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Title: The boy's Froissart
Author: Lanier, Sidney, Kappes, Alfred, Froissart, Jean
Language: English
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THE WRITINGS OF SIDNEY LANIER.
POEMS. Edited by his Wife, with a Memorial by WILLIAM HAYES WARD.
With portrait. 12mo $2.50
THE SCIENCE OF ENGLISH VERSE 2.00
THE ENGLISH NOVEL, and the Principle
of its Development. Crown 8vo 2.00
THE BOY’S FROISSART.
Illustrated. 8vo 2.00
THE BOY’S KING ARTHUR.
Illustrated. 8vo 2.00
KNIGHTLY LEGENDS OF WALES;
or, The Boy’s Mabinogion. Illustrated 2.00
THE BOY’S PERCY.
Illustrated. 8vo 2.00
[Illustration: The Monk Sir Froissart in the Breach of the Monastery
Wall.]
THE
BOY’S FROISSART
BEING
SIR JOHN FROISSART’S CHRONICLES
OF
_Adventure Battle and Custom in
England France Spain etc._
_EDITED FOR BOYS WITH AN INTRODUCTION_
BY
SIDNEY LANIER
EDITOR OF “THE BOY’S KING ARTHUR”
_Illustrated by Alfred Kappes_
NEW YORK
CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS
1895
COPYRIGHT, 1879,
BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS.
INTRODUCTION.
Perhaps no boy will deny that to find the world still reading a book
which was written five hundred years ago is a very wonderful business.
For the world grows,--faster than a boy; and when you remember how it is
only about ten years since you were reading Jack the Giant-killer, and
how you are _infinitely_ beyond all that _now_,--you know,--you readily
see that it must be a very manful man indeed who can make a book so
strong and so all-time like as to go on giving delight through the ages,
spite of prodigious revolutions in customs, in governments, and in
ideas.
Now, Froissart sets the boy’s mind upon manhood and the man’s mind upon
boyhood. In reading him the young soul sifts out for itself the
splendor, the hardihood, the daring, the valor, the generosity, the
boundless conflict and unhindered action, which make up the boy’s early
ideal of the man; while a more mature reader goes at once to his
simplicity, his gayety, his passion for deeds of arms, his freedom from
consciousness and from all internal debate--in short, his boyishness.
Thus Froissart helps youth forward and age backward.
With this enchanting quality, by which he not only defies, but even
reverses, the passage of time, our fine Sir John has always had and will
long have readers, both old and young; and if it were not for some
peculiarities of his manner, growing mainly out of the habits of his
time, there would be no need of any special edition of him for boys. But
the latter sort find many halting-places and many skipping-places in
him, by reason of his long dialogues, his tranquil way of telling _all_
the particulars, and his gay habit of often relating events in chapter
fifty which happened before those in chapter forty. The first two of
these faults were virtues in Froissart’s day, when the longer a story
the better it helped to pass the time between battles; and the last one
probably arose from the manner in which he collected many of his
facts,--which was as follows.
You must know that in the year 1357 this lively young Hainaulter, being
at that time but about twenty years old, was asked by the Count Robert
de Namur to write a history of the wars of those times. The idea tickled
his fancy, and he went straightway to work.
If any of _you_ should set about writing a history, you would most
likely go up into the library, take down a great many books, pamphlets,
and manuscripts, and pore and peer and scribble, until after a while
when your back was aching and your eyes burning you would look at your
watch and say, “Bless me! it’s two o’clock in the morning,” and so to
bed; and such would be your day’s work until the history was finished.
But not so with our young Froissart. Instead of painfully burrowing
among dusty books, he saddled his horse, strapped on his portmanteau
behind, and cantered off along the road through the bright French air,
with his faithful greyhound following.[1] Presently he was pretty sure
to overtake or be overtaken by some knight or esquire: whereupon
Froissart would salute him, politely inquire his name, and ply him with
artful questions as to the battles he had fought, the lords he had
served, the negotiations he had conducted or assisted in, the events he
had witnessed or heard of; and thus the two would converse by the way,
the horses meantime embracing the opportunity to slacken pace, and the
greyhound taking his chance to nose about here and there on each side
the road. When the inn or friendly castle would be reached where
lodgment was to be had in the evening, Froissart would jot down notes of
all that he had learned from fellow-travellers during the day. Sometimes
such a journey would terminate in a long visit at the castle of a great
man,--as when he went to see the Count of Foix, referred to in the Third
Book of these Chronicles; and then in the long evenings he would learn,
either from the actors themselves or from knights or attendants about
their persons, the deeds and events with which they had been connected.
Although from Hainault, he was much in England. He loved the society of
the great, and was often in it. He was at different times attached to
the households of King Edward III. of England, and of King John of
France; and became an especial favorite of his countrywoman Queen
Philippa, wife to Edward III., who made him the Clerk of her Chamber. He
had various offices and preferments, but is most commonly associated
with the Church of Chimay in France, of which he was canon. He knew how
to please his powerful friends: when he visited the Count of Foix,--who
loved dogs, and had sixteen hundred of them about him,--he carried four
greyhounds as a present to that nobleman; he bore a beautiful copy of
his love-poem “Meliador” to Richard II. of England; he presented the
earlier portions of his Chronicles to Queen Philippa, who was fond of
letters.
He was romantic and poetical. It would seem that he began his travels
early, in order to escape the torments of an unfortunate love for a
certain lady which had attacked him when a mere boy, and which endured
with more or less strength for some time. He was engaged in writing his
Chronicles from the year 1357 certainly to the year 1400, for they
include events up to the latter date. Without burdening my young
readers’ minds, there are three names of great Englishmen which I cannot
forbear begging them to associate with this period. These are, the names
of Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote the “Canterbury Tales” and many other
works; of William Langland, or Langley, who probably wrote the wonderful
“Book concerning Piers the Plowman;” and of John Wyclif, who did the
greatest service both for our religion and our language by giving forth
the first complete translation of the Bible into English. Three large
and beautiful souls; so large and beautiful, that one could scarcely
frame a finer wish for any boy than that he should make friends with
them, and live with them when he becomes a man.
Froissart did not confine himself to history: he wrote many
poems,--rondeaus, virelays, pastorals, romances. He lived a bright,
genial, active, fruitful, and happy life; and died after the year 1400.
As you read of the fair knights and the foul knights,--for Froissart
tells of both,--it cannot but occur to you that somehow it seems harder
to be a good knight nowadays than it was then. This is because we have
so many more ways of fighting now than in King Edward the Third’s time.
A good deal of what is really combat nowadays is not _called_ combat.
Many struggles, instead of taking the form of sword and armor, will
present themselves to you after a few years in the following shapes: the
strict payment of debts; the utmost delicacy of national honor; the
greatest openness of party discussion, and the most respectful courtesy
towards political opponents; the purity of the ballot-box; the sacred
and liberal guaranty of all rights to all citizens; the holiness of
marriage; the lofty contempt for what is small, knowing, and gossipy;
and the like. Nevertheless the same qualities which made a manful
fighter then make one now. To speak the very truth; to perform a promise
to the uttermost; to reverence all women; to maintain right and honesty;
to help the weak; to treat high and low with courtesy; to be constant to
one love; to be fair to a bitter foe; to despise luxury; to preserve
simplicity, modesty, and gentleness in heart and bearing: this was in
the oath of the young knight who took the stroke upon him in the
fourteenth century, and this is still the way to win love and glory in
the nineteenth.
You will find all these elements of knighthood which I have just named
particularly puzzling in many affairs connected with money. This was
always so: indeed, I cannot help somewhat sadly reminding you that as
you read along in these Chronicles of Froissart’s you will here and
there perceive how money is already creeping into the beautiful
institution of knighthood in the fourteenth century and corrupting it.
After each battle related in this book, Froissart is pretty apt to say
something about the great wealth acquired by this or that fighter
through the ransom paid him by or for such prisoners as he took. In
other words, war is becoming a trade; and in succeeding centuries of
European history the young student will quickly notice that the great
organized armies were no whit less thieves and rascals than the rogues
who composed the Free Companies about whom Froissart will presently
speak. The fair ideal of the knight-errant, as he who goes forth in the
world to help every one that may need him, and who despises wealth and
personal ease whenever they interfere with this great object--an ideal
which is presented to us in Sir Lancelot, and, less finely, in other
knights of the Round Table--grows dim.
And here I could do no better service to the American boy of the present
day than by calling his attention to a certain curious and interesting
connection between these present Chronicles of Froissart and Sir Thomas
Malory’s History of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table,
which was written in the following century and which must some day come
to be known more widely than now as one of the sweetest and strongest
books in our language.
The connection I mean is this: that Froissart’s Chronicle is, in a grave
and important sense, a sort of continuation of Malory’s novel. For
Malory’s book is, at bottom, a picture of knighthood in the twelfth and
thirteenth centuries; while Froissart’s is a picture of knighthood in
the fourteenth century. It is true that Malory’s King Arthur is a
personage, if not fabulous, at least unhistorical, while Froissart’s
Edward III. is actual flesh and blood, and is almost in sight; it is
true that Froissart gives us real events occurring in definite
localities during the last three-quarters of the fourteenth century,
while Malory drags Joseph of Arimathea alongside of Merlin the Magician,
and sets Briton, Saxon, Roman, Frenchman, Scotchman, Irishman, Welshman,
and Saracen face to face in scenes which often defy place and time: yet
it is no less true that Froissart’s work is a continuation of Malory’s,
since what Malory gives us is substantially a view of life in the
twelfth and thirteenth centuries, which Froissart follows with a view of
life in the fourteenth century. A boy who reflects that Sir Thomas
Malory wrote a hundred years later than Froissart will be puzzled to
know how he comes to give a picture of chivalry a hundred years earlier,
until certain facts appear which show in what manner Sir Thomas Malory’s
book was made, and what were the habits of the writers whom he followed.
About the year 1147 all England was delighted with a narration which was
published by Geoffrey of Monmouth, concerning the deeds of a glorious
man whom Geoffrey declared to have been an old king of that country, and
whose name he gave as Arthur. Geoffrey, who was a Welsh priest living in
England at that time, declared that he had found this account of King
Arthur in a Welsh book, and gave it as true history. Whether history or
fable,--upon this modern opinion is divided,--his story of the great
knight Arthur so charmed the people that the poets and prose-writers,
not only of England, but of France, straightway took hold of it, turned
it into verse, amplified it, added to it, retold it in long prose tales,
and in various ways spread it abroad, until there came to be what is
called a cycle--that is, a connected ring--of Arthurian romances. In
this cycle all the prominent characters of the modern story made their
appearance: besides King Arthur, the fascinated world read of Sir
Lancelot du Lake, of Queen Guenever, of Sir Tristram, of Queen Isolde,
of Merlin, of Sir Gawaine, of the Lady of the Lake, of Sir Galahad, and
of the wonderful search for the Holy Cup called the “Saint Graal,” which
was said to have received the blood that flowed from the wounds of our
Saviour when he hung on the cross.
I hope that every boy will hereafter become acquainted with the names of
many of these old writers who contributed to the collection of romances
that make up the Arthurian cycle; but for the present, without
perplexing young minds with a long list, I wish to impress four of these
names upon your memories. They are _Wace_, _Layamon_, _De Borron_, and
_Walter Map_. I should wish particularly that my young readers would
remember the name of Layamon, because he wrote his account of King
Arthur in English, and is therefore to be reverenced as the sturdy poet
who made a great stand for our native tongue after William the Conqueror
had imposed his French dialect upon us.
But now to come to Sir Thomas Malory. These stories of King Arthur, and
Sir Lancelot, and Sir Tristram, and Merlin, written by Wace, and
Layamon, and Map, and others, were, as I said, carried about and read
with great delight through England and France during the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries; and the important point to remember here is that
the writers who developed them from the original stock furnished by
Geoffrey of Monmouth, although professing to tell of things which
happened in the early centuries of our era, really did nothing more than
present a picture of their own times--that is, of the twelfth and
thirteenth centuries--in which nothing was ancient but the names of the
figures. This was a notable custom of all the middle-age artists, not
only of the artists in words--the poets and prose tale-tellers--but even
of the later artists who drew and painted actual pictures. Just as an
old picture-maker would represent King Solomon in a costume of the ninth
century; or as the old writer of Arthurian romances speaks of the
Biblical Joshua as _Duke_ Joshua, thus bringing the old Jew before us
with a title some thousands of years younger than his name: so these
twelfth and thirteenth century writers merely took the characters of
Geoffrey of Monmouth’s story and clothed them as mediæval knights and
ladies, while they re-arranged the events similarly into such relations
as accorded with their own times. Now, in the fifteenth century, Sir
Thomas Malory re-arranged this series of stories about King Arthur, Sir
Lancelot, Sir Tristram, the Round Table, and the Holy Cup, which had
been written in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and which were
really pictures of life in those centuries, though grouped about
legendary figures; while Sir John Froissart wrote chronicles which
present us pictures of life grouped about the historic characters of his
own fourteenth century.
But though, as I said, the ideal of knighthood begins to be lowered in
Froissart by the temptations of ransom-money, there are still many
beautiful features of it which come out with perfect colors in these
following chronicles. The kingliness of Edward III.; the stem lessons of
hardihood, of self-help, and of perseverance unto the end, which he
teaches his son Edward in refusing to send him re-enforcements when he
is so dreadfully bested before Crecy; the beautiful courtesy and modesty
with which this same young Edward attends upon King John of France at
supper in his own tent on the night after he had taken the king prisoner
and routed his army at Poictiers; the pious reverence with which Sir
Walter Manny seeks out the grave of his father; the energy with which
the stout abbot of Hennecourt hews, whacks, and pulls the blooded
knights about; the frequent expostulations of generous gentlemen against
the harsh treatment of prisoners; the prayer of the queen in favor of
the citizens of Calais, and King Edward’s knightly concession to her
ladyhood; the splendor and liberality of the Count de Foix; the
unconquerable loyalty of Sir Robert Salle, who prefers a brave death at
the hands of Wat Tyler’s rebels, to the leadership of their army; the
dash and gallantry of the young Saracen Agadinquor Oliferne, who flies
about like a meteor before the besieging crusaders round about the town
of Africa: these, and many fine things of like sort, will not fail to
strike the most inexperienced eyes.
My main task in editing this book for you has been to choose connected
stories which would show you as many of the historic figures in
Froissart as possible; though I have tried to preserve at the same time
the charm which lies in his very rambling manner. I have not altered his
language at all. Every word in this book is Froissart’s; except of
course that he wrote in French, and his words are here translated into
English. A very noble translation was made in the time of King Henry the
Eighth, by Lord Berners, whose name I hope you will remember. I should
have greatly preferred to give you his Froissart for the present
edition: it is beautiful English, and infinitely stronger, brighter, and
more picturesque, than the translation here used; but it would have been
difficult for you to read. Yet, in order that you might see what the
English of King Henry the Eighth’s time looks like, I have given a
chapter of Lord Berners’, on the battle of Crecy, without alteration;
and, believing that many of my young readers who may be studying French
might be curious to read a little of that language in one of its earlier
stages, I have added the same chapter in French from the manuscripts
printed by Buchon. For similar reasons, at the chapter describing the
battle of Neville’s Cross, I have added an old English ballad upon the
same fight, giving it unaltered from Messrs. Hales and Furnivall’s
edition of Bishop Percy’s Manuscript.
Again, when the Chronicle reaches King Richard II., I have embraced the
opportunity to show you the kind of English which was spoken in
Froissart’s time, by adding to one of the chapters the robust “Ballad
sent to King Richard” by Geoffrey Chaucer,--begging you to believe that
our time cries out to every young American man, as Chaucer to his
prince, to
“Do law, love truth and worthiness,
And wed thy folk again to steadfastness.”
Finally, do not think that to read this book is to exhaust Froissart.
Only about one-ninth of his Chronicle could be got into the space here
assigned; and you have the comfort of knowing that there is a great deal
more.
To him, then; and I envy every one of you!
“For herein,”--as old William Caxton, the first English printer, says in
his Prologue to Sir Thomas Malory’s history of King Arthur,--“for herein
may be seen chyvalrye, curtosye, humanyte, frendlynesse, hardynesse,
love, frendshyp, cowardyse, murdre, hate, vertue, synne. Doo after the
good, and leve the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and
renommee.”
SIDNEY LANIER
BALTIMORE, MD., 1879.
CONTENTS.
BOOK I.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
THE OCCASION OF THE WARS BETWEEN THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND 1
CHAPTER II.
HOW EARL THOMAS OF LANCASTER, AND TWENTY-TWO OF THE GREATEST NOBLES IN
ENGLAND, WERE BEHEADED 2
CHAPTER III.
THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND GOES TO COMPLAIN OF SIR HUGH SPENCER TO HER
BROTHER, THE KING OF FRANCE 4
CHAPTER IV.
SIR HUGH SPENCER CAUSES THE QUEEN ISABELLA TO BE SENT OUT OF
FRANCE 5
CHAPTER V.
THE QUEEN ISABELLA LEAVES FRANCE, AND GOES TO GERMANY 6
CHAPTER VI.
QUEEN ISABELLA ARRIVES IN ENGLAND WITH SIR JOHN DE HAINAULT 10
CHAPTER VII.
THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND BESIEGES HER HUSBAND IN THE CITY OF BRISTOL 11
CHAPTER VIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND AND SIR HUGH SPENCER ARE TAKEN AT SEA AS THEY ARE
ENDEAVORING TO ESCAPE FROM THE CASTLE OF BRISTOL 13
CHAPTER IX.
THE CORONATION OF KING EDWARD THE THIRD 16
CHAPTER X.
ROBERT BRUCE, KING OF SCOTLAND, DEFIES KING EDWARD 18
CHAPTER XI.
A DISSENSION BETWEEN THE ARCHERS OF ENGLAND AND THE HAINAULTERS 20
CHAPTER XII.
HOW THE FIGHT BETWEEN THE ARCHERS AND THE HAINAULTERS ENDED 22
CHAPTER XIII.
HOW THE KING AND HIS ARMY MARCHED TO DURHAM 24
CHAPTER XIV.
OF THE MANNERS OF THE SCOTS, AND HOW THEY CARRY ON WAR 25
CHAPTER XV.
KING EDWARD’S FIRST EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SCOTS 26
CHAPTER XVI.
KING EDWARD MARRIES THE LADY PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT 40
CHAPTER XVII.
DOUGLAS IS KILLED FIGHTING FOR THE HEART OF KING ROBERT 42
CHAPTER XVIII.
PHILIP OF VALOIS CROWNED KING OF FRANCE 46
CHAPTER XIX.
KING EDWARD IS ADVISED BY HIS COUNCIL TO MAKE WAR AGAINST KING PHILIP OF
FRANCE. HE EFFECTS GREAT ALLIANCES IN GERMANY, AND IS MADE VICAR OF THE
EMPIRE 47
CHAPTER XX.
KING EDWARD AND HIS ALLIES SEND CHALLENGES TO THE KING OF FRANCE 49
CHAPTER XXI.
KING EDWARD CREATES SIR HENRY OF FLANDERS A KNIGHT, AND AFTERWARDS
MARCHES INTO PICARDY 50
CHAPTER XXII.
THE TWO KINGS RETIRE FROM VIRONFOSSE WITHOUT GIVING BATTLE 56
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE SEA-FIGHT BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND AND THE FRENCH, BEFORE
SLUYS 58
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE KING OF ENGLAND BESIEGES THE CITY OF TOURNAY WITH A POWERFUL
ARMY 62
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SCOTS RECOVER GREAT PART OF THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE SIEGE OF
TOURNAY 64
CHAPTER XXVI.
SIR WILLIAM DE BAILLEUL AND SIR VAUFLART DE LA CROIX MAKE AN EXCURSION
TO PONT-À-TRESSIN 68
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE EARL OF HAINAULT ATTACKS THE FORTRESS OF MORTAGNE IN VARIOUS
MANNERS 71
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE EARL OF HAINAULT TAKES THE TOWN OF ST. AMAND DURING THE SIEGE OF
TOURNAY 73
CHAPTER XXIX.
SIR CHARLES DE MONTMORENCY, AND MANY OTHERS OF THE FRENCH, CAPTURED AT
PONT-À-TRESSIN 77
CHAPTER XXX.
THE SIEGE OF TOURNAY RAISED BY MEANS OF A TRUCE 80
CHAPTER XXXI.
KING EDWARD INSTITUTES THE ORDER OF ST. GEORGE, AT WINDSOR 82
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND SETS AT LIBERTY SIR HERVÉ DE LÉON 83
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND SENDS THE EARL OF DERBY TO MAKE WAR IN
GASCONY 85
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE EARL OF DERBY CONQUERS BERGERAC 88
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE COUNT DE LISLE, LIEUTENANT FOR THE KING OF FRANCE, IN GASCONY, LAYS
SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF AUBEROCHE 93
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE EARL OF DERBY MAKES THE COUNT OF LISLE AND NINE MORE COUNTS AND
VISCOUNTS PRISONERS BEFORE AUBEROCHE 96
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE EARL OF DERBY TAKES DIFFERENT TOWNS IN GASCONY, IN HIS ROAD TOWARD
LA RÉOLE 99
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE EARL OF DERBY LAYS SIEGE TO LA RÉOLE, WHICH SURRENDERS TO
HIM 103
CHAPTER XXXIX.
SIR WALTER MANNY FINDS IN LA RÉOLE THE SEPULCHRE OF HIS FATHER 106
CHAPTER XL.
THE EARL OF DERBY CONQUERS THE CASTLE OF LA RÉOLE 108
CHAPTER XLI.
THE EARL OF DERBY TAKES CASTEL MORON, AND AFTERWARDS VILLEFRANCHE, IN
PERIGORD 110
CHAPTER XLII.
JACOB VON ARTAVELD IS MURDERED AT GHENT 113
CHAPTER XLIII.
SIR JOHN OF HAINAULT QUITS THE ALLIANCE OF ENGLAND FOR THAT OF
FRANCE 117
CHAPTER XLIV.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY MARCHES WITH A GREAT ARMY INTO GASCONY, AGAINST THE
EARL OF DERBY 117
CHAPTER XLV.
SIR JOHN NORWICH ESCAPES FROM ANGOULÊME, WHEN THAT TOWN SURRENDERS TO
THE FRENCH 119
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY LAYS SIEGE TO AIGUILLON WITH A HUNDRED THOUSAND
MEN 122
CHAPTER XLVII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND MARCHES INTO NORMANDY WITH HIS ARMY IN THREE
BATTALIONS 129
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE KING OF FRANCE COLLECTS A LARGE FORCE TO OPPOSE THE KING OF
ENGLAND 131
CHAPTER XLIX.
THE BATTLE OF CAEN.--THE ENGLISH TAKE THE TOWN 134
CHAPTER L.
THE ENGLISH COMMIT GREAT DEPREDATIONS IN NORMANDY.--SIR GODFREY DE
HARCOURT ENCOUNTERS THE MEN AT ARMS OF AMIENS, ON THEIR WAY TO PARIS,
AND KING EDWARD MARCHES INTO PICARDY 137
CHAPTER LI.
THE KING OF FRANCE PURSUES THE KING OF ENGLAND, IN THE COUNTRY OF
BEAUVAIS 141
CHAPTER LII.
THE BATTLE OF BLANCHETAQUE, BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND AND SIR GODÉMAR
DU FAY 144
CHAPTER LIII.
THE ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE ENGLISH AT CRECY, WHO WERE DRAWN UP IN THREE
BATTALIONS ON FOOT 148
CHAPTER LIV.
THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY AT CRECY 150
CHAPTER LV.
THE BATTLE OF CRECY, BETWEEN THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND OF ENGLAND 152
CHAPTER LVI.
THE ENGLISH ON THE MORROW AGAIN DEFEAT THE FRENCH 166
CHAPTER LVII.
THE ENGLISH NUMBER THE DEAD SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF CRECY 167
CHAPTER LVIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND LAYS SIEGE TO CALAIS.--THE POORER SORT OF THE
INHABITANTS ARE SENT OUT OF IT 169
CHAPTER LIX.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY RAISES THE SIEGE OF AIGUILLON 170
CHAPTER LX.
SIR WALTER MANNY, BY MEANS OF A PASSPORT, RIDES THROUGH FRANCE FROM
AIGUILLON TO CALAIS 172
CHAPTER LXI.
THE KING OF SCOTLAND, DURING THE SIEGE OF CALAIS, INVADES
ENGLAND 174
CHAPTER LXII.
THE BATTLE OF NEVILLE’S CROSS 176
CHAPTER LXIII.
JOHN COPELAND TAKES THE KING OF SCOTLAND PRISONER, AND RECEIVES GREAT
ADVANTAGES FROM IT 183
CHAPTER LXIV.
THE YOUNG EARL OF FLANDERS IS BETROTHED, THROUGH THE CONSTRAINT OF THE
FLEMINGS, TO THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF ENGLAND.--HE ESCAPES TO FRANCE
IN A SUBTLE MANNER 186
CHAPTER LXV.
THE KING OF ENGLAND PREVENTS THE APPROACH OF THE FRENCH ARMY TO RAISE
THE SIEGE OF CALAIS, AND THE TOWN SURRENDERS 190
CHAPTER LXVI.
THE KING OF ENGLAND RE-PEOPLES CALAIS 198
CHAPTER LXVII.
A ROBBER OF THE NAME OF BACON DOES MUCH MISCHIEF IN LANGUEDOC, AND A
PAGE OF THE NAME OF CROQUART TURNS ROBBER 200
CHAPTER LXVIII.
SIR AYMERY DE PAVIE PLOTS WITH SIR GEOFFRY DE CHARGNY TO SELL THE TOWN
OF CALAIS 203
CHAPTER LXIX.
THE BATTLE OF CALAIS, BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND, UNDER THE BANNER OF
SIR WALTER MANNY, WITH SIR GEOFFRY DE CHARGNY AND THE FRENCH 204
CHAPTER LXX.
THE KING OF ENGLAND PRESENTS A CHAPLET OF PEARLS TO SIR EUSTACE DE
RIBEAUMONT 209
CHAPTER LXXI.
THE SEA-FIGHT OFF SLUYS. (FROM THE MANUSCRIPT IN THE HAFOD
LIBRARY) 210
CHAPTER LXXII.
THE DEATH OF KING PHILIP, AND CORONATION OF HIS SON KING JOHN 217
CHAPTER LXXIII.
THE KING OF FRANCE ISSUES OUT A SUMMONS FOR ASSEMBLING AN ARMY TO COMBAT
THE PRINCE OF WALES, WHO WAS OVERRUNNING THE PROVINCE OF DERBY 218
CHAPTER LXXIV.
THE PRINCE OF WALES TAKES THE CASTLE OF ROMORANTIN 221
CHAPTER LXXV.
THE KING OF FRANCE LEADS A GREAT ARMY TO THE BATTLE OF POITIERS 223
CHAPTER LXXVI.
THE DISPOSITION OF THE FRENCH BEFORE THE BATTLE OF POITIERS 226
CHAPTER LXXVII.
THE CARDINAL DE PERIGORD ENDEAVORS TO MAKE PEACE BETWEEN THE KING OF
FRANCE AND THE PRINCE OF WALES, PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS 230
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
THE BATTLE OF POITIERS, BETWEEN THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE KING OF
FRANCE 233
CHAPTER LXXIX.
TWO FRENCHMEN, RUNNING AWAY FROM THE BATTLE OF POITIERS, ARE PURSUED BY
TWO ENGLISHMEN, WHO ARE THEMSELVES MADE PRISONERS 242
CHAPTER LXXX.
THE MANNER IN WHICH KING JOHN WAS TAKEN PRISONER AT THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS 244
CHAPTER LXXXI.
THE PRINCE OF WALES MAKES A HANDSOME PRESENT TO THE LORD JAMES AUDLEY,
AFTER THE BATTLE OF POITIERS 248
CHAPTER LXXXII.
THE PRINCE OF WALES ENTERTAINS THE KING OF FRANCE AT SUPPER, THE EVENING
AFTER THE BATTLE 250
CHAPTER LXXXIII.
THE PRINCE OF WALES RETURNS TO BORDEAUX, AFTER THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS 252
CHAPTER LXXXIV.
THE PRINCE OF WALES CONDUCTS THE KING OF FRANCE FROM BORDEAUX TO
ENGLAND 256
CHAPTER LXXXV.
THE ARCHPRIEST ASSEMBLES A COMPANY OF MEN AT ARMS.--HE IS MUCH HONORED
AT AVIGNON 258
CHAPTER LXXXVI.
A WELSHMAN, OF THE NAME OF RUFFIN, COMMANDS A TROOP OF THE FREE
COMPANIES 259
CHAPTER LXXXVII.
THE PROVOST OF THE MERCHANTS OF PARIS KILLS THREE KNIGHTS IN THE
APARTMENT OF THE PRINCE 260
CHAPTER LXXXVIII.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE INFAMOUS JACQUERIE OF BEAUVOISIS 262
CHAPTER LXXXIX.
THE BATTLE OF MEAUX IN BRIE, WHERE THE VILLAINS ARE DISCOMFITED BY THE
EARL OF FOIX AND THE CAPTAL OF BUCH 264
BOOK II.
CHAPTER I.
CORONATION OF KING CHARLES OF FRANCE 266
CHAPTER II.
A COMBAT BETWEEN AN ENGLISH AND A FRENCH SQUIRE 268
CHAPTER III.
THE POPULACE OF ENGLAND REBEL AGAINST THE NOBILITY 274
CHAPTER IV.
THE POPULACE OF ENGLAND COMMIT MANY CRUELTIES ON THOSE IN OFFICIAL
SITUATIONS.--THEY SEND A KNIGHT AS AMBASSADOR TO THE KING 278
CHAPTER V.
THE NOBLES OF ENGLAND ARE IN GREAT DANGER OF BEING DESTROYED.--THREE OF
THE PRINCIPAL LEADERS OF THE REBELS ARE PUNISHED, AND THE REST SENT BACK
TO THEIR HOMES 284
CHAPTER VI.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS AGAIN LAYS SIEGE TO GHENT 296
CHAPTER VII.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS SENDS A HARSH ANSWER TO THOSE WHO WISHED TO MEDIATE
A PEACE BETWEEN HIM AND GHENT 298
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CITIZENS OF GHENT, AFTER HAVING HEARD FROM PHILIP VON ARTAVELD THE
TERMS OF PEACE WHICH HE HAD BROUGHT FROM THE CONFERENCES AT TOURNAY,
MARCH OUT, TO THE NUMBER OF FIVE THOUSAND, TO ATTACK THE EARL OF
FLANDERS IN BRUGES 300
CHAPTER IX.
THE ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE GHENT MEN.--THEY DEFEAT THE EARL OF FLANDERS
AND THE MEN OF BRUGES.--THE MEANS BY WHICH THIS WAS BROUGHT
ABOUT 303
CHAPTER X.
BRUGES IS TAKEN BY THE GHENT ARMY.--THE EARL OF FLANDERS SAVES HIMSELF
IN THE HOUSE OF A POOR WOMAN 309
CHAPTER XI.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS QUITS BRUGES, AND RETURNS TO LILLE, WHITHER SOME OF
HIS PEOPLE HAD ALREADY RETREATED 314
CHAPTER XII.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY INSTIGATES HIS NEPHEW KING CHARLES TO MAKE WAR ON
GHENT AND ITS ALLIES, AS WELL IN REVENGE FOR THE BURNT VILLAGES AS TO
ASSIST IN THE RECOVERY OF FLANDERS FOR THE EARL, WHO WAS HIS
VASSAL 315
CHAPTER XIII.
CHARLES THE SIXTH, KING OF FRANCE, FROM A DREAM, CHOOSES A FLYING HART
FOR HIS DEVICE 317
CHAPTER XIV.
KING CHARLES, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, WHO WAS
PRESENT, ASSEMBLES HIS ARMY IN ARTOIS AGAINST THE FLEMINGS.--PHILIP VON
ARTAVELD GUARDS THE PASSES INTO FLANDERS 319
CHAPTER XV.
SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF THE PARTY OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, HAVING PASSED
PONT-AMENIN, ARE DEFEATED AND KILLED ON THEIR ATTEMPT TO REPASS IT, THE
FLEMINGS HAVING BROKEN DOWN THE BRIDGE.--PHILIP, HEARING THIS NEWS WHEN
AT YPRES, MAKES USE OF IT TO ENCOURAGE THE INHABITANTS 321
CHAPTER XVI.
THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN ITS MARCH TO FLANDERS, AFTER THEY HAD
HEARD THE BRIDGES WERE BROKEN AND GUARDED 325
CHAPTER XVII.
SOME FEW OF THE FRENCH, NOT BEING ABLE TO CROSS THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF
COMMINES, FIND MEANS OF DOING SO BY BOATS AND OTHER CRAFT, UNKNOWN TO
THE FLEMINGS 330
CHAPTER XVIII.
A SMALL BODY OF FRENCH, HAVING CROSSED THE LIS, DRAW UP IN BATTLE-ARRAY
BEFORE THE FLEMINGS 335
CHAPTER XIX.
THE FRENCH WHO HAD CROSSED THE LIS DEFEAT, WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER, PETER
DU BOIS AND THE FLEMINGS.--THE VANGUARD OF THE FRENCH ARMY REPAIR AND
PASS OVER THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES 339
CHAPTER XX.
THE KING OF FRANCE CROSSES THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.--THE TOWN
OF YPRES SURRENDERS TO HIM.--THE KING OF FRANCE LODGES IN YPRES.--PETER
DU BOIS PREVENTS BRUGES FROM SURRENDERING TO THE KING.--PHILIP VON
ARTAVELD ASSEMBLES HIS FORCES TO COMBAT THE FRENCH 344
CHAPTER XXI.
PHILIP VON ARTAVELD, HAVING ENTERTAINED HIS CAPTAINS AT SUPPER, GIVES
THEM INSTRUCTIONS HOW THEY ARE TO ACT ON THE MORROW AT THE BATTLE OF
ROSEBECQUE 347
CHAPTER XXII.
PHILIP VON ARTAVELD AND HIS FLEMINGS QUIT THE STRONG POSITION THEY HAD
TAKEN IN THE MORNING, TO ENCAMP ON MONT D’OR, NEAR TO YPRES.--THE
CONSTABLE AND ADMIRAL OF FRANCE, WITH SIR WILLIAM OF POITIERS, SET OUT
TO RECONNOITRE THEIR SITUATION 351
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND FLEMINGS.--PHILIP VON
ARTAVELD IS SLAIN, AND HIS WHOLE ARMY DEFEATED 354
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE NUMBER OF SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, AND PURSUIT
AFTERWARDS.--PHILIP VON ARTAVELD IS HANGED AFTER HE WAS DEAD 359
BOOK III.
CHAPTER I.
FROISSART SETS OUT ON JOURNEY TO BÉARN TO SEEK ADMISSION TO THE
HOUSEHOLD OF THE COUNT DE FOIX 361
CHAPTER II.
SIR JOHN FROISSART, IN HIS JOURNEY TOWARD BÉARN, IS ACCOMPANIED BY A
KNIGHT ATTACHED TO THE COUNT DE FOIX, WHO RELATES TO HIM HOW THE
GARRISON OF LOURDE TOOK ORTINGAS AND LE PAILLIER, ON THE RENEWAL OF THE
WAR IN GUYENNE, AFTER THE RUPTURE OF THE PEACE OF BRETIGNY 363
CHAPTER III.
FROISSART CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY.--IN TRAVELLING FROM TOURNAY TO TARBES,
THE KNIGHT RELATES TO HIM HOW THE GARRISON OF LOURDE HAD A SHARP
RENCOUNTER WITH THE FRENCH FROM THE ADJACENT GARRISONS 367
CHAPTER IV.
SIR JOHN FROISSART ARRIVES AT ORTHÈS.--AN OLD SQUIRE RELATES TO HIM THE
CRUEL DEATH OF THE ONLY SON OF THE COUNT DE FOIX 372
BOOK IV.
CHAPTER I.
THE DUKE OF BOURBON IS APPOINTED CHIEF OF AN EXPEDITION TO AFRICA, THAT
IS UNDERTAKEN BY SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND AT THE
SOLICITATION OF THE GENOESE 382
CHAPTER II.
THE CHRISTIAN LORDS WEIGH ANCHOR, AND LEAVE THE ISLAND OF COMINO, IN
ORDER TO LAY SIEGE TO THE TOWN OF AFRICA.--THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY
CONDUCT THEMSELVES 387
CHAPTER III.
THE CONDUCT OF THE SARACENS DURING THE SIEGE OF THE TOWN OF
AFRICA.--THEY SEND TO DEMAND FROM THE FRENCH THE CAUSE OF THEIR MAKING
WAR AGAINST THEM 398
CHAPTER IV.
SOME MIRACLES ARE SHOWN TO THE SARACENS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO ATTACK THE
CAMP OF THE CHRISTIANS.--SEVERAL SKIRMISHES DURING THE SIEGE.--THE
CLIMATE BECOMES UNWHOLESOME, AND OTHER ACCIDENTS BEFALL THE
BESIEGERS 403
CHAPTER V.
A CHALLENGE IS SENT BY THE SARACENS TO OFFER COMBAT OF TEN AGAINST TEN
CHRISTIANS.--THE SARACENS FAIL IN THEIR ENGAGEMENT.--THE TOWN OF AFRICA
IS STORMED, BUT UNSUCCESSFULLY, AND WITH THE LOSS OF MANY WORTHY
MEN 407
CHAPTER VI.
THE SIEGE OF AFRICA IS RAISED.--THE CAUSE OF IT.--THE KNIGHTS AND
SQUIRES RETURN TO THEIR OWN COUNTRIES 414
CHAPTER VII.
DEATH AND BURIAL OF KING RICHARD II .421
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
THE MONK SIR FROISSART IN THE BREACH OF THE MONASTERY WALL
_Frontispiece._
LORD JAMES DOUGLAS THROWING THE HEART OF BRUCE AMONG THE SARACENS 45
HOW SIR WILLIAM DOUGLAS AND HIS COMPANIONS CAPTURED THE CASTLE OF
EDINBURGH BY STRATAGEM 67
HOW THE FRENCH FLUNG A SERVANT OVER THE WALLS INTO AUBEROCHE 95
THE DEATH OF JACOB VON ARTAVELD 115
KING EDWARD III. PRAYING IN HIS TENT THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE OF
CRECY 149
THE BLIND KING OF BOHEMIA DEAD ON THE BATTLE-FIELD OF CRECY 155
HOW THE SIX CITIZENS OF CALAIS DELIVERED THEMSELVES UP TO THE ENGLISH
KING 197
THE SURRENDER OF KING JOHN OF FRANCE 245
THE THREE KNIGHTS RECONNOITRING THE FLEMINGS IN THE MIST 353
HOW THE BOURG D’ESPAIGN FED THE FIRE IN THE GREAT FIRE-PLACE OF THE
COUNT OF FOIX 371
HOW A WONDERFUL APPARITION TERRIFIED THE SARACENS 403
THE CHRONICLES OF ENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, &c.
BOOK I.[2]
CHAPTER I.
THE OCCASION OF THE WARS BETWEEN THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND.
History tells us that Philip, King of France, surnamed the Fair, had
three sons, besides his beautiful daughter Isabella married to the King
of England. These three sons were very handsome. The eldest, Lewis, King
of Navarre during the lifetime of his father, was called Lewis Hutin;
the second was named Philip the Great, or the Long; and the third,
Charles. All these were kings of France after their father Philip by
legitimate succession, one after the other, without having any male
heirs: yet on the death of the last king, Charles, the twelve peers and
barons of France did not give the kingdom to Isabella the sister, who
was Queen of England, because they maintained, and do still insist, that
the kingdom of France is too noble to go to a woman, consequently either
to Isabella, or to her son the King of England; for they hold that the
son of a woman cannot claim any right of succession where that woman has
none herself. For these reasons the twelve peers and barons of France
unanimously gave the kingdom of France to the Lord Philip of Valois,
nephew to King Philip; and so put aside the Queen of England, who was
sister to Charles, the late King of France, and her son. Thus, as it
seemed to many people, the succession went out of the right line, which
has been the occasion of the most destructive wars and devastations of
countries in France and elsewhere, as you will learn hereafter: the real
object of this history being to relate the grand enterprises and deeds
of arms achieved in these great wars; for, from the time of good
Charlemagne, King of France, never were such feats performed.
CHAPTER II.
HOW EARL THOMAS OF LANCASTER, AND TWENTY-TWO OF THE GREATEST NOBLES IN
ENGLAND, WERE BEHEADED.
King Edward the Second, father to the noble King Edward the Third of
whom our history speaks, governed his kingdom very indifferently by the
advice of Sir Hugh Spencer, who had been brought up with him from his
youth.
This Sir Hugh had managed matters so that his father and himself were
the great masters of the realm, and were ambitious to surpass all the
other great barons in England; for which reason, after the great defeat
at Stirling, the barons and nobles, and even the council of the king,
murmured much, particularly against Sir Hugh Spencer, to whom they
imputed their defeat on account of his partiality for the King of
Scotland. The barons had many meetings on this matter to consult what
was to be done. The chief of them was Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, uncle
to the king. Sir Hugh soon found it would be necessary for him to check
them; and he was so well beloved by the king, and so continually in his
presence, that he was sure of gaining belief, whatever he said. He soon
took an opportunity of informing the king that these lords had entered
into an alliance against him, and that, if he did not take proper
measures, they would drive him out of the kingdom; and thus operated so
powerfully on the king’s mind, that his malicious intentions had their
full effect. The king caused all these lords to be arrested on a certain
day when they were met together, and without delay ordered the heads of
twenty-two of the greatest barons to be struck off, without assigning
any cause or reason. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, suffered the first. The
hatred against Sir Hugh Spencer was increased by this deed, particularly
that of the queen, and of the Earl of Kent, brother to the king; which
when he perceived, he fomented such a discord between the king and the
queen, that the king would not see the queen, or come to any place where
she was. This quarrel lasted some time: when the queen and the Earl of
Kent were secretly informed, that, if they did not speedily quit the
court, they would repent it; for Sir Hugh was endeavoring to stir up
much mischief against them. Then the queen, having made preparations for
passing secretly to France, set out as if to go on a pilgrimage to St.
Thomas of Canterbury; whence she went to Winchelsea, and that night
embarked on board a vessel prepared for her reception, accompanied by
her young son Edward, the Earl of Kent, and Sir Roger Mortimer. Another
vessel was loaded with luggage, &c.; and, having a fair wind, they
landed the next morning at Boulogne.
CHAPTER III.
THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND GOES TO COMPLAIN OF SIR HUGH SPENCER TO HER
BROTHER, THE KING OF FRANCE.
When the Queen Isabella landed at Boulogne with her son and her
brother-in-law the Earl of Kent, the governor of the town and the abbot
waited on her, and conducted her to the abbey, where she and her suite
were joyfully received, and remained two days. On the third she
continued her route toward Paris.
King Charles, her brother, being informed of her coming, sent some of
the greatest lords at that time near his person to meet her; among whom
were Sir Robert d’Artois, the Lord of Crucy, the Lord of Sully, and the
Lord of Roy, and many others, who honorably received and conducted her
to Paris to the king, her brother. When the king perceived his sister
(whom he had not seen for a long time) entering his apartment, he rose
to meet her, and, taking her in his arms, kissed her, and said, “You are
welcome, my fair sister, with my fine nephew, your son:” then, taking
one in each hand, he led them in. The queen, who had no great joy in her
heart except for being near her brother, would have knelt at his feet
two or three times; but the king would not suffer it, and, holding her
by the right hand, inquired very affectionately into her business and
affairs. Her answers were prudent and wise; and she related to him all
the injuries done to her by Sir Hugh Spencer, and asked of him advice
and assistance.
When the noble King Charles had heard the lamentations of his sister,
who with many tears had stated her distress, he said, “Fair sister, be
appeased; for, by the faith I owe to God and to St. Denis, I will
provide a remedy.” The queen then kneeled down in spite of the king, and
said to him, “My dear lord and brother, I pray God may second your
intentions.” The king then, taking her by the hand, conducted her to
another apartment, which was richly furnished for her and her young son
Edward: he then left her, and ordered that every thing should be
provided, becoming the state of her and her son, from his treasury.
CHAPTER IV.
SIR HUGH SPENCER CAUSES THE QUEEN ISABELLA TO BE SENT OUT OF FRANCE.
The queen [had] made all her preparations for her expedition very
secretly, but not so much so as to prevent its coming to the knowledge
of Sir Hugh Spencer, who thought that his most prudent plan would be to
win over to his interest the King of France. For this purpose he sent
over trusty and secret messengers laden with gold, silver, and rich
jewels. These were distributed among the king and his ministers with
such effect, that the king and his council were in a short time as cold
toward the cause of Isabella as they had before been warm.
Sir Hugh also endeavored to get the queen into his and the king’s power,
and to this end made the king write an affectionate letter to the pope,
entreating him to order the King of France to send back his wife. There
were similar letters written at the same time to the cardinals. The
nearest relations of the pope, and those most in his counsels, managed
the pope in such a manner, that he wrote to the King of France to send
back Isabella, Queen of England, to her husband, under pain of
excommunication. These letters were carried to the King of France by the
Bishop of Xaintes, whom the pope sent thither as his legate.
The king, on receipt of them, caused his sister to be acquainted with
their contents (for he had held no conversation with her for a long
time), and commanded her to leave the kingdom immediately, or he would
make her leave it with shame.
CHAPTER V.
THE QUEEN ISABELLA LEAVES FRANCE, AND GOES TO GERMANY.
When the queen heard this account, she knew not what to say, or what
measures to adopt: for the barons had already withdrawn themselves by
the king’s command, and she had no resource or adviser left but in her
dear cousin, Robert of Artois; and he could only advise and assist her
in secret, as the king had forbidden it. He well knew that the queen had
been driven from England through malice and ill-will: but he durst not
speak of it to the king; for he had heard the king say and swear that
whoever should speak to him in her behalf should forfeit his land, and
be banished the kingdom. He was also informed that the king was not
averse to the seizure of the persons of the queen, her son Edward, the
Earl of Kent, and Sir Roger Mortimer, and to their being delivered into
the hands of the King of England and Sir Hugh Spencer. He therefore came
in the middle of the night to inform the queen of the peril she was in.
She was thunder-struck at the information; to which he added, “I
recommend you to set out for the empire, where there are many noble
lords who will greatly assist you, particularly William, Earl of
Hainault, and his brother, who are both great lords, and wise and loyal
men, and much dreaded by their enemies.”
The queen ordered her baggage to be made ready as secretly as she could;
and, having paid for every thing, she quitted Paris, accompanied by her
son, the Earl of Kent, and all her company, and took the road to
Hainault. After some days she came into the country of Cambray. When she
found she was in the territories of the empire, she was more at her
ease; passed through Cambresis; entered L’Ostrevant in Hainault, and
lodged at the house of a poor knight called Eustace d’Ambreticourt, who
received her with great pleasure, and entertained her in the best manner
he could; insomuch that afterwards the Queen of England and her son
invited the knight, his wife, and all his children, to England, and
advanced their fortunes in different ways.
The arrival of the queen in Hainault was soon known in the house of the
good Earl of Hainault, who was then at Valenciennes. Sir John, his
brother, was also informed of the hour when she alighted at the house
of the Lord of Ambreticourt. This Sir John, being at that time very
young, and panting for glory like a knight-errant, mounted his horse,
and, accompanied by a few persons, set out from Valenciennes for
Ambreticourt, where he arrived in the evening, and paid the queen every
respect and honor.
The queen was at that time very dejected, and made a very lamentable
complaint to him of all her griefs; which affected Sir John so much,
that he mixed his own tears with hers, and said, “Lady, see here your
knight, who will not fail to die for you, though every one else should
desert you: therefore will I do every thing in my power to conduct you
and your son, and to restore you to your rank in England, by the grace
of God, and the assistance of your friends in those parts. And I, and
all those whom I can influence, will risk our lives on the adventure,
for your sake; and we will have a sufficient armed force, if it please
God, without fearing any danger from the King of France.” The queen, who
was sitting down, and Sir John standing before her, rose, and would have
cast herself at his feet out of gratitude for the great favor he had
just offered her; but the gallant Sir John, rising up quickly, caught
her in his arms, and said, “God forbid that the Queen of England should
ever do such a thing! Madam, be of good comfort to yourself and company;
for I will keep my promise: and you shall come and see my brother, and
the countess his wife, and all their fine children, who will be rejoiced
to see you; for I have heard them say so.” The queen answered, “Sir, I
find in you more kindness and comfort than in all the world besides; and
I give you five hundred thousand thanks for what you have said and
offered me. If you will keep what you have promised me with so much
courtesy, I and my son shall be forever bound unto you; and we will put
the kingdom of England under your management, as in justice it ought to
be.”
The queen set off, accompanied by Sir John, Lord of Beaumont, who with
joy and respect conducted her to Valenciennes. Many of the citizens of
the town came out to meet her, and received her with great humility. She
was thus introduced to William, Earl of Hainault, who, as well as the
countess, received her very graciously. Many great feasts were given on
this occasion, as no one knew better than the countess how to do the
honors of her house. This Earl William had at that time four
daughters,--Margaret, Philippa, Joan, and Isabella. The young King
Edward paid more court and attention to Philippa than to any of the
others; the young lady also conversed more frequently with him, and
sought his company oftener, than any of her sisters. The queen remained
at Valenciennes during eight days with the good earl and countess Joan
of Valois. In the mean time the queen made every preparation for her
departure; and Sir John wrote very affectionate letters unto certain
knights, and those companions in whom he put the most confidence, in
Hainault, in Brabant, and Bohemia, beseeching them, from all the
friendship that was between them, that they would accompany him in his
expedition to England.
There were great numbers in these countries who were willing to go with
him from the love they bore him, and many who refused, notwithstanding
his request: and even Sir John himself was much reproved by the earl his
brother, and by some of his council, because it seemed to them that this
enterprise was of much hazard, on account of the great divisions and
enmities which at that time subsisted among the great barons and commons
in England; and also because the English are always very jealous of
strangers, which made them doubt whether Sir John de Hainault and his
companions would ever return. But, notwithstanding all their blame and
all their advice bestowed upon him, the gallant knight would not change
his purpose; saying that he could die but once; that the time was in the
will of God; and that all true knights were bound to aid, to the utmost
of their power, all ladies and damsels driven from their kingdoms
comfortless and forlorn.
CHAPTER VI.
QUEEN ISABELLA ARRIVES IN ENGLAND WITH SIR JOHN DE HAINAULT.
The Queen of England took leave of the earl and countess, thanking them
much for the honor they had shown her, and kissed them at her departure.
The queen, her son, and suite set off, accompanied by Sir John, who with
great difficulty had obtained his brother’s permission.
They travelled in such a manner as to arrive at Dordrecht by the time
limited for their friends to meet them. At that place they provided
themselves with vessels of different sizes; and having embarked their
cavalry, baggage, &c., they set sail, first recommending themselves to
the care of the Lord. When they left the harbor of Dordrecht, the fleet,
considering the force, made a beautiful appearance from its good order,
and from the weather being clear and temperate. They came opposite to
the dikes of Holland the first tide after their departure. The next day
they cast anchor, and furled their sails, intending to follow the coast
of Zealand, and to land at a port which they had descried; but they
were prevented by a violent tempest, which drove them so far out of
their course, that for two days they knew not where they were. In this
God was very merciful to them; for, had they landed at the port they
intended, they would have fallen into the hands of their enemies, who,
apprised of their coming, waited for them at that place to put them to
death. At the end of two days the storm abated; and the sailors,
descrying England, made for it with great joy, and landed upon the
sands, having neither harbor nor safe port. They remained there three
days at a short allowance of provisions, while they disembarked their
cavalry, and landed their baggage. They were ignorant in what part of
England they were, whether that part of the country was friendly to them
or not. The fourth day they began their march, putting themselves under
the protection of God and St. George; having suffered much from cold and
hunger in addition to their late fears, of which they had not yet
divested themselves. They marched over hill and dale until they came to
some villages. Soon afterwards they saw a large monastery of black
friars, called St. Hamons, where they refreshed themselves during three
days.
CHAPTER VII.
THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND BESIEGES HER HUSBAND IN THE CITY OF BRISTOL.
The news of her arrival, being spread abroad, soon came to the knowledge
of those lords by whose advice she had returned. They got themselves
ready as soon as possible to join her son, whom they wished to have for
their sovereign. The first who came was Henry, Earl of Lancaster,
surnamed Wryneck, brother to the Earl Thomas who had been beheaded, and
father of the Duke of Lancaster who makes so conspicuous a figure in the
following history. This Earl Henry was attended by a great number of men
at arms. After him came, from different parts, earls, barons, knights,
and esquires, with such an armed force, that they no longer thought they
had any thing to apprehend. As they advanced, their forces were still
increased; so that a council was called to consider if they should not
march directly to Bristol, where the king and the two Spencers then
were.
Bristol was at that time a large town, well enclosed, and situated on a
good port. Its castle was very strong, and surrounded by the sea. The
queen, with all her company, the lords of Hainault, and their suite,
took the shortest road for that place. Their forces were augmenting
daily until they arrived at Bristol, which they besieged in form. The
king and the younger Spencer shut themselves up in the castle: old Sir
Hugh and the Earl of Arundel remained in the town.
When the citizens saw the queen’s force, and the affections of almost
all England on her side, alarmed at their own perilous situation, they
determined to surrender the town on condition that their lives and
property should be spared. They sent to treat with the queen on this
subject; but neither she nor her council would consent to it unless Sir
Hugh Spencer and the Earl of Arundel were delivered up to her
discretion, for she had come purposely to destroy them.
The citizens, seeing they had no other means of saving the town, their
lives, and their fortunes, acceded to the queen’s terms, and opened
their gates to her. She entered the town accompanied by Sir John de
Hainault, with all her barons, knights, and esquires, who took their
lodging therein: the others, for want of accommodation, remained
without. Sir Hugh Spencer and the Earl of Arundel were delivered to the
queen, to do with them as it should please her. Her children were also
brought to her,--John and her two daughters,--found there in the keeping
of Sir Hugh Spencer. As she had not seen them in a long time, this gave
her great joy as well as all her party.
The king and the younger Spencer, shut up in the castle, were much
grieved at what had passed, seeing the whole country turned to the
queen’s party and to Edward, the eldest son.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND AND SIR HUGH SPENCER ARE TAKEN AT SEA AS THEY
ARE ENDEAVORING TO ESCAPE FROM THE CASTLE OF BRISTOL.
The king and Sir Hugh Spencer, seeing themselves so closely pressed, and
being ignorant whether any succor was coming to them, embarked one
morning with a few followers in a small boat behind the castle,
intending, if possible, to reach the principality of Wales. They were
eleven or twelve days in this small boat; and, notwithstanding every
effort to get forward, the winds proved so contrary by the will of God,
that once or twice a day they were driven back within a quarter of a
league of the castle whence they set out. At length Sir Henry Beaumont,
espying the vessel, embarked with some of his companions in a barge, and
rowed so vigorously after it, that the king’s boatmen, unable to
escape, were overtaken. The king and Sir Hugh Spencer were brought back
to Bristol, and delivered to the queen and her son as prisoners. Thus
ended this bold and gallant enterprise of Sir John de Hainault and his
companions, who, when they embarked at Dordrecht, amounted to no more
than three hundred men at arms. By their means Queen Isabella recovered
her kingdom, and destroyed her enemies; at which the whole nation,
except some few who were attached to the Spencers, was greatly rejoiced.
When the king and Sir Hugh Spencer were brought to Bristol by Sir Henry
Beaumont, the king was sent to Berkeley Castle under a strong guard.
Many attentions were paid to him, and proper people were placed near his
person to take every care of him, but on no account to suffer him to
pass the bounds of the castle. Sir Hugh Spencer was delivered up to Sir
Thomas Wager, marshal of the army.
The queen and all the army set out for London, which is the principal
city in England. Sir Thomas Wager caused Sir Hugh Spencer to be fastened
on the poorest and smallest horse he could find, clothed with a tabard
such as he was accustomed to wear. He led him thus in derision, in the
suite of the queen, through all the towns they passed, where he was
announced by trumpets and cymbals by way of greater mockery, till they
reached Hereford, where she and her suite were respectfully and joyfully
received. The feast of All Saints was there celebrated with the greatest
solemnity and magnificence, out of affection to her son, and respect to
the noble foreigners that attended him.
When the feast was over, Sir Hugh was brought before the queen and
knights assembled. The charges were read to him; to which he made no
reply. The barons and knights then passed sentence on him,--that he
should be drawn on a hurdle, attended by trumpets and clarions, through
all the streets in the city of Hereford, and then conducted to the
market-place, where all the people were assembled: at that place he was
to be bound upon a high scaffold, in order that he might be more easily
seen by the people.
Afterwards his heart was thrown into the fire, because it had been false
and traitorous; since he, by his treasonable counsels, so advised the
king as to bring shame and mischief on the land, and had caused some of
the greatest lords to be beheaded by whom the kingdom ought to have been
supported and defended. His head was cut off, and sent to London.
After the execution, the queen and all the lords, with a great number of
common people, set out for London. As they approached it great crowds
came out to meet them, and received both her and her son, as well as
those who accompanied her, with great reverence.
The citizens presented handsome gifts to the queen, as well as to those
of her suite where they thought them best bestowed. After fifteen days
passed in feasts and rejoicings, the companions of Sir John de Hainault
were impatient to return home. When the queen and her companions saw
this, they addressed themselves to Sir John de Hainault, and requested
him to remain only until after Christmas, and that he would detain as
many of his followers as possible. He detained as many of his companions
as he could; but small was the number, the greater part refusing to stay
on any account.
The queen ordered a large sum of money to be given them for their
expenses, besides jewels of high price, which she presented to each
according to his rank; so that all were perfectly satisfied. She also
paid to each, in ready money, the value of their horses that they chose
to leave behind, according to their own estimation, without any demur.
CHAPTER IX.
THE CORONATION OF KING EDWARD THE THIRD.
Most of the followers of Sir John de Hainault having returned home, the
queen gave leave to many of her household to return to their
country-seats,--except a few of the nobles, whom she kept with her as
her council,--expressly ordering them to come back at Christmas to a
great court which at that time she intended to hold. When Christmas
came, she held the court above mentioned; and it was very fully attended
by all the nobles and prelates of the realm, as well as by the principal
officers of the chief cities and towns. In this assembly it was
determined that the kingdom could no longer remain without a sovereign;
and when all the acts done by the king, or having his consent, had been
read, the chiefs of the assembly consulted together, and agreeing that
such a man was not worthy to be a king, neither to bear a crown nor the
title of king, they unanimously resolved that his elder son and true
heir, then present, should be crowned instead of the father. They
ordered that his father should be kept a prisoner, having every
attention paid to his rank, as long as he should live.
The young King Edward, since so fortunate in arms, was crowned with a
royal diadem in the Palace of Westminster on Christmas Day, 1326. He
completed his sixteenth year on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul
following.
At this coronation Sir John de Hainault and all his companions, noble or
otherwise, were much feasted, and many rich jewels were given to him and
those that staid with him. He and his friends remained during these
grand feasts, to the great satisfaction of the lords and ladies that
were there, until Twelfth Day; when he received information that the
King of Bohemia, the Earl of Hainault his brother, and many great lords
of France, had ordered a tournament to be proclaimed at Condé. Sir John,
therefore, would no longer stay, notwithstanding their entreaties, from
the great desire he had to attend this tournament to see his brother and
the other princes, especially that gallant and generous prince, Charles,
King of Bohemia.
When the young King Edward, his mother, and the barons, saw that it was
not possible to detain him any longer, they gave him permission to
depart, very much against their will. The king, by the advice of the
queen, granted him an annuity of four hundred marks sterling,
hereditable rent, to be held of him in fee, payable in the city of
Bruges. He gave also to Philip de Chateaux, his principal esquire and
chief counsellor, a hundred marks sterling of rent, to be paid at the
same time and place. He ordered many knights to accompany him to Dover,
and that his passage should be free of all cost. He presented the
Countess de Garennes, sister to the Count de Bar, and some other ladies
who had accompanied the queen to England, with many rich jewels, on
their taking leave.
