be masters of the whole country. Some of the knights borrowed horses at St. Jago, and made such dispatch as to arrive at Coruña that night, though it was fourteen country leagues distant, and a difficult road to find. They got there very opportunely, just as the English fleet was entering the harbour. The garrisons in town and castle were well pleased at the coming of the French knights, whose baggage and armour followed in the course of the night. It was a fine sight, on the morrow, to view all the ships and galleys enter the port laden with men at arms and purveyances, with trumpets and clarions sounding; and those signals were answered, by way of defiance, by the trumpets and clarions of the castle. The English from this knew there were good garrisons in both town and castle, and that the French had possession of the castle.
The lords and their men disembarked on the shore, but did not approach the town, as it was too well fortified, and seemed filled with men at arms. They, however, took up their lodgings in some huts of fishermen and seafaring men on the outside of the walls. They were forced to build other huts, as they were so numerous; and the four first days after their landing they were thus employed, as well as in clearing the vessels of their stores and purveyances, which were in great quantities, and in disembarking their horses. They had been fifteen days on board; and though they were plentifully supplied with hay, oats, and fresh water, yet the rolling of the sea had as much affected them as it had done their masters, which made it needful to walk them about and take every care of them. When the ships had been entirely cleared, the duke was asked his pleasure concerning them. He replied, “Let all the sailors be well paid, and take the ships for their pains: I shall dismiss them, for I wish all the world to know that I will never recross the sea to England until I am master of Castille or die in the attempt.” These orders were obeyed; and the sailors being paid to their satisfaction, made sail, some to Portugal, Lisbon, Bayonne, Brittany, or England, as they pleased, but none remained behind. The duke of Lancaster and his army were lodged in huts covered with leaves, or in such houses as they met with, and remained before Coruña upwards of a month amusing themselves; for the chief lords had brought hounds for their pastime, and hawks for the ladies. They had also mills to grind their corn, and ovens to bake; for they never willingly go to war in foreign countries without carrying things of that description with them.
The foragers went daily in search of what forage they could find; for, as they were in a poor deserted country, it was not very plentiful, which forced them to seek it at a distance. The French knights at Coruña were eager to meet their enemies; and having learnt how foolishly unguarded the foragers were, said, they would some day or other catch them, and make them pay, once for all, for what they had pillaged. They armed themselves, to the number of about two hundred, and, mounting their horses, were conducted by guides, at night-fall, through woods, and over mountains, until they came to a mountain, called in that country Espinete, by break of day, where they halted; for they had learnt that the English foragers were out in that part. The foragers had been absent from their army two days, collecting as much as they could carry, and were on their return to Coruña; but their only road lay over this mountain of Espinete. The instant they came there, the French knights rushed upon them, shouting out, “Les Barres for the Barrois!” The foragers were thunderstruck; for the greater part were unarmed: there might be six score archers, who 171 gallantly drew themselves up in array, and wounded, with their arrows, both horses and riders. When hey had expended their arrows, they flung down their bows, and defended themselves as well as they could with the other arms they had: some fled and hid themselves, in hopes of escaping. Why should I make a long story? Of the three hundred foragers, full two hundred were slain: the rest saved themselves, as well as they could, among bushes and racks, where no horse could venture. The runaways fled to Coruña and related their misfortune, and how sir Barrois de Barres and his company had discomfited them.
The army was much surprised at this; and sir Thomas Moreaux, the marshal, had five hundred, or more, instantly armed and mounted, when taking the pennon of St. George, he galloped off with them towards the mountain of Espinete, to meet the French. When there arrived, he only perceived the slaughtered foragers; for the French had returned by the road they had come; but had they not good guides, they would never have found it through the inclosures. The English, n their return, when within half of league of their army, saw the French re-enter the castle of Coruña, which vexed them much: but help it they could not. The army blamed the marshal for having suffered the foragers to go without an escort of men at arms, when the enemy was so near, and in such numbers. The constable and duke of Lancaster were so sharp with him, he was quite ashamed: he said, that they had been caught, to be sure, this once, though they had foraged ten times before without any interruption. “Sir Thomas,” said the duke, “be more cautious in future; for such things may fall out in one day or hour as many not happen again in a country.”
CHAPTER XXXIV. — THE DUKE OF LANCASTER, AFTER REMAINING BEFORE CORUNA UPWARDS OF A MONTH, MARCHES HIS ARMY TO SANT JAGO, WHICH SURRENDERS ON CAPITULATION.
WSPAN CLASS= "scap">HEN the duke of Lancaster had remained before Coruña upwards of a month, as I have before said, and when his men and horses were quite recovered, he was advised to march towards St. Jago, where there was a richer and more open country for his cavalry. The army dislodged from before Coruña, and marched in three battalions. The marshal led the van, of three hundred lances and six hundred archers; then marched the duke with four hundred spears, accompanied by all the ladies. The rear was composed of four hundred lances and seven hundred archers, accompanied by the constable sir John Holland. They marched very slowly, and were three days in going from Coruña to St. Jago. You must know, that the province of Galicia was much alarmed at the arrival of the duke of Lancaster; for they remembered his power well. When the marshal and the van came before the town of St. Jago de Compostella, where the body of St. James reposes, and which many make such long journeys to visit, he found the gates shut, as might have been supposed. There was no other garrison but its inhabitants; for the French knights refused taking upon them the defence of it, to the last extremity, as it was not strong enough to withstand the force under the duke of Lancaster. The marshal sent forward a herald, to hear what the townsmen would say. The herald found at the barriers the captain of the guard, called don Alphonso Sene, and said to him, “A few paces hence is the marshal of my lord of Lancaster’s army, who would wish to speak with you.” “I am very agreeable to it; let him advance, and I will parley with him.” The herald returned to the marshal with this answer.
The marshal left his army, with only twenty lances, and rode to the barriers, where he found the captain and some of the townsmen waiting. The marshal dismounted, with twelve others, among whom were the lord Basset and sir William Farringdon, and addressed him as follow: “Captain, and you men of St. Jago, the duke, and duchess of Lancaster your queen, (she being the oldest daughter of Don Pedro, your late king) send me to know how you mean to act: to open your gates and receive them as your legal sovereigns, as good subjects ought to do; or force me to assault your walls, and take your town by storm. But know, that if you suffer the place to be stormed, all within shall be put to the sword, that others may take warning.” The captain replied, — “We wish to follow the dictates of reason, and acquit ourselves loyally towards those to whom we owe obedience. We know well that 172 the duchess of Lancaster is daughter to Don Pedro of Castille; and if that king had reigned peaceably in Castille, she was heiress to his crown; but things are altered; for the whole kingdom turned to the obedience of his brother, king Henry, by the success of the battle of Monteil: we all swore fidelity to him; and he was acknowledged king as long as he lived: after his decease we all swore obedience to don John, his son, who reigns at this moment. Tell us how those of Coruña acted; for it is impossible but that, during the month you lay before that place, some negotiations and treaties were concluded.” Sir Thomas Moreaux answered, — “You speak truly: we have had indeed negotiations with those of Coruña, otherwise we should not have marched hither, though that town is double the strength of ours. I will tell you what they have done: they have entered into a composition with us, by declaring they will act in the same manner as you do; but, if you force us to the assault, they will not follow that example. If Galicia surrender to my lord duke and his lady, they will surrender also; for which they have given us such pledges as are satisfactory.”
