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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. 397-424.
YOU who take delight in this history must know, that on my leaving the castle of the noble count Gaston de Foix, I returned through Auvergne and France, in company with the gallant lord de la Riviere and sir William de la Tremouille, who had conducted the lady Jane of Boulogne to the duke of Berry in the town of Riom, where he had married her, as has been related; for, having been present at all these feasts, I may well speak of them. I went thence to Paris, where I met the noble lord de Coucy, one of my patrons, who had lately married a daughter to the duke of Lorrain.
The lord de Coucy entertained me kindly, and asked many questions about Foix, Béarn, pope Clement, and Avignon, as well as concerning the nuptials of the duke of Berry, and of a particular friend of his, and likewise one of my patrons, the lord Berald, dauphin of Auvergne. To all his questions I satisfied him as to what I knew, or had seen, insomuch that he was well pleased, and said, — “You shall come with me into Cambresis, for I am going to a castle the king has given me, called Crevecœur: it is two leagues from Cambray, and nine from Valenciennes.” “The distances are very right, my lord,” replied I, and accepted his offer. On the road, he told me, that the bishop of Bayeux, the count de St. Pol, sir William de Melun, and sir John le Mercier, were at Boulogne, by orders from the king of France; and that there were at Calais, on the part of king Richard of England, the bishop of Durham, the earl of Salisbury, sir William Beauchamp, governor of Calais, sir John Clambon, sir Nicholas Grandbourg, knights and chamberlains to the king of England, and sir Richard Rocharle*, doctor of laws; who had remained at Boulogne and Calais upwards of a month, waiting for commissioners from Scotland, “who were not arrived six days ago, as my cousin Saint Pol writes me word. The king of France has therefore written to king Robert of Scotland, to press him to accept of the truce, for the English will not consent to it unless the Scots be included.”
Thus continuing our journey, we came to Crevecœur, where I remained with him three days to repose and refresh myself, when I took leave, and went to Valenciennes. After staying there a fortnight, I went to Holland, to visit my gallant patron and lord, the count de Blois, whom I found at Schoenhoven. He made me good cheer, and inquired after news. I told him enough of all I had seen or heard, and was with him upwards of a month, as well at Gouda as Schoenhoven, and then took leave to return to France, to learn the particulars of the conferences that were holding at Leulinghem, between the French and the English, 398 and likewise to be present at the magnificent feasts that were to be given at queen Isabella’s public entry into Paris, where as yet she had never been †.
To learn the most I could, I travelled through Brabant, and managed to arrive at Paris eight days before the commencement of the feasts. I had so much forethought, respecting the French and Scots lords who had been at the conferences at Leulinghem, that I made acquaintance with sir William de Melun, who related to me all their transactions, and that the count de St. Pol had passed over to England, to visit his brother-in-law, king Richard, and to have the truce confirmed, which was to last for three years; but he said he would be here at all events to partake of the feasts. I asked sir William, — “what lords the Scots had sent to the conference; for that in my younger days I had been in Scotland, as far as the Highlands, and as at that time I was at the court of king David, I was acquainted with the greater part of the nobility of that country.” He told me, “that the bishop of Aberdeen, sir James, and sir David Lindsay, and sir Walter Sinclair, were the commissioners for Scotland‡.” All this I carefully remembered, that I might enregister it in my Chronicle, with all I should see or hear at this grand feast of queen Isabella’s entry, the arrangement of which was as follows.
* “Clambon, — Grandbourg, — Rocharle.” These names are different in almost all the copies, MS. or printed. They are called Lanon, L’asnon — Gaberth, Gunboch — Roolle and Rohale. Lord Berners retains them as in the preceding chapter, but totally omits them in this. The treaty, which is at length in Rymer, has the names as follows. Those from France are also different from Froissart.
The bishop of Durham, — sir William Beauchamp, governor of Calais, — sir John Devereux, steward of the king’s household, — sir John Clanvow, sir Nicholas Daggeworth, knights of the king’s chamber.
† Underneath is the translation of a note, vol. iii. p. 85. of M. Levesque’s history of the five first kings of the race of Valois.
“One would be tempted to believe, from the recitals of our historians, that the queen, who had now been married four years, made this her first entry into Paris. It is a mistake. She was there in 1386, when Charles wrote to her, the 28th April, from Montdidier, to send to Amiens the amount of the taxes, and to hasten all the men at arms and foreigners that were intended for the invasion of England from Paris. He orders her at the same time to proclaim war against the Flemings and their allies. One may conjecture, from this letter, that he had entrusted her with the regency.”
‡ The Scots commissioners are evidently wrong. The finest MS. in the British Museum has sir Archibald and sir William Lindsay, and sir John Sinclair. But in Rymer, there is mention only made of the archbishop of Glasgow and bishop of Dunkeld.
ON Sunday the 20th day of June*, in the year of our lord 1399, there were such crowds of people in Paris, it was marvellous to see them; and on this Sunday, the noble ladies of France who were to accompany the queen, assembled in the afternoon at Saint Denis, with such of the nobility as were appointed to lead the litters of the queen and her attendants. The citizens of Paris, to the amount of twelve hundred, were mounted on horseback, dressed in uniforms of green and crimson, and lined each side of the road. Queen Joan and her daughter†, the duchess of Orleans, entered Paris first, about an hour after noon, in a covered litter, and passing through the great street of Saint Denis, went to the palace, where the king was waiting for them, and this day they went no further. The queen of France, attended by the duchess of Berry, the duchess of Burgundy, the duchess of Touraine, the duchess of Lorrain, the countess of Nevers, the lady of Coucy, with a crowd of other ladies, began the procession in open litters, most richly ornamented. The duchess of Touraine was not in a litter, but to display herself the more, was mounted on a palfrey, magnificently caparisoned.
The litter of the queen was led by the dukes of Touraine and Bourbon at the head; the dukes of Berry and Burgundy were at the centre, and the lord Peter de Navarre and the count d’Ostrevant behind the litter, which was open and beautifully ornamented. The duchess of Touraine followed, on her palfrey, led by the count de la Marche and the count de Nevers, the whole advancing slowly, at a foot’s pace. After her came the duchess of Burgundy and her daughter, the lady Margaret of Hainault, in an open litter, led by the lord Henry de Bar, and sir William, the young count de Namur. Then came the duchess 40 of Berry, and the daughter of the lord de Coucy, in an open and ornamented litter, led by sir James de Bourbon, and sir Philip d’Artois. Then the duchess of Bar and her daughter, led by sir Charles d’Albret and the lord de Coucy. There was no particular mention made of the other ladies and damsels who followed in covered chariots, or on palfreys, led by their knights. Serjeants, and others of the king’s officers, had full employment, in making way for the procession, and keeping off the crowd; for there were such numbers assembled, it seemed as if all the world had come thither.
At the gate of St. Denis, that opens into Paris, was the representation of a starry firmament, and within it were children dressed as angels, whose singing and chaunting was melodiously sweet. There was also an image of the Virgin holding in her arms a child, who at times amused himself with a windmill, made of a large walnut. The upper part of this firmament was richly adorned with the arms of France and Bavaria, with a brilliant sun dispersing its rays through the heavens; and this was the king’s device at the ensuing tournaments‡. The queen of France and the ladies took delight in viewing this as they passed, as indeed did all who saw it. The queen then advanced slowly to the fountain, in the street of St. Denis, which was covered and decorated with fine blue cloth, besprinkled over with golden flowers-de-luce. The pillars that surrounded the fountain were ornamented with the arms of the chief barons of France; and, instead of waters, it ran in great streams of Clairé§, and excellent Piement¶. Around this fountain were young girls handsomely dressed, having on their heads caps of solid gold, who sang so sweetly, it 400 was a pleasure to hear them; and they held in their hands cups of gold, offering their liquors to all who chose to drink. The queen stopped there to hear and look at them, as did the ladies as they passed by.
Below the monastery of the Trinity there was a scaffold erected in the street, and on the scaffold a castle, with a representation of the battle with king Saladin, performed by living actors; the Christians on one side and the Saracens on the other. All the lords of renown, who had been present, were represented with their blazoned war-coats, such as were worn in those times. A little above was the person of the king of France, surrounded by his twelve peers, in their proper arms; and when the queen came opposite the scaffold, king Richard was seen to leave his companions, and advance to the king of France, to request permission to fight the Saracens, which having obtained, her returned to his army, who instantly began the attack on Saladin and the Saracens. The battle lasted for a considerable time, and was seen with much pleasure.
The procession then passed on, and came to the second gate of St. Denis¥, where, like to the first, there had been made a representation of a richly starred firmament, with the Holy Trinity seated in great majesty, and within the heaven little children as angels singing very melodiously. As the queen passed under the gate, two angels descended from above, holding an extraordinarily rich golden crown, ornamented with precious stones, which they gently placed on the head of the queen, sweetly singling the following verses:
“Dame enclose entre fleurs de Lys,
Reine êtes vous de Paris,
De France, et de tout le païs.
Nous en r’allons en paradis.
When they came opposite the chapel of St. James, they found a scaffold erected on the right hand, richly decorated with tapestry, surrounded with curtains, in the manner of a chamber: within which were men who played finely on organs. The whole street of Saint Denis was covered with a canopy of rich camlet and silk cloths, as if they had the cloths for nothing, or were at Alexandria or Damascus. I, the writer of this account, was present, and astonished whence such quantities of rich stuffs and ornaments could have come; for all the houses on each side the great street of Saint Denis, as far as the Châtelet, or indeed to the great bridge**, were hung with tapestries representing various scenes and histories to the delight of all beholders.
The queen and her ladies, conducted by great lords in their litters, arrived at length at the gate of the Châtelet, where they stopped to see other splendid pageants that had been prepared for them. At the gate of the Châtelet was erected a castle of wood, with towers, strong enough to last forty years. At each of the battlements was a knight completely armed from head to foot; and in the castle was as superb bed, as finely decorated with curtains, and every thing else, as if for the chamber of the king, and this bed was called the bed of justice, in which lay a person to represent St. Anne. On the esplanade, before the castle, (which comprehended a tolerably large space) was a warren and much brush-wood, within which were plenty of hares, rabbits and young birds, that fled out and in again for fear of the populace. From this wood, on the side near the queen, there issued a large white hart, that made for the bed of justice; from another part came forth a lion and eagle, well represented, and proudly advanced towards the stag. Then twelve young maidens, richly dressed, with chaplets of gold on their heads, came out of the wood, holding naked swords in their hands, and placed themselves between the hart, the lion, and eagle, — showing that with their swords they were determined to defend the hart and the bed of justice.
The queen, the ladies and lords, having seen this pageant with pleasure, passed on to the bridge of Notre-Dame, which was decorated so handsomely, it could not be amended: it was covered with a starry canopy, of green and crimson, and the streets were all hung with tapestry as far as the church of Notre-Dame. When the queen and her ladies had passed 40 the bridge, and were near the church, it was late in the evening; for the procession, ever since it had set out from St. Denis, had advanced but a foot’s pace. The great bridge of Paris was hung all its length with green and white sarcenet; but before the queen and her company entered Notre-Dame, she was presented with other pageants that delighted her and her ladies very much: I will describe them.
A full month before the queen’s entry to Paris, a master engineer from Geneva had fastened a cord to the highest tower of Notre-Dame, which, passing high above the streets, was fixed to the most elevated house on the bridge of Saint Michael. As the queen was passing down the street of Notre-Dame, this man left the tower, and, seating himself on the cord, descended, singing, with two lighted torches in his hand, for it was now dark, to the great astonishment of all who saw him how he could do it. He kept the lighted torches in his hands that he might be seen by all Paris, and even two or three leagues off. He played many tricks on the rope, and his agility was highly praised.
The Bishop of Paris and his numerous clergy, clothed in their robes, were without the church of Notre-Dame, waiting for the queen, who was helped out of her litter by the four dukes. Of Berry, Burgundy, Touraine and Bourbon. — When the other ladies had left their litters and dismounted from their palfreys they all entered the church in grand procession, preceded by the bishop and priests, singing aloud to the praise of God and the Virgin Mary. The queen was conducted through the nave and choir to the great altar, where, on her knees, she made her prayers according as she thought good, and presented as her offering, four cloths of gold, and the handsome crown which the angels had put on her head at the gate of Paris, as has been related. The lord John de la Riviere and sir John la Mercier instantly brought one more rich with which they crowned her.