Sir John and his company immediately embarked on board the vessels
prepared for them, to be in time for the tournament. The king sent with
him fifteen young and hardy knights to attend him at this tournament,
there to try their skill, and to get acquainted with the lords and
knights that were to be there. Sir John and his company paid them all
the attention in their power, and on this occasion tourneyed at Condé.
CHAPTER X.
ROBERT BRUCE, KING OF SCOTLAND, DEFIES KING EDWARD.
After the departure of Sir John de Hainault, King Edward and his mother
governed the kingdom by the counsels of the good Earl of Kent and of Sir
Roger Mortimer. Both of them had been banished with the queen. They also
took the advice of Sir Thomas Wager, and of others who were esteemed the
wisest in the land. This, however, created much envy, which never dies
in England, but reigns there as well as in other places. Thus passed the
winter and Lent in perfect peace until Easter; when it happened that
Robert, King of Scotland, who, though brave, had suffered much in his
wars with England, having often been defeated by King Edward,
grandfather of the young king, being at this time very old and afflicted
with leprosy, hearing that the king had been taken prisoner and deposed,
and his counsellors put to death, thought it a favorable opportunity to
send a defiance to the present king, as yet a youth, whose barons were
not on good terms with each other, and to attempt the conquest of some
part of England. About Easter, 1327, he sent a defiance to King Edward
and all the country, informing them that he would enter the kingdom, and
burn it as far as he had done before after the defeat of Stirling, in
which the English suffered so much.
When the young king and his council received this challenge, they
published it throughout the kingdom, and ordered that all the nobles and
others should come properly accoutred and accompanied, according to
their different ranks, to York, the Day of Ascension following. He also
sent a considerable body of men at arms to guard the frontiers of
Scotland, and messengers to Sir John de Hainault, begging him very
affectionately to assist and accompany him in this expedition, and to
meet him at York on Ascension Day with as many companions in arms as he
could bring with him.
Sir John and his company reached York by the appointed time, and were
welcomed and magnificently entertained by the king, queen, and all the
barons. The handsomest suburbs of the city were assigned them for their
quarters, and a monastery of white friars was allotted for him and his
household. In company with the knight came from Hainault the Lord of
Anghien (called Sir Walter), Sir Henry, Lord of Antoing, the Lord of
Seignoles, and the following knights,--Sir Fastres de Reu, Sir Robert de
Bailleul, Sir William de Bailleul his brother, the Lord of Havereth
(castellan of Mons), Sir Alart de Briseil, Sir Michael de Ligne, Sir
John de Montigny the younger, and his brother Sir Sause de Boussac, Sir
Percival de Severies, the Lords of Gommegines, De Biaurien, and De
Folion. There came also from Flanders, first, Sir Hector de Vilains, Sir
John de Rhodes, Sir Vaufflat de Guistelle, Sir James de Guistelle his
brother, Sir Gossuin de la Muelle, and the Lord of Tarces. Many came
from Brabant; as the Lord of Dusle, Sir Thierry de Vaucourt, Sir Rasses
de Gres, Sir John de Cassebegne, Sir John Pilestre, Sir William de
Courterelles, the three brothers De Harlebeque, Sir Walter de
Hautebergue, and several others. Of the Bohemians were, Sir John de
Libeaux, Henry his brother, Sir Henry de la Chappelle, Sir Hugh de Hay,
Sir John de Limies, Sir Lambert des Prez, Sir Gilbert de Hers. There
came also other volunteer knights out of Cambresis and Artois, in hopes
of advancement; so that Sir John had five hundred good men in his
company, well apparelled and richly mounted.
CHAPTER XI.
A DISSENSION BETWEEN THE ARCHERS OF ENGLAND AND THE HAINAULTERS.
The King of England, in order to entertain and feast the strangers and
their company, held a great court on Trinity Sunday, at the house of the
black friars, where he and the queen were lodged, and where each kept
their household separate; the king with his knights, and the queen with
her ladies, whose numbers were considerable. At this court the king had
five hundred knights, and created fifteen new ones. The queen gave her
entertainment in the dormitory, where at least sixty ladies, whom she
had invited to entertain Sir John de Hainault and his suite, sat down at
her table. There might be seen a numerous nobility well served with
plenty of strange dishes, so disguised that it could not be known what
they were. There were also ladies most superbly dressed, who were
expecting with impatience the hour of the ball, or a longer continuance
of the feast: but it fell out otherwise; for, soon after dinner, a
violent affray happened between some of the grooms of the Hainaulters
and the English archers, who were lodged with them in the suburbs. This
increased so much that the archers collected together with their bows
strung, and shot at them so as to force them to retreat to their
lodgings. The greater part of the knights and their masters, who were
still at court, hearing of the affray, hastened to their quarters. Those
that could not enter them were exposed to great danger; for the archers,
to the number of three thousand, aimed both at masters and servants. It
was supposed that this affray was occasioned by the friends of the
Spencers and the Earl of Arundel, in revenge for their having been put
to death through the advice of Sir John de Hainault. The English also,
at whose houses the Hainaulters lodged, barricaded their doors and
windows, and would not suffer them to enter: nevertheless some of them
got admittance at the back doors, and quickly armed themselves, but
durst not advance into the street, for fear of the arrows. The strangers
immediately sallied from behind their lodgings, breaking down the hedges
and enclosures, until they came to a square, where they halted, waiting
for their companions, till they amounted to a hundred under arms, and as
many without, who could not gain admittance to their lodgings. United
thus, they hastened to assist their friends, who were defending their
quarters in the great street in the best manner they could: they passed
through the hotel of the Lord of Anghien, which had great gates before
and behind open into the street, where the archers were dealing about
their arrows in a furious manner. Many Hainaulters were wounded with
them.
CHAPTER XII.
HOW THE FIGHT BETWEEN THE ARCHERS AND THE HAINAULTERS ENDED.
Here we found the good knights, Sir Fastres de Rue, Sir Percival de
Severies, and Sir Sause de Boussac, who, not getting admittance into
their lodgings, performed deeds equal to those that were armed. They had
in their hands great oaken staves, taken from the house of a carter:
they dealt their blows so successfully that none durst approach them,
and, being strong and valiant knights, beat down, that evening, upward
of sixty men. At last the archers were discomfited and put to flight.
There remained on the ground dead three hundred men, or thereabouts, who
were all from the bishopric of Lincoln. I believe that God never showed
greater grace or favor to any one than he did in that day to Sir John de
Hainault and his company; for these archers certainly meant nothing less
than to murder and rob them, notwithstanding they were come upon the
king’s business. These strangers were never in such great peril as
during the time they remained at York; nor were they in perfect safety
until their return to Wissan; for, during their stay, the hatred of the
archers was so greatly increased against them, that some of the barons
and principal knights informed the lords of Hainault that the archers
and others of the commonalty of England, to the number of six thousand,
had entered into an agreement to massacre and burn them and their
followers in their lodgings either by night or day, and there was no one
on the part of the king, or of the barons, that could venture to assist
them. The Hainaulters, therefore, had no other resource left than to
stand by each other, and to sell their lives as dearly as possible. They
made many prudent regulations for their conduct, were frequently obliged
to lie on their arms, to confine themselves to their quarters, and to
have their armor ready, and their horses always saddled. They were also
obliged to keep detachments continually on the watch in the fields and
roads round the city, and to send scouts to the distance of half a
league, to see if those people, of whom they had received information,
were coming; with orders, that, if they perceived any bodies in motion
advancing toward the town, they were immediately to return to the
detachments in the fields, in order that they might be quickly mounted,
and collected together under their own banner, at an appointed
alarm-post. They continued in the suburbs four weeks in this distressing
situation; and none except a few of the great lords, who went to court
to see the king and his council, or to the entertainments to hear the
news, ventured to quit their quarters or their arms. If this unfortunate
quarrel had not happened, they would have passed their time very
pleasantly; for there was such plenty in the city and surrounding
country, that during more than six weeks, while the king and the lords
of England, with upward of forty thousand men at arms, remained there,
the provisions were not dearer; for as much was to be bought for a penny
as before their arrival. Good wines from Gascony, Alsace, and the Rhine
were in abundance, and reasonable; poultry and other such provisions at
a low price. Hay, oats, and straw, of a good quality, and cheap, were
delivered at their quarters.
CHAPTER XIII.
HOW THE KING AND HIS ARMY MARCHED TO DURHAM.
After remaining three weeks from the time of this affray, the king
issued a proclamation by his marshals, that every one in the course of
the ensuing week should be provided with carts, tents, and every thing
necessary for their march toward Scotland. When every one was properly
equipped, the king and all his barons marched out of the city, and
encamped six leagues from it. Sir John de Hainault and his company were
encamped near the king, as a mark of distinction, and to prevent the
archers from taking any advantage of him. The king and this first
division remained there two days and two nights, waiting the arrival of
money for his expenses, as well as to examine whether any thing were
wanting. On the third day the army dislodged, and before daybreak
marched till they came to the city of Durham, a long day’s journey, at
the entrance of a country called Northumberland, which is wild, full of
deserts and mountains, and poor in every thing except cattle. The river
Tyne runs through it, full of flints and large stones. Upon this river
is situated the town called Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The lord marshal of
England was there, with a numerous army to guard the country against the
Scots. At Carlisle was a considerable body of Welsh, under the command
of Lord Hereford and Lord Mowbray, to defend the passage of the Eden;
for the Scots could not enter England without passing one of these
rivers. The English could get no certain information of the Scots until
they arrived at this place: they had passed the river so privately,
that neither those of Carlisle nor those of Newcastle had the smallest
knowledge of it. These towns are said to be distant from each other four
and twenty English miles.
CHAPTER XIV.
OF THE MANNERS OF THE SCOTS, AND HOW THEY CARRY ON WAR.
The Scots are bold, hardy, and much inured to war. When they make their
invasions into England, they march from twenty to four and twenty miles
without halting, as well by night as day; for they are all on horseback,
except the camp-followers, who are on foot. The knights and esquires are
well mounted on large bay horses, the common people on little galloways.
They bring no carriages with them, on account of the mountains they have
to pass in Northumberland; neither do they carry with them any
provisions of bread or wine; for their habits of sobriety are such, in
time of war, that they will live for a long time on flesh half sodden,
without bread, and drink the river-water without wine. They have,
therefore, no occasion for pots or pans: for they dress the flesh of
their cattle in the skins, after they have taken them off; and, being
sure to find plenty of them in the country which they invade, they carry
none with them. Under the flaps of his saddle, each man carries a broad
plate of metal; behind the saddle, a little bag of oatmeal: when they
have eaten too much of the sodden flesh, and their stomach appears weak
and empty, they place this plate over the fire, mix with water their
oatmeal, and, when the plate is heated, they put a little of the paste
upon it, and make a thin cake, like a cracknel or biscuit, which they
eat to warm their stomachs: it is therefore no wonder that they perform
a longer day’s march than other soldiers. In this manner the Scots
entered England, destroying and burning every thing as they passed. They
seized more cattle than they knew what to do with. Their army consisted
of four thousand men at arms, knights and esquires, well mounted;
besides twenty thousand men, bold and hardy, armed after the manner of
their country, and mounted upon little hackneys, that are never tied up
or dressed, but turned, immediately after the day’s march, to pasture on
the heath or in the fields. This army was commanded by two valiant
captains. The King of Scotland himself, who had been very brave, yet
being old, and laboring under a leprosy, appointed for one that gallant
prince, so renowned in arms, the Earl of Moray, who bore upon his banner
argent three pillows gules; the other was Sir James Douglas, esteemed
the bravest and most enterprising knight in the two kingdoms: he bore
for arms azure on a chef argent. These two lords were the greatest
barons, and most renowned for their prowess and other feats of arms.
CHAPTER XV.
KING EDWARD’S FIRST EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SCOTS.
When the English king and all his host had seen the smoke of the fires
which the Scots had made, the alarm was immediately sounded, and every
one ordered to dislodge and to follow his banners: they all, therefore,
withdrew to the fields, armed for immediate combat. Three battalions of
infantry were formed; each battalion having two wings, composed of five
hundred men at arms, who were to remain on horseback.
It was said that there were eight thousand men at arms, knights and
esquires, and thirty thousand men armed and equipped, half of whom were
mounted on small hackneys: the other half were countrymen on foot, sent
by the towns and paid by them. There were also twenty-four thousand
archers on foot, besides all the crew of followers of the army. Thus
being drawn up, they marched in battle array after the Scots, towards
the place whence the smoke came, until it was night. The army halted in
a wood, by the side of a small river, to rest themselves, and to wait
for their baggage and provisions.
And all that day the Scots had burnt and wasted and pillaged the country
about within five miles of the English host, but the Englishmen could
not overtake them. They could not approach near to the Scots, who went
wasting the country before them.
At daybreak the next morning every one was armed, and with banners
displayed marched in good order over mountains and through valleys, but
could never approach the Scots; for there were so many marshes and
dangerous places, that it was ordered, under pain of death, that no one
should quit his banner except the marshals. When it drew toward night,
the cavalry, and those who attended the baggage, more especially the
infantry, were so fatigued that they could march no farther.
The king then ordered the marshals to encamp the army there for the
night, in order that they might consider what was to be done the next
day. The army lay in a wood upon the banks of a small river, and the
king was lodged in a poor monastery hard by. When each had chosen a
spot of ground to encamp himself on, the lords retired apart, to
consider what would be the best method to force the Scots, considering
the situation of the country in which they were. It appeared to them
that the Scots were sheering off to their own country, burning and
pillaging as they went, and that it would be impossible to fight with
them in these mountains without a manifest disadvantage, supposing they
should overtake them, which they could not; but, as they must repass the
Tyne, it was determined in full council, that, if they were to get
themselves ready about midnight, and hasten their march next day, they
might cut off the passage of the river, and force them to fight at a
disadvantage, or remain shut up prisoners in England.
After this resolution had been entered into, each retired to his
quarters, to eat and drink what he could find there; and they desired
their companions to be silent, in order that the trumpets might be
heard: at the first sounding of which, the horses were to be saddled and
made ready; at the second, every one was to arm himself without delay;
and, at the third, to mount their horses immediately, and join their
banners. Each was to take only one loaf of bread with him, slung behind
him, after the manner of hunters. All unnecessary arms, harness, and
baggage were ordered to be left behind, as they thought they should, for
a certainty, give battle the next day, whatever might be the
consequences. As it had been ordered, so was it executed; and all were
mounted and ready about midnight. Some had but little rest,
notwithstanding they had labored hard the day before. Day began to
appear, as the battalions were assembled at their different posts. The
banner-bearers then hastened on, over heaths, mountains, valleys,
rocks, and many dangerous places, without meeting any level country. On
the summits of the mountains, and in the valleys, were large marshes and
bogs, and of such extent that it is a miracle many were not lost in
them; for each galloped forward without waiting for either commander or
companion. Those who fell into them found difficulty in getting any one
to help them. Many banners remained there; and several baggage and
sumpter horses never came out again.
In the course of the day there were frequent cries of alarm, as if the
foremost ranks were engaged with the enemy; which those behind believing
to be true, they hurried forward as fast as possible, over rocks and
mountains, sword in hand, with their helmets and shields prepared for
fighting, without waiting for father, brother, or friend. When they had
hastened about half a league toward the place from which the noise came,
they found themselves disappointed, as the cries proceeded from some
herds of deer or other wild beasts, which abounded in these heaths and
desert places, and which fled before the banners, pursued by the shouts
of the army, which made them imagine it was something else.
In this manner the young King of England, agreeably to the advice of his
council, rode all that day over mountains and deserts, without keeping
to any fixed road, or finding any town. About vespers, and sorely
fatigued, they reached the Tyne, which the Scots had already crossed,
though the English supposed they had it still to repass. Accordingly
they went over the ford, but with great difficulty, owing to the large
stones that were in the river.
When they had passed over, each took up his lodging on its banks, as he
could; and at this time the sun was set. There were few among them that
had any hatchets, wedges, or other instruments, to cut down trees to
make themselves huts; many of them had lost their companions, and even
the foot had remained behind, not knowing what road to ask for. They
were forced to lie this night on the banks of the river in their armor,
and at the same time hold their horses by their bridles, for there was
not any place where they could tie them. Thus the horses had nothing to
eat, neither oats nor any forage; and the men had only their loaf that
was tied behind them, which was wetted by the sweat of the horses. They
had no other beverage but the water of the river, except some great
lords who had bottles among their baggage; nor had they any fire or
light, not having any thing to make them of, except some few lords who
had some torches which they had brought on sumpter-horses. In such a
melancholy manner did they pass the night, without taking the saddles
from off the horses, or disarming themselves. And when the long-expected
day appeared, when they hoped to find some comfort for themselves and
horses, or to fight the Scots, which they very much wished for, to get
out of their disagreeable situation, it began to rain, and continued all
the day, insomuch that the river was so increased by noon that no one
could pass over, nor could any one be sent to know where they were, or
to get forage and litter for their horses, or bread and wine for their
own sustenance: they were therefore obliged to fast another night. The
horses had nothing to subsist on but the leaves of the trees, and grass.
They cut down with their swords young trees, and tied their horses to
them. They also cut down brushwood to make huts for themselves.
Having continued a whole week without hearing any tidings of the Scots,
who they imagined must pass that way, or very near it, on their return
home, great murmurs arose in the army; and many laid the fault on those
who had given such advice, adding that it was done in order to betray
the king and his host. Upon which, the lords of council ordered the army
to make ready to march, and cross the river seven leagues higher up,
where the ford was better; and it was proclaimed, that every one was to
be in readiness to march the next day, and to follow his banners. There
was another proclamation made, that whoever chose to take pains and find
out where the Scots were, and should bring certain intelligence of it to
the king, the messenger of such news should have one hundred pounds a
year in land, and be made a knight by the king himself. When this was
made known among the host, many knights and esquires, to the number of
fifteen or sixteen, eager to gain such rewards, passed the river with
much danger, ascended the mountains, and then separated, each taking
different routes.
The next day the army dislodged; marched tolerably well, considering
that they were but ill clothed; and exerted themselves so much, that
they repassed the river, though with much danger from its being swollen
by the rains. Many were well washed, and many drowned. When they had
crossed over, they remained there for that night, finding plenty of
forage in the fields near to a small village, which the Scots had burnt
as they passed. The next day they marched over hill and dale till about
noon, when they came to some burnt villages, and some fields where there
were corn and hay, so that the host remained there for that night. The
third day they marched in the same manner; but many were ignorant where
they were going, nor had they any intelligence of the enemy.
They continued their route the fourth day in this order; when, about
three o’clock, an esquire, galloping up hastily to the king, said,
“Sire, I bring you news of the Scots: they are three leagues from this
place, lodged on a mountain, where they have been this week, waiting for
you. They knew no more where you were than you did of them: and you may
depend on this as true; for I approached so near to them, that I was
taken, and led a prisoner to their army, before their chiefs. I informed
them where you were, and that you were seeking them to give them battle.
The lords gave me up my ransom, and my liberty, when I informed them
that you had promised a hundred pounds a year to whoever should first
bring intelligence of them, upon condition that he rested not until he
brought you this information; and I now tell you that you will find them
in the place I have mentioned, as eager to meet you in battle as
yourself can be.” As soon as the king heard this news he ordered his
army to be prepared, and turned his horses to feed in the fields, near
to a monastery of white monks, which had been burnt, and which was
called in King Arthur’s time Blanche Land. Then the king confessed
himself, and each made his preparations according to his abilities. The
king ordered plenty of masses to be said, to housel such as were
devoutly inclined. He assigned a hundred pounds’ value of land, yearly,
to the esquire, according to his promise, and made him a knight with his
own hands, in the presence of the whole army. When they had taken some
repose, and breakfasted, the trumpets sounded; and, all being mounted,
the banners advanced as the young knight led them on; but each battalion
marched by itself in regular array, over hill and dale, keeping their
ranks according to order. Thus they continued marching, when about
twelve o’clock they came within sight of the Scots army.
As soon as the Scots perceived them, they issued forth from their huts
on foot, and formed three good battalions upon the descent of the
mountain on which they lodged. A strong, rapid river ran at the foot of
this mountain, which was so full of large rocks and stones, that it was
dangerous to pass it in haste. If the English had passed this river,
there was not room between it and the mountain for them to draw up their
line of battle. The Scots had formed their two first battalions on the
two sides of the mountain, and on the declivity of the rock, which was
not easy to climb to attack them: but they themselves were posted so as
to annoy them with stones, if they crossed the river; which, if the
English effected, they would not be able to return.
When the English lords perceived the disposition of the Scots, they
ordered their men to dismount, take off their spurs, and form three
battalions as before. Many new knights were made; and, when the
battalions were formed, some of the chief lords brought the young king
on horseback along the lines, to encourage the men. The king spoke most
graciously to all, and besought them to take every pains to do him honor
and preserve their own. He ordered, under pain of death, that no one
should advance before the banners of the marshals, or move without
orders. Shortly afterwards the battalions were commanded to advance
toward the enemy in slow time, keeping their ranks. This was done; and
each battalion moved on a considerable space, and came to the ascent of
the mountain where the Scots were posted. This manœuvre was intended in
order to see whether the enemy would retire, or make any movement; but
neither one nor other was to be perceived, and the armies were so near
each other that they could see the arms on their fields. The army was
ordered to halt to consider what was to be done; and some companions
were mounted to skirmish with the enemy, and to examine the passage of
the river and their appearance more clearly. They sent heralds to make
an offer of retiring on the morrow, if they would pass the river, and
fight upon the plain; or, if the Scots would not consent to this, that
they would do the same.
When the Scots received this proposal, the chiefs retired to counsel,
and returned for answer by the heralds, that they would do neither the
one nor the other; that the king and his barons saw that they were in
his kingdom, and had burnt and pillaged wherever they had passed; and
that, if it displeased the king, he might come and amend it, for they
would tarry there as long as it pleased them. When the council of the
King of England heard the answer, he ordered it to be proclaimed, that
each should take up his quarters where he was, without quitting the
ground or his arms: they therefore lay that night very uncomfortably
upon the hard ground, among rocks and stones, with their armor on, nor
could they get any stakes for the purpose of tying their horses, or
procure either litter, or forage, or any bushes to make fires.
The Scots, seeing the English thus take up their quarters, ordered part
of the army to remain where the battalions had been drawn up; and the
remainder retired to their huts, where they made marvellously great
fires, and about midnight such a blasting and noise with their horns,
that it seemed as if all the great devils from hell had been come there.
Thus were they lodged this night, which was the night of the feast of
St. Peter, the beginning of August, 1327, until the next day, when the
lords heard mass; afterwards every one armed himself, and the battalions
were formed as on the preceding day. When the Scots saw this, they came
and lodged themselves on the same ground they had done before; and the
two armies remained thus drawn up until noon, when the Scots made no
movement to come toward the English, nor did these on their part make
any advances, for they dared not to attempt it with so great
disadvantage. Several companions passed the river on horseback, as did
some of the foot, to skirmish with the Scots, who also quitted their
battalions to meet them; and many on each side were killed, wounded, and
taken prisoners. In the afternoon the lords ordered every one to retire
to their quarters, as it seemed to them that they were drawn up to no
purpose. In this manner they remained for three days. The Scots, on
their side, never quitted the mountain; but there were continued
skirmishes on both sides, and many killed and taken prisoners. In the
evenings they made large fires, and great noises with their horns and
with shouting. The intention of the English lords was to keep the Scots
besieged there; for, as they could not well fight with them, they hoped
to starve them. They knew from the prisoners that they had neither
bread, wine, salt, nor other provision, except cattle, of which they had
plenty, that they had seized in the country: of these they might eat,
indeed, without bread, which would not be very palatable. But they had
some little flour to make such cakes as have been before mentioned, and
which some of the English use on their inroads beyond the borders.
The fourth day, in the morning, the English looked for the Scots on the
mountain, but saw none of them, for they found they had decamped
secretly at midnight. Scouts of horse and of foot were immediately
despatched through the mountains to know what was become of them. They
found them, about four o’clock, posted upon another mountain, much
stronger than that they had left, upon the same river, near a large
wood, to be more concealed, and in order more privately to advance or
retreat at pleasure.
As soon as this was known, the English had orders to dislodge, and to
march in battle array toward the place where the enemy was posted; and
they encamped on a mountain opposite. They formed their battalions, and
seemed as if they meant to advance to them. The Scots no sooner
perceived this, than they sallied out of their quarters, and came and
posted themselves by the side of the river, directly in front; but they
were unwilling to advance or come nearer. The English could not attack
them in such a situation without great disadvantage and loss. They
remained full eighteen days in this situation upon this mountain, whence
the lords sent frequent heralds to the Scots, to offer to give them full
place of plain ground to draw up their battalions, or else they would
accept the same from them; but they would not agree to either of these
proposals.
The two armies had little comfort during the time they remained in this
position. The first night that the English were posted on this second
mountain, the Lord James Douglas took with him about two hundred men at
arms, and at midnight crossed the river, at such a distance from the
camp that he was not noticed, and fell upon the English army most
valiantly, shouting, “Douglas forever! Ye shall die, ye thieves of
England!” He and his companions killed more than three hundred; and he
galloped up to the king’s tent, and cut two or three of its cords,
crying, at the same time, “Douglas! Douglas forever!” when he set off;
and in his retreat he lost some of his followers, but not many: he
returned to his friends on the mountain. Nothing more of the sort was
attempted from that time; but the English in future kept a strong and
attentive guard, for they were fearful of another attack from the Scots,
and had placed sentinels and scouts to give notice of the smallest
movement of the enemy; the chief lords also slept in their armor. There
were frequent skirmishes, and many lives lost on both sides. The
twenty-fourth day from the time they had received intelligence of the
enemy, a Scots knight was taken prisoner, who, sore against his will,
gave an account to the lords of the state of the enemy. He was so
closely examined, that he owned his lords had given orders that morning
for every one to be armed by vespers, and follow the banner of Lord
James Douglas; that it was to be kept secret; but he was not for a
certainty acquainted with their intentions further. Upon this the
English lords held a council; and they judged, from the information of
the Scots knight, that the enemy might perhaps come in full force at
night to attack them on both sides at once, and from their sufferings by
famine, which they could endure no longer, make it a very bloody and
doubtful combat. The English formed into three battalions, and posted
themselves before their quarters, on three separate spots of ground.
They made large fires, in order to see better, and left their pages in
their quarters to take care of their horses. They remained under arms
all the night, and each was placed under his own standard or banner.
Toward daybreak two Scots trumpeters fell in with one of the patrols,
who took them, and brought them before the lords of the council, to whom
they said, “My lords, why do you watch here? You are losing your time;
for we swear, by our heads, that the Scots are on their march home since
midnight, and are now four or five leagues off, and they left us behind,
that we might give you the information.” The English said that it would
be in vain to follow them, as they could never overtake them; but,
fearing deceit, the lords ordered the trumpeters to close confinement,
and did not alter the position of the battalions until four o’clock.
When they saw that the Scots were really gone, they gave permission for
each to retire to his quarters, and the lords held a council to consider
what was to be done. Some of the English, however, mounted their horses,
passed the river, and went to the mountain which the Scots had quitted,
and found more than five hundred large cattle, which the enemy had
killed, as they were too heavy to carry with them, and too slow to
follow them, and they wished not to let them fall into the hands of the
English alive. They found there, also, more than three hundred caldrons,
made of leather with the hair on the outside, which were hung on the
fires full of water and meat, ready for boiling. There were also upward
of a thousand spits with meat on them, prepared for roasting; and more
than ten thousand pairs of old worn-out shoes, made of undressed
leather, which the Scots had left there. There were found five poor
English prisoners, whom the Scots had bound naked to the trees, and some
of them had their legs broken. They untied them, and sent them away, and
then returned to the army, just as they were setting out on their march
to England, by orders from the king and council.
They followed all that day the banners of the marshals, and halted at an
early hour in a beautiful meadow, where there was plenty of forage for
their horses; and much need was there of it, for they were so weakened
by famine, that they could scarce move. The next day they decamped
betimes, and took up their quarters still earlier, at a large monastery
within two leagues of Durham. The king lay there that night, and the
army in the fields around it, where they found plenty of grass, pulse,
and corn. They remained there quiet the next day; but the king and lords
went to see the church of Durham. The king paid his homage to the church
and the bishopric, which he had not before done, and gave largesses to
the citizens.
They found there all their carriages and baggage, which they had left in
a wood thirty-two days before at midnight, as has been related. The
inhabitants of Durham, finding them there, had brought them away at
their own cost, and placed them in empty barns. Each carriage had a
little flag attached to it, that it might be known. The lords were much
pleased at finding them again.
The king and nobles reposed two days at Durham, and the army in its
environs, for there would not have been sufficient room to lodge them in
that city. They had all their horses well shod, and set out on their
march toward York. They made such haste, that in three days they arrived
there, and found the queen mother, who received the king and nobles with
great joy, as did all the ladies of the court and city. The king
disbanded the army, and gave permission for every one to return to his
home, and made many acknowledgments to the earls, barons, and knights
for the services they had rendered him by their advice and prowess. The
knights made out their accounts for horses which had been ruined or
lost, or had died, and gave them in to the council; and also a statement
of their own expenses, which Sir John de Hainault took upon him as his
own debt toward his followers, for the king and his ministers could not
immediately collect such a sum as their horses amounted to; but he gave
them sufficient for their own expenses, and to carry them back to their
own country.
When the Hainaulters had received their demand for horses, they
purchased small hackneys to ride more at their ease, and sent their
carriages, sumpter-horses, trunks, and servants on board of two ships,
which the king had provided for them, and which landed them at Sluys, in
Flanders. They took leave of the king, queen, the earls of Kent and
Lancaster, and of all the barons, who paid them many honors; and the
king had them escorted by twelve knights and two hundred men at arms,
for fear of the archers, of whom they were not well assured, as they
must pass through the bishopric of Lincoln. Sir John and all his company
set out, escorted as above, and by easy journeys came to Dover, where
they embarked on board vessels ready provided for them. The Hainaulters
arrived at Wissan, where they tarried two days in order to deck out
their horses and the remains of their armor; during which time Sir John
de Hainault and some other knights went on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of
Boulogne. They returned together to Hainault, when they separated, and
each went to his own house: but Sir John went to his brother, who was at
that time at Valenciennes; he was received by him with great joy, as he
was much beloved by him. The Lord of Beaumont then related to him all
the above-mentioned history.
CHAPTER XVI.
KING EDWARD MARRIES THE LADY PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT.
Shortly afterwards, the king, queen, the Earl of Kent, his uncle, Earl
Henry of Lancaster, the Earl of Mortimer, and all the barons who were of
the council, sent a bishop, two knights bannerets, and two able clerks,
to Sir John de Hainault, to beg of him to be the means that the young
king, their lord, should marry; and that the Count of Hainault and
Holland would send over one of his daughters, for he would love her more
dearly, on his account, than any other lady. The count said he gave many
thanks to the king, queen, and the lords by whose counsel they were sent
thither to do him so much honor; and that he most willingly complied
with their request, if the pope and the holy Church of Rome would agree.
They immediately despatched two of the knights and the clerks to the
pope at Avignon, to entreat his consent; for without the pope’s
dispensation it could not be done, on account of their near
relationship; being in the third degree connected, for their two mothers
were cousins-german, being the children of two brothers. As soon as they
came to Avignon their business was done, for the pope and the college
gave their consent most benignantly.
When these gentlemen were returned to Valenciennes from Avignon, with
all their bulls, this marriage was directly settled and consented to on
each side; and immediate preparations were made for the dress and
equipage of such a lady, who was to be Queen of England.
She was then married, by virtue of a procuration which the King of
England had sent thither, and went on board a ship at Wissan, and landed
at Dover with all her suite. Her uncle, Sir John de Hainault, conducted
her to London, where she was crowned; and there were great crowds of the
nobility, and feastings, tournaments, and sumptuous entertainments every
day, which lasted for three weeks.
CHAPTER XVII.
DOUGLAS IS KILLED FIGHTING FOR THE HEART OF KING ROBERT.
After the Scots had in the night quitted the mountain where the young
King Edward and the nobles of England had held them besieged, as you
have before heard, they marched twenty-two miles without halting, and
crossed the Tyne pretty near to Carlisle, where by the orders of the
chiefs all disbanded and went to their own homes. Shortly afterwards
some of the lords and barons so earnestly solicited the King of England,
that a truce was agreed on between the two kings for three years.
During this truce it happened that King Robert of Scotland, who had been
a very valiant knight, waxed old, and was attacked with so severe an
illness that he saw his end was approaching: he therefore summoned
together all the chiefs and barons in whom he most confided, and, after
having told them that he should never get the better of this sickness,
he commanded them upon their honor and loyalty to keep faithfully the
kingdom for his son David, to crown him king when he was of a proper
age, and to marry him with a lady suitable to his station.
He after that called to him the gallant Lord James Douglas, and said to
him, in presence of the others,--
“My dear friend Lord James Douglas, you know that I have had much to do,
and have suffered many troubles, to support the rights of my crown. At
the time that I was most occupied I made a vow, the non-accomplishment
of which gives me much uneasiness: I vowed, that, if I could finish my
wars in such a manner that I might have quiet to govern peaceably, I
would go and make war against the enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ. To
this point my heart has always leaned; but our Lord gave me so much to
do in my lifetime, and this last expedition has delayed me so long,
followed by this heavy sickness, that, since my body cannot accomplish
what my heart wishes, I will send my heart in the stead of my body to
accomplish my vow.
“I will that as soon as I shall be dead you take my heart from my body,
and have it well embalmed; you will also take as much money from my
treasury as will appear to you sufficient to perform your journey, as
well as for all those whom you may choose to take with you in your
train: you will then deposit your charge at the Holy Sepulchre of our
Lord, where he was buried, since my body cannot go there. You will not
be sparing of expense; and, wherever you pass, you will let it be known
that you bear the heart of King Robert of Scotland, which you are
carrying beyond seas by his command, since his body cannot go thither.”
All those present began bewailing bitterly; and, when the Lord James
could speak, he said, “Gallant and noble king, I return you a hundred
thousand thanks for the high honor you do me, and for the valuable and
dear treasure with which you intrust me; and I will most willingly do
all that you command me, with the utmost loyalty in my power. Never
doubt it, however I may feel unworthy of such a high distinction.”
The king replied, “Gallant knight, I thank you. You promise it me,
then?”
“Certainly, sir; most willingly,” answered the knight. He then gave his
promise upon his knighthood.
The king said, “Thanks be to God! For I shall now die in peace, since I
know that the most valiant and accomplished knight of my kingdom will
perform that for me which I am unable to do for myself.”
Soon afterwards the valiant Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, departed
this life. His heart was embalmed, and his body buried in the monastery
of Dunfermline.
Early in the spring the Lord James Douglas, having made provision of
every thing that was proper for his expedition, embarked at the port of
Montrose, and sailed directly for Sluys in Flanders, in order to learn
if any one were going beyond the sea to Jerusalem, that he might join
companies. He remained there twelve days, and would not set his foot on
shore, but staid the whole time on board, where he kept a magnificent
table, with music of trumpets and drums, as if he had been the King of
Scotland. His company consisted of one knight banneret, and seven
others, of the most valiant knights of Scotland, without counting the
rest of his household. His plate was of gold and silver, consisting of
pots, basins, porringers, cups, bottles, barrels, and other such things.
He had likewise twenty-six young and gallant esquires of the best
families in Scotland to wait on him; and all those who came to visit him
were handsomely served with two sorts of wine, and two sorts of
spices,--I mean those of a certain rank. At last, after staying at Sluys
twelve days, he heard that Alphonso, King of Spain, was waging war
against the Saracen King of Grenada. He considered that, if he should go
thither, he should employ his time and journey according to the late
king’s wishes; and, when he should have finished there, he would proceed
farther, to complete that with which he was charged. He made sail
therefore toward Spain, and landed first at Valencia; thence he went
straight to the King of Spain, who was with his army on the frontiers,
very near the Saracen King of Grenada.
[Illustration: Lord James Douglas throwing the Heart of Bruce among the
Saracens.]
It happened, soon after the arrival of the Lord James Douglas, that the
King of Spain issued forth into the fields, to make his approaches
nearer the enemy: the King of Grenada did the same, and each king could
easily distinguish the other’s banners; and they both began to set their
armies in array. The Lord James placed himself and his company on one
side, to make better work and a more powerful effort. When he perceived
that the battalions on each side were fully arranged, and that of the
King of Spain in motion, he imagined they were about to begin the onset;
and, as he always wished to be among the first rather than last on such
occasions, he and all his company struck their spurs into their horses,
until they were in the midst of the King of Grenada’s battalion, and
made a furious attack on the Saracens. He thought that he should be
supported by the Spaniards; but in this he was mistaken, for not one
that day followed his example. The gallant knight and all his companions
were surrounded by the enemy: they performed prodigies of valor, but
these were of no avail, as they were all killed.[3] It was a great
misfortune that they were not assisted by the Spaniards.
About this time many of the nobles and others, desirous of a settled
peace between the Scots and English, proposed a marriage between the
young King of Scotland and the sister of the King of England. This
marriage was concluded and solemnized at Berwick, with great feasts and
rejoicings on both sides.
CHAPTER XVIII.
PHILIP OF VALOIS CROWNED KING OF FRANCE.
Charles, King of France, died without heirs male. The twelve peers and
barons of France assembled at Paris without delay, and gave the kingdom
with one consent to Philip of Valois. They passed by the Queen of
England, and the king her son, although she was cousin-german to the
king last deceased; for they said that the kingdom of France was of such
great nobleness that it ought not to fall by succession to a female.
They crowned the Lord Philip King of France, at Rheims, the Trinity
Sunday following.
CHAPTER XIX.
KING EDWARD IS ADVISED BY HIS COUNCIL TO MAKE WAR AGAINST KING
PHILIP OF FRANCE. HE EFFECTS GREAT ALLIANCES IN GERMANY, AND IS
MADE VICAR OF THE EMPIRE.
The Lord Robert d’Artois[4] was in England very near the king’s person,
whom he was continually advising to make war upon the King of France,
for wrongfully withholding his inheritance. The king saw clearly that it
was impossible for him, and all the force he could bring from his own
country, to subdue such a great kingdom as that of France, if he did not
obtain powerful friends and assistance in the empire, and in other
parts, by means of his money.
The King of England, when the winter was over, embarked, accompanied by
many earls, barons, and knights, and came to the city of Antwerp, which
at that time was held for the Duke of Brabant. He sent to the Duke of
Brabant, his cousin, his brother-in-law the Duke of Gueldres, to the
Marquis of Juliers, the Lord John of Hainault, and to all those from
whom he expected support and assistance, that he should be happy to have
some conversation with them.
When all the lords of the empire were assembled in the city of Halle,
they had long deliberations together, and said to the King of England,
“Dear sir, there is an ordinance of a very old date, sealed, that no
king of France should take and keep possession of any thing that
belongs to the empire. Now, King Philip has gotten possession of the
castles of Crevecœur in Cambresis, and of Arleux in Artois, as well as
the city of Cambray; for which the emperor has good grounds to challenge
him through us,--if you will have the goodness to obtain his consent, in
order to save our honor.” The King of England replied that he would
cheerfully conform himself to their advice.
It was then determined that the Marquis of Juliers should go to the
emperor, and with him knights and counsellors from the king, and some
from the Duke of Gueldres; but the Duke of Brabant would not send any:
he lent, however, his castle of Louvain to the king for his residence.
The Marquis of Juliers and his company returned from the emperor about
All Saints’ Day; and, when he sent to inform the king of this, he
congratulated him on the good success of his mission. The king wrote him
for answer that he should come to him on the feast of St. Martin, and
demanded of the Duke of Brabant to name the place where he wished this
conference to be holden; who replied, at Arques, near to his own
country. Upon this the king gave notice of it, that all his allies might
be there.
The town-hall of Arques was hung with rich and fine cloths, like to the
presence-chamber of the king. His Majesty was seated five feet higher
than the rest of the company, and had on his head a rich crown of gold.
The letters from the emperor to the king were publicly read, by which
the King of England was constituted and established his vicar and
lieutenant, and full powers granted to him to do all the acts of law and
justice to every one, in his name, and also to coin money in gold and
silver.
On this occasion an ancient statute was renewed and confirmed, which
had been made in former times at the court of the emperor. It directed
that any one meaning to hurt or annoy another should send him a
sufficient defiance three days before he committed any hostile act; and
that whoever should act otherwise should be degraded as an evil-doer.
When all this was completed, the lords took their leave, and gave each
other their mutual promises to be fully equipped, without delay, three
weeks after the feast of St. John, to sit down before the city of
Cambray; which of right belonged to the emperor, but had turned to the
French.
CHAPTER XX.
KING EDWARD AND HIS ALLIES SEND CHALLENGES TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
Winter was now over, and the summer come, when, the feast of St. John
the Baptist approaching, the lords of England and Germany made
preparations for undertaking their intended expedition. The King of
France also made his preparations to meet them; for he was well
acquainted with part of what they intended, though he had not yet
received any challenge. King Edward collected his stores in England,
where he made his armaments ready; and, as soon as St. John’s Day was
passed, transported them across the sea to Vilvorde, whither he went
himself. He made all his people, on their arrival, take houses in the
town; and, when this was full, he lodged them in tents and pavilions in
the fine meadows along the side of the river. He remained thus from
Magdalen Day until the feast of Our Lady in September, expecting week
after week the arrival of the lords of the empire, especially the Duke
of Brabant, for whom all the others were waiting. When the King of
England saw that they came not, he caused them to be summoned to be at
the city of Mechlin on St. Giles’s Day, according to their promises, and
give reasons for their delays.
The lords of Germany, in obedience to the summons, came to Mechlin,
where, after many debates, they agreed that the king should be enabled
to march in a fortnight, when they would be quite ready; and, that their
cause might have a better appearance, they determined to send challenges
to King Philip. These challenges were written and sealed by all except
the Duke John of Brabant, who said he would do his part at the proper
time and place. They were given in charge to the Bishop of Lincoln, who
carried them to Paris, and performed his errand so justly and well that
he was blamed by no one. He had a passport granted him to return to his
lord, who, as said before, was at Mechlin.
CHAPTER XXI.
KING EDWARD CREATES SIR HENRY OF FLANDERS A KNIGHT, AND AFTERWARDS
MARCHES INTO PICARDY.
As soon as the King of England had passed the Scheld, and had entered
the kingdom of France, he called to him the Lord Henry of Flanders, who
was but a young esquire, and knighted him; at the same time giving him
two hundred pounds sterling a year, properly secured in England. The
king was lodged in the abbey of Mont St. Martin, where he remained two
days. His troops were scattered round about in the country. The Duke of
Brabant was quartered at the monastery of Vaucelles. When the King of
France, who was at Compiègne, heard this news, he increased his forces
everywhere, and sent the Earl of Eu and Guines, his constable, with a
large body of men at arms, to St. Quentin, to guard that town and the
frontiers against his enemies. He sent the Lords of Coucy and of Ham to
their castles, and a great number of men at arms to Guise, Ribemont,
Bouchain, and the neighboring fortresses on the borders of his kingdom;
and came himself to Peronne, in the Vermandois. During the time the King
of England was at the abbey of Mont St. Martin, his people overran the
country as far as Bapaume, and very near to Peronne and St. Quentin:
they found it rich and plentiful, for there had not been any wars in
those parts.
Sir Henry of Flanders, to do credit to his newly acquired knighthood,
and to obtain honor, made one of a party of knights, who were conducted
by Sir John de Hainault. There were among them the Lords of Fauquemont,
Bergues, Vaudresen, Lens, and many others, to the number of five hundred
combatants. They had a design upon a town in the neighborhood, called
Hennecourt, whither the greater number of the inhabitants of the country
had retired, who, confiding in the strength of this fortress, had
carried with them all their movables. Sir Arnold of Bacqueghen and Sir
William du Dunor had already been there, but had done nothing; upon
which all these lords had collected together, and were desirous of going
thither to do their utmost to conquer it. There was an abbot at that
time in Hennecourt, of great courage and understanding, who ordered
barriers to be made of woodwork around the town, and likewise to be
placed across the street, so that there was not more than half a foot
from one post to another: he then collected armed men, provided stones,
quicklime, and such like instruments of annoyance, to guard them. As
soon as the lords above mentioned came there, the abbot posted his
people between the barriers and the gate, and flung the gate open. The
lords dismounted, and approached the barriers, which were very strong,
sword in hand; and great strokes were given to those within, who
defended themselves very valiantly. Sir Abbot did not spare himself;
but, having a good leathern jerkin on, dealt about his blows manfully,
and received as good in his turn. Many a gallant action was performed;
and those within the barriers flung upon the assailants stones, logs,
and pots full of lime, to annoy them.
It chanced that Sir Henry of Flanders, who was one of the foremost, with
his sword attached to his wrist, laid about him at a great rate: he came
too near the abbot, who caught hold of his sword, and drew him to the
barriers with so much force, that his arm was dragged through the
grating, for he could not quit his sword with honor. The abbot continued
pulling; and, had the grating been wide enough, he would have had him
through, for his shoulder had passed, and he kept his hold, to the
knight’s great discomfort. On the other side, his brother knights were
endeavoring to draw him out of his hands; and this lasted so long that
Sir Henry was sorely hurt: he was, however, at last rescued, but his
sword remained with the abbot. And at the time I was writing this book,
as I passed through that town, the monks showed me this sword, which was
kept there, much ornamented. It was there that I learnt all the truth of
this assault. Hennecourt was very vigorously attacked that day; and it
lasted until vespers. Many of the assailants were killed or wounded.
Sir John of Hainault lost a knight from Holland, called Sir Herman, who
bore for arms a fess componé gules, and in chief, three buckles azure.
When the Flemings, Hainaulters, English, and Germans, who were there,
saw the courage of those within the town, and that, instead of gaining
any advantage, they were beaten down and wounded, they retreated in the
evening, carrying with them to their quarters the wounded and bruised.
On the next morning the king departed from Mont St. Martin, and ordered,
under pain of death, that no damage should be done to the abbey, which
was observed. They then entered the Vermandois, and at an early hour
took up their lodgings on Mont St. Quentin. They were in a regular order
of battle, and those of St. Quentin might have encountered them had they
chosen it; but they had no desire to issue out of the town. The scouts
of the army went up to the barriers, and skirmished with those who were
there. The Constable of France and Sir Charles le Blois drew up their
people in order of battle before the barriers; and when the Englishmen,
among whom were the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Northampton, Sir
Reginald Cobham, and many others, saw the manner in which it was done,
they retreated to the main army of the king, which remained encamped on
the hill until four o’clock the next morning. A council was then held,
to consider whether they should march straight into France, or draw
toward Tierache, keeping near the borders of Hainault. By the advice of
the Duke of Brabant, the latter plan was followed, as from that country
they drew all their provision; and they resolved, that if King Philip
should follow them with his army, as they supposed he would, they would
wait for him in the plains, and give him battle without fail. They then
set out from Mont St. Quentin, ranged in a regular order, in three
battalions. The marshals and the Germans led the van, the King of
England the centre, and the Duke of Brabant the rear. They advanced not
more than three or four leagues a day, halting early, but burning and
pillaging all the country they passed through.
We must now speak of the expedition of Sir John of Hainault, who had
with him full five hundred fighting men. He came first to Guise, which
he burnt, and destroyed the mills. In the fortress was the Lady Jane,
his daughter, wife of Lewis, Earl of Blois. She begged of her father to
spare the lands and heritage of his son-in-law; but in vain, for Sir
John would not depart until he had completed the purpose of his
expedition. He then returned to the king, who was lodged in the abbey of
Sarnaques, while his people overran the country. The Lord of Fauquemont
led sixscore German lances to Lonnion, in Tierache, a large level town;
the inhabitants of which had almost all retired with what they could
carry off into the woods, and there had fortified their position by
cutting down large trees. The Germans followed them, and, being joined
by Sir Arnold Bacqueghen and his company, they attacked the people of
Lonnion in the wood, who defended themselves as well as they could; but
they were overpowered and obliged to flee. There were about forty killed
and wounded, and all they brought there plundered. Thus was this country
ruined without any hindrance; and the English acted as they thought
proper.
When the King of England had halted in the champaign country of
Tierache, he was informed that the King of France was within two leagues
of him, and eager to give him battle. He therefore summoned the chiefs
of his army, and demanded of them the best method of preserving his
honor, as his intention was to accept the combat. The lords looked at
each other, and requested the Duke of Brabant to give his opinion. The
duke replied, that he was for fighting, as they could not depart
honorably without it; and he advised that a herald should be sent to the
King of France, to offer him battle, and to fix the day. A herald who
belonged to the Duke of Gueldres, and spoke French well, had this
commission. After being informed what he was to say, he rode to the
French army, and, coming to the king and his counsellors, told them that
the King of England, having halted in the plains, demanded and required
the combat of one army against the other. To this King Philip answered
willingly, and appointed the Friday following for the day, this being
Wednesday. The herald returned back, well clothed with handsome furred
mantles, which the king and lords of France had given him for the sake
of the news he had brought, and related the good cheer he had received.
The day being thus fixed, information of it was given to the captains of
either army, and every one made his preparations accordingly.
On the Thursday morning, two knights belonging to the Earl of Hainault,
the Lords of Faguinelles and Tupegny, mounted their steeds; and these
two, leaving their own army, set out to view that of the English. They
rode on for some time boldly along the line of the English army; when it
chanced that the horse of the Lord of Faguinelles took fright, ran off
in spite of all the efforts of his master, and carried him, whether he
would or no, to the quarters of the enemy. He fell into the hands of the
Germans, who, soon perceiving he did not belong to their party,
surrounded him and his horse, and took him prisoner. He remained
prisoner to five or six German gentlemen, who immediately ransomed him.
When they found out that he was a Hainaulter, they asked him whether he
knew Sir John of Hainault; he replied, _Yes_, and begged of them, for
the love of God, to carry him to him, because he was sure he would be
security for his ransom. The Germans were delighted at this, and carried
him to Sir John, who pledged himself for his ransom. The Lord of
Faguinelles thereupon returned to the army of Hainault, to his earl and
other lords. His steed was returned to him through the entreaties of the
Lord of Beaumont. Thus passed that day without any other thing occurring
worthy of being recorded.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE TWO KINGS RETIRE FROM VIRONFOSSE WITHOUT GIVING BATTLE.
It was a matter of much wonder, how two such fine armies could separate
without fighting. But the French were of contrary opinions among
themselves. Some said it would be a great shame, and very blameable, if
the king did not give battle when he saw his enemies so near him, and
drawn up in his own kingdom in battle array: others said it would
exhibit a singular instance of madness to fight, as they were not
certain that some treachery was not intended; besides, if fortune should
be unfavorable, the king would run a great risk of losing his kingdom,
and, if he should conquer his enemies, he would not be the nearer to
gain possession of England or of the land of the allies. Thus the day
passed until near twelve o’clock in disputes and debates. About noon a
hare was started in the plain, and ran among the French army, who began
to make a great shouting and noise, which caused those in rear to
imagine the combat was begun in front; and many put on their helmets,
and made ready their swords. Several new knights were made, especially
by the Earl of Hainault, who knighted fourteen; and they were after
called _knights of the hare_.
In this situation the two armies remained all Friday. In the midst of
the debates of the council of the King of France, letters were brought
from Robert, King of Sicily, addressed to him and his council. This King
Robert was, as they said, a very great astrologer, and full of deep
science; he had often cast the nativities of the kings of France and
England, and had found by his astrology and the influence of the stars,
that, if the King of France fought with the King of England in person,
he would surely be defeated; in consequence of which he, as a wise king,
and much fearing the danger and peril of his cousin the King of France,
had sent, long before, letters most earnestly to request King Philip and
his council never to give battle to the English when King Edward should
be there in person. These doubts, and this letter from the King of
Sicily, made many of the lords of France sore disheartened, of which the
king was informed, who nevertheless was very eager for the combat; but
he was so strongly dissuaded from it, that the day passed quietly, and
each man retired to his quarters.
When the Earl of Hainault saw that there was no likelihood of a battle,
he departed with all his people, and returned to Quesnoy. The next day
the Germans and Brabanters took their leave, and returned to their
homes. The King of England went to Brabant with the duke, his cousin.
Thus ended this great expedition, and every man returned to his own
house.
When the king’s vessel was ready, he embarked with a numerous attendance
at Antwerp, and sailed for London, where he arrived about St. Andrew’s
Day, and was joyfully received by his subjects, who were anxious for his
return. Great complaints were made to him of the ravages which the
Normans, Picards, and Spaniards had committed at Southampton; upon which
he answered, that, whenever it came to his turn, he would make them pay
dearly for it--and he kept his word before the end of that year.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE SEA-FIGHT BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND AND THE FRENCH, BEFORE SLUYS.
The King of England embarked for Flanders, in order to go to Hainault to
assist his brother-in-law in his war against France. He and his whole
navy sailed from the Thames, the day before the eve of St. John the
Baptist, 1340, and made straight for Sluys. Sir Hugh Quiriel, Sir Peter
Bahucet, and Barbenoire, were at that time lying between Blanckenburgh
and Sluys with upward of one hundred and twenty large vessels, without
counting others: these were manned with about forty thousand men,
Genoese and Picards, including mariners. By the orders of the King of
France, they were there at anchor, waiting the return of the King of
England, to dispute his passage.
When the king’s fleet was almost got to Sluys, they saw so many masts
standing before it, that they looked like a wood. The king asked the
commander of his ship what they could be; who answered, that he imagined
they must be that armament of Normans, which the King of France kept at
sea, and which had so frequently done him much damage, had burnt his
good town of Southampton, and taken his large ship the “Christopher.”
The king replied, “I have for a long time wished to meet with them, and
now, please God and St. George, we will fight them; for, in truth, they
have done me so much mischief, that I will be revenged on them if it be
possible.” The king drew up all his vessels, placing the strongest in
the front, and on the wings his archers. Between every two vessels with
archers there was one of men at arms. He stationed some detached vessels
as a reserve, full of archers, to assist and help such as might be
damaged. There were in this fleet a great many ladies from England,
countesses, baronesses, and knights’ and gentlemen’s wives, who were
going to attend on the queen at Ghent: these the king had guarded most
carefully by three hundred men at arms and five hundred archers. When
the King of England and his marshals had properly divided the fleet,
they hoisted their sails to have the wind on their quarter, as the sun
shone full in their faces, which they considered might be of
disadvantage to them, and stretched out a little, so that at last they
got the wind as they wished. The Normans, who saw them tack, could not
help wondering why they did so, and said they took good care to turn
about, for they were afraid of meddling with them. They perceived,
however, by his banner, that the king was on board, which gave them
great joy, as they were eager to fight with him: so they put their
vessels in proper order, for they were expert and gallant men on the
seas. They filled the “Christopher,” the large ship which they had taken
the year before from the English, with trumpets and other warlike
instruments, and ordered her to fall upon the English. The battle then
began very fiercely; archers and crossbow-men shot with all their might
at each other, and the men at arms engaged hand to hand. In order to be
more successful, they had large grapnels, and iron hooks with chains,
which they flung from ship to ship, to moor them to each other. There
were many valiant deeds performed, many prisoners made, and many
rescues. The “Christopher,” which led the van, was recaptured by the
English, and all in her taken or killed. There were then great shouts
and cries, and the English manned her again with archers, and sent her
to fight against the Genoese.
This battle was very murderous and horrible. Combats at sea are more
destructive and obstinate than upon the land, for it is not possible to
retreat or flee: every one must abide his fortune, and exert his prowess
and valor. Sir Hugh Quiriel and his companions were bold and determined
men, had done much mischief to the English at sea, and destroyed many of
their ships. This combat, therefore, lasted from early in the morning
until noon; and the English were hard pressed, for their enemies were
four to one, and the greater part men who had been used to the sea. The
king, who was in the flower of his youth, showed himself on that day a
gallant knight, as did the Earls of Derby, Pembroke, Hereford,
Huntingdon, Northampton, and Gloucester; the Lord Reginald Cobham, Lord
Felton, Lord Bradestan, Sir Richard Stafford, the Lord Percy, Sir Walter
Manny, Sir Henry de Flanders, Sir John Beauchamp, Sir John Chandos, the
Lord Delaware, Lucie Lord Malton, and the Lord Robert d’Artois, now
called Earl of Richmond. I cannot remember all the names of those who
behaved so valiantly in the combat; but they did so well, that, with
some assistance from Bruges and those parts of the country, the French
were completely defeated, and all the Normans and the others killed or
drowned, so that not one of them escaped. This was soon known all over
Flanders; and, when it came to the two armies before Thin-l’Evêque, the
Hainaulters were as much rejoiced as their enemies were dismayed.
After the king had gained this victory, which was on the eve of St.
John’s Day, he remained all that night on board of his ship before
Sluys; and there were great noises with trumpets, and all kinds of other
instruments. The Flemings came to wait on him, having heard of his
arrival, and what deeds he had performed. The king inquired of the
citizens of Bruges after Jacob von Artaveld; and they told him he was
gone to the aid of the Earl of Hainault with upward of sixty thousand
men, against the Duke of Normandy. On the morrow, which was Midsummer
Day, the king and his fleet entered the port. As soon as they were
landed, the king, attended by crowds of knights, set out on foot on a
pilgrimage to Our Lady of Ardembourg, where he heard mass, and dined. He
then mounted his horse, and went that day to Ghent, where the queen was,
who received him with great joy and kindness. The army and baggage, with
the attendants of the king, followed him by degrees to the same place.
The king had sent notice of his arrival to the lords that were before
Thin-l’Evêque, opposing the French; who, as soon as they heard of it,
and of his victory over the Normans, broke up their camp. The Earl of
Hainault disbanded all his troops, except the principal lords, whom he
carried with him to Valenciennes, and treated most nobly, especially the
Duke of Brabant, and Jacob von Artaveld. Jacob von Artaveld, in the full
market-place, explained the right King Edward had to the crown of
France, to all those lords that chose to hear him, and of what
importance it was to the three countries,--that is to say, Flanders,
Brabant, and Hainault,--when closely united. He spoke so clearly, and
with so much eloquence, that he was praised by all, who agreed that he
was worthy to exercise the dignity of Earl of Flanders. These lords then
took their leave, and agreed to meet in eight days’ time at Ghent, to
see the king. A day of conference was then appointed to be held at
Vilvorde.
It was then determined that the King of England should move about
Magdalen-tide, and lay siege to the city of Tournay; and all the lords
present promised to be there, as well as all the forces from the
principal towns. They then set off for their homes, to get ready, and
prepare themselves properly for the business.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE KING OF ENGLAND BESIEGES THE CITY OF TOURNAY WITH A POWERFUL ARMY.
King Philip, soon after the departure of these lords, was informed of
all that had passed, and how King Edward was to come to Tournay: he
therefore determined to provide it so well with ammunition, &c., and
with so many good knights, that the city should be well served and well
advised. He sent directly to the city of Tournay the flower of his
chivalry,--the Earl Raoul of Eu, Constable of France; the young Earl of
Guines, his son; the Earl of Foix, and his brothers, the Earl of Aymery
and Narbonne; the Lord Aymery of Poitiers; the Lord Geoffry of Chargny;
the Lord Gerard of Montfaucon; his two marshals, the Lord Robert
Bertrand, and Lord Matthew de Trie; the Lord of Caieux, seneschal of
Poitou; the Lord of Chatillon; and Sir John of Landas,--who had with
them many knights and esquires renowned in arms. The king entreated of
them earnestly that they would pay so much care and attention to
Tournay, that nothing unfortunate might happen; which they all promised
him. They took leave of the King of France, left Arras, and arrived at
Tournay, where they found Sir Godémar du Fay, who had been sent thither
before them. He received them joyfully, as did those of the town; and,
after having well examined the purveyances which were there, as well of
artillery as of provision, they ordered great quantities of corn, oats,
and other articles of food, to be brought into it from the country round
about, so that the city was in a good state to hold out for a long time.
The King of England, when the time for being before Tournay approached,
and the corn was nearly ripe, set out from Ghent, accompanied by seven
earls from his own country, two prelates, twenty-eight bannerets, two
hundred knights, four thousand men at arms, and nine thousand archers,
without counting the foot-soldiers. He passed through the town of
Oudenarde, crossed the Scheld, and encamped before Tournay, near St.