“Well,” replied the captain, “we will agree to this: there are many large towns and cities in the realm: ride on, therefore, and leave us in peace; for we will act as they shall, and give you good security for our performing it.” “Oh, this will never do,” said the marshal: “such a treaty will by no means please the duke and duchess; for they are resolved to reside in this town, and keep their state as monarchs should in their own kingdoms. Answer me briefly what you mean to do: surrender, or have yourselves and town destroyed?” “My lord,” said the captain, “allow us a little time to consult together, and you shall be speedily answered.” “I consent,” said the marshal. The captain then withdrew into the town, and assembled the inhabitants at the usual place where public meetings were held, and related to them the conversation that had passed between him and the marshal. I believe the townsmen at last consented to receive the duke and duchess as their monarchs, and to entertain them as such in their town as long as they might please to reside there, if don John, king of Castille, did not, with his power, attack them. But if it should happen that after they had made St. Jago their residence for a year, or a longer time, according to their pleasure, and should depart from the country, for England, Bordeaux or Bayonne, or wherever else they may prefer, the duke must engage to leave behind a sufficient force of men at arms to defend them against their enemies, otherwise they would surrender the town to don John of Castille, and hold themselves acquitted of allegiance to the duke. Sir Thomas Moreaux cheerfully accepted these terms, and told them they had well spoken, and to the purpose, and that the duke and duchess wished for nothing better. The marshal returned to his division, and to the duke and duchess, who were waiting for him on the plain; to whom he related all that had passed, and the treaty he had concluded, to which they assented, saying it was well done.
The army was advancing gaily in battle array towards the town of St. Jago: when about two French leagues from the place, they were met by a long procession of the clergy, bearing relics, crosses and streamers, and crowds of men, women and children, and the principal inhabitants carrying the keys of the town, which they presented on their knees, with much seeming good will, to the duke and duchess, (but whether it was feigned or not, I cannot say) and rode directly to the church of St. James, where the duke, duchess, their children and attendants, kneeling, offered up their prayers to the holy body of St. James, and made rich gifts at the altar. It was told me that the duke, duchess, and the ladies, Constance and Philippa, were lodged in the Abbey, and there held their court. Sir John Holland and Sir Thomas Moreaux, with their ladies, were lodged in the town: the other barons and knights as they could, and the men at arms on the plains round the town. Those who could not find houses, built themselves huts covered with boughs, of which there were plenty in the country, and made themselves comfortable with what they could get. Meat and strong wines were in abundance; of which the archers drank so much that they were for the greater part of their time in bed drunk; and very often, by drinking too much new wine, they had fevers, and in the morning such headaches as to prevent them from dong anything the remainder of the day; for it was now the vintage.
CHAPTER XXXV. — THE FRENCH KNIGHTS LEAVE CORUNA AND JOIN THE KING OF CASTILLE. — THEY ACQUIRE MUCH WEALTH BY PLUNDERING THE COUNTRY, IN ORDER TO FRUSTRATE THE ENGLISH.
SIR John de Châtelmorant, le Barrois des Barres, and the other French knights who had guarded Coruña, hearing that the duke of Lancaster had been peaceably received in St. Jago, held a council on what they should do, saying, — “It does not signify for us to remain here any longer, since we shall meet with no fortunate adventures: let us march to Burgos, where the king is, and learn from him what his intentions are: perhaps he may be going to meet the English; for, if he allow them quietly to establish themselves, by degrees they will be lords of Castille. It will be more for our honour to go to him than to stay here.” They accordingly made preparations, and leaving the castle, procured guides to conduct them to Burgos; otherwise they would probably have fallen in with their enemies. They rode through Biscay, and skirted Galicia to Leon, where the king and queen at that time resided. When these knights waited on the king, he received them very kindly, and inquired from them the news, although he knew enough. They told him of their opportune arrival at Coruña, as the English fleet was entering the harbour, wherein they found seven galleys and ships of Biscay, laden with wine, of which the English took advantage; for the merchants were soon eased of the whole. “It is thus in war,” replied the king: “they were unwise, when they heard the English fleet were at sea, not to run somewhere else for safety.” “In God’s name, sir,” returned the knights, “they had come thither for security: they said, their cargoes of wine were for Flanders, and having heard from the sailors of Saint Andero that the English were in the bay of Biscay, and that the king of Portugal had sent them large ships and galleys, it was natural to conclude they would have steered for Portugal; but they did the country, as it appears, and, landing at Coruña, have entered Galicia.” Upon this the king said, —’ ’Now, you knights from France, who are so well acquainted with arms, and know more about warlike matters than my subjects, from being so long trained to them, what are your opinions of the English? how do you think they will act this season?” “By my faith,” replied some (for all gave their opinions) “we can but ill judge what they will do, for the English are very reserved; and we can only guess how they will act, or whither they will march. We must suppose that the duke of Lancaster will remain all the ensuing winter in St. Jago, and his army thereabouts; whence he will overrun Galician, conquer some small forts, and lay in stores of provision, until the return of summer, when treaties will be formed between him and the king of Portugal, for them to act in concert. Perhaps a family-alliance may take place; for you will observe that the duke has brought with him his daughters, those that are married as well as the others: now, as there are two unmarried, we imagine the king of Portugal, your adversary, will have one of them.” “What would you advise me to do?” said the king. “We will tell you, sire,” replied the knights; “order all your strongest castles on the borders of Galicia to be well guarded, and destroy the smaller ones. We learn that it is the custom of the country to fortify churches and towers, whereto the inhabitants of the flat countries carry their wealth and stock. This will turn out to their destruction and the confusion of your kingdom; for when the English take the field, these churches and towers will prove no obstacle to them: on the contrary, they will be recruited from the victual they will there find, and continue the war with more vigour, and conquer the remainder. We therefore advise you to destroy all suchlike forts, while you have time so to do, and to give up all, that is not secure in large and strong towns, by Michaelmas, or at the latest by Andrew’s day, to your men at arms; for it is better they should have the advantage and profit than your enemy. We advise you, in particular, to send some well-informed ambassadors to the king of France, and to his uncles of Berry and Burgundy, that they may be made acquainted with the real state of your country, and that by the return of summer, or sooner if the season will permit us to take the field, you may wage such a war as was never before made in Castille. Write pressing letters to the king and his uncles, that they may assist you in this necessity with such numbers of men at arms that you may resist your enemies and preserve your kingdom. There is a strong connexion between you and the king of France, which 174 was first made by your predecessor and father; and you may be assured, that in your distress neither the king nor realm of France which can do no more than England and Portugal united, will desert you. Believe us, that as soon as the king and his council shall learn your situation, they will take such steps as will prevent you from receiving any loss in this war; for know, that those French knights and squires, who are desirous of glory, will, at the slightest word, hasten hither to seek it; for at this moment they know not where to employ their arms. We mention this, because there is now a peace between the French and Flemings, and a truce with the English and French on the other side the Loire until St. John the Baptist’s day ensuing. You will therefore see men at arms, knights and squires, fly hither from France as well to advance their own honour as to see this country and meet the English. But, sire, we particularly recommend the destruction of these small forts, if you wish to preserve your country.”
The king replied, “You have advised me loyally, and I shall instantly follow your counsel, and order, without further consultation, all such forts to be demolished as are not tenable, and make you a present of whatever may be found in them.” The knights said, he had well spoken, that they would attend to that business, and assist him in defending and preserving his realm. This gift of the king of Castille to the knights from France and those about his person was worth to them two hundred thousand francs, especially to those first-comers, who had thrown themselves into Coruña when the duke of Lancaster had arrived, and pursued his march to St. Jago.