This being done, the queen and her ladies returned to their litters, wherein they were seated as before; and as it was late, there were upwards of five hundred lighted tapers attending the procession. In such array were they conducted to the palace, where the king, queen Joan, and the duchess of Orleans, were waiting for them.††. The ladies here quitted their litters, and were conducted to different apartments; and the lords, after the dancing, returned to their hôtels‡‡.
On the morrow, which was Monday, the king gave a grand dinner to a numerous company of ladies; and, at the hour of high mass, the queen of France was led by the before-mentioned dukes to the Holy Chapel, where she was anointed and sanctified as queens of France usually are. Sir William de Viare, archbishop of Rouen, said mass. After mass, which was well and solemnly sung, the king and queen returned to their apartment, as did the other ladies to theirs who lodged in the palace. Shortly after the mass, the king, queen, and all the ladies entered the hall. You must know, that the great table of marble§§, which is in this hall, and is never removed, was covered with an oaken plank, four inches thick, and the royal dinner placed thereon. Near the table, and against one of the pillars, was the king’s buffet, magnificently 402 decked out with gold and silver plate, and much envied by many who saw it. — Before the king’s tale, and at some distance, were wooden bars with three entrances, at which were serjeants at arms, ushers, and archers, to prevent any from passing them but those who served the table; for in truth the crowd was so very great, there was no moving but with much difficulty. There were plenty of minstrels, who played away to the best of their abilities.
The kings, prelates, and ladies, having washed and seated themselves at table, their places were as follows: the bishop of Noyon was seated at the head of the king’s table, then the bishop of Langres, and then the archbishop of Rouen, by the side of the king of France, who was that day clothed in a crimson surcoat, lined with ermine, and the royal crown on his head. A little above the king was the queen, crowned also very richly. Next the queen was placed the king of Armenia, then the duchess of Berry, the duchess of Burgundy, the duchess of Touraine, madame de Nevers, mademoiselle Bonne de Bar, madame de Coucy, and mademoiselle Marie de Harcourt. There were none others at the king’s table, except at the very lower end, the lady de Sully, wife of sir Guy de la Tremouille. There were two other tables in the hall, at which were seated upwards of five hundred ladies and damsels; but the crowned was so great, it was with difficulty they could be served with their dinner, which was plentiful and sumptuous. Of this it is not worth the trouble to give any particulars; but I must speak of some devices which were curiously arranged, and would have given the king much amusement, had those who had undertaken it been able to act their parts.
In the middle of the hall was erected a castle of wood, forty feet high, twenty feet long, and as many wide, with towers at each corner, and one larger in the middle. This castle was to represent the city of Troy the great, and the tower in the middle the palace of Ilion, from which were displayed the banners of the Trojans, such as King Priam, Hector, his other sons, and of those shut up in the place with them. The castle, being on wheels, was very easily moved about. There was a pavilion likewise on wheels, on which were placed the banners of the Grecian kings, that was moved, as it were, by invisible beings, to the attack of Troy. There was also, by way of reinforcement, a large ship, well built, and able to contain one hundred men at arms, that, like the two former, was ingeniously moved by invisible wheels. Those in the ship and pavilion made a sharp attack on the castle, which was gallantly defended; but from the very great crowd, this amusement could not last long. There were so many people on all sides, several were stifled by the heat; and one table near the door of the chamber of parliament, at which a numerous company of ladies and damsels were seated, was thrown down, and the company forced to make off as well as they could.
The queen of France was near fainting, from the excessive heat, and one of the door was forced to be thrown open to admit air. The lady of Coucy was in the same situation. The king, noticing this, ordered an end to be put to the feast, when the tables were removed, for the ladies to have more room. Wine and spices were served around, and every one retired when the king and queen went to their apartments. Those ladies who did not lodge in the Palace returned to their hôtels, to recover themselves of their sufferings from the heat and crowd. The lady of Coucy remained in her hôtel until it was late; but the queen, about five o’clock, left the Palace, attended by the duchesses before named, and, mounting an open litter, proceeded through the streets of Paris, followed by the ladies in litters, or on horseback, to the residence of the king, at the hôtel de St. Pol. She was attended by upwards of one thousand horse. The king took boat at the Palace, and was rowed to his hôtel, which, though it was sufficiently large, there had been erected in the court, at the entrance leading to the Seine, an immense hall, covered with undressed cloths of Normandy, that had been sent from divers places: the sides were hung with tapestry, that represented strange histories, and gave delight to all who saw them. In this hall the kind entertained the ladies at a banquet: but he qu4een remained in her chamber, where she supped, and did not again appear that night. The king, lords, and ladies, danced and amused themselves until day-break, when the amusements ceased, and every one retired to his home, each of them to sleep and repose themselves, as it was full time.
I will now speak of the presents the Parisians made to the king, queen, and duchess of Touraine, who was but lately arrived in France from Lombardy: she was called Valentine, 403 and was daughter to the duke of Milan. She had this year been married to the duke of Touraine, and had never been in Paris before this public entry of the queen: the citizens, therefore, were bound to bid her welcome. About twelve o’clock, forty of the principal citizens of Paris, all uniformly dressed, waited on the king at his hôtel of Saint Pol, bringing a present they had displayed through the streets of the town. Their gift was in a very richly worked litter, borne by two strong men, dressed as savages. This litter was covered with a transparent crape of silk, through which might be seen the magnificent things it contained.
On their arrival, they advanced to the king’s chamber (which was open and ready prepared to received them, as their coming was known, and welcome is always made to those who bring gifts); and, having placed the litter on vessels, in the midst of the apartment, they cast themselves on their knees, and thus spoke” Most beloved lord and king, your citizens of your good town of Paris present to you the plate that is contained in this litter, as tokens of their joy that you have taken the government of the kingdom into your own hands.” “Many thanks, my good people,” replied the king, “they are fair and rich.” The citizens then rose up, and having taken leave of the king, withdrew. When they were gone, the king said to sir William des Bordes. And to Montaigu¶¶, who were then present, “Let us go nearer, and examine what their gifts are.” They approached, and looked into the litter. I will now mention what presents it contained. First, there were four pots of gold, four saucers to match, four golden salts, twelve cups of the same, twelve porringers, and six dishes of gold also: the whole weighed one hundred and fifty marcs.
The third present was carried, like manner, to the chamber of the duchess of Touraine, by two men representing Moors, having their faces blackened, and richly dressed with white turbans, as if they had been Saracens or Tartars. This litter was ornamented and covered, like the others, with gauze, and accompanied by twelve citizens in uniforms, who presented the duchess with a ship in gold, and large flaggon of gold, two comfit boxes, two large dishes, and two salts, all of gold: six jugs of silver, and two dozen cups and saucers of the same: the whole weighing two hundred marcs. The duchess of Touraine was exceedingly pleased with this present, as she had reason, for it was very magnificent, and returned handsomely her thanks to those who had brought it, and to the good city of Paris that had given it to her.
Such were the gifts made this Tuesday to the king and queen of France, and to the duchess of Touraine. You may judge from them the liberality and riches of the Parisians; for it was assured me, the author of this history, that all these presents, which I saw, had cost upwards of sixty thousand golden crowns. When these ceremonies were concluded, the hour for dinner arrived; but this day the king and his court dined in private at their different hôtels, for at three o’clock the tournament was to take place in the square of Saint Catherine, where scaffolds had been erected for the accommodation of the queen and the ladies.
404I will name the knights of this grand tournament, who were styled the Knights of the Golden Sun, which, although it was that day the king of France’s device, was borne by others, who tilted in hopes of gaining the prize. These knights were thirty, including the king: first, the duke of Berry, the duke of Burgundy, the duke of Bourbon, the count de la Marche, sir James de Bourbon his brother, sir William de Namur, sir Oliver de Clisson constable of France, sir John de Vienne, sir James de Vienne, lord d’Espaigny, sir Guy de la Tremouille, sir William de la Tremouille his brother, sir Philip de Bar, the lord de Rochfort a Breton, the lord de Rais, the lord de Beaumanoir, sir John de Barbençon called the Ardenois, the halze of Flanders, the lord de Torcy a Norman, sir John des Barres, the lord de Nantouillet ,the lord de la Rochefoucault, the lord de Garencieres, sir John de Harpedant, the baron d’Ury, sir William Marchiel, sir Reginald de Roye, sir Geoffry de Carin, sir Charles de Changiet, and sir William de Lignac. All these knights were sumptuously dressed, and each had on his shield a splendid sun. At three o’clock, they entered the square of St. Catherine, where the queen ha already arrived in a magnificent car, and the duchesses and other ladies in great state, and taken their places on the seats prepared for them. The king of France next made his appearance completely equipped for tilting, of which amusement he was very fond.
The justs now began, and were carried on with vigour, for there were many knights from foreign pats. Sir William de Hainaut, count d’Ostrevant, tilted right well, as did those knights who accompanied him, such as the lord de Gommines, sir John d’Andregines, the lord de Cantan, sir Ansel de Transsegines, and sir Clinquart de Herinno. Every one performed his part, in honour of the ladies; and the duke of Ireland tilted well: being then a resident at Paris, the king had invited him to the tournament. A German knight from beyond the Rhine, called sir Gervais de Mirande, gained great commendation. The number of knights made it difficult to give a full stroke, and the dust was so troublesome that it increased their difficulties. The lord de Coucy shone with brilliancy. The tilts were continued without relaxation until night, when the ladies were conducted to their hôtels.
The queen of France and her attendants were led back to the hôtel of St. Pol, where was the most magnificent banquet for the ladies every heard of. The feast and dancing lasted until sunrise, and the prize of the tournament was given, with the assent of the ladies and heralds, to the king, as being the best tilter on the opponents’ side, and the prize for the holders of the lists was given to the halze de Flanders, bastard-brother to the duchess of Burgundy. On account of the complaints the knights made of the dust which has prevented many from exerting themselves to the utmost at the late tournament, he king ordered the lists to be watered. Two hundred water-carriers were employed on the Wednesday to water the square, but, notwithstanding their efforts, there was still a sufficiency of dust.
The count de St. Pol arrived this Wednesday straight from England, having made haste to be present at these feasts, and had left sir John de Châtel-Morant to follow with the treaty of the truce. The count de St. Pol was kindly received by the king and his lords: his countess, who had been near the person of the queen at these festivals, was rejoiced at his arrival. In the afternoon of the Wednesday, thirty squires, who had been in attendance the preceding day, advanced to the lists where the tournaments had been held, whither the ladies also came, in the same state, and seated themselves as before. The tilting was ably and vigourously kept up until night, when the company returned to their homes. The banquet this evening at the hôtel de St. Pol was as grand as the preceding one, and the prized was adjudged by the ladies and heralds to a squire from Hainault, who had accompanied the count de Ostrevant, called John de Flaron, as the most deserving of the opponents, and to a squire belonging to the duke of Burgundy, called John de Poulceres, for the best tenants of the field.
The tournament was continued on the Thursday, when knights and squires tilted promiscuously, and many gallant justs were done, for every one took pains to excel. Night put an end to it, and there was a grand entertainment again for the ladies, at the hôtel de St. Pol, when the prize for the opponents was given to sir Charles des Armoyes, and for the tenants, to a squire attached to the queen, called Lons.
On the Friday, the king feasted the ladies and damsels at dinner, which was very splendid 405 and plentiful. Towards the end of it, as the king was seated at the table with the duchess of Berry, the duchess of Burgundy, the duchess of Touraine, the countess de Saint Pol, the lady of Coucy, and many more, two knights, completely armed, entered the hall, (which was very spacious, having been, as I have said, erected for the occasion) on barded horses, with lances in their hands. One was sir Reginald de Roye, the other sir Boucicaut the younger. Having tilted bravely for some time, they were joined by sir William de Namur, sir Charles des Armoyes, the lord de Garencieres, the lord de Nantouillet, sir John de Barbençon, and several others, who gallantly tilted for two hours before the king and ladies; and, when they had sufficiently amused themselves, they returned to their hôtels.