Martin’s Gate, on the road to Lisle and Douay. Soon after came his
cousin, the Duke of Brabant, with upward of twenty thousand men, knights
and esquires, and the companies from the different towns. The Brabanters
were encamped at Pontaries upon the Scheld, as you return from the
fields by the gate Valentinois. The Earl of Hainault came with the fine
cavalry of his country, with many Dutchmen and Zealanders, who attended
upon his person as their lord. The earl was encamped between the King of
England and the Duke of Brabant. Jacob von Artaveld came next with more
than forty thousand Flemings, not reckoning those from Ypres,
Poperingue, Cassel, and Bruges, who were ordered to another part, as you
will hear presently. He was quartered near the gate St. Fontaine, on
both sides of the Scheld, over which they had thrown a bridge of boats,
that they might have free intercourse. The Duke of Gueldres, the Earl of
Juliers, the Marquis of Blanckenberg, the Marquis of Nuys, the Earl of
Mons, the Earl of Savines, the Lord of Fauquemont, Sir Arnold de
Bacqueghen, and all the Germans, were stationed on the side toward
Hainault, so that the city of Tournay was very completely surrounded.
Each division of the army had open communication with each other; and no
one could enter or come out of the city without permission, or without
being seen.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SCOTS RECOVER GREAT PART OF THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE SIEGE OF
TOURNAY.
For the present we must return to Scotland, and see what is going on
there during this siege of Tournay. The reader should be informed that
Sir William Douglas, son of the brother of Sir James Douglas, who was
killed in Spain, the Earl of Moray, the Earl Patrick of Dunbar, the Earl
of Sutherland, Sir Robert Keith, Sir Simon Fraser, and Alexander Ramsay,
had remained as governors of the remnant of Scotland that was not in the
possession of the English. During the space of seven years they had
secreted themselves in the forest of Jedworth, in winter as well as
summer, and thence had carried on a war against all the towns and
fortresses wherein King Edward had placed any garrisons; in which many
perilous and gallant adventures befell them, and from which they
acquired much honor and renown. While King Edward was beyond sea, before
Tournay, the King of France sent over some forces to Scotland, which
arrived safe in the town of Perth; and he entreated the noblemen above
mentioned to carry on so bitter a war in England that King Edward should
be obliged to desist from his present enterprise before Tournay,
promising them every aid and assistance: in consequence of which these
lords collected their forces, and made themselves ready. They quitted
the forest of Jedworth, traversed Scotland, retook as many fortresses as
they were able, passed by Berwick, and, crossing the river Tyne, entered
Northumberland, which was formerly a kingdom of itself, where they found
plenty of fat cattle. Having wasted and burnt the whole country as far
as Durham, and even beyond it, they re-entered Scotland, and gained all
the fortresses which the King of England held, except the good town of
Berwick, and three other castles which annoyed them much, and which are
so strong that you will scarcely find their equals for strength in any
country: one is called Stirling, the other Roxburgh, and the third,
which may be styled the sovereign of Scotland, Edinburgh. This last is
situate upon a high rock, commanding a view of the country round about;
and the mountain has so steep an ascent, that few can go up it without
stopping twice or thrice. The governor of it at that time was a gallant
English knight, called Sir Walter Limousin.
A bold thought came into Sir William Douglas’s mind, which he mentioned
to his companions, the Earl of Dunbar, Sir Robert Fraser, who had been
tutor to King David of Scotland, and Alexander Ramsay, who all agreed
to try to execute it. They collected upward of two hundred lances of
Highlanders, went to sea, and purchased oats, oatmeal, coal, and straw,
and landed peaceably at a port about three miles from the castle of
Edinburgh, which had made a stronger resistance than all the other
castles. When they had armed themselves, they issued forth in the
night-time; and having chosen ten or twelve from among them, in whom
they had the greatest confidence, they dressed them in old, threadbare
clothes, with torn hats, like poor tradesmen, and loaded twelve small
horses, with a sack to each, filled with oats, meal, or coal; they then
placed the rest in ambuscade in an old abbey, that was ruined and
uninhabited, close to the foot of the mountain on which the castle was
situate. At daybreak these merchants, who were privily armed, took the
road with their horses, the very best way they could, toward the castle.
When they had got about half-way up the hill, Sir William Douglas and
Sir Simon Fraser advanced before the others, whom they ordered to follow
in silence, and came to the porter’s lodge. They informed him that they
had brought, with many risks and fears, coal, oats, and meal; and, if
there were any want of such articles, they should be glad to dispose of
them, and at a cheap rate. The porter replied, that the garrison would
thankfully have them, but it was so early that he dared not awake either
the governor or his steward. At the same time he told them to come
forward, and he would open the other gate. They all then passed quietly
through, and entered with their loads to the gate of the barriers, which
he opened for them.
Sir William Douglas had remarked that the porter had all the great keys
of the castle-gates; and had, in an
[Illustration: How Sir William Douglas and his Companions captured the
Castle of Edinburgh by Stratagem.]
apparently indifferent manner, inquired which opened the great gate, and
which the wicket. When the first gate was opened, they turned in their
nags, and flung off the loads of two, which consisted of coal, directly
upon the sill of the gate, so that it could not be shut; and then seized
the porter, whom they slew so suddenly that he did not utter a word.
They then took the keys, and opened all the gates, and Sir William
Douglas gave a blast upon his horn as a signal for his companions; they
then flung off their torn clothes, and placed all the remainder of the
coal between the gates, so that they could not be shut. When those in
the ambuscade heard the horn, they sallied forth, and hastened forward
to the castle. The noise of the horn awakened the watch of the castle,
at that time asleep, who, seeing these armed men running up the castle
hill, blew lustily on his horn, and bawled out, “Treason! treason! Arm
yourselves, my masters, as fast as you can; for here are men at arms
advancing to our fortress.” They all roused themselves as quickly as
they could, and when armed came to the gate; but Sir William and his
twelve companions defended the gate, so that it could not be shut. The
combat then grew hotter; but those from without maintained their ground
with great valor, until their ambuscade arrived. The garrison made a
very gallant defence, killing and wounding many of their enemies; but
Sir William and his party exerted themselves so much, that the fortress
was taken, and all the English killed, except the governor and six
esquires, to whom they showed mercy. The Scots remained in the castle
all that day, and appointed for governor a squire of that country,
called Sir Simon de Vesci, and left with him many of his countrymen.
This news was brought to the King of England while he lay before
Tournay.
CHAPTER XXVI.
SIR WILLIAM DE BAILLEUL AND SIR VAUFLART DE LA CROIX MAKE AN EXCURSION
TO PONT-À-TRESSIN.
The King of France published a special summons throughout his kingdom,
and also in many parts of the empire, for levying of forces. It had so
good an effect, that Charles, King of Bohemia, the Duke of Lorrain, the
Earl of Bar, the Bishop of Metz, the Bishop of Verdun, the Earl of
Montbeliard, the Lord John of Chalons, the Earl of Geneva, the Earl of
Savoy, and the Lord Lewis, his brother, came to serve under the King of
France, with as many men as they could collect together. There came to
him also, the Dukes of Brittany, Burgundy, and Bourbon, the Earls of
Alençon, Flanders, Foretz, Armagnac, Blois, Harcourt, and Dammartin, the
Lord Charles of Blois, the Lord of Coucy, and many other knights and
barons. The King of Navarre afterwards came with a number of men at
arms, to serve for the lands he held in France, and for which he was a
homager to the king. The King of Scotland was also there, under the
appointment of the King of France, and had a handsome body of men given
him.
Soon after the King of France had taken up his quarters, with his army,
near the bridge of Bouvines, a company of Hainaulters put themselves in
motion by the exhortations of Sir Vauflart de la Croix, who told them he
knew all the country well, and he could lead them to a part of the
French army which they would be sure of conquering. About one hundred
and twenty of them, knights and esquires, set out one day through love
to each other, to do some deeds of arms, and advanced toward
Pont-à-Tressin. They made the Lord of Bailleul their captain, and it was
under his banner that they were to enlist.
That same morning, some of the Liegeois made also an excursion, under
the command of Sir Robert de Bailleul, brother-german to the
above-mentioned Sir William de Bailleul; for he had made a promise to do
this, to the Bishop of Liege, and was bound to execute it with his whole
company. The Liegeois had passed Pont-à-Tressin, were foraging for their
horses, and looking out to see if they could find any chance to profit
by. The Hainaulters had rode on, and passed the bridge, without meeting
with any one; for there was such a fog that they could not distinguish
any thing at the distance of a lance’s-length. When all had passed the
bridge, they ordered Sir William de Bailleul and his banner to remain
there, and Sir Vauflart de la Croix, Sir Raflet de Monceaux, and Sir
John de Verchin, to advance as far as the quarters of the King of
Bohemia, and Bishop of Liege, which were near the bridge, and to attack
them. The Lord of Rodemach had had the guard that night of the army of
the King of Bohemia, and was on the point of retiring, when the
light-horse of the Hainaulters appeared. They attacked them, as they
came up, very valiantly; and they were repulsed also by the Liegeois.
The conflict was sharp, and the Hainaulters behaved themselves well. To
secure a retreat, however, to their banner, the Hainaulters drew toward
the bridge, where they were followed by those of Liege and Luxembourg,
and the engagement was renewed. Sir William de Bailleul was advised to
recross the bridge with his banner, for many of his people remained
there; and many a gallant deed was performed, many a capture made, and
many a rescue. Sir Vauflart, unluckily, was not able to gain the passage
of the bridge: so he got out of the crowd, and saved himself the best
way he could, by taking a road he was acquainted with, and hiding
himself among thorns and quagmires, where he remained a considerable
time. The rest still continued the combat; but the Liegeois, and those
from Luxembourg, had overthrown Sir William de Bailleul.
While this was passing, Sir Robert’s company, who had been out foraging,
returned, and, hearing the noise, came to the bridge. Sir Robert ordered
his banner to advance, which was carried by a squire called James de
Forsines, crying out, “Moriennes.” The Hainaulters, who were much
heated, perceiving the banner of Moriennes, which is quite straight,
thought it was their own, which they had been ordered to rally under,
for there is but very little difference between the two; the Morienne
arms having bars counterbarred with two chevrons, gules, and the chevron
of Sir Robert had on it a small cross or. The Hainaulters made a sad
mistake, and ran into the midst of Sir Robert’s troop, who received them
most fiercely, repulsed and discomfited them. They lost, on their side,
Sir John de Vargny, Sir Walter de Pont-à-l’Arche, Sir William de
Pipempoix, Sir John de Soire, Sir Daniel de Bleze, Sir Race de Monceaux,
Sir Lewis Dampelu, and many other knights and squires. Sir William de
Bailleul saved himself in the best manner he could, but he lost a great
many of his men. Sir Vauflart de la Croix, who hid himself among the
reeds in the marshes, hoped to have remained there until the night, but
he was perceived by some troopers who were riding through these marshes:
they made such a shouting and noise, that Sir Vauflart came out, and
surrendered himself to them, who led him to the army, and gave him up to
their commander. He detained him a whole day in his quarters, and would
willingly, through pity, have saved him, as he knew his head would
probably suffer. But the King of France, having heard of it, wished to
take cognizance of it himself: so Sir Vauflart was given up to him, and
the king sent him to Lisle, where, as he had done much harm to the
inhabitants, they would not accept of any ransom, but put him to death.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE EARL OF HAINAULT ATTACKS THE FORTRESS OF MORTAGNE IN VARIOUS
MANNERS.
The King of France was much rejoiced at the arrival of Sir Robert de
Bailleul, and his defeat of the Hainaulters. Shortly afterwards, the
Earl of Hainault, Sir John his uncle the seneschal of Hainault, with
full six hundred lances, Hainaulters and Germans, set out from the siege
before Tournay. The earl had sent orders for those of Valenciennes to
take another route, and place themselves between the Scarpe and the
Scheld, to attack the town of Mortagne. They came there in a large body,
and brought with them many engines, to throw things into the place. I
have before told how the Lord of Beaujeu had been sent thither as
governor. He had expected an attack, from the situation of Mortagne upon
the Scheld, and bordering upon Hainault, and had driven upward of twelve
hundred piles in the bed of the river to prevent its navigation. It was
not long before the earl and his Hainaulters arrived on one side of the
town, and the Valenciennois on the other. They made preparations for an
immediate attack. The Valenciennois ordered their crossbow-men to shoot,
and to advance to the barriers; but they were unable to do so, on
account of the wide and deep trenches which had been made before them.
They then bethought themselves to cross the Scarpe at any rate below
Château l’Abbaie, and, passing near St. Amand, to make an assault upon
the gate which opens toward Mande. This they executed, and full four
hundred troops crossed the river, and Mortagne’s three gates were
besieged. The weakest was certainly that leading to Mande: however, that
was tolerably strong.
At that post the Lord of Beaujeu placed himself; for he knew that all
the rest were safe. He had armed himself with a very stout lance, having
the head of tempered steel, and on the under side a sharp hook, so that,
when he made his stroke, he could fix the hook into the jackets or armor
of those who attacked, draw them to him, and make them fall into the
river. By this means, in the course of the day, he caught and destroyed
more than twelve of the assailants. At this gate the conflict was much
more severe than anywhere else, and the Earl of Hainault was ignorant of
it: he was hard by toward Brisnal, drawn out in order of battle, upon
the bank of the Scheld. The lords took counsel how they might draw out
the piles, either by force or ingenuity, from the bed of the river, so
that they might advance upon it up to the walls of the town. They
ordered an engine to be made in a large vessel, for the purpose of
drawing them out one after another, and all the carpenters were directly
set upon this business. This same day the Valenciennois, on their part,
erected a handsome engine, which cast stones into the town and castle,
and much annoyed the inhabitants of Mortagne. In this manner passed the
first day and the following night. On the morrow they returned to the
attack on all sides. The third day the vessel and engine were ready to
draw out the piles, and those ordered to that duty were set to work; but
they had so much trouble and labor in drawing out one, that the lords
thought they should never accomplish it, and therefore made them desist.
There was at that time a very able engineer at Mortagne, who, having
considered the machine of the Valenciennois, and how much it annoyed the
town,--for it was perpetually in action,--made another in the castle,
which was not very large, but well made and tempered, and so well
pointed that it was used only three times. The first stone fell within
twelve paces of the engine of the Valenciennois; the second was nearer
to the box; and the third was so well aimed that it struck the machine
upon the shaft, and split it in two. The soldiers of Mortagne made a
great shouting at this event. The Hainaulters were thus two days and two
nights before Mortagne without conquering any part of it. The earl and
his uncle thought it advisable to return toward Tournay, which they did;
and the Valenciennois went back to their town whence they had come.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE EARL OF HAINAULT TAKES THE TOWN OF ST. AMAND DURING THE SIEGE OF
TOURNAY.
Three days after the Earl of Hainault had returned from before Mortagne,
he made a request to his companions that they would come with him to St.
Amand; for he had received many complaints of the soldiers of St. Amand
having burnt the monastery of Hanon, and of their attempt to do the same
at Vicoigne, as well as of many other troubles which they had wrought
upon the borders of Hainault. The earl set out from the siege of Tournay
with three thousand combatants, and came before St. Amand by the way of
Mortagne, which town was only enclosed with a palisade. A knight from
Languedoc, and seneschal of Carcassonne, was governor of it; and he had
told the monks of the abbey, as well as the inhabitants, that it was not
tenable against any body of men, not that he meant to give it up, but on
the contrary to defend it as long as he could, and mentioned it merely
as a piece of information. These words were not much attended to, or
believed: however, he had some time before sent to Mortagne all the
jewels of the monastery, and thither went also the abbot and his monks,
who were not very well calculated to defend themselves.
The Valenciennois, who had been ordered by the earl their lord to be
before St. Amand on a certain day, came with twelve thousand combatants,
and, posting themselves before the town, armed all the crossbow-men, and
made them advance toward the bridge over the Scarpe. The conflict was
here very sharp: it lasted all that day, without the Valenciennois being
able to make any impression; but they had a great many of their men
killed and wounded, and the besieged, mocking them, called out, “Go your
ways, and drink your good ale.” Towards the evening they retired from
before the town, much wearied, and surprised that they had not heard any
tidings of their lord. They called a council, and resolved to return
back to their own town. On the morrow after their departure, the Earl of
Hainault arrived, as has been said, by the way of Mortagne, and he
immediately began the attack: it was so violent that the barriers were
instantly won, and they advanced to the gate which opens toward
Mortagne. The earl and his uncle headed this attack: they fought most
valiantly, and spared none. Each of them at this place received two such
blows from stones thrown down upon them, that their helmets were split
through, and themselves stunned. One present then said to the earl,
“Sir, we shall never do any thing effectual in this place, for the gate
is very strong, the passage narrow, and it will cost you too many of
your people to gain it; but if you will order some large beams of wood
to be brought, and shod with iron in the manner of piles, and strike
with them against the walls of the monastery, I will promise you that
you will make breaches in many places. If once we get into the
monastery, the town is ours, for there is nothing to stop us between it
and the town.” The earl ordered this advice to be followed; for he
perceived it was reasonable, and the shortest method of getting
possession of the town. Great beams of oak were brought, formed, and
sharpened like piles; and to each were ordered twenty or thirty men,
who, bearing it in their hands, retreated some paces, and then ran with
it with great force against the wall, which they battered down in many
places, so that they entered valiantly, and crossed a small rivulet.
The seneschal of Carcassonne was there, with his banner displayed before
him, which was gules, with a chef argent, three chevrons in chief, and
an indented border, argent; and near him were collected many companions
from his own country, who received the Hainaulters very gallantly, and
fought as well as they were able; but it was in vain, as they were
overpowered by numbers. It may be worth remembering, that, on their
entering the monastery, there remained a monk called Sir Froissart, who
did wonders, killing and wounding, at one of the breaches where he had
posted himself, upward of eighteen, so that no one durst venture to pass
through. At last he was forced to fly, for he perceived that the
Hainaulters were entering the monastery by various other breaches: the
monk therefore made off as fast as he could, and saved himself in
Mortagne. As soon as the earl, Sir John, and the knights of Hainault had
entered the monastery, the earl ordered no quarter to be given, so much
was he enraged at the violences they had committed in his territories.
The town was soon filled with soldiers, who pursued all they met from
street to street, and from house to house: very few escaped being put to
death. The seneschal was slain under his banner, and upward of two
hundred men with him. The earl returned that evening to Tournay.
On the morrow the men at arms of Valenciennes and the commonalty came to
St. Amand, burnt the town, the monastery, and the great minster;
breaking and destroying all the bells, of which there were numbers of
very good and melodious ones. The Earl of Hainault made another
excursion from the siege of Tournay, with about six hundred men at arms,
in order to burn Orchies, Landas, and Le Celle. He afterwards crossed,
with his army, the river Scarpe above Hanon, and, entering France, came
before a large and rich monastery at Marchiennes, of which Sir Aymé de
Vervaulx was governor, who had with him a detachment of crossbow-men
from Douay. The attack was violent; for the knight had strongly
fortified the first gate, which was surrounded by wide and deep ditches,
and the French and monks withinside defended themselves valiantly. The
Hainaulters exerted themselves much; and, having procured boats, they by
this means gained entrance into the monastery: but a German knight,
attached to the Lord of Fauquemont, was drowned; his name was Sir Bacho
de la Wiere. At the attack of the gate, the earl, his uncle the
seneschal of Hainault, and many others, proved themselves such good
knights, that the gate was gained, Sir Aymé slain, and the greater part
of the others. Many monks who were there were captured, the monastery
pillaged and burnt, as well as the village. The earl after this returned
with his army to Tournay.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SIR CHARLES DE MONTMORENCY, AND MANY OTHERS OF THE FRENCH, CAPTURED AT
PONT-À-TRESSIN.
The siege of Tournay lasted a long time, and the town held out well; but
the King of England thought he must gain it, for he knew that there were
within it great numbers of men at arms, and a scarcity of provision,
which would oblige them to yield through hunger. But others said that
they would find supplies through the country of the Brabanters, who
permitted frequent and large quantities of provisions to pass through
their army, and even to enter the town. Those from Brussels and Louvain
were quite weary of remaining there so long, and petitioned the marshal
of their army for leave to return to Brabant. The marshal replied that
he was very willing to consent to their departure, but they must leave
their arms and accoutrements behind them. This made them so ashamed,
that they never again repeated their request. During this siege, the
Germans made an excursion toward Pont-à-Tressin, where Sir Robert de
Bailleul had defeated the Hainaulters. The Lord of Rauderondenc, Sir
John of Rauderondenc his son (at that time a squire), Sir John de
Randebourgh (a squire also, and tutor to the Lord of Rauderondenc’s
son), Sir Arnold de Bacqueghen, Sir Reginald d’Escouvenort, Sir Courrat
d’Astra, Sir Bastien de Basties, Candrelier his brother, the Lord
Strauren de Leurne, with many others, from the duchies of Juliers and
Gueldres, held a conference together, and resolved to make an excursion
on the morrow, by break of day; for which purpose they armed and
prepared themselves well that night.
Some knights bachelors from Hainault joined them; among whom were Sir
Florent de Beaurieu, Sir Latas de la Haye (marshal of the army), the
Lord John of Hainault, Sir Oulphart de Guistelles, Sir Robert Glewes
from the county of Los (at that time only a squire), and many more;
amounting altogether to upward of three hundred good men at arms. They
came to Pont-à-Tressin, which they crossed without loss. They then held
a council, on what would be the most advantageous plan for them to beat
up and skirmish with the army of the French. It was determined that the
Lord of Rauderondenc, and his son, Sir Henry de Kalkren, a mercenary
knight, Sir Thilman de Saussy, Sir Oulphart de Guistelles, Sir l’Alleman
of Hainault, Sir Robert Glewes, and Jacquelot de Thiaulx, should act as
light-horse, and skirmish up to the tents of the French; that the rest
of the knights and squires, who might amount to three hundred, should
remain at the bridge to keep and defend that pass in case of any attack.
This advanced body then set out: they were forty persons altogether,
well mounted upon handsome and strong chargers. They rode on till they
came to the French camp, when they immediately dashed in, and began to
cut down tents and pavilions, and do every possible damage by
skirmishing with all that opposed them. That night two great barons, the
Lord of Montmorency and the Lord of Saulieu, had the watch, and were
with their guard when the Germans fell upon them. As soon as they heard
the noise, they and their banners moved toward it.
When the Lord of Rauderondenc saw them approach, he turned his horse
about, and ordered his pennon and his party to push for the bridge, the
French following him closely. In this chase the French captured Sir
Oulphart de Guistelles; for he could not follow their track, his sight
being indifferent. He was surrounded by the enemy, and made prisoner, as
were two esquires of the names of Mondrop and Jacquelot de Thiaulx. The
French galloped after them, but the Germans escaped; and, being scarcely
more than half an acre separated from them, they could plainly hear them
crying out, “Ha, gentlemen! you shall not return as easy as you came.”
Then one of his party rode up to the Lord of Rauderondenc, and said,
“Sir, consider what you are about, or the French will cut us off from
the bridge.” The Lord of Rauderondenc replied, “If they know one road to
it, I know another;” and, turning to his right, led his party along a
road tolerably well beaten, which brought them straight to the river
before mentioned, which is very deep, and surrounded by marshes. On
their coming thither they found they could not ford it, so that they
must return, and pass over the bridge. The French, thinking to cut off
and take the Germans, went on full gallop toward the bridge. When they
were come near to it, and saw the large body of men waiting for them,
they said to one another, “We are making a foolish pursuit, and may
easily lose more than we can gain;” upon which many turned back,
particularly the banner-bearer of the Lord of Saulieu, as well as that
lord himself. But the Lord of Montmorency would not retire, but pushed
forward courageously, and with his party attacked the Germans. This
attack was very fierce on both sides, and each party had many unhorsed.
While they were engaged, the light troops made a circuit, and fell upon
their flank: notwithstanding this, and the hard blows given, the French
stood their ground. But Sir Reginald d’Escouvenort, knowing the banner
of Montmorency, under which the knight was, with sword in hand, dealing
his blows about him, came up on his right hand, and, with his left hand
seizing the reins of his horse, stuck spurs into his own, and drew him
out of the combat. The Lord of Montmorency gave many blows with his
sword upon the helmet and back of Sir Reginald, which at once broke and
received them. However, the Lord of Montmorency remained his prisoner;
and the Germans fought so well, that they maintained their ground, and
made fourscore gentlemen prisoners. They then repassed the bridge
without hindrance, and returned to Tournay, where each retired to his
own quarters.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE SIEGE OF TOURNAY RAISED BY MEANS OF A TRUCE.
The siege of Tournay had lasted a long time (eleven weeks, all but three
days), when the lady of John de Valois--sister to the King of France,
and mother to the Earl of Hainault--took great pains with both parties
to make up a peace, so that they might separate without a battle. The
good lady had frequently, on her knees, besought it of the King of
France. She at last so far prevailed, by the help and assistance of the
Lord Lewis d’Augimont, who was well beloved by both parties, that a day
was fixed for a negotiation, when each of the parties was to send five
well-qualified persons to treat upon the best means of bringing about a
reconciliation. These commissioners were to meet at a chapel situated in
the fields, called Esplotin. On the day appointed, having heard mass,
they assembled after dinner, and took the lady with them. When they had
all entered this chapel, they saluted each other most politely, with
every mark of respect: they then began on the business. This first day,
however, passed away without any thing being decided. The next day they
came to their appointment, began on the treaty as before, and fell upon
some arrangement that seemed likely to end to their mutual satisfaction.
The third day these lords returned, and agreed upon a truce, to last for
one year, between the kings and all the allies that were present.
The truce was immediately proclaimed in each army, to the great joy of
the Brabanters, who were heartily tired of the siege. The day after, at
daybreak, tents and pavilions were struck, wagons loaded, and every one
in motion to depart.
Thus the good city of Tournay remained unhurt; but it had a narrow
escape, for there were no more provisions in it than would have been
sufficient for three or four days.
CHAPTER XXXI.
KING EDWARD INSTITUTES THE ORDER OF ST. GEORGE, AT WINDSOR.
About this time the King of England resolved to rebuild and embellish
the great castle of Windsor, which King Arthur had first founded in time
past, and where he had erected and established that noble Round Table
from which so many gallant knights had issued forth, and displayed the
valiant prowess of their deeds at arms over the world. King Edward
therefore determined to establish an order of knighthood, consisting of
himself, his children, and the most gallant knights in Christendom, to
the number of forty. He ordered it to be denominated “knights of the
blue garter,” and that the feast should be celebrated every year at
Windsor, upon St. George’s Day. He summoned, therefore, all the earls,
barons, and knights of his realm, to inform them of his intentions. They
heard it with great pleasure; for it appeared to them highly honorable,
and capable of increasing love and friendship. Forty knights were then
elected, according to report and estimation the bravest in Christendom,
who sealed and swore to maintain and keep the feast and the statutes
which had been made. The king founded a chapel at Windsor, in honor of
St. George, and established canons there to serve God, with a handsome
endowment. He then issued his proclamation for this feast by his
heralds, whom he sent to France, Scotland, Burgundy, Hainault, Flanders,
Brabant, and the empire of Germany; and offered to all knights and
squires that might come to this ceremony passports to last for fifteen
days after it was over. The celebration of this order was fixed for St.
George’s Day next ensuing, to be held at Windsor, 1344; and the queen
was to be present, accompanied by three hundred ladies and damsels, all
of high birth, and richly dressed in similar robes.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND SETS AT LIBERTY SIR HERVÉ DE LÉON.
While the King of England was employed in making preparations for the
reception of the lords and ladies whom he expected at this feast, news
was brought him of the death of the Lord of Clisson and the other
knights. He was so much enraged at it, that he had determined to
retaliate upon the body of Sir Hervé de Léon, who was his prisoner; and
would surely have executed it, if the Earl of Derby, his cousin, had not
remonstrated, and showed in council such good reasons, as, for the sake
of his own personal honor, induced him to refrain from this revenge. He
added, “My lord, if that King Philip has, through rashness, had the
villany to put to death such valiant knights as these were, do not
suffer your courage to be tainted by it; for in truth, if you will but
consider a little, your prisoner has nothing to do with this outrage:
have a goodness, therefore, to give him his liberty at a reasonable
ransom.” The king ordered the captive knight to be brought before him,
and said, “Ha, Sir Hervé, Sir Hervé! my adversary Philip de Valois has
shown his treachery in too cruel a manner, when he put to death so many
knights. It has given me much displeasure, and it appears as it were
done in despite of us. If I were to take his conduct for my example, I
ought to do the like to you, for you have done me more harm in Brittany
than any other; but I shall endure it, and let him act according to his
own will. I will preserve my own honor unspotted, and shall allow you
your liberty at a trifling ransom, out of my love for the Earl of Derby,
who has requested it; but upon condition that you perform what I am
going to ask of you.” The knight replied, “Dear sir, I will do, to the
best of my power, whatever you shall command.” The king said, “I know,
Sir Hervé, that you are one of the richest knights in Brittany; and, if
I were to press you, you would pay me thirty or forty thousand crowns
for your ransom. But you will go to King Philip de Valois, my adversary,
and tell him from me, that, by putting so many knights to death in so
dishonorable a manner, he has sore displeased me; and I say and
maintain, that he has by this means broken and infringed the truce which
we had agreed to, and that from this moment I consider it as broken, and
send him by you my defiance. In consideration of your carrying this
message, I will let you off for ten thousand crowns, which you will pay,
or send to Bruges, in five days after you shall have crossed the sea.
You will also inform all such knights and squires as wish to attend my
feast (for we shall be right glad to see them) not to desist on this
account, for they shall have passports for their safe return, to last
for fifteen days after it be over.”--“Sir,” answered the knight, “I will
perform your message to the best of my abilities; and God reward you and
my Lord of Derby for your kindness to me!”
Sir Hervé de Léon did not after this remain long in prison, but, having
taken leave of the king, went to Southampton, and embarked on board a
vessel, with the intention of landing at Harfleur. A violent storm,
however, which lasted fifteen days, prevented it. He lost his horses,
as well as those of his servants, which were thrown overboard; and he
himself was so ill by it, that he never after enjoyed good health. At
last the mariners, with much danger, landed at Crotoy, from whence Sir
Hervé and his suite went on foot to Abbeville, where they procured
horses; but Sir Hervé was so ill, he could not bear the motion of the
horse. He was therefore put in a litter, and came to Paris, to King
Philip, to whom he delivered his message word for word. But he did not
live long. He died in returning to his own country, in the city of
Angers. God have mercy on his soul!
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND SENDS THE EARL OF DERBY TO MAKE WAR IN GASCONY.
St. George’s Day drew near, when the grand feast was to be celebrated at
the castle of Windsor. The king had made great preparations for it; and
there were earls, barons, ladies, and damsels most nobly entertained.
The festivities and tilts lasted a fortnight. Many knights came to them
from beyond sea, from Flanders, Hainault, and Brabant, but not one from
France. During the holding of these feasts the king received
intelligence from different countries, particularly from Gascony. The
Lord de l’Esparre, the Lord de Chaumont, the Lord de Mucident, were sent
thence by the other barons and knights who at that time were dependent
on the King of England; such as the Lord d’Albret, the Lord de Pumiers,
the Lord de Montferrant, the Lord of Duras, the Lord of Craton, the
Lord of Grailley, and many others; and some were likewise sent by the
cities of Bordeaux and Bayonne. These ambassadors were most courteously
entertained and received by the king and his council; to whom they
explained the weakness of the country of Gascony, and that his good
friends in that country and the loyal city of Bordeaux wanted aid: they
therefore entreated that he would send thither such a captain and force
of men at arms as he might think able to make head against the French,
who kept the field in opposition to all that were sent to meet them. The
king soon afterwards appointed his cousin the Earl of Derby leader of
this expedition, and nominated those knights that he had fixed upon to
be under him: first the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Oxford, the Lord
Stafford, Sir Walter Manny, Sir Frank van Halle, Sir Henry Eam of
Brabant, Sir Richard Fitzsimon, Sir Hugh Hastings, Sir Stephen Tombey,
Sir Richard Haydon, Sir John Norwich, Sir Richard Radcliffe, Sir Robert
Oxendon, and several more. They were fully three hundred knights and
squires, six hundred men at arms, and two thousand archers. The king
advised the earl his cousin to take plenty of gold and silver with him,
and to bestow it liberally among the knights and squires, in order to
acquire their good opinion and affection.
The king also, during the time of these festivals, sent Sir Thomas
Dagworth into Brittany to re-enforce the Countess of Montfort, and
assist her in preserving that country; for, notwithstanding the truce,
he doubted not but that King Philip would begin the war on account of
the message he had sent to him by Sir Hervé de Léon. He therefore
despatched thither one hundred men at arms, and two hundred archers
under the command of Sir Thomas. He likewise ordered the Earl of
Salisbury into the county of D’ulnestre; for the Scots had rebelled
against him, had burnt much in Cornwall, and had advanced as far as
Bristol, and besieged the town of D’ulnestre. However, the Earl of
Salisbury marched thither, with three hundred men at arms and six
hundred archers well appointed. Thus the king sent forth his people, and
directed his treasurers to deliver out to the commanding officers a
sufficiency of money for their own expenses, and to pay their
fellow-soldiers; and each set out according to the orders he had
received.
We will speak first of the Earl of Derby, as he had the greatest charge,
which he conducted to Southampton, and, embarking on board the fleet
stationed there for him, made sail for Bayonne. It was a handsome city,
and had always held out for the English. He arrived there, without
accident, on the sixth day of June, 1344, when he disembarked, and
landed his stores. They were joyfully received by the inhabitants, and
he remained there seven days to refresh himself and his horses. The Earl
of Derby and his army left Bayonne the eighth day after his arrival, and
set out for Bordeaux, where a grand procession came out to receive him.
The earl was lodged in the Abbey of St. Andrew, and his people within
the city. When the Count de Lisle was informed of the arrival of the
English, he sent for the Count de Comminges, the Count de Perigord, the
Count de Carmain, the Viscount de Villemur, the Count Duras, the Count
de Valentinois, the Count de Mirande, the Lord of Mirade, the Lord de la
Barde, the Lord of Pincornet, the Viscount de Châtillon, the Lord of
Chateauneuf, the Lord de Lescun, the Abbot of St. Savin, and for all the
other lords who were attached to the King of France. As soon as they
were all assembled, he demanded their counsel on the arrival of the
Earl of Derby. The lords in reply said they were sufficiently strong to
defend the passage of the river Dordogne, at Bergerac, against the
English. This answer mightily pleased the Count de Lisle, who was at
that time like a king in Gascony, and had been so since the commencement
of the wars between the two kings. He had taken the field, captured
towns and castles, and waged war upon all who were of the English army.
These lords sent immediately to assemble their dependants on all sides,
and advanced to Bergerac, where they entered the suburbs, which are
large, strong, and partly surrounded by the Dordogne. They had all their
purveyances brought to them there in safety.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE EARL OF DERBY CONQUERS BERGERAC.
When the Earl of Derby had remained at Bordeaux for about fifteen days,
he was informed that the barons and knights of Gascony were in Bergerac:
he therefore one morning marched that way with his army, and ordered his
marshals, Sir Walter Manny and Sir Frank van Halle, to push forward. The
English marched that morning no more than three leagues, to a castle
called Montcroullier, which belonged to them, and was situated a short
league from Bergerac. At this castle of Montcroullier they tarried that
day and night. The day following, their scouts were sent as far as the
barriers of Bergerac; and on their return they related to Sir Walter
Manny that they had reconnoitred the position of the French, which did
not appear to them any thing very formidable. This day the English
dined early; and during the repast Sir Walter Manny, addressing himself
to the Earl of Derby, said, “My lord, if we were good knights, and well
armed, we might this evening partake of the wines of these French lords
who are garrisoned in Bergerac.” The earl answered that it should not be
his fault if they did not. When their companions heard this they said,
“Let us hasten to arm ourselves; for we will ride toward Bergerac.” It
was no sooner said than done: they were all armed and mounted in an
instant. When the Earl of Derby perceived such willingness in his men,
he was exceedingly joyful, and cried out, “In the name of God and of St.
George, let us march to our enemies!” They then rode on, with banners
displayed, during the greatest heat of the day, until they came to the
barriers of Bergerac; which was not a place easily to be taken, for a
part of the river Dordogne surrounded it. The French lords who were in
the town, seeing the English coming to attack them, said they should be
well received, and sallied forth in battle-array: they had with them a
multitude of foot-soldiers, and country-people badly armed. The English
made their approaches in close order, so that they were plainly to be
distinguished by the townsmen, and the archers began to shoot thickly.
When the foot-soldiers felt the points of the arrows, and saw the
banners and pennons glittering in the air, which they had not been
accustomed to see, they fell back upon their men at arms. The archers
continued to shoot with great quickness, doing much mischief to them.
The lords of England then advanced, mounted on their excellent coursers,
with lances in rests, and, dashing into the midst of their infantry,
drove them down at pleasure, and killed and wounded the French men at
arms in abundance; for they could not in any way exert themselves, as
these runaways had blocked up the road.
Thus were those of Bergerac driven back again to the suburbs; but with
so much loss that the first bridge and bars were taken by storm, and the
English entered with them. Upon the pavement were many knights and
squires slain and wounded, and many prisoners made of those who came
forward to defend the passage. The Lord of Mirepoix was slain under the
banner of Sir Walter Manny, who was the first that entered the suburbs.
When the Count de Lisle saw that the English had got possession of the
suburbs, and were knocking down and killing his people without mercy, he
and the other lords of Gascony made a handsome retreat towards the town,
and passed the bridge with great difficulty. At this place the
engagement was very severe, and lasted a considerable time: the noblemen
of France and of England, named in the preceding chapters, combated most
valiantly, hand to hand. Neither knight nor bachelor could there conceal
himself. Sir Walter Manny had advanced so far among his enemies, that he
was in great danger. The English made prisoners of the Viscount de
Bousquetin, the Lords of Châtillon, of Chateauneuf, and of Lescun. The
French retreated into the fort, let down the portcullis, and, getting
upon the battlements, began to throw stones and other things to drive
their enemies away. This assault and skirmish lasted until vespers, when
the English retreated, quite weary, into the suburbs which they had won;
where they found such quantities of provision and wine as might on
occasion have lasted them most plentifully for four months.
When the morrow dawned, the Earl of Derby had his trumpets sounded, and
his forces drawn out in battle-array, to approach the town, and make a
mighty assault, which lasted till noon. They had not much success; for
they found that there were within it men who defended themselves
valiantly. At noontide the English retreated, perceiving that they only
lost their time. The lords then assembled in council, and determined to
attack the town on the side next the river, for it was there fortified
only by palisades. The Earl of Derby sent, therefore, to the fleet at
Bordeaux for vessels, which he ordered to come to him up the Dordogne:
there were upward of sixty barks and other vessels lying at Bordeaux,
that came to Bergerac. In the evening of the following day the English
made their arrangements; and at sunrise all those who were ordered to
attack the town, as well as the fleet, were quite ready, under the
command of the Lord Stafford. There were many knights and squires who
had requested to be on this expedition, in hopes of preferment, as well
as a body of archers. They advanced in haste, and came to some large
round piles placed before the palisades, which they flung down. The
townsmen, seeing this, went to the Count de Lisle, the lords, knights,
and squires who were present, and said to them, “Gentlemen, we pray you
to take heed what you are about; for we run a great risk of being
ruined. If the town be taken, we shall lose all we have, as well as our
lives. It will therefore be much better that we surrender it to the Earl
of Derby, before we suffer more damage.” The count replied, “We will go
to that quarter where the danger is; for we will not consent to
surrender it so easily.” The Gascon knights and squires came, therefore,
to defend the palisades; but the archers who were in the barks kept up
so vigorous an attack with their arrows, that none dared to show
themselves, unless they chose to run the risk of being either killed or
wounded. In the town there were with the Gascons two or three hundred
Genoese cross-bow-men, whose armor shielded them from the arrows. They
kept the archers well employed all the day, and many on each side were
wounded. At last the English who were in the vessels exerted themselves
so much that they broke down a large piece of the palisade: those of
Bergerac then retreated, and requested time to consider if they should
not surrender the place.
The remainder of that day and night was granted them, upon condition
that they should not attempt to repair the breaches; and every one
retired to his quarters. The lords of Gascony held that night a long
council; and about midnight, having packed up all their baggage, they
set out from Bergerac, and followed the road to La Réole, which is not
far distant, whose gates were opened to them; and there they took up
their quarters.
The English, on the morrow morning, re-embarked on board their fleet,
and came to the part where the palisades had been broken down. They
found in that place great numbers of the townsmen, who entreated the
knights that they would beseech the Earl of Derby to have mercy on them,
and allow them their lives and fortunes, and thenceforward they would
yield obedience to the King of England. The Earl of Pembroke and the
Earl of Oxford replied that they would cheerfully comply with their
request; and went to the Earl of Derby, who was not present, and related
to him what the inhabitants of Bergerac had desired of them. The Earl of
Derby answered, “He who begs for mercy should have mercy shown him: tell
them to open their gates, and let us enter, and we will assure them of
safety from us and from our people.” The two lords returned, and
reported what the earl had said. Upon which the townsmen went to the
market-place, where every one, men and women, being assembled, they rang
the bells, threw open the gates, went out in procession to meet the Earl
of Derby, and with all humility conducted him to the church, where they
swore homage and fealty to him, acknowledging him as their lord, for the
King of England, by virtue of a procuration which he had with him.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE COUNT DE LISLE, LIEUTENANT FOR THE KING OF FRANCE, IN GASCONY, LAYS
SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF AUBEROCHE.
We will now return to the Count de Lisle, whom we left in La Réole. As
soon as he was informed that the Earl of Derby had returned to Bordeaux,
and had taken up his residence there, he did not think it probable he
would undertake any more expeditions this season. He sent letters
therefore to the Earls of Perigord, of Carmain, of Comminges, of
Bruniguel, and to all the barons of Gascony that were in the French
interest, to desire that they would collect as many people as they
could, and come with them properly armed, by an appointed time, to meet
him at Auberoche, as he intended to besiege it. They all obeyed his
summons; for he was as a king in these parts of Gascony. The knights who
were in Auberoche were not aware of this until they found themselves so
closely besieged on all sides that no one could go out of the garrison
without being seen. The French brought from Toulouse four large
machines, which cast stones into the fortress night and day; and they
made no other assault: so that in six days’ time they had demolished
all the roofs of the towers, and none within the castle dared to venture
out of the vaulted rooms on the ground-floor. It was the intention of
the army to kill all within the castle, if they would not surrender
themselves unconditionally.
News was brought to the Earl of Derby, that Auberoche was besieged; but
he did not imagine his friends were so hard pushed. When Sir Frank van
Halle, Sir Alain de Finefroide, and Sir John Lendal, who were thus
besieged, saw how desperate their situation was, they asked their
servants if there were not one among them who would, for a reward,
undertake to deliver the letters they had written to the Earl of Derby
at Bordeaux. One from among them stepped forward, and said he would be
the man who would cheerfully undertake the commission, not through lust
of gain, but from his desire to deliver them from the peril they were
in. The following night the servant took the letters, sealed with their
seals, and sewed them up in his clothes. He was let down into the
ditches: when he was at the bottom, he climbed up the opposite side, and
took his road through the army, for he could not avoid passing through
it. He was met by the first guard, but was not stopped, for he
understood the Gascon language well, and named one of the lords of the
army, as if belonging to him; so he was suffered to pass on: but he was
afterwards arrested, and detained under the tents of some other lords,
who brought him to the main watch. He was interrogated, searched, and
the letters found upon him, and guarded until morning, when the
principals of the army assembled in the tent of the Count de Lisle,
where the letters were read. They were rejoiced to find that the
garrison were so much straitened that they could not hold out longer;
and, seizing the
[Illustration: How the French flung a Servant over the Walls into
Auberoche.]
servant, they hung the letters round his neck, thrust him into one of
the machines, and flung him into Auberoche. The valet fell quite dead
amid the other valets of the castle, who were much terrified at it.
About this time the Earl of Perigord, his uncle Sir Charles de Poitiers,
the Earl of Carmain, and the Lord of Duras, mounting their horses, rode
as near to the walls of the castle as they could, and, calling out to
those within by way of derision, said, “Gentlemen, inquire of your
messenger where he found the Earl of Derby, and whether he is prepared
to assist you, since your man was so eager to quit your fortress, and
has returned as quickly.” Sir Frank van Halle replied, “By my faith,
gentlemen, if we be so closely confined in this place, we will sally
forth whenever it shall please God and the Earl of Derby. I wish to
heaven he were acquainted with our situation, for, if he were, the
proudest of you all would be afraid of standing your ground; and, if you
will send any one to give him this information, one of us will surrender
himself to you, to be ransomed as becomes a gentleman.” The French
answered, “Nay, nay, matters must not turn out so. The Earl of Derby, in
proper time, shall be made acquainted with it; but not until our engines
have battered your walls level with the ground, and you shall have
surrendered yourselves to save your lives.”--“That, for certain, will
never happen,” said Sir Frank van Halle; “for we will not surrender
ourselves, should we all die upon the walls.” The French lords then rode
on, and returned to their army. The three English knights remained in
Auberoche, quite confounded by the force of these engines, which flung
such quantities of stones that in truth it seemed as if the thunder from
heaven were battering the walls of the castle.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE EARL OF DERBY MAKES THE COUNT OF LISLE AND NINE MORE COUNTS AND
VISCOUNTS PRISONERS BEFORE AUBEROCHE.
All these speeches, the treatment of the messenger, the contents of the
letters, and the perilous situation of Auberoche, were known to the Earl
of Derby by means of a spy he had in the French army. The earl therefore
sent orders to the Earl of Pembroke in Bergerac to meet him at an
appointed place and hour; and also to the Lord Stafford and Sir Stephen
Tombey, who were at Libourne. The Earl of Derby then, accompanied by Sir
Walter Manny and the forces he had with him, took the road to Auberoche
as secretly as possible; for he had guides who were acquainted with all
the by-roads. They came to Libourne, where they waited a whole day for
the Earl of Pembroke; but hearing no tidings of him, and being impatient
to succor their friends who were so distressed, the Earl of Derby, the
Earl of Oxford, Sir Walter Manny, Sir Richard Hastings, Sir Stephen
Tombey, the Lord Ferrers, and other knights, set out from Libourne:
riding all night, they came on the morrow within two leagues of
Auberoche. They entered a wood; when, alighting from their horses, they
tied them to the trees, and allowed them to pasture, in expectation of
the arrival of the Earl of Pembroke. They waited all that morning, and
until noon, in vain, not knowing what to do; for they were but three
hundred lances and six hundred archers, and the French were from ten to
twelve thousand men. They thought it would be cowardice to suffer their
friends to be lost, when they were so near them. At last Sir Walter
Manny said, “Gentlemen, let us who are now here mount our horses, skirt
this wood, and advance until we come to their camp: when we shall be
close to it, we will stick spurs into our horses, and, with loud shouts,
fall upon them. It will be about their hour for supper; and we shall see
them so much discomfited, that they can never rally again.” The knights
present replied that they would all do as he had proposed. Each went to
his horse, re-girthed him, and tightened his armor: they ordered their
pages, servants, and baggage to remain where they were.
They advanced in silence by the side of the wood until they came to the
other end, where the French army was encamped in a wide valley, near a
small river: they then displayed their banners and pennons, and,
sticking spurs into their horses, dashed into the midst of the French
and Gascon forces, who were quite confounded and unprepared for this
attack, as they were busy about their suppers, many having set down to
table. The English were well prepared to act; and crying, “Derby, Derby
forever!” they cut down tents and pavilions, and slew and wounded all
that came in their way. The French did not know where to turn, so much
were they surprised; and when they got into the plains, if there were
any large body of them, the archers and crossbow-men made such good use
of their weapons that they were slain or dispersed. The Count de Lisle
was taken in his tent, badly wounded; the Earl of Perigord in his
pavilion, and also Sir Charles his uncle; the Lord of Duras was killed,
and so was Sir Aymery de Poitiers, but his brother the Earl of
Valentinois was made prisoner. Every one took to his heels as fast as he
could; but the Earl of Comminges, the Earls of Carmain, Villemur, and
Bruniguel, the Lords de la Barde and de la Taride, with others, who
were quartered on the opposite side of the castle, displayed their
banners, and, having drawn up their men, marched for the plain: the
English, however, who had already defeated the largest body of the army,
fell upon them most vigorously. In this engagement many gallant deeds of
arms were performed, many captures made, and many rescues. As soon as
Sir Frank van Halle and Sir John Lendal, who were in Auberoche, heard
the noise, and perceived the banners and pennons of their friends, they
hastened to arm themselves, and all those that were with them; when,
mounting their horses, they sallied out of the fortress, made for the
plain, and dashed into the thickest of the combat, to the great
encouragement of the English.
Why should I make a long story of it? All those who were of the Count de
Lisle’s party were discomfited, and almost all taken prisoners or slain.
Scarcely any would have escaped, if night had not closed so soon. Nine
earls and viscounts were made prisoners, and so many barons, knights,
and squires, that there was not a man at arms among the English that had
not for his share two or three. This battle before Auberoche was fought
on the eve of St. Laurence’s Day, in the year 1344. The English treated
their prisoners like friends: they received many upon their promises to
surrender themselves by a certain day at Bordeaux or Bergerac. The
English retired into Auberoche; and the Earl of Derby entertained at
supper the greater part of the prisoners,--earls, viscounts, barons, and
knights. They gave thanks and praises to God for having enabled them to
overcome upward of ten thousand men, when they themselves were not more
than one thousand, including every one; and to rescue the town of
Auberoche, in which were their friends, that must have been captured in
two days’ time. On the next morning, a little after sunrise, the Earl of
Pembroke arrived with three hundred lances and four thousand archers. He
had been informed of the event of the battle as they came along, and
said to the Earl of Derby, “Certainly, cousin, you have neither been
courteous, nor behaved honorably, to fight my enemies without waiting
for me, seeing that you had sent for me; and you might have been assured
that nothing should have prevented my coming to you.” The earl replied,
“Fair cousin, we were very anxious for your arrival, and we waited for
you from the morning until vespers. When we saw no appearance of your
coming, we dared not wait longer; for, had our enemies been informed of
our arrival, they would have had the advantage over us. But now, thanks
to God, we have conquered them, and we pray of you to help us in
conducting them to Bordeaux.” They remained that day and night in
Auberoche: on the next day early they were armed and mounted, and set
off, leaving there a Gascon knight in their interest, as governor, named
the Lord Alexander of Chaumont. They took the road to Bordeaux, and
carried with them the greater part of their prisoners.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE EARL OF DERBY TAKES DIFFERENT TOWNS IN GASCONY, IN HIS ROAD TOWARD
LA RÉOLE.
The Earl of Derby and his army, upon their arrival at Bordeaux, were
received with very great rejoicings: the inhabitants thought they never
could enough testify their joy to the earl and to Sir Walter Manny for
their enterprise, in which the Count de Lisle and more than two hundred
knights were made prisoners. The winter passed over without any action
taking place in Gascony that is worthy of being recorded. Easter, which
may be reckoned the beginning of the year 1345, was about the middle of
May; and the Earl of Derby, who had tarried all the winter in Bordeaux,
collected a very large body of men at arms and archers, and declared he
would make an expedition to La Réole, where the French had fixed their
headquarters. He went the first day from Bordeaux to Bergerac, where he
found the Earl of Pembroke ready with his troops. These two noblemen,
with their forces, remained for three days in Bergerac, and on the
fourth departed. When they were got into the open country they halted
their men, counted them, and found that they had about a thousand men at
arms and two thousand archers. They pushed forward until they came to a
castle called St. Basile, to which they laid siege. Those within,
considering that the principal barons of Gascony were prisoners, and
that they had no expectations of receiving succors from any place,
resolved to swear fealty to King Edward of England. The Earl of Derby
continued his route, and took the road toward Aiguillon; but before he
arrived there he came to the castle of Rochemilon, which was well
provided with soldiers and artillery; nevertheless the earl ordered it
to be vigorously assaulted. As the English advanced to the attack, those
within threw down upon them stones, bars of iron, and pots full of hot
lime, by which many were slain and wounded who adventured themselves too
rashly.
When the Earl of Derby perceived that his men were laboring in vain, and
getting themselves killed without any advantage, he sounded a retreat.
On the morrow he ordered the peasants to bring great quantities of
brushwood, fagots, straw, and turf, and to throw them all into the
ditches of the castle, and plenty of earth with them. When a part of the
ditch was so filled that one might get to the foot of the walls, he
assembled three hundred archers, well armed and in battle-array, and
sent before them two hundred countrymen, covered with shields, having
large pickaxes and hooks: while these first were employed in picking the
walls, the archers made such good use of their bows that no one dared to
show himself on the battlements. This lasted the greatest part of the
day, when the pickaxe-men made so large a breach in the walls, that ten
men might enter abreast. The inhabitants of the town and castle were
quite confounded: some fled toward the church, and others by a back way
out of the town. The fortress was immediately taken and pillaged, and
all the garrison were put to death, excepting such as had taken refuge
in the church, whom the Earl of Derby pardoned, for they had submitted
to his mercy. The earl placed in the castle a fresh garrison, under the
command of two English captains, Richard Willes and Robert Scot; and
then he came before Monsegur, where he ordered his men to prepare huts
for themselves and horses: he continued before it fifteen days.
The governor of the town was Sir Hugh de Bastefol, and there never
passed a day without some assault being made upon it. They sent for
large machines from Bordeaux and Bergerac; and the stones which they
cast into the town destroyed roofs, tiles, and the principal buildings.
The Earl of Derby sent every day to let them know, that, if they
suffered the town to be stormed, every one would be put to the sword;
but, if they would render obedience to the King of England, he would
pardon them, and treat them like friends. The townsmen would cheerfully
have surrendered, and they went to the governor to consult him, and to
sound his intentions; who answered them by ordering them to the
battlements, for that he had provision of every sort in sufficiency to
hold out for half a year if it were necessary. They left him in apparent
good humor; but about the time of vespers they seized him, and closely
confined him, assuring him, at the same time, he should never be set at
liberty if he did not assist them to make some terms with the Earl of
Derby. When he had sworn that he would do every thing in his power, they
let him go: he went directly to the barriers of the town, and made signs
that he wished to speak with the Earl of Derby. Sir Walter Manny being
present came to the governor, who said to him, “Sir Walter Manny, you
ought not to be surprised if we shut our gates against you, for we have
sworn fealty to the King of France; but not perceiving any one coming
from him to stop your career, and believing that you will still proceed
further,--for these reasons, in behalf of myself and the inhabitants of
this town, we wish you would allow us these terms: namely, that no
hostilities be carried on against us for the space of one month; and if
in that time the King of France or the Duke of Normandy come into this
country in such force as to give you battle, we then shall hold
ourselves free from our engagement; but, if neither of them come, we
will then enter under the obedience of the King of England.”
Sir Walter Manny went to relate this proposal to the Earl of Derby, who
acceded to it upon condition that there should not in the mean time be
any repairs made to the fortifications of the town, and that, if any of
the English army should want provisions, they might be at liberty to
purchase them. Upon this there were sent twelve of the principal
citizens as hostages, who were ordered to Bordeaux. The English
refreshed themselves with provisions from the town, but none were
suffered to enter it. They then continued their march, burning and
destroying all the country as far as Aiguillon, the governor of which
place came out to meet the earl, and surrendered the town and castle to
him, on condition of their lives and fortunes being spared; to the great
astonishment of all the country, for it was one of the strongest castles
in the world, and almost impregnable. When the squire who had thus
surrendered Aiguillon came to Toulouse, which is seventeen leagues
distant, the townsmen arrested him on suspicion of treason, and hung
him. This castle is situated on the point between two navigable rivers.
The earl ordered it to be re-victualled, and the fortifications
repaired, in order to its being fit to receive him on his return, and
that it might serve for a secure guard to his other possessions. He gave
the command of it to Sir John de Gombry. He then came to a castle called
Segart, which he took by storm, and put all the foreign soldiers he
found in it to death: from thence he came to the town of La Réole.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE EARL OF DERBY LAYS SIEGE TO LA RÉOLE, WHICH SURRENDERS TO HIM.
When the Earl of Derby was arrived at La Réole, he encompassed it
closely all round, erecting towers in the plains, and near to every
road, that no provision of any kind could enter it. He caused it to be
assaulted almost every day. This siege took up much of the summer; and,
when the time had expired which those of Monsegur had fixed for
surrendering themselves, the Earl of Derby sent thither, and the
inhabitants of the town became liegemen to the earl, who in all these
cases was the representative of the King of England. Even Sir Hugh de
Bastefol served under the earl with the men of Monsegur, for a certain
salary, which he received from the said earl, for himself and his
fellow-soldiers. The English who were besieging La Réole had lain before
it more than nine weeks, and had constructed two large towers of great
beams of wood, three stories high: each tower was placed on wheels, and
covered over with prepared leather, to shelter those within from fire
and from the arrows. In each story were one hundred archers. These two
towers, by dint of men’s force, were pushed close to the walls of the
town; for during the time they were building they had filled up the
ditches, so that these towers could easily pass over them. Those that
were in them began immediately to shoot so well and quick, that none
dared to appear upon the battlements unless he were well armed, or had a
shield. Between these two towers were posted two hundred men with
pickaxes and bars, to make a breach in the walls; which they did, and
cast away the stones. The inhabitants, seeing this, came upon the walls,
and inquired for some of the chiefs of the army to speak to them. The
Earl of Derby, being informed of it, sent thither Sir Walter Manny and
the Lord Stafford, who found the townsmen willing to surrender the town,
on condition of their lives and fortunes being spared.
When the governor, Sir Agos de Bans, a Provençal, found that the
inhabitants wanted to surrender the town, he retired into the castle of
La Réole with his fellow-soldiers; and, while this treaty was going on,
he had conveyed into it great quantities of wine and other provision. He
then ordered the gates to be fastened, and said he would never surrender
in so shameful a manner. The two knights returned to the Earl of Derby,
and related to him that the townsmen were desirous of surrendering upon
the terms above named; the earl sent them back, to know what the
governor’s intentions were respecting the castle. They returned with the
answer, that he had shut himself up in the castle, and would not yield
it. After a little consideration the earl said, “Well, well, let us have
compassion on the inhabitants: by means of the town, we shall soon gain
the castle.” The knights again went to the townsmen, and received their
submissions. They all came out to the plain, and, presenting the keys of
the town to the earl, said, “Dear sir, from this day forward, we
acknowledge ourselves as your loyal subjects, and place ourselves, in
every respect, under the obedience of the King of England.” They swore
by their heads, that they would not in any manner assist or succor those
in the castle, but, on the contrary, distress them all in their power.
The earl forbade, under pain of death, that any hurt should be done
toward the inhabitants of La Réole. He then entered it with his army,
and, surrounding the castle, erected all his machines against it; but
they did little mischief, for the castle was very high and built of a
hard stone. It was erected a long time since by the Saracens, who laid
the foundations so strong, and with such curious workmanship, that the
buildings of our time cannot be compared to it. When the earl found that
his machines had no effect, he commanded them to desist; and, as he was
not without miners in his army, he ordered them to undermine the
ditches of the castle so that they might pass beneath. This was not soon
done, however.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
SIR WALTER MANNY FINDS IN LA RÉOLE THE SEPULCHRE OF HIS FATHER.
While they were lying before this castle, and miners only could be
employed, Sir Walter Manny was reminded of his father, who formerly had
been murdered in his journey from St. James of Compostella; he had heard
in his infancy that he had been buried in La Réole or that neighborhood.
He therefore made inquiries in the town, if there were any one who could
inform him of the truth of this matter; and offered a hundred crowns to
him who should conduct him to the spot. This brought forward an old man,
who said to Sir Walter Manny, “Certainly, sir: I think I can lead you to
the place where your father was buried, or very near to it.” Sir Walter
replied, “If you prove your words true I will stick to my bargain, and
even go beyond it.”
To explain this matter more clearly, you must know that there was
formerly a bishop of Cambray, a Gascon, and of the families of Buc and
Mirefoix; and, during the time of his holding that see, a magnificent
tournament was held at Cambray, where there were upwards of five hundred
knights. A knight from Gascony tilted with the Lord of Manny, the father
of Sir Walter: the Gascon knight was so roughly handled and wounded that
he never enjoyed his health afterwards, but died. His death was laid to
the door of the Lord of Manny, and the bishop and his kindred vowed
revenge for it. Two or three years after, some good-hearted people
endeavored to reconcile them; and peace was agreed to, on condition that
the Lord of Manny should make a pilgrimage to St. James of Compostella
by way of penance.