All the small forts, churches, and towers, which had been embattled in Castille, were abandoned and destroyed, and the poor peasants disappointed in their expectations of having therein deposited their wealth and stock in safety; for the knights and squires went thither with their men, and seized on all the wines, corn, and cattle, and drove them to their quarters’; but the gold and silver which they found, and the sums they made the peasants pay for their ransoms, or to have their stock back again, went into their own purses, unknown to any one but themselves. Some of the poorer squires, more bold and cunning than the rest (for there are always some of that sort), who had left their homes miserably mounted or on foot, were so active that they had now fine coursers and genets for pleasure, with five or six silver girdles, and purses with a thousand or tow of francs in them. Thus did the companions, who first entered Castille, make fortunes which the flat countries paid; for every place was rifled and devoured even by their own countrymen, who would not that their enemies should be any gainers by their invasion. When it was told in France how poor knights and squires were enriching themselves in Castille, where they spared neither the lands of friends nor those of their foes, the companions were more eager than ever to leave France, in the hopes of being sharers with them.
CHAPTER XXXVI. — GREAT PREPARATIONS ARE MADE THROUGHOUT FRANCE FOR THE INVASION OF ENGLAND. — THE DEATH OF FRANCIS ATREMEN.
THE king of France, his uncles, and council, had been well informed of the intended expedition of the duke of Lancaster before he had sailed from England (for fame spreads all things abroad), and that it was meant against Castille. It was for this reason the duke of Burgundy had concluded so easily a peace with the Flemings, and in order that the king of Castille might have assistance; for the king of France was bound to aid him, as he had always succoured France, when called upon, with men and ships. Add to this the great desire the young king of France had ever shown to invade England with a powerful army and navy. In this he was joined by all the chivalry of the realm, but especially by the duke of Burgundy, the constable of France, and the count de St. Pol, although he had married king Richard’s sister, as well as by the lord de Courcy.
These lords said, “Why should not we, for once, make a visit to England to see the country and its inhabitants, and learn the way thither, as the English have done in France? This year, therefore, 1386, we will go thither, as well to break up the expedition of the duke of Lancaster, and force him to return home, as to give alarm to the English, and see 175 how they will behave.” Greater armaments were made in France than had hitherto been done. Heavier taxes were imposed on all the towns and country than for one hundred years, and such sums had never been raised, nor were ever greater preparations made by sea and land. The whole summer, until September, was employed in grinding flour, and making biscuit in Arras, Bethune, Lille, Douay, Amiens, St. Omer, and in all the towns near to Sluys; for it was the plan of the king to embark at Sluys, sail for England, and destroy the whole country. Many of the rich men of France were forced to pay a third or fourth of their property, in order to build vessels of a sufficient size; and the poorer sort were taxed as much as they were worth, to pay the men at arms. There was not a vessel of any size, from the port of Seville to Prussia, that the French could lay their hands on, but was seized, by fair or foul means, for the king of France. Provisions arrived from all quarters. Very great quantities of wine, salted meats, oats, trusses of hay, onions, verjuice, biscuit, flour, butter, the yolks of eggs in powder, and rammed in barrels, and every other necessary were sent from Flanders; so that, in future times, those who had not been eye-witnesses will never believe the accounts.
Lords and knights, at great distances, were written to, to request they would accompany the king of France in this expedition; even as far as Germany, Savoy, and the lands of the count d’Armagnac. The earl of Savoy was retained with five hundred lances; as were also the count d’Armagnac and the dauphin of Auvergne; and, because these lords wee so distant, they sent before them vast provision of stores: and it was wonderful to see the quantity of costly articles that came to Flanders, by land and sea, through Damme, Bruges and Sluys.
When St. John’s day was come, all the great vessels in Holland, Zealand, Middleburgh, Dordrecht, Schoenhoven, Leyden, the Brille, and other places near the sea, were sought for, to carry this army from Sluys; but the Hollanders and the rest said, that if they wanted their vessels or their services, they must pay them down the sums agreed on, otherwise they would not stir. They were wise in so doing; for they were instantly paid, before they would leave their houses or harbours. Never, since God created the world, were there seen such numbers of large ships as filled the harbours of Sluys and Blankenburgh: for, when they were counted, in the month of September, this same years, they were twelve hundred and eighty-seven ships. Their masts, on coming from the sea, appeared like a thick forest.
The constable’s ship was building at Treguier, in Brittany; and the constable had there constructed a town of frame-work, of large timber, which was to be put together, on their landing in England, for the lords to retreat to as a place of safety, and to be lodged therein, to prevent any danger that might arise from nightly attacks. This town was so constructed, that when they dislodged, it could be taken to pieces, roofs and all; and many carpenters and other workmen, who had been employed on it, were engaged, at very high wages, to attend the properly taking it to pieces and erecting it again. I never heard the name of the duke of Brittany, nor had he laid up in Flanders stores of any kind, nor of the duke of Touraine, the king’s youngest brother, nor of the count de Blois, as among the number of those who were to accompany the king on this occasion. But all could not go: it was necessary some should remain behind in France, to guard the realm.
Whoever had been at Damme, Bruges, or Sluys, at this time, and had seen how busily all were employed in loading the vessels with hay in trusses, garlic, onions, biscuit in sacks, pease, beans, cheese-bowls, barley, oats, rye, wheat, wax-candles, housings, shoes, boots, helmets, spurs, knives, hatchets, wedges, pick-axes, hooks, wooden pegs, boxes filled with ointments, tow, bandages, coverlids for sleeping on, horseshoe nails, bottles of verjuice and vinegar, iron, stone-ware, pewter and wooden pots and dishes, candlesticks, basons, vases, fat pigs, hasters, kitchen furniture, utensils for the buttery, and for the other offices, and every article necessary for man or beast, would have been struck with astonishment. The eagerness and pleasure were so great in the beholding it, that, had any one had a fever or a toothache, he would have got rid of them by running from one place to another. The conversations which were overheard between the French showed they considered England would be ruined and destroyed beyond resource, the men put to death, and the women and children carried in slavery to France.
The king of England and his council were duly informed of these grand preparations; and 176 it was confidently affirmed and believed that the French would not fail to invade the country, as they had sworn they would do so. It is not strange that such formidable preparations should require the utmost attention, nor would it be matter of much surprise if the English were at first much alarmed; for, immense as these armaments were, they were greatly magnified; and it was not certain whether they were meant to invade England or attack Calais by sea and land; for the English knew well there was not a town the French were more desirous of regaining than Calais. On this account, great stores of corn and other grain, salted meat and fish, wines and brandies, were sent from England to Calais. Sir ?Thomas Holland, earl of Kent, sir Hugh Calverley, sir William Elmham, the earl of Angus, sir Walter Warren, sir Walter Paul, sir William Touchet, sir Lewis de Montalban, sir Colars d’Ambreticourt, were ordered thither to defend it, and with them five hundred men at arms and as many archers. The earl of Arundel and lord Henry Despenser put to sea with forty large ships, having on board three hundred men at arms and six hundred archers completely armed.