The ladies and damsels took their leave, this Friday, of the king and queens, as did such lords as pleased, and returned to their homes. The king and queen thanked very graciously such as took leave, for having come to this feast.
* “June.” My MSS. and that in the B. Museum have the 20th of August.
† “Queen Joan and her daughter.” I suspect there must be some mistake, although this paragraph is in all the edition I know of, printed and MS; but I cannot discover who these personages were, for all the queens of that name were dead, the last of them the preceding years, and the duke of Touraine, the king’s brother, succeeded to the title of duke of Orleans on the death of Philip, in 1391: he had been lately married to Valentina, of Milan, who is mentioned afterwards as forming part of the procession.
‡ Louis XIV. took the same device, with the motto of “Nec pluribus impar.”
§ “Clairé,” or clairet, — light red wine. — ED.
¶ “Piement.” — is a liquor made of honey, wine, and different spices. — — DU CANGE.
¥ Denys Sauvage, in a marginal note, says, “that he thinks this gate was called la Porte aux Peintres,” and was pulled down in the reign of Francis I. It was called Porte aux Peintres, because many painters resided near it. — SAUVAL.
** Denys Sauvage says, he means by the great bridge the bridge of Notre-Dame.
†† Denys Sauvage, in a marginal note, says, that this queen Joan was the widow of Charles le Bel, and her daughter Blanche married to Philip duke of Orleans, brother to the late king John.
Froissart has mentioned them before; but the widow of Charles le Bel died, according to l’Art de Vérifier les Dates, at Brie-comte-Robert, 1370, and queen Isabella’s entry was in 1389.
‡‡ Froissart having omitted a curious circumstance that happened at this entry if the queen, I shall translate it from Les Grandes Chroniques de St. Denys.
“The king having heard what fine pageants were preparing, said to Savoisi, who was one of his valets-de-chamber, ‘Savoisi, I beg that thou wouldst mount my good horse, and I will get up behind thee; and we will disguise ourselves so that no one shall know us, and go and see the entry of my wife.” Savoisi did all he could to dissuade the king from this, but the king would be obeyed. They therefore disguised themselves, and the king rode behind Savoisi to different parts of Paris. — they came to the Châtelet as the queen was passing, and the crowd was so great, that Savoisi got into the midst. Bailiffs, armed with staves, had been stationed there to prevent any harm being done to the pageant, who laid about them most lustily, to keep off the crowd. Savoisi and the king still pushing forward, the bailiffs, who knew not the king, gave to each several sharp blows on their shoulders. In the evening, the king told the ladies what had happened to him at the Châtelet, and there was much laughing and joking on the occasion among them.”
§§ “At one end of the hall of the Palace was placed a marble table that filled up almost the whole breadth of it, and was of such a size for length, breadth and thickness, that it was supposed to be the greatest slab of marble existing.
“It served, for two or three hundred years, very different purposes: at one time, for a theatre, o which the attorneys’ clerks acted their mummeries, and at another for the royal feasts, where only emperors, kings, and princes of the blood were admitted, with their ladies: the other great lord dined at separate tables. It was consumed by fire in 1618.” — Sauval. Antiquités de Paris.
¶¶ M. Levesque says, that Charles owed his popularity to the wise choice he had made of the under-mentioned ministers. La Riviere, who had deserved the friendship of he wisest of kings: — Noviant, charged with the superintendence of the finances, was of the order of nobility, though without fortune, &8212; and Montaigu, born in obscurity, raised himself by his talents; — but, above all, the duke of Bourbon, who had preserved his integrity, though he had been joined in the regency with the dukes of Berry and Burgundy.
“This John de Montaigu, grand master of the household, and superintendant of the finances to Charles VI. was accused of having robbed the king, and was condemned to be beheaded. This was done without the king’s knowledge, at the instigation of the duke of Burgundy and the king of Navarre. He was beheaded in the market-place of Paris, the 17th October, 1409, and his remains were carried to the gibbet at Montfaucon, where they remained hanging for nearly three years, since his body was not taken down until the 17th September, 1412, and carried to the convent of the Celestins of Marcoussi, which he had founded.
“Although he was executed without the knowledge of the king, he did not the less allow the confiscation of his property, to be given to Louis, duke de Guienne, dauphin.
“I was, however, informed by M. Perron, who has carefully applied himself to learn the particulars of the life of this lord, that his proper was restored to his heirs.” — Menagiana.
CHAPTER III. — SIR JOHN DE CHATEL-MORANT BRINGS FROM ENGLAND THE TRUCES FOR THREE YEARS, SEALED BY KING RICHARD AND HIS ALLIES. — LEWIS OF ANJOU, KING O SICILY, IS BETROTHED AND MARRIED TO A DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF ARRAGON.
AFTER this grand festival, and when the lords and ladies, who had assisted at it, were returned to their castles, the lord de Châtel-Morant, whom the lord de Saint-Pol had left in England, arrived at Paris with the truces, signed by the king of England and his allies. He delivered to the king and his ministers the charter of the truce that was to last for three years, and read aloud its contents in the presence of the lord de Coucy, who was lieutenant for the king, to guard and defend all the country, from the Dordogne to the sea, including Auvergne and Limousin. All who should infringe, or in any way break this treaty, or cause it to be broken, whatever were his rank, would be considered as a traitor, and incur punishment of death. The lord de Coucy had also a copy delivered to him, to show if necessary, to those garrisons of Ventadour. Chaluçet, Orbesi*, Donzach†, who were carrying on the war under name of the English, that they might not have any cause of excuse, and incur the penalty, should they continue their warfare. The lord Lewis de Sancerre, marshal of France, had it in like manner read to him, and a copy given to him. This was very necessary; for he was lieutenant over all the country of Languedoc, from the river Rhône and Avignon, within which are many valuable estates and lordships, as far as the Dordogne. His government contained the séneschalships of Beaucaire, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Rouergue, Agen, Quercy, Bigorre, Perigord and Limoges, where were many forts and castles that minded not the truce, but continued to carry on the war, such as Châtel-Cuillier, and the strong castle of Lourdes, on the frontiers of Béarn, which kept the neighborhood under continual alarms.
About this time there was a treaty of marriage on foot, between the lord Lewis d’Anjou, son to the late duke, who styled himself king of Naples, Sicily, Jerusalem, and count of Provence, and the daughter of the king of Arragon. The queen of Naples went to visit the pope at Avignon, carrying with her the young lord Lewis, and there met the lord de Coucy, who was much rejoiced at her arrival. The queen was handsomely received by the pope and cardinals; of which she was indeed deserving, for she was an active bustling lady, and one who did not sleep over her interests. She entreated the lord de Coucy to escort her son to Arragon, and to remain with him until he was married. He replied — “Certainly, madam, there is not a voyage that, for seven years past, I would more willingly have undertaken than to Sicily and Naples, more particularly, in company with my lord your son, if I have the consent of our lord and king.” “Many thanks, lord de Coucy,” said the queen: “you show us your good inclinations; but, for the present, it will be sufficient if you will accompany our son to Arragon. The queen of Arragon will be very happy to see you, for your daughter is married to her brother, sir Hendry de Bar.”
The lord de Coucy cheerfully agreed to undertake this journey; and the king of Sicily, having made his preparations, took leave of pope Clement, and of his mother, with many tears. Their hearts were wrung, not indeed without cause, at this separation, for he was 406 going to a far country, and it was uncertain when they should meet again. It had been settled, that instantly after the marriage had taken place, the young king and queen were to embark at Barcelona, and sail as expeditiously as they could for Naples or any other port of that country. The young king of Sicily was handsomely attended, and, having passed through Montpellier and Beziers, came to Narbonne, where he and his company were honourably received by the viscount. Having refreshed their horses for one day, they continued their route towards Perpignan, the first town of Arragon. News of his arrival had reached the court of Arragon, and the queen had sent proper persons to receive him and his attendants, and show them all respect, so that, wherever they passed, they were well entertained, and all their expenses paid. The viscount de Roquebertin and sir Raymond de Baighes were their conductors. They continued their journey until they arrived at Barcelona, where the king, queen, and princess were expecting them. The young king Lewis was very kindly received; and the queen was particularly pleased on seeing the lord de Coucy, and thanked her future son-in-law for having brought him with him, adding, that everything would fare the better for it.
The marriage was performed and consummated between these two persons: but as winter was approaching, the sea voyage was deferred, because at such a time the sea is stormy and dangerous. They said they would collect all the purveyances during the winter, and embark in the beginning of the ensuing month of March. The lord de Coucy was perfectly well received by the king and queen of Arragon; but, having had letters from the king of France, ordering him to return, he took his leave of them, and of the young king and the queen of Sicily, as well as of the lords of Arragon, and set out for France. If he had had time, he would have returned by Avignon; but he sent his excuses to the pope and queen of Naples, and went straight to Auvergne. At the time of his marriage of the king of Sicily with the princess of Arragon, many treaties were concluded between him and the Arragonians, who were to assist him with men and galleys in the recovery of his kingdom. They were to convey him to Naples, with two hundred spears, one thousand cross-bows, and the same number of infantry armed with brigandines, who were to serve him at their own charges, during the war, until he should have full possession of Naples, Sicily, and its dependencies, la Puglia, Calabria and the city of Gaieta, the residence of Margaret de Durazzo, who claimed all these territories as her own.
When the sweet month of March was arrived, and the winds were become calm and the waters smooth, and the trees once more clothed in green, and all purveyances ready an embarked, as well as the men at arms who were to be of this expedition, the young couple took leave of the king and queen of Arragon. The queen with tears saw them depart, and recommended them to the particular care of the count de Roddes, a very valiant knight, and sir Raymond de Baighes. They promised special obedience to the queen’s wishes, although the count d’Orghela and the count de la Lune were their superiors and had the command of the convoy.
There were on board these galleys fifteen hundred spears, two thousand cross-bows, and two thousand lusty varlets armed with pikes and shields. They were in such force the better to resist their enemies, and any adventurers they might encounter at sea; for the voyage from Barcelona to Naples is long, and Margaret de Durazzo, their adversary, might have had intelligence of their motions, and stationed a fleet accordingly; they therefore were desirous of having strength enough to oppose any she could bring against them.
We will now leave the affairs of Sicily, and return to those of Franc, which is our principal object, and to several other events.
* “Orbesi,” — Orbessan, a village in Armagnac.
† “Donzach,” — a village in Armagnac.
CHAPTER IV. — THE KING OF FRANCE IS DESIROUS OF VISITING THE DISTANT PARTS OF THE KINGDOM — AT THE REQUEST OF THE LORD DE COUCY, HE ORDERS THE DUKE OF IRELAND OUT OF FRANCE.
WHEN the king of France saw that his kingdom was now at peace, in consequent of the truce with England, he had a great desire to visit the more distant parts of it, and particularly Languedoc. The lord de la Riviere and sir John le Mercier, at that time his most intimate advisers, urged him to visit the pope and cardinals at Avignon, who were desirous of that honour, and thence to go to Toulouse, saying that a king when young, should visit his realm to acquaint himself with its inhabitants and inquire how they have been governed, as it would redound to his profit and glory, and cause himself to be more beloved by his subjects.
The king was so inclined, and willingly attended to all matters of government. The lord de la Riviere, who as but lately returned from those parts, told him that his subjects in the séneschalships of Toulouse, Carcassonne and Beaucaire, were impatient to see him; for that the duke of Berry, during his government of that country, had sorely oppressed them with taxes and other impositions through the means of one of his familiars, called Bethisac*, who had pity on none, and that they were quite ruined. On this account, therefore it would be proper for him to go thither, and he could then summon the count de Foix, whom he was so anxious to see, to meet him at Toulouse.