During the time of this journey the Earl Charles of Valois, brother to
King Philip the Fair, was besieging La Réole, and had been there some
time; for it appertained, as well as many other cities and towns, to the
King of England, the father of him who besieged Tournay: so that the
Lord of Manny, on his return, went to visit the Earl Charles of
Valois,--as William Earl of Hainault had married the Lord Charles’s
daughter,--and showed him his letters, for in these parts he was as king
of France. It chanced one night, as he was returning to his lodgings,
that he was watched and waylaid by the kindred of him on whose account
he had performed this pilgrimage, and was murdered at a small distance
from the Earl Charles’s hotel. No one knew positively who had done this
deed, but the relations of the Gascon knight above mentioned were very
strongly suspected: however, they were so powerful that it was passed
over and excused, for none took the part of the Lord of Manny. The Earl
of Valois had him buried immediately in a small chapel which at that
time was without the walls of La Réole; and, when the Earl of Valois had
conquered the town, this chapel was enclosed in it. The old man
remembered all these circumstances perfectly well, for he had been
present when the Lord of Manny was interred. When Sir Walter came to the
spot where his father had been buried, with his aged conductor, he found
there a small tomb of marble which his servants had erected over him;
and the old man said, “You may be perfectly assured that your father
was buried and lies under this tomb.” Sir Walter then caused the
inscription, which was in Latin, to be read to him by a clerk, and found
that the old man had told him the truth. Two days afterwards he had the
tomb opened, took out the bones of his father, and, placing them in a
coffin, sent them to Valenciennes in the county of Hainault, where they
were again buried in the church of the Frères Mineurs, near the choir.
He ordered masses to be said, and to be continued yearly.
CHAPTER XL.
THE EARL OF DERBY CONQUERS THE CASTLE OF LA RÉOLE.
The Earl of Derby was more than eleven weeks besieging the castle of La
Réole: the miners, however, made such advances, that they had got under
one of the courts of the castle; but they could not undermine the
donjon, for it was built on too hard a rock. The Lord Agos de Bans, the
governor, then told his companions they were undermined, and in great
danger; who were much alarmed at it, and said, “Sir, you will be in
equal peril with ourselves, if you cannot find some method of avoiding
it. You are our captain, and we ought to obey you. In truth, we have
defended ourselves honorably, and no one can blame us if now we enter
into a treaty. Will you therefore talk with the Earl of Derby, and know
if he will accept of our surrender, sparing our lives and fortunes,
seeing that we cannot at present act otherwise?” Sir Agos went down from
the great tower, and, putting his head out of a window, made signs that
he wished to speak with some one from the army. A few of the English
came near him, and asked what he wanted: he replied that he would speak
with the Earl of Derby or Sir Walter Manny. When this was told the earl,
he said to Sir Walter Manny and to Lord Stafford, “Let us go to the
fortress, and see what the governor has to say to us:” they rode
therefore up to it. When Sir Agos perceived them, he saluted each very
respectfully, and said, “Gentlemen, you know for fact that the King of
France has sent me to this town and castle, to defend them to the best
of my abilities. You know in what manner I have acquitted myself, and
also that I should wish to continue it on; but one cannot always remain
in the place that pleases one best. I should therefore like to depart
from hence, with my companions, if it be agreeable to you; and, that we
may have your permission, if you will spare our lives and fortunes, we
will surrender this castle up to you.” The earl replied, “Sir Agos, Sir
Agos, you will not get off so. We know that you are very much
distressed, and that we can take you whenever we please, for your castle
now only stands upon props. You must surrender yourselves up
unconditionally, and so shall you be received.” Sir Agos, answering,
said, “Certainly, sir, if we should do so, I hold you of such honor and
gallantry, that you will show us every mark of favor, as you would wish
the King of France should do toward any of your knights; and, please
God, you will never stain your honor and nobility for a few poor
soldiers that are within here, who have gained their money with great
pain and trouble, and whom I brought with me from Provence, Savoy, and
Dauphiné: for know, that if the lowest of our men be not treated with
mercy, as well as the highest, we will sell our lives in such a manner
as none besieged ever did before. I therefore entreat of you to listen
to me, and treat us like brother soldiers, that we may feel ourselves
obliged to you.”
The three knights withdrew to a little distance, and conversed a long
time together; when, considering the gallantry of Sir Agos, that he was
a foreigner, and, besides, that they could not undermine the donjon,
they returned, and said to him, “Sir Agos, we shall be happy always to
treat every stranger knight as a brother at arms; and if, fair sir, you
and yours wish to leave the castle, you must carry nothing with you but
your arms and horses.”--“Let it be so, then,” replied Sir Agos. Upon
this he returned to his companions, and related what he had done: they
immediately armed themselves, and caparisoned their horses, of which
they had only six remaining. Some purchased horses of the English, who
made them pay dearly for them. Thus Sir Agos de Bans gave up the castle
of La Réole, of which the English took possession; and he went to the
city of Toulouse.
CHAPTER XLI.
THE EARL OF DERBY TAKES CASTEL MORON, AND AFTERWARDS VILLEFRANCHE, IN
PERIGORD.
When the Earl of Derby had gained possession of the town and castle of
La Réole, where he had spent a long time, he pushed forward, but left
there an English knight to see after the repairs, that it might be put
in a similar situation as when he had come before it. The earl advanced
toward Monpouillant, which he instantly ordered to be attacked the
moment he arrived. There were in the castle none but the peasantry of
the country who had retired thither with their cattle, depending on the
strength of the place. They defended themselves as long as they were
able; but at last it was taken by escalade, though it cost the earl dear
in the loss of many archers and a young English gentleman called Sir
Richard Pennort, who bore the banner of the Lord Stafford. The earl gave
the command of the castle and its dependencies to a squire of his own,
called Thomas Lancaster, and left him with twenty archers. The earl then
came to Castel Moron, which he attacked; but, finding he could not make
any impression, he took up his quarters before it for that night. On the
morrow morning a knight from Gascony came to him, called Sir Alexander
de Chaumont, and said, “Sir, pretend to decamp with your army, leaving
only a small detachment here before the town; and, from the knowledge I
have of its inhabitants, I am sure they will sally forth to attack them.
Your men will defend themselves as they retreat, and by placing an
ambuscade under these olive-trees, which as soon as they have passed,
one part of your army may fall upon their rear, and the other make for
the town.” The earl followed this advice, and ordered the Earl of Oxford
to remain behind with only a hundred men, giving him directions what he
wished to have done. He then ordered all the baggage to be packed up,
and to march off, as if he were going to another place. After having
posted a strong ambuscade in the valley among the olives and vines, he
rode on.
When the townsmen of Castel Moron perceived that the earl and the
greater part of his army were marching off, they said among themselves,
“Let us hasten to arm, and sally forth to combat this handful of English
that stay behind: we shall soon discomfit them, and have them at our
mercy, which will bring us great honor and profit.” They all agreed to
this proposal; and, hastening to arm themselves, they sallied out, to
the number of about four hundred. As soon as the Earl of Oxford and his
party saw them coming, they began to retreat, and the French to follow
them with great eagerness: they pursued them until they had passed the
ambush, when those posted there advanced upon them, calling out, “Manny
forever!” for Sir Walter commanded this ambuscade. One part of his
detachment fell upon those that had come from the town; and the other
made for Castel Moron, where they came about midnight, and found the
gates wide open, for the guards thought it was their own people
returning. The first-comers therefore seized the bridge, and were soon
masters of the town; for the inhabitants that had sallied out were
surrounded on all sides, and either slain or made prisoners. Those that
had remained in the town surrendered themselves to the Earl of Derby,
who received them kindly, and, out of his nobleness of disposition,
respited the town from being pillaged and burnt. He made a present of
it, and all its dependencies, to Sir Alexander de Chaumont, through
whose advice he had gained it. Sir Alexander made his brother, who was a
squire, called Antony de Chaumont, governor; and the Earl of Derby left
with him his archers, and forty infantry armed with bucklers, in order
to enable him the better to guard the town. The earl then came before
Villefranche, which he took by storm, as well as the castle. He made an
English knight, Sir Thomas Cook, governor of it. Thus did the Earl of
Derby march through every part of the country, without any one venturing
out to prevent him. He conquered many different towns and castles, and
his army gained so much riches, that it was marvellous to think on.
CHAPTER XLII.
JACOB VON ARTAVELD IS MURDERED AT GHENT.
Jacob von Artaveld, the citizen of Ghent that was so much attached to
the King of England, still maintained the same despotic power over all
Flanders. He had promised the King of England that he would give him the
inheritance of Flanders, invest his son the Prince of Wales with it, and
make it a duchy instead of an earldom. Upon which account the king was
at this period--about St. John the Baptist’s Day, 1345--come to Sluys,
with a numerous attendance of barons and knights. He had brought the
Prince of Wales with him, in order that Jacob von Artaveld’s promises
might be realized. The king remained on board his fleet in the harbor of
Sluys, where he kept his court. His friends in Flanders came thither to
see and visit him; and there were many conferences between the king and
Jacob von Artaveld on one side, and the councils from the different
capital towns on the other, relative to the agreement before mentioned;
as to which, those from the country did not unite in sentiment with the
king or with Von Artaveld: they declared they never would consent to
such a thing.
Jacob von Artaveld remained some little time longer with the King of
England, in order to be made acquainted with all his affairs: he, in
return, assured him that he would bring his countrymen over to his
opinion. But he deceived himself, and did wrong in staying behind and
not being at Ghent at the time when the citizens who had been deputed by
the corporations of the town arrived there; for as soon as they were
returned, taking advantage of the absence of Von Artaveld, they
collected a large meeting of high and low in the market-place, and there
explained to them the subject of the late conferences at Sluys, and what
the King of England had required of them through the advice of Jacob von
Artaveld.
The whole assembly began to murmur against him. They said that if it
pleased God they never would be pointed out, or found so disloyal as to
disinherit their natural lord in favor of a stranger. They then left the
market-place much discontented and angry with Artaveld. Now see how
unfortunately it fell out; for if he had gone to Ghent, instead of
Bruges and Ypres, and had urged upon them the cause of the King of
England, they would all have consented to his wishes, as those of the
two above-mentioned towns had done. But he trusted so much to his
prosperity and greatness, that he thought he could recover every thing
back in a little time.
When, on his return, he came to Ghent about midday, the townspeople, who
were informed of the hour he was expected, had assembled in the street
that he was to pass through. As soon as they saw him they began to
murmur, and put their heads close together, saying, “Here comes one who
is too much the master, and wants to order in Flanders according to his
will and pleasure; which must not be longer borne.” With this they had
also spread a rumor through the town, that Jacob von Artaveld had
collected all the revenues of Flanders for nine years and more; that he
had kept them securely to maintain his own state, and had, during the
time above mentioned, received all fines and forfeitures: of this great
treasure he had sent part into England. This information inflamed
[Illustration: The Death of Jacob van Artaveld.]
those of Ghent with rage; and as he was riding up the streets he
perceived that there was something in agitation against him, for those
who were wont to salute him very respectfully now turned their backs,
and went into their houses. He began therefore to suspect all was not as
usual; and as soon as he had dismounted, and entered his hotel, he
ordered the doors and windows to be shut and fastened.
Scarcely had his servants done this, when the street which he inhabited
was filled from one end to the other with all sorts of people, but
especially with the lowest of mechanics. His mansion was surrounded on
every side, attacked, and broken into by force. Those within did all
they could to defend it, and killed and wounded many; but at last they
could not hold out against such vigorous attacks, for three parts of the
town were there. When Jacob von Artaveld saw what efforts were making,
and how hardly he was pushed, he came to a window, and with his head
uncovered began to use humble and fine language, saying, “My good
people, what aileth you? Why are you so enraged against me? By what
means can I have incurred your displeasure? Tell me: I will conform
myself entirely to your wills.” Those who heard him made answer as with
one voice, “We want to have an account of the great treasures you have
made away with, without any title or reason.” Artaveld replied in a soft
tone, “Gentlemen, be assured that I have never taken any thing from the
treasures of Flanders; and if you will return quietly to your homes, and
come here to-morrow morning, I will be prepared to give so good an
account of them that you must be reasonably satisfied.” But they cried
out, “No, no! we must have it directly, you shall not thus escape from
us; for we know that you have emptied the treasury, and sent it into
England without our knowledge: you therefore shall suffer death.” When
he heard this he clasped his hands together, began to weep bitterly, and
said, “Gentlemen, such as I am, you yourselves have made me. You
formerly swore you would protect me against all the world; and now
without any reason you want to murder me. You are certainly masters, to
do it if you please; for I am but one man against you all. Think better
of it, for the love of God: recollect former times, and consider how
many favors and kindnesses I have conferred upon you. You wish to give
me a sorry recompense for all the generosities you have had at my hands.
You are not ignorant, that, when commerce was dead in this country, it
was I who restored it. I afterwards governed you in so peaceable a
manner, that under my administration you had all things according to
your wishes.” They began to bawl out, “Come down, and do not preach to
us from such a height; for we will have an account and statement of the
great treasures of Flanders, which you have governed too long without
rendering any account; and it is not proper for an officer to receive
the rents of a lord, or of a country, without accounting for them.” When
Jacob von Artaveld saw that he could not appease or calm them, he shut
the window, and intended getting out of his house the back way, to take
shelter in a church adjoining; but his hotel was already broken into on
that side, and upwards of four hundred were there calling out to him. At
last he was seized by them, and slain without mercy: his death-stroke
was given him by a saddler called Thomas Denys.
CHAPTER XLIII.
SIR JOHN OF HAINAULT QUITS THE ALLIANCE OF ENGLAND FOR THAT OF FRANCE.
Soon after this, King Philip of France endeavored by a treaty, through
the means of the Earl of Blois, to persuade Sir John of Hainault to take
part with France. In order to make him alter his opinion of the English,
they made him believe that they would not pay him his subsidy for a
considerable time. This put Sir John so much out of humor, that he
renounced all treaties and agreements which he had entered into with
England. The King of France was no sooner informed of it, than he sent
to him persons sufficiently authorized, who retained him, as well as his
counsel for France, at a certain salary; and he recompensed him in his
kingdom with a greater revenue than he derived from England.
CHAPTER XLIV.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY MARCHES WITH A GREAT ARMY INTO GASCONY, AGAINST THE
EARL OF DERBY.
The King of France, having received information of the expeditions and
conquests that the Earl of Derby had made in Gascony, issued a special
summons for all nobles and others that were capable of bearing arms to
assemble in the cities of Orleans and Bourges, and in that neighborhood,
by a certain day.
At last these lords were all assembled, with their men, in and near
Toulouse, for they were too great in numbers to be lodged in the city:
they amounted, in the whole, to upward of a hundred thousand persons.
This was the year of grace 1345. Soon after the feast of Christmas, the
Duke of Normandy, who was the commander-in-chief of this army, set out
to join it, and ordered his marshals, the Lord of Montmorency and the
Lord of St. Venant, to advance with the van. They came first to the
castle of Miraumont, which the English had conquered in the summer, and
most vigorously assaulted it. There were within about a hundred
Englishmen for its defence, under the command of John Briscoe.
With the French were the Lord Lewis of Spain, and a number of Genoese
crossbow-men, that spared none. Those within could not defend themselves
against so superior a force, but were taken, and the greater part of
them slain, even their captain. The marshals, having recruited their
battalion with fresh men, advanced farther, and came before
Villefranche, in the county of Agenois. The army halted there, and
surrounded it on all sides. Sir Thomas Cook, the governor, was not
there, but at Bordeaux, whither the Earl of Derby had sent for him.
However, those within made a vigorous defence; but in the end they were
taken by storm, and the greater part of the garrison put to the sword.
The army then marched toward the city of Angoulême, leaving the town and
castle of Villefranche standing undemolished, and without any guard. The
city of Angoulême was closely besieged: the governor of it for the King
of England was Sir John Norwich.
CHAPTER XLV.
SIR JOHN NORWICH ESCAPES FROM ANGOULÊME, WHEN THAT TOWN SURRENDERS TO
THE FRENCH.
The lords of France remained for a very considerable time before
Angoulême. The French overran all the country which had been conquered
by the English: they created much trouble, and, whenever they found a
fit opportunity, brought to their camp many prisoners and much pillage.
The two brothers of Bourbon acquired great praise from all, as they were
the foremost in every excursion. When Sir John Norwich, the governor of
Angoulême, found that the Duke of Normandy would not break up the siege
until he had gained the city, that his provisions were growing short,
and that the Earl of Derby showed no signs of coming to his relief;
having also perceived that the inhabitants were much inclined to the
French, and would have turned to them before if they had dared,--he
began to be suspicious of treason, and bethought how he could best save
himself and his companions. On the eve of the Purification, he came on
the battlements of the walls of the city alone, without having mentioned
to any one his intentions, and made signs with his cap that he wanted to
speak with some one from the army. Those who had noticed the signal came
to know what he wanted: he said he wished “to speak with my lord the
Duke of Normandy, or with one of his marshals.” They went to inform the
duke of this, who came there, attended by some of his knights. As soon
as Sir John saw the duke, he pulled off his cap, and saluted him. The
duke returned the salute, and said, “Sir John, how fares it with you?
Are you inclined to surrender yourself?”--“I have no intentions to do
that,” replied Sir John; “but I could wish to entreat of you, in
reverence to the feast of Our Lady, which is to-morrow, that you would
grant us a truce for that day only, that neither of us may hurt the
other, but remain in peace.” The duke said he was willing to consent to
it.
Early the next morning, which was Candlemas Day, Sir John and his
companions armed themselves, and packed up all they had. They then
ordered one of the gates to be opened, and issued forth; which being
perceived by the army, some part of it began to put itself in motion.
Sir John, upon this, rode up to them, and said, “Gentlemen, gentlemen,
beware that you do no harm to us; for we have had a truce agreed on for
this whole day, as you must know, by the Duke of Normandy; and we shall
not touch you. If you have not been informed of it, go and inquire; for
we can, upon the faith of this truce, ride and go wherever we please.”
This information was brought to the duke, and he was asked what was to
be done; who replied, “Let them go, in God’s name, whatever way they
choose; for we cannot force them to stay. I will keep the promise I made
them.” Thus Sir John Norwich passed through the whole French army
unhurt, and took the road to Aiguillon. When those who were in garrison
there heard in what manner he had escaped, and saved his men, they said
he had acted very cunningly.[5] The inhabitants of Angoulême held a
council on Candlemas Day, and determined to surrender themselves to the
duke. They sent persons properly authorized to treat, who managed so
well, that the duke showed them mercy, and pardoned them. He entered the
city and castle, where he received their homage, and appointed Sir
Anthony de Villiers governor, with a hundred soldiers to defend it. The
duke afterwards decamped, and came before the castle of Damazan, which
he laid siege to for fourteen days. There were continued assaults; but
at last it was taken, and all within it, Gascons and English, put to the
sword. The duke gave this castle and its dependencies to a squire from
Beausse, named the Borgne de Nully. He then came before Tonniens, which
is situated on the Garonne, and which he found well provided with
Gascons and English. There were many attacks and skirmishes, and he
remained some time before it. However, at last they surrendered, upon
condition of preserving their lives and fortunes, and to be conducted in
safety to Bordeaux. When these foreigners had left it, the town entered
under obedience to the duke, who staid here with his whole army, and on
the banks of the Garonne, until after Easter, when he advanced toward
Port St. Marie upon the same river. There were about two hundred English
to defend the town and this passage, who had strongly fortified it; but
they, and all within, were taken by assault. The French, after they had
repaired and re-enforced it with men at arms, set out and took the road
toward Aiguillon.
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY LAYS SIEGE TO AIGUILLON WITH A HUNDRED THOUSAND
MEN.
The noblemen of France, under the command of the Duke of Normandy,
pushed on until they came before the castle of Aiguillon, when they
encamped, and divided their forces in the extensive and handsome meadows
on the banks of the river Garonne, which is navigable for great vessels.
Each lord was posted with his own people, and every company by itself,
according to the orders of the marshals of the army. This siege
continued until the beginning of October; and there were upward of one
hundred thousand men in arms, including cavalry and infantry. Those
within were obliged to defend themselves against this army two or three
times every day, and most commonly from noon until eve without ceasing;
for there were continually pouring upon them fresh forces, Genoese or
others, who gave them no repose. The chiefs of the French army found
they could never attack with advantage the fortress, unless they passed
the river, which was wide and deep. The duke therefore ordered a bridge
to be constructed, that they might cross it. Three hundred workmen were
employed at this bridge, who worked day and night. As soon as the
knights who were in Aiguillon perceived that this bridge was nearly
finished, and that one-half of it was completed, they prepared three
vessels, in which they embarked, and, driving away the workmen and
guards, instantly destroyed what had taken so much time to make. The
lords of France, seeing this, got ready other vessels to attack them,
in which they placed a number of men at arms, Genoese crossbow-men, and
infantry, and ordered the workmen to continue their works under the
support of these guards. When these workmen were thus employed, Sir
Walter Manny and some of his companions embarked about noon, and,
dashing upon them, made them quit their work, and run off. He soon
destroyed all that they had done. This kind of skirmish was continued
daily; but at last the French sent such large detachments to guard the
workmen, that the bridge was completed in a good and strong manner. The
army then passed over it in order of battle, and attacked the castle for
the space of one whole day, but did no harm; and in the evening they
retreated to their camp, where they were plentifully supplied with every
thing.
Those within the castle repaired what damage had been done, for they had
plenty of workmen. On the morrow the French resolved to divide their
army into four divisions, the first of which should make an attack on
this fortress from the dawn until about nine o’clock; the second, from
that time until noon; the third, from noon till four o’clock; and the
fourth division, from that time till night. This mode of attack was
continued for six successive days. However, those within the castle were
never so much harassed but that they could defend themselves valiantly;
and their enemies gained nothing but the bridge which was before the
castle. The French lords, upon this, held a council, and sent to
Toulouse for eight of their largest battering-engines, and constructed
four other large ones upon the spot. These twelve engines cast stones
into the fortress day and night; but the besieged had taken such pains
to avoid what mischief they could do, that they only destroyed the roofs
of the houses. They had also made counter-engines, which played upon
those of their enemies, and in a short space of time totally ruined six
of them.
During this siege Sir Walter Manny made frequent excursions beyond the
river, with about sixscore companions, to forage, and often returned
with his booty in sight of the army. One day the Lord Charles of
Montmorency had been on a foraging party, with five or six hundred men,
and was conducting a great number of cattle to victual the army, when he
met Sir Walter Manny under the walls of Aiguillon. They immediately
began an engagement, which was very sharp, and many were killed and
wounded on both sides. The French were at least five to one. News was
brought of this into Aiguillon, when every one sallied out for the
fastest, and the Earl of Pembroke with the foremost; they dashed into
the midst of them, and found Sir Walter Manny unhorsed, and surrounded
by his enemies, but fighting most valiantly. He was directly rescued and
remounted. During the heat of the engagement, the French hastened to
drive off the cattle to a place of safety, or they would have lost them;
for the English were coming in crowds to succor their countrymen, and,
falling upon the French vigorously, they put them to flight, rescued
those they had made prisoners, and captured also many from them. The
Lord Charles de Montmorency had great difficulty to escape, and
retreated as fast as he could, quite discomfited. When it was over, the
English returned to Aiguillon.
Such skirmishes frequently happened, for scarcely a day passed without
some engagement. The French, having one day drawn out their army,
ordered those noblemen that were from Toulouse, Carcassonne, and
Beaucaire, and their dependencies, to make an attack with their men,
from the morning until noon; and those from Rouergue, Cahors, and
Agenois, to continue it from their retreat until the evening. The duke
promised to any of his soldiers who should gain the drawbridge of the
castle a reward of a hundred golden crowns. The duke, in order to assist
this attack, commanded a number of vessels and barges to come down the
river, in which many embarked to cross it, while the remainder passed
over the bridge. Those in the castle made a gallant defence; but at last
some of the French got into a small boat, and, passing under the bridge,
fastened strong hooks and chains to the drawbridge, with which they
pulled so lustily, that they broke the iron chains which held the
bridge, and forced it down.
The French, so eager were they to gain the promised reward, leaped upon
the bridge in such haste that they tumbled over each other. The besieged
flung down upon them stones, hot lime, large beams, and boiling water,
so that many were hurt and drowned in the ditches. The bridge, however,
was taken, though it cost them more than it was worth. But they could
not gain the gate: therefore, as it was late, they returned to their
camp, for they had need of rest; and those within the castle sallied
out, and repaired the bridge, making it stronger than ever.
On the next day two principal engineers came to the duke, and said, if
he would find them wood and workmen they would build for him four such
high towers, as, when they were advanced to the walls of the castle,
should overtop them. The duke commanded all the carpenters of the
country to be sent for, and handsomely paid. These four towers were
constructed, and placed on the decks of four large vessels; but they
took a long time in making, and cost much money. Those ordered upon this
attack embarked on board the vessels; and, when they were about half
way over the river, the besieged let off four martinets, which they had
newly constructed to defend themselves against these towers. These four
martinets cast such large stones, and so very rapidly, that the men at
arms in the towers were much hurt by them; and, having no means to
shield themselves, they returned back as fast as they were able. But in
their retreat one of the vessels foundered and sunk: the greater number
of those that were on board were drowned, which was a great pity, as
they were chiefly valiant knights who were eager to distinguish
themselves. When the duke found that this scheme did not answer his
expectations, he ordered them to disembark from the three remaining
vessels. He was at a loss what plan to follow, by which he could gain
the castle of Aiguillon; for he had vowed he would never quit the place
until he was master of it and the garrison, unless the king his father
ordered otherwise. The lords therefore advised him to send the Constable
of France and the Earl of Tancarville to Paris, to inform King Philip of
the state of the siege, and to know if the king wished the Duke of
Normandy to continue before Aiguillon until he had through famine made
himself master of it, since he could not gain it by force.
The King of England, having heard how much pressed his people were in
the castle of Aiguillon, determined to lead a great army into Gascony.
He set about making his preparations, summoned all the vassals in his
kingdom, and collected forces from whatever quarter he could, that were
willing to enter into his pay. About this time Sir Godfrey de Harcourt,
who had been banished from France, arrived in England. He was received
by the king in his palace; and he assigned over to him a handsome
estate in England, to maintain him suitable to his rank. Soon after this
the king assembled a large fleet of ships at Southampton, and sent
thither his men at arms and his archers. About St. John the Baptist’s
Day, 1346, the king took leave of the queen, and, setting out, left her
to the care of his cousin the Earl of Kent. He appointed the Lord Percy,
and the Lord Neville of Raby, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of
Durham, and the Bishop of Lincoln, to be his lieutenants for the
northern parts of his kingdom; and he did not take so many forces out of
the realm but that there was a sufficiency of men at arms left to defend
it, should there be occasion. He took the road to Southampton, where he
tarried until he had a favorable wind, when he embarked with his whole
army. On board the king’s ship were the Prince of Wales and Sir Godfrey
de Harcourt: the other lords, earls, and barons embarked with their men,
as they had been ordered. There might be about four thousand men at
arms, and ten thousand archers, not including the Irish and the Welsh,
who followed the army on foot.
When they embarked,[6] the weather was as favorable as the king could
wish, to carry him to Gascony; but on the third day the wind was so
contrary, that they were driven upon the coasts of Cornwall, where they
cast anchor, and remained for six days and six nights. During this time
the king altered his mind with respect to going toward Gascony, through
the advice and representations of Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, who convinced
him that it would be more for his interest to land in Normandy, by such
words as these: “Sir, that province is one of the most fertile in the
world; and I will answer on my head that you may land in any part of it
you shall please without hinderance, for no one will think of opposing
you. The Normans have not been accustomed to the use of arms; and all
the knighthood that would have otherwise been there are at present with
the duke before Aiguillon. You will find in Normandy rich towns and
handsome castles without any means of defence, and your people will gain
wealth enough to suffice them for twenty years to come. Your fleet may
also follow you up the river Orne as far as Caen. I therefore entreat
you will listen and give belief to what I say.” The king, who at that
time was in the flower of his youth, and who desired nothing better than
to combat his enemies, paid much attention to what Sir Godfrey de
Harcourt, whom he called cousin, had said. He commanded his sailors to
steer straight for Normandy, and ordered the flag of the admiral, the
Earl of Warwick, to be hoisted on board his ship: he took the lead, as
admiral of the fleet, and made for Normandy with a very favorable wind.
The fleet anchored near to the shores of Coutantin, and the king landed
at a port called La Hogue St. Vast. News of his arrival was soon spread
abroad: it was told all over the country, that the English had landed
with a very great army. Messengers were instantly despatched to Paris,
to the king, from the towns of Coutantin. He had already been informed
that the King of England had embarked a numerous army, and was on the
coasts of Normandy and Brittany; but he was not sure for what particular
port he intended to make. As soon, therefore, as he heard the English
had landed, he sent for his constable, the Earl of Guignes, and the Earl
of Tancarville, who were just come from Aiguillon, and ordered them to
set off directly for Caen, to defend that place and the neighborhood
against the English.
CHAPTER XLVII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND MARCHES INTO NORMANDY WITH HIS ARMY IN THREE
BATTALIONS.
When the fleet of England was all safely arrived at La Hogue, the king
leaped on shore first; but by accident he fell, and with such violence
that the blood gushed out of his nose. The knights that were near him
said, “Dear sir, let us entreat you to return to your ship, and not
think of landing to-day, for this is an unfortunate omen.” The king
instantly replied, “For what? I look upon it as very favorable, and a
sign that the land is desirous of me.”
His people were much pleased with this answer. The king and his army lay
that night upon the sands. In the mean time they disembarked their
baggage, armor, and horses; and there was a council held, to consider
how they could act most advantageously. The king created two marshals of
his army: one was Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, the other the Earl of
Warwick; and he made the Earl of Arundel his constable. He ordered the
Earl of Huntington to remain with his fleet, with a hundred or sixscore
men at arms, and four hundred archers. He then held another council
respecting the order of march, and determined to divide the army into
three battalions, one of which should advance on his right, following
the seacoast, and another on his left; and he himself, with the prince
his son and the main body, in the centre. Every night the marshal’s
battalion was to retire to the quarters of the king. They then began
their march, as they had resolved upon. Those who were on board the
fleet coasted shores, and took every vessel, great and small, they met
with. Both the armies of sea and land went forward until they came to a
strong town called Barfleur, which they soon gained, the inhabitants
having surrendered immediately for fear of losing their lives; but that
did not prevent the town from being pillaged and robbed of gold, silver,
and every thing precious that could be found therein. There was so much
wealth that the boys of the army set no value on gowns trimmed with fur.
They made all the townsmen quit the place, and embarked them on board
the fleet; for they did not choose that after they had continued their
march they should collect together, and attack them.
After the town of Barfleur had been pillaged, but not burnt, they spread
themselves over the country, near the seacoast, where they did whatever
they pleased, for there were none to oppose them. They advanced until
they came to a considerable and wealthy town called Cherbourg, which
they burnt and pillaged in part; but they could not conquer the castle,
as it was too strong and well garrisoned with men at arms: they
therefore passed on, and came before Montbourg, near Valogues, which
they pillaged and then set fire to. In this manner did they plunder and
burn a great many towns in that country, and acquired so much riches
that it would have been difficult to count their wealth.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE KING OF FRANCE COLLECTS A LARGE FORCE TO OPPOSE THE KING OF ENGLAND.
Thus, while the English were burning and destroying great part of
Normandy, the King of France was not idle, but had issued out his
summons to the Lord John of Hainault, who came to him with a powerful
company of knights from Hainault and elsewhere: he also sent to every
earl, baron, and knight that were dependent on him. They obeyed his
summons in such numbers as France had not seen for a hundred years; but,
as those in foreign countries were at great distances, they were long in
arriving, and the King of England had overrun and destroyed the whole
district of Coutantin in Normandy to its great detriment.
When King Philip first heard of the destruction the King of England was
making in his realm, he swore that the English should never return
without his having combated with them, and that the mischief they had
done to his people should be dearly paid for. He hastened, therefore, to
despatch his letters. He sent first to his good friends in the empire,
because they were at the greatest distance; and also to the gallant King
of Bohemia, whom he so much loved; and to the Lord Charles of Bohemia,
his son, who had then the title of King of Germany, which he had
obtained, as was well known, through the influence of his father and the
King of France, and he had already quartered the arms of the empire.
King Philip entreated of them to come speedily to his assistance, for
he was impatient to meet the English who were despoiling his kingdom.
These lords had no intention of excusing themselves, but set about
collecting a large body of men at arms from Germany, Bohemia, and
Luxembourg, and came to the King of France with a powerful army. The
King of France wrote also to the Duke of Lorraine, who came to serve him
with upward of three hundred lances. The Earl of Savoy, the Earl of
Saltzburg, the Earl of Flanders, and Earl William of Namur, came also to
King Philip, each of them with a very handsome company.
You have before heard the manner of the King of England’s march: the two
marshals on the right and left, and the King and Prince of Wales in the
centre. They advanced by short marches, and every day they encamped
between ten and twelve o’clock. They found the country so abounding with
provisions, that they had no need to seek for forage, except wines, of
which there was a reasonable quantity. It is not to be wondered at, if
the people of the country were alarmed and frightened, for they had
never seen any men at arms, and knew nothing of war or battles: they
therefore fled before the English, as soon as ever they heard they were
coming, leaving their houses and barns quite full, for they had neither
means nor art to save them.
The King of England and Prince of Wales had in their battalion about
three thousand men at arms, six thousand archers, ten thousand infantry,
without counting those that were under the marshals; and they marched on
in the manner I have before mentioned, burning and destroying the
country, but without breaking their line of battle. They did not turn
toward Coutances, but advanced to St. Lô in Coutantin, which in those
days was a very rich and commercial town, and worth three such towns as
Coutances. In the town of St. Lô was much drapery, and many wealthy
inhabitants; among them you might count eight or nine score that were
engaged in commerce. When the King of England was come near to the town,
he encamped: he would not lodge in it for fear of fire. He sent,
therefore, his advanced guard forward, who soon conquered it at a
trifling loss, and completely plundered it. No one can imagine the
quantity of riches they found in it, nor the number of bales of cloth.
If there had been any purchasers, they might have bought enough at a
very cheap rate.
The English then advanced toward Caen, which is a much larger town,
stronger, and fuller of draperies and all other sorts of merchandise,
rich citizens, noble dames and damsels, and fine churches. In
particular, there are two very rich monasteries, one dedicated to St.
Stephen, and the other to the Trinity. The castle is situated on one
side of the town: it is the handsomest in all Normandy; and Sir Robert
de Blargny was governor, with a garrison of three hundred Genoese.
In the heart of the town were the Earl of Eu and of Guignes, the
Constable of France, and the Earl of Tancarville, with a crowd of men at
arms. The king rode on very prudently, and, having united his three
battalions, he took up his quarters for that night in the fields, two
short leagues from Caen, near a town called Estreham, where there is a
haven. He ordered the Earl of Huntington, whom he had made admiral of
his fleet, to sail for that place. The Constable of France, and the
other lords who were assembled in Caen, watched it well that night; and
on the morrow they armed themselves and all the inhabitants. After they
were drawn out, the constable and the Earl of Tancarville ordered that
no one should leave the town, but should guard well the bridge, the
gates, and the river. They gave up the suburbs to the English, because
they were not enclosed; and they thought they should find sufficient
employment to guard the town, which was only defended by the river. The
townsmen, however, said they would march out into the plains, as they
were in sufficient force to fight with the English. When the constable
perceived their willingness, he said, “It shall be so, then; but, in
God’s name, you shall not fight without me.” They then marched out of
the town in handsome order, and made a show as if they would fight
valiantly, and risk their lives upon the event.
CHAPTER XLIX.
THE BATTLE OF CAEN.--THE ENGLISH TAKE THE TOWN.
On this day the English rose very early, and made themselves ready to
march to Caen: the king heard mass before sunrise, and afterwards
mounting his horse, with the Prince of Wales and Sir Godfrey de Harcourt
(who was marshal and director of the army, and through whose advice the
king had undertaken this expedition), marched forward in order of
battle. The battalion of the marshals led the van, and came near to the
handsome town of Caen.
When the townsmen, who had taken the field, perceived the English
advancing with banners and pennons flying in abundance, and saw those
archers whom they had not been accustomed to, they were so frightened
that they betook themselves to flight, and ran for the town in great
disorder, without regarding the constable and the men at arms who were
with them. The English pursued them eagerly; which, when the constable
and the Earl of Tancarville saw, they gained a gate at the entrance of
the bridge in safety, and a few knights with them, for the English had
already entered the town.
Some knights and squires of the French, who knew the road to the castle,
made for it; and the governor, Sir Robert de Blargny, received them all.
As the castle was very large, and plentifully victualled, those were
safe that could get there.
The English, who were after the runaways, made great havoc; for they
spared none. When the constable, and those that had taken refuge with
him within the gate of the bridge, looked round them, and saw the great
slaughter the English were making (for they gave no quarter), they began
to fear lest they should fall into the hands of some of those archers,
who would not know who they were. But they perceived a knight who had
but one eye, named Sir Thomas Holland (whom they had formerly known in
Prussia and Grenada), coming toward them, in company with five or six
other knights: they called to him, and asked if he would take them as
his prisoners. Sir Thomas and his company advanced to the gate, and,
dismounting, ascended to the top, with sixteen others, where he found
the above-mentioned knights, and twenty-five more, who surrendered
themselves to Sir Thomas.
Having left a sufficient guard over them, he mounted his horse, rode
through the streets, and prevented many acts of cruelty; as did also
other knights and squires, to whom several of the citizens owed their
lives. It was fortunate for the English that it was ebb-tide in the
river, which admits large vessels, and the water very still, so that
they could pass and repass beside the bridge. Those inhabitants who had
taken refuge in the garrets flung down from them in these narrow streets
stones, benches, and whatever they could lay hands on, so that they
killed and wounded upwards of five hundred of the English; which so
enraged the King of England, when he received the reports in the
evening, that he ordered the remainder of the inhabitants to be put to
the sword, and the town burnt. But Sir Godfrey de Harcourt said to him,
“Dear sir, assuage somewhat of your anger, and be satisfied with what
has already been done. You have a long journey yet to make before you
arrive at Calais, whither it is your intention to go; and there are in
this town a great number of inhabitants who will defend themselves
obstinately in their houses, if you force them to it: besides, it will
cost you many lives before the town can be destroyed, which may put a
stop to the expedition to Calais, and that will not redound to your
honor. Therefore be sparing of your men, for in a month’s time you will
have a call for them; as it cannot otherwise happen but that your
adversary King Philip must soon come to give you battle, and you may
meet with many difficulties, assaults, and skirmishes, that will find
full employment for the number of, and even more if we could get them.
We are complete masters of the town, without any more slaughter; and the
inhabitants, and all they possess, are at our disposal.” The king
replied, “Sir Godfrey, you are our marshal: therefore order as you
please; for this time we do not wish to interfere.”
Sir Godfrey then rode through the streets, his banner displayed before
him, and ordered in the king’s name that no one should dare, under pain
of immediate death, to insult or hurt man or woman of the town, or
attempt to set fire to it. Several of the inhabitants, on hearing this
proclamation, received the English into their houses; and others opened
their coffers to them, giving up their all since they were assured of
their lives. However, there were, in spite of these orders, many
atrocious thefts and murders committed. The English continued masters of
the town for three days. In this time they amassed great wealth, which
they sent in barges down the river of Estreham to St. Saveur, two
leagues off, where their fleet was. The Earl of Huntington made
preparations, therefore, with the two hundred men at arms and his four
hundred archers, to carry over to England their riches and prisoners.
The king purchased from Sir Thomas Holland and his companions the
Constable of France and the Earl of Tancarville, and paid down twenty
thousand nobles for them.
CHAPTER L.
THE ENGLISH COMMIT GREAT DEPREDATIONS IN NORMANDY.--SIR GODFREY DE
HARCOURT ENCOUNTERS THE MEN AT ARMS OF AMIENS, ON THEIR WAY TO
PARIS, AND KING EDWARD MARCHES INTO PICARDY.
When the king had finished his business in Caen, and had sent his fleet
to England loaded with cloths, jewels, gold and silver plate, and a
quantity of other riches, and upward of sixty knights, with three
hundred able citizens, prisoners; he then left his quarters, and
continued his march as before, his two marshals on his right and left,
burning and wasting all the flat country.
They pushed forward until they came to Poissy, where the bridge was also
destroyed; but the beams and other parts of it were lying in the river.
The king remained here five days, while they were repairing the bridge,
so that his army might pass over without danger. His marshals advanced
very near to Paris, and burnt St. Germain-en-Laye, La Montjoie, St.
Cloud, Boulogne near Paris, and Bourg la Reine. The Parisians were much
alarmed, for Paris at that time was not enclosed. King Philip upon this
began to stir; and, having ordered all the pent-houses in Paris to be
pulled down, went to St. Denis, where he found the King of Bohemia, the
Lord John of Hainault, the Duke of Lorraine, the Earl of Flanders, the
Earl of Blois, and great multitudes of barons and knights, ready to
receive him. When the Parisians learned that the king was on the point
of quitting Paris, they came to him, and, falling on their knees, said,
“Ah, sire and noble king, what are you about to do? to leave your fine
city of Paris?” The king replied, “My good people, do not be afraid: the
English will not approach you nearer than they have done.” He thus spoke
in answer to what they had said,--that “our enemies are only two leagues
off: as soon as they shall know you have quitted us, they will come
hither directly; and we are not able to resist them ourselves, nor shall
we find any to defend us. Have the kindness, therefore, sire, to remain
in your good city of Paris to take care of us.” The king replied, “I am
going to St. Denis, to my army; for I am impatient to pursue the
English, and am resolved to fight with them at all events.”
The King of England remained at the nunnery of Poissy to the middle of
August, and celebrated there the feast of the Virgin Mary. He sat at
table in his scarlet robes without sleeves, trimmed with furs and
ermines. He afterwards took the field, and his army marched as before:
Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, one of his marshals, had the command of the
vanguard, with five hundred men at arms, and about thirteen hundred
archers. By accident he fell in with a large party of the citizens of
Amiens on horseback, who were going to King Philip at Paris, in
obedience to his summons. He immediately attacked them with those under
his command; but they made a good defence, as they were very numerous
and well armed, and had four knights from Amiens with them. The
engagement lasted a long time, and many were slain at the onset; but at
last those from Amiens were overthrown, killed, or taken prisoners. The
English seized all their baggage and arms, and found many valuables; for
they were going to the king excellently well equipped, and had but just
quitted their city. Twelve hundred were left dead on the spot. The King
of England entered the country of Beauvais, destroying all the flat
country; and took up his quarters in a rich abbey called St. Messien,
near to Beauvais, where he lodged one night. The morrow, as he was on
his march, he by chance turned his head round, and saw the abbey all in
flames; upon which he instantly ordered twenty of those who had set fire
to it to be hung, as he had most strictly forbidden that any church
should be violated, or monastery set on fire. He passed near Beauvais
without attacking it,--for he was anxious to be as careful of his men
and artillery as possible,--and took up his quarters at a small town
called Milly. The two marshals passed so near to Beauvais, that they
advanced to attack it, and skirmish with the townsmen at the barriers,
and divided their forces into three battalions. This attack lasted until
the afternoon; for the town was well fortified and provided with every
thing, and the bishop was also there, whose exertions were of more
service than those of all the rest. When the English found they could
not gain any thing, they set fire to the suburbs, which they burnt
quite close to the gates of the town, and then came, toward evening, to
where the king was.
The next day the king and his whole army marched forward, burning and
wasting all the country as they went, and lay that night at a village
called Grandvillier. On the morrow he passed near to Argis: his scouts
not finding any one to guard the castle, he attacked and burnt it, and,
passing on, destroyed the country, and came to Poix, which was a
handsome town with two castles. The lords of both were absent, and no
one was there but two handsome daughters of the Lord of Poix. In order
more effectually to guard them, they brought them to the king, who, as
in honor bound, entertained them most graciously. He inquired whither
they would wish to go. They answered, to Corbie, to which place they
were conducted in safety. The King of England lay that night in the town
of Poix. The inhabitants of Poix, as well as those of the castle, had a
conference with the marshals of the army, in order to save the town from
being plundered and burnt. They offered to pay, as a ransom, a certain
number of florins the ensuing day, as soon as the army should have
marched off. On the morrow morning the king and army departed, except
some few who remained behind, by order of the marshals, to receive the
ransom from the townsmen. When the inhabitants were assembled together,
and considered the small number of the English who were left with them,
they resolved to pay nothing, told them so, and directly fell upon them.
The English defended themselves gallantly, and sent after the army for
succor. When Lord Reginald Cobham and Sir Thomas Holland, who commanded
the rear-guard, were told of this, they cried out, “Treason! treason!”
and returned back to Poix, where they found their countrymen still
engaged with the townsmen. Almost all the inhabitants were slain, the
town was burnt, and the two castles razed to the ground. The English
then followed the king’s army, which was arrived at Airaines, where he
had ordered the troops to halt, and to quarter themselves for that
night, strictly commanding, under pain of death, that no harm should be
done to the town or inhabitants by theft or otherwise; for he wished to
remain there a day or two in order to gain information where he could
best cross the river Somme,--which he was under the necessity of doing,
as you will shortly hear.
CHAPTER LI.
THE KING OF FRANCE PURSUES THE KING OF ENGLAND, IN THE COUNTRY OF
BEAUVAIS.
I wish now to return to King Philip, whom we left at St. Denis with his
army, which was increasing every day. He marched off with it, and pushed
forward until he came to Coppigny les Guises, which is three leagues
distant from Amiens, where he halted. The King of England, who was still
at Airaines, was much embarrassed how to cross the Somme, which was wide
and deep, as all the bridges had been broken down, and their situations
were well guarded by men at arms. The two marshals, at the request of
the king, followed the course of the river, in order if possible to find
a passage for the army: they had with them a thousand men at arms and
two thousand archers. They passed by Lompré, and came to Pont de Remy,
which they found defended by numbers of knights, squires, and people of
the country. The English dismounted, and attacked the French from the
very dawn of the morning until near ten o’clock; but the bridge was so
well fortified and guarded, that they could not gain any thing: so they
departed, and went to a large town called Fontaines-sur-Somme, which
they completely plundered and burnt, as it was quite open. They next
came to another town, called Long, in Ponthieu; but they could not gain
the bridge, so well was it guarded. They then rode on to Pecquigny, but
found the town, castle, and bridge so well garrisoned that it was
impossible to pass. In this manner had the King of France ordered all
the bridges and fords of the river Somme to be guarded, to prevent the
King of England from crossing it with his army; for he was resolved to
force them to fight when he should see the most favorable opportunity,
or else to starve them.
The two marshals, having thus in vain followed the course of the Somme,
returned to the King of England, and related to him that they were
unable to find a passage anywhere. That same evening the King of France
took up his quarters at Amiens, with upward of one hundred thousand men.
The King of England was very pensive: he ordered mass before sunrise,
and his trumpets to sound for decamping. All sorts of people followed
the marshals’ banners, according to the orders the king had issued the
preceding day; and they marched through the country of Vimeu, drawing
near to the good town of Abbeville. In their march they came to a town
where a great number of country-people had assembled, trusting to some
small fortifications which were thrown up there; but the English
conquered the town as soon as they came to it, and all that were within.
Many of the townsmen and those from the adjoining country were slain or
taken prisoners. The king lodged that night in the great hospital.
The King of France set out from Amiens, and came to Airaines about noon:
the English king had quitted it about ten o’clock. The French found
there provisions of all sorts; meat on the spits, bread and pastry in
the ovens, wine in barrels, and even some tables ready spread, for the
English had left it in very great haste. The King of France fixed his
quarters there, to wait for his nobles and their retinue. The King of
England was in the town of Oisemont. When his two marshals returned in
the evening, after having overrun the country as far as the gates of
Abbeville, and St. Valery, where they had a smart skirmish, the King of
England summoned a council, and ordered many prisoners, whom his people
had made in the districts of Ponthieu and Vimeu, to be brought before
him.
The king most courteously asked if any of them knew a ford below
Abbeville, where he and his army could pass without danger; and added,
“Whoever will show us such a ford shall have his liberty, and that of
any twenty of his fellow-soldiers whom he may wish to select.” There was
among them a common fellow whose name was Gobin Agace, who answered the
king, and said, “Sir, I promise you, under peril of my life, that I will
conduct you to such a place, where you and your whole army may pass the
river Somme without any risk. There are certain fordable places where
you may pass twelve men abreast twice in the day, and not have water
above your knees; but, when the tide is in, the river is full and deep,
and no one can cross it: when the tide is out, the river is so low that
it may be passed on horseback or on foot without danger. The bottom of
this ford is very hard, of gravel and white stones, over which all your
carriages may safely pass, and from thence is called Blanchetaque. You
must therefore set out early, so as to be at the ford before
sunrise.”--“Friend,” replied the king, “if I find what thou hast just
said to be true, I will give thee and all thy companions their liberty;
and I will besides make thee a present of a hundred nobles.” The king
gave orders for every one to be ready to march at the first sound of his
trumpet, and to proceed forward.
CHAPTER LII.
THE BATTLE OF BLANCHETAQUE, BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND AND SIR GODÉMAR
DU FAY.
The King of England did not sleep much that night, but, rising at
midnight, ordered his trumpet to sound. Very soon every thing was ready;
and, the baggage being loaded, they set out from the town of Oisemont
about daybreak, and rode on, under the guidance of Gobin Agace, until
they came to the ford of Blanchetaque about sunrise; but the tide was at
that time so full, they could not cross. The king, however, determined
to wait there for those of his army who were not yet come up; and he
remained until after ten o’clock, when the tide was gone out. The King
of France, who had his scouts all over the country, was informed of the
situation of the King of England: he imagined he should be able to shut
him up between Abbeville and the Somme, and then take him prisoner, or
force him to fight at a disadvantage. From the time of his arrival at
Amiens, he had ordered a great baron of Normandy, called Sir Godémar du
Fay, to guard this ford of Blanchetaque, at which the English must cross
and nowhere else. Sir Godémar had set out, in obedience to this order,
and had with him altogether one thousand men at arms and six thousand
foot, with the Genoese. He had passed St. Ricquier in Ponthieu, and from
there came to Crotoy, where this ford was. He had collected in his march
great numbers of the country-people. The townsmen of Abbeville had also
accompanied him, excellently well appointed: they had arrived at the
passage before the English. They were in all fully twelve thousand men.
Among them were two thousand who had jackets resembling wagoners’
frocks, called _torriquiaux_.
On the arrival of the English army, Sir Godémar du Fay drew up his men
on the banks of the river to defend the ford. The King of England,
however, did not for this give up his intention of crossing; but, as
soon as the tide was sufficiently gone out, he ordered his marshals to
dash into the water, in the name of God and St. George. The most doughty
and the best-mounted leaped in first, and in the river the engagement
began: many on both sides were unhorsed into the water. There were some
knights and squires from Artois and Picardy, in the pay of Sir Godémar,
who, in hope of preferment and to acquire honor, had posted themselves
at this ford; and they appeared to be equally fond of tilting in the
water as on dry land.
The French were drawn up in battle-array near the narrow pass leading to
the ford, and the English were much annoyed by them as they came out of
the water to gain the land; for there were among them Genoese
cross-bow-men, who did them much mischief. On the other hand, the
English archers shot so well together, that they forced the men at arms
to give way. At this ford of Blanchetaque many gallant feats of arms
were performed on each side; but in the end the English crossed over,
and, as they came on shore, hastened to the fields. After the king, the
prince, and the other lords had crossed, the French did not long keep
their order, but ran for the fastest. When Sir Godémar du Fay found his
army was discomfited, he saved himself as quickly as he could, and many
with him; some making for Abbeville, others for St. Ricquier. The
infantry, however, could not escape, and there were numbers of those
from Abbeville, Arras, Montreuil, and St. Ricquier, slain or taken
prisoners. The pursuit lasted more than a league. The English had
scarcely gained the opposite bank, when some of the light-horse of the
French army, particularly those belonging to the King of Bohemia and Sir
John of Hainault, advanced on the rear, took from them some horses and
accoutrements, and slew several on the bank who were late in crossing.
The King of France had set out from Airaines that morning, thinking to
find the English on the banks of the Somme. When news was brought to him
of the defeat of Sir Godémar and his army, he immediately halted, and
demanded of his marshals what was to be done. They answered, “You can
only cross the river by the bridge of Abbeville, for the tide is now in
at Blanchetaque.” The King of France therefore turned back, and took up
his quarters at Abbeville. The King of England, when he had crossed the
Somme, gave thanks to God for it, and began his march in the same order
he had done before. He called to him Gobin Agace, gave him and his
companions their freedom without ransom, and ordered the hundred nobles
of gold to be presented him, as well as a good horse. The king continued
his march, thinking to take up his quarters at a good and large town
called Noyelle, situated hard by; but when he was informed that it
belonged to the Countess d’Aumale, sister to the late Robert d’Artois,
he sent to assure the inhabitants, as well as all the farmers belonging
to her, that they should not be hurt. He marched farther on, but his two
marshals rode to Crotoy near the sea: they took the town, and burnt it.
In the harbor they found many ships and other vessels laden with wines
from Poitou, Saintonge, and La Rochelle. They ordered the best to be
carried to the English army; then one of the marshals pushed forward,
even as far as the gates of Abbeville, and returned by St. Ricquier,
following the seashore to the town of St. Esprit de Rue.
These two battalions of the marshals came on a Friday, in the afternoon,
to where the king was; and they fixed their quarters, all three
together, near Crecy in Ponthieu. The King of England, who had been
informed that the King of France was following him in order to give him
battle, said to his people, “Let us post ourselves here; for we will not
go farther before we have seen our enemies. I have good reason to wait
for them on this spot, as I am now upon the lawful inheritance of my
lady-mother, which was given her as her marriage-portion; and I am
resolved to defend it against my adversary Philip de Valois.” Inasmuch
as his forces were not more than one-eighth as many as those of the King
of France, his marshals fixed upon the most advantageous situation; and
the army went and took possession of it. He then sent his scouts toward
Abbeville, to learn if the King of France meant to take the field this
Friday; but they returned, and said they saw no appearance of it: upon
which he dismissed his men to their quarters, with orders to be in
readiness by times in the morning, and to assemble in the same place.
The King of France remained all Friday in Abbeville, waiting for more
troops. He sent his marshals, the Lord of St. Venant, and Lord Charles
of Montmorency, out of Abbeville to examine the country, and get some
certain intelligence of the English. They returned about vespers, with
the information that the English were encamped on the plain. That night
the King of France entertained at supper in Abbeville all the princes
and chief lords. There was much conversation relative to war; and the
king entreated them after supper, that they would always remain in
friendship with each other,--that they would be friends without
jealousy, and courteous without pride. The king was still expecting the
Earl of Savoy, who ought to have been there with a thousand lances, as
he had been well paid for them at Troyes in Champaign three months in
advance.
CHAPTER LIII.
THE ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE ENGLISH AT CRECY, WHO WERE DRAWN UP IN THREE
BATTALIONS ON FOOT.
The King of England, as I have mentioned before, encamped this Friday in
the plain, for he found the country abounding in provisions; but if they
should have failed he had plenty in the carriages which attended on him.
The army set about furbishing and repairing their armor; and the king
gave a supper that evening to the earls and barons of his army, when
they made good cheer. On their taking leave, the king remained alone
with the lords of his bedchamber: he retired into his oratory, and,
falling on his knees before the altar, prayed to God, that, if he should
combat his enemies on the morrow, he might come off with honor. About
midnight he went to bed; and, rising early the next day, he and the
Prince of Wales heard mass, and took the communion. The greater part
[Illustration: King Edward III. praying in his Tent the Night before the
Battle of Creçy.]
of his army did the same, confessed, and made suitable preparations.
After mass the king ordered his men to arm themselves, and assemble on
the ground he had before selected. He had enclosed a large park near a
wood in the rear of his army, in which he placed all his baggage-wagons
and horses; and this park had but one entrance. His men at arms and
archers remained on foot.
The king afterwards ordered, through his constable and his two marshals
that the army should be divided into three battalions. In the first he
placed the young Prince of Wales, and with him the Earls of Warwick and
Oxford, Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, the Lord Reginald Cobham, Lord Thomas
Holland, Lord Stafford, Lord Manley, the Lord Delaware, Sir John
Chandos, Lord Bartholomew Burgherst, Lord Robert Neville, Lord Thomas
Clifford, the Lord Bourchier, the Lord Latimer, and many other knights
and squires whom I cannot name. There might be in this first division
about eight hundred men at arms, two thousand archers, and a thousand
Welshmen. They advanced in regular order to their ground, each lord
under his banner and pennon, and in the centre of his men. In the second
battalion were the Earl of Northampton, the Earl of Arundel, the Lords
Ross, Willoughby, Basset, St. Albans, Sir Lewis Tufton, Lord Multon, the
Lord Loccels, and many others; amounting in all to about eight hundred
men at arms and twelve hundred archers. The third battalion was
commanded by the king, and was composed of about seven hundred men at
arms and two thousand archers.
The king then mounted a small palfrey, having a white wand in his hand,
and attended by his two marshals on each side of him: he rode a foot’s
pace through all the ranks, encouraging and entreating the army that
they would guard his honor, and defend his right. He spoke this so
sweetly, and with such a cheerful countenance, that all who had been
dispirited were directly comforted by seeing and hearing him. When he
had thus visited all the battalions, it was near ten o’clock: he retired
to his own division, and ordered them all to eat heartily, and drink a
glass after.
They ate and drank at their ease; and, having packed up pots, barrels,
&c., in the carts, they returned to their battalions, according to the
marshals’ orders, and seated themselves on the ground, placing their
helmets and bows before them, that they might be the fresher when their
enemies should arrive.
CHAPTER LIV.
THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY AT CRECY.
That same Saturday the King of France rose betimes, and heard mass in
the monastery of St. Peter’s in Abbeville, where he was lodged. Having
ordered his army to do the same, he left that town after sunrise. When
he had marched about two leagues from Abbeville, and was approaching the
enemy, he was advised to form his army in order of battle, and to let
those on foot march forward, that they might not be trampled on by the
horses. The king upon this sent off four knights, the Lord Moyne of
Bosthberg, the Lord of Noyer, the Lord of Beaujeu, and the Lord of
Aubigny, who rode so near to the English that they could clearly make
out their position. The English plainly perceived that they were come to
reconnoitre them: however, they took no notice of it, but suffered them
to return unmolested. When the King of France saw them coming back, he
halted his army; and the knights, pushing through the crowds, came near
the king, who said to them, “My lords, what news?” They looked at each
other without opening their mouths, for neither chose to speak first. At
last the king addressed himself to the Lord Moyne, who was attached to
the King of Bohemia, and had performed very many gallant deeds, so that
he was esteemed one of the most valiant knights in Christendom. The Lord
Moyne said, “Sir, I will speak, since it pleases you to order me, but
under the correction of my companions. We have advanced far enough to
reconnoitre your enemies. Know, then, that they are drawn up in three
battalions, and are waiting for you. I would advise, for my part
(submitting, however, to better counsel), that you halt your army here,
and quarter them for the night; for before the rear shall come up, and
the army be properly drawn out, it will be very late, your men will be
tired and in disorder, while they will find your enemies fresh and
properly arrayed. On the morrow you may draw up your army more at your
ease, and may reconnoitre at leisure as to the part where it will be
most advantageous to begin the attack; for be assured they will wait for
you.” The king commanded that it should be so done; and the two marshals
rode, one toward the front and the other toward the rear, crying out,
“Halt banners, in the name of God and St. Denis!” Those that were in the
front halted; but those behind said they would not halt until they were
as far forward as the front. When the front perceived the rear pressing
on, they pushed forward; and neither the king nor the marshals could
stop them, but they marched without any order until they came in sight
of their enemies. As soon as the foremost rank saw them, they fell back
at once in great disorder; which alarmed those in the rear, who thought
they had been fighting. There was then space and room enough for them to
have passed forward, had they been willing: some did so, but others
remained shy. All the roads between Abbeville and Crecy were covered
with common people, who, when they were come within three leagues of
their enemies, drew their swords, bawling out, “Kill, kill!” and with
them were many great lords that were eager to make show of their
courage. There is no man, unless he had been present, that can imagine,
or describe truly, the confusion of that day; especially the bad
management and disorder of the French, whose troops were beyond number.