It was, on the other hand, reported in several places in France, Hainault and Picardy, that this armament was not destined for either England or Calais, but that, when it was completed, it would invest the town of Ghent. I was told, the men of Ghent were seriously alarmed; but they were to blame if they showed any fear; for the duke of Burgundy, their lord, wished them nothing but prosperity, although Francis Atremen, shortly after the peace, was slain at Ghent. The duke was no way implicated in his death, for he bore him no hatred, although, during the war of Ghent, he had performed many gallant deeds in the service of his townsmen, as have been truly related in this history. If Francis Atremen came to such an end, he has nobody to blame but himself; for, had he believed Peter du Bois, this misfortune would not have befallen him. Peter du Bois gave him notice of what he might expect at the conclusion of the peace between the duke of Burgundy and Ghent, on their return to Ghent from Tournay. When Peter was making his preparations to accompany the lord Bourchier to England, he said, “Francis, what do you say? will you not go to England with us? for now is the time.” “No,” replied he, “I will remain in Ghent.” “And how,” said Peter, “can you suppose you will live there in quiet? for there are many who mortally hate both you and me. I would not remain there for any sum of money; for there is no dependence on the populace. Have you never heard how they murdered Jacob von Artaveld, who had done them much service, and given them such good advice, and had on all occasions assisted them? and yet, from the speeches of a linen-weaver they slew him, without any of the principal inhabitants interfering in his behalf. On the contrary, they dissembled, and in their hearts were rejoiced at his death. Now, Francis, just so it will happen to you, and to me, if I stay; but that I will not, so I bid you adieu.” “It will not so happen.” replied Francis, “for my lord of Burgundy has pardoned all, and offers me, if I choose to reside with him, to be equerry of his stables with four horses at my command, and shews me, as well as the lord Guy de la Tremouille and the other knights of his household, every mark of affection.” “In God’s name,” said Peer, “I do not speak of my lord of Burgundy, nor of his knights, for they are well inclined to keep peace, but of the Ghent men. There are some to whom you have not always behaved well: have you forgotten the lord de Harzelles, whom you caused to be assassinated, and such and such others? Know, that the revenge of their relations will fall on you within a short time, if you remain: take my advice: rather than live here, accept the duke’s offer.” “I will consider of this,” answered Francis; “but I am determined not to go to England.” Thus the conversation ended. Francis Atremen staid in Flanders, and Peter du Bois, as you have before heard, went with lord Bourchier to England. What followed you shall hear. Soon after peace had been proclaimed throughout Flanders, an edict was published in all towns dependant on the duke of Burgundy, forbidding any one whatever to war armour or swords, or to have arms carried by their followers.
Francis Atremen, during the war of Ghent, had been one of its principal rulers, and one who had the most attention paid him. Whenever he walked the streets, he was followed by thirty or forty varlets, who were well pleased at any orders he chose to give them. He had kept this state so long, that he was loth to give it up, and was desirous of being followed by three or four armed with swords or defensive staves. When this proclamation of the duke 177 of Burgundy was made, he never imagined it any way concerned him, so much did he fancy himself in favour with the duke and the town: but he was mistaken; for seven or eight days after the publication of the edict, the duke’s bailiff came to him and said, &38212; “Francis, you seem suspicious and afraid of our lord’s officers, or why do you now go armed through the town of Ghent, followed by your varlets, armed also with swords as in times of war? We are much displeased thereat, and command you, in the name of the duke and duchess of Burgundy, that you lay them aside.” Francis, who in fact meant no ill, but kept up this state through pomp, replied, — “Bailiff, I shall willingly obey your orders, as is right; for, thank God, I bear no malice nor wish evil to any one; but I thought I was so well considered in the town, that I might have had my sword and armour borne after me without its being objected to.” “You are mistaken,” said the bailiff: “it is the townsmen, to whom you have done so many services, who have interfered, and tell me they are surprised how I suffer it; for it seems to them you want to renew a war, for which they have no inclination. I therefore beg of you, Francis, that you will so act, as that I may hear no more of it, for if you do not observe the edict, I shall look on you as an enemy to the duke and duchess of Burgundy.”
The bailiff of Ghent departed. Francis Atremen returned to his house, and ordered his varlets to lay aside their arms. He became melancholy; and, for the greater part of the times he went abroad, it was alone, or having one varlet or a boy attending him. Not long after this conversation with the bailiff, a festival was kept at the monastery of St. peter, without Ghent, whither Francis went alone, or only attended by a single varlet, neither having swords, nor arms. He was watched, and followed by a bastard of the late lord de Harzelles, anxious to revenge his death, in which common fame reported Francis Atremen to have been strongly guilty. The bastard, having provided himself with arms, followed him out of the town, and when at a proper distance, and no one near, he called out to him, “Francis you are a dead man: you put to death my father, and I will do the like to you.” As Francis turned round, the bastard, who was a stout fellow, struck him so violent a blow on the head, that it split his skull to the neck and felled him dead. The bastard walked quietly away, for none pursued him, and no more was said. Francis Atremen came by his death for not following the advice of Peter du Bois. When news of this reached England, and came to the knowledge of Peter du Bois, he but slightly pitied him, saying, “Before I left Ghent, I truly told him what would happen; but he would not mind what I said, and has suffered for it. See if any one will meddle in the matter: certainly none of those who, during the war, seemed such warm friends to him, and honoured him so much. It was for fear of such events that I followed the advice of lord Bourchier, and came with him to England.”
CHAPTER XXXVII. — THE FRENCH PUT THEMSELVES TO USELESS EXPENSE ON THEIR MARINE, THE ENGLISH MAKE JUDICIOUS PREPARATIONS TO OPPOSE THEM.
WE will return to the preparations going forward at Damme and Sluys, which were so formidable, that the like was never remembered in the memory of man, nor is there any written account of such. Money was no more spared than if it rained gold, or was pumped up from the sea. The great barons of France had sent their servants to Sluys to embark everything they might have occasion for in this expedition; for all were inpatient to cross over; and the king, young as he was, showed greater impatience than any. Each lord strove to have his vessel the best supplied, and the most ornamented with painting and gilding, with their arms emblazoned on them and on the flags. Painters made a good harvest, for they were paid whatever they asked, and even with this there were not a sufficiency. The masts were painted from top to bottom; and some, by way of magnificence, were even covered with sheets of fine gold, above which were emblazoned the arms of the different lords to whom the vessels belonged. It was told me, particularly, that sir Guy de la Tremouille expended such sums in ornamenting and painting his own ship, that they amounted to upwards of two thousand francs. Their banners, pennons, and standards, were 178 so very grand, as to surprise all who saw them. No ornament or decoration could be imagined but these lords employed it on their vessels. The poor of France paid for all: the taxes were so grievous in that country, that the rich complained, and the poorer sorts ran away.
All that was going forward in France, Flanders, Bruges, Damme, and Sluys, was known in England, with many additions to the real truth. The people in several places were exceedingly alarmed, and generally the priests made processions in many towns three times a week; where, with much devotion, they offered up their prayers to God, to avert this peril from them. There were upwards of one hundred thousand who were desirous the French should come to England, saying, to comfort the weak-hearted, “Let them come: by God! not a soul shall return back to tell their story.” such as were in debt, and had not any intention of paying, nor wherewithal to do so, were delighted, and said to their creditors, “Hold your tongues: they are coining florins in France, and we will pay you with them:” and thus they lived extravagantly, and expended largely, for credit was not refused them. Whenever they were asked to pay, they replied, “How can you ask for money? is it not better that we spend it, than that Frenchmen should find it and carry it away?” Thus were many thousand pounds sterling foolishly spent in England.”