The king having assented to this proposal, ordered immense purveyance to be provided for him on the road he was to travel. He signified to his uncle and aunt, the duke and duchess of Burgundy, that, as he passed through their lands, he should be glad to see their children, his cousins; and that he would bring with him his brother of Touraine, and his uncle of Bourbon. This news of the king’s intended visit to Burgundy was highly pleasing to the duke and duchess. They had proclaimed a festival and tournament to be holden at Dijon, and sent invitations to the knights and squires of Savoy and the adjoining countries, who made their preparations accordingly. During the time all these different arrangements were making for the king’s journey to Avignon and Languedoc, other events happened in France.
You have heard how the duke of Ireland, formerly earl of Oxford, had been driven out and banished England, for his demerits, by the power of the uncles of king Richard, but especially by the duke of Gloucester, who had been more bitter against him than all the rest; and how he had fled to Holland, and had remained a short time at Dordrecht, when he was forced thence by duke Albert, the lord of Dordrecht and Holland, who refused him a residence on his lands, from a wish not to act contrary to the will of his cousins in England, notwithstanding king Richard had written to him in his favour. The duke of Ireland, being forced to depart, went to Utrecht, where he resided some time, and might have staid there as long as he pleased; for Utrecht is a free town to receive whoever lists, if they pay for what they want, and this duke had a sufficiency of money; for he had received of the constable, sixty thousand francs, as the balance of he ransom of John of Brittany. You have also heard how the king of France had sent him passports to come to France, having invited him thither, and where he had remained for more than a year, the king showing him very great attention, because he was a foreigner.
406There is nothing but what one is tired of. True it is, that, notwithstanding this duke was so well received by the king, the lord de Coucy mortally hated him, and not without reason; for although, in other affairs, he showed great good sense, honour and liberality, he had behaved infamously to the daughter of the lord de Coucy, whom had married, and without nay reasons, except temptation and deceit, he had divorced and taken another wife, who was from Bohemia, and one of the ladies attached to the queen of England. The king and queen had improperly and sinfully consented to this; and pope Urban had, at their entreaties, sent from Rome a dispensation for the marriage. This new marriage not only wounded the reputation of the duke of Ireland, but was the principal cause of his ruin.
The lord de Coucy was one of the king of France’s council, and very deservedly in favour, from the services he had done, and was willing to do, his country: he therefore, with the assistance of his friends, sir Oliver de Clisson, the lord de la Riviere and sir John le Mercier, prevailed on the king to dismiss the duke of Ireland. Orders were, in consequence, sent him from the king to choose any other residence but France, and that he should be safely conducted out of that kingdom. The duke of Ireland perceived they were tired of him, and that he ran daily risks, from the lord de Coucy and from his relations. He therefore thought it would be best for him to leave France as soon as possible, and retire to Brabant; and begged of the king to write to the duchess of Brabant, that he might live peaceably in her country. The king cheerfully complied with his request, and wrote to his aunt, the duchess, who at his desire assented to it.
The duke of Ireland was escorted by the king of France’s officers as far a Louvain, where he fixed his residence: he went, indeed, at times to a castle near Louvain, which he had borrowed from a knight of Brabant. The archbishop of York, who was of the house of Neville, lived with the duke, as he had been banished England for the same cause as himself. The archbishop’s family were very powerful in Northumberland, from their property and connexions. These two lords, as I have heard, remained at Louvain as long as they lived, for they could never obtain favour with the uncles of the king of England, and there died. I never heard more of them.
* “John Bethisac was one of the chief advisers of the duke of Berry, and was accused with, Tiétac and de Bar, two other domestics of this prince, of having raised enormous levies from the Languedocians, over whom the duke was governor, and much violence, and of having put large sums into their own pockets. This report gave rise to the following pasquinade, that is even current in our times:
“Tiétac, de Bar, et Béthisac,
Ont mis l’argent du roi au sac.”
“Bethisac suffered the punishment of his crimes; but the duke of Berry having claimed him as his domestic, those who had sworn his ruin persuaded him to own he had erred in several articles of faith, which would cause him to be transferred to the bishop, and the duke could the easier save him. Crime often stupifies. Bethisac was simple enough to fall into their trap. The bishop of Beziers had him tried and given over to the secular arm as an heretic and sodomite. This wretch was burned alive, which was, says Mézeray, a feu de joie for the people whom he had horribly tormented. History does not say whence he sprung, but probably he was of low origin who wanted to rise too rapidly.” — Dictionnaire historique.
CHAPTER V. — KING CHARLES OF FRANCE VISITS HIS UNCLE THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, AND POPE CLEMENT AT AVIGNON.
ABOUT Michaelmas 1399, the king of France set out from the castle of Beauté, near Paris, where he left the queen, and took the road to Troyes in Champagne in his way to Burgundy. He was accompanied by his uncle the duke of Bourbon, the duke of Touraine, the lord de Coucy and many other knights, and continued his journey until he arrived at Dijon.
The duke of Burgundy, and his son the count de Nevers, had gone as far as Châtillon-sur-Seine to meet the king. On his arrival at Dijon, he was received with every respect and affection by the duchess of Burgundy, the countess of Nevers, and all who had come thither to do him honour. From love to the king, many ladies and damsels, whose company he preferred, were come to Dijon, such as the lady of Sully, the ladies of Vergy and Pagny, and several others, handsome and gay, and richly dressed. The dancings and carollings instantly began: the ladies exerted their talents in singing and dancing to amuse the king, the duke of Bourbon, the duke of Touraine and the lord de Coucy. On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, w ere tilts gallantly performed, a d prizes given to the most deserving. The king remained eight whole days at Dijon, thus amusing himself: on the tenth, I believe he took leave of the duke and duchess of Burgundy and their family. It was the intention of the duke of Burgundy instantly to follow the king, and remain with him; and on this being settled, he departed from Dijon, having bidden adieu to the ladies and damsels.
The king continued his journey until he came to Villeneuve, near Avignon, where his palace had been prepared. The cardinals of Amiens*, Aisgrenel†, Saint Marcel‡, Neufchastel§, 409 and upwards of thirteen others, went out to meet the king, as they were rejoiced at his arrival. The duke of Berry was already at Avignon, and lodged in the palace of the pope; but he came to Villeneuve to meet his nephew, and fixed his quarters at the hôtel of Arras, called Amontais, on the road to Montpellier. The duke of Burgundy arrived the day after the king, at Villeneuve, down the Rhône, for at Lyons he had embarked on board a large barge.
These three dukes, being assembled, determined to accompany the king in his visit to the pope in his palace. Having had everything prepared accordingly, the king of France, attended by his brother, his three uncles, and twelve cardinals, crossed the Rhône at nine o’clock, and went to the palace, where pope Clement was waiting for him in full consistory, seated in his robes, on his papal chair.
When the king came into his presence, he bowed; and, when near to him, the pope rose up, and the king kissed his hands and mouth. The pope then seated himself, and made the king sit by him on a handsome seat that had been prepared for the occasion. The four dukes, after having kissed the pope’s hands and mouth, seated themselves also among the cardinals. When these ceremonies were over, it was dinner-time: they therefore went into the other apartments of the pope and the hall, where the tables were spread. When they had washed, the pope took his place at a table alone, in much state. The king was placed at another table below that of the pope, and alone also. The cardinals and dukes seated themselves according to their rank. The dinner was splendid, plentiful and long. When over, wine and spices were brought; and the king then retired to an apartment that had been prepared for him in the palace, as did the dukes to theirs, for all of them had chambers, properly ornamented, provided for them, and which they inhabited as long as they staid at Avignon.
On the fifth day after the arrival of the king of France at Avignon, the young count de Savoye, cousin to the king, and nephew to the duke of Bourbon, came thither. The king was pleased at his coming, for he had seen him as he passed through Lyons, and had invited him to Avignon. The king of France, the duke of Touraine and the count de Savoye, being young and giddy, neither could nor would refrain from dancing, carolling and amusing themselves with the ladies and damsels of Avignon, though they were in the pope’s palace and among the cardinals; and the count of Geneva, brother to the pope, was their master of the revels. The king made such magnificent presents to the ladies, that they all praised his liberality.
The pope and cardinals were much rejoiced at this visit of the king of France, as indeed they had good reason to be; for without his support they would have been in little estimation. There were no kings in Christendom who paid him obedience but such as were allied to France. The kings of Castille and Scotland acknowledged him for pope, as did the king of Arragon, through the intercession of the queen Jolande de Bar, who was cousin-german to the king of France, otherwise he would have remained neuter like his father. You may therefore suppose the pope and his cardinals were happy in receiving the king of France; for all they had to depend on was obtained through his favour. The king of France remained, I know not how many days, with the pope and cardinals, revelling and amusing himself. The pope, on this joyful occasion, gave pardons to the clergy who were in his courts, and plenary indulgences to all for one month to come. He likewise presented the king with the nominations to all his cathedrals and other churches, and in each church the reversion of two prebends, deferring all his former promises, that these now made to the king might have the precedency, which was fortunate for many of the French clergy, who were thus provided. He gave also reversions to the dukes of Touraine, Berry, and Burgundy, and the lord de Coucy, which threw back all those he had formerly promised; and the pope was so courteous and liberal on this occasion, that none went away discontented.
* John de la Grange was minister of state under Charles V. who procured him the purple. He was covetous and ambitious.
† Not in the list of cardinals.
‡ Q. if not Marcellin.
§ John de Neufchastel, — created cardinal by pope Clement. For further particulars, see Moreri, &c.
CHAPTER VI. — THE KING OF FRANCE SENDS THE DUKES OF BERRY AND BURGUNDY TO THEIR HOMES, TO THEIR GREAT DISSATISFACTION, AND CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY FROM AVIGNON TO LANGUEDOC.
THE king of France resided with the pope about eight days, during which time his holiness had fully discussed with him his situation, and what trouble the other pope at Rome gave him, in depriving him of his right, in the schism he caused in the church. The king was willing to do everything in his power to relieve him, and said that on his return to France, he would endeavour to provide a remedy, and exert himself to unite the church. Upon this he took leave of the pope, and went to Villeneuve, as did his brother and his uncles of Berry and Burgundy. The king entertained at dinner all the cardinals and the count of Geneva, after which he took leave of them, returning them his thanks for their attentions, saying, he should, on the morrow, begin his journey to Montpellier.
The cardinals having left the king, it was determined in council, that he should set out very early, in company with his brother and the duke of Bourbon. He took leave, therefore of his uncles of Berry and Burgundy, bidding them return to their own estates, as he had not then any further occasion for them, intending to go as far as Toulouse, and summon thither the count de Foix to meet him. His uncles were much discontented at this order; but the king’s council was at that time so formed, that the dukes of Berry and Burgundy had no voice in it, nor weight, but in trifles. The government of Languedoc has been taken from the duke of Berry, and divided into séneschalships, which was not only more profitable to the king, but more agreeable to the country; for the duke of Berry during his government, had grievously oppressed the inhabitants, by heavy taxes, as I shall more fully relate, for it is deserving to be detailed.
The dukes of Berry and Burgundy were very melancholy, when they found the king was determined they should not accompany him in his journey; but they dissembled their thoughts from all but each other, and thus conversed: “The king is going to Languedoc to hold inquisitions on those who have governed it, and to treat with the count de Foix. (who is the proudest person existing, and never loved nor esteemed, though neighbours, the kings of France, England, Castille, Arragon or Navarre,) and only takes with him la Riviere, le Mercier, Montagu and the bègue de Villaines. What do you say to this, brother?” added the duke of Berry. “Our nephew is young, and if he follow young counsel he will be deceived, and the end will not be prosperous, as you will see. For the present, we must dissemble this affront; but the time will come, when those who have advised it shall repent of it, as well as the king. Let them go whither they please, in God’s name: we will return to our own home; and, so long as we are united, they cannot do us any injury, for we are the greatest personages in France.” Such was the language of these two dukes.