What I know, and shall relate in this book, I have learned chiefly from
the English,--who had well observed the confusion they were in,--and
from those attached to Sir John of Hainault, who was always near the
person of the King of France.
CHAPTER LV.
THE BATTLE OF CRECY, BETWEEN THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND OF ENGLAND.
The English, who were drawn up in three divisions and seated on the
ground, seeing their enemies advance, rose undauntedly up, and fell into
their ranks. That of the prince was the first to do so, whose archers
were formed in the manner of a portcullis, or harrow, and the men at
arms in the rear. The Earls of Northampton and Arundel, who commanded
the second division, had posted themselves in good order on his wing to
succor the prince, if necessary.
You must know that these kings, earls, barons, and lords of France did
not advance in any regular order, but one after the other, or any way
most pleasing to themselves. As soon as the King of France came in sight
of the English, his blood began to boil, and he cried out to his
marshals, “Order the Genoese forward, and begin the battle, in the name
of God and St. Denis!” There were about fifteen thousand Genoese
crossbow-men; but they were quite fatigued, having marched on foot that
day six leagues, completely armed and with their crossbows. They told
the constable they were not in a fit condition to do any great things
that day in battle. The Earl of Alençon, hearing this, said, “This is
what one gets by employing such scoundrels, who fall off when there is
any need for them.” During this time a heavy rain fell, accompanied by
thunder and a very terrible eclipse of the sun; and before this rain a
great flight of crows hovered in the air over all those battalions,
making a loud noise. Shortly afterwards it cleared up, and the sun shone
very bright; but the Frenchmen had it in their faces, and the English at
their backs. When the Genoese were somewhat in order, and approached the
English, they set up a loud shout in order to frighten them; but they
remained quite still, and did not seem to attend to it. They then set up
a second shout, and advanced a little forward; but the English never
moved.
They hooted a third time, advancing with their crossbows presented, and
began to shoot. The English archers then advanced one step forward, and
shot their arrows with such force and quickness, that it seemed as if it
snowed. When the Genoese felt these arrows, which pierced their arms,
heads, and through their armor, some of them cut the strings of their
crossbows, others flung them on the ground, and all turned about and
retreated quite discomfited. The French had a large body of men at arms
on horseback, richly dressed, to support the Genoese. The King of
France, seeing them thus fall back, cried out, “Kill me those
scoundrels; for they stop up our road, without any reason.” Then you
should have seen the above-mentioned men at arms lay about them, killing
all they could of these runaways.
The English continued shooting as vigorously and quickly as before. Some
of their arrows fell among the horsemen, who were sumptuously equipped,
and, killing and wounding many, made them caper and fall among the
Genoese, so that they were in such confusion they could never rally
again. In the English army there were some Cornish and Welshmen on foot,
who had armed themselves with large knives: these, advancing through the
ranks of the men at arms and archers, who made way for them, came upon
the French when they were in this danger, and, falling upon earls,
barons, knights, and squires, slew many; at which the King of England
was afterwards much displeased. The valiant King of Bohemia was slain
there. He was called Charles of Luxembourg, for he was the son of the
gallant king and emperor Henry of Luxembourg. Having heard the order of
the battle, he inquired where his son the Lord Charles was: his
attendants answered that they did not know, but believed he was
fighting. The king said to them, “Gentlemen, you are all my people, my
friends and brethren at arms this day: therefore, as I am blind, I
request of you to lead me so far into the engagement that I may strike
one stroke with my sword.” The knights replied, they
[Illustration: The Blind King of Bohemia dead on the Battle-field of
Creçy.]
would directly lead him forward; and, in order that they might not lose
him in the crowd, they fastened all the reins of their horses together,
and put the king at their head, that he might gratify his wish, and
advanced toward the enemy. The Lord Charles of Bohemia, who already
signed his name as King of Germany, and bore the arms, had come in good
order to the engagement; but, when he perceived that it was likely to
turn out against the French, he departed, and I do not well know what
road he took. The king his father rode in among the enemy, and made good
use of his sword; for he and his companions fought most gallantly. They
advanced so far that they were all slain; and on the morrow they were
found on the ground, with their horses all tied together.
The Earl of Alençon advanced in regular order upon the English, to fight
with them, as did the Earl of Flanders in another part. These two lords
with their detachments, coasting, as it were, the archers, came to the
prince’s battalion, where they fought valiantly for a length of time.
The King of France was eager to march to the place where he saw their
banners displayed; but there was a hedge of archers before him. He had
that day made a present of a handsome black horse to Sir John of
Hainault, who had mounted on it a knight of his called Sir John de
Fusselles, that bore his banner; which horse ran off with him, and
forced his way through the English army, and, when about to return,
stumbled and fell into a ditch, and severely wounded him. He would have
been dead if his page had not followed him round the battalions, and
found him unable to rise: he had not, however, any other hinderance than
from his horse, for the English did not quit the ranks that day to make
prisoners. The page alighted, and raised him up; but he did not return
the way he came, as he would have found it difficult from the crowd.
This battle, which was fought on the Saturday between La Broyes and
Crecy, was very murderous and cruel, and many gallant deeds of arms were
performed that were never known. Toward evening many knights and squires
of the French had lost their masters: they wandered up and down the
plain, attacking the English in small parties. They were soon destroyed;
for the English had determined that day to give no quarter, or hear of
ransom from any one.
Early in the day some French, Germans, and Savoyards had broken through
the archers of the prince’s battalion, and had engaged with the men at
arms; upon which the second battalion came to his aid, and it was time,
for otherwise he would have been hard pressed. The first division,
seeing the danger they were in, sent a knight in great haste to the King
of England, who was posted upon an eminence near a windmill. On the
knight’s arrival he said, “Sir, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Reginald
Cobham, and the others who are about your son, are vigorously attacked
by the French; and they entreat that you would come to their assistance
with your battalion, for, if their numbers should increase, they fear he
will have too much to do.” The king replied, “Is my son dead, unhorsed,
or so badly wounded that he cannot support himself?”--“Nothing of the
sort, thank God,” rejoined the knight; “but he is in so hot an
engagement that he has great need of your help.” The king answered,
“Now, Sir Thomas, return to those that sent you, and tell them from me
not to send again for me this day, or expect that I shall come, let what
will happen, as long as my son has life: and say that I command them to
let the boy win his spurs; for I am determined, if it please God, that
all the glory and honor of this day shall be given to him and to those
into whose care I have intrusted him.” The knight returned to his lords,
and related the king’s answer, which mightily encouraged them, and made
them repent they had ever sent such a message.
It is a certain fact, that Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, who was in the
prince’s battalion, having been told by some of the English that they
had seen the banner of his brother engaged in the battle against him,
was exceedingly anxious to save him; but he was too late, for he was
left dead on the field, and so was the Earl of Aumarle, his nephew. On
the other hand, the Earls of Alençon and of Flanders were fighting
lustily under their banners, and with their own people; but they could
not resist the force of the English, and were there slain, as well as
many other knights and squires that were attending on or accompanying
them. The Earl of Blois, nephew to the King of France, and the Duke of
Lorraine, his brother-in-law, with their troops, made a gallant defence;
but they were surrounded by a troop of English and Welsh, and slain in
spite of their prowess. The Earl of St. Pol and the Earl of Auxerre were
also killed, as well as many others. Late after vespers, the King of
France had not more about him than sixty men, every one included. Sir
John of Hainault, who was of the number, had once remounted the king,
for his horse had been killed under him by an arrow: he said to the
king, “Sir, retreat while you have an opportunity, and do not expose
yourself so simply: if you have lost this battle, another time you will
be the conqueror.” After he had said this, he took the bridle of the
king’s horse, and led him off by force, for he had before entreated of
him to retire. The king rode on until he came to the castle of La
Broyes, where he found the gates shut, for it was very dark. The king
ordered the governor of it to be summoned: he came upon the battlements,
and asked who it was that called at such an hour. The king answered,
“Open, open, governor: it is the fortune of France.” The governor,
hearing the king’s voice, immediately descended, opened the gate, and
let down the bridge. The king and his company entered the castle; but he
had only with him five barons,--Sir John of Hainault, the Lord Charles
of Montmorency, the Lord of Beaujeu, the Lord of Aubigny, and the Lord
of Montfort. The king would not bury himself in such a place as that,
but, having taken some refreshments, set out again with his attendants
about midnight, and rode on under the direction of guides who were well
acquainted with the country, until about daybreak he came to Amiens,
where he halted. This Saturday the English never quitted their ranks in
pursuit of any one, but remained on the field, guarding their position,
and defending themselves against all who attacked them. The battle was
ended at the hour of vespers.
[There can be no better opportunity than this celebrated chapter
affords to show the young reader how Froissart’s Chronicles looked,
both in their first English guise, and in the original old French.
It is, therefore, repeated here in both versions.
The first is especially valuable as an example of how our language
looked and sounded during the first quarter of the sixteenth
century. The translator, John Bourchier, Lord Berners, was a
notable soldier and statesman, as well as a scholar. He came of a
good family: his grandfather was son of Anne, granddaughter of King
Edward the Third. He was born about 1467; in due time went to
college, fought in the French wars, travelled on the Continent,
became a favorite of King Henry the Eighth, was employed in
honorable embassies, became chancellor of the exchequer, and
finally passed his quiet age as governor of Calais. It was at the
request of King Henry the Eighth that he translated Froissart into
English, though he evidently loved our fine old writer on his own
account, and speaks thus in his quaint preface: “...Whan I
advertysed and remembred the manyfolde comodyties of hystorie, howe
benefyciall it is to mortall folke, and eke howe laudable and
merytoryous a deed it is to write hystories, fixed my mynde to do
some thyng therein; and ever whan this ymaginacyon came to me, I
volved, tourned, and redde many volumes and bokes, conteyning
famouse histories; and amonge all other, I redde diligently the
four volumes or bokes of sir Johan Froyssart of the countrey of
Heynaulte, written in the Frenche tonge, whiche I iudged comodyous,
necessarie, and profytable to be hadde in Englysshe, sithe they
treat of the famous actes done in our parties; ... and specially
they redounde to the honoure of Englysshemen.”
Accordingly, under the “gracyous suppertacyon” of the king, he made
his translation, the first volume of which was printed by Pyason in
the year 1523, announcing itself thus: “Here begynnith the firste
volum of Syr John Froissart: of the Cronycles of Englande, Fraunce,
Spayne, Portyugale, Scotlande, Bretaine, Flaunders: and other
places adjoynynge. Translated oute of Frenche into oure maternall
Englysshe tongue, by John Bouchier, knyghte, lorde Berners: At the
commandement of oure moste hyghe redouted Soveraygne lorde kynge
Henrye the VIII, kynge of Englaunde, Fraunce, and Irelande,
defendour of the faith: and of the church of Englande and also of
Irelande in earth the supreme heade.”
I earnestly hope that this following chapter of what may perhaps
fairly be called the first classic in modern English prose may
tempt some young reader hereafter to study Berners more carefully,
and to re-infuse, under his influence, the old fire and color and
brightness into the pale and often pitiful sentences of our current
style.--S. L.]
_Of the batayle of Cressy bytwene the kyng of England and the
frenche kyng._
CAP. CXXX.
Thenglysshmen who were in thre batayls, lyeing on the grounde to
rest them, assone as they saw the frenchmen aproche, they rose upon
their fete, fayre and easely, without any hast, and arranged their
batayls: the first, which was the princes batell, the archers there
stode in manner of a herse,[7] and the men of armes in the botome
of the batayle. Therle of Northāpton,[8] and therle of Arundell,
with the second batell, were on a wyng in good order, redy to
confort the princes batayle, if nede were. The lordes and knyghtes
of France, cāe{A} not to the assemble togyder in good order, for
some cāe before, and some came after, in such hast and yvell order,
yᵗ[9] one of thē{A} dyd trouble another: whan the french kyng sawe
the englysshmen, his blode chaunged, and sayde to his marshals,
make the genowayes go on before, and begynne the batayle in the
name of god and saynt Denyse; ther were of the genowayes crosbowes,
about a fiftene thousand, but they were so wery of goyng a fote
that day, a six leages, armed with their crosbowes, that they sayde
to their constables, we be not well ordred to fyght this day, for
we be not in the case to do any great dede of armes, we have more
nede of rest: these wordes came to the erle of Alanson, who sayd, a
man is well at ease to be charged wᵗ[10] suche a sorte of
rascalles, to be faynt and fayle now at moost nede. Also the same
season there fell a great rayne, and a clyps, with a terryble
thunder, and before the rayne, ther came fleyng over both batayls,
a great nombre of crowes, for feare of the tempest comynge. Than
anone the eyre beganne to wax clere, and the sonne to shyne fayre
and bright, the which was right in the french mens eyen and on the
englysshmens backes. Whan the genowayes were assembled toguyder,
and beganne to aproche, they made a great leape and crye, to
abasshe thenglysshmen, but they stode styll, and styredde not for
all that; tha[=n]e the genowayes agayne the seconde tyme made
another leape, and a fell crye, and stepped forward a lytell, and
thenglysshmen remeued not one fote; thirdly agayne they leapt and
cryed, and went forthe tyll they come within shotte; tha[=n]e they
shotte feersly with their crosbowes; than thenglysshe archers stept
forthe one pase, and lette fly their arowes so hotly, and so
thycke, that it semed snowe: when the genowayes felte the arowes
persynge through heedes, armes, and brestes, many of them cast
downe their crosbowes, and dyde cutte their strynges, and retourned
dysconfited. Whan the frenche kynge sawe them flye away, he sayd,
slee these rascals, for they shall lette and trouble us without
reason: then ye shulde have sene the men of armes dasshe in among
them, and kylled a great nombre of them; and ever styll the
englysshmen shot where as they sawe thyckest preace; the sharpe
arowes ranne into the men of armes, and into their horses, and many
fell, horse and men, amōge[11] the genowayes; and when they were
downe, they coude not relyve agayne, the preace was so thycke, that
one overthrewe another. And also amonge the englysshemen there were
certayne rascalles that went a fote, with great knyves, and they
went in among the men of armes, and slewe and murdredde many as
they lay on the grounde, bothe erles, baronnes, knyghtes, and
squyers, whereof the kyng of Englande was after dyspleased, for he
had rather they had bene taken prisoners. The valyant kyng of
Behaygne, called Charles of Luzenbourge, sonne to the noble
emperour Henry of Luzenbourge, for all that he was nyghe blynde,
whan he understode the order of the batayle, he sayde to them about
hym, where is the lorde Charles my son, his men sayde, sir, we can
not tell, we thynke he be fyghtynge; than he sayde, sirs, ye ar my
men, my companyons, and frendes in this iourney. I requyre you
bring me so farre forwarde, that I may stryke one stroke with my
swerde: they sayde they wolde do his commandement, and to the
intent that they shulde not lese hym in the prease, they tyed all
their raynes of their bridelles eche to other, and sette the kynge
before to acomplysshe his desyre, and so thei went on their
ennemyes; the lorde Charles of Behaygne, his sonne, who wrote
hymselfe kyng of Behaygne, and bare the armes, he came in good
order to the batayle, but wha[=n]e he sawe that the matter wente
awrie on their partie, he departed, I can not tell you whiche waye;
the kynge his father was so farre forewarde that he strake a stroke
with his swerde, ye and mo than foure, and fought valyantly, and so
dyde his company, and they advētured themselfe so forwarde, that
they were ther all slayne, and the next day they were founde in the
place about the kyng, and all their horses tyed eche to other. The
erle of Alansone came to the batayle right ordynotlye, and fought
with thenglysshmen; and the erle of Flaunders also on his parte;
these two lordes with their cōpanyes coosted the englysshe archers,
and came to the princes batayle, and there fought valyantly longe.
The frenche kynge wolde fayne have come thyder whanne he sawe their
baners, but there was a great hedge of archers before hym. The same
day the frenche kynge hadde gyven a great blacke courser to sir
Johan of Heynault, and he made the lorde Johan of Fussels to ryde
on hym, and to bere his banerre; the same horse tooke the bridell
in the tethe, and brought hym through all the currours of
thēglysshmen, and as he wolde have retourned agayne, he fell in a
great dyke, and was sore hurt, and had ben ther deed, and his page
had not ben,[12] who folowed hym through all the batayls, and sawe
wher his maister lay in the dyke, and had none other lette but for
his horse, for thenglysshmen wolde not yssue out of their batayle,
for takyng of any prisoner; tha[=n]e the page alyghted and relyved
his maister, than he went not backe agayn yᵉ same way that they
came, there was to many in his way. This batayle bytwene Broy and
Cressy, this saturday, was right cruell and fell, and many a feat
of armes done, that came not to my knowledge; in the night, dyverse
knyghtes and sqyers lost their maisters, and sometyme came on
thenglysshmen, who receyved them in suche wyse, that they were ever
nighe slayne, for there was none taken to mercy nor to raunsome,
for so the englysshmen were determyned: in the mornyng the day of
the batayle, certayne frenchemen and almaygnes[13] perforce opyned
the archers of the princes batayle, and came and fought with the
men of armes hande to hande: than the seconde batayle of
thenglysshmen came to socour the princes batayle, the whiche was
tyme, for they had as than moche ado; and they with yᵉ prince sent
a messanger to the kynge, who was on a lytell wyndmyll hyll; than
the knyght sayd to the kyng, sir, therle of Warwyke, and therle of
Cāfort, sir Reynolde Cobham, and other, suche as be about the
prince your sonne, ar feersly fought with all, and are sore
handled, wherfore they desyre you, that you and your batayle wolle
come and ayde them, for if the frenchmen encrease, as they dout
they woll, your sonne and they shall have much ado. Than the kynge
sayde, is my sonne deed or hurt, or on the yerthe felled; no sir,
quoth the knyght, but he is hardely matched, wherfore he hath nede
of your ayde. Well, sayde the kyng, retourne to hym, and to them
that sent you hyther, and say to them, that they sende no more to
me for any adventure that falleth, as long as my sonne is alyve;
and also say to thē, that they suffre hym this day to wynne his
spurres, for if god be pleased, I woll this iourney be his, and the
honoure thereof, and to them that be aboute hym. Than the kynght
retourned agayn to thē, and shewed the kynges wordes, the which
gretly encouraged them, and repoyned in that they had sende to the
kynge as they dyd. Sir Godfray of Harecourt, wolde gladly that the
erle of Harecourt, his brother, myght have bene saved, for he hard
say by thē that sawe his baner, howe that he was ther in the felde
on the french partie, but sir Godfray coude not come to hym
betymes, for he was slayne or he coude cōe at hym, and so was also
the erle of Almare, his nephue. In another place, the erle of
Alenson, and therle of Flaunders, fought valyantly, every lorde
under his owne baner; but finally, they coude not resyst agaynt the
puyssance of the englysshemen, and so ther they were also slayne,
and dyvers other knyghtes and sqyers. Also therle Lewes of Bloyes,
nephue to the frenche kyng, and the duke of Lorayne, fought under
their baners, but at last they were closed in among a cōpany of
englysshmen and walsshemen, and there were slayne, for all their
prowes. Also there was slayne, the erle of Ausser, therle of saynt
Poule, and many other. In the evenynge, the frenche kynge, who had
lefte about hym no mo than a threscore persons, one and other,
wherof sir John of Heynalt was one, who had remounted ones the
kynge, for his horse was slayne with an arowe, thā he sayde to the
kynge, sir, departe hense, for it is tyme, lese not yourselfe
wylfully, if ye have losse at this tyme, ye shall recover it agayne
another season: and soo he toke the kynges horse by the brydell,
and ledde hym away in a maner perforce: than the kyng rode tyll he
came to the castell of Broy, the gate was closed, bycause it was by
that tyme darke; than the kynge called the captayne, who came to
the walles, and sayd, who is that calleth there this tyme of night,
than the kynge sayde, open your gate quickely, for this is the
fortune of Fraunce: the captayne knewe than it was the kyng, and
opyned the gate, and let downe the bridge; than the kyng entred,
and he had with hym but fyve baronnes, sir Johan of Heynault, sir
Charles of Momorency, the lorde of Beauiewe, the lorde Dobegny, and
the lorde of Mountfort: the kynge wolde not tary there, but drāke
and departed thense about mydnyght, and so rode by suche guydes as
knewe the countrey, tyll he came in the mornynge to Amyense, and
there he rested. This saturday, the englysshemen never departed fro
their batayls for chasynge of any man, but kept styll their felde,
and ever defended themselfe agaynst all such as came to assayle
them: this batayle ended aboute evynsonge tyme.
COMMENT LE ROI DE FRANCE COMMANDA À SES MARÉCHAUX FAIRE COMMENCER
LA BATAILLE PAR LES GÉNOIS: ET COMMENT LES DITS GÉNOIS FURENT TOUS
DÉCONFITS.
Il n’est nul homme, tant fut présent à cette journée, ni eut bon loisir
d’aviser et imaginer toute la besogne ainsi qu’elle alla, qui en sut ni
put imaginer, ni recorder la vérité, specialement de la partie des
François, tant y eut pauvre arroy et ordonnance en leurs courois
(disposition); et ce que j’en sais, je l’ai su le plus par les Anglois,
qui imaginèrent bien leur convenant (ordre), et aussi par les gens
Messire Jean de Hainaut, qui fut toujours de-lez (près) le roi de
France.
Les Anglois qui ordonnés étoient en trois batailles, et qui sévient jus
(bas) à terre tout bellement, sitôt qu’ils virent les François
approcher, ils se levèrent moult ordonnément, sans nul effroi, et se
rangèrent en leurs batailles, celle du prince tout devant, leurs archers
mis en manière d’une herse, et les gens-d’armes au fond de la bataille.
Le comte de Northampton et le comte d’Arundel et leur bataille, qui
faisoient la seconde, se tenoient sur aile bien ordonnément et avisés et
pourvus pour conforter le prince, si besoin étoit. Vous devez savoir que
ces seigneurs, rois, ducs, comtes, barons François ne vinrent mie
jusques là tous ensemble, mais l’un devant, l’autre derrière, sans arroy
et sans ordonnance. Quand le roi Philippe vint jusques sur la place où
les Anglois étoient de là arrêtés et ordonnés, et il les vit, le sang
lui mua, car il les héoit (haïssoit) et ne se fut adonc nullement
refrené (retenu) ni abstenu d’eux combattre; et dit à ses maréchaux:
“Faites passer nos Génois devant et commencer la bataille, au nom de
Dieu et de monseigneur St. Denis.” Là avoit, de ces dits Génois
arbalétriers, environ quinze mille qui eussent eu aussi cher néant que
commencer adonc la bataille; car ils étoient durement las et travaillés
(fatigués) d’aller à pied ce jour plus de six lieues, tous armés, et de
leurs arbalétres porter; et dirent adonc à leurs connétables
(commandants) qu’ils n’étoient mie adonc ordonnés de foire nul grand
exploit de bataille.
Ces paroles volèrent jusques au comte d’Alençon, qui en fut durement
courrucé et dit: “On se doit bien charger de telle ribaudaille qui
faillent (manquent) au besoin.”
Entrementes (pendant) que ces parols couroient et que ces Génois se
reculoient et se détnoient (différoient) descendit une pluie du ciel, si
grosse et si épaisse que merveilles, et un tonnerre, et un esclistre
(eclair) moult grand et moult horrible.
Paravant cette pluie, pardessus les batailles, autant d’un côté que
d’autre, avoient volé si grand’ foison de courbeaux que sans nombre, et
demeué le plus grand tempêtes du monde. Là disolent aucuns sages
chevaliers que c’étoit un signe de grand’ bataille et de grand effusion
de sang.
Après toutes ces choses se commença l’air à éclaircir et le soleil à
luire bel et clair. Si l’avoient les François droit en l’œil et les
Anglois par derrière. Quand les Génois furent tous recuellis et mis
ensemble, et ils durent approcher leurs ennemis, ils commencèrent à
crier si très haut que ce fut merveilles, et le firent pour ébahir les
Anglois; mais les Anglois se tinrent tous cois, ni oncques n’en firent
semblant. Secondement encore crièrent eux ainsi, et puis allèrent un
petit pas avant; et les Anglois restoient tous cois, sans eux mouvoir de
leur pas. Tiercement encore crièrent moult haut et moult clair, et
passèrent avant, et tendirent leurs arbalétres et commencèrent à traire
(tirer). Et ces archers d’Angleterre, quand ils virent cette ordonnance,
passèrent un pas en avant, et puis firent voler ces sagettes (flèches)
de grand’ façon, qui entrèrent et descendirent si ouniement (à la fois)
sur ces Génois que ce sembloit neige. Les Génois qui n’avoient pas
appris à trouver tels archers que sont ceux d’Angleterre, quand ils
sentirent ces sagettes (flèches) qui leur perçoient bras, têtes et
banlevre, furent tantôt déconfits et confèrent les plusieurs les cordes
de leurs arcs et les aucuns les jetoient jus (à bas); si se mirent aussi
de retour.
Entre eux et les François avoit une grand’ haie de gens d’armes, montés
et parés moult richement, qui regardoient le convenant (disposition) des
Génois; si que quand ils cuidèrent (crurent) retourner, ils ne peuvent,
car le roi de France, par grand mautalent (mécontentement), quand il vit
leur pauvre arroy, et qu’ils se déconfisoient ainsi, commanda et dit:
“Or tôt, tuez toute cette ribaudaille, car ils nous empêchent la voie
sans raison.” Là vissiez gens d’armes en tous lez (côtés) entre eux
férir et frapper sur eux, et les plusieurs trébucher et cheoir parmi
eux, qui oncques puis ne se relevèrent. Et toujours traioirent
(tiroient) les Anglois en la plus grand’ presse, qui rien ne perdoient
de leur trait; car ils empalloient et féroient parmi le corps ou parmi
les membres gens et chevaux qui là chéoient (tomboient) et trebuchoient
à grand meschef; et ne pouvoient être relevés, si ce n’étoit par force
et par grand’ aide de gens. Ainsi se commença la bataille entre la Broye
et Crécy en Ponthieu, ce samedi à heure de vespres.
CHAPTER LVI.
THE ENGLISH ON THE MORROW AGAIN DEFEAT THE FRENCH.
When, on the Saturday night, the English heard no more hooting or
shouting, nor any more crying out to particular lords or their banners,
they looked upon the field as their own, and their enemies as beaten.
They made great fires, and lighted torches because of the obscurity of
the night. King Edward then came down from his post, who all that day
had not put on his helmet, and, with his whole battalion, advanced to
the Prince of Wales, whom he embraced in his arms, and kissed, and said,
“Sweet son, God give you good perseverance: you are my son, for most
loyally have you acquitted yourself this day. You are worthy to be a
sovereign.” The prince bowed down very low, and humbled himself, giving
all the honor to the king his father. The English, during the night,
made frequent thanksgivings to the Lord for the happy issue of the day,
and without rioting; for the king had forbidden all riot or noise. On
the Sunday morning there was so great a fog that one could scarcely see
the distance of half an acre. The king ordered a detachment from the
army, under the command of the two marshals, consisting of about five
hundred lances and two thousand archers, to make an excursion, and see
if there were any bodies of French collected together. The quota of
troops from Rouen and Beauvais had, this Sunday morning, left Abbeville
and St. Ricquier in Ponthieu, to join the French army, and were ignorant
of the defeat of the preceding evening. They met this detachment, and,
thinking they must be French, hastened to join them.
As soon as the English found who they were, they fell upon them, and
there was a sharp engagement; but the French soon turned their backs,
and fled in great disorder. There were slain in this flight, in the open
fields, under hedges and bushes, upward of seven thousand; and, had it
been clear weather, not one soul would have escaped.
A little time after, the same party fell in with the Archbishop of
Rouen, and the great Prior of France, who were also ignorant of the
discomfiture of the French; for they had been informed that the king was
not to fight before Sunday. Here began a fresh battle, for these two
lords were well attended by good men at arms: however, they could not
withstand the English, but were almost all slain, with the two chiefs
who commanded them, very few escaping. In the course of the morning the
English found many Frenchmen who had lost their road on the Saturday,
and had lain in the open fields, not knowing what was become of the king
or their own leaders. The English put to the sword all they met; and it
has been assured to me for fact, that of foot-soldiers sent from the
cities, towns, and municipalities, there were slain, this Sunday
morning, four times as many as in the battle of Saturday.
CHAPTER LVII.
THE ENGLISH NUMBER THE DEAD SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF CRECY.
This detachment, which had been sent to look after the French, returned
as the king was coming from mass, and related to him all that they had
seen and met with. After he had been assured by them that there was not
any appearance of the French collecting another army, he sent to have
the numbers and condition of the dead examined.
He ordered on this business Lord Reginald Cobham, Lord Stafford, and
three heralds to examine their arms, and two secretaries to write down
all the names. They took much pains to examine all the dead, and were
the whole day in the field of battle, not returning but just as the king
was sitting down to supper. They made to him a very circumstantial
report of all they had observed, and said they had found eighty banners,
the bodies of eleven princes, twelve hundred knights, and about thirty
thousand common men.
The English halted there that day, and on the Monday morning prepared to
march off. The king ordered the bodies of the principal knights to be
taken from the ground, and carried to the monastery of Montenay, which
was hard by, there to be interred in consecrated ground. He had it
proclaimed in the neighborhood, that he should grant a truce for three
days, in order that the dead might be buried. He then marched on,
passing by Montrieul-sur-mer.
His marshals made an excursion as far as Hesdin, and burnt Vaubain and
Serain; but they could make nothing of the castle, as it was too strong
and well guarded. They lay that Monday night upon the banks of the
Canche, near Blangy. The next day they rode toward Boulogne, and burnt
the towns of St. Josse and Neufchatel: they did the same to Estaples, in
the country of the Boulonois. The whole army passed through the forest
of Hardelou, and the country of the Boulonois, and came to the large
town of Wisant, where the king, prince, and all the English lodged;
and, having refreshed themselves there one whole day, they came on the
Thursday before the strong town of Calais.
CHAPTER LVIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND LAYS SIEGE TO CALAIS.--THE POORER SORT OF THE
INHABITANTS ARE SENT OUT OF IT.
A burgundy knight named Sir John de Vienne was governor of Calais; and
with him were Sir Arnold d’Andreghen, Sir John de Surie, Sir Bardo de
Bellebourne, Sir Geoffrey de la Motte, Sir Pepin de Were, and many other
knights and squires. On the king’s arrival before Calais, he laid siege
to it, and built, between it and the river and bridge, houses of wood;
they were laid out in streets, and thatched with straw or broom; and in
this town of the king’s there was every thing necessary for an army,
besides a market-place, where there were markets every Wednesday and
Saturday for butchers’ meat, and all other sorts of merchandise: cloth,
bread, and every thing else, which came from England and Flanders, might
be had there, as well as all comforts, for money. The English made
frequent excursions to Guines and its neighborhood, and to the gates of
St. Omer and Boulogne, from whence they brought great booties back to
the army. The king made no attacks upon the town, as he knew it would be
only lost labor, and he was sparing of his men and artillery; but said
he would remain there so long that he would starve the town into a
surrender, unless the King of France should come there to raise the
siege. When the governor of Calais saw the preparations of the King of
England, he collected together all the poor inhabitants, who had not
laid in any store of provisions, and, one Wednesday morning, sent upward
of seventeen hundred men, women, and children out of the town. As they
were passing through the English army, they asked them why they had left
the town. They replied, because they had nothing to eat. The king upon
this allowed them to pass through in safety, ordered them a hearty
dinner, and gave to each two sterlings, as charity and alms; for which
many of them prayed earnestly for the king.
CHAPTER LIX.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY RAISES THE SIEGE OF AIGUILLON.
The Duke of Normandy, whom we left before Aiguillon, which he was
besieging, while Sir Walter Manny and the other knights were within it,
made, about the middle of August, a skirmish before the castle, which
increased so much that almost his whole army was engaged in it. Near
about this time, the Lord Philip of Burgundy, Earl of Artois and of
Boulogne, and cousin-german to the duke, arrived. He was a very young
knight. As soon as this skirmish commenced, he armed himself, and,
mounting a handsome steed, stuck spurs into him in order to hasten to
the combat; but the horse, taking the bit between his teeth, ran off
with him, and in crossing a ditch fell into it, upon the knight, who was
so grievously bruised that he never recovered, and in a short time died.
Soon afterwards the King of France sent to his son the Duke of Normandy,
to lay all other things aside, and raise the siege, in order to return
directly into France to defend his inheritance against the English. The
duke upon this demanded advice from the earls and barons there present,
for he had vowed he would never move from thence until he had the
castle, and all within it, in his power; but they assured him, since the
king his father had so expressly ordered him to return, he might comply
without any forfeiture of his honor. On the morrow at break of day,
therefore, the French decamped, and, trussing up tents and baggage with
great haste, took the road for France.
The knights who were in Aiguillon, seeing this, armed themselves, and,
mounting their horses, sallied forth (the pennon of Sir Walter Manny
taking the lead), fell upon the French, who were scarcely all marched
off, cut down and slew numbers, and took upward of forty prisoners, whom
they brought back to the castle. From them they learned the successful
campaign the King of England had made in France, and that at present he
was laying siege to Calais. Before the King of France left Amiens, after
the battle of Crecy, to go for Paris, he was so much enraged against Sir
Godémar du Fay, for not having done his duty in defending the ford of
Blanchetaque, by which means the English had entered Ponthieu, that he
had determined to hang him; to which many of his council also were
inclined, for they were desirous that Sir Godémar should make some
amends, by his death, for the defeat the king had suffered at Crecy, and
called him traitor. But Sir John of Hainault excused him, and averted
the king’s anger, by saying that it would have been difficult for him to
have resisted the English army, when all the flower of the French
nobility could do nothing. Soon after this the Duke of Normandy arrived
in France, where he was joyfully received by his parents the king and
queen.
CHAPTER LX.
SIR WALTER MANNY, BY MEANS OF A PASSPORT, RIDES THROUGH FRANCE FROM
AIGUILLON TO CALAIS.
About this time Sir Walter Manny had a conversation with a great knight
from Normandy, whom he detained as his prisoner, and asked him what sum
he was willing to pay for his ransom. The knight replied, “Three
thousand crowns.” Upon this Sir Walter said, “I know you are related to
the Duke of Normandy, much beloved by him, and one of his privy
councillors. I will let you free upon your honor, if you will go to the
duke, and obtain from him a passport for myself and twenty others, that
we may ride through France as far as Calais, paying courteously for
whatever we may want. If therefore you obtain this from the king, I
shall hold you free from your ransom, and also be much obliged to you;
for I have a great desire to see the King of England, and will not
remain in any town more than one night. If you cannot accomplish it, you
will return in a month to this fortress, as to your prison.” The knight
set out for Paris, and having obtained from the duke the passport,
returned with it to Sir Walter at Aiguillon, who acquitted him of his
ransom. Sir Walter shortly afterwards set out with twenty horse, and
took his road through Auvergne. He told everywhere who he was, and, at
every place he stopped, showed his passport, and was directly set at
liberty; but at Orleans he was arrested, although he showed his papers,
and from thence conducted to Paris, where he was confined in the prison
of the Châtelet. When the Duke of Normandy heard of it, he went
immediately to the king, and remonstrated with him on the subject,
because Sir Walter Manny had had his passport through his means; and
demanded that he should as soon as possible be set at liberty, otherwise
it would be said that he had betrayed him. The king answered that he
intended putting him to death, for he looked upon him as one of his
greatest enemies. Upon which the duke said, that, if he put his
intentions in execution, he would never bear arms against the King of
England, and would prevent all those dependent on him from doing the
same. Very high words passed between them; and he left the king,
declaring he would never serve in any of his armies so long as Walter
Manny should remain in prison.
Things remained in this situation a long time. There was a knight from
Hainault, named Sir Mansart d’Aisnes, who was eager to serve Sir Walter,
but had great difficulty in getting access to the Duke of Normandy:
however, at last the king was advised to let Sir Walter out of prison,
and to pay him all his expenses. The king would have Sir Walter to dine
with him in the Hotel de Nerle at Paris, when he presented him with
gifts and jewels to the amount of a thousand florins. Sir Walter
accepted of them upon condition that when he got to Calais he should
inform the king, his lord, of it; and if it were agreeable to his
pleasure he would keep them, otherwise he would send them back. The king
and duke said he had spoken like a loyal knight. Sir Walter then took
leave of them, rode on by easy day’s journeys to Hainault, and remained,
to refresh himself, three days in Valenciennes. He arrived at Calais,
where he was well received by the King of England, who, upon being
informed by Sir Walter of the presents he had from the King of France,
said, “Sir Walter, you have hitherto most loyally served us, and we hope
you will continue to do so. Send back to King Philip his presents, for
you have no right to keep them: we have enough, thank God, for you and
ourselves, and are perfectly well disposed to do you all the good in our
power for the services you have rendered us.” Sir Walter took out all
the jewels, and, giving them to his cousin the Lord of Mansac, said,
“Ride into France, to King Philip, and recommend me to him; and tell him
that I thank him many times for the fine jewels he presented me with,
but that it is not agreeable to the will and pleasure of the King of
England, my lord, that I retain them.” The knight did as he was
commanded; but the King of France would not take back the jewels: he
gave them to the Lord of Mansac, who thanked the king for them, and had
no inclination to refuse them.
CHAPTER LXI.
THE KING OF SCOTLAND, DURING THE SIEGE OF CALAIS, INVADES ENGLAND.
I have been silent some time respecting the King of Scotland, but until
this moment I have not had any thing worth relating; for, as I have said
before, mutual truces had been granted between him and the King of
England, which had not been infringed. During the time the King of
England was carrying on the siege of Calais, the Scots determined to
make war upon him, thinking it a good opportunity to be revenged for the
many disasters he had brought on them. England had at that time very few
men at arms, as the king had a great number with him before Calais, as
well as in his other armies in Brittany, Poitou, and Gascony. The King
of France took great pains to foment this war, in order that the English
might have so much to employ them at home as would oblige them to raise
the siege of Calais, and return to England.
King David issued his summons for a parliament to be holden at Perth;
which was attended by the earls, prelates, and barons of Scotland, who
were unanimous for invading England as speedily as possible. Raynold,
Lord of the Isles, who governed the wild Scots, and whom alone they
obeyed, was sent to, and entreated to attend the parliament. He complied
with the request, and brought three thousand of the wildest of his
countrymen with him. When all the Scots were assembled, they amounted
together to about forty thousand combatants; but they could not make
their preparations so secretly as to prevent news of it coming to the
knowledge of the Queen of England, who had taken up her residence in the
North, near the borders. She wrote and sent summons to all that were
attached to England to come to York by a certain day. Many men at arms
and archers who had remained at home put themselves in motion, and
advanced to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which the queen had appointed as the
final place of rendezvous. In the mean while, the Scots set out from
Perth, and advanced the first day to Dunfermline; the next day they
crossed a small arm of the sea; but the king went to Stirling, crossed
the water on the morrow, and came to Edinburgh. Here they halted, and
numbered their men. There were full three thousand knights and squires,
well armed, and thirty thousand others, mounted on galloways. They
marched to Roxburgh, the first fortress belonging to the English on
their road, under the command of the Lord William Montacute, who had
lately erected it against the Scots. This castle is handsome, and very
strong: the Scots therefore passed on without attacking it, and took up
their quarters on the banks of a river between Precy and Lincolle,
whence they began to destroy and burn the country of Cumberland. Some of
their scouts advanced as far as York, where they burnt all without the
walls and down the river, and returned to their army, within one day’s
march of Newcastle.
CHAPTER LXII.
THE BATTLE OF NEVILLE’S CROSS.
The Queen of England, who was very anxious to defend her kingdom and
guard it from all disturbers, in order to show that she was in earnest
about it came herself to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She took up her residence
there, to wait for the forces she expected from different parts of the
kingdom. The Scots, who were informed that Newcastle was the place of
rendezvous of the English army, advanced thither, and sent their
vanguard to skirmish near the town; who, on their return, burnt some
hamlets adjoining to it. The smoke and flames came into the town, which
made the English impatient to sally out upon those who had done this
mischief; but their leaders would not permit them. On the morrow the
King of Scotland, with full forty thousand men, including all sorts,
advanced within three short English miles of Newcastle, and took up his
quarters on the land of the Lord Neville. He sent to inform the army in
the town, that, if they were willing to come forth, he would wait for
them, and give them battle. The barons and prelates of England sent for
answer, that they accepted his offer, and would risk their lives with
the realm of their lord and king. They sallied out, in number about
twelve hundred men at arms, three thousand archers, and seven thousand
other men, including the Welsh. The Scots posted themselves opposite to
the English, and each army was drawn out in battle-array.
The Queen of England came to the place where her army was, and remained
until it was drawn out in four battalions. The first was under the
command of the Bishop of Durham and the Lord Percy; the second, under
the Archbishop of York and the Lord Neville; the third, under the Bishop
of Lincoln and Lord Mowbray; the fourth was commanded by Lord Baliol,
governor of Berwick, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Roos.
Each battalion had its just proportion of men at arms and archers, as
was expedient. The queen now advanced among them, and entreated them to
do their duty well in defending the honor of their lord and king, and
urged them, for the love of God, to fight manfully. They promised her
that they would acquit themselves loyally, to the utmost of their power,
and perhaps better than if the king had been there in person. The queen
then took her leave, and recommended them to the protection of God and
St. George. The two armies were soon after in motion, and the archers on
each side began to shoot; but those of the Scots did not long continue
it, while the English shot incessantly. When the battalions were got
into close combat, the engagement was sharp and well fought.
The battle began about nine o’clock, and lasted until noon. The Scots
had very hard and sharp axes, with which they dealt deadly blows; but
at last the English gained the field, though it cost them dear by the
loss of their men. On the part of the Scots, there fell in the field the
Earl of Sys, the Earl Dostre, the Earl Patris, the Earl of Furlant, the
Earl Dastredure, the Earl of Mar, the Earl John Douglas, Sir Alexander
Ramsay who bore the king’s banners, and many other barons, knights, and
squires. The King of Scotland was taken prisoner, fighting most
gallantly, and badly wounded before he was captured by a squire of
Northumberland named John Copeland; who, as soon as he got him, pushed
through the crowd, and with eight other companions rode off, and never
stopped until he was distant from the field of battle about fifteen
miles. He came about vespers to Ogle Castle, on the river Blythe, and
there declared that he would not surrender his prisoner, the King of
Scotland, to man or woman, except to his lord the King of England. That
same day were taken prisoners the Earls of Murray and March, Lord
William Douglas, Lord Robert de Wersy, the Bishops of Aberdeen and St.
Andrews, and many other barons and knights. There were about fifteen
thousand slain, and the remainder saved themselves as well as they
could. This battle was fought near Newcastle, in the year 1346, on a
Saturday preceding Michaelmas Day.
[The old ballad of “Durham Feilde” sings the battle of Neville’s
Cross described in the foregoing chapter, calling it “Durham Field”
after the Bishop of Durham, who led the English. The poem is
divided into two parts, of which only the second is here given on
account of its length. The First Part relates, in true old-servant
style, how the King of Scotland was informed that the King of
England was gone into France with all his soldiers, leaving none
behind but “Shepherds and millers, And priests with shaven
crowns;” whereupon “the King of Scots in a study stood,” and
resolved to seize such a favorable moment to overrun England in the
absence of its king. He calls together his lords, and in a boastful
mood proceeds to divide out the whole of England among them, as if
he had nothing to do but march forward and take possession.
Presently, however, his army is confronted with “the comminaltye of
litle England;” the King of Scots brags that
“They be but English knaves,
But shepherds and millers both,
And mass priests with their staves;”
and sends his herald to view them. When the herald returns,
“Who leads those lads?” said the King of Scots,
“Thou herald, tell thou me.”
The herald said, “The Bishop of Durham
Is captain of that companye;
For the Bishop hath spread the King’s banner,
And to battell he buskes him boune.”[14]
“I sweare by St. Andrewe’s bones,” saies the King,
“I’ll rapp that priest on the crowne!”
But presently a very different tale is told in
PART II.
The King looked towards litle Durham,
& that hee well beheld,
that the Earle Percy was well armed,
with his battell axe entred the feild.
the King looket againe towards litle Durham,
4 ancyents[15] there see hee;
there were to[16] standards, 6 in a valley,
he cold not see them with his eye.
My Lord of yorke was one of them,
my lord of Carlile was the other;
& my Lord ffluwilliams,
the one came with the other.
the Bishopp of Durham commanded his men,
& shortlye he them bade,
‘that never a man shold goe to the feild to fight
til he had served his god.’
500 priests said masse that day
in durham in the feild;
& afterwards, as I hard say,
they bare both speare & sheeld.
the Bishopp of Durham orders himselfe to fight
with his battell axe in hand;
he said, “this day now I will fight
as long as I can stand!”
“& soe will I,” sayd my Lord of Carlile,
“in this faire morning gay;”
“& soe will I,” said my Lord ffluwilliams,
“for Mary, that myld may.”[17]
our English archers bent their bowes
shortlye and anon,
they shott over the Scottish oast
& scantlye toucht a man.
“hold downe your hands,” sayd the Bishopp of Durham,
“my archers good & true.”
the 2ᵈ shoote that thé[18] shott
full sore the Scottes itt rue.
the Bishopp of Durham spoke on hye
that both partyes might heare,
“be of good cheere, my merrymen all,
the Scotts flyen,[19] & changen there cheere!”
but as thé saidden, soe thé didden,
they fell on heapes hye;
our Englishmen laid on with their bowes
as fast as they might dree.
The King of Scotts in a studye stood
amongst his companye,
an arrow stoke him thorrow the nose
& thorrow his armorye.
The King went to a marsh side
& light beside his steede,
and leaned him down on his sword hilt,
to let his nose bleede.
there followed him a yeoman of merry England,
his name was John of Coplande;
“yeeld thee Traytor!” saies Coplande then,
“thy liffe lyes in my hand.”
“how shold I yeeld me?” sayes the King,
“& thou art noe gentleman.”
“noe, by my troth,” sayes Copland there,
“I am but a poore yeoman;”
“what art thou better then I, Sir King?
tell me if that thou can!
what art thou better then I, Sir King,
now we be but man to man?”
the King smote angerly at Copland then,
angerly in that stonde;
& then Copland was a bold yeoman,
& bore the King to the ground.
he sett the King upon a Palfrey,
himselfe upon a steede,
he tooke him by the bridle rayne,
towards London he can[20] him Lead.
& when to London that he came,
the King from ffrance was new come home.
& there unto the King of Scottes
he sayd these words anon,
“how like you my shepards & my millers,
my priests with shaven crownes?”
“by my fayth, they are the sorest fighting men
that ever I mett on the ground;
“there was never a yeoman in merry England
but he was worth a Scottish knight!”
“I,[21] by my troth,” said King Edward, & laughe,
“for you fought all against the right.”
but now the Prince of merry England
worthilye under his Sheelde
hath taken the King of ffrance
at Poytiers in the ffeelde.
the Prince did present his father with that food,[22]
the lovely King off ffrance,
& fforward of his Iourney he is gone:
god send us all good chance!
“you are welcome, brothers!” sayd the King of Scotts,
to the King of ffrance,
“for I am come hither too soone;
Christ leeve that I had taken my way
unto the court of Roone!”
“& soe wold I,” said the King of ffrance,
“when I came over the streame,
that I had taken my Iourney
unto Ierusalem.”
Thus ends the battell of ffaire Durham
in one morning of may,
the battell of Cressey, & the battle of Potyers,
All within one monthes day.
then was welthe and welfare in mery England,
Solaces, game, & glee,
& every man loved other well,
& the King loved good yeomanrye
but God that made the grasse to growe,
& leaves on greenwoode tree,
now save & keepe our noble King,
& maintaine good yeomanry!
ffinis.]
CHAPTER LXIII.
JOHN COPELAND TAKES THE KING OF SCOTLAND PRISONER, AND RECEIVES GREAT
ADVANTAGES FROM IT.
When the Queen of England, who had remained in Newcastle, heard that her
army had gained the day, she mounted her palfrey, and went to the field
of battle. She was informed that the King of Scotland had been made
prisoner by a squire of the name of John Copeland, but who had ridden
off with him, they could not tell whither. The queen ordered that a
letter should be written, commanding him to bring the King of Scots to
her, and telling him that he had not done what was agreeable to her in
carrying off his prisoner without leave. All that day the queen and army
remained on the field of battle which they had won, and on the morrow
returned to Newcastle.
When the letter from the queen was presented by a knight to John
Copeland, he answered that he would not give up his prisoner, the King
of Scots, to man or woman, except to his own lord the King of England;
that they might depend on his taking proper care of him, and he would be
answerable for guarding him well. The queen upon this wrote letters to
the king, which she sent off to Calais. She therein informed him of the
state of his kingdom. The king then ordered John Copeland to come to him
at Calais; who, having placed his prisoner under good guards, in a
strong castle on the borders of Northumberland, set out, and, passing
through England, came to Dover, where he embarked, and landed near
Calais. When the King of England saw the squire, he took him by the
hand, and said, “Ha! welcome, my squire, who by his valor has captured
my adversary the King of Scotland.” John Copeland, falling on one knee,
replied, “If God, out of his great kindness, has given me the King of
Scotland, and permitted me to conquer him in arms, no one ought to be
jealous of it; for God can, when he pleases, send his grace to a poor
squire, as well as to a great lord. Sir, do not take it amiss if I did
not surrender him to the orders of my lady the queen; for I hold my
lands of you, and my oath is to you, not to her, except it be through
choice.” The king answered, “John, the loyal service you have done us,
and our esteem for your valor, is so great, that it may well serve you
as an excuse; and shame fall upon all those that bear you any ill-will.
You will now return home, and take your prisoner the King of Scotland,
and convey him to my wife; and by way of remuneration I assign lands, as
near your house as you can choose them, to the amount of five hundred
pounds sterling a year, for you and your heirs; and I retain you as a
squire of my body and of my household.” John Copeland left Calais the
third day after his arrival, and returned to England. When he was come
home he assembled his friends and neighbors, and, in company with them,
took the King of Scots, and conveyed him to York, where he presented
him, in the name of the king, to the queen, and made such handsome
excuses that she was satisfied.
When the queen had sufficiently provided for the defence of the city of
York, the castle of Roxburgh, the city of Durham, and the town of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as for all the borders, and had appointed
the Lords Percy and Neville governors of Northumberland to take proper
care of it, she set out from York, and returned to London. She ordered
the King of Scots, the Earl of Murray, and the other prisoners, to be
confined in the Tower of London; and, having placed a sufficient guard
over them, set out for Dover, where she embarked, and with a favorable
wind arrived before Calais three days preceding the feast of All Saints.
The king, upon her arrival, held a grand court, and ordered magnificent
entertainments for all the lords who were there, but more especially for
the ladies; as the queen had brought a great many with her, who were
glad to accompany her, in order to see fathers, brothers, and friends,
that were engaged at this siege of Calais.
CHAPTER LXIV.
THE YOUNG EARL OF FLANDERS IS BETROTHED, THROUGH THE CONSTRAINT OF
THE FLEMINGS, TO THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF ENGLAND.--HE ESCAPES
TO FRANCE IN A SUBTLE MANNER
The siege of Calais lasted a long time, during which many gallant feats
of arms and adventures happened. But it is not possible for me to relate
the fourth part of them; for the King of France had posted so many men
at arms in the fortresses, and on the borders of the counties of Guines,
Artois, Boulogne, round to Calais, and had such numbers of Genoese,
Normans, and others in vessels on the sea, that none of the English
could venture abroad on horseback or on foot, to forage, without meeting
some of these parties. There were frequent skirmishes near the gates and
ditches of the town, which never ended without several being killed and
wounded: sometimes one side gained the advantage, and sometimes the
other. The King of England and his council studied night and day to
invent new engines more effectually to annoy the town; but the
inhabitants were equally alert to destroy their effect, and exerted
themselves so much that they suffered nothing from them. However, no
provisions could be brought into the place but by stealth, and by the
means of two mariners who were guides to such as adventured. One was
named Marant, and the other Mestriel: both of them resided in Abbeville.
By their means the town of Calais was frequently victualled, and by
their boldness they were often in great danger, many times pursued and
almost taken; but they escaped, and slew and wounded many of the
English. The siege lasted all the winter. The king had a great desire to
keep on good terms with the municipalities of Flanders, because he
thought that through them he should the more easily obtain his end. He
made, therefore, frequent protestations of friendship to them, and gave
them to understand, that, after he should have succeeded at Calais, he
would reconquer for them Lisle, Douay, and all their dependencies: so
that the Flemings, believing in such promises, put themselves in motion
about the time that the king was in Normandy, whence he came to Crecy
and Calais; and they laid siege to Bethune. They had chosen for their
commander the Lord Oudart de Renty, who had been banished from France,
and had closely besieged the town and much damaged it by their attacks.
But there were within four knights for the King of France, who well
defended it: their names were Sir Geoffry de Chargny, the Lord Eustace
de Ribeaumont, the Lord Baudoin d’Anequin, and Lord John de Landas. The
town of Bethune was so well defended, that the Flemings conquered
nothing: they returned, therefore, to Flanders, not having been more
successful than before.
When the King of England was come to Calais, he did not cease sending
flattering messengers and promises to the municipalities of Flanders, to
preserve their friendship, and lessen their opinion of the King of
France, who was taking great pains to acquire their affections. The King
of England would have gladly seen the Earl Lewis of Flanders, who at
that time was but fifteen years old, married to his daughter Isabella,
and set so many engines to work among the Flemings that they acceded to
it; which mightily rejoiced the king, for he imagined that by this
marriage he would easily govern that country. The Flemings also thought
that this alliance would enable them more effectually to resist the
French; and that it would be more profitable to be connected with the
King of England than with the King of France. Their young earl, however,
who had been educated with the royal family of France, and who at the
time was in that kingdom, would not agree to it, and declared frankly
that he would never take to wife the daughter of him who had slain his
father. On the other hand, Duke John of Brabant was very eagerly trying
to make a match between the earl and his daughter, and promised to
obtain for him the full enjoyment of Flanders, by fair or foul means.
The duke also gave the King of France to understand, that, if the
marriage took place, he would manage the Flemings, that they should
attach themselves to him in preference to the King of England. Upon the
strength of these promises, the King of France consented to the marriage
of the Earl of Flanders with the Duke of Brabant’s daughter. After the
duke had obtained this consent, he sent messengers to all the principal
citizens of the great towns in Flanders; who colored the union with so
many specious reasons, that the councils of the principal towns sent to
the earl, and informed him that if he would come to Flanders and follow
their advice, they would be his true friends, and would give up to him
all royalties, rights, and jurisdictions, in a greater degree than any
earl had hitherto been possessed of. The earl was advised to go to
Flanders, where he was joyfully received; and the chief towns made him
rich and handsome presents.
As soon as the King of England was informed of this, he sent the Earls
of Northampton and Arundel, and Lord Reginald Cobham, into Flanders; who
managed matters so well with the leading men in the place, and with the
corporations, that they were more desirous their lord should marry a
daughter of the King of England, than the daughter of the Duke of
Brabant: they very affectionately entreated their lord so to do, and
supported it by many strong and good arguments (which would be too
tedious to detail here), insomuch that those of the Duke of Brabant’s
party could say nothing to the contrary. The earl, however, would not
consent to it, notwithstanding their fair speeches and arguments; but
repeated his former declaration, that he would never marry the daughter
of him who had killed his father, were he to have a moiety of the
kingdom of England for her dower. When the Flemings heard this, they
said their lord was too much of a Frenchman, and very ill-advised; and
that he must not expect any good from them, since he would not listen to
their counsels. They arrested him, and confined him,--though not a close
prisoner,--and told him he should never have his liberty until he would
pay attention to their advice. They added, that if the late earl his
father had not loved the French so much, but had listened to them, he
would have been the greatest prince in Christendom, and would have
recovered Lisle, Bethune, and Douay, and been alive at this day.
While all this was passing, the King of England still held on the siege
of Calais. He kept his court there at Christmas in a right royal manner;
and in the ensuing Lent the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Pembroke, the
Earl of Oxford, and many knights and squires who had crossed the sea
with them, returned from Gascony.
The Earl of Flanders was for a long time in danger from the Flemings,
and, being a prisoner, was perfectly weary of it. He therefore made them
understand that he was willing to follow their advice, for he could
receive more advantages from them than from those in any other country.
These words pleased the Flemings much: they gave him his liberty, and
allowed him to partake of one of his favorite amusements, hawking, of
which he was very fond. It happened one day, in the same week that he
was to espouse the English princess, he went out a-hawking: the falconer
fled his hawk at a heron, and the earl did the same with his. The two
hawks pursued their game, and the earl galloped off, as if following
them, crying, “Hoye, hoye!” When he was at some distance from his
keepers, and in the open fields, he stuck spurs into his horse, and made
such speed that he was soon out of sight. He did not stop until he was
got into Artois, where he was safe. He then went to King Philip in
France, and related to him and his nobles his adventures, who told him
he had acted wisely; but the English, on the contrary, accused him of
betraying and deceiving them.
CHAPTER LXV.
THE KING OF ENGLAND PREVENTS THE APPROACH OF THE FRENCH ARMY TO RAISE
THE SIEGE OF CALAIS, AND THE TOWN SURRENDERS.
The King of England, who found he could not conquer Calais but by
famine, ordered a large castle to be constructed of strong timbers, in
order to shut up the communication with the sea; and he directed it to
be built and embattled in such a manner that it could not be destroyed.
He placed it between the town and the sea, and fortified it with all
sorts of warlike instruments, and garrisoned it with forty men at arms
and two hundred archers, who guarded the harbor and port of Calais so
closely that nothing could go out or come into the town without being
sunk or taken. By this means he more sorely aggrieved the Calesians than
by any thing he had hitherto done, and sooner brought famine among them.
I will now relate what the King of England had done, and was doing, when
he saw with what a prodigious force the King of France was come to raise
the siege of Calais, which had cost him so much money and labor. He knew
that the town was so nearly famished, that it could hold out but a very
short time: therefore it would have sorely hurt him to have been forced
at that time to raise it. He considered that the French could neither
approach his army nor the town of Calais but by two roads,--the one by
the downs along the seashore, the other higher up the country, which,
however, was full of ditches and bogs; and there was but one bridge,
called the bridge of Nieullet, by which they could be crossed. He
posted, therefore, his fleet along the shore, as near as he could to the
downs, and provided it with plenty of every warlike engine, so that the
French could not pass that way. He sent the Earl of Derby, with a
sufficient force of men at arms and archers, to guard the bridge of
Nieullet. The French therefore were prevented from advancing thither,
unless they attempted crossing the marshes between Sangate and the sea,
which were impassable. There was also, nearer to Calais, a high tower,
which was guarded by thirty archers from England; and they had fortified
it with double ditches, as a stronger defence of the passage over the
downs. When the French had taken up their quarters on the hill of
Sangate, those from Tournay, who might amount to about fifteen hundred
men, advanced toward this tower; the garrison shot at them, and wounded
some; but the men of Tournay crossed the ditches, and reached the foot
of the tower with pickaxes and bars. The engagement was then very sharp,
and many of the Tournay men were killed and wounded; but in the end the
tower was taken and thrown down, and all that were within it put to the
sword.