The king of England was during this time in Wales with the earl of Oxford, who governed England, for without his consent nothing was done. The king’s privy council consisted of sir Simon Burley, sir Nicholas Bramber, sir Robert Tresilian, sir Robert Beauchamp, sir John Salisbury, sir Michael de la Pole, and also the bishop of Norwich and sir William Neville, brother to the lord Neville. These counsellors did with the king as they pleased, and carried him whithersoever they liked; for neither had his uncles of Cambridge and Buckingham been able to retain any influence, nor could they at, without knowing it were agreeable to the above-named counselors. All these discords were the topic of conversation in France, and incited them to hasten their preparations. They wished to force the duke of Lancaster to return from Castille, but would not on that account have given up their invasion. The lords, prelates, and citizens of the principal towns in England, having obtained exact information that the French were nearly ready to put to sea, held an assembly, in which they debated what was proper to be done. The king was written to by his uncles to return to London, as the whole country was much dissatisfied with him and his advisers. The king and his council, not daring to refuse, left Wales, where he and his queen had resided a considerable time. On his arrival at Windsor, he staid some days, and, there leaving his queen, came to his palace at Westminster. Those who had any business to transact when thither to the king; and before the parliament was holden, a council was called to consider how they might appease the great discontents which appeared in the country. In this parliament, which was attended by the king, his uncles, and all the nobles and prelates of the realm, the earl of Salisbury, a prudent and valiant man, spoke as follows: — “Your majesty, and my lords present, need not be surprised if our adversary, the king of France, proposes to invade us; for since the death of the most potent and sagacious prince, Edward of happy memory, our sovereign lord, this realm has incurred several risks of being destroyed by its own subjects and the commotions of the peasants. It is also perfectly well known in France that we disagree among ourselves, and are torn by faction, which makes them imagine their enterprise cannot fail of success. The danger is indeed great, for he must be weak who fears not his enemy. While we remained united, the king with the people, and the people with the king, we were victorious and powerful, and there were none able to do us any essential injury. It is therefore necessary (and never was anything in England more pressing) for us to act in unity, and reform what may be wrong, if we wish to preserve our honour, as well as for us to inquire into the state of our ports, that such defence may be made that the kingdom be not any way hurt, nor we accused of neglect by the country. This realm has been long in its flower; and you know that what is in flower has greater need of attention than if in fruit. We must therefore act as if it was in flower; for, since these last sixty years, those knights and squires who have gone out of it have acquired more renown than any others of what nation soever. Let us exert ourselves, that our honour be preserved untarnished as long as we live.”
179This speech of the earl of Salisbury was attentively listened to; and the lords said, it would be right to follow his advice. I will not longer dwell on what was debated at this meeting, for I do not pretend to know everything; but it do know, that after proper care had been taken, as I have already noticed, for the defence of Calais, all the coast of England, where it was thought the French would land, was well guarded. The earl of Salisbury, because his estate was in the Isle of Wight, which lies opposite to the country of Caux in Normandy, was ordered thither to guard and defend it with the men at arms and archers of that country. The earl of Devonshire was sent to Southampton with two hundred men at arms and six hundred archers, to guard that haven. The earl of Northumberland to the port of Rye, with the same number of men at arms and archers. The earl of Cambridge was sent to Dover with five hundred men at arms and twelve hundred archers. His brother, the earl of Buckingham, to Sandwich, with six hundred men at arms and twelve hundred archers. The earls of Stafford and Pembroke to Orwell, with five hundred men at arms and twelve hundred archers. Sir Henry and sir Faulx Percy to Yarmouth, with three hundred men at arms and six hundred archers. Sir Simon Burley was appointed governor of Dover castle only.
Every port and harbour from the Humber to Cornwall was well provided with men at arms and archers, and watchmen were posted on all the hills near the sea-coasts opposite to France and Flanders. The manner of posting these watchers was as follows: they had large Gascony casks filled with sand, which they placed one on the other, rising like columns; on these were planks, where the watchmen remained night and day on the look-out. They were ordered, the moment they should observe the fleet of France steering towards land, to light torches and make great fires on the hills to alarm the country, and the forces within sight of these fires were to hasten thither. It had been resolved to allow the king of France to land, and even to remain unmolested for three or four days; they were first to attack the fleet, and destroy it and all their stores, and then to advance on the king of France, not to combat him immediately, but to harass his army, so that he might be disabled and afraid to forage; for the corn countries were all to be burnt, and England at best is a difficult foraging country; by which plan they would be starved and easily destroyed. Such was the plan laid down by the council of England. Rochester Bridge was ordered to be broken down, for a deep river runs under it, which flows through Sussex and Kent, and falls into the Thames, opposite the island of Sheppy. The Londoners would pull this bridge down, for the greater security of their town.
if the taxes were burdensome on towns and persons in France,, I must say they were not much lighter in England, and the country suffered from them a long time afterwards; but they were paid cheerfully, that they might be more effectually guarded*. There were at this time ten thousand men at arms and one hundred thousand archers in England, although the duke of Lancaster had led so large a force to Castille. I will now speak a little of this duke, and of the interview between him and the king of Portugal, and then return to England, for the matter presses, and I wish to speak of each and of their respective transactions.
* The dissensions between the king and his parliament ran high at this period; the parliament refused to grant supplies, and the king declared that if they were denied he would apply to the king of France, to whom he would sooner be obliged than his subjects. An accommodation was at length effected. Richard consented to banish his favourite, the earl of Suffolk, and supplies were voted to maintain the war against the king of France; their administration was however confided to a body of thirty commissioners.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. — THE KING OF PORTUGAL, WHEN INFORMED OF THE DUKE OF LANCASTER’S ARRIVAL AT SANT JAGO, WRITES HIM FRIENDLY LETTERS. — THE KING OF CASTILLE DEMANDS SUCCOURS FROM FRANCE. — THE TOWN OF ROUELLES IN GALICIA TAKEN BY THE ENGLISH.
YOU have before heard of the arrival of the duke of Lancaster with a large army at Coruña; how that city, but not the castle, had surrendered to him on terms similar to those which were imposed on the other towns in Castille, by which means the city was neither attacked nor hurt; you have also heard how he and his family had taken possession of Sant Jago de Compostella, where he intended to reside, until he should have some intelligence from the king of Portugal. Don John, as soon as he knew the duke to be at St. Jago was much rejoiced, thinking that, when united, they could carry on an advantageous war against Castille. He ordered the most friendly letters to be written to the duke and duchess, and to be forward instantly by special messengers. The receipt of such letters gave much pleasure to the duke and duchess; for they had great dependence on the king of Portugal, and knew that, without his aid, they would never be enabled to do anything effectual against Castille. They, therefore, made rich presents to the messengers, and returned the warmest answers. The duke, in his answer, gave the king to understand, that he should have much pleasure if an interview took place between them, as he wanted to have some conferences with him.
While all these marks of affection were reciprocally tendered and received between the king of Portugal and the duke of Lancaster, the king of Castille was strengthening himself by every means in his power. He frequently stated his situation to the court of France, and was urgent in his demands for assistance to defend his realm; for he expected, when he season would allow, that there would be a vigorous war made on him, as the king of Portugal and the duke of Lancaster would then form a junction, and would be in such force as would overrun all Castille, unless he could raise an army to oppose them. The king of France and his council, in their answer, desired the king of Castille not to be uneasy; for, before the month of January was passed, they would give the English so much to do at home as to prevent them from knowing which way to turn themselves; that when England should be completely destroyed, they would come to his aid by sea, through Galicia or Portugal; and if their enemies still remained in that country, they would drive them out of it in a handsome manner, and within the year put an end to all these wars. The king of Castille contented himself with this answer as well as he could: indeed, he could not help himself; for none came to him from France, excepting those who had defended the castle of Coruña. All knights and Squires, however great their distance in the kingdom, hastened to Paris, Lille, and Douay: and the whole of that country, to the extent of fourteen leagues, was filled with men at arms and their followers. The multitudes wee so great, that those who superintended the shipping, notwithstanding the number of vessels, declared they could not be all transported at once, by at least forty thousand men.