The king of France left Villeneuve early in the morning, for Nîmes, where he arrived to dinner; but his uncles and the lord de Coucy staid with the pope, at Avignon, four days longer; when they all separated, and each went different ways. The day the king dined at Nîmes, he lay at Lunel, and the next day dined at Montpellier, which was but three short leagues distant. He was joyfully received by the citizens, ladies, and damsels, who were desirous to see him, and offered him magnificent and rich presents; for Montpellier is a powerful and wealthy town, full of merchandise, and was much valued by the king, when he had considered its importance. The citizens told him, it had been infinitely richer than he now found it, before the dukes of Anjou and Berry had plundered it, as they had severally done in their turn. The king compassionated them much for the losses they had sustained, and promised that he would have every grievance reformed, and the government placed on a different footing. The citizens likewise addressed the king during his stay at Montpellier, saying, — “Sire, the poverty of his town is nothing to what you will see the further you advance; for this place has many resources in its commerce, which the inhabitants carry on by sea and land. In the séneschalships of Toulouse and Carcassonne, and in that part of the country, where these dukes have laid their hands, there is absolutely nothing; for they have carried off everything portable; and you will find the inhabitants so poor that those who 411 were in good circumstances have not wherewithal to cultivate their fields or vineyards. It is melancholy to see them, their wives and children; for they had every year five or six taxes on their backs, and they compounded for a third, a half, and sometimes all their property was taken from them; and no sooner was one tax paid than another was demanded. These two lords, your uncles, since they have had the government of Languedoc, have collected, as the accounts will prove, upwards of thirty thousand francs, from the country, beginning with Villenueve, near Avignon, to the Toulousein, as far as the river Garonne, and turning back by the river Dordogne. Since the departures of the duke of Anjou to Naples, this government has been given back to the duke of Berry, and he has more se eely oppressed the country, which he found rich and plentiful: the duke of Anjou made only the rich pay, who were well enabled to do so; but the duke of Berry spares neither poor nor rich: he swallows up everything by means of one Bethisac, his counsellor and treasurer, who is a native of Beziers, as you will hear from the complaints the poor will make to you, in crying out for vengeance against him.”
The king replied, — “May God forsake my soul, if I will not cheerfully listen to their complaints, and, before I return, provide a remedy for them. I will punish the wicked, and have an inquisition holden on the officers and servants of my uncles, who formerly have had this government; and those who have behaved ill shall be treated accordingly.
CHAPTER VII. — DURING THE TIME KING CHARLES OF FRANCE IS AT MONTPELLIER, THREE OF HIS CHAMBERLAINS UNDERTAKE TO HOLD A TOURNAMENT NEAR TO CALAIS, AGAINST ALL COMERS.
THE king of France resided at Montpellier upwards of twelve days, because the respect and amusements he enjoyed there from the citizens, ladies and damsels, pleased him greatly. Indeed, the king was at this time young and giddy: he therefore danced and carolled with these frisky ladies of Montpellier all night. He entertained them with handsome suppers and banquets, and presented to those most in his favour rings and clasps of gold. He acquired so greatly the love of the Montpellier ladies that some wished he had bade a longer stay, for it was one continued revel and pastime the whole time he was there. You know, or must have heard it noticed, that the intercourse of young gentlemen with the fair sex encourages sentiments of honour and a love of fame. I mention this, because there were with the king of France three gentlemen of great enterprise and valour, which they were probably induced to display from that intercourse, as I shall relate.
The names of these three knights were, sir Boucicaut the younger, sir Reginald de Roye, and the lord de Saimpi. These knights were chamberlains to the king, and were much esteemed by him for their worth, for accoutring him so ably with his arms, and in other services, such as good knights owe to their lord. While they were at Montpellier amusing themselves with the ladies and damsels, they were called upon to answer a challenge in the course of the ensuing summer: the principal cause of this, as I was informed, was as follows.
During the reign of king Charles V. of happy memory, an English knight of high birth and great renown, called sir Piers Courteney, came from England to Paris to challenge sir Guy de la Tremouille, in a combat before the king and lords of France, and whoever else might wish to be spectators of it. Sir Guy de la Tremouille accepted the challenge; and the king, with the duke of Burgundy and many of the great barons, were present at this combat. I believe they only ran one course with the lance; for the king would not suffer more to be done, to the great discontent of the English knight, who seemed desirous of pushing the combat to extremities. He was, however, appeased by fair speeches, saying, he ought to be satisfied, for he had done enough; and he was presented with very rich gifts by the king and the duke of Burgundy.*
412Perceiving he could do nothing more, sir Piers Courteney set out on his return to Calais, and the lord de Clary, who at that time was a gay and lively knight, was ordered to escort him. They rode on until they came to Lucen†, where the countess de St. Pol, sister to king Richard of England, resided. The countess was rejoiced to see sir Piers Courtney; for before her marriage with the count de St. Pol, she had been united to his cousin the lord Courteney‡, but he had died young, and the English called her lady Courteney rather than countess of St. Pol. While there, the countess, in the course of conversation, asked sir Piers what he thought of the kingdom of France: he replied, — “Certainly, madam, France is very extensive, rich and plentiful, and well guarded. In our country, we do not form a true estimate of it.” “And are you pleased with the reception the lords of France have given you? have they not entertained you handsomely?” “To be sure, madam, I am perfectly contented as to the reception I have had; but, in regard to the cause of my having crossed the sea, they have but shabbily acquitted themselves: and I must say, that if the lord de Clary, who is a French knight, had come to England, and challenged any one, however high his rank, it would have been accepted, and the terms faithfully fulfilled to his utmost pleasure; but this has been refused me. True it is, that sir Guy de la Tremouille and myself were brought into the lists; but, when we had run one course with the lance, I was stopped, and ordered from the king to attempt nothing more, for that we had done enough. I therefore say, madam, and shall say and maintain it wherever I go, that I have not met any one able to oppose me in arms; and that it has not been my fault, but rests solely with the knights of France.”
The lord de Clary, who was present, marked this speech in his memory, and with great difficulty held his tongue, on account of having the English knight under his care. The countess of St. Pol replied, — “My lord, you will leave France with much honour, having complied with the request of the king of France, not to proceed further in your combat; for you would have been unable to do more contrary to his will. You cannot incur any blame in this matter; and all those on each side of the sea that shall hear it told, will give you more praise than blame: I therefore beg of you to rest satisfied.” “Lady,” said the knight, “that I will do, and not give myself any further care or trouble about it.”
Here the conversation on this matter ended; and other subjects were discourse on, during the day and night they remained. On the morrow, sir Piers Courteney took leave of the countess de St. Pol, who presented him with a handsome clasp of gold, and another to the lord de Clary, as being his companion, and because the English knight was under his care and escort. They left Lucen early in the morning, and took the road to Boulogne, where they lay that night, and the next day rode through Marquise to Calais. Between Boulogne and Calais there are but seven short leagues, and a good road; and at the distance of two leagues from Calais you enter on the territory of Melle, Oye, and Guisnes, which then belonged to the king of England. When they were near to Calais, sir Piers Courteney said; “Lord of Clary, we are now on the territories of the king of England; you have handsomely acquitted yourself, in escorting me; and I give you many thanks for your company.”
The lord de Clary had not forgotten the speech of sir Piers to the countess St. Pol, in the presence of many persons; for it had made him sulky and full of anger, which although at the time he had not noticed as he thought it deserved, he was unwilling it should pass off unanswered; for he considered it as presumptuous, and dishonourable to the chivalry of France. Sir Piers had publicly declared, that he had purposely left England to seek deeds of arms and France, and had not found any one in that country willing to oppose him. The lord of Clary had therefore determined, in his own mind, that such expressions should not remain unnoticed. He therefore, on taking leave, said, — “Sir Piers, you are now on the lands of the king of England, whither I have escorted you, by orders of my king and my lord of Burgundy. You may recollect that, the day before yesterday, when we were in the 413 apartment of the countess de St. Pol, who entertained us handsomely, you spoke with too great latitude, as it seemed to me, and too much to the blame and prejudice of the French chivalry; for you said, you had come to the court of the king of France, and had found none willing to oppose you in arms; and you seemed to have it understood, that there was not a knight in France who dared to tilt with you three courses with a lance. I wish you therefore to know, that I (who am one of the smallest knights of the realm) offer myself, to maintain that France is not so devoid of knights, but that you may find many willing to accept your challenge; and if you will accept of me to this intent, either this day or to-morrow, I will meet you without hatred or any ill-will. It is solely with a view to defend our honour, and that you may not return to Calais or England, and boast you have defeated the chivalry of France without striking a blow: now, say whether you will accept my challenge or not.” Sir Piers Courteney was ready with his answer, and said, — “Lord de Clary, you speak well: I accept your challenge, and propose that you be at this place to-morrow, armed as you please. I will be so likewise; and we will tilt three courses with the lance, by which you will recover the honour of France, and give me much satisfaction.” “Agreed,” replied the lord de Clary: “I will be here at the hour you shall appoint.” The two knights then pledged their faith to each other for this tournament, and separated: the lord de Clary went to Marquise, which was not far distant where he provided himself with armour, a shield, and lance. He was not long in doing this; for the knights on the frontier of Boulogne and Calais take care to have ample supplies. He did it all, however, as secretly as he could; for he was unwilling that too many should know and speak of it.
In like manner, sir Piers Courteney, on his arrival at Calais, was not unmindful of the engagement he had made. He had no occasion to seek either for armour or arms, for he had brought with him from England his own proper arms, which were good and strong.
At this time sir John Warnes§ was governor of Calais, to whom he told the engagement he had made with the lord de Clary. Sir John replied, that he would accompany him, with some other knights of Calais. On the ensuing morning, the two knights met at the appointed place; but the English knight was better accompanied than the lord de Clary, for he had with him the governor of Calais. On their meeting there was not much conversation, for each knew what he was to do.
Both of them were strongly and completely armed, to abide the event, such as the fortune of arms should decide, and they were well mounted. They had their targets fast buckled on, and their lances given them, which were of sharp, well-tempered Bordeaux steel. Having taken their distance, they spurred their horses full gallop, against each other, but missed their strokes, which seemed to vex them greatly. On the second course, they met full; and the lord de Clary gave sir Piers so severe a blow with his stiff and well-tempered lance, that it pierced the target, and, entering deeply into the shoulder, struck him off his horse. The lord de Clary, having so ably tilted, passed on, and finished his career as an accomplished knight should, and remained quiet; but seeing the English knight was unhorsed, surrounded by his friends as he lay on the ground, and thinking that he might have wounded him, for his lance with the blow was shivered in pieces, rode toward him. The English advanced to meet him, saying he was not a courteous tilter. “Why so?” replied the lord de Clary, “Because you have thrust your lance into sir Piers’ shoulder: you ought and could have tilted more liberally.” “It was not my part to be over courteous; for I was ready prepared to meet with such an accident, or perhaps a worse, if it had so happened: but since he had such pleasure in justing, ask him, or I will for you, if he be satisfied, or wish for more.” Sir John Bernes, upon this, said, — “No, sir knight; you may depart, for you have done enough.” the lord de Clary went away with his company, and the English carried sir Piers Courteney to Calais, that his wound might be attended to and cured. The lord de Clary returned to France, expecting to receive great praise for the goodly act he thought he had done: but I will tell you how it turned out.
When it was made known to the king of France, the duke of burgundy, and their council, that the lord de Clary, in accompanying sir Piers Courteney, had fought with, and 414 so dangerously wounded him, that he was in danger of his life, they were highly enraged against him, and in particular sir Guy de la Tremouille. They declared his conduct deserved at least confiscation of his lands, and perpetual banishment from the kingdom of France. Others, who were his enemies, said he had acted like an infamous traitor, in challenging and fighting a knight that had been placed under his guard by the king and the duke of Burgundy; that he was guilty of an unpardonable crime, and ought to suffer death.