The King of France sent his two marshals, the Lord of Beaujeu and the
Lord of St. Venant, to examine the country, and see where the army could
pass, in order to fight with the English; but, after they had well
examined all the passes, they returned, and told the king there was not
any possibility of doing it but with infinite loss of men. Things
remained in this state that day and the following night; but on the
morrow, after the King of France had heard mass, he sent to the King of
England the Lord Geoffry de Chargny, the Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont, Sir
Guy de Nesle, and the Lord of Beaujeu, who, as they rode along, observed
how strongly all the passes were guarded. They were allowed to proceed
freely, for so the King of England had ordered, and praised very much
the dispositions of the Earl of Derby, who was posted at the bridge of
Nieullet, over which they passed. They rode on until they came where the
king was, whom they found surrounded by his barons and knights. They all
four dismounted, and advanced toward the king with many reverences; then
the Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont said, “Sir, the King of France informs
you, through us, that he is come to the hill of Sangate in order to give
you battle, but he cannot find any means of approaching you: he
therefore wishes you would assemble your council, and he will send some
of his, that they may confer together, and fix upon a spot where a
general combat may take place.” The King of England was advised to make
his answer as follows: “Gentlemen, I perfectly understand the request
you have made me from my adversary, who wrongfully keeps possession of
my inheritance, which weighs much upon me. You will therefore tell him
from me, if you please, that I have been on this spot near a
twelvemonth; this he was well informed of, and, had he chosen it, might
have come here sooner; but he has allowed me to remain so long, that I
have expended very large sums of money, and have done so much that I
must be master of Calais in a very short time. I am not therefore
inclined, in the smallest degree, to comply with his request, or to
gratify his convenience, or to abandon what I have gained, or what I
have been so anxious to conquer. If, therefore, neither he nor his army
can pass this way, he must seek out some other road.” The four noblemen
then returned, and were escorted as far as the bridge of Nieullet, and
related to the King of France the King of England’s answer.
The King of France, perceiving he could not in any way succeed, decamped
on the morrow, and took the road to Amiens, where he disbanded all his
troops, the men at arms as well as those sent from the different towns.
When the Calesians saw them depart, it gave them great grief. Some of
the English fell on their rear, and captured horses, and wagons laden
with wine and other things, as well as some prisoners; all which they
brought to their camp before Calais.
After the departure of the King of France, with his army, from the hill
of Sangate, the Calesians saw clearly that all hopes of succor were at
an end; which occasioned them so much sorrow and distress that the
hardiest could scarcely support it. They entreated, therefore, most
earnestly, the Lord John de Vienne, their governor, to mount upon the
battlements, and make a sign that he wished to hold a parley. The King
of England, upon hearing this, sent to him Sir Walter Manny and Lord
Basset. When they were come near, the Lord de Vienne said to them, “Dear
gentlemen, you, who are very valiant knights, know that the King of
France, whose subjects we are, has sent us hither to defend this town
and castle from all harm and damage: this we have done to the best of
our abilities. All hopes of help have now left us, so that we are most
exceedingly straitened; and, if the gallant king your lord have not pity
upon us, we must perish with hunger. I therefore entreat that you would
beg of him to have compassion on us, and to have the goodness to allow
us to depart in the state we are in, and that he will be satisfied with
having possession of the town and castle, with all that is within them,
as he will find therein riches enough to content him.” To this Sir
Walter Manny replied, “John, we are not ignorant of what the king our
lord’s intentions are, for he has told them to us. Know, then, that it
is not his pleasure you should get off so; for he is resolved that you
surrender yourselves solely to his will, to allow those whom he pleases
their ransom, or to put them to death; for the Calesians have done him
so much mischief, and have, by their obstinate defence, cost him so many
lives and so much money, that he is mightily enraged.” The Lord de
Vienne answered, “These conditions are too hard for us. We are but a
small number of knights and squires, who have loyally served our lord
and master, as you would have done, and have suffered much ill and
disquiet; but we will endure more than any man ever did in a similar
situation, before we consent that the smallest boy in the town should
fare worse than the best. I therefore once more entreat you, out of
compassion, to return to the King of England, and beg of him to have
pity on us: he will, I trust, grant you this favor; for I have such an
opinion of his gallantry as to hope that, through God’s mercy, he will
alter his mind.” The two lords returned to the king, and related what
had passed. The king said he had no intentions of complying with the
request, but should insist that they surrendered themselves
unconditionally to his will. Sir Walter replied, “My lord, you may be to
blame in this, as you will set us a very bad example; for, if you order
us to go to any of your castles, we shall not obey you so cheerfully, if
you put these people to death; for they will retaliate upon us in a
similar case.” Many barons who were then present supported this opinion.
Upon which the king replied, “Gentlemen, I am not so obstinate as to
hold my opinion alone against you all. Sir Walter, you will inform the
governor of Calais that the only grace he must expect from me is, that
six of the principal citizens of Calais march out of the town, with bare
heads and feet, with ropes around their necks, and the keys of the town
and castle in their hands. These six persons shall be at my absolute
disposal, and the remainder of the inhabitants pardoned.”
Sir Walter returned to the Lord de Vienne, who was waiting for him on
the battlements, and told him all that he had been able to gain from the
king. “I beg of you,” replied the governor, “that you would be so good
as to remain here a little, while I go and relate all that has passed to
the townsmen; for, as they have desired me to undertake this, it is but
proper they should know the result of it.” He went to the market-place,
and caused the bell to be rung; upon which all the inhabitants, men and
women, assembled in the town-hall. He then related to them what he had
said, and the answers he had received; and that he could not obtain any
conditions more favorable, to which they must give a short and immediate
answer. This information caused the greatest lamentations and despair,
so that the hardest heart would have had compassion on them. Even the
Lord de Vienne wept bitterly.
After a short time the most wealthy citizen of the town, by name Eustace
de St. Pierre, rose up and said, “Gentlemen, both high and low, it would
be a very great pity to suffer so many people to die through famine, if
any means could be found to prevent it; and it would be highly
meritorious in the eyes of our Saviour, if such misery could be averted.
I have such faith and trust in finding grace before God, if I die to
save my townsmen, that I name myself as first of the six.” When Eustace
had done speaking, they all rose up and almost worshipped him: many cast
themselves at his feet with tears and groans. Another citizen, very rich
and respected, rose up, and said he would be the second to his companion
Eustace; his name was John Daire. After him, James Wisant, who was very
rich in merchandise and lands, offered himself as companion to his two
cousins; as did Peter Wisant his brother. Two others then named
themselves, which completed the number demanded by the King of England.
The Lord John de Vienne then mounted a small hackney, for it was with
difficulty that he could walk, and conducted them to the gate. There was
the greatest sorrow and lamentation all over the town; and in such
manner were they attended to the gate, which the governor ordered to be
opened, and then shut upon him and the six citizens, whom he led to the
barriers, and said to Sir Walter Manny, who was there waiting for him,
“I deliver up to you, as governor of Calais, with the consent of the
inhabitants,
[Illustration: How the Six Citizens of Calais delivered themselves up to
the English King.]
these six citizens; and I swear to you that they were, and are at this
day, the most wealthy and respectable inhabitants of Calais. I beg of
you, gentle sir, that you would have the goodness to beseech the king
that they may not be put to death.”--“I cannot answer for what the king
will do with them,” replied Sir Walter; “but you may depend that I will
do all in my power to save them.” The barriers were opened, when these
six citizens advanced toward the pavilion of the king, and the Lord de
Vienne re-entered the town.
When Sir Walter Manny had presented these six citizens to the king, they
fell upon their knees, and with uplifted hands said, “Most gallant king,
see before you six citizens of Calais, who have been capital merchants,
and who bring you the keys of the castle and of the town. We surrender
ourselves to your absolute will and pleasure, in order to save the
remainder of the inhabitants of Calais, who have suffered much distress
and misery. Condescend, therefore, out of your nobleness of mind, to
have mercy and compassion upon us.” All the barons, knights, and
squires, that were assembled there in great numbers, wept at this sight.
The king eyed them with angry looks (for he hated much the people of
Calais, for the great losses he had formerly suffered from them at sea),
and ordered their heads to be stricken off. All present entreated the
king, that he would be more merciful to them; but he would not listen to
them. Then Sir Walter Manny said, “Ah, gentle king, let me beseech you
to restrain your anger. You have the reputation of great nobleness of
soul: do not therefore tarnish it by such an act as this, nor allow any
one to speak in a disgraceful manner of you. In this instance all the
world will say you have acted cruelly, if you put to death six such
respectable persons, who, of their own free will, have surrendered
themselves to your mercy, in order to save their fellow-citizens.” Upon
this the king gave a wink, saying, “Be it so,” and ordered the headsman
to be sent for; for that the Calesians had done him so much damage, it
was proper they should suffer for it. The Queen of England fell on her
knees, and with tears said, “Ah, gentle sir, since I have crossed the
sea with great danger to see you, I have never asked you one favor: now
I most humbly ask as a gift, for the sake of the Son of the blessed
Mary, and for your love to me, that you will be merciful to these six
men.” The king looked at her for some time in silence, and then said,
“Ah, lady, I wish that you had been anywhere else than here. You have
entreated in such a manner that I cannot refuse you. I therefore give
them to you, to do as you please with them.” The queen conducted the six
citizens to her apartments, and had the halters taken from round their
necks, after which she new-clothed them, and served them with a
plentiful dinner. She then presented each with six nobles, and had them
escorted out of the camp in safety.
CHAPTER LXVI.
THE KING OF ENGLAND RE-PEOPLES CALAIS.
The king, after he had presented these six citizens to the queen, called
to him Sir Walter Manny, and his two marshals,--the Earls of Warwick and
Stafford,--and said to them, “My lords, here are the keys of the town
and castle of Calais: go and take possession of them. You will put into
prison the knights you may find there, but you will send out of the
town all the other inhabitants, and all soldiers that may have come
there to serve for pay; as I am resolved to re-people the town with
English alone.” These three noblemen, with only one hundred men, went
and took possession of Calais, and from the gates sent to prison the
Lord John de Surie, the Lord John de Vienne, the Lord John de
Bellebourne, and other knights. They then ordered every sort of arms to
be brought, and piled in a heap in the market-place. They sent out of
the town all ranks of people, retaining only one priest, and two other
old men, that were well acquainted with the customs and usages of
Calais, in order to point out the different properties; and gave
directions for the castle to be prepared for lodging the king and queen,
and different hotels for their attendants. When this had been done, the
king and queen mounted their steeds, and rode toward the town, which
they entered at the sound of trumpets, drums, and all sorts of warlike
instruments.
The king gave to Sir Walter Manny, Lord Stafford, Lord Warwick, Sir
Bartholomew Burghersh, and other knights, very handsome houses in
Calais, that they might re-people it; and his intentions were, to send
thither, on his return to England, thirty-six substantial citizens, with
all their wealth, and to exert himself in such a manner that the
inhabitants of the town should be wholly English: which he afterwards
accomplished. The new town and fortifications, which had been built
before Calais, were destroyed, as well as the castle upon the harbor;
and the great boom which was thrown across was brought into the town.
The king posted different persons to guard the gates, walls, and towers
of the town; and what had been damaged he got repaired, which, however,
was not soon done. The Lord John de Vienne and his companions were sent
to England: they remained in London about half a year, and then were
ransomed. In my opinion, it was a melancholy thing for the inhabitants
of both sexes, of the town of Calais, thus to be sent abroad, with their
children, from their inheritances, leaving every thing behind: for they
were not allowed to carry off any of their furniture or wealth; and they
received no assistance from the King of France, for whom they had lost
their all. They did, however, as well as they were able; and the greater
part went to St. Omer.
The Cardinal Guy de Boulogne, who was come into France as ambassador,
and was with his cousin King Philip in the city of Amiens, labored so
earnestly, that he obtained a truce between the two kings and their
adherents, which was to last for two years.
CHAPTER LXVII.
A ROBBER OF THE NAME OF BACON DOES MUCH MISCHIEF IN LANGUEDOC, AND A
PAGE OF THE NAME OF CROQUART TURNS ROBBER.
All this year of the truce, the kings remained at peace. But Lord
William Douglas, and the Scots, who had taken refuge in the forest of
Jedworth, carried on the war against the English, wherever they could
meet with them. Those in Gascony, Poitou, and Saintonge, as well French
as English, did not observe the truce any better, but conquered towns
and castles from each other, by force or intrigue, and ruined and
destroyed the country, day and night. There were frequently gallant
deeds of arms performed, with alternate success.
Poor rogues took advantage of such times, and robbed both towns and
castles; so that some of them, becoming rich, constituted themselves
captains of bands of thieves. There were among them those worth forty
thousand crowns. Their method was, to mark out the particular towns or
castles, a day or two’s journey from each other: they then collected
twenty or thirty robbers, and, travelling through by-roads in the
night-time, entered the town or castle they had fixed on about daybreak,
and set one of the houses on fire. When the inhabitants perceived it,
they thought it had been a body of forces sent to destroy them, and took
to their heels as fast as they could. The town of Donzere was treated in
this manner; and many other towns and castles were taken, and afterwards
ransomed. Among other robbers in Languedoc, one had marked out the
strong castle of Cobourne in Limosin, which is situated in a very strong
country. He set off in the night-time, with thirty companions, and took
and destroyed it. He seized also the Lord of Cobourne, whom he
imprisoned in his own castle, and put all his household to death. He
kept him in prison until he ransomed himself for twenty-four thousand
crowns, paid down. The robber kept possession of the castle and
dependencies, which he furnished with provisions, and thence made war
upon all the country round about. The King of France, shortly
afterwards, was desirous of having him near his person. He purchased the
castle for twenty thousand crowns, appointed him his usher at arms, and
heaped on him many other honors. The name of this robber was Bacon; and
he was always mounted on handsome horses, of a deep roan color, or on
large palfreys, apparelled like an earl, and very richly armed; and this
state he maintained as long as he lived.
There were similar disorders in Brittany; and robbers carried on the
like methods of seizing and pillaging different towns and castles, and
then selling them back again to the country at a dear rate; by which
means many of their leaders became very rich. Among others there was one
of the name of Croquart, who was originally but a poor boy, and had been
page to the Lord d’Ercle in Holland. When this Croquart arrived at
manhood, he had his discharge, and went to the wars in Brittany, where
he attached himself to a man at arms, and behaved very well. It
happened, that in some skirmish his master was taken and slain; when, in
recompense for his prowess, his companions elected him their leader, in
the place of his late master. He then made such profit by ransoms, and
the taking of towns and castles, that he was said to be worth full forty
thousand crowns, not including his horses, of which he had twenty or
thirty, very handsome and strong, and of a deep roan color. He had the
reputation of being the most expert man at arms of the country, was
chosen to be one of the thirty that engaged against a similar number,
and was the most active combatant on the side of the English. King John
of France made him the offer of knighting him, and marrying him very
richly, if he would quit the English party, and promised to give him two
thousand livres a year; but Croquart would never listen to it. It
chanced one day, as he was riding a young horse which he had just
purchased for three hundred crowns, and was putting him to his full
speed, that the horse ran away with him, and, in leaping a ditch,
stumbled into it, and broke his master’s neck. Such was the end of
Croquart.
CHAPTER LXVIII.
SIR AYMERY DE PAVIE PLOTS WITH SIR GEOFFRY DE CHARGNY TO SELL THE TOWN
OF CALAIS.
At this time Sir Geoffry de Chargny was stationed at St. Omer, to defend
the frontier; and in every thing touching war he acted as if he had been
king. He bethought himself, that as Lombards are very poor, and by
nature avaricious, he would attempt to recover the town of Calais by
means of Aymery de Pavie the governor; and as, from the terms of the
truce, the inhabitants of the towns of St. Omer and Calais might go to
each place to sell their different merchandises, Sir Geoffry entered
into a secret treaty with Sir Aymery, and succeeded so far that he
promised to deliver up the town on receiving twenty thousand crowns. The
King of England, however, got intelligence of it, and sent to Aymery the
Lombard orders to cross the sea immediately, and come to him at
Westminster. He obeyed; for he could not imagine that the king knew of
his treason, it had been so secretly carried on. When the king saw the
Lombard, he took him aside, and said, “Thou knowest that I have
intrusted to thee what I hold dearest in this world, except my wife and
children: I mean the town and castle of Calais, which thou hast sold to
the French, and for which thou deservest death.” The Lombard flung
himself on his knees, and said, “Ah, gentle king, have mercy on me, for
God’s sake! All that you have said is very true; but there is yet time
to break the bargain, for hitherto I have not received one penny.” The
king had brought up this Lombard from a child, and much loved him: he
replied, “Aymery, it is my wish that you continue on this treaty: you
will inform me of the day that you are to deliver up Calais, and on
these conditions I promise you my pardon.” The Lombard then returned to
Calais, and kept every thing secret. In the mean time Sir Geoffry de
Chargny thought himself sure of having Calais, and issued out privately
his summons for five hundred lances. The greater part were ignorant
where he intended to lead them, for it was only known to a few barons. I
do not believe he had even informed the King of France of his plan, as
he would have dissuaded him from it on account of the truce. The Lombard
had consented to deliver up the town to him the last night of the year,
with which he made the King of England acquainted by means of his
brother.
CHAPTER LXIX.
THE BATTLE OF CALAIS, BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND, UNDER THE BANNER
OF SIR WALTER MANNY, WITH SIR GEOFFRY DE CHARGNY AND THE FRENCH.
When the King of England was informed of this, and knew that the day was
for a certainty fixed, he set out from England with three hundred men at
arms and six hundred archers. He embarked at Dover, and came so
privately to Calais, that no one knew of his being there. He placed his
men in ambuscade in the rooms and towers of the castle, and said to Sir
Walter Manny, “Sir Walter, I will that you be the chief of this
enterprise; and I and my son will fight under your banner.” Sir Geoffry
de Chargny had left St. Omer the latter end of December, with all the
forces he had collected; and arrived near to Calais about midnight, the
last day of the month. He halted there for his rear to come up, and sent
forward two of his squires, who found Sir Aymery waiting for them. They
asked if it were time for Sir Geoffry to advance: the Lombard answered
that it was. The two squires upon this returned to Sir Geoffry, who
marched his men in battle-array over the bridge of Nieullet. He then
sent forward twelve of his knights, with one hundred men at arms, to
take possession of the castle of Calais; for he thought, if he had
possession of the castle, he should soon be master of the town,
considering what strength he had with him; and in a few days time he
could have as much more, should there be occasion. He gave orders for
twenty thousand crowns to be delivered to Sir Odoart de Renty, who was
in this expedition, for him to pay to the Lombard; and Sir Geoffry
remained in the plain in silence, his banner displayed before him, with
the rest of his army; for his intention was to enter the town by one of
its gates, otherwise he would not enter it at all.
The Lombard had let down the drawbridge of the castle, and opened one of
the gates, through which his detachment entered unmolested; and Sir
Odoart had given him the twenty thousand crowns in a bag,--who said he
supposed they were all there, for he had not time to count them, as it
would be day immediately. He flung the bag of crowns into a room, which
he locked, and told the French he would conduct them to the great tower
that they might the sooner be masters of the castle: in saying this he
advanced on, and, pushing back the bolt, the door flew open. In this
tower was the King of England with two hundred lances, who sallied
forth, with swords and battle-axes in their hands, crying out, “Manny,
Manny, to the rescue! What! do these Frenchmen think to conquer the
castle of Calais with such a handful of men!” The French saw that no
defence could save them, so they surrendered themselves prisoners; and
scarcely any of them were wounded. They were made to enter this tower,
whence the English had sallied, and there shut in. The English quitted
the castle, and, forming themselves in array, mounted their horses (for
they knew the French were mounted), and made for the gate leading to
Boulogne. Sir Geoffry was there with his banner displayed (his arms were
three escutcheons argent on a field gules), and he was very impatient to
be the first that should enter Calais. He said to those knights who were
near him, that, if this Lombard delayed opening the gate, they should
all die with cold. “In God’s name,” replied Sir Pepin de Werre, “these
Lombards are a malicious sort of people: perhaps he is examining your
florins, lest there should be any false ones, and to see if they be
right in number.” During this conversation the King of England and his
son advanced, under the banner of Sir Walter Manny. There were many
other banners also there, such as the Earl of Suffolk’s, the Lord
Stafford’s, Lord John Montacute’s (brother to the Earl of Salisbury),
the Lord John Beauchamp’s, the Lord Berkeley’s, the Lord de la Waae. All
these were barons having banners; and no more than these were in this
expedition.
The great gates were soon opened, and they all sallied out. When the
French saw this, and heard the cries of “Manny to the rescue!” they
found they had been betrayed; and Sir Geoffry said to those around them,
“Gentlemen, if we fly, we shall lose all: it will be more advantageous
for us to fight valiantly, in the hopes that the day may be ours.”--“By
St. George,” said some of the English, who were near enough to hear it,
“you speak truth: evil befall him who thinks of flying!” They then
retreated a little, and dismounted, driving their horses away, to avoid
being trampled on. When the King of England saw this, he halted the
banner under which he was, and said, “I would have the men drawn up here
in order of battle; and let a good detachment be sent toward the bridge
of Nieullet, for I have heard that there is posted a large body of
French on horseback and on foot.” Six banners and three hundred archers
left his army, and made for the bridge of Nieullet, where they found the
Lord Moreau de Fiennes, and the Lord of Crequi, who guarded it. There
were also posted, between the bridge and Calais, the crossbow-men from
St. Omer and Aire, who had that day sharp work. More than six hundred
were slain or drowned; for they were immediately discomfited, and
pursued to the river. It was then scarcely daybreak. The knights of
Picardy maintained this post some time, and many gallant actions were
performed; but the English kept increasing from the town, when, on the
contrary, the French fell off: so that, when they found they could not
longer keep the bridge, those that had horses mounted them, and betook
themselves to flight. The English immediately pursued them, and many
were overthrown: but those that were well mounted escaped; among them
were the Lords de Fiennes, de Crequi, de Sempy, de Lonchinleich, and the
Lord of Namur. Many were taken through their own hardiness, who might
otherwise have saved themselves. When it was broad daylight, that each
could see the other, some knights and squires collected themselves
together, and vigorously attacked the English, insomuch that several of
the French made good prisoners, that brought them much profit.
We will now speak of the King of England, who was there incognito under
Sir Walter Manny’s banner. He advanced with his men on foot, to meet the
enemy, who were formed in close order, with their pikes, shortened to
five feet, planted out before them. The first attack was very sharp and
severe. The king singled out Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, who was a strong
and hardy knight. He fought a long time marvellously well with the king,
so that it was a pleasure to see them: but by the confusion of the
engagement they were separated; for two large bodies met where they were
fighting, and forced them to break off their combat. On the side of the
French there was excellent fighting by Sir Geoffry de Chargny, Sir John
de Landas, Sir Hector and Sir Gavin Ballieul, and others; but they were
all surpassed by Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, who that day struck the king
twice down on his knees: at last, however, he was obliged to surrender
his sword to the king, saying, “Sir knight, I surrender myself your
prisoner, for the honor of the day must fall to the English.” All that
belonged to Sir Geoffry de Chargny were either slain or captured: among
the first were Sir Henry du Bois and Sir Pepin de Werre: Sir Geoffry and
the rest were taken prisoners. The last that was taken, and who in that
day excelled all, was Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont. This business was
finished under the walls of Calais, the last day of December, toward
morning, in the year of grace 1348.
CHAPTER LXX.
THE KING OF ENGLAND PRESENTS A CHAPLET OF PEARLS TO SIR EUSTACE DE
RIBEAUMONT.
When the engagement was over, the king returned to the castle in Calais,
and ordered all the prisoners to be brought before him. The French then
knew for the first time that the King of England had been there in
person, under the banner of Sir Walter Manny. The king said he would,
this evening of the new year, entertain them all at supper in the
castle. When the hour for supper was come, the tables spread, and the
king and his knights dressed in new robes, as well as the French,--who,
notwithstanding they were prisoners, made good cheer, for the king
wished it should be so,--the king seated himself at table, and made
those knights do the same around him in a most honorable manner. The
gallant Prince of Wales, and the knights of England, served up the first
course, and waited on their guests. At the second course they went and
seated themselves at another table, where they were served and attended
on very quietly.
When supper was over, and the tables removed, the king remained in the
hall, among the English and French knights, bareheaded, except a chaplet
of fine pearls which was round his head. He conversed with all of them;
but when he came to Sir Geoffry de Chargny his countenance altered, and,
looking at him askance, he said, “Sir Geoffry, I have but little reason
to love you, when you wished to seize from me by stealth, last night,
what had given me so much trouble to acquire, and has cost me such sums
of money. I am, however, rejoiced to have caught you thus in attempting
it. You were desirous of gaining it cheaper than I did, and thought you
could purchase it for twenty thousand crowns; but, through God’s
assistance, you have been disappointed.” He then passed on, and left Sir
Geoffry standing, without having a word to say for himself. When he came
to Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, he assumed a cheerful look, and said with
a smile, “Sir Eustace, you are the most valiant knight in Christendom,
that I ever saw attack his enemy, or defend himself. I never yet found
any one in battle, who, body to body, had given me so much to do as you
have done this day. I adjudge to you the prize of valor above all the
knights of my court, as what is justly due to you.” The king then took
off the chaplet, which was very rich and handsome, and, placing it on
the head of Sir Eustace, said, “Sir Eustace, I present you with this
chaplet, as being the best combatant this day, either within or without
doors; and I beg of you to wear it this year for love of me. I know that
you are lively and amorous, and love the company of ladies and damsels:
therefore say, wherever you go, that I gave it to you. I also give you
your liberty, free of ransom; and you may set out to-morrow, if you
please, and go whither you will.”
CHAPTER LXXI.
THE SEA-FIGHT OFF SLUYS. (FROM THE MANUSCRIPT IN THE HAFOD LIBRARY.)
About this period there was much ill-will between the King of England
and the Spaniards, on account of some infractions and pillages committed
at sea by the latter. It happened at this season, that the Spaniards
who had been in Flanders with their merchandise were informed they would
not be able to return home without meeting the English fleet. The
Spaniards did not pay much attention to this intelligence: however,
after they had disposed of their goods, they amply provided their ships
from Sluys with arms and artillery, and all such archers, crossbow-men,
and soldiers as were willing to receive pay. The King of England hated
these Spaniards greatly, and said publicly, “We have for a long time
spared these people, for which they have done us much harm, without
amending their conduct: on the contrary, they grow more arrogant; for
which reason they must be chastised as they repass our coasts.” His
lords readily assented to this proposal, and were eager to engage the
Spaniards. The king therefore issued a special summons to all gentlemen
who at that time might be in England, and left London. He went to the
coast of Sussex, between Southampton and Dover, which lies opposite to
Ponthieu and Dieppe, and kept his court in a monastery, whither the
queen also came. At this time and place that gallant knight Lord Robert
de Namur, who was lately returned from beyond sea, joined the king: he
came just in time to be one of this armament, and the king was
exceedingly pleased at his arrival. On finding that he was not too late
to meet the Spaniards on their return, the king, with his nobles and
knights, embarked on board his fleet; and he was never attended by so
numerous a company in any of his former expeditions at sea.
When the Spaniards had completed their cargoes, and laden their vessels
with linen cloths, and whatever they imagined would be profitable in
their own country, they embarked on board their fleet at Sluys. They
knew they should meet the English, but were indifferent about it; for
they had marvellously provided themselves with all sorts of warlike
ammunition, such as bolts for crossbows, cannon, and bars of forged iron
to throw on the enemy, in hopes, with the assistance of great stones, to
sink him. When they weighed anchor, the wind was favorable for them:
there were forty large vessels of such a size, and so beautiful, it was
a fine sight to see them under sail. Near the top of their masts were
small castles, full of flints and stones, and a soldier to guard them;
and there also was the flagstaff, from whence fluttered their streamers
in the wind, that it was pleasant to look at them. If the English had a
great desire to meet them, it seemed as if the Spaniards were still more
eager for it, as will hereafter appear. The Spaniards were full ten
thousand men, including all sorts of soldiers they had enlisted when in
Flanders: this made them feel sufficient courage not to fear the combat
with the King of England, and whatever force he might have at sea.
Intending to engage the English fleet, they advanced with a favorable
wind until they came opposite to Calais. The King of England, being at
sea, had very distinctly explained to all his knights the order of
battle he would have them follow. He had appointed the Lord Robert de
Namur to the command of a ship called “Le Salle du Roi,” on board of
which was all his household. The king posted himself in the forepart of
his own ship. He was dressed in a black velvet jacket, and wore on his
head a small hat of beaver, which became him much. He was that day, as I
was told by those who were present, as joyous as he ever was in his
life, and ordered his minstrels to play before him a German dance which
Sir John Chandos had lately introduced. For his amusement he made the
same knight sing with his minstrels, which delighted him greatly. From
time to time he looked up to the castle on his mast, where he had placed
a watch to inform him when the Spaniards were in sight. While the king
was thus amusing himself with his knights, who were happy in seeing him
so gay, the watch, who had observed a fleet, cried out, “Ho! I spy a
ship; and it appears to me to be a Spaniard.” The minstrels were
silenced, and he was asked if there were more than one; soon after he
replied, “Yes: I see two, three, four, and so many, that, God help me, I
cannot count them.” The king and his knights then knew they must be the
Spaniards. The trumpets were ordered to sound, and the ships to form a
line of battle for the combat; as they were aware, that, since the enemy
came in such force, it could not be avoided. It was, however, rather
late, about the hour of vespers. The king ordered wine to be brought,
which he and his knights drank; when each fixed their helmets on their
heads. The Spaniards now drew near. They might easily have refused the
battle, if they had chosen it; for they were well freighted, in large
ships, and had the wind in their favor. They could have avoided speaking
with the English, if they had willed; but their pride and presumption
made them act otherwise. They disdained to sail by, but bore instantly
down on them, and commenced the battle.
When the King of England saw from his ship their order of battle, he
ordered the person who managed his vessel, saying, “Lay me alongside the
Spaniard who is bearing down on us; for I will have a tilt with him.”
The master dared not disobey the king’s order, but laid his ship ready
for the Spaniard, who was coming full sail. The king’s ship was large
and stiff: otherwise she would have been sunk, for that of the enemy was
a great one and the shock of their meeting was more like the crash of a
torrent or tempest. The rebound caused the castle in the king’s ship to
encounter that of the Spaniard, so that the mast of the latter was
broken, and all in the castle fell with it into the sea, when they were
drowned. The English vessel, however, suffered, and let in water; which
the knights cleared, and stopped the leak, without telling the king any
thing of the matter. Upon examining the vessel he had engaged lying
before him, he said, “Grapple my ship with that; for I will have
possession of her.” His knights replied, “Let her go her way: you shall
have better than her.” That vessel sailed on; and another large ship
bore down, and grappled with chains and hooks to that of the king. The
fight now began in earnest, and the archers and crossbows on each side
were eager to shoot and defend themselves. The battle was not in one
place, but in ten or twelve at a time. Whenever either party found
themselves equal to the enemy, or superior, they instantly grappled,
when grand deeds of arms were performed. The English had not any
advantage; and the Spanish ships were much larger and higher than their
opponents, which gave them a great superiority in shooting and casting
stones and iron bars on board their enemy, which annoyed them
exceedingly. The knights on board the king’s ship were in danger of
sinking, for the leak still admitted water: this made them more eager to
conquer the vessel they were grappled to. Many gallant deeds were done;
and at last they gained the ship, and flung all they found in it
overboard, having quitted their own ship. They continued the combat
against the Spaniards, who fought valiantly, and whose crossbow-men shot
such bolts of iron as greatly distressed the English.
This sea-fight between the English and Spaniards was well and hardly
fought; but, as night was coming on, the English exerted themselves to
do their duty well, and discomfit their enemies. The Spaniards, who are
used to the sea, and were in large ships, acquitted themselves to the
utmost of their power. The young Prince of Wales and his division were
engaged apart: his ship was grappled by a great Spaniard, when he and
his knights suffered much; for she had so many holes, that the water
came in very abundantly, and they could not by any means stop the leaks,
which gave the crew fears of her sinking. They therefore did all they
could to conquer the enemy’s ship, but in vain; for she was very large,
and excellently well defended. During this danger of the prince, the
Duke of Lancaster came near, and, as he approached, saw he had the worst
of the engagement, and that his crew had too much on their hands, for
they were bailing out water: he therefore fell on the other side of the
Spanish vessel, with which he grappled, shouting, “Derby to the rescue!”
The engagement was now very warm, but did not last long, for the ship
was taken, and all the crew thrown overboard, not one being saved. The
prince, with his men, instantly embarked on board the Spaniard; and
scarcely had they done so when his own vessel sunk, which convinced them
of the imminent danger they had been in.
The engagement was in other parts well contested by the English knights,
who exerted themselves; and need there was of it, for they found those
who feared them not. Late in the evening, the “Salle du Roi,” commanded
by Lord Robert de Namur, was grappled by a large Spaniard, and the fight
was very severe. The Spaniards were determined to gain this ship; and,
the more effectually to succeed in carrying her off, they set all their
sails, took advantage of the wind, and, in spite of what Lord Robert
and his crew could do, towed her out of the battle; for the Spaniard was
of a more considerable size than the Lord Robert’s ship, and therefore
she more easily conquered. As they were thus towed, they passed near the
king’s ship, to whom they cried out, “Rescue the ‘Salle du Roi,’” but
were not heard, for it was dark; and, if they were heard, they were not
rescued. The Spaniards would have carried away with ease this prize, if
it had not been for a gallant act of one Hanequin, a servant to the Lord
Robert, who, with his drawn sword on his wrist, leaped on board the
enemy, ran to the mast, and cut the large cable which held the mainsail,
by which it became unmanageable; and with great agility he cut other
four principal ropes, so that the sails fell on the deck, and the course
of the ship was stopped. Lord Robert, seeing this, advanced with his
men, and, boarding the Spaniard sword in hand, attacked the crew so
vigorously that all were slain or thrown overboard, and the vessel won.
I cannot speak of every particular circumstance of this engagement. It
lasted a considerable time; and the Spaniards gave the King of England
and his fleet enough to do. However, at last victory declared for the
English: the Spaniards lost fourteen ships, the others saved themselves
by flight. When it was completely over, and the king saw he had none to
fight with, he ordered his trumpets to sound a retreat, and made for
England. They anchored at Rye and Winchelsea a little after nightfall,
when the king, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of
Richmond, and other barons, disembarked, took horses in the town, and
rode to the mansion where the queen was, scarcely two English leagues
distant. The queen was mightily rejoiced on seeing her lord and
children. She had suffered that day great affliction from her doubts of
success; for her attendants had seen from the hills of the coast the
whole of the battle, as the weather was fine and clear, and had told the
queen, who was very anxious to learn the number of the enemy, that the
Spaniards had forty large ships. She was therefore much comforted by
their safe return. The king, with those knights who had attended him,
passed the night in revelry with the ladies, conversing of arms and
amours. On the morrow the greater part of his barons who had been in
this engagement came to him. He greatly thanked them for all the
services they had done him, before he dismissed them; when they took
their leave, and returned every man to his home.
CHAPTER LXXII.
THE DEATH OF KING PHILIP, AND CORONATION OF HIS SON KING JOHN.
In the beginning of August, in the year 1350, Raoul de Cahours, and many
other knights and squires, to the number of one hundred and twenty men
at arms, or thereabouts, combated with the commander for the King of
England in Brittany, called Sir Thomas Daggeworth, before the castle of
Aurai. Sir Thomas and all his men were slain, to the amount of about a
hundred men at arms. On the 22d of August in the same year, King Philip
of France departed this life at Nogent-le-Roi, and was carried to Notre
Dame in Paris. The twenty-sixth day of September ensuing, John, eldest
son of King Philip, was crowned king, on a Sunday, at Rheims. His wife,
Queen Jane, was also crowned at the same time.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
THE KING OF FRANCE ISSUES OUT A SUMMONS FOR ASSEMBLING AN ARMY TO
COMBAT THE PRINCE OF WALES, WHO WAS OVERRUNNING THE PROVINCE OF
DERBY.
When King John of France had re-conquered all the towns and castles in
Lower Normandy, which belonged to the King of Navarre, whom he detained
in prison, he returned to the city of Paris. He had not been long there
before he heard that the Prince of Wales, with his whole army, had
invaded his kingdom,[23] and was advancing toward the fertile country of
Berry. When this was told him, the king said, with an oath, that he
would immediately set out after him, and give him battle wherever he
should find him. He issued out a special summons to all nobles and
others who held fiefs under him, that they should not, under any
pretence whatever, absent themselves without incurring his highest
displeasure, but, immediately on the receipt of these letters, set out
to meet him on the borders of Touraine and Blois; for he was determined
to fight the English. The king, to hasten the business, marched from
Paris,--for he had at this time a large body of men at arms in the
field,--and went to Chartres, to gain more certain intelligence of the
enemy. He remained there some time; and great crowds of troops and men
at arms came to him from the different countries of Auvergne, Berry,
Burgundy, Lorraine, Hainault, Vermandois, Picardy, Brittany, and
Normandy. They passed through the town on their arrival, to show their
musters, and took up their quarters in the fields, according to the
orders of the two marshals, the Lord John de Clermont and Lord Arnold
d’Andreghen. The king gave orders for all the towns in Anjou, Poitou,
Maine, and Touraine, to be well garrisoned, and provided with all
things,--especially those on the borders, by which it was hoped the
English would pass,--that they might be enclosed, and cut off from any
subsistence for themselves and horses. In spite of this, however, the
prince, who had with him two thousand men at arms and six thousand
archers, rode on at his ease, and collected everywhere provisions in
plenty. They found the country of Auvergne, which they had entered and
overrun, very rich, and all things in great abundance; but they would
not stop there, as they were desirous of combating their enemies.
They marched toward Romorantin. The King of France sent into Berry three
gallant barons,--the Lord of Craon, the Lord of Boucicault, and the
Hermit of Chaumont,--to defend the frontiers, and to observe the motions
of the English. They had with them three hundred lances; and, skirting
the borders of the province, they followed them for six days, without
finding any opportunity of intercepting or of attacking the enemy: such
good and close order did the English maintain on their march. The French
therefore had recourse to an ambuscade, near to Romorantin, in a
wonderfully narrow spot which the English were obliged to pass. That
same day there left the prince’s army, from the battalion of the
marshals, by permission of the prince, the Lord Bartholomew Burghersh,
the Lord of Muyssidan, a Gascon, the Lord Petiton Courton, the Lord
Delawar, the Lord Basset, Sir Walter Pavely, Sir Richard Pontchardan,
Sir Nesle Loring, the young Lord Despencer, Sir Eustace and Sir Sanchez
d’Ambreticourt, with about two hundred combatants, in order to push
forward to Romorantin. They passed through the ambuscade of the French
without molestation; but, the moment they were clear of it, the French,
who were mounted on excellent and well-dressed horses, stuck spurs into
them to overtake them. The English, who had got far forward, hearing the
sound of horses’ feet, turned round, and found it was the enemy. They
immediately halted, to wait for the French, who advanced on a gallop,
fully determined what to do, with their lances in their rests. The
English, seeing them thus charge full speed, opened on each side, and
let them pass through, so that no more than five or six were unhorsed.
They then closed their ranks, and fell upon the rear of the French. This
engagement was very sharp: many knights and squires were unhorsed,
raised up again, and rescued on both sides. It lasted a long time, and
no one could tell, so valiantly was it disputed, to which side victory
would incline, when the battalion of the marshals appeared in sight. The
French first noticed it, as it marched, skirting along a wood, and
immediately thought of saving themselves as fast as they could, taking
the road to Romorantin. The English followed on full gallop,
overthrowing all they could, without sparing themselves or their horses.
The slaughter was great, and many were killed and unhorsed. One-half of
them, however, got safe into the castle of Romorantin, whose gates were
opened to receive them. There the three barons saved themselves, as well
as some knights and squires who were the best mounted. The town of
Romorantin was taken on the first arrival of the English, for it was
not fortified. The remainder of the French endeavored to escape by
getting into the castle.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
THE PRINCE OF WALES TAKES THE CASTLE OF ROMORANTIN.
When the Prince of Wales was informed that his people had been engaged,
he hastened the march of his army toward Romorantin, and, when he
entered the town, found it full of men, who were studying how they could
take the castle. The prince called Sir John Chandos, and ordered him to
go and hold a parley with those in the castle. Sir John went to the
barriers, and made a sign that he wished to speak with some one: those
upon guard inquired his name, by whom he was sent, and then went to
inform their masters; upon which the Lord of Boucicault and the Hermit
of Chaumont came down to the bars. When Sir John saw them, he saluted
them, and said, “Gentlemen, I am sent to you by my lord the prince, who
wishes, as it appears to me, to behave courteously toward his enemies;
and thus says, that, if you will surrender the castle and yourselves, he
will show you mercy, and give you good company.” The Lord of Boucicault
replied, “We have no sort of inclination to accept of such terms, nor to
commit such an act of folly without any necessity; for we are determined
to defend ourselves.” Upon this they parted; and the prince ordered his
men to quarters, for the next day he meant to attack the castle. They
were therefore commodiously lodged in the town of Romorantin, and close
about it.
On the next morning the men at arms prepared themselves; and the archers
advanced under their respective banners, and made a sharp attack upon
the castle. The archers, who had posted themselves on the ditches, shot
so justly, that scarcely any one dared to show himself on the
battlements. Some got upon hurdles and doors, with pickaxes and mattocks
in their hands, and swam over the ditch, when they began to undermine
the walls. Those within flung down upon them large stones and pots of
hot lime. On this occasion there was slain, on the part of the English,
a squire called Remond de Gederlach, who belonged to the division of the
Captal de Buch. The attack lasted the whole day, with little
intermission. The English retreated, toward night, to their quarters, in
order to take care of the wounded; and on the morrow at sunrise the
marshals’ trumpets sounded. All who were ordered for this assault got
themselves in readiness: the Prince of Wales himself attended in person,
and by his presence mightily encouraged the English. A squire, of the
name of Bernard, was killed close at his side, by a stone thrown from
the castle; upon which the prince swore he would never move from that
place until he had the castle and all in it in his power, and
immediately ordered re-enforcements to the assault.
Some of the wisest thought that they might use lances and arrows forever
in vain; and therefore they ordered cannons to be brought forward, to
throw aquereaux and Greek fire[24] into the lower court of the castle,
so that it was all in a blaze. The fire increased so much, that it
gained a large tower which was covered with thatch. When those within
the castle found that they must either surrender themselves, or perish
by fire, the Lord of Craon, the Lord of Boucicault, and the Hermit of
Chaumont, came down from the castle, and surrendered themselves to the
prince, who made them ride and attend him, as his prisoners. Many other
knights and squires who were in the castle were set at liberty, and the
castle was destroyed.
CHAPTER LXXV.
THE KING OF FRANCE LEADS A GREAT ARMY TO THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
After the taking of the castle of Romorantin, and the above-mentioned
knights, the prince and his army marched forward as before, burning and
destroying the country, in his approach to Anjou and Touraine. The King
of France, who had resided at Chartres, set out from that place, and
came to Blois, where he remained two days. He then came to Amboise, and
then to Loches, where he heard that the English were in Touraine, taking
the road for their return through Poitou; for the English army was
constantly observed by some able and expert knights of France and
Burgundy, who sent the king particular information of its movements. The
King of France then advanced to La Haye, in Touraine. His army had
crossed the Loire by the bridges of Orleans, Mehun, Samur, Blois, and
Tours, and wherever else they could. There were such numbers of good and
able men, that they were at least twenty thousand men at arms, without
reckoning the others: there were twenty-five dukes and earls, and
upward of sixscore banners. The four young sons of the king were also
with him,--Charles, Duke of Normandy; the Lord Lewis, who was afterwards
Duke of Anjou; the Lord John, since Duke of Berry; and the Lord Philip,
the younger, who was afterwards Duke of Burgundy.
On the other hand, the Prince of Wales and his army were ignorant of the
exact motions of the French; but they supposed they were not far
distant, for their foragers found great difficulties in procuring
forage, of which the whole army was in extreme want. They repented of
the great waste they had made in Berry, Anjou, and Touraine, and that
they had not more amply provisioned themselves.
It happened on this Friday, from the King of France in person passing
the bridge of Chauvigny, and the great crowds which attended him, that
three great barons of France, the Lord of Auxerre, the Lord Raoul de
Joigny, and the Earl of Joigny, were obliged to remain all that day in
the town of Chauvigny, and a part of their people with them: the others
passed over without baggage or armor except what they had on their
backs. On the Saturday morning they dislodged, crossed the bridge, and
followed the army of the king, which was about three leagues off. They
made for the open fields and the heaths, which were surrounded by woods,
in order to arrive at Poitiers. This same Saturday the prince decamped
from a village hard by, and sent forward a detachment to seek
adventures, and to bring some intelligence of the French. They consisted
of about sixty men, well armed and mounted for the occasion. Among the
knights were Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt and Sir John de Guistelles. By
accident they got on the heaths surrounded by the woods above
mentioned. The French soon saw they were enemies: they fixed on their
helmets, and unfurled their banners as quickly as they were able; when,
fixing their lances in their rests, they stuck spurs to their horses.
The English no sooner perceived these Frenchmen, who were about two
hundred lances, than they allowed themselves to be pursued, as the
prince and his army were not far distant; they therefore wheeled about,
and made for the rutty road through the wood. The French chased them
with shouts and a great noise, and, as they galloped on, fell in with
the army of the prince, which had halted among the heaths to wait for
their companions. The Lord Raoul de Joigny, and those under his banner,
were advanced so far that they came right upon the banner of the prince.
The engagement was very sharp, and Sir Raoul fought well: however, he
was made prisoner, as were the Earl of Joigny, the Viscount de Breuse,
and the Lord of Chauvigny: the greater part were either slain or
captured. By these the prince learnt that the King of France had marched
forward, and that he could not return without fighting him. Upon which
he collected all the stragglers, and ordered that no one, under pain of
death, should advance or skirmish before the battalion of the marshals.
They marched on this Saturday, from about nine o’clock until vespers,
when they came within small leagues of Poitiers. The Captal de Buch, Sir
Haymenon de Pomiers, Sir Bartholomew Burghersh, and Sir Eustace
d’Ambreticourt were ordered to advance, and observe where the French
were encamped. These knights, with two hundred men well armed and
mounted on their best steeds, set out, and soon perceived the French
king’s army. All the plain was covered with men at arms, and these
English could not refrain from attacking the rear of the French: they
unhorsed many, and took some prisoners, insomuch that the main army
began to be in motion. News was brought of this to the King of France,
as he was on the point of entering the city of Poitiers: upon which he
turned back, and ordered his whole army to do the same, and make for the
open fields, so that it was very late before they were quartered. The
English detachment returned to the prince, and related to him the
appearance of the French, that they were in immense numbers. The prince,
on hearing this, said, “God help us! we must now consider which will be
the best manner to fight them the most advantageously.” This night the
English were quartered in a very strong position, among vineyards and
hedges; and both armies were well guarded.
CHAPTER LXXVI.
THE DISPOSITION OF THE FRENCH BEFORE THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
On the Sunday morning, the King of France, who was very impatient to
combat the English, ordered a solemn mass to be sung in his pavilion;
and he and his four sons received the communion. Mass being over, there
came to him the Duke of Orleans, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of
Ponthieu, the Lord James de Bourbon, the Duke of Athens, constable of
France, the Earl of Tancarville, the Earl of Saltzburg, the Earl of
Dammartin, the Earl of Ventadour, and many barons of France, as well as
other great lords who held fiefs in the neighborhood, such as my Lord
of Clermont, Sir Arnold d’Andreghen, marshal of France, the Lord de St.
Venant, the Lord John de Landas, the Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont, the
Lord de Fiennes, the Lord Geoffry de Chargny, the Lord of Châtillon, the
Lord of Sully, the Lord of Nesle, Sir Robert de Duras, and many more,
according to a summons they had received for a council. They were a
considerable time debating: at last it was ordered, that the whole army
should advance into the plain, and each lord should display his banner,
and push forward in the name of God and St. Denis. Upon this the
trumpets of the army sounded, and every one got himself ready, mounted
his horse, and made for that part of the plain where the king’s banner
was planted and fluttering in the wind. There might be seen all the
nobility of France, richly dressed out in brilliant armor, with banners
and pennons gallantly displayed; for all the flower of the French
nobility were there: no knight nor squire, for fear of dishonor, dared
to remain at home. By the advice of the constable and the marshals, the
army was divided into three battalions, each consisting of sixteen
thousand men at arms, who had before shown themselves men of tried
courage. The Duke of Orleans commanded the first battalion, where there
were thirty-six banners and twice as many pennons. The second was under
the command of the Duke of Normandy and his two brothers, the Lord Lewis
and Lord John. The King of France commanded the third.
While these three battalions were forming, the king called to him the
Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont, the Lord John de Landas, and the Lord
Guiscard de Beaujeu, and said to them, “Ride forward, as near the
English army as you can, and observe their countenance, taking notice
of their numbers, and examine which will be the most advantageous
manner for us to combat them, whether on horseback or on foot.” The
three knights left the king to obey his commands. The king was mounted
upon a white palfrey, and, riding to the head of his army, said aloud,
“You, men of Paris, Chartres, Rouen, and Orleans, have been used to
threaten what you would do to the English if you could find them, and
wished much to meet them in arms. Now that wish shall be gratified: I
will lead you to them; and let us see how you will revenge yourselves
for all the mischief and damage they have done you. Be assured we will
not part without fighting.” Those who heard him replied, “Sir, through
God’s assistance, we will most cheerfully meet them.” At this instant
the three knights returned, and, pushing through the crowd, came to the
king, who asked what news they had brought. Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont,
whom his companions had requested to be their spokesman, answered, “Sir,
we have observed accurately the English. They may amount, according to
our estimate, to about two thousand men at arms, four thousand archers,
and fifteen hundred footmen. They are in a very strong position, but we
do not imagine they can make more than one battalion: nevertheless they
have posted themselves with great judgment, have fortified all the road
along the hedge-side, and lined the hedges with part of their archers;
for, as that is the only road for an attack, one must pass through the
midst of them. This lane has no other entry; and it is so narrow, that
scarcely can four men ride through it abreast. At the end of this lane,
amid vines and thorns, where it is impossible to ride or march in any
regular order, are posted the men at arms, on foot; and they have drawn
up before them their archers, in the manner of a harrow, so that it
will be no easy matter to defeat them.” The king asked in what manner
they would advise him to attack them. “Sir,” replied Sir Eustace, “on
foot: except three hundred of the most expert and boldest of your army,
who must be well armed and excellently mounted, in order to break, if
possible, this body of archers; and then your battalions must advance
quickly on foot, attack the men at arms hand to hand, and combat them
valiantly. This is the best advice that I can give you; and, if any one
know a better, let him say it.” The king replied, “Thus shall it be,
then;” and in company with his two marshals he rode from battalion to
battalion, and selected, in conformity to their opinions, three hundred
knights and squires of the greatest repute in his army, each well armed
and mounted on the best of horses. Soon after, the battalion of the
Germans was formed, who were to remain on horseback to assist the
marshals: they were commanded by the Earls of Saltzburg, Neydo, and
Nassau.
King John was armed in royal armor, and nineteen others like him. He had
given his eldest son in charge to the Lord of St. Venant, the Lord of
Landas, and the Lord Theobald de Bodenay. The Lord Geoffry de Chargny
carried the banner of France, as being the most valiant and prudent
knight of the army. The Lord Reginald de Quenolle,[25] surnamed the
Archpriest, wore the full armor of the young Earl of Alençon.
CHAPTER LXXVII.
THE CARDINAL DE PERIGORD ENDEAVORS TO MAKE PEACE BETWEEN THE KING
OF FRANCE AND THE PRINCE OF WALES, PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS.
When the battalions of the King of France were drawn up, and each lord
posted under his proper banner, and informed how they were to act, it
was ordered, that all those who were armed with lances should shorten
them to the length of five feet, that they might be the more manageable,
and that every one should take off his spurs. As the French were on the
point of marching to their enemies, the Cardinal de Perigord, who had
left Poitiers that morning early, came full gallop up to the king,
making a low reverence, and entreated him, with uplifted hands, for the
love of God, to halt a moment, that he might speak to him. He thus
began: “Most dear sire, you have here with you all the flower of
knighthood of your kingdom, against a handful of people, such as the
English are, when compared to your army: you may have them upon other
terms than by a battle; and it will be more honorable and profitable to
you to gain them by these means than to risk such a fine army and such
noble persons as you have now with you. I therefore beseech you, in all
humility, and by the love of God, that you will permit me to go to the
prince, and remonstrate with him on the dangerous situation he is in.”
The king answered, “It is very agreeable to us; but make haste back
again.”
All this Sunday the cardinal rode from one army to the other, and was
very anxious to reconcile the two parties. Many proposals were made. At
last they declared that if the Prince of Wales, and one hundred of his
knights, did not surrender themselves prisoners to the King of France,
he would not allow them to pass on without an engagement. The prince and
his army disdained accepting such conditions. The Cardinal de Perigord,
not being able by any means to reconcile the king and prince, returned
to Poitiers late in the evening. That same day the French kept in their
quarters, where they lived at their ease, having plenty of provisions;
while the English, on the other hand, were but badly off, nor did they
know whither to go for forage, as they were so straitly kept by the
French, they could not move without danger. This Sunday they made many
mounds and ditches round where the archers were posted, the better to
secure them.
On Monday morning the prince and his army were soon in readiness, and as
well arrayed as on the former day. The French were also drawn out by
sunrise. The cardinal, returning again that morning, imagined that, by
his exhortations, he could pacify both parties; but the French told him
to return where he pleased, and not attempt bringing them any more
treaties or pacifications, else worse might betide him. When the
cardinal saw that he labored in vain, he took leave of the King of
France, and set out toward the Prince of Wales, to whom he said, “Fair
son, exert yourself as much as possible, for there must be a battle: I
cannot by any means pacify the King of France.” The prince replied, that
such were the intentions of him and his party; “and God defend the
right.” The cardinal then took leave of him, and returned to Poitiers.
The arrangement of the prince’s army, in respect to the battalions, was
exactly the same as what the three knights before named had related to
the King of France, except at this time he had ordered some valiant and
intelligent knights to remain on horseback, similar to the battalion of
the French marshals, and had also commanded three hundred men at arms,
and as many archers on horseback, to post themselves on the right, on a
small hill, that was not too steep nor too high; and, by passing over
its summit, to get round the wing of the Duke of Normandy’s battalion,
who was in person at the foot of it. These were all the alterations the
prince had made in his order of battle: he himself was with the main
body, in the midst of the vineyards; the whole completely armed, with
their horses near them, if there should be occasion for them. They had
fortified and enclosed the weaker parts, with their wagons and baggage.
I wish to name some of the most renowned knights who were with the
Prince of Wales. There were Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick; John
Vere, Earl of Oxford; William Montacute, Earl of Salisbury; Robert
Hufford, Earl of Suffolk; Ralph, Lord Stafford, the Earl of Stafford;
the Lord Richard Stafford, brother to the Earl; Sir John Chandos; the
Lord Reginald Cobham; the Lord Edward Spencer; the Lord James Audley,
and his brother the Lord Peter; the Lord Thomas Berkeley (son of the
Lord Maurice Berkeley, who died at Calais nine years before); Ralph,
Lord Basset, of Drayton; John, Lord Warren (eldest son to John
Plantagenet, late Earl of Warren, Strathern, and Surrey, by his first
lady, Maude de Hereford); Peter, Lord Mauley, the sixth of the name; the
Lord John Willoughby de Eresby; the Lord Bartholomew de Burghersh; the
Lord William Felton, and the Lord Thomas Felton his brother; the Lord
Thomas Bradestan; Sir Walter Pavely; Sir Stephen Cossington; Sir
Matthew Gournay; Sir William de la More, and other English. From
Gascony, there were the Lord of Pumiers; the Lord d’Albret; the Captal
de Buch; the Lord John de Chaumont; the Lord de l’Esparre; the Lord of
Rosen; the Lord of Cousen; the Lord de Montferrand; the Lord de
Landulas; the Lord Souldich de la Traine, and many more whom I cannot
remember. Of Hainaulters, there were Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt; the
Lord John de Guystelle, and two other strangers; the Lord Daniel
Phaselle, and Lord Denys de Morbeque. The whole army of the prince,
including every one, did not amount to eight thousand; when the French,
counting all sorts of persons, were upward of sixty thousand combatants,
among whom were more than three thousand knights.
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
THE BATTLE OF POITIERS, BETWEEN THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE KING OF
FRANCE.
When the Prince of Wales saw, from the departure of the cardinal without
being able to obtain any honorable terms, that a battle was inevitable,
and that the King of France held both him and his army in great
contempt, he thus addressed himself to them: “Now, my gallant fellows,
what though we be a small body when compared to the army of our enemies?
do not let us be cast down on that account, for victory does not always
follow numbers, but where Almighty God pleases to bestow it. If, through
good fortune, the day shall be ours, we will gain the greatest honor and
glory in this world: if the contrary should happen, and we be slain, I
have a father and beloved brethren alive, and you all have some
relations or good friends, who will be sure to revenge our deaths. I
therefore entreat you to exert yourselves, and combat manfully; for, if
it please God and St. George, this day you shall see me a good knight.”
By such words and arguments as these the prince harangued his men, as
did the marshals, by his orders; so that they were all in high spirits.
Sir John Chandos placed himself near the prince, to guard and advise
him; and never, during that day, would he on any account quit his post.
The Lord James Audley remained also a considerable time near him; but,
when he saw that they must certainly engage, he said to the prince,
“Sir, I have ever served most loyally my lord your father, and yourself,
and shall continue to do so as long as I have life. Dear sir, I must now
acquaint you, that formerly I made a vow, if ever I should be engaged in
any battle where the king your father, or any of his sons, were, that I
would be the foremost in the attack, and the best combatant on his side,
or die in the attempt. I beg, therefore, most earnestly, as a reward for
any services I may have done, that you would grant me permission
honorably to quit you, that I may post myself in such wise to accomplish
my vow.” The prince granted this request, and, holding out his hand to
him, said, “Sir James, God grant that you may this day shine in valor
above all other knights!” The knight then set off, and posted himself at
the front of the battalion, with only four squires whom he had detained
with him, to guard his person. This Lord James was a prudent and valiant
knight; and by his advice the army had thus been drawn up in order of
battle. Lord James began to advance, in order to fight with the
battalion of the marshals. In like manner Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt
took great pains to be the first to engage, and was so, or near it;
and, at the same time that Lord James Audley was pushing forward to seek
his enemies, it thus befell Sir Eustace. I mentioned before that the
Germans, attached to the French interest, were drawn up in one battalion
on horseback, and remained so, to assist the marshals. Sir Eustace
d’Ambreticourt, being mounted, placed his lance in its rest, and, fixing
his shield, stuck spurs into his horse, and galloped up to this
battalion. A German knight, called Lord Lewis von Coucibras (who bore
for arms five roses, gules, on a shield argent, while those of Sir
Eustace were ermine, three humets, in pale gules), perceiving Sir
Eustace quit his army, left his battalion, that was under the command of
Earl John of Nassau, and made up to him. The shock of their meeting was
so violent, that they both fell to the ground. The German was wounded in
the shoulder, so that he could not rise again so nimbly as Sir Eustace,
who, when upon his legs, after he had taken breath, was hastening to the
knight that lay on the ground; but five German men at arms came upon
him, struck him down, and made him prisoner. They led him to those that
were attached to the Earl of Nassau, who did not pay much attention to
him, nor do I know if they made him swear himself their prisoner; but
they tied him to a car with some of their harness.
The engagement now began on both sides; and the battalion of the
marshals was advancing before those who were intended to break the
battalion of the archers, and had entered the lane where the hedges on
both sides were lined by the archers, who, as soon as they saw them
fairly entered, began shooting with their bows in such an excellent
manner, from each side of the hedge, that the horses, smarting under the
pain of the wounds made by their bearded arrows, would not advance, but
turned about, and by their unruliness threw their masters, who could not
manage them, nor could those that had fallen get up again for the
confusion: so that this battalion of the marshals could never approach
that of the prince. However, there were some knights and squires that
were so well mounted, that, by the strength of their horses, they passed
through, and broke the hedge, but, in spite of their efforts, could not
get up to the battalion of the prince. The Lord James Audley, attended
by his four squires, had placed himself, sword in hand, in front of this
battalion, much before the rest, and was performing wonders. He had
advanced through his eagerness so far, that he engaged the Lord Arnold
d’Andreghen, Marshal of France, under his banner, when they fought a
considerable time, and the Lord Arnold was roughly enough treated. The
battalion of the marshals was soon after put to the rout by the arrows
of the archers, and the assistance of the men at arms, who rushed among
them as they were struck down, and seized and slew them at their
pleasure. The Lord Arnold d’Andreghen was there made prisoner, but by
others than the Lord James Audley or his four squires; for that knight
never stopped to make any one prisoner that day, but was the whole time
employed in fighting and following his enemies. In another part, the
Lord John Clermont fought under his banner as long as he was able; but,
being struck down, he could neither get up again, nor procure his
ransom: he was killed on the spot. Some say this treatment was owing to
his altercation on the preceding day with Sir John Chandos.