It was ordered that no one was to be received on board the transports but true men at arms; and no knight was to have more than one varlet, nor any great baron more than two squires. No horses were to be embarked but those of the principal lords; and this was so strictly observed at Sluys that the names of none were written down for the passage, nor received on board, but good men at arms. There was such a rascally crew in Flanders, in the country of Tournay, and in the castlewicks of Lille, Douay, and Artois, that they devoured and plundered everything, to the great loss of the poor inhabitants, on whom they lived, though the dared not complain for fear of their lives. They were more destructive than the English would have been if quartered in that country. The king of France and his lords had many fears; for, should they leave these scoundrels behind, they would unite and master the country; and this would have happened, had the invasion taken place, and been unsuccessful.
During the residence of the duke and duchess of Lancaster at St. Jago, several of their knights and squires made excursions into the country, and supported themselves in the best manner in which they were able, on whatever they could find. It fell out that sir Thomas 181 Moreaux, marshal of the army, in company with sir Maubrun de Linieres, sir John d’Ambreticourt, Thierry, and William de Soumain, and about two hundred spears and five hundred archers, when in Galicia, came before the town of Rouelles, seven leagues from Sant Jago. He had heard that the townsmen would not acknowledge the duke of Lancaster for king; had had slain his foragers, who, on their return, had passed by their barriers. They had ruined their roads so much, that the only tolerable one was close to the town; and, when they found a good opportunity, they rushed out, and, like thieves as they were, murdered all passers, whether forager or not. Complaints had been made of their conduct to the marshal, who was determined to apply a remedy, that being a part of his official duty. He and his companions dismounted, when near the town. The watch had before sounded his horn, which had prepared the inhabitants, and they had closed the gate and mounted the battlements; for it would not have fared well to any who had remained without the wall. The marshal, seeing from their appearance it must be assaulted, and having mused a while, said to sir John d’Ambreticourt and Thierry de Soumain, — “Mount your horses, and ride round the town to see where we may the best make our assault, and with the least loss of our men.” Having mounted their horses, they soon rode round the place, for it was of no great circuit, and carefully examined every part of it. On their return to the marshal, who was waiting for them, they said, — “Sir, this town has but two gates: you are at one, and the other is directly opposite: these are the two places which seem to us easiest of attack; for the ditches round the town are deep, difficult of descent and ascent, on account of thorns and brambles.” “I believe you are right.” replied the marshal: “I will remain here with a part of our men, and you, Maubrun, shall take the other and commence the attack. I know not what may be the event, but I with joy see those fellows, who, from their battlements, observe all we are doing. Look at them, they are as sulky-looking as monkeys eating pears, which children want to take from them.” His companions burst out a laughing at this expression, and casting up their eyes to seethe villains (which they had not before thought of), went away with Maubrun and his pennon. They were about one hundred lances and three hundred archers, who advanced slowly to the opposite gate and halted.
Attacks were made on both gates with great gallantry; but the men of Rouelles, from their battlements, defended themselves with stones and darts, so that the archers and cross-bowmen wee unable to act with success, and many were severely wounded. However, as the barriers were defenceless, for all had retired within the walls, the English destroyed the palisadoes and advanced up to the gates. They battered them so as to make them shake again; but the inhabitants, aware of the mischief which might ensue from their gates being forced, came down from the battlements, and placed against them faggots and large beams of wood. Women and others brought earth and stones, with which they filled casks, and these they arranged against the gates, closing up the whole of the entrances. While this was going on, others on the battlements, over the gateways, threw down large stones and bars of iron, so that none dared venture too near, for fear of theses things, which killed whomever they hit. Thus did these peasants hold out their town against the English, who suffered indeed no loss until night; but they were forced to retreat to a deserted village, a long league distant, to see for lodgings, where they remained until the morrow. The spies sent after them brought back word that hey had taken up their quarters at the village of Lyrias, but it seemed as if they would, on the next day, renew the attack. The townsmen, on hearing this, said among themselves, “The shortest follies are the best: we can never be blamed for surrendering to the duke of Lancaster or to his marshal, having, ourselves, held out one whole day against them, without having advice or assistance from any gentleman whatever. This we cannot long persist in, and, having begun the attack, the enemy will, of course, renew it, since they know the way. It will, therefore, be better to surrender before they begin an assault; for, if we be taken by storm, we shall lose our lives as well as our money.”
All agreed to this: and it was determined that, if the English returned on the morrow, they would go out to meet them, and surrender the town on having their lives and properties spared. In truth, the English made their appearance shortly after sun-rise, fresh and eager to renew the battle. When they were observed, four of the principal townsmen were sent out to conclude a treaty. As the marshal advanced under his pennon, casting his eye 182 around, he perceived these four men, and said, “I believe there are some from Rouelles, who want to parley with us: make them come forward.” This was done; and when they were near the marshal, they cast themselves on their knees, and said, “My lord, the inhabitants of have sent us to parley with you; will you hear us?” “Yes,” replied the marshal; “what have you to say?” “My lord, we come to offer the surrender of our town, if you will take us and all we possess under your protection; and we will acknowledge the duke and duchess of Lancaster for our sovereign, in like manner as those of Coruña and Sant Jago have done.” “I will take you, and all that belongs to you, under my protection,” answered the marshal; “but I will not ensure your provisions, for men at arms must live.” The deputies said, “that was reasonable; and the country abounded in provisions of all sorts; but wait here a moment, that we may return to the town and relate what you have said, for we will keep the agreement, and we trust you will do the same.” “Yes, on my faith will I,” replied sir Thomas; “but make haste back.” Upon this the four men returned to the town, to relate how sir Thomas had agreed to accept their terms, except in the article of provisions. They said, “God grant it may be so; for you have succeeded better than we expected.” they then disencumbered the gate of the casks, beams, and faggots, and opening it wide, advanced to the barriers with the keys in their hands. When the marshal approached, he and his companions dismounted; and the townsmen on their knees, presenting the keys, said, — “My lord, you are sent hither, we learn, by the duke and duchess of Lancaster: we therefore offer you the keys, and surrender our town, as agreed on between you and our men.” “Upon these terms I accept the keys,” replied the marshal; and he and his men entered the town, where they quartered themselves here and there in the best manner they could. Sir Thomas Moreaux, remained there the whole day. On the morrow, before his departure, he said to sir Thomas Maubrun de Linieres, ’ “I give this town up to you and our men: you will make a good garrison of it.” “By St. George, and so I will,” replied sir Maubrun; “for I like it well.”
Sir Maubrun de Linieres remained in garrison in Rouelles, having under him sixty spears and one hundred archers. Sir Thomas Moreaux returned to the duke and duchess at Sant Jago.
CHAPTER XXXIX. — THE MARSHAL OF THE DUKE OF LANCASTER’S ARMY ATTACKS AND GAINS BY TREATY THE TOWN OF VILLECLOPE IN GALICIA. — THE DUKE SENDS AMBASSADORS TO THE KING OF PORTUGAL TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN THEM.