The lord de Clary was summoned to appear, which summons he obeyed, and when brought before the king, the duke of Burgundy, and the council, was sharply reprimanded, for having dared to injure a knight who had come from foreign countries to the court of France to perform a deed of arms and gain renown, and had left that court with perfect satisfaction to all, and under his safeguard; notwithstanding which, he had on his return, at the boundary of the two kingdoms, challenged him to mortal combat, without having demanded permission of his sovereign, on whose territories he was: that this was a crime deserving the severest punishment, by which others might take example. The lord de Clary, on hearing this bitter reproof, was thunderstruck, for he thought what he had done deserved a contrary treatment. Having paused awhile, he said, — “My lords, it is indeed true that you intrusted to my care sir Piers Courteney, with orders to escort him as far as Calais or to the borders of the kingdom. Of this I have acquitted myself loyally and faithfully, which, if necessary to prove, I can readily do so from himself. It is also true, that on our road we visited the countess de St. Pol at Luzieuz, who received us very kindly. While there, the following conversation passed: The lady asked sir Piers, if he was contented with the lords of France, and what he thought of the country? The knight courteously replied, ‘Madam, the state of France is rich, extensive, and plentiful. With respect to its lords, I am perfectly satisfied with the reception and entertainments I have had from them, excepting one thing. I have put myself to very great expense in my preparations and journey to Paris, to perform a deed of arms, but, when arrived there, found none willing to accept of my challenge.’ My lords, when I heard this speech before such a lady as the countess of St. Pol, sister to the king of England, my blood boiled within me; but, with much difficulty I kept silence, because you had entrusted him to my care and protection; and I never gave him the least cause to suspect I was in any way hurt by what he had said, so long as we continued together in France. But true it is, that when we were about to separate on the borders of the country of Guisnes, I reminded him of his expressions to the countess de St. Pol, which, I said, where neither civil nor honourable, as he seemed to wish it to be understood, that the chivalry of France was so much debased that he could not meet with any one who dared to fight with him: that I, as a knight of France, if such were his meaning, offered to prove the contrary, being unwilling that, on his return to England, he should have the power of renewing his boastings: that I was ready and desirous to afford him the pleasure of tilting three courses with a lance, either that or any future day. Certainly, my lords, I made this offer for the honour of the kingdom of France and its chivalry, who are here present: and it seemed to me, that he accepted my challenge with much joy, and fixed the meeting for the morrow, on the spot where we were speaking. He then went to Calais, and I returned to Marquise, where I provided myself with the necessary arms, as he was to do at Calais. On the morrow, according to our appointment, we met. He came well attended by some of the garrison of Calais, and some of the knights and squires of the borders came with me, such as the lord de Montcarel and sir John de Longvilliers. When we met, we had but a short conversation, and then tilted with spears of war, for we were both completely armed, to the best of our abilities. The fortune of the combat fell to me, for at the second course I drove my lance into him, and threw him on the ground. I then went to see what situation he was in, and if he wished to continue the combat. The governor of Calais told me that what had been done was sufficient, and that I might depart. This I did. You have ordered me thither, and here I am. I thought I had acted properly in support of the honour of the kingdom and its chivalry, and have related to you the exact truth. If I am to be punished for what I have done, I shall submit myself to the judgment of my lord the constable, and the marshals of France, and also to the evidence of sir Piers Courteney himself, with whose consent I have 415 fought the duel, and to the discretion of all knights and squires of honour in France or England, who may wish to attend to it.”
The lord de Clary, having thus clearly exculpated himself, greatly softened the anger of those who had sent for him: but this did not prevent him from being committed to prison, where he remained a considerable time in much danger. His lands were seized, and himself on the point of banishment from France, when the lord de Coucy and the duke of Bourbon, who loved him, interfered, and with great difficulty made his peace, by means of the countess de St. Pol, who testified to the truth of what he had said, of the conversation that had passed at her house. On obtaining his liberty, he was addressed, — “Lord de Clary, when you challenged sir Piers Courteney to fight, instead of acting, as you thought, very gallantly, you behaved infamously; for he was under the protection of the king, and you had orders to conduct him in safety to Calais. You committed a great outrage, when you noticed, in the manner you have yourself declared, the conversation he held in joke at the countess de St. Pol’s. Before you had proposed this combat, you ought to have returned hither to my lords, and have told them, that sir Piers Courteney had held such and such insolent language against the honour of the knights of France in your presence. They would then have ordered you how to act. Because, therefore, you have not done this, you have been thus punished. Be another time more discreet; and return thanks for you deliverance to my lord of Bourbon and the lord de Coucy: they have exerted themselves much to serve you, as has the countess de St. Pol; for that good lady took great pains that you should be acquitted.” The lord de Clary replied, — “Many thanks, my lords;” adding, “I certainly thought I was deserving more praise than blame, when I acted as I did.”
Durig the stay of the king of France at Montpellier, he gave a grand banquet to many ladies and damsels of that town; during which, all I have just related was talked over, and the cause was, that the three knights, who were desirous of holding the lists against all comers, wished to avoid falling under like blame to the lord de Clary.
Sir Boucicaut the younger, sir Reginald de Roye, and the lord de Saimpi offered to hold a field of arms on the frontier of Calais, in the course of the ensuing summer, against all foreign knights and squire, for the space of thirty days, and to tilt with blunt lances or others. The king of France, as well as those present, thinking this proposal was rather presumptuous, remonstrated with them, and desired they would put down their challenge on paper, that if any improper language were made use of, it might be corrected; for the king and his ministers wished to examine it, being unwilling that any improper or unusual terms should be used. The three knights agreed that this would be right, and, in reply to the king, said they would instantly obey his commands. They ordered a clerk, with pens, paper, and ink, into another apartment, and dictated to him as follows:
“From the great desire we have to become acquainted with the nobles, gentlemen, knights, and squires bordering on the kingdom of France, as well as with those in the more distant countries, we propose being at St. Ingelvere¶ the twentieth day of May next ensuing, and to remain there for thirty days complete; and on each of these thirty days, excepting the Fridays, we will deliver from their vows all knights, squires, and gentlemen, from whatever countries they may come, with five courses with a sharp or blunt lance, according to their pleasure, or with both lances if more agreeable. On the outside of our tents will be hung our shields, blazoned with our arms; that is to say, with our targets of war and our shields of peace. Whoever may choose to tilt with us has only to come, or send any one, the preceding day, to touch with a rod either of these shields, according to his courage. If he touch the target, he shall find an opponent ready on the morrow to engage him in a mortal combat with three courses with a lance: if the shield, he shall be tilted with a blunted lance; and if both shields are touched, he shall be accommodated with both sorts of combat. Every one who may come, or send to touch our shields, must give his name to the persons who shall be appointed to the care of them. And all such foreign knights and squires as shall be desirous of tilting with us, shall bring with them some noble friend, and we will do the same on our parts, who will order what may be proper to done on either side. We particularly entreat, such noble knights or squires as my accept our challenge, 416 Challenge to believe that we do not make it through presumption, pride, or any ill will, but solely with a view of having their honourable company, and making acquaintance with them, which we desire from the bottom of our hearts. None of our targets shall be covered with steel or iron, any more than those who may tilt with us; nor shall there be any fraud, deceit, or trick made use of, but what shall be deemed honourable by the judges of the tournament. And that all gentlemen, knights, and squires, to whom these presents shall come, may depend on their authenticity, we have set to them our seals, with our arms, this twentieth day of November, at Montpelier, in the year of grace 1389.” Underneath was signed, Reginald de Roye, Boucicaut, Saimpi.
The king of France was well pleased with this courageous challenge of his three knights, and declared it should have his consent, if, on examination by his ministers, there was no fault found with the terms it was couched in. It was objected to by some, that it was wrong to fix the place for this tournament so near to Calais, as the English might think it was arrogantly and particularly aimed at them; and that all occasions of quarrel should be avoided, for a truce had been agreed to for three years between France and England. The king’s ministers were one whole day considering the matter, without coming to any conclusion. Some of the most prudent said, it ought not to be allowed, nor the whims of wild young knights to be acceded to, for more evil than good might ensue from them. The king, however, who was young himself, greatly inclined towards them, and said, — “Let them perform their enterprise: they are young and courageous, and, besides, have vowed to do so before the ladies of Montpellier. We are desirous they should undertake it, and bring it to the happiest end they can.”
When the king had thus declared his mind to the council, no one made further opposition, to the great joy of the knights. The challenge having been agreed to in the manner the knights had drawn it out, the king called them into his closet, and said, — “Boucicaut, Reginald, and Saimpi, be attentive in this your enterprise, to guard well your own honour and that of our kingdom: let nothing be spared in the state you keep; for I will not fail to assist you as far as ten thousand francs.” The three knights cast themselves on their knees, and returned the king their warmest thanks.
* Sir Piers Courteney is mentioned by Dugdale, vol. i. p. 639, to have obtained licence, in the 7th Ric. II. to send various presents to the king and lords of France, in return for the honours they had paid him in his combat with a knight of that country. This knight was probably sir Guy de la Tremouille. The license is in the Fœdera.
† “Lucen.” Q. Luzeuz, a town in the comté de St. Pol.
‡ This person was Hugh Courteney, son of the earl of Devonshire; but he died before his father, and of course did not inherit the earldom. His widow Maude, daughter of sir Thomas Holland, married Waleran count de St. Pol. — DUGDALE.
§ I cannot discover sir John Warnes, and must suppose it a mistake; for sir William Beauchamp was governor of Calais when the truce was signed. Lord Berners calls him sir John Bernes.
¶ “St. Ingelvere,” — a village in Picardy, near Calais.
CHAPTER VIII. — DURING THE KING OF FRANCE’S RESIDENCE AT BEZIERS, ACCUSATIONS ARE MADE AGAINST BETHISAC, TREASURER TO THE DUKE OF BERRY. — THINKING TO BE SENT TO THE POPE AND ESCAPE PUNISHMENT, HE CONFESSES HIMSELF A HERETIC AND SODOMITE, BUT IS TRANSFERRED OVER, BY THE OFFICIAL AT BEZIERS, TO THE SECULAR POWER, AND BURNT.
WHEN the king of France had for fifteen days or more, taken his amusements with the ladies and damsels of Montpellier, and his ministers, during that time, had attended to the state of the town, for that had been the cause of his coming, and had made many reforms and taken off several heavy taxes of which the inhabitants had complained, he graciously took his leave of the ladies, and one morning very early departed, following the road to Alipiam*, where he dined, and lay that night at St. Thibery†. On the morrow, after his morning-draught, he set of and came to Beziers, where he was received most joyfully; for the good people of that town, and the adjoining ones of Pezenas, Cabestan, and Narbonne‡, were anxious to see him, in order to make their complaints against an officer of the duke of Berry, called Bethisac, who had impoverished the country all around, by seizing whatever he could lay his hands on. This Bethisac had attended the king’s company ever since he had left Avignon; but the king’s ministers, who sought his ruin, never told him, “Bethisac, look to yourself, for very strict inquiries will be made into your management: there have already been made very heavy accusations against you to the king.” But, on the contrary, they 417 made him good cheer, joked and laughed with him, and promised him increased honours, in which he was disappointed, as I shall shortly relate.
The king of France left St. Thibery at one o’clock in the afternoon and between three and four entered the town of Beziers. He was met by the bishop and all the clergy in their robes, and the citizens, ladies, and damsels in procession: they formed a lane, through which he rode a foot’s pace; and, as he passed, they all fell on their knees. In this manner was he conducted to the cathedral, and dismounted at the portico where had been erected a rich altar, adorned with holy relics from the church. The king, having on his knees very devoutly made his prayers at this altar, was conducted into the church by the bishop of Beziers and the duke of Bourbon, followed by all the great lords. He remained in the church about half and hour, and then went to the palace that was adjoining, where he, his brother the duke of Touraine, and his uncle the duke of Bourbon, were lodged. The other lords were lodged in the town, which was of a sufficient size, for Beziers is a large city.
The king was for three days revelling with the ladies and damsels of Beziers, before any notice was taken of Bethisac; but the inquisitors who had been appointed to make inquiries concerning him were not idle. But did their office secretly, and discovered many atrocious acts deserving the severest punishment. On the fourth day, Bethisac was summoned before the council, and shut up in a chamber for his examination. He was ordered to make answer to the following accusations, and was shown at the same time a number of complaints and petitions that had been presented to the king at Beziers, accusing him of weak management and such great extortions as made the whole country cry out against him. All these were read in his presence. To some he gave satisfactory answers, to others not, saying he had no knowledge of them, and referring them to the séneschals of Beaucaire and Carcassonne, and to the chancellor of Berry. They concluded this examination by telling him, it was necessary to commit him to prison until he should clear himself from these heavy charges. This he obeyed, for he could not help it; and, as soon as he was gone, the inquisitors went to his house, and seized all his papers and accounts of whatever things he had been concerned in, carrying them away to search into them more at leisure. They discovered a variety of 418 transactions and accounts of large sums that he had extorted from these countries. He was asked, if these accounts were just, and what had become of the large sums he had received; he answered, “that the accounts were just; that the whole amount had been paid to his lord of Berry, and had passed through his hands, or those of other treasurers, for which he had received legal acquittances, that were in such a place of his house.” Persons were sent thither, who laid them before the council: and they were found, on comparing them, to tally tolerably well with the accounts of receipt.