In a short time this battalion of the marshals was totally discomfited;
for they fell back so much on each other, that the army could not
advance, and those who were in the rear, not being able to get forward,
fell back upon the battalion commanded by the Duke of Normandy, which
was broad and thick in the front, but it was soon thin enough in the
rear; for, when they learnt that the marshals had been defeated, they
mounted their horses, and set off. At this time a body of English came
down from the hill, and, passing along the battalions on horseback,
accompanied by a large body of archers, fell upon one of the wings of
the Duke of Normandy’s division. To say the truth, the English archers
were of infinite service to their army; for they shot so thickly and so
well, that the French did not know which way to turn themselves to avoid
their arrows: by this means they kept advancing by little and little,
and gained ground. When the men at arms perceived that the first
battalion was beaten, and that the one under the Duke of Normandy was in
disorder, and beginning to open, they hastened to mount their horses,
which they had, ready prepared, close at hand. As soon as they were all
mounted, they gave a shout of, “St. George for Guienne!” and Sir John
Chandos said to the prince, “Sir, sir, now push forward, for the day is
ours: God will this day put it in your hand. Let us make for our
adversary the King of France; for, where he is, will lie the main stress
of the business. I well know that his valor will not let him fly; and he
will remain with us, if it please God and St. George. But he must be
well fought with; and you have before said that you would show yourself
this day a good knight.” The prince replied, “John, get forward: you
shall not see me turn my back this day, but I will always be among the
foremost.” He then said to Sir Walter Woodland, his banner-bearer,
“Banner, advance, in the name of God and St. George.” The knight obeyed
the commands of the prince. In that part the battle was very hot and
greatly crowded. Many a one was unhorsed; and you must know that
whenever any one fell he could not get up again unless he were quickly
and well assisted. As the prince was thus advancing upon his enemies,
followed by his division, and upon the point of charging them, he
perceived the Lord Robert de Duras lying dead near a small bush on his
right hand, with his banner beside him, and ten or twelve of his people;
upon which he ordered two of his squires and three archers to place the
body upon a shield, carry it to Poitiers, and present it from him to the
Cardinal of Perigord, and say that “I salute him by that token.” This
was done; for he had been informed how the suite of the cardinal had
remained in the field of battle in arms against him, which was not very
becoming, nor a fit deed for churchmen to do, as they, under pretext of
doing good and establishing peace, pass from one army to the other: they
ought not therefore to take up arms on either side. These, however, had
done so, at which the prince was much enraged, and for this had sent the
cardinal his nephew Sir Robert de Duras, and was desirous of striking
off the head of the castellan of Amposta, who had been made prisoner,
notwithstanding he belonged to the cardinal; but Sir John Chandos said,
“My lord, do not think of such things at this moment, when you must look
to others of the greatest importance. Perhaps the cardinal may excuse
himself so well, that you will be convinced he was not to blame.”
The prince, upon this, charged the division of the Duke of Athens; and
very sharp the encounter was, so that many were beaten down. The French,
who fought in large bodies, cried out, “Montjoye St. Denis!” and the
English answered them with, “St. George for Guienne!” The prince next
met the battalion of Germans, under the command of the Earl of
Saltzburg, the Earl of Nassau, and the Earl of Neydo; but they were soon
overthrown and put to flight. The English archers shot so well, that
none dared to come within reach of their arrows, and they put to death
many who could not ransom themselves. The three above-named earls were
slain there, as well as many other knights and squires attached to them.
In the confusion Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt was rescued by his own men,
who remounted him: he afterwards performed many gallant deeds of arms,
and made good captures that day.
When the battalion of the Duke of Normandy saw the prince advancing so
quick upon them, they bethought themselves how to escape. The sons of
the king, the Duke of Normandy, the Earl of Poitiers, the Earl of
Touraine, who were very young, too easily believed what those under
whose management they were placed said to them: however, the Lord
Guiscard d’Angle and Sir John de Saintré, who were near the Earl of
Poitiers, would not fly, but rushed into the thickest of the combat. The
three sons of the king, according to the advice given them, galloped
away, with upward of eight hundred lances who had never been near the
enemy, and took the road to Chauvigny. When the Lord John de Landas, who
with the Lord Theobald de Bodenay and the Lord of St. Venant were the
guardians of the Duke of Normandy, had fled with him a good league, they
took leave of him, and besought the Lord of St. Venant not to quit him
until they were all arrived at a place of safety; for by doing thus he
would acquire more honor than if he were to remain on the field of
battle. On their return they met the division of the Duke of Orleans,
quite whole and unhurt, who had fled from behind the rear of the king’s
battalion. True it is, there were many good knights and squires among
them, who, notwithstanding the flight of their leaders, had much rather
have suffered death than the smallest reproach. The king’s battalion
advanced in good order to meet the English; many hard blows were given
with swords, battle-axes, and other warlike weapons. The King of France,
with the Lord Philip his youngest son, attacked the division of the
marshals, the Earls of Warwick and Suffolk. There were also with the
marshals some Gascons, such as the Captal de Buch, the Lord of Pumiers,
the Lord Amery de Charree, the Lord of Languran, the Lord de l’Estrade.
The Lord John de Landas with the Lord Theobald de Bodenay, returning in
good time, dismounted, and joined the battalion of the king. On one side
the Duke of Athens, constable of France, was engaged with his division;
and a little higher up the Duke of Bourbon, surrounded with good knights
from the Bourbonois and Picardy. Near to these were the men of Poitou,
the Lord de Pons, the Lord de Partenay, the Lord de Dampmaire, the Lord
de Montabouton, the Lord de Surgeres, the Lord John de Saintré, the Lord
Guiscard d’Angle, the Lord d’Argenton, the Lord de Linieres, the Lord de
Montrande, the Viscount de Rochechouart, the Earl of Aulnoy. Many others
were also engaged, such as the Lord James de Beaujeu, the Lord of
Chateau-Villain, and other knights and squires from Burgundy. In another
part were the Earls of Vantadour and Montpensier, the Lord James de
Bourbon, the Lord John d’Artois and the Lord James his brother, the Lord
Arnold de Cervolle, surnamed the Archpriest, armed as the young Earl of
Alençon. There were also from Auvergne the Lord de Marcueil, the Lord
de la Tour, the Lord de Chalenton, the Lord de Montagu, the Lord de
Rochefort, the Lord de la Chaire, the Lord d’Achon; and from Limousin
the Lord de Linal, the Lord de Naruel, and the Lord Pierre de Buffiere.
From Picardy there were the Lord William de Merle, the Lord Arnold de
Renneval, the Lord Geoffry de St. Dizier, the Lord de Chauny, the Lord
de Hely, the Lord de Monsant, the Lord de Hagnes, and many others. The
Lord Douglas from Scotland was also in the king’s battalion, and for
some time fought very valiantly; but, when he perceived that the
discomfiture was so complete on the side of the French, he saved himself
as fast as he could; for he dreaded so much being taken by the English,
that he had rather have been slain.
The Lord James Audley, with the assistance of his four squires, was
always engaged in the heat of the battle. He was severely wounded in the
body, head, and face; and, as long as his strength and breath permitted
him, he maintained the fight, and advanced forward. He continued to do
so until he was covered with blood; then, toward the close of the
engagement, his four squires, who were as his body-guard, took him, and
led him out of the engagement, very weak and wounded, toward a hedge,
that he might cool and take breath. They disarmed him gently as they
could, in order to examine his wounds, dress them, and sew up the most
dangerous.
King John, on his part, proved himself a good knight; and, if the fourth
of his people had behaved as well, the day would have been his own.
Those, however, who had remained with him acquitted themselves to the
best of their power, and were either slain or taken prisoners. Scarcely
any who were with the king attempted to escape. In this engagement,
upward of two hundred knights and squires were killed or captured. A
band of Norman knights still kept up the battle in another part of the
field; and of these Sir Guinenton de Chambly and Sir Baudrin de la House
were slain. Many others were discomfited, who were fighting in small
bodies.
CHAPTER LXXIX.
TWO FRENCHMEN, RUNNING AWAY FROM THE BATTLE OF POITIERS, ARE PURSUED BY
TWO ENGLISHMEN, WHO ARE THEMSELVES MADE PRISONERS.
Among the battles, skirmishes, flights, and pursuits which happened in
the course of this day, an adventure befell Sir Edward de Roucy which I
cannot omit relating in this place. He had left the field of battle, as
he perceived the day was irrecoverably lost; and, not wishing to fall in
the hands of the English, was got about a league off, when he was
pursued by an English knight, his lance in rest, who cried to him, “Sir
knight, turn about! you ought to be ashamed thus to fly.” Upon this Sir
Edward halted, and the Englishman attacked him, thinking to fix his
lance in his target; but he failed, for Sir Edward turned the stroke
aside, nevertheless he did not miss his own: with his spear he hit his
enemy so violent a blow on the helmet, that he was stunned, and fell to
the ground, where he remained senseless. Sir Edward dismounted, and,
placing his lance on his breast, told him he would certainly kill him if
he did not surrender himself his prisoner, rescued or not. The
Englishman surrendered, and went with Sir Edward, who afterwards
ransomed him.
It happened that in the midst of the general pursuit, a squire from
Picardy, named John de Helennes, had quitted the king’s division, and,
meeting his page with a fresh horse, had mounted him, and made off as
fast as he could. At that time there was near to him the Lord of
Berkeley, a young knight, who for the first time had that day displayed
his banner: he immediately set out in pursuit of him. When the Lord of
Berkeley had followed him for some little time, John de Helennes turned
about, put his sword under his arm in the manner of a lance, and thus
advanced upon the Lord Berkeley, who, taking his sword by the handle,
flourished it, and lifted up his arm in order to strike the squire as he
passed. John de Helennes, seeing the intended stroke, avoided it, but
did not miss his own; for, as they passed each other, by a blow on the
arm he made Lord Berkeley’s sword fall to the ground. When the knight
found that he had lost his sword, and that the squire had his, he
dismounted, and made for the place where his sword lay; but he could not
get there before the squire gave him a violent thrust which passed
through both his thighs, so that, not being able to help himself, he
fell to the ground. John upon this dismounted, and, seizing the sword of
the knight, advanced up to him, and asked him if he were willing to
surrender. The knight required his name. “I am called John de Helennes,”
said he; “what is your name?”--“In truth, companion,” replied the
knight, “my name is Thomas, and I am Lord of Berkeley, a very handsome
castle situated on the River Severn, on the borders of Wales.”--“Lord of
Berkeley,” said the squire, “you shall be my prisoner: I will place you
in safety, and take care you are healed, for you appear to me to be
badly wounded.” The knight answered, “I surrender myself willingly, for
you have loyally conquered me.” He gave him his word that he would be
his prisoner, rescued or not. John then drew his sword out of the
knight’s thighs, and the wounds remained open; but he bound them up
tightly, and, placing him on his horse, led him a foot-pace to
Châtelherault. He continued there, out of friendship to him, for fifteen
days, and had medicines administered to him. When the knight was a
little recovered, he had him placed in a litter, and conducted him safe
to his house in Picardy, where he remained more than a year before he
was quite cured, though he continued lame; and when he departed he paid
for his ransom six thousand nobles, so that this squire became a knight
by the great profit he got from the Lord of Berkeley.
CHAPTER LXXX.
THE MANNER IN WHICH KING JOHN WAS TAKEN PRISONER AT THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS.
King John himself did wonders: he was armed with a battle-axe, with
which he fought and defended himself. The Earl of Tancarville, in
endeavoring to break through the crowd, was made prisoner close to him;
as were also Sir James de Bourbon, Earl of Ponthieu, and the Lord John
d’Artois, Earl of Eu. In another part, a little farther off, the Lord
Charles d’Artois and many other knights and squires were captured by the
division under the banner of the Captal de Buch. The pursuit continued
even to the gates of Poitiers, where there was much slaughter and
overthrow of men and horses; for the inhabitants of Poitiers had shut
their gates, and would suffer none to enter: upon which account there
was great butchery on the causeway, before
[Illustration: The Surrender of King John of France.]
the gate, where such numbers were killed or wounded, that several
surrendered themselves the moment they spied an Englishman; and there
were many English archers who had four, five, or six prisoners.
The Lord of Pons, a powerful baron in Poitou, was slain there, as were
several other knights and squires. The English and Gascons poured so
fast upon the king’s division, that they broke through the ranks by
force; and the French were so intermixed with their enemies, that at
times there were five men attacking one gentleman. The Lord of Pompadour
and the Lord Bartholomew de Brunes were there captured. The Lord de
Chargny was slain, with the banner of France in his hands, by the Lord
Reginald Cobham; and afterwards the Earl of Dammartin shared the same
fate.
There was much pressing at this time, through eagerness to take the
king; and those who were nearest to him, and knew him, cried out,
“Surrender yourself, surrender yourself, or you are a dead man.” In that
part of the field was a young knight from St. Omer, who was engaged by a
salary in the service of the King of England: his name was Denys de
Morbeque: who for five years had attached himself to the English, on
account of having been banished in his younger days from France for a
murder committed in an affray at St. Omer. It fortunately happened for
this knight that he was at the time near to the King of France, when he
was so much pulled about: he by dint of force (for he was very strong
and robust) pushed through the crowd, and said to the king in good
French, “Sire, sire, surrender yourself.” The king, who found himself
very disagreeably situated, turning to him asked, “To whom shall I
surrender myself? to whom? Where is my cousin the Prince of Wales? if I
could see him, I would speak to him.”--“Sire,” replied Sir Denys, “he is
not here; but surrender yourself to me, and I will lead you to
him.”--“Who are you?” said the king. “Sire, I am Denys de Morbeque, a
knight from Artois; but I serve the King of England, because I cannot
belong to France, having forfeited all I possessed there.” The king then
gave him his right-hand glove, and said, “I surrender myself to you.”
There was much crowding and pushing about, for every one was eager to
cry out, “I have taken him.” Neither the king nor his youngest son
Philip were able to get forward, and free themselves from the throng.
The Prince of Wales, who was as courageous as a lion, took great delight
that day to combat his enemies. Sir John Chandos, who was near his
person, and had never quitted it during the whole of the day, nor
stopped to make prisoners, said to him toward the end of the battle,
“Sir, it will be proper for you to halt here, and plant your banner on
the top of this bush, which will serve to rally your forces, that seem
very much scattered; for I do not see any banners or pennons of the
French, nor any considerable bodies able to rally against us; and you
must refresh yourself a little, as I perceive you are very much heated.”
Upon this the banner of the prince was placed on a high bush: the
minstrels began to play, and trumpets and clarions to do their duty. The
prince took off his helmet; and the knights attendant on his person, and
belonging to his chamber, were soon ready, and pitched a small pavilion
of crimson color, which the prince entered. Liquor was then brought to
him and the other knights who were with him: they increased every
moment; for they were returning from the pursuit, and stopped there
surrounded by their prisoners.
As soon as the two marshals were come back, the prince asked them if
they knew any thing of the King of France: they replied, “No, sir, not
for a certainty; but we believe he must be either killed or made
prisoner, since he has never quitted his battalion.” The prince then,
addressing the Earl of Warwick and Lord Cobham, said, “I beg of you to
mount your horses, and ride over the field, so that on your return you
may bring me some certain intelligence of him.” The two barons,
immediately mounting their horses, left the prince, and made for a small
hillock, that they might look about them: from their stand they
perceived a crowd of men at arms on foot, who were advancing very
slowly. The King of France was in the midst of them, and in great
danger; for the English and Gascons had taken him from Sir Denys de
Morbeque, and were disputing who should have him, the stoutest bawling
out, “It is I that have got him!”--“No, no,” replied the others, “we
have him.” The king, to escape from this peril, said, “Gentlemen,
gentlemen, I pray you conduct me and my son in a courteous manner to my
cousin the prince; and do not make such a riot about my capture, for I
am so great a lord that I can make all sufficiently rich.” These words,
and others which fell from the king, appeased them a little; but the
disputes were always beginning again, and they did not move a step
without rioting. When the two barons saw this troop of people, they
descended from the hillock, and, sticking spurs into their horses, made
up to them. On their arrival, they asked what was the matter: they were
answered, that it was the King of France, who had been made prisoner,
and that upward of ten knights and squires challenged him at the same
time, as belonging to each of them. The two barons then pushed through
the crowd by main force, and ordered all to draw aside. They commanded,
in the name of the prince, and under pain of instant death, that every
one should keep his distance, and not approach unless ordered or desired
so to do. They all retreated behind the king; and the two barons,
dismounting, advanced to the king with profound reverences, and
conducted him in a peaceable manner to the Prince of Wales.
CHAPTER LXXXI.
THE PRINCE OF WALES MAKES A HANDSOME PRESENT TO THE LORD JAMES AUDLEY,
AFTER THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
Soon after the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Reginald Cobham had left the
prince, as has been above related, he inquired from those knights who
were about him of Lord James Audley, and asked if any one knew what was
become of him. “Yes, sir,” replied some of the company: “he is very
badly wounded, and is lying in a litter hard by.”--“By my troth,”
replied the prince, “I am sore vexed that he is so wounded. See, I beg
of you, if he be able to bear being carried hither: otherwise I will
come and visit him.” Two knights directly left the prince, and, coming
to Lord James, told him how desirous the prince was of seeing him. “A
thousand thanks to the prince,” answered Lord James, “for condescending
to remember so poor a knight as myself.” He then called eight of his
servants, and had himself borne in his litter to where the prince was.
When he was come into his presence, the prince bent down over him, and
embraced him, saying, “My Lord James, I am bound to honor you very
much; for by your valor this day you have acquired glory and renown
above us all, and your prowess has proved you the bravest knight.” Lord
James replied, “My lord, you have a right to say whatever you please,
but I wish it were as you have said. If I have this day been forward to
serve you, it has been to accomplish a vow that I had made, and it ought
not to be thought so much of.”--“Sir James,” answered the prince, “I and
all the rest of us deem you the bravest knight on our side in this
battle; and to increase your renown, and furnish you withal to pursue
your career of glory in war, I retain you henceforward, forever, as my
knight, with five hundred marks of yearly revenue, which I will secure
to you from my estates in England.”--“Sir,” said Lord James, “God make
me deserving of the good fortune you bestow upon me!” At these words he
took leave of the prince, as he was very weak, and his servants carried
him back to his tent. He could not have been at a great distance, when
the Earl of Warwick and Lord Reginald Cobham entered the pavilion of the
prince, and presented the King of France to him. The prince made a very
low obeisance to the king, and gave him as much comfort as he was able,
which he knew well how to administer. He ordered wine and spices to be
brought, which he presented to the king himself, as a mark of his great
affection.
When the Lord James Audley was brought back to his tent, after having
most respectfully thanked the prince for his gift, he did not remain
long before he sent for his brother Sir Peter Audley, the Lord
Bartholomew Burghersh, Sir Stephen Coffington, Lord Willoughby of
Eresby, and Lord William Ferrers of Groby: they were all his relations.
He then sent for his four squires that had attended upon him that day,
and, addressing himself to the knights, said, “Gentlemen, it has
pleased my lord the prince to give me five hundred marks as a yearly
inheritance; for which gift I have done him very trifling bodily
service. You see here these four squires, who have always served me most
loyally, and especially in this day’s engagement. What glory I may have
gained has been through their means, and by their valor; on which
account I wish to reward them. I therefore give and resign into their
hands the gift of five hundred marks, which my lord the prince has been
pleased to bestow on me, in the same form and manner that it has been
presented to me. I disinherit myself of it, and give it to them simply,
and without a possibility of revoking it.” The knights present looked on
each other, and said, “It is becoming the noble mind of Lord James to
make such a gift;” and then unanimously added, “May the Lord God
remember you for it! We will bear witness to this gift to them
wheresoever and whensoever they may call on us.” They then took leave of
him; when some went to the Prince of Wales, who that night was to give a
supper to the King of France from his own provisions: for the French had
brought vast quantities with them, which were now fallen into the hands
of the English, many of whom had not tasted bread for the last three
days.
CHAPTER LXXXII.
THE PRINCE OF WALES ENTERTAINS THE KING OF FRANCE AT SUPPER, THE EVENING
AFTER THE BATTLE.
When evening was come, the Prince of Wales gave a supper in his pavilion
to the King of France, and to the greater part of the princes and barons
who were prisoners. The prince seated the King of France and his son
the Lord Philip at an elevated and well-covered table: with them were
Sir James de Bourbon, the Lord John d’Artois, the Earls of Tancarville,
of Estampes, of Dammartin, of Graville, and the Lord of Partenay. The
other knights and squires were placed at different tables. The prince
himself served the king’s table, as well as the others, with every mark
of humility, and would not sit down at it, in spite of all his
entreaties for him so to do, saying that he was not worthy of such an
honor, nor did it appertain to him to seat himself at the table of so
great a king, or of so valiant a man as he had shown himself by his
actions that day. He added also with a noble air, “Dear sir, do not make
a poor meal because the Almighty God has not gratified your wishes in
the event of this day; for be assured that my lord and father will show
you every honor and friendship in his power, and will arrange your
ransom so reasonably that you will henceforward always remain friends.
In my opinion, you have cause to be glad that the success of this battle
did not turn out as you desired; for you have this day acquired such
high renown for prowess, that you have surpassed all the best knights on
your side. I do not, dear sir, say this to flatter you; for all those of
our side who have seen and observed the actions of each party have
unanimously allowed this to be your due, and decree you the prize and
garland for it.” At the end of this speech there were murmurs of praise
heard from every one; and the French said the prince had spoken nobly
and truly, and that he would be one of the most gallant princes in
Christendom, if God should grant him life to pursue his career of
glory.
CHAPTER LXXXIII.
THE PRINCE OF WALES RETURNS TO BORDEAUX, AFTER THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
When they had supped and sufficiently regaled themselves, each departed
to his lodging with the knights and squires they had captured. Those
that had taken them asked what they could pay for their ransoms without
much hurting their fortunes, and willingly believed whatever they told
them; for they had declared publicly, that they did not wish to deal
harshly with any knight or squire, that his ransom should be so
burdensome as to prevent his following the profession of arms, or
advancing his fortune. Toward morning, when these lords had heard mass,
and had eaten and drunk a little, while the servants were packing up or
loading the baggage, they decamped and advanced toward Poitiers.
That same night the Lord of Roye had entered the city of Poitiers with a
hundred lances that had not been engaged in the battle; for, having met
the Duke of Normandy near Chauvigny, he had commanded him to march for
Poitiers, and to guard it until he should receive other orders. When the
Lord of Roye had entered Poitiers, he ordered the gates, towers, and
walls to be well watched that night, on account of the English being so
near; and on the morning he armed all sorts of people, and posted them
wherever he judged most convenient for the defence of the town. The
English, however, passed by without making any attempt upon it; for they
were so laden with gold, silver, jewels, and great prisoners, that they
did not attack any fortress in their march, but thought they should do
great things if they were able to convey the King of France and his son,
with all their booty, in safety to the city of Bordeaux. They returned
therefore, by easy marches, on account of their prisoners and heavy
baggage, never advancing more than four or five leagues a day. They
encamped early, and marched in one compact body, without quitting the
road, except the division of the marshals, who advanced in front, with
about five hundred men at arms, to clear the country. They met with no
resistance anywhere; for the whole country was in a state of
consternation, and all the men at arms had retreated into the strong
fortresses.
During this march the Prince of Wales was informed how Lord James Audley
had made a present of his pension of five hundred marks to his four
squires. He sent for him. Lord James was carried in his litter to the
presence of the prince, who received him very graciously, and said to
him, “Sir James, I have been informed, that after you had taken leave of
me, and were returned to your tent, you made a present to your four
squires of the gift I presented to you. I should like to know, if this
be true, why you did so, and if the gift were not agreeable to
you.”--“Yes, my lord,” answered Lord James, “it was most agreeable to
me; and I will tell you the reasons which induced me to bestow it on my
squires. These four squires who are here have long and loyally served me
on many great and dangerous occasions; and, until the day that I made
them this present, I had not any way rewarded them for all their
services; and never in this life were they of such help to me as on that
day. I hold myself much bound to them for what they did at the battle of
Poitiers; for, dear sir, I am but a single man, and can do no more than
my powers admit; but through their aid and assistance I have
accomplished my vow, which for a long time I had made, and by their
means was the first combatant, and should have paid for it with my life
if they had not been near to me. When, therefore, I consider their
courage and the love they bear to me, I should not have been courteous
nor grateful if I had not rewarded them. Thank God! my lord, I have a
sufficiency for my life to maintain my state; and wealth has never yet
failed me, nor do I believe it ever will. If, therefore, I have in this
acted contrary to your wishes, I beseech you, dear sir, to pardon me;
for you will be ever as loyally served by me, and my squires to whom I
gave your present, as heretofore.” The prince answered, “Sir James, I do
not in the least blame you for what you have done, but, on the contrary,
acknowledge your bounty to your squires, whom you praise so much. I
readily confirm your gift to them, but I shall insist upon your
accepting of six hundred marks upon the same terms and conditions as the
former gift.”
The Prince of Wales and his army kept advancing without meeting any
obstacle; and, having passed through Poitou and Saintonge, came to
Blaye, where he crossed the Garonne, and arrived in the good city of
Bordeaux. It is not possible to relate all the feasts and entertainments
which the citizens and clergy of Bordeaux made for the prince, and with
what joy they received him and the King of France. The prince conducted
the king to the monastery of St. Andrew, where they were both lodged;
the king on one side, and the prince on the other. The prince purchased
from the barons, knights, and squires of Gascony the ransoms of the
greater part of the French earls who were there, and paid ready money
for them. There were many meetings and disputes among the knights and
squires of Gascony, and others, relative to the capture of the King of
France. On this account Denys de Morbeque truly and by right of arms
claimed him. He challenged another squire of Gascony, named Bernard de
Trouttes, who had declared that he had an equal right to him. There was
much disputing between them before the prince and the barons present;
and, as they had engaged to fight each other, the prince put them under
an arrest until they should be arrived in England, and forbade any thing
more being said on the subject till they were in the presence of the
king his father. However, as the King of France gave every assistance to
Sir Denys in support of his claim, and leaned more to him than to any of
the other claimants, the prince ordered two thousand nobles to be given
privately to Sir Denys in order to enable him the better to support his
rank.
Soon after the prince’s arrival at Bordeaux the Cardinal de Perigord
came thither, as, it was said, ambassador from the pope. It was upward
of a fortnight before the prince would speak to him, on account of the
castellan of Amposta and his people having been engaged against him at
the battle of Poitiers. The prince believed that the cardinal had sent
them thither; but the cardinal, through the means of his relations, the
Lord of Chaumont, the Lord of Montferrant, and the Captal of Buch, gave
such good reasons for his conduct to the prince, that he admitted him to
an audience. Having obtained this, he exculpated himself so clearly that
the prince and his council were satisfied, and he regained the place he
before held in the prince’s affection. All his people were set at
liberty at moderate ransoms: the castellan’s amounted to ten thousand
francs, which he paid. The cardinal soon after began to touch upon the
deliverance of King John; but I shall say little on that head, as
nothing was done in the business. The prince, with his Gascons and
English, remained all that winter at Bordeaux, where was much feasting
and merriment; and they foolishly expended the gold and silver they had
gained. In England also there were great rejoicings when the news
arrived of the affair of Poitiers and of the defeat of the French;
solemn thanksgivings were offered up in all the churches, and bonfires
made in every town and village. Those knights and squires who returned
to England after having been in this battle were honored in preference
to any others.
CHAPTER LXXXIV.
THE PRINCE OF WALES CONDUCTS THE KING OF FRANCE FROM BORDEAUX TO
ENGLAND.
When the season was sufficiently advanced, and every thing was ready for
the prince’s departure, he sent for the great barons of Gascony. He then
informed them of his intention of going to England; that he should take
some of them with him, and the rest he should leave in different parts
of the province to guard the frontiers against the French, and should
put all the cities and castles under their management, as if they were
their own property. After this he nominated four of them as governors of
the country until his return,--the Lords d’Albret, de l’Esparre, de
Pumiers, and de Rosem. This being done, the prince embarked on board a
handsome ship, and took with him a great many Gascons: among them were
the Captal de Buch, Sir Aymery de Tarse, the Lord de Tarse, the Lord de
Landuras, the Lord de Mucident, the Souldich de la Trane, and many
others.
The King of France was in a ship by himself, in order that he might be
more at his ease. In the fleet there were five hundred men at arms and
two thousand archers to guard against any accidents at sea, and also
because the prince had been informed before he left Bordeaux that the
three estates who then governed France had raised two large armies,
which were posted in Normandy and at Crotoy to meet the English and to
carry off the king; but they saw nothing of them. They were eleven days
and nights at sea; and on the twelfth they arrived at Sandwich, where
they disembarked, and took up their quarters in the town and
neighborhood. They remained there two days to refresh themselves, and on
the third set out and came to Canterbury.
When the King of England was informed of their arrival, he gave orders
for the citizens of London to make such preparations as were suitable to
receive so great a prince as the King of France; upon which they all
dressed themselves very richly in companies, and the different
manufactories of cloth appeared with various pageants. The king and
prince remained one day at Canterbury, where they made their offerings
to the shrine of St. Thomas. On the morrow they rode to Rochester, where
they reposed themselves. The third day they came to Dartford, and the
fourth to London, where they were received with every honor and
distinction, as indeed they had been by all the chief towns on their
road.
The King of France, as he rode through London, was mounted on a white
steed with very rich furniture, and the Prince of Wales on a little
black hackney by his side. He rode through London, thus accompanied, to
the palace of the Savoy, which was part of the inheritance of the Duke
of Lancaster. There the King of France kept his household for some time;
and there he was visited by the King and Queen of England, who often
entertained him sumptuously, and afterwards were very frequent in their
visits, consoling him all in their power. The Cardinals de Perigord and
St. Vital soon after came to England by command of Pope Innocent VI.
They endeavored to make peace between the two kingdoms, which they
labored hard to effect, but without success. However, by some fortunate
means they procured a truce between the two kings and their allies, to
last until St. John the Baptist’s Day, 1359. The Lord Philip de Navarre
and his allies, the Countess of Montfort, and the Duchy of Brittany,
were excluded from this truce.
Shortly afterwards the King of France and all his household were removed
from the Palace of Savoy to Windsor Castle, where he was permitted to
hunt and hawk, and take what other diversions he pleased in that
neighborhood, as well as the Lord Philip his son. The rest of the French
lords remained at London; but they visited the king as often as they
pleased, and were prisoners on their parole of honor.
CHAPTER LXXXV.
THE ARCHPRIEST ASSEMBLES A COMPANY OF MEN AT ARMS.--HE IS MUCH HONORED
AT AVIGNON.
About this period,[26] a knight named Sir Arnold de Cervole, but more
commonly called the archpriest, collected a large body of men at arms,
who came from all parts, seeing that their pay would not be continued
in France, and that, since the capture of the king, there was not any
probability of their gaining more in that country. They marched first
into Provence, where they took many strong towns and castles, and ruined
the country by their robberies, as far as Avignon. Pope Innocent VI.,
who resided in Avignon, was much alarmed, as not knowing what might be
the intentions of the archpriest, the leader of these forces; and for
fear of personal insult he and the cardinals kept their household armed
day and night. When the archpriest and his troops had pillaged all the
country, the pope and clergy entered into treaty with him. Having
received proper security, he and the greater part of his people entered
Avignon, where he was received with as much respect as if he had been
son to the King of France. He dined many times with the pope and
cardinals, who gave him absolution from all his sins; and at his
departure they presented him with forty thousand crowns to distribute
among his companions. These men therefore marched away to different
places, following, however, the directions of the archpriest.
CHAPTER LXXXVI.
A WELSHMAN, OF THE NAME OF RUFFIN, COMMANDS A TROOP OF THE FREE
COMPANIES.
At this time, also, there was another company of men at arms, or
robbers, collected from all parts, who stationed themselves between the
rivers Loire and Seine, so that no one dared to travel between Paris and
Orleans, nor between Paris and Montargis, or even to remain in the
country. The inhabitants on the plains had all fled to Paris and
Orleans. This company had chosen for their leader a Welshman named
Ruffin, whom they had knighted, and who acquired such immense riches as
could not be counted. These companies advanced one day near to Paris,
another day toward Orleans, another time to Chartres; and there was no
town nor fortress but what was taken and pillaged, excepting such as
were strongly garrisoned.
They rode over the country in parties of twenty, thirty, or forty,
meeting with none to check their pillage; while, on the seacoast of
Normandy, there were still a greater number of English and Navarrois,
plunderers and robbers. Sir Robert Knolles was their leader, who
conquered every town and castle he came to, as there was no one to
oppose him. Sir Robert had followed this trade for some time, and by it
gained upward of one hundred thousand crowns. He kept a great many
soldiers in his pay; and, being very liberal, he was cheerfully followed
and obeyed.
CHAPTER LXXXVII.
THE PROVOST OF THE MERCHANTS OF PARIS KILLS THREE KNIGHTS IN THE
APARTMENT OF THE PRINCE.
During the time that the three estates governed the kingdom, all sorts
of people united themselves together, under the name of Free Companies:
they made war upon every man that was worth robbing. I must here inform
you that the nobles and prelates of the realm and church began to be
weary of the government and regulations of the three estates: they
therefore permitted the provost of the merchants of Paris to summon
some of the citizens, because they were going greater lengths than they
approved of.
It happened one day, when the regent of France was in his palace at
Paris, with many knights, nobles, and prelates, that the provost of the
merchants collected also a great number of the common people of Paris,
who were devoted to him, all wearing caps similar to his own, that they
might know each other; and, attended by this crowd, the provost came to
the palace. He entered the apartment of the duke,[27] and demanded of
him, in an insolent manner, to take the management of the kingdom of
France, and to govern it wisely (since it would become his by
inheritance), that all those free companies who at present were
overrunning the country might be prevented from doing further mischief.
The duke replied that he would very willingly comply with his request if
he had the means to carry it into execution, but that it more properly
belonged to those who had raised and received the imposts due to the
realm to perform it. I cannot pretend to say how it happened; but words
increased so much, and with such warmth, that at last three of the
principal counsellors of the duke were slain, and so near to him that
their blood flew over his robe: he himself was in very great danger, but
they had put one of their caps on his head, and he consented to pardon
the death of his three knights. Two of them were knights of arms, and
the other of laws. Their names were, the Lord Robert de Clermont, a
gallant and magnificent knight, and the Lord de Conflans: the knight of
laws was the Lord Simon de Buci.
CHAPTER LXXXVIII.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE INFAMOUS JACQUERIE OF BEAUVOISIS.
Soon after the deliverance of the King of Navarre out of prison, a
marvellous and great tribulation befell the kingdom of France, in
Beauvoisis, Brie, upon the river Marne, in the Laonnois, and in the
neighborhood of Soissons. Some of the inhabitants of the country towns
assembled together in Beauvoisis, without any leader; they were not at
first more than one hundred men. They said that the nobles of the
kingdom of France, knights, and squires, were a disgrace to it, and that
it would be a very meritorious act to destroy them all; to which
proposition every one assented, and added, Shame befall him that should
be the means of preventing the gentlemen from being wholly destroyed!
They then, without further counsel, collected themselves in a body, and
with no other arms than the staves, shod with iron, which some had, and
others with knives, marched to the house of a knight who lived near,
and, breaking it open, murdered the knight, his lady, and all the
children, both great and small: they then burnt the house.
After this their second expedition was to the strong castle of another
knight, which they took. They then murdered the lady, her daughter, and
the other children, and last of all the knight himself, with much
cruelty. They destroyed and burnt his castle. They did the like to many
castles and handsome houses; and their numbers increased so much that
they were in a short time upward of six thousand. Wherever they went,
they received additions, for all of their rank in life followed them,
while every one else fled, carrying off with them their ladies, damsels,
and children, ten or twenty leagues distant, where they thought they
could place them in security, leaving their houses with all their riches
in them.
These wicked people, without leader and without arms, plundered and
burnt all the houses they came to. He who committed the most atrocious
actions, and such as no human creature would have imagined, was the most
applauded, and considered as the greatest man among them. I dare not
write the horrible and inconceivable atrocities they committed. They had
chosen a king among them, who came from Clermont in Beauvoisis; he was
elected as the worst of the bad, and they denominated him Jacques
Bonhomme.[28] These wretches burnt and destroyed in the county of
Beauvoisis, and at Corbie, Amiens, and Montdidier, upward of sixty good
houses and strong castles. By the acts of such traitors in the country
of Brie and thereabout, it behooved every lady, knight, and squire,
having the means of escape, to fly to Meaux, if they wished to preserve
themselves from being insulted and afterwards murdered. The Duchess of
Normandy, the Duchess of Orleans, and many other ladies, had adopted
this course to save themselves. These cursed people thus supported
themselves in the countries between Paris, Noyon, and Soissons, and in
all the territory of Coucy, in the county of Valois. In the bishoprics
of Noyon, Laon, and Soissons, there were upward of one hundred castles,
and good houses of knights and squires, destroyed.
CHAPTER LXXXIX.
THE BATTLE OF MEAUX IN BRIE, WHERE THE VILLAINS ARE DISCOMFITED BY THE
EARL OF FOIX AND THE CAPTAL OF BUCH.
At the time these wicked men were overrunning the country, the Earl of
Foix, and his cousin the Captal of Buch, were returning from a croisade
in Prussia. They were informed, on their entering France, of the
distress the nobles were in; and they learnt at the city of Chalons,
that the Duchess of Orleans, and three hundred other ladies, under the
protection of the Duke of Orleans, were fled to Meaux on account of
these disturbances. The two knights resolved to go to the assistance of
these ladies, and to re-enforce them with all their might,
notwithstanding the Captal was attached to the English; but at that time
there was a truce between the two kings. They might have in their
company about sixty lances. They were most cheerfully received, on their
arrival at Meaux, by the ladies and damsels; for these Jacks and
peasants of Brie had heard what number of ladies, married and unmarried,
and young children of quality, were in Meaux: they had united themselves
with those of Valois, and were on their road thither. On the other hand,
those of Paris had also been informed of the treasures Meaux contained,
and had set out from that place in crowds. Having met the others, they
amounted together to nine thousand men: their forces were augmenting
every step they advanced.
They came to the gates of the town, which the inhabitants opened to
them, and allowed them to enter: they did so in such numbers that all
the streets were quite filled as far as the market-place, which is
tolerably strong, but it required to be guarded, though the river Marne
nearly surrounds it. The noble dames who were lodged there, seeing such
multitudes rushing toward them, were exceedingly frightened. On this the
two lords and their company advanced to the gate of the market-place,
which they had opened, and marching under the banners of the Earl of
Foix and Duke of Orleans, and the pennon of the Captal of Buch, posted
themselves in front of this peasantry, who were badly armed. When these
banditti perceived such a troop of gentlemen, so well equipped, sally
forth to guard the market-place, the foremost of them began to fall
back. The gentlemen then followed them, using their lances and swords.
When they felt the weight of their blows, they, through fear, turned
about so fast, they fell one over the other. All manner of armed persons
then rushed out of the barriers, drove them before them, striking them
down like beasts, and clearing the town of them; for they kept neither
regularity nor order, slaying so many that they were tired. They flung
them in great heaps into the river. In short, they killed upward of
seven thousand. Not one would have escaped, if they had chosen to pursue
them further.
On the return of the men at arms, they set fire to the town of Meaux,
and burnt it, and all the peasants they could find were shut up in it,
because they had been of the party of the Jacks. Since this discomfiture
which happened to them at Meaux, they never collected again in any great
bodies; for the young Enguerrand de Coucy had plenty of gentlemen under
his orders, who destroyed them, wherever they could be met with, without
mercy.
BOOK II.[29]
CHAPTER I.
CORONATION OF KING CHARLES OF FRANCE.
As you may well imagine, nothing was spared by the nobility and great
lords to add to the magnificence of the coronation of the young King
Charles[30] of France, who was crowned at Rheims on a Sunday, in the
twelfth year of his age, in the year 1380. At this solemnity there were
many high and mighty lords.
The young king made his entry into the city of Rheims on the Saturday,
handsomely attended by the great lords, nobility, and minstrels, at
vespers. In particular, there were upward of thirty trumpets, which
preceded him, and sounded so clear it was quite marvellous to hear them.
There were also a great many other young squires, children of the great
barons of France, whom the king on the morrow, being the day of his
coronation, created knights. This Saturday the king heard vespers in the
church of Our Lady, and performed his vigils in that church, according
to the custom of those times, the greater part of the night. All the
youths desirous of knighthood attended him, and did the same.
On the Sunday, which was All Saints’ Day, the church of Our Lady was
very richly decorated for the coronation; so much so, that it could not
possibly have been better ordered. The Archbishop of Rheims, after
having said mass with great solemnity, consecrated the king with the
holy ampulla with which St. Remy had anointed Clovis, the first
Christian king of the French.
Before the consecration, the king created, in front of the altar, all
those young squires, knights. The office of mass was afterwards chanted
by the archbishop, the king being clothed in his royal robes, and seated
on an elevated throne, adorned with cloth of gold; and all the young
knights were placed on low benches, covered also with the same, at his
feet. In this state did they remain the whole day. The new constable,
Sir Oliver de Clisson, was present: he had been named constable a few
days prior to this ceremony, and performed well his charge, and every
thing belonging to it. The principal barons of France were also there,
so richly dressed it would be tedious to relate. The king was seated in
royal majesty, with a crown on his head rich and precious beyond
measure. The church of Our Lady at Rheims was so much crowded during
this ceremony that one could not turn one’s foot. I have heard also,
that at this accession of the young king to the throne, in order to
please the people of France, all impositions, aids, taxes, subsidies,
and other levies, which had displeased and had much oppressed them, were
abolished, greatly to the joy of the subjects.
After mass they went to the palace; but, as the hall was too small for
such numbers, they erected in the court of the palace a large covered
stage, on which the dinner was served. The king was seated with his five
uncles of Brabant, Anjou, Berry, Burgundy, and Bourbon; but, though they
were at his table, they were at a distance from him. The Archbishop of
Rheims and other prelates were on his right hand. He was served by the
great barons, the Lord de Coucy, the Lord de Clisson, Sir Guy de la
Tremouille, the Lord High Admiral, and several others, on handsome
horses, covered and decorated with gold brocade. The whole day passed in
ceremonies. On the morrow many of the great barons took leave of the
king and his uncles, and returned to their own country. The king went
that day to dinner at the abbey of St. Thierry, two leagues from Rheims;
for those monks are bound to give him this entertainment, and the city
of Rheims to provide for the coronation of the king. Thus ended this
noble feast. He returned to Paris, where he was grandly feasted by the
Parisians at his entrance.
CHAPTER II.
A COMBAT BETWEEN AN ENGLISH AND A FRENCH SQUIRE.
We will now speak of certain knights and squires who returned to
Cherbourg by land, and relate what befell them on the road. The
Constable of France, who at that time resided at Château Josselin,
seven leagues from Vannes, had granted passports to some English and
Navarre knights of the garrison of Cherbourg, who had served under the
Earl of Buckingham. Among others were Sir John Harlestone, governor of
Cherbourg, Sir Evan Fitzwarren, Sir William Clinton, and Sir John
Burley. They set out from Vannes, following the road to Château
Josselin, for it was in their route. On their arrival they took up their
quarters in the town below the castle, not intending more than to dine
and continue their journey. When they had dismounted at the inn, like
travellers who wished to repose themselves, the knights and squires of
the castle came to visit them as brother-soldiers, who always see each
other with pleasure, particularly the French and English. Among the
French there was a squire of great renown in arms, who belonged to John
de Bourbon, Count de la Marche, the nearest to his person of all his
squires, and whom he loved the most: his name was John Boucmel. He had
formerly been in garrison in Valogne with Sir William des Bordes, and in
his expedition against Cherbourg. During that time he had often had
words with an English squire called Nicholas Clifford, who was then
present, respecting a tilting-match. In the course of the conversation
which these French knights and squires held at the inn with the English,
John Boucmel, recollecting Clifford, cried out, “Nicholas Clifford! ah!
Nicholas, Nicholas, we have often wished and sought to perform a
tilting-match; but we never could find fit opportunity or place for it.
Now, as we are here before my lord constable and those gentlemen, let us
perform it: I therefore demand from you three courses with a
lance.”--“John,” replied Nicholas, “you know that we are here but as
travellers on our road, under the passport of my lord constable: what
you ask from me cannot now be complied with, for I am not the principal
in the passport, but under the command of these knights whom you see. If
I were to stay behind, they would set out without me.”--“Ha, Nicholas,
do not make such excuses as these: let your friends depart, if they
please, for I give you my promise, that, as soon as our tilt shall be
over, I will conduct you myself within the gates of Cherbourg without
loss or peril, as I can depend on my lord constable’s good-will.”
Nicholas said, “Now, suppose it to be as you say, and that I place my
confidence in being safely conducted by you, yet you see we are
travelling through the country without arms of any sort; therefore, if I
were willing to arm myself, I have not wherewithal to do so.” John
replied, “You shall not excuse yourself that way, for I will tell you
what I will do: I have plenty of arms at my command, and will order
different sorts to be brought to the place where we shall tilt; and when
all are laid out you shall examine them, and consider which will suit
you best, for I will leave the choice to you; and when you shall have
chosen I will then arm myself.”
When Nicholas saw himself so earnestly pressed, he was ashamed that
those present should have heard it, and thought that since John made
such handsome offers, he could not in honor refuse them; for John still
added, “Make whatever arrangements you please, I will agree to them
sooner than we should not have a tilting-match.” Nicholas then said he
would consider of it, and before his departure he would make him
acquainted with his resolution; adding, “If it will not be possible for
me to comply with your request at this place, and if my lords, under
whom I am, should be unwilling to assent to it, on my return to
Cherbourg, if you will come to Valogne, and signify to me your arrival,
I will immediately hasten thither, and deliver you from your
engagement.”--“No, no,” said John; “seek not for excuses: I have offered
you such handsome proposals, that you cannot in honor depart without
running a tilt with me, according to the demand I make.” Nicholas was
more enraged than before; for he thought, and true it was, that he by
such a speech greatly outraged his honor. Upon this the French returned
to the castle, and the English to their inn where they dined.
When these knights had got to the castle, you may suppose they were not
silent on the words which had passed between John Boucmel and Nicholas
Clifford, insomuch that the constable heard of them. He considered a
short time; and, when the knights and squires of the country who were
with him entreated him to interest himself that this combat might be
fought, he willingly promised it. The English knights and squires,
wishing to pursue their journey after dinner, went to the castle to wait
on the constable; for he was to give them seven knights to escort them
the whole road through Brittany and Normandy, as far as Cherbourg.
When they were arrived at the castle, the constable received them very
amicably, and then said, “I put you all under arrest, and forbid you to
depart hence this day. To-morrow morning, after mass, you shall witness
the combat between your squire and ours, and then you shall dine with
me. Dinner over, you shall set out, and I will give you good guides to
conduct you to Cherbourg.” They complied with his requests, and, having
drank of his wine, returned to their inn. Now the two squires consulted
together, for it was fixed they should on the morrow morning engage
without fail. When morning came they both heard mass, confessed
themselves, and mounted their horses, the French being on one side, and
the English on the other; they rode together to a smooth plain on the
outside of the castle, where they dismounted. John Boucmel had provided
there two suits of armor, according to his promise, which were good and
strong, as the occasion demanded. Having had them displayed, he told the
English squire to make the first choice. “No,” said the Englishman, “I
will not choose: you shall have the choice.” John was therefore forced
to choose first, which he did, and armed himself completely (in doing
which he was assisted) as a good man at arms should be. Nicholas did the
same. When they were both armed they grasped their spears, well made
with Bordeaux steel, and of the same length; and each took the position
proper for him to run his course with their helmets and visors closed.
They then advanced, and when they approached pretty near they lowered
their spears, aiming them to hit each other. At the first onset Nicholas
Clifford struck with his spear John Boucmel on the upper part of his
breast; but the point slipped off the steel breastplate, and pierced the
hood, which was of good mail, and, entering his neck, cut the jugular
vein, and passed quite through, breaking off at the shaft with the head;
so that the truncheon remained in the neck of the squire, who was
killed, as you may suppose. The English squire passed on to his chair,
where he seated himself. The French lords, who had seen the stroke, and
the broken spear in his neck, hastened to him. They immediately took off
his helmet, and drew out the spear. On its being extracted, he turned
himself about without uttering a word, and fell down dead. The English
squire hurried to his relief, crying out to have the blood stanched, but
could not arrive before he expired. Nicholas Clifford was then
exceedingly vexed for having by ill fortune slain a valiant and good man
at arms. All who at that time could have seen the despair of the Count
de la Marche, who had such an affection for his deceased squire, would
surely have much pitied him: he was in the greatest distress, for he
esteemed him above all others.
The constable was present, and endeavored to comfort him, saying that
such things were to be expected in similar combats. “It has turned out
unfortunate for our squire, but the Englishman could not help it.” He
then addressed himself to the English: “Come, come to dinner, for it is
ready.” The constable led them, as I may say against their wills, to the
castle to dinner; for they wished not to go there on account of the
death of the Frenchman.
The Count de la Marche most tenderly bewailed his squire as he viewed
his corpse. Nicholas Clifford directly retired to his lodgings, and
would not by any means dine at the castle, as well for the great
vexation he was in for this death as on account of his relations and
friends; but the constable sent to seek for him, and it was necessary he
should comply. On his arrival the constable said, “In truth, Nicholas, I
can very well believe, and I see by your looks, that you are much
concerned for the death of John Boucmel. But I acquit you of it, for it
was no fault of yours; and, as God is my judge, if I had been in the
situation you were in, you have done nothing more than I would have
done, as it is better to hurt one’s enemy than to be hurt by him. Such
is the fate of war.”
They then seated themselves at the table, and these lords dined at their
ease. After they had finished their repast, and drank their wine, the
constable called the Lord Le Barrois des Barres, and said to him,
“Barrois, prepare yourself: I will that you conduct these Englishmen as
far as Cherbourg, and that you have opened to them every town and
castle, and have given to them whatever they shall be in need of.” Le
Barrois replied, “My lord, I shall cheerfully obey your orders.”
The English then, taking leave of the constable and the knights with
him, came to their lodgings, where every thing was packed up and ready.
They mounted their horses, departed from Château Josselin, and rode
straight to Pontorson and Mont St. Michel. They were under the escort of
that gallant knight Le Barrois des Barres, who never quitted them in
Brittany or Normandy until they had arrived in Cherbourg.
CHAPTER III.
THE POPULACE OF ENGLAND REBEL AGAINST THE NOBILITY.
There happened in England great commotions among the lower ranks of the
people, by which England was near ruined without resource. Never was a
country in such jeopardy as this was at that period, and all through the
too great comfort of the commonalty. Rebellion was stirred up as it was
formerly done in France by the Jacques Bons-hommes, who did much evil,
and sore troubled the kingdom of France. It is marvellous from what a
trifle this pestilence raged in England. In order that it may serve as
an example to mankind, I will speak of all that was done, from the
information I had at the time on the subject.
It is customary in England, as well as in several other countries, for
the nobility to have great privileges over the commonalty, whom they
keep in bondage: that is to say, they are bound by law and custom to
plough the lands of gentlemen, to harvest the grain, to carry it home to
the barn, to thresh and winnow it; they are also bound to harvest the
hay, and carry it home. All these services they are obliged to perform
for their lords, and many more in England than in other countries. The
prelates and gentlemen are thus served. In the counties of Kent, Essex,
Sussex, and Bedford, these services are more oppressive than in all the
rest of the kingdom.
The evil-disposed in these districts began to rise, saying they were too
severely oppressed; that at the beginning of the world there were no
slaves, and no one ought to be treated as such unless he had committed
treason against his lord as Lucifer had done against God; but they had
done no such thing, for they were neither angels nor spirits, but men
formed after the same likeness with their lords, who treated them as
beasts. This they would not longer bear, but had determined to be free;
and, if they labored or did any other works for their lords, they would
be paid for it.
A crazy priest in the county of Kent, called John Ball, who for his
absurd preaching had been thrice confined in the prison of the
Archbishop of Canterbury, was greatly instrumental in inflaming them
with those ideas. He was accustomed every Sunday after mass, as the
people were coming out of the church, to preach to them in the
market-place, and assemble a crowd around him, to whom he would say, “My
good friends, things cannot go on well in England, nor ever will, until
every thing shall be in common; when there shall neither be vassal nor
lord, and all distinctions levelled; when the lords shall be no more
masters than ourselves. How ill they have used us! and for what reason
do they thus hold us in bondage? Are we not all descended from the same
parents, Adam and Eve? And what can they show, or what reasons give, why
they should be more the masters than ourselves, except, perhaps, in
making us labor and work for them to spend? They are clothed in velvets
and rich stuffs ornamented with ermine and other furs, while we are
forced to wear poor cloth; they have wines, spices, and fine bread, when
we have only rye and the refuse of the straw, and, if we drink, it must
be water; they have handsome seats and manors, when we must brave the
wind and rain in our labors in the field: but it is from our labor they
have wherewith to support their pomp. We are called slaves, and if we do
not perform our services we are beaten; and we have not any sovereign to
whom we can complain, or who wishes to hear us and do us justice. Let us
go to the king, who is young, and remonstrate with him on our servitude;
telling him we must have it otherwise, or that we shall find a remedy
for it ourselves. If we wait on him in a body, all those who come under
the appellation of slaves, or are held in bondage, will follow us in the
hopes of being free. When the king shall see us, we shall obtain a
favorable answer, or we must then seek ourselves to amend our
condition.”
These promises stirred up those in the counties of Kent, Essex, Sussex,
and Bedford, and the adjoining country, so that they marched toward
London; and, when they arrived near, they were upward of sixty thousand.
They had a leader called Wat Tyler, and with him were Jack Straw and
John Ball: these three were their commanders, but the principal was Wat
Tyler. This Wat had been a tiler of houses, a bad man, and a great enemy
to the nobility. When these wicked people first began to rise, all
London, except their friends, were very much frightened. The mayor and
rich citizens assembled in council on hearing they were coming to
London, and debated whether they should shut the gates, and refuse to
admit them; but, having well considered, they determined not to do so,
as they should run the risk of having the suburbs burnt.
The gates were therefore thrown open, when they entered in troops of one
to two hundred, by twenties or thirties, according to the populousness
of the towns they came from; and as they came into London they lodged
themselves. But it is a truth that full two-thirds of these people knew
not what they wanted, nor what they sought for: they followed one
another like sheep, or like the shepherds of old who said they were
going to conquer the Holy Land, and afterwards accomplished nothing. In
such manner did these poor fellows and vassals come to London from
distances of a hundred and sixty leagues, but the greater part from
those counties I have mentioned, and on their arrival they demanded to
see the king. The gentlemen of the country, the knights, and the squires
began to be alarmed when they saw the people thus rise; and if they were
frightened they had sufficient reason, for less causes create fear. They
began to collect together as well as they could.
The same day that these wicked men of Kent were on their road toward
London, the Princess of Wales, mother to the king, was returning from a
pilgrimage to Canterbury. She ran great risks from them; for these
scoundrels attacked her car, and caused much confusion, which greatly
frightened the good lady lest they should do some violence to her or to
her ladies. God, however, preserved her from this; and she came in one
day from Canterbury to London without venturing to make any stop by the
way. Her son Richard was this day in the Tower of London: thither the
princess came, and found the king attended by the Earl of Salisbury, the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Robert de Namur, the Lord de Gommegines,
and several more, who had kept near his person from suspicions of his
subjects who were thus assembling without knowing what they wanted. This
rebellion was well known to be in agitation in the king’s palace before
it broke out, and the country people had left their homes, to which the
king applied no remedy, to the great astonishment of every one. In order
that gentlemen and others may take example, and correct wicked rebels, I
will most amply detail how this business was conducted.
CHAPTER IV.
THE POPULACE OF ENGLAND COMMIT MANY CRUELTIES ON THOSE IN OFFICIAL
SITUATIONS.--THEY SEND A KNIGHT AS AMBASSADOR TO THE KING.
On Monday preceding the feast of the Holy Sacrament, in the year 1381,
did these people sally forth from their homes, to come to London to
remonstrate with the king, that all might be made free, for they would
not there should be any slaves in England. At Canterbury they met John
Ball (who thought he should find there the archbishop, but he was at
London), Wat Tyler, and Jack Straw. On their entrance into Canterbury,
they were much feasted by every one, for the inhabitants were of their
way of thinking; and, having held a council, they resolved to march to
London, and also to send emissaries across the Thames to Essex,
Suffolk, Bedford, and other counties, to press the people to march to
London on that side, and thus, as it were, to surround it, which the
king would not be able to prevent. It was their intention that all the
different parties should be collected together on the feast of the Holy
Sacrament, or on the following day.
On Corpus Christi Day, King Richard heard mass in the Tower of London,
with all his lords, and afterwards entered his barge, attended by the
Earls of Salisbury, Warwick, and Suffolk, with other knights. He rowed
down the Thames toward Rotherhithe, a manor belonging to the crown,
where were upward of ten thousand men, who had come from Blackheath to
see the king and to speak to him. When they perceived his barge
approach, they set up such shouts and cries as if all the devils in hell
had been in their company.
When the king and his lords saw this crowd of people, and the wildness
of their manner, there was not one among them so bold and determined but
felt alarmed: the king was advised by his barons not to land, but to
have his barge rowed up and down the river. “What do ye wish for?”
demanded the king: “I am come hither to hear what you have to say.”
Those near him cried out with one voice, “We wish thee to land, when we
will remonstrate with thee, and tell thee more at our ease what our
wants are.” The Earl of Salisbury then replied for the king, and said,
“Gentlemen, you are not properly dressed, nor in a fit condition for the
king to talk with you.”
Nothing more was said; for the king was desired to return to the Tower
of London, from whence he had set out. When the people saw they could
obtain nothing more, they were inflamed with passion, and went back to
Blackheath, where the main body was, to relate the answer they had
received, and how the king was returned to the Tower. They all then
cried out, “Let us march instantly to London.” They immediately set off,
and in their road thither they destroyed the houses of lawyers,
courtiers, and monasteries. Advancing into the suburbs of London, which
were very handsome and extensive, they pulled down many fine houses: in
particular, they demolished the prison of the king, called the
Marshalsea, and set at liberty all those confined within it. They did
much damage to the suburbs, and menaced the Londoners at the entrance of
the bridge for having shut the gates of it, saying they would set fire
to the suburbs, take the city by storm, and afterwards burn and destroy
it.
With respect to the common people of London, numbers were of their
opinions, and, on assembling together, said, “Why will you refuse
admittance to these honest men? They are our friends, and what they are
doing is for our good.” It was then found necessary to open the gates,
when crowds rushed in, and ran to those shops which seemed well stored
with provision: if they sought for meat or drink, it was placed before
them, and nothing refused, but all manner of good cheer offered, in
hopes of appeasing them.
Their leaders, John Ball, Jack Straw, and Wat Tyler, then marched
through London, attended by more than twenty thousand men, to the palace
of the Savoy, which is a handsome building on the road to Westminster,
situated on the banks of the Thames, belonging to the Duke of Lancaster:
they immediately killed the porters, pressed into the house, and set it
on fire. Not content with committing this outrage, they went to the
house of the Knights Hospitalers of Rhodes, dedicated to St. John of
Mount Carmel, which they burnt, together with their hospital and church.
They afterwards paraded the streets, and killed every Fleming they could
find, whether in house, church, or hospital: not one escaped death. They
broke open several houses of the Lombards, taking whatever money they
could lay their hands on, none daring to oppose them. They murdered a
rich citizen called Richard Lyon, to whom Wat Tyler had been formerly
servant in France; but, having once beaten this varlet, he had not
forgotten it, and, having carried his men to his house, ordered his head
to be cut off, placed upon a pike, and carried through the streets of
London. Thus did these wicked people act like madmen; and on this
Thursday they did much mischief to the city of London.
Toward evening they fixed their quarters in a square called St.