SHORTLY after the marshal’s return from Rouelles, he assembled a body of about three hundred spears and six hundred archers, and, thus accompanied, advanced into Galicia a long day’s journey from Sant Jago, and came before a town called Villeclope, which was only defended by the common people of the place. The marshal not only examined it himself but made his companions do so, and then asked if they thought it might be taken by storm. After some consideration, they said that it could. Upon this they all dismounted, and gave their horses to the servants to be led to the rear. They divided themselves into three divisions and gave their orders like able men at arms. Sir Thomas Moreaux had the first: he gave the second to sir Evan Fitzwarren, and the third to sir John d’Ambreticourt. Each had under his command eighty spears, and seven score archers, which was thought sufficient for the attack of such a place.
They approached the town, entered the ditch, and gallantly made themselves masters of it, for it was dry, and ascended to the walls well shielded*: the archers were posted on the banks of the ditch, and shot so ably that scarcely any dared show themselves in its defence. Notwithstanding this, the townsmen fought valiantly, and they were very numerous: some lanced darts, others stones, and used log poles shod with iron, which gave such blows that on whomsoever they fell, unless well armed, he was severely wounded or slain. The knights and squires, eager for renown, were busily employed in loosening the wall with pick-axes and crowbars, which they had brought with them, and continued their work in spite of the 183 stones and lime-pots thrown down on their pavisses and basnets. Many gallant deeds were done; and in particular by two squires from Hainault, Thierry and William de Soumain. They, with their assistants, made a breach in the wall, and fought hand to hand with those within. These two brothers gained seven lances, which were pushed at them through the breach, by wresting them out of the enemy’s hands. They were under the pennon of sir Evan Fitzwarren.
Sir John d’Ambreticourt made no boy’s-play, but showed himself a true knight: he posted himself at the foot of the walls, and his pennon, with his arms of two hamets gules on a field ermine, fixed in the ground before him: he had a pick-axe in his hand, labouring with all his might to batter the wall. One my be surprised the townsmen were not frightened when they saw themselves thus attacked on all sides; but it lasted not long, for there were too many able men employed, and perceiving what must happen, they resolved to surrender. The bailiff of the town, through whose means the place had held out for the king, came forth, and, having demanded who was the commander, said, — “My lord, order a cessation of arms, for the inhabitants wish to enter into a treaty with you.” The marshal replied, he would cheerfully do so, and sent a herald round the ditches, who thus spoke to the English, — “Cease assaulting until you shall hear the trumpet of the marshal, for there is a treaty going forward with the townsmen.” On this speech of the herald, the attack was suspended, and the assailants reposed themselves: indeed, many had need of it, for they had laboured hard and were much fatigued. The townsmen, by their bailiff, said they were willing to yield the town on having their lives and fortunes spared, as the other towns in Galicia had done. “Indeed!” said the marshal, “but you will not come off so cheaply; for you have given us much trouble, and wounded our men. You see plainly you cannot hold out longer, and you must purchase your peace from us, or we return to the attack, and take your town by storm.” “And what is the sum you expect for our ransom?” “IN God’s name,” said the marshal, “ten thousand francs.” “You ask too much,” replied the bailiff: “I offer you two thousand, for the town is poor, and has been heavily taxed.” “I will not accept your offer,” said the marshal; “but take time to consider of it, and do not let the place be lost for three or four thousand francs, for all must be ours. I am already blamed by my companions for having entered into any treaty with you: therefore make haste, and either pay a handsome ransom or take the consequences.” The bailiff returned to the town, and, calling the inhabitants together, said, “What will you do? If you suffer the English to renew the attack, they will storm the town, put us all to death, and plunder our wealth. They demand ten thousand francs, and I have offered two, which I know is too little, and they will never take them: we must increase our offer two or three thousand more.” some, who were much alarmed for their lives and fortunes, said, — “Bailiff, do not fail making a bargain with them; for, sooner than they shall renew the assault, we will give four thousand francs.” “It is well said,” answered the bailiff, “And I will again treat with them.”
On this, the bailiff came again to the marshal, who was waiting for him; and a ransom was agreed on, which, if I recollect, was six thousand francs. The gates were thrown open to the army, who quartered themselves in the town, and refreshed themselves there two days. The marshal gave the place as a garrison to sir Evan Fitzwarren, who had under him two hundred men at arms and four hundred archers; he held the place upwards of eight months: but the ransom-money went to the duke of Lancaster, the marshal retaining one thousand francs.
After this surrender of Villeclope, the marshal returned to Sant Jago, which was his head-quarters, for the duke was desirous of having him near his person. At times, he marched to the borders of Castille, to alarm the French; but in general the English did not quit Galicia, whither the king of Castille sent none to oppose them; for he was advised not to attack them with a large army, but to harass them from his garrisons, and to wait for succours from France. The duke’s counsellors said to him as follows: “My lord, it is necessary that you and the king of Portugal should have an interview to confer together. You write to each other, but that is not enough; for the French are a subtle race, and see farther into affairs than most other nations. Should they, underhand, make a peace between 184 the king of Portugal and the king of Castille, who has at his court, as we have been informed, several of the great barons of Portugal, either by a marriage or otherwise, so as to prevent you from having any assistance from him, what would become of you? You would be in a much worse condition than ever in this country, and the Castillians would not care any thing for us, for you now they are the falsest and most gloomy people in the world. Do you imagine the king of Portugal has not thoroughly examined everything that concerns him? And if the king of Castille would agree to a peace, allowing him for his life to reign in Portugal, and himself to be unmolested in Castille, we doubt not but he would turn his back on you, notwithstanding he has been so pressing to bring you hither. Thus will you be completely ruined. You are well acquainted with the present state of England, that it has enough to do to make head against its old enemies the French and Scots. Make the most, therefore, of the men you now have, and push on the war vigorously; for, if you expect any reinforcements from England, you will be disappointed. You were two years in obtaining what you now have, and the king, your nephew, does not feel for the interests which made you quit the country. He is young, and confides in young counsellors, which has thrown England into much peril. Have an interview, therefore, with the king of Portugal as speedily as may be, and take to him yourself; for you will gain more in one conversation that by four months’ writing.”
The duke of Lancaster treasured up these words; for he knew they were the truth, and that they had loyally advised him. He answered, “What would you have me do?” “We wish you would send five or six of your knights to the king of Portugal, and we advise that a baron, at least, be of the number, to remonstrate with him on public affairs; and let it be suggested that you are very anxious to have some personal conferences with him. Those whom you send will, of course, act with prudence; but, by all means, let them press for an immediate interview.” The duke consented to this proposal; and the lord Poinings, a great baron in England, sir John Bancel †, sir John d’Ambreticourt, and sir John Sounder, bastard brother to the constable of the army, were ordered to go to Portugal. These lords made themselves ready to set out from Sant Jago, with one hundred spears and two hundred archers; but just as they were on the point of departure, having received their credential letters, there arrived from Portugal a knight and squires, attended by twelve lances. The knight’s name was Vasco Martin d’Acunha, and the squire Fernando Martin de Merlo: they were both of the king’s household, and the nearest about his person. They were comfortably lodged in Sant Jago, and presented to the duke and duchess, by each of whom they were most graciously received. They delivered their letters to their graces, which being read, they found, that in addition to the strong expressions of friendship and affection, the king of Portugal had sent two handsome ambling white mules, which gave them much pleasure. The English embassy was not for this laid aside; it was only retarded four days. On the fifth day they set out, accompanied by the Portuguese; and the duke, as a token of friendship, sent the king of Portugal two such beautiful pilgrim-falcons as had never been seen, and six English greyhounds, excellently trained for hunting all sorts of beasts.