The inquisitors and the council were satisfied, and Bethisac was no longer closely confined. The council conferred together, and said, — “Bethisac is clear from this accusation; for it is apparent, that all the sums the people complain of having been exacted from them have been paid to the duke of Berry. How can we help it if these sums have been extravagantly spent?” Bethisac’s defence was nothing but the truth; for this duke of Berry was the most covetous man alive, and if he could only get money, cared not by what means; and when he had it, he miserably expended it, like many of the present and past times.
The king’s ministers found nothing in the conduct of Bethisac that was deserving death. All, however, were not of this opinion; for some of them said, — “Bethisac has made such cruel levies, and so impoverished the people, to gratify the passions of my lord of Berry, that the blood of these poor creatures cries out loudly against him; for that he being the only one form those parts of the duke’s council, and knowing the poverty of the country, should have remonstrated with the duke and if he refused to listen to him, he should have come and informed the king and council of the situation of the country, and of the duke’s intentions: proper measures would then have been taken, and himself exculpated for the large sums he was now accused of having amassed.”
In consequence, Bethisac was remanded before the council, and again more closely examined, touching the expenditure of the great sums that had been raised and paid to the duke of Berry; for they had found the amount to be three million francs. He replied, — “My lords, I cannot make out any clearer account of this: the duke has laid out large sums in the reparations of his castles and houses, in the purchase of lands in the county d’Estampes, from the count de Boulogne, and in jewels; and you know he is very careless in such purchases. His establishments, which were very great before, have been much increased; and he has made such presents to Thibaut and Morinot, and the valets about his persons, that they are become very rich.” “And you, Bethisac,” asked the council, “have you been well paid for the pains and services you have done him? One hundred thousand francs is a pretty tolerable recompense.” “My lords,” said Bethisac, “I am very well satisfied with what my lord of Berry has given me; for he wishes all his people to be rich.” “Ha, Bethisac,” replied the council, “you now talk like a fool: riches, ill acquired, are neither honourable nor profitable. You must return to prison, and we will consider what you have now told us, and wait there the king’s pleasures, to whom we will report everything you have said in your defence.” “My lords,” replied Bethisac, “God assist me!”
He remained in prison four days without being noticed by the council. When it was known in the country that Bethisac has been arrested and thrown into prison, and that an inquisition was holding on his conduct; and that whoever had any complaints to make should come forward; numbers hastened to Beziers, and presented petitions and accusations of heavy charges against Bethisac at the king’s palace. Some complained that he had robbed them of their lands without cause; others of the violences he had committed on their wives and daughters. In short, the complaints were so numerous, that the king’s council were tired of hearing them: they plainly showed how much he was hated by the people, which arose from the great exertions he had made to fill the purse of the duke of Berry.
The council were embarrassed to know how to act; for the duke of Berry had sent to Beziers two knights, the lord de Nantouillet and sir Peter Mespin, with credential letters to the king. These knights avowed, in the name of the duke, all the acts Bethisac had committed, as done by his command, and claimed, at the same time, the person of Bethisac, that they might conduct him to his lord the duke of Berry. The king, from the many infamous stories he had heard of Bethisac, hated him, and he and his brother were inclined to have him put to death: but the council dared not condemn him, as they too much feared 419 the duke of Berry. They said to the king, — “In case my lord of Berry takes on himself all the acts of Bethisac, whatever they may deserve, we do not see that, with any plea of justice, we can put him to death. For at the time when he raised all these vast sums, by harassing the people with taxes, levies, and subsidies, the duke of Berry acted as if he were king, with the same royal power you have at this moment. We can, however do one thing, as a punishment for his crimes; we may take possession of all his goods, moveable and immoveable, and reduce him to the state in which the duke of Berry found him, and distribute these among such as have suffered the most from his wickedness.”
Why should I make a longer story of it? Bethisac was on the point of escaping with the loss indeed of his fortune, when other events happened that I will relate. I know not, nor have ever been able to learn but from his own confession, whether he was or was not guilty of the crimes he accused himself of. He declared he had been for a long time a heretic, and had done many horrid and wicked deeds. According to the information I had, some persons visited him by night in his prison, and, to frighten him, said, “Bethisac, you are in an unfortunate situation; for the king of France, his brother, and the duke of Bourbon, are determined on your death; and they have had so many accusations against your conduct, when you formerly governed Languedoc, that they judge you deserving the gallows, and you will not escape with the confiscation of your wealth. This has been offered to the king; but he hates you mortally, and refused it, saying that both your property and your body too was forfeited to him, and you should not long remain confined. We tell you this, that you may consider and make the best use of your time; for to-morrow you will be brought from prison, and, from the appearances we have observed, we suppose you will be condemned to death. This speech greatly terrified Bethisac, who exclaimed, “Ah, holy Mary! are there no means to avoid this?” “Yes,” replied they: “Say to-morrow that you wish to speak to the council: they will either come or send for you. When in their presence, say, ‘My lords, I fear I have greatly offended God, and for this offence am I now suffering under these slanderous reports.’ They will ask what you mean. Reply, that you have for a long time erred from the faith, and that you are a heretic. Keep steady to this declaration. The bishop of Beziers, when he hears this, will claim you to be given up to him. This will be instantly complied with, for such cases devolve to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction. You will be sent to Avignon, where no one will venture to accuse you in opposition to the duke of Berry, whom the pope dare not anger. By this means you will escape, without loss of life or fortune; but, if you hesitate in taking advantage of the earliest opportunity, to-morrow you will be hanged: for the king hates you from the clamour of the people, with whom you know how unpopular you are.”
Bethisac unfortunately believed all this false information that had been given to him, for those who are in peril of their lives are much confused in mind: he said, — “You are my good friends who thus kindly advise me, and may God reward you for it! The time may perhaps come when I shall be enabled to thank you otherwise than by words.” Upon this, his visitors departed. When morning came, Bethisac called the gaoler, and said, — “My friend, I beg of you to go, or send, to such and such persons,” whom he named, in the number of his inquisitors. He replied, he would do so; and they were informed, that Bethisac wanted to speak with them in his prison. They hastened thither, in the hope that they were already acquainted with the purport of his sending for them. When arrived, they asked what he wanted; he answered, — “My fair sirs, I have had time to examine the state of my conscience; and I fear I have greatly offended God, by having for a long time erred in my faith; for I do not believe one word of the Trinity, nor that the son of God has ever deigned to debased himself by descending from heaven, and putting on the human form by being born of woman. I believe, likewise, that when we die, our soul dies with us.” “By holy Mary, Bethisac,” replied the informers, “You do indeed err greatly against the church: consider well what you have said, for your speech deserves the flames.” “I know not,” answered Bethisac, “whether my speech deserves fire or water, but such have been my opinions ever since I came to understanding, and such will they continue as long I live.”
The inquisitors were so rejoiced at what he had said, that they would not for the present listen to more, but, on their departures, strictly charged the gaoler not to admit to him man 420 or woman, lest he should retract his opinions, and hastened to lay before the council what they had heard. They went to the king, in his chamber, and reported what Bethisac had declared. He was greatly astonished, and said, — “We order him to be put to death: he is a wicked wretch, a heretic and thief. We will, that he be burnt and hanged, that he may have the reward he deserves; nor for anything my uncle of Berry shall say, will I pardon him.”
News was soon spread through Beziers and other places, that Bethisac had of his own free will, without the least constraint, confessed himself a heretic and had long followed the doctrines of the Bulgarians§, and that the king had condemned him to be burnt and hanged. The inhabitants of Beziers were pleased at this, for he was much hated by them. The two knights from the duke of Berry were thunderstruck, and knew not how to act: at length sir Peter Mespin, addressing himself to the lord de Nantouillet, said, — “I suspect that Bethisac has been betrayed, and that some one, who has been to see him in prison, has frightened him, and advised him to accuse himself; and that, if he persist in owning himself guilty of these horrible and infamous crimes, the church will claim him to be tried according to its canons, and he will be delivered up to the pope at Avignon. Ah, the blockhead will be deceived! for I have already heard the king has declared he shall be burnt and hanged. Come, let us hasten to his prison, and remonstrate with him on his folly, and make him retract all he has said, for he has been betrayed by false friends.”
The two knights immediately went from their lodgings to the prison, and demanded from the gaoler to speak with Bethisac. The gaoler excused himself, saying, — “My lords, I am particularly ordered, as well as these four serjeants at arms, who have been sent hither by the king, not to suffer any one to converse with the prisoner, under pain of our lives; and this command of the king we dare not disobey.” The knights perceived all further attempts would be vain, for it was over with Bethisac, and that he must die for the crime of which he had been wickedly induced to accuse himself. They then returned to their inn, paid their expenses, mounted their horses, and set out on their return to the duke of Berry.
The end of Bethisac was, that about ten o’clock in the morning of the next day he was carried from prison to the palace of the bishop, where were assembled his judges and the official of the bishop’s court. The bailiff of Beziers, under whose care he had been committed prisoner, said to the officers of the bishop, “Here is Bethisac, whom we deliver to you as a Bulgarian, a heretic, and one erring greatly against the faith, who, had he not been a clerk, should have bee punished by us according to his deserts.” The official demanded if he were such a person as he had been represented, and that he would, in the hearing of the people, avow or deny it. Bethisac, who expected to escape by confessing himself guilty, replied, that the charges were true. He was thrice asked this question, and thrice acknowledged it aloud You may suppose how grossly he must have been deceived: had he kept firm to the defence he had made to the accusations brought against him, he would have been acquitted; for the duke of Berry had taken upon himself all the charges of extortion, in raising the taxes in Languedoc. Fortune, one may conclude, played him this trick; and when he was seated, as he thought, on the top of her wheel, she suddenly turned it round and whirled him to the dirt, as she has done to thousands since the world began.
Bethisac was, by the official, given over to the bailiff of Beziers, who, in temporal matters governs for the king: without delay, he led him to the square before the palace, and made such haste, that Bethisac had no time to make any defence, nor retract what he had said; for when he saw the fire, and that he was put into the hands of the executioner, he was affrighted, and perceived that he had been betrayed. He called aloud to be heard, but no attention whatever was paid to him: he was told, — “Bethisac, the order is given, and you must die: your evil deeds have brought you to a disgraceful end.” Much haste was made, for the fire was lighted; and they had erected a gallows and a post, with a large collar and chain: they opened the collar by a hinge, and closed it again, when round his neck, and 421 dragged him to the post, fastening him thereto with the chain. He cried aloud, saying, — ‘Duke of Berry, they wrongfully and treacherously are putting me to death.” The moment he was fastened to the stake, they covered him with dry faggots, to which they set fire; and thus was Bethisac burnt, and his bones hanged: the square being in front of the palace, the king of France, if he pleased, might have witnessed it from the windows of his apartments. Such was the miserable end of Bethisac; and the people revenged on him the many great vexations and violences he had committed during the time he governed Languedoc¶
* “Alipiam.” It is Olipiam in the MSS. and Alpiam in Verard. Q. if not intended for Ville Airac, which is on the line from Montpellier to St. Thibery.
† “St. Thibery,” — a town in the diocese of Adge, near Pezenas.
‡ “Pezenas, Cabestan, and Narbonne,” towns in Lower Languedoc.
§ This name was given to the Manicheans. Their doctrines had passed from Greece into Bulgaria, from whence they had spread over Europe: hence the name of Boulgres or Bulgarians was given to those whom the church of Rome called heresiarchs. The Albigenses had in the preceding century been distinguished by this name.
¶ Don Vaisette, in his history of Languedoc, gives very satisfactory reasons, to show that Froissart was mistaken as to the time of Bethisac’s execution, which took place the 22d December, 1389, at Toulouse, some months after the king had left Beziers. For further particulars, I refer to that history.
CHAPTER IX. — WHEN THE KING OF FRANCE IS AT TOULOUSE, HE SUMMONS THE COUNT DE FOIX, WHO, ON HIS ARRIVAL, PAYS HIM HOMAGE FOR HIS COUNTY OF FOIX.
THE king of France did not remain long in Beziers after this severe act of justice, but set out with his array, taking the road towards Carcassonne. Since he had left Avignon, he had been always attended by his marshal, sir Lewis de Sancerre. The king did not follow the straight road, but visited different towns, such as Cabestan,*, Narbonne†, Lymoux‡, Montroyal§, and Fougans, thence he returned to Carcassonne, where he resided four days. On his departure, he passed through Ville-franche¶, Avignonet¥ and Mont-giscard**, in his way to Toulouse. The inhabitants of this city, being anxious to see him, went out in grand procession, handsomely dressed, and escorted him with much pomp to the castle of Toulouse. The citizens of the town, which is rich and important, made the king such presents, on his arrival, as well pleased him.
When the king had refreshed himself, for three days, in Toulouse, he was advised to summon the count de Foix, who had left Béarn, and fixed his residence at a town in Foix, called Mazeres, fourteen leagues from Toulouse; for he had received information of the king’s arrival at Toulouse, and of his intention to summon him. The marshal of France and the lord de la Riviere, were ordered to wait on the count, who, setting out on a Wednesday after dinner, arrived at a tolerably good town in the Toulousain, called Isle Jourdain††, and on the morrow, by dinner-time, came to Mazeres. The count de Foix, on learning their arrival, received them kindly, from his affection to the king, and from his former acquaintance with them.
The marshal, addressing him, said, — “My lord of Foix, our very dear lord, the king of France, sends us to invite you to come to Toulouse; otherwise, so great is his desire to see you, that he will do his utmost to visit you in our own country.” The count replied, — “Sir Lewis, I will not give the king the trouble of coming to me; for it is more becoming that I wait on him. You will tell him, therefore, if you please, from me, that I will be in Toulouse within four days.” “It is well said,” replied the knight: “we will return, and carry him this your answer.” “That you may boldly do,” said the count; “but not to-day; for you shall now stay with me, as I am heartily glad to see you both; and in the morning you shall set out on your return.” The two knights remained with the count, who was in the highest good humour, that day and night, and they conversed on various subjects. The count was a wise and prudent man, and had a talent of drawing from any person with whom he conversed, be his station what it might, his most private thoughts. At bed-time, they took leave of the count, intending to set out very early in the morning for Toulouse, which they did, and I believe performed the journey in one day. On their return, 422 they found the king playing at chess with the duke of Bourbon, who, on seeing them, called out, “Well, what news? Will the count de Foix come or not?” “Yes, sire,” replied la Riviere: “he has a very earnest desire to come to you, and will be here within four days.” “Well,” said the king, “we shall be very happy to see him.”
The two knights then left the king to continue his game, and went to sup and refresh themselves, for they had rode a long day’s journey. The count de Foix, who resided at Mazeres, was not forgetful of the journey he was to make; and his preparations were soon ready, for he had given orders on that head when he had first heard of the king’s coming to Toulouse. He sent forwards to Toulouse purveyances in abundance, suitable to his rank, and had ordered two hundred knights and squires from Béarn to attend him. On the day the count had fixed for his arrival at Toulouse, he entered the city with upwards of six hundred horse, and well accompanied by knights and squires of his vasselage. Among them were, sir Roger d’Espaign his cousin, the lord de Corasse, the lord de Valentin, the lord de Quer, the lord de Baruge, sir Espaign du Lyon, the lord de Roquepaire, the lord de Lane, the lord de Besach, the lord de Perle, sir Peter de Cabestain, sir Menaut de Noailles, sir Richard de la Mothe, sir Arnold de Saint Basile, with many others. He was also attended by his two brothers, sir Peter and sir Arnold de Béarn, and his two bastard sons, whom he affectionately loved, sir Evan and sir Gracien de Foix. The count had intentions of settling on these two sons the greater part of Béarn, which, being free land and dependant on no one but God, he could dispose of as he pleased.
The count de Foix dismounted at the convent of the Friar Preachers, where he and his household were lodged; and his people quartered themselves as near him as they could. The citizens of Toulouse showed much joy at the arrival of the count de Foix, for they loved him from his being so kind a neighbour, and never suffering any of his people to make war or commit any violence on their country. They presented him with the finest wines, and so many other things, that he was well contented with them. He made his entry into Toulouse rather late in the evening, and remained all that night in his lodgings. On the morrow, about ten o’clock, he mounted his horse, as did those who were to attend him to the king, consisting of more than two hundred knights, all men of distinction; and in this state he paraded through the streets of Toulouse to the castle, where the king resided. He dismounted in the court within the first square of the castle where servants took and held their horses.
The count and his company ascended the steps of the great hall, whither the king had gone from his chamber to wait his arrival; for he was very anxious to see him for the gallant actions he had performed, and on account of his fair reputation. The count de Foix, who was very handsome in person and in countenance, entered the hall bareheaded (for he never wore a cap), with his hair scattered about: when he perceived the king, his brother, uncle, and the lords of France, in the act of doing the king honour, and not till then, he bended very low on one knee: he afterwards rose up, advanced, and knelt a second time close to the king, who raised him up with his hand, and embraced him, saying, “Fair cousin of Foix, you are welcome, for your visit has greatly rejoiced us.” “My lord,” replied the count, “I thank you much for what you are pleased to say.” They had a long conversation together, until dinner-time arrived, but I neither heard the words nor the subject. Water being brought, they washed, and seated themselves at table. The archbishop of Toulouse was seated at the head of the king’s table, next to him the king, then his uncle the duke of Bourbon, then the count de Foix, the counts de la Marche and de Vendôme, and none others. At the second were seated, the lord Charles d’Albret, the count de Harcourt, the lord Philip de Bar, and four other knights attached to the count de Foix. At another table were placed, the marshal de Sancerre, sir Roger d’Espaign, and eight of the count’s knights. This dinner was magnificent and splendid in all respects. When they had dined, the tables were removed; and, grace being said, they amused themselves in various ways. The king and the lords were on their feet nearly two hours, in the presence chamber, listening to the minstrels, for the count de Fox took delight in them.
After this, wine and spices wee brought, and the comfit box was presented solely to the king by the count de Harcourt. Sir Gerard de la Perre did the same to the duke of 423 Bourbon, and sir Menaut de Noailles to the count de Foix‡‡. When this was done, it was about four o’clock in the afternoon: the count de Foix took leave of the king, the duke of Bourbon, and the other lords, and, leaving the hall, went into the court, where he found his horses and attendants waiting for him. The count and his company having mounted, returned to his lodgings, much pleased with the reception and entertainment the king of France had given him, and praised him exceedingly when conversing with his knights. During the time the king of France and count Gaston de Foix were at Toulouse, many tokens of affection passed between them, which was encouraged to the utmost of their power by the marshal de Sancerre and the lord de la Riviere, because they saw the king, as well as the duke of Bourbon, had conceived a friendship for the count de Foix.
The count de Foix one day entertained at dinner the duke of Touraine, the duke of Bourbon, the count de la Marche, and the other French lords. The dinner was beyond measure grand and plentiful, with numerous dishes and devices. Upwards of two hundred knights were seated at table. Served by those of the count de Foix; and, just as the tables were on the point of removal, the king of France, who had dined at the castle, made his appearance, attended by the lord Charles d’Albret and the lord Philip de Bar, his cousin-germans. He could not resist the pleasure of seeing this company, and had come to the lodgings of the count attended by only eleven others. The count de Foix and the whole company were highly pleased at this condescension of the king in coming to visit him. Various were the diversions on this occasion; and the Gascons and French tried their skill and strength in wrestling, throwing the bar or javelin for the farthest or highest; and it was night before the 424 king and company separated. The count presented that day to the duke of Touraine, the duke of Bourbon, and to the knights and squires attached to the king, more than sixty coursers, palfreys, and ambling mule, all saddled and caparisoned becoming their different ranks. He gave also to the minstrels of the king, the duke of Touraine, and the duke of Bourbon, two hundred golden crowns, and to the heralds the like sum. All, therefore, were loud in the praise of his generosity.
On the fourth day after this entertainment, the count de Foix, well attended by the barons and knights of Béarn and Foix, waited on the king, at the castle, to perform what had been required of him; that is to say, his homage for the county of Foix and its dependencies, reserving to himself, as free land, Béarn. There had been, before this, many treaties negotiated between the king and count de Foix, through the king’s ministers, the lord de la Riviere, sir John le Mercier, and the bishop of Noyon, who had lately arrived from Avignon; but these treaties were kept very secret. It was said, that the count de Foix required of the king that his son Evan de Foix should, after his decease, inherit that country, in consideration of which the king should receive, on the day of the count’s death, one hundred thousand francs; that his other son, sir Gracien, should hold the lands of Aire in Béarn, with the good towns of Aire and Mont-marsen; and that all the lands the count then held in Béarn, should revert to his heir, the viscount de Châteaubon. This distribution had caused a difference between the count, his barons, and knights; several of whom said, that this could not be legally done without the public consent of the vassals of Béarn and Foix. As an intermediate step, homage was made of the county of Foix to the king of France, who, by the advice of his council, said, to the count and barons of Foix, — “I now hold in my hand the homage for my county of Foix; and if the succession should happen to be vacated, by the death of our cousin, the count de Foix, in our lifetime, we will come to such resolutions concerning it, through the advice of our council, that Evan de Foix, and all the vassals of that country, shall be perfectly satisfied therewith§§.”
This speech was sufficient for the count and his barons then present. When the regulations had been properly written out and sealed, the count de Foix took leave of the king, his brother, uncle, and the French lords; but that day he dined with the king, and in the evening returned to his lodgings. On the morrow, after drinking a cup, he departed from Toulouse, leaving his purveyors behind to pay his expenses, and, having crossed the Garonne, at the bridge of Toulouse, returned to his own country, by way of Mont-marsen, and arrived at Orthès, where he dismissed all who had accompanied him, retaining only those necessary for his service. It was told me, and I believe it, that this visit of the king of France to Languedoc and Toulouse, cost the count de Foix more than forty thousand francs: great, however, as this sum was, the count was so courteous and liberal, that he very cheerfully paid it.
* “Cabestan,” — a town in lower Languedoc, diocese of Nîmes.
† “Narbonne,” — a large city in lower Languedoc.
‡ “Lymoux,” — a city in upper Languedoc, five leagues from Carcassonne.
§ “Mont-royal,” — Q.
¶ “Ville franche,” — a town in upper Languedoc, diocese of Alby.
¥ “Avignonet,” — a town in upper Languedoc, diocese of St. Papoul.
** “Montgiscard,” — a town in upper Languedoc, three leagues from Toulouse.
†† “Isle Jourdain,” — a town in Armagnac, six leagues from Toulouse.
‡‡ “There was another custom at the tables of the king and great barons, which was not usual at the entertainments of private persons. Besides the spices which composed the dessert, and were intended for the guests in common, there were other more rare spices, that were served in a box divided into compartments, which was of gold, silver, or silver gilt, and called a ‘drageoir’ (comfit box.) It was commonly a squire or some person of distinction who had the honour to present it to his lord alone, unless he wished to have particular respect paid to any of his guests, to whom he sent it.” Froissart is then quoted as in the text, by M. le Grand d’Aussy, to whom I refer for further particulars respecting this and other ancient customs, in his “Vie privée des François.”
§§ These precautions were vain. Matthieu de Foix, a descendant of Roger Bernard, viscount de Castel-bon, lord of Moncade and youngest son of Gascon I. count de Foix, having his pretensions supported by the nobility, seized the government, and had his right acknowledged by the court of France, through some arrangements he made with it. — Villaret, tome vi.
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