The English and Portuguese continued their journey through Galicia, without fear of the Castillians, for they were at too great a distance. On the road sir John d’Ambreticourt and Ferdinand de Merlo commenced an acquaintance; for the squire had, in former times, served with sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt, sir John’s uncle, and had even been with him when he died in Carentan. They continued in conversation until they arrived at the gate of Coimbra, where the king of Portugal resided. As they were riding gently together, behind the rest of their company, they met a herald and his servant from Coimbra, on the road to the duke and his lords at Sant Jago. He was attached to the king of Portugal, who, at the time of his coronation, had given him the name of Coimbra. The herald had already conversed with the lords who were advanced; and when don Ferdinand saw him, he said; “Here comes the king’s herald, who has not been long in this country: I will inquire some news from him.” When they met, the squire said, — “Where have you been for this year past, that I have not seen you?” “In God’s name,” replied the herald, “I have been in England to the king and his uncles, who have made me very rich. I went 185 thence by sea to Brittany, and was present at the marriage of the duke, and at the grand feasts he gave two months in the town of Nantes, on his union with the lady Jane of Navarre‡. From thence I returned to Guerrande, and by sea to Portugal.”
While he was thus speaking, the squire kept his eyes fixed on an enamelled scutcheon that hung on the herald’s breast, on which were emblazoned the arms of the king of Portugal and other knights of Portugal. Pointing with his finger to a coat of arms, he said, — “Ah, here are the arms of a gallant knight of Portugal, sir John Portelet, which I am happy to see; for he is a valiant knight, and was one of great service to me, which I ought always to remember.” When, taking out of his purse four florins, he gave them to the herald, who returned him thanks. Sir John d’Ambreticourt examined the scutcheon, and remembering the arms, told me some time afterward, that the warms were two chaudières sables on a field argent, with an endenture gules.
When the herald had taken his leave and departed, the squire thus spoke: “Sir John, you notice those sable chaudières, which the knight, to whom I am so much indebted, bore in his arms?” “Yes, I did,” replied sir John: “but tell me the cause why you praise him so much: I shall willingly listen to you; for, as we ride on, we shall be at a loss for conversation.” That I will do,” replied he; “for such a knight is worth talking of. A little before the battle of Aljubarota, s the king of Portugal was marching through the country from Coimbra, he sent me to seek some of his knights, that they might be present at the engagement. I therefore rode off, attended only by a single page. In my way, I fell in with twenty Gascon lances, and I was suddenly in the midst before I perceived them, when I was made prisoner, and asked whither I was going. I said, ‘To the castle du Ront.§’ ‘What to do there?’ ‘To seek sir John Fernando Portelet; for the king wishes for his company at Aljubarota.’ ‘What! is not don Fernando governor of Ront, with your king of Portugal?’ ‘No,” I replied, ‘he is not; but he will hasten thither the moment he hears my message.’ ‘In God’s name,’ said they, ‘he shall hear it; for we will ride thither.’ On saying this, they turned about, and took the road to Ront. When they were within sight, the watch on the battlements sounded his horn, as a signal for the appearance of an enemy.
“Don Fernando asked from what quarter they were coming. ‘From the side of Oporto,’ replied the watch. ‘Ah, ah,’ said he, ‘they must be Castillians seeking adventures, and on their road to Santarem. I will go and look at them; for they may possibly tell me some news, and where the king is.’ Having ordered his horse to be saddle, and his pennon to be unfurled, he set off on a gallop, with only nineteen more, to meet the enemy, who had formed an ambuscade. The Castillian party had sent one of their men to sour over the plain, mounted on a genet, which being perceived by don Fernando, he said to a squire, ‘Gallop thy genet, and see who that fellow is prancing on the plain.’ The squire, sticking spurs into his horse, soon came up with the horseman, who suffered himself nearly to be overtaken; for his orders were to return instantly to the ambuscade, if followed by any one. When they were hard by, the whole party sallied forth and pursued the squire, who, being well mounted, had turned back. In the chase, they shouted ‘Castille!’ which convinced don Fernando, who had halted under his pennon, to wait for his squire, whom they were closely pursuing, that they were enemies; and he said, — ‘I am now sure they must be Castillians: let us shout “Portugal!” for I am resolved to meet them.’ At these words he grasped his spears, and came on full speed up to them. The first whom he met he struck to the ground, and the second shared the same fate. Of the twenty-five spears, ten were already lying on the ground; the remainder took to flight; and of them several were likewise slain or wounded. All this I witnessed with great pleasure; for I saw in it my deliverance, and in a few minutes was left alone. I then advanced towards don Fernando, who, on seeing me, recollected me; for I had been formerly acquainted with him, and asked from whence I came, and what I was doing there: I then related to him my adventure, and how the Spaniards had taken me. ‘And where is the king? Do you know nothing about him?’ ‘On my troth, sir, to-morrow he will give battle to the king of Castille; and I was 186 sent to tell this to such knights as were ignorant of it.’ ‘To-morrow!’ said don Fernando. ‘Yes, on my faith; and, if you doubt me, ask these Castillians whom you have taken.’
“He went to his prisoners, and inquired from them if there were certainly to be a battle on the morrow. They said, that in truth there would be a general engagement on the morrow between Castille and Portugal, and that each side was making every exertion. The knight was well pleased at this intelligence, insomuch that he said to them, ‘For the good news you have told me, I give you all your liberties, but surrender to me my countryman.’ Thus did I regain my freedom; and, don Fernando having taken leave of those who captured me, they went their way. We returned to Ourem, where the knight made himself ready, and set off together about midnight. The distance from Ourem to Aljubarota may be about six leagues: but, to avoid the Castillians and their parties, we lengthened our road. We heard, long before we saw the armies drawn up, that there was to be a battle; and, when we approached, we saw the king of Portugal in array, and the king of Castille opposite to him. At first, the knight could not distinguish the Portuguese from the Castillians, but said, ‘I should imagine the largest army must be that of Castille.’ We rode so near that we plainly distinguished the enemy drawn up in battle array: some put themselves in motion, in pursuit of us; but I fancy they were foreigners, from Gascony. Don Fernando, observing them, said, ‘Here are our enemies: let us hasten away.’ The enemy advanced full gallop, shouting, ‘Castille, Castille!’ but our men, seeing our situation, came to our assistance: the main body, however, did not take any step in consequence. The king received don Fernando with great joy, and he was posted at the bridle of the king’s horse, for he was one of our bravest knights. I feel myself under the greatest obligation to him for having delivered me from the hands of mine enemies; otherwise I should not have been present at this famous battle of Aljubarota. Now, did he not do me a great service?” “On my faith, that he did,” replied sir John; “and, from what you have said, he must be well acquainted with his business.” “Ay, that he is,” answered the squire. Upon this, they rode on a little faster to overtake their companions; and they all arrived that night at Coimbra.
* Bien targés et pavissés.
† Q. if not lord Burnel. In the latest French edition it is Buvrelé anglicè Beverly. — ED.
‡ On the decease of the duke of Brittany, she was queen of England, by her marriage with Henry IV.
§ “Castle du Ront.” — Q. if not Ourem.
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