Catherine’s, before the Tower, declaring they would not depart thence
until they should obtain from the king every thing they wanted, and have
all their desires satisfied, and the Chancellor of England made to
account with them, and show how the great sums which had been raised
were expended; menacing, that, if he did not render such an account as
was agreeable to them, it would be the worse for him. Considering the
various ills they had done to foreigners, they lodged themselves before
the Tower. You may easily suppose what a miserable situation the king
was in, and those with him; for at times these rebellious fellows hooted
as loud as if the devils were in them.
About evening a council was held in the presence of the king, the barons
who were in the Tower with him, Sir William Walworth the mayor, and some
of the principal citizens, when it was proposed to arm themselves, and
during the night to fall upon these wretches who were in the streets,
and amounted to sixty thousand, while they were asleep and drunk, for
then they might be killed like flies, and not one in twenty among them
had arms. The citizens were very capable of doing this, for they had
secretly received into their houses their friends and servants, properly
prepared to act. Sir Robert Knolles remained in his house, guarding his
property, with more than sixscore companions completely armed, and would
have instantly sallied forth. Sir Perducas d’Albreth was also in London
at that period, and would have been of great service; so that they could
have mustered upward of eight thousand men, well armed. But nothing was
done, for they were too much afraid of the commonalty of London; and the
advisers of the king, the Earl of Salisbury and others, said to him,
“Sir, if you can appease them by fair words, it will be so much the
better, and good-humoredly grant them what they ask: for, should we
begin what we cannot go through, we shall never be able to recover it:
it will be all over with us and our heirs, and England will be a
desert.” This counsel was followed, and the mayor ordered to make no
movement. He obeyed, as in reason he ought. In the city of London, with
the mayor, there are twelve sheriffs, of whom nine were for the king and
three for these wicked people, as it was afterwards discovered, and for
which they then paid dearly.
On Friday morning those lodged in the square before St. Catherine’s,
near the Tower, began to make themselves ready; they shouted much, and
said, that, if the king would not come out to them, they would attack
the Tower, storm it, and slay all in it. The king was alarmed at these
menaces, and resolved to speak with them: he therefore sent orders for
them to retire to a handsome meadow at Mile-end, where, in the summer,
people go to amuse themselves, and that there the king would grant them
their demands. Proclamation was made in the king’s name for all those
who wished to speak with him to go to the above-mentioned place, where
he would not fail to meet them.
The commonalty of the different villages began to march thither; but all
did not go, nor had they the same objects in view, for the greater part
only wished for the riches and destruction of the nobles, and the
plunder of London. This was the principal cause of their rebellion, as
they very clearly showed; for when the gates of the Tower were thrown
open, and the king, attended by his two brothers, the Earls of
Salisbury, of Warwick, of Suffolk, Sir Robert de Namur, the Lords de
Vertain and de Gommegines, with several others, had passed through them,
Wat Tyler, Jack Straw, and John Ball, with upward of four hundred,
rushed in by force, and, running from chamber to chamber, found the
Archbishop of Canterbury, whose name was Simon, a valiant and wise man,
and chancellor of England, who had but just celebrated mass before the
king: he was seized by these rascals, and beheaded. The Prior of St.
John’s suffered the same fate; and likewise a Franciscan friar, a doctor
of physic, who was attached to the Duke of Lancaster, out of spite to
his master; and also a sergeant at arms of the name of John Laige. They
fixed these four heads on long pikes, and had them carried before them
through the streets of London: when they had sufficiently played with
them, they placed them on London Bridge, as if they had been traitors to
their king and country.
These scoundrels entered the apartment of the princess, and cut her bed;
which so much terrified her, that she fainted, and in this condition
was by her servants and ladies carried to the river-side, when she was
put into a covered boat, and conveyed to the house called the Wardrobe,
where she continued that day and night like to a woman half dead, until
she was comforted by the king her son, as you shall presently hear.
CHAPTER V.
THE NOBLES OF ENGLAND ARE IN GREAT DANGER OF BEING DESTROYED--THREE
OF THE PRINCIPAL LEADERS OF THE REBELS ARE PUNISHED, AND THE REST
SENT BACK TO THEIR HOMES.
When the king was on his way to the place called Mile-end, without
London, his two brothers, the Earl of Kent, and Sir John Holland, stole
off and galloped from his company, as did also the Lord de Gommegines,
not daring to show themselves to the populace at Mile-end for fear of
their lives.
On the king’s arrival, attended by the barons, he found upward of sixty
thousand men assembled from different villages and counties of England:
he instantly advanced into the midst of them, saying in a pleasant
manner, “My good people, I am your king and your lord: what is it you
want? and what do you wish to say to me?” Those who heard him answered,
“We wish thou wouldst make us free forever, us, our heirs and our lands,
and that we should no longer be called slaves, nor held in bondage.” The
king replied, “I grant your wish: now, therefore, return to your homes
and the places whence you came, leaving two or three men from each
village, to whom I will order letters to be given sealed with my seal,
which they shall carry back with every demand you have made fully
granted; and, in order that you may be the more satisfied, I will direct
that my banners shall be sent to every stewardship, castlewick, and
corporation.” These words greatly pleased the novices and well-meaning
ones who were there, and knew not what they wanted, saying, “It is well
said: we do not wish for more.” The people were thus quieted, and began
to return toward London.
The king added a few words which pleased them much: “You, my good people
of Kent, shall have one of my banners; and you also of Essex, Sussex,
Bedford, Suffolk, Cambridge, Stafford, and Lincoln, shall each of you
have one; and I pardon you all for what you have hitherto done; but you
must follow my banners, and now return home on the terms I have
mentioned.” They unanimously replied they would. Thus did this great
assembly break up, and set out for London. The king instantly employed
upward of thirty secretaries, who drew up the letters as fast as they
could; and, having sealed and delivered them to these people, they
departed, and returned to their own counties.
The principal mischief remained behind: I mean Wat Tyler, Jack Straw,
and John Ball, who declared that though the people were satisfied, they
would not thus depart; and they had more than thirty thousand who were
of their mind. They continued in the city, without any wish to have
their letters, or the king’s seal; but did all they could to throw the
town into such confusion that the lords and rich citizens might be
murdered, and their houses pillaged and destroyed. The Londoners
suspected this, and kept themselves at home, with their friends and
servants, well armed and prepared, every one according to his
abilities.
When the people had been appeased at Mile-end Green, and were setting
off for their different towns as speedily as they could receive the
king’s letters, King Richard went to the Wardrobe, where the princess
was in the greatest fear. He comforted her, as he was very able to do,
and passed there the night.
I must relate an adventure which happened to these clowns near Norwich,
and to their leader, called William Lister, who was from the county of
Stafford. On the same day these wicked people burnt the palace of the
Savoy, the church and house of St. John, the hospital of the Templars,
pulled down the prison of Newgate, and set at liberty all the prisoners.
There were collected numerous bodies from Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and
Suffolk, who proceeded on their march toward London, according to the
orders they had received, under the direction of Lister.
In their road they stopped near Norwich, and forced every one to join
them, so that none of the commonalty remained behind. The reason why
they stopped near Norwich was, that the governor of the town was a
knight called Sir Robert Salle: he was not by birth a gentleman, but,
having acquired great renown for his ability and courage, King Edward
had created him a knight. He was the handsomest and strongest man in
England. Lister and his companions took it into their heads they would
make this knight their commander, and carry him with them, in order to
be the more feared. They sent orders to him to come out into the fields
to speak with them, or they would attack and burn the city. The knight,
considering it was much better for him to go to them than that they
should commit such outrages, mounted his horse, and went out of the town
alone to hear what they had to say. When they perceived him coming, they
showed him every mark of respect, and courteously entreated him to
dismount and talk with them. He did dismount, and committed a great
folly; for when he had so done, having surrounded him, they at first
conversed in a friendly way, saying, “Robert, you are a knight, and a
man of great weight in this country renowned for your valor; yet,
notwithstanding all this, we know who you are: you are not a gentleman,
but the son of a poor mason, just such as ourselves. Do you come with
us, as our commander, and we will make so great a lord of you that
one-quarter of England shall be under your command.”
The knight, on hearing them thus speak, was exceedingly angry; he would
never have consented to such a proposal; and, eying them with inflamed
looks, answered, “Begone, wicked scoundrels and false traitors as you
are! Would you have me desert my natural lord for such a company of
knaves as you? would you have me dishonor myself? I would much rather
you were all hanged, for that must be your end.” On saying this, he
attempted to mount his horse; but, his foot slipping from the stirrup,
his horse took fright. They then shouted out, and cried, “Put him to
death!” When he heard this he let his horse go; and, drawing a handsome
Bordeaux sword, he began to skirmish, and soon cleared the crowd from
about him, that it was a pleasure to see. Some attempted to close with
him; but with each stroke he gave he cut off heads, arms, feet, or legs.
There were none so bold but were afraid; and Sir Robert performed that
day marvellous feats of arms. These wretches were upward of forty
thousand; they shot and flung at him such things, that, had he been
clothed in steel instead of being unarmed, he must have been
overpowered: however, he killed twelve of them, besides many whom he
wounded. At last he was overthrown, when they cut off his legs and
arms, and rent his body in piecemeal. Thus ended Sir Robert Salle, which
was a great pity; and, when the knights and squires in England heard of
it, they were much enraged.
On the Saturday morning the king left the Wardrobe, and went to
Westminster, where he and all the lords heard mass in the abbey. In this
church there is a statue of Our Lady in a small chapel, that has many
virtues, and performs great miracles, in which the kings of England have
much faith. The king, having paid his devotions and made his offerings
to this shrine, mounted his horse about nine o’clock, as did the barons
who were with him. They rode along the causeway to return to London; but
when they had gone a little way he turned to a road on the left to go
from London.
This day all the rabble were again assembled, under the conduct of Wat
Tyler, Jack Straw, and John Ball, to parley at a place called
Smithfield, where, every Friday, the horse-market is kept. They amounted
to upward of twenty thousand, all of the same sort. Many more were in
the city, breakfasting, and drinking Rhenish, Malmsey, and Madeira
wines, in taverns and at the houses of the Lombards, without paying for
any thing; and happy was he who could give them good cheer. Those who
were collected in Smithfield had king’s banners, which had been given to
them the preceding evening; and these reprobates wanted to pillage the
city the same day, their leaders saying that hitherto they had done
nothing. “The pardons which the king has granted will not be of much use
to us; but, if we be of the same mind, we shall pillage this large,
rich, and powerful town of London, before those from Essex, Suffolk,
Cambridge, Bedford, Warwick, Reading, Lancashire, Arundel, Guilford,
Coventry, Lynne, Lincoln, York, and Durham shall arrive; for they are
on the road, and we know for certain that Vaquier and Lister will
conduct them hither. If we now plunder the city of the wealth that is in
it, we shall have been beforehand, and shall not repent of so doing;
but, if we wait for their arrival, they will wrest it from us.” To this
opinion all had agreed, when the king appeared in sight, attended by
sixty horse. He was not thinking of them, but intended to have continued
his ride without coming into London: however, when he came before the
Abbey of St. Bartholomew, which is in Smithfield, and saw the crowd of
people, he stopped, and said he would not proceed until he knew what
they wanted; and, if they were troubled, he would appease them.
The lords who accompanied him stopped also, as was but right since the
king had stopped; when Wat Tyler, seeing the king, said to his men,
“Here is the king; I will go and speak with him: do not you stir from
hence until I give you a signal.” He made a motion with his hand, and
added, “When you shall see me make this sign, then step forward, and
kill every one except the king; but hurt him not, for he is young, and
we can do what we please with him; for by carrying him with us through
England we shall be lords of it without any opposition.” There was a
doublet-maker of London called John Ticle, who had brought sixty
doublets, with which some of the clowns had dressed themselves; and on
his asking who was to pay, for he must have for them thirty good marks,
Tyler replied, “Make thyself easy, man; thou shalt be well paid this
day. Look to me for it: thou hast sufficient security for them.” On
saying this he spurred the horse on which he rode, and, leaving his men,
galloped up to the king, and came so near that his horse’s head touched
the crupper of that of the king. The first words he said when he
addressed the king were, “King, dost thou see all those men
there?”--“Yes,” replied the king: “why dost thou ask?”--“Because they
are all under my command, and have sworn by their faith and loyalty to
do whatever I shall order.”--“Very well,” said the king: “I have no
objections to it.” Tyler, who was only desirous of a riot, answered,
“And thinkest thou, king, that those people and as many more who are in
the city, also under my command, ought to depart without having had thy
letters? Oh, no! we will carry them with us.”--“Why!” replied the king,
“so it has been ordered, and they will be delivered out one after the
other; but, friend, return to thy companions, and tell them to depart
from London. Be peaceable and careful of yourselves; for it is our
determination that you shall all of you have your letters by villages
and towns, as it had been agreed on.”
As the king finished speaking, Wat Tyler, casting his eyes around him,
spied a squire attached to the king’s person, bearing his sword. Tyler
mortally hated this squire: formerly they had had words together when
the squire ill-treated him. “What! art thou here?” cried Tyler. “Give me
thy dagger.”--“I will not,” said the squire: “why should I give it
thee?” The king, turning to him, said, “Give it him, give it him;” which
he did, though much against his will. When Tyler took it he began to
play with it, and turn it about in his hand, and, again addressing the
squire, said, “Give me that sword.”--“I will not,” replied the squire;
“for it is the king’s sword, and thou art not worthy to bear it who art
but a mechanic; and if only thou and I were together thou wouldst not
have dared to say what thou hast, for as large a heap of gold as this
church.”--“By my troth,” answered Tyler, “I will not eat this day
before I have thy head.” At these words the mayor of London, with about
twelve more, rode forward, armed under their robes, and, pushing through
the crowd, saw Tyler’s manner of behaving; upon which he said,
“Scoundrel, how dare you thus behave in the presence of the king, and
utter such words? It is too impudent for such as thou.” The king then
began to be enraged, and said to the mayor, “Lay hands on him.”
While the king was giving this order, Tyler had addressed the mayor,
saying, “Hey! in God’s name, what I have said, does it concern thee?
What dost thou mean?”--“Truly,” replied the mayor, who found himself
supported by the king, “does it become such a stinking rascal as thou
art to use such speech in the presence of the king, thy natural lord? I
will not live a day if thou pay not for it.” Upon this he drew a kind of
cimeter he wore, and struck Tyler such a blow on the head as felled him
to his horse’s feet. When he was down he was surrounded on all sides, so
that his men could not see him; and one of the king’s squires, called
John Standwich, immediately leaped from his horse, and, drawing a
handsome sword which he bore, thrust it into his belly, and thus killed
him.
His men, advancing, saw their leader dead, when they cried out, “They
have killed our captain: let us march to them, and slay the whole.” On
these words they drew up in a sort of battle-array, each man having his
bent bow before him. The king certainly hazarded much by this action,
but it turned out fortunate; for, when Tyler was on the ground, he left
his attendants, ordering not one to follow him. He rode up to these
rebellious fellows, who were advancing to revenge their leader’s death,
and said to them, “Gentlemen, what are you about? You shall have no
other captain but me: I am your king; remain peaceable.” When the
greater part of them heard these words, they were quite ashamed, and
those inclined to peace began to slip away. The riotous ones kept their
ground, and showed symptoms of mischief, and as if they were resolved to
do something.
The king returned to his lords, and asked them what should next be done.
He was advised to make for the fields; for the mayor said that “to
retreat or fly would be of no avail. It is proper we should act thus,
for I reckon that we shall very soon receive assistance from
London,--that is, from our good friends who are prepared and armed, with
all their servants in their houses.” While things remained in this
state, several ran to London, and cried out, “They are killing the king!
They are killing the king and our mayor!” Upon this alarm every man of
the king’s party sallied out toward Smithfield and to the fields whither
the king had retreated; and there were instantly collected from seven to
eight thousand men in arms.
Among the first came Sir Robert Knolles and Sir Perducas d’Albreth well
attended; and several of the aldermen with upward of six hundred men at
arms, and a powerful man of the city called Nicholas Bramber, the king’s
draper, bringing with him a large force, who, as they came up, ranged
themselves in order on foot on each side of him. The rebels were drawn
up opposite them: they had the king’s banners, and showed as if they
intended to maintain their ground by offering combat. The king created
three knights: Sir William Walworth, mayor of London, Sir John
Standwich, and Sir Nicholas Bramber. The lords began to converse among
themselves, saying, “What shall we do? We see our enemies, who would
willingly have murdered us if they had gained the upper hand.” Sir
Robert Knowles advised immediately to fall on them and slay them; but
the king would not consent, saying, “I will not have you act thus: you
shall go and demand from them my banners. We shall see how they will
behave when you make this demand, for I will have them by fair or foul
means.”--“It is a good thought,” replied the Earl of Salisbury.
The new knights were therefore sent, who, on approaching, made signs for
them not to shoot, as they wished to speak with them. When they had come
near enough to be heard, they said, “Now attend: the king orders you to
send back his banners, and we hope he will have mercy on you.” The
banners were directly given up, and brought to the king. It was then
ordered, under pain of death, that all those who had obtained the king’s
letters should deliver them up. Some did so, but not all. The king, on
receiving them, had them torn in their presence. You must know that from
the instant when the king’s banners were surrendered these fellows kept
no order; but the greater part, throwing their bows to the ground, took
to their heels, and returned to London.
Sir Robert Knolles was in a violent rage that they were not attacked,
and the whole of them slain; but the king would not consent to it,
saying he would have ample revenge on them,--which in truth he
afterwards had.
Thus did these people disperse and run away on all sides. The king, the
lords, and the army returned in good array to London, to their great
joy. The king immediately took the road to the Wardrobe to visit the
princess his mother, who had remained there two days and two nights
under the greatest fears, as indeed she had cause. On seeing the king
her son, she was mightily rejoiced, and said, “Ha, ha, fair son! what
pain and anguish have I not suffered for you this day!”--“Certainly,
madam,” replied the king: “I am well assured of that; but now rejoice
and thank God, for it behooves us to praise him, as I have this day
regained my inheritance and the kingdom of England which I had lost.”
The king remained the whole day with his mother. The lords retired to
their own houses. A proclamation was made through all the streets, that
every person who was not an inhabitant of London, and who had not
resided there for a whole year, should instantly depart; for that, if
there were any found of contrary description on Sunday morning at
sunrise, they would be arrested as traitors to the king, and have their
heads cut off. After this proclamation had been heard, no one dared to
infringe it, but all departed instantly to their former homes quite
discomfited. John Ball and Jack Straw were found hidden in an old ruin,
thinking to steal away; but this they could not do, for they were
betrayed by their own men. The king and the lords were well pleased with
their seizure: their heads were cut off, as was that of Tyler, and fixed
on London Bridge in the place of those gallant men whom they beheaded on
the Thursday. The news of this was sent through the neighboring
counties, that those might hear of it who were on their way to London,
according to the orders these rebels had sent them; upon which they
instantly returned to their homes without daring to advance farther.
CHAUCER’S BALLADE SENT TO KING RICHARD.
Somtyme the worlde was so stedfast and stable,
man’s held
That mannes worde was holde obligacioun;
it false deceiving
And now hyt is so fals and disceyvable
deed (as concluding or binding a man)
That worde and dede, as in conclusyoun,
Is like nothing upside-down
Ys lyke noothyng; for turned up-so-doun
all meed (gain)
Is alle this worlde, for mede and wilfulnesse,
lack
That alle is loste for lakke of stedfastnesse.
What maketh this worlde to be so variable
(desire, that folk have, to be in dissension)
But luste, that folke hav in dissensioun?
among now held unfit
For amonges us nowe a man is holde unhable,
if (unless) can some collusion
But yf he kan, by somme collusyoun,
neighbor
Do his neghbor wronge or oppressioun.
wretchedness
What causeth this but wilfulle wrecchednesse,
all is lack
That alle ys loste for lakke of stedfastnesse?
Truth reason
Trouthe is put doun, resoun is holden fable;
Virtue hath no
Vertu hathe now noo dominacioun;
Pity is merciful
Pitee exiled, noo man ys merciable;
Through covetousness blinded
Thurgh covytyse is blente discrecioun;
The worlde hath made permutacioun
From right from truth fickleness
Fro ryht to wrong, fro trouthe to fikelenesse,
That alle ys lost for lakke of stedfastnesse.
LENVOYE.
O Prince desire to be honourable;
Cherish
Cherysshe thy folke, and hate extorsioun;
Suffer
Suffre nothing that may be reprovable
estate done
To thyn estaate, doon in thy regioun;
sword
Shew forth the swerde of castigacioun;
Dread (fear) truth
Drede God, do law, love trouthe and worthinesse,
wed folk again
And wedde thy folke ayeyne to stedfastnesse.
CHAPTER VI.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS AGAIN LAYS SIEGE TO GHENT.
While the affairs you have heard were passing in England, there was no
intermission in the wars which the Earl of Flanders was carrying on
against Ghent, and which those citizens waged against him. You know that
Philip von Artaveld was chosen commander in Ghent, through the
recommendation of Peter du Bois, who advised him, when in office, to
become cruel and wicked to be the more feared. Philip did not forget
this doctrine, for he had not long been governor of Ghent before he had
twelve persons beheaded in his presence: some said they were those who
had been principally concerned in the murder of his father, and thus he
revenged himself on them.
Philip von Artaveld began his reign with great power, and made himself
beloved and feared by many, more especially by those who followed the
profession of arms: for, to gain their favor, he refused them nothing;
every thing was abandoned to them. I may be asked how the Ghent men
were able to carry on this war; and I will answer to the best of my
ability, according to the information I received. They were firmly
united among themselves, and maintained the poor, each according to his
means: thus, by being so firmly united, they were of great force.
Besides, Ghent, taken all together, is one of the strongest towns in the
world, provided Brabant, Zealand, and Holland be not against it; but, in
case these countries were leagued with Flanders, they would be shut up,
surrounded, and starved.
This whole winter of 1382, the Earl and country of Flanders had so much
constrained Ghent, that nothing could enter the place by land or water:
he had persuaded the Duke Brabant and Duke Albert to shut up their
countries so effectually, that no provisions could be exported thence
but secretly and with a great risk to those who attempted it. It was
thought by the most intelligent, that it could not be long before they
perished through famine, for all the storehouses of corn were empty, and
the people could not obtain bread for money: when the bakers had baked
any, it was necessary to guard their shops, for the populace who were
starving would have broken them open. It was melancholy to hear these
poor people (for men, women, and children of good substance were in this
miserable plight) make their daily complaints and cries to Philip von
Artaveld, their commander-in-chief. He took great compassion on them,
and made several very good regulations, for which he was much praised.
He ordered the granaries of the monasteries and rich men to be opened,
and divided the corn among the poor at a fixed price. By such means he
gave comfort to the town of Ghent, and governed it well. Sometimes there
came to them in casks flour and baked bread from Holland and Zealand,
which were of great assistance; for, had they not been thus succored by
those countries, they would have been much sooner defeated.
The Earl of Flanders determined to lay siege to Ghent once more, but
with a much superior army to what he had hitherto brought against it;
for he declared he would invade the Quatre Metiers, and burn and destroy
them, as they had been too active in assisting Ghent. The earl therefore
signified his intentions to all the principal towns in Flanders, that
they might be ready in time. Immediately after the procession at Bruges,
he was to march from hence, to lay siege to Ghent and destroy it. He
wrote also to those knights and squires who were dependent on him in
Hainault, to meet him at Bruges at the appointed day, or even eight days
before.
CHAPTER VII.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS SENDS A HARSH ANSWER TO THOSE WHO WISHED TO MEDIATE
A PEACE BETWEEN HIM AND GHENT.
Notwithstanding all these summons, levies, and orders, which the Earl of
Flanders was issuing, the Duchess of Brabant, Duke Albert, and the
Bishop of Liege exerted themselves so much, that a meeting of their
councils, to consider of the means of establishing a peace, was ordered
to be held in the city of Tournay. The Earl of Flanders, at the request
of these lords and the Duchess of Brabant, although he intended to act
contrary, gave his terms of accommodation; and these conferences were
fixed for the end of Easter, at Tournay, in the year 1382.
Twelve deputies came from the bishopric of Liege and the chief towns,
with Sir Lambert de Perney, a very discreet knight. The Duchess of
Brabant sent her council thither, and some of the principal inhabitants
from the great towns. Duke Albert met likewise his council from
Hainault, his bailiff, Sir Simon de Lalain, with others. All these came
to Tournay in Easter-week; and Ghent sent also twelve deputies, of whom
Philip von Artaveld was the head. The inhabitants of Ghent had resolved
to accede to whatever terms their deputies should agree on, with the
exception that no one was to be put to death; but that, if it pleased
the earl their lord, he might banish from Ghent, and the country of
Flanders, all those who were disagreeable to him, and whom he might wish
to punish, without any possibility of their return. This resolution they
had determined to abide by; and Philip von Artaveld was willing, if he
should have angered the earl ever so little during the time he was
governor of Ghent, to be one of the banished men for life, out of the
regard he had for the lower ranks of people. Certain it is, that, when
he set out from Ghent for Tournay, men, women, and children cast
themselves before him on their knees, and with uplifted hands besought
him, that, at whatever cost it might be, he would bring them back peace;
and, from the pity he felt for them, he had agreed to act as I have just
related.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CITIZENS OF GHENT, AFTER HAVING HEARD FROM PHILIP VON ARTAVELD
THE TERMS OF PEACE WHICH HE HAD BROUGHT FROM THE CONFERENCES AT
TOURNAY, MARCH OUT, TO THE NUMBER OF FIVE THOUSAND, TO ATTACK THE
EARL OF FLANDERS IN BRUGES.
When Philip von Artaveld and his companions returned to Ghent, great
crowds of the common people, who only wished for peace, were much
rejoiced on his arrival, and hoped to hear from him good news. They went
out to meet him, saying, “Ah, dear Philip von Artaveld, make us happy:
tell us what you have done, and how you have succeeded.” Philip made no
answer to these questions, but rode on, holding down his head: the more
silent he was, the more they followed him, and were the more clamorous.
Once or twice, as he was advancing to his house, he said, “Get you to
your homes, and may God preserve you from harm! To-morrow morning be in
the market-place by nine o’clock, and there you shall hear every thing.”
As they could not obtain any other answer, the people were exceedingly
alarmed.
You may easily imagine, when the day so eagerly expected was come, in
which Philip was to report what had passed in the conferences at
Tournay, that all the inhabitants of Ghent were early in the
market-place. It was on a Wednesday morning, and the time of meeting
nine o’clock. Philip von Artaveld, Peter du Bois, Peter le Nuitre,
Francis Atremen, and the other chiefs came there; and, having entered
the town-hall, they ascended the staircase, when Philip, showing himself
from the windows, thus spoke: “My good friends, the Lord de Raseflez,
the Lord de Gontris, Sir John Villames, and the provost of Harlebecque,
came to Tournay, where they very graciously informed us of the will of
the earl, and the only means of putting an end to this war. They
declared his final terms for peace between him and the inhabitants of
Ghent were, that every male inhabitant, excepting priests and monks,
from the age of sixteen to that of sixty, should march out of the town
in their shirts, with bare heads and feet, and halters about their
necks, and should thus go two leagues or more to the plains of
Burlesquans, where they would meet the Earl of Flanders, attended by
such whom he may choose to bring with him; and that, when he should see
us in this situation, with joined hands, crying out for mercy, he would,
if he pleased, take compassion on us. But I could not learn from his
council, that there was the least plea of justice to put to death such
numbers of people as would be there that day. Now consider if you will
have peace on these terms.”
When Philip had done speaking, it was a melancholy sight to behold men,
women, and children, bewailing, with tears, their husbands, fathers,
brothers, and neighbors.
Those who were near him, and had most distinctly heard what he had said,
replied, “Ah, dear lord, we put our whole confidence in you: what would
you advise us? for we will do whatever you think will be most for our
advantage.”--“By my faith, then,” said Philip, “I would advise that we
all march in arms against my lord. We shall find him at Bruges; and,
when he hears of our coming, he will sally forth, and fight with us; for
the pride of those in Bruges and about his person, who excite him day
and night against us, will urge him to the combat. If God shall, through
his mercy, grant that we gain the field, and defeat our enemies, our
affairs will be instantly retrieved, and we shall be the most respected
people in the universe. If we be defeated, we shall die honorably, and
God will have pity on us; and thus the remainder of the inhabitants of
Ghent will escape and be pardoned by the earl our lord.”
At these words they all shouted out, “We will follow this plan, and no
other!” Philip then said, “My good gentlemen, since you are thus
resolved, return home, and get ready your arms; for in the course of
to-morrow I am determined to march for Bruges: the remaining longer here
will not be to our advantage. Within five days we shall know if we be to
die, or to live with honor. I will order the constables of the different
parishes to go from house to house, and choose the best armed and those
most fit for the service.”
Immediately after the meeting broke up, and every one returned home to
make ready, each according to his abilities. They kept the gates of the
town so closely shut that no person whatever was suffered to come in or
go out before Thursday afternoon, when those who were to march on the
expedition were prepared,--in all about five thousand men, and not more.
They loaded about two hundred carts with cannon and artillery, and only
seven with provisions; that is, five with bread and two with wine, for
there were but two tuns of wine in the town. You may judge from this to
what straits they had been reduced.
It was a miserable spectacle to see those who went and those who
remained. These last said to them, “Good friends, you see what you leave
behind; but never think of returning unless you can do so with honor,
for you will not find any thing here. The moment we hear of your defeat
or death, we will set fire to the town, and perish in the flames, like
men in despair.” Those who were marching out replied, by way of
comforting them, “What you say is very just. Pray God for us; for we
place our hopes in him, and trust he will assist you, as well as us,
before our return.”
Thus did these five thousand men of Ghent march off with their slender
stores, and encamped about a league from Ghent, but touched not their
provision, taking up with what they could find in the country. On Friday
they marched the whole day, and then meddled not with their stores; but
their scouts picked up some few things in the country, with which they
made shift, and fixed their quarters that evening a long league from
Bruges. They halted there, considering it a proper place to wait for
their enemies, for there were in front two extensive marshes, which were
a good defence on one side; and they fortified themselves on the others
with the carriages, and thus passed the night.
CHAPTER IX.
THE ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE GHENT MEN.--THEY DEFEAT THE EARL OF
FLANDERS AND THE MEN OF BRUGES.--THE MEANS BY WHICH THIS WAS
BROUGHT ABOUT.
The Saturday was a fine bright day; and, being the feast of the Holy
Cross, the inhabitants of Bruges, according to custom, made their usual
processions. News was soon brought to Bruges, that the Ghent army was
near at hand; so that every one began to murmur until the earl heard it,
as well as those about his person. He was much surprised, and said, “See
how the wickedness of these mad and foolish people of Ghent leads them
to their destruction: indeed, it is time this war should be put an end
to.” His knights and others instantly waited on him, whom he very
graciously received, and said, “We will go and fight these wicked
people: however, they show courage in preferring death by the sword
rather than famine.” They determined to send out three men at arms to
examine the force and situation of the enemy. The Marshal of Flanders
ordered three valiant squires on this service, whose names were Lambert
de Lambres, Damas de Buffy, and John de Béart: they set out, mounted on
the finest horses in the town, and advanced toward the Ghent army. While
this was going forward, every person in Bruges made himself ready, and
showed the most eager desire to sally forth and combat the men of Ghent;
of whom I will now say a word, and of the manner in which they had drawn
themselves up.
On the Saturday morning, Philip von Artaveld ordered his whole army to
pay their devotions to God, and masses to be said in different places
(for there were with them several monks), that every man should confess
himself and make other becoming preparations, and that they should pray
to God with that truth, as people looking to him alone for mercy. All
this was done, and mass celebrated in seven different places. After each
mass was a sermon, which lasted an hour and a half. The monks and
priests endeavored, by their discourses, to show the great similitude
between them and the people of Israel, whom Pharaoh, king of Egypt,
detained so long in slavery; and who, through God’s grace, were
delivered, and conducted by Moses and Aaron into the land of promise,
while Pharaoh and the Egyptians were drowned. “In like manner, my good
people,” preached the monks, “have you been kept in bondage by your
lord, the Earl of Flanders, and by your neighbors of Bruges, whom you
are now to meet, and by whom you will, without doubt, be combated, for
your enemies are in great numbers, and have little fear of your force.
But do not you mind this; for God, who can do all things, and is
acquainted with your situation, will have mercy on you: therefore, think
of nothing but what you have left behind, for you well know that every
thing is lost if you be defeated. Sell yourselves well and valiantly;
and, if you must die, die with honor. Do not be alarmed if great numbers
issue forth from Bruges against you; for victory is not to the
multitude, but whither God shall please to send it, and by his grace it
has been often seen, as well by the Maccabees as the Romans, that those
who fought manfully, and confided in God, discomfited the greater
number. Besides, you have justice and reason on your side in this
quarrel, which ought to make you feel yourselves bold and better
comforted.” In such words as these the priests had been ordered to
preach to the army, and with these discourses they were well pleased.
Three parts of them communicated, and all showed great devotion and much
fear in God.
After the sermons the whole army assembled round a small hill, on which
Philip von Artaveld placed himself in order to be the better heard, and
harangued them very ably, explaining to them every point in which they
were justified in this war; and how Ghent had frequently sought pardon
from the earl, and never could obtain it without submitting to
conditions too hard for the town and its inhabitants; that now they had
advanced so far, they could not retreat; and that, if they would
consider, they would see nothing could be gained, were they to return,
for all they had left behind were in sorrow and misery. They ought not,
therefore, to think of Ghent, their wives and children who were in it,
but to act in such manner as was becoming their honor. Philip von
Artaveld addressed many more fine speeches to them, for he was very
eloquent, and had words at command, which was fortunate for him; and
toward the end he added, “My good friends, you see here all your
provision: divide it among you fairly, like brethren, without any
disturbance; for, when it is gone, you must conquer more if you wish to
live.”
At these words they drew up very regularly, and unloaded the carts, when
the bags of bread were given out to be divided by constable-wicks, and
the two tuns of wine placed on their bottoms; and there they moderately
breakfasted, each man having a sufficiency at that time,--after which
breakfast they found themselves more determined, and active on their
feet, than if they had eaten more. This repast being over, they put
themselves in order, and retired within their ribaudeaus. These
ribaudeaus are tall stakes, with points shod with iron, which they were
always accustomed to carry with them. They fixed them in front of their
army, and enclosed themselves within.
The three knights who had been sent by the earl to reconnoitre found
them in this situation. They approached the entrances of these
ribaudeaus; but the Ghent men never moved, and rather seemed rejoiced to
see them. They returned to Bruges, where they found the earl in his
palace, surrounded by many knights, waiting for them, to hear what
intelligence they had brought back. They pushed through the crowd, and
came near the earl, when they spoke aloud, for the earl wished all
present to hear, and said they had advanced so close to the Ghent army,
that they might have shot at them if they had so chosen, but they left
them in peace; and that they had seen their banners, and the army
enclosed within their ribaudeaus. “And what are their numbers, think
ye?” said the earl. They answered, that, as near as they could guess,
they might be from five to six thousand. “Well,” said the earl, “now let
every one instantly get ready; for I will give them battle, and this day
shall not pass without a combat.” At these words the trumpet sounded in
Bruges, when every one armed himself, and made for the market-place. As
they came, they drew up under their proper banners, as they had usually
done, in bands and constable-wicks.
Many barons, knights, and men at arms drew up before the palace of the
earl. When all was ready, and the earl armed, he came to the
market-place, and was much pleased to see such numbers in battle-array.
They then marched off (for none dared disobey his commands), and in
order of battle made for the plain. The men at arms afterwards issued
forth from Bruges. It was a handsome sight, for there were upward of
forty thousand armed heads; and thus horse and foot advanced in proper
order, near to the place where the Ghent men were, and then halted. It
was late in the afternoon when the earl and his army arrived, and the
sun going down. One of the knights said to the earl, “My lord, you now
see your enemies: they are but a handful of men in comparison with your
army, and as they cannot escape, do not engage them this day, but wait
for to-morrow, when you will have the day before you: you will, besides,
have more light to see what you are about; and they will be weaker, for
they have not any thing to eat.”
The earl approved much this advice, and would willingly have followed
it; but the men of Bruges, impatient to begin the fight, would not wait,
saying they would soon defeat them and return back to their town.
Notwithstanding the orders of the men at arms (for the earl had not less
than eight hundred lances, knights, and squires), the Bruges men began
to shoot and to fire cannons.
The Ghent men, being collected in a body on an eminence, fired at once
three hundred cannon; after which they turned the marsh, and placed the
Bruges men with the sun in their eyes, which much distressed them, and
then fell upon them, shouting out, “Ghent!” The moment the men of Bruges
heard the cannon and the cry of Ghent, and saw them marching to attack
them in front, they, like cowards, opened their ranks, and, letting the
Ghent men pass without making any defence, flung down their staves, and
ran away. The Ghent men were in close order, and, perceiving their
enemies were defeated, began to knock down and kill on all sides. They
advanced with a quick step, shouting, “Ghent!” and saying, “Let us
pursue briskly our enemies, who are defeated, and enter the town with
them: God eyes us this day with looks of pity.”
They followed those of Bruges with so much courage, that, whenever they
knocked down or killed any one, they marched on without halting or
quitting the pursuit, while the men of Bruges fled with the haste of a
defeated army. I must say that at this place there were multitudes of
slain, wounded, and thrown down, for they made no defence; and never
were such cowardly wretches as those of Bruges, or who more weakly or
recreantly behaved themselves, after their insolence when they first
took the field. Some may wish to excuse them by supposing there might
have been treason, which caused this defeat. This was not so; but such
poor and weak conduct fell on their own heads.
CHAPTER X.
BRUGES IS TAKEN BY THE GHENT ARMY.--THE EARL OF FLANDERS SAVES HIMSELF
IN THE HOUSE OF A POOR WOMAN.
When the Earl of Flanders and the men at arms saw that by the miserable
defence of the men of Bruges they had caused their own defeat, and that
there was not any remedy for it, for every man was running away as fast
as he could, they were much surprised, and began to be alarmed for
themselves, and to make off in different directions. It is true, that,
had they seen any probability of recovering the loss which the Bruges
men were suffering, they would have done some deeds of arms by which
they might have rallied them a little; but they saw it was hopeless, for
they were flying to Bruges in all directions, and neither the son waited
for the father, nor the father for his child.
The men at arms therefore began to break their ranks. Few had any desire
to return to Bruges, for the crowd was so great on the road thither,
that it was painful to see and hear the complaints of the wounded and
hurt. The men of Ghent were close at their heels, shouting out, “Ghent,
Ghent!” knocking down all that obstructed them. The greater part of the
men at arms had never before been in such peril: even the earl was
advised to make for Bruges, and to have the gates closed and guarded, so
that the Ghent men should not be able to force them, and become masters
of the town. The Earl of Flanders saw no help for his men, who were
flying on all sides; and, as it was now dark night, followed this
advice, and took the road to Bruges, his banner displayed before him.
He entered the gates one of the first, with about forty others, for no
more had followed him. He ordered the guards to defend the gates if the
Ghent men should come hither; and then rode to his palace, from whence
he issued a proclamation that every person, under pain of death, should
assemble in the market-place. The intention of the earl was to save the
town by this means; but it did not succeed, as you shall hear.
While the earl was in his palace, and had sent the clerks of the
different trades from street to street to hasten the inhabitants to the
market-place in order to preserve the city, the men of Ghent, having
closely pursued their enemies, entered the town with them, and instantly
made for the market-place, without turning to the right or left, where
they drew themselves up in array. Sir Robert Mareschaut, one of the
earl’s knights, had been sent to the gates to see they were guarded;
but, while the earl was planning means for defending the town, Sir
Robert found a gate flung off its hinges, and the Ghent men masters of
it. Some of the citizens said to him, “Robert, Robert, return and save
yourself, if you can, for the Ghent men have taken the town.” The knight
returned as speedily as he could to the earl, whom he met coming out of
his palace on horseback, with a number of torches. The knight told him
what he had heard; but notwithstanding this, the earl, anxious to defend
the town, advanced toward the market-place, and as he was entering it
with a number of torches, shouting, “Flanders for the Lyon! Flanders for
the earl!” those near his horse and about his person, seeing the place
full of Ghent men, said, “My lord, return; for if you advance farther
you will be slain, or at the best made prisoner by your enemies, as
they are drawn up in the square and are waiting for you.”
They told him truth; for the Ghent men, seeing the great blaze of
torches in the street, said, “Here comes my lord, here comes the earl:
how he falls into our hands!” Philip von Artaveld had given orders to
his men, that, if the earl should come, every care was to be taken to
preserve him from harm, in order that he might be carried alive and in
good health to Ghent, when they should be able to obtain what peace they
chose. The earl had entered the square, near where the Ghent men were
drawn up, when several people came to him and said, “My lord, do not
come further; for the Ghent men are masters of the market-place and of
the town, and if you advance you will run a risk of being taken. Numbers
of them are now searching for their enemies from street to street; and
many of the men of Bruges have joined them, who conduct them from hotel
to hotel to seek those whom they want. You cannot pass any of the gates
without danger of being killed, for they are in their possession; nor
can you return to your palace, for a large rout of Ghent men have
marched thither.”
When the earl heard this speech, which was heart-breaking as you may
guess, he began to be much alarmed, and to see the peril he was in. He
resolved to follow the advice of not going further, and to save himself
if he could, which was confirmed by his own judgment. He ordered the
torches to be extinguished, and said to those about him, “I see clearly
that affairs are without remedy: I therefore give permission for every
one to depart, and save himself in the best manner he can.” His orders
were obeyed. The torches were put out, and thrown in the streets; and
all who were in company with the earl separated and went away. He
himself went to a by-street, where he was disarmed by his servant, and,
throwing down his clothes, put on his servant’s, saying, “Go about thy
business, and save thyself if thou canst; but be silent if thou fall
into the hands of my enemies, and if they ask any thing about me do not
give them any information.”--“My lord,” replied the valet, “I will
sooner die.”
The Earl of Flanders thus remained alone, and it may be truly said he
was in the greatest danger; for it was over with him if he had at that
hour, by any accident, fallen into the hands of the mob, who were going
up and down the streets, searching every house for the friends of the
earl; and whomsoever they found they carried before Philip von Artaveld
and the other captains in the market-place, when they were instantly put
to death. It was God alone who watched over him, and delivered him from
this peril; for no one had ever before been in such imminent danger, as
I shall presently relate. The earl inwardly bewailed his situation from
street to street at this late hour; for it was a little past midnight,
and he dared not enter any house, lest he should be seized by the mobs
of Ghent and Bruges. Thus, as he was rambling through the streets, he at
last entered the house of a poor woman, a very unfit habitation for such
a lord, as there were neither halls nor apartments, but a small house,
dirty and smoky, and as black as jet: there was only in this place one
poor chamber, over which was a sort of garret that was entered by means
of a ladder of seven steps, where, on a miserable bed, the children of
this woman lay.
The earl entered this house with fear and trembling, and said to the
woman, who was also much frightened, “Woman, save me: I am thy lord, the
Earl of Flanders; but at this moment I must hide myself, for my enemies
are in pursuit of me; and I will handsomely reward thee for the favor
thou showest me.” The poor woman knew him well, for she had frequently
received alms at his door; and had often seen him pass and repass when
he was going to some amusement or hunting. She was ready with her
answers, in which God assisted the earl; for, had she delayed it ever so
little, they would have found him in conversation with her by the
fireside. “My lord, mount this ladder, and get under the bed in which my
children sleep.” This he did, while she employed herself by the
fireside, with another child in a cradle.
The Earl of Flanders mounted the ladder as quickly as he could, and,
getting between the straw and the coverlet, hid himself, and contracted
his body into as little space as possible. He had scarcely done so, when
some of the mob of Ghent entered the house. One of them took a candle,
and mounted the ladder, and, thrusting his head into the place, saw
nothing but the wretched bed in which the children were asleep. He
looked all about him, above and below, and then said to his companions,
“Come, come, let us go: we only lose our time here.”
The Earl of Flanders, hearing all this conversation as he lay hid, you
may easily imagine, was in the greatest fear of his life. In the morning
he could have said he was one of the most powerful princes in
Christendom, and that same night he felt himself one of the smallest.
One may truly say that the fortunes of this world are not stable. It was
fortunate for him to save his life; and this miraculous escape ought to
be to him a remembrance his whole lifetime.
CHAPTER XI.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS QUITS BRUGES, AND RETURNS TO LILLE, WHITHER SOME OF
HIS PEOPLE HAD ALREADY RETREATED.
I was informed, and believe my authority good, that on the Sunday
evening, when it was dark, the Earl of Flanders escaped from Bruges. I
am ignorant how he accomplished it, or if he had any assistance, but
some I believe he must have had. He got out of the town on foot, clad in
a miserable jerkin, and when in the fields was quite joyous, as he might
then say he had escaped from the utmost peril. He wandered about at
first, and came to a thornbush to consider whither he should go; for he
was unacquainted with the roads or country, having never before
travelled on foot. As he lay thus hid under the bush, he heard some one
talk, who by accident was one of his knights, that had married a bastard
daughter of his: his name was Sir Robert Mareschaut. The earl, hearing
him talk as he was passing, said to him, “Robert, art thou there?” The
knight, who well knew his voice, replied, “My lord, you have this day
given me great uneasiness in seeking for you all round Bruges: how were
you able to escape?”--“Come, come, Robert,” said the earl: “this is not
a time to tell one’s adventures: endeavor to get me a horse, for I am
tired with walking, and take the road to Lille, if thou knowest
it.”--“My lord,” answered the knight, “I know it well.” They then
travelled all night and the morrow till early morn, before they could
procure a horse. The first beast they could find was a mare belonging to
a poor man in a village. The earl mounted the mare, without saddle or
bridle, and, travelling all Monday, came, toward evening, to the castle
of Lille, whither a great part of his knights who had escaped from the
battle of Bruges had retired. They had got off as well as they could,
some on foot, others on horseback: but all did not follow this road;
some went by water to Holland and Zealand, where they remained until
they received better news.
CHAPTER XII.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY INSTIGATES HIS NEPHEW KING CHARLES TO MAKE WAR
ON GHENT AND ITS ALLIES, AS WELL IN REVENGE FOR THE BURNT VILLAGES
AS TO ASSIST IN THE RECOVERY OF FLANDERS FOR THE EARL, WHO WAS HIS
VASSAL.
The Duke of Burgundy was not forgetful of the engagements he had entered
into with his lord and father the Earl of Flanders. He set out from
Bapaume attended by Sir Guy de la Trémouille and Sir John de Vienne,
Admiral of France, who were very desirous the earl should be assisted.
These two were the principal persons of his council. They continued
their journey until they arrived at Senlis, where the king was with his
two uncles of Berry and Bourbon. When he found an opportunity, he drew
his brother the Duke of Berry aside, and explained to him how the Ghent
men, in the insolence of their pride, were endeavoring to be masters
everywhere, and to destroy all gentlemen; that they had already burnt
and pillaged part of the kingdom of France, which was much to the
prejudice and dishonor of the realm, and ought not to be patiently
borne.
The king entered the apartments where his uncles were, with a falcon on
his wrist: he was struck with the duke’s last words, and said with much
good-humor, “What were you speaking of, my fair uncles, at this moment,
with so much earnestness? I should like to hear it, if it be proper for
me to know.”--“Yes, my lord,” answered the Duke of Berry; “for what we
were discussing personally concerns you. Your uncle, my brother of
Burgundy, has just been complaining to me of the Flemings. Those
villains of Flanders have driven the earl their lord out of his country,
and all the gentlemen. They are now, to the amount of a hundred thousand
men, besieging Oudenarde, under a captain called Philip von Artaveld, an
Englishman for courage, who has sworn he will never break up the siege
until he has had his will on those of the town, unless you shall force
him to it. This reservation he has made. Now, what do you say to this?
will you assist your cousin of Flanders to regain his inheritance, of
which peasants, in their pride and cruelty, have deprived him?”--“By my
faith, my dear uncles,” replied the king, “I have a very great
inclination so to do, and in God’s name let us march thither. I wish for
nothing more than to try my strength in arms, for never hitherto have I
had armor on. It is necessary, therefore, if I wish to reign with honor
and glory, that I learn the art of war.” The two dukes were well pleased
at hearing the king thus speak out. The Duke of Bourbon now came, having
been sent for by them; and they related to him all you have heard, and
how eager the king was to march to Flanders, with which he was much
pleased.
CHAPTER XIII.
CHARLES THE SIXTH, KING OF FRANCE, FROM A DREAM, CHOOSES A FLYING HART
FOR HIS DEVICE.
It happened that during the residence of the young king Charles at
Senlis, as he was sleeping in his bed a vision appeared to him. He
thought he was in the city of Arras, where until then he had never been,
attended by all the flower of knighthood of his kingdom; that the Earl
of Flanders came there to him, and placed on his wrist a most beautiful
and elegant pilgrim-falcon, saying, “My lord, in God’s name I give this
falcon to you for the best that was ever seen, the most indefatigable
hunter, and the most excellent striker of birds.” The king was much
pleased with the present, and said, “Fair cousin, I give you my thanks.”
He then thought he turned to the Constable of France, who was near him,
and said, “Sir Oliver, let you and I go to the plains, and try this
elegant falcon which my cousin of Flanders has given me;” when the
constable answered, “Well, let us go.” Then each mounted their horses,
and went into the fields, taking the falcon with them, where they found
plenty of herons to fly him at. The king said, “Constable, cast off the
falcon, and we shall see how he will hunt.” The constable let him fly,
and the falcon mounted so high in the air they could scarcely see him:
he took the direction toward Flanders. “Let us ride after my bird,” said
the king to the constable; “for I will not lose him.” The constable
assented; and they rode on, as it appeared to the king, through a large
marsh, when they came to a wood, on which the king cried out,
“Dismount, dismount! we cannot pass this wood on horseback.” They then
dismounted, when some servants came and took their horses. The king and
the constable entered the wood with much difficulty, and walked on until
they came to an extensive heath, where they saw a falcon chasing herons,
and striking them down; but they resisted, and there was a battle
between them. It seemed to the king that his falcon performed gallantly,
and drove the birds before him so far that he lost sight of him. This
much vexed the king, as well as the impossibility of following him; and
he said to the constable, “I shall lose my falcon, which I shall very
much regret; for I have neither lure nor any thing else to call him
back.” While the king was in this anxiety he thought a beautiful hart,
with two wings, appeared to issue out of the wood, and come to this
heath, and bend himself down before the king, who said to the constable
as he regarded this wonder with delight, “Constable, do you remain here;
and I will mount this hart that offers himself to me, and follow my
bird.” The constable agreed to it; and the young king joyfully mounted
the hart, and went seeking the falcon. The hart, like one well tutored
to obey the king’s pleasure, carried him over the tops of the highest
trees, when he saw his falcon striking down such numbers of birds that
he marvelled how he could do it. It seemed to the king that, when the
falcon had sufficiently flown and struck down enough of the herons, he
called him back; and instantly, as if well taught, he perched on the
king’s wrist, when it seemed to him that after he had taken the falcon
by its lure, and given him his reward, the hart flew back again over the
wood, and replaced the king on the same heath whence he had carried him,
and where the constable was waiting, who was much rejoiced at his
return. On his arrival he dismounted: the hart returned to the wood,
and was no more seen. The king then, as he imagined, related to the
constable how well the hart had carried him, and that he had never rode
so easy before in his life; and also the goodness of his falcon, who had
struck down such numbers of birds: to all which the constable willingly
listened. The servants then seemed to come after them with their horses,
which, having mounted, they followed a magnificent road that brought
them back to Arras. The king at this part awakened, much astonished at
the vision he had seen, which was so imprinted on his memory that he
told it to some of his attendants who were waiting in his chamber. The
figure of this hart was so agreeable to him, that he could not put it
out of his imagination; and this was the cause why, on this expedition
to Flanders against the Flemings, he took a flying hart for his device.
CHAPTER XIV.
KING CHARLES, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, WHO WAS
PRESENT, ASSEMBLES HIS ARMY IN ARTOIS AGAINST THE FLEMINGS.--PHILIP
VON ARTAVELD GUARDS THE PASSES INTO FLANDERS.
The King of France, like one who was desirous of marching to Flanders to
abase the pride of the Flemings, as his predecessors had formerly done,
set his secretaries at work, and sent his letters and summons by
messengers to all parts of his kingdom, ordering every one to hasten to
Arras without delay, accoutred each according to his rank in the best
manner he was able; for, if it were God’s pleasure, he was determined to
fight the Flemings in their own country.
No lord of his realm disobeyed; but all sent orders to their vassals,
and marched from the most distant countries, such as Auvergne, Rouergue,
Toulousain, Gascony, Poitou, Limousin, Saintonge, and Brittany: others
came from the Bourbonois, Forêts, Burgundy, Dauphiné, Savoy, Bar, and
Lorrain, and from all parts of France and its dependencies, to Arras.
The assemblage of such numbers of men at arms was a wonderful, beautiful
sight. The Earl of Flanders resided at Hêdin, and heard daily, from the
King of France and the Duke of Burgundy, of the great levies which were
making, and in consequence issued a proclamation throughout Artois
forbidding any one, under pain of losing his life and fortune, to
withdraw any thing whatever from house, fortress, or town; for he was
desirous that the men at arms who were marching to Artois should have
the advantage of being served with whatever was in the Low Countries.
The King of France came into Artois, where he remained. Men at arms came
to him from all quarters, and so handsomely equipped, it was a fine
sight to see: they quartered themselves as they arrived in the plains,
and found all the barns quite full and well furnished. The Earl of
Flanders came to Arras, which greatly pleased the king and his lords: he
performed his homage in the presence of those peers who were there, for
the county of Artois, and the king accepted him as his vassal. His
majesty then addressed him, saying, “Fair cousin, if it please God and
St. Denis, we will restore you to your inheritance of Flanders, and will
abate the pride of Philip von Artaveld and the Flemings so effectually,
that they shall never again have it in their power to rebel.”--“My
lord,” replied the earl, “I have full confidence in it; and you will
acquire such honor and glory that as long as the world lasts you will
be praised, for certainly the pride of the Flemings is very great.”
Philip, while at the siege of Oudenarde, was informed of every thing,
and that the King of France was marching a large army against him,
though he pretended not to believe it; and said to his people, “By what
means does this young king think to enter Flanders? He is as yet too
young by a year to imagine he can frighten us by his assembling an army.
I will have the entrances so well guarded that it shall not be in their
power for this year to cross the river Lis.” He sent to Ghent for the
Lord de Harzelles. On his arrival, he said to him, “Lord de Harzelles,
you hear how the King of France is making preparations to destroy us. We
must have a council on this subject. You shall remain here, and I will
go to Bruges to learn surer intelligence, and to encourage the citizens
of the principal towns. I will go to establish such garrisons on the
river Lis, and at the chief passes, that the French shall not be able to
advance through them.”
CHAPTER XV.
SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF THE PARTY OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, HAVING PASSED
PONT-AMENIN, ARE DEFEATED AND KILLED ON THEIR ATTEMPT TO REPASS IT,
THE FLEMINGS HAVING BROKEN DOWN THE BRIDGE.--PHILIP, HEARING THIS
NEWS WHEN AT YPRES, MAKES USE OF IT TO ENCOURAGE THE INHABITANTS.
While these preparations were going forward, and during the residence of
the King of France at Arras, great bodies of men at arms were assembling
in the Tourneois, Artois, and castlewick of Lille and its neighborhood.
Some knights and squires who resided at Lille and thereabout resolved to
perform feats of arms that should gain them renown, chiefly through the
exhortations of the Haze de Flanders. They collected about sixscore
knights and squires, and crossed the river Lis at Pont-Amenin, which was
not then broken down, two leagues from Lille. They rode for the town of
Harle, which they surprised; and, after slaying many in the town and
environs, they drove the remainder out of the town. Their cries were
heard in the neighboring villages; the inhabitants of which sounded
their alarm-bells, and marched toward Harle and Pont-Amenin, whence the
cries seemed to come.
When the Haze, Sir John Jumont, the Constable de Vuillon, Sir Henry
Duffle, and the other knights and squires, had sufficiently alarmed the
country, they thought it was time for them to retreat, and set out on
their return, intending to repass the bridge; but they found it strongly
occupied by Flemings, who were busily employed in destroying it; and
when they had broken down any parts they covered them with straw, that
the mischief might not be perceived. The knights and squires at this
moment arrived, mounted on the best of horses, and found upward of two
thousand peasants drawn up in a body without the town, prepared to
advance upon them. The gentlemen, on seeing this, formed; and, having
fixed their lances on their rests, those best mounted instantly charged
this body of peasants, with loud shouts. The Flemings opened their ranks
through fear, but others say through malice; for they well knew the
bridge would not bear them, and they said among themselves, “Let us make
way for them, and we shall soon see fine sport.”
The Haze de Flanders and his companions, desirous to get away (for any
further stay would be against them), galloped for the bridge, which was
now too weak to bear any great weight: however, the Haze and some others
had the courage and good luck to pass over,--they might be about
thirty,--but, as others were following, the bridge broke down under
them. Horses and riders were overthrown, and both perished together.
Those behind, seeing this misfortune, were thunderstruck, and knew not
whither to fly to save themselves. Some leaped into the river, intending
to swim, but they were not able thus to escape. Great slaughter ensued;
for the Flemings fell upon them, and killed them easily and without
pity. They made several leap into the water, and they were drowned. Sir
John de Jumont narrowly escaped, for the bridge broke under him, but by
great agility of body he saved himself: he was, however, badly wounded
on the head and body by arrows, and it was six weeks before he
recovered. At this unfortunate action were killed the Constables de
Vuillon, de Bouchars, de St. Hilaire, and more drowned: Sir Henry Duffle
was slain. Including drowned and killed, there were upward of sixty; and
very fortunate were those who escaped. Great numbers returned wounded
from this enterprise. News was carried to the lords of France at Arras,
of their countrymen having lost the day, and that the Haze de Flanders
had conducted this foolish expedition. He was pitied by some, but by
others not. Those who had been most accustomed to arms said they had
acted ill, to cross a river that was not fordable, attack a large town,
and enter an enemy’s country, and return the way they had come, without
having established guards on the bridge. It was not an enterprise
planned by prudent men at arms, who were desirous of success; but, since
they planned their enterprise with so much self-sufficiency, they had
suffered from the consequence.
This affair passed off, and was soon forgotten. Philip departed from
Bruges, and came to Ypres, where he was most joyfully received. Peter du
Bois went to Commines, where all the inhabitants of the flat country
were assembled, and instantly began his preparations for defence,
loosening the planks of the bridge, so that, if there should be
occasion, it could immediately be pulled down; but he was unwilling
totally to destroy the bridge, lest the inhabitants of the adjacent flat
country might suffer, who daily crossed it with their cattle in droves,
to place them in greater security on that side of the Lis. The whole
country was so much covered with them, it was marvellous to see.
The day Philip von Artaveld came to Ypres, news arrived of the defeat of
the French at Pont-Amenin, and that the Haze had been nearly taken.
Philip was mightily rejoiced at this, and said with a smile, to
encourage those near, “By the grace of God, and the just cause we are
engaged in, it will all end so; and never shall this king, if he should
be so foolishly advised to cross the Lis, return again to France.”
Philip was five days in Ypres, and harangued the people in the open
market-place, to encourage them and to keep them steady to their
engagements, telling them that the King of France was coming to destroy
them without the least shadow of right. “Good people,” said Philip, “do
not be alarmed if he should march against us; for he will never be able
to cross the river Lis, as I have had all the passes well guarded, and
have ordered Peter du Bois to Commines with a large body of men: he is a
loyal man, and one who loves the honor of Flanders; and Peter le Nuitre
I have sent to Warneton. All the other bridges on the Lis are broken
down, and there is neither pass nor ford which they can cross but at
these two towns. I have also heard from our friends whom we sent to
England. In a short time we shall receive considerable succors from
thence, as we have made a strong alliance with them. Keep up, therefore,
valiantly your hopes, for our honor shall be unsullied; and observe
punctually what you have promised and sworn to us in the good town of
Ghent, which has had such trouble and difficulty to maintain the rights
and franchises of Flanders. Now let all those who are determined to
remain steady to the cause, according to the oath they took, gallantly
lift up their hands to heaven as a token of loyalty.”
At these words all who were in the market-place, and who had heard the
speech, held up their hands as a sign of their loyalty. After this
Philip descended from the scaffold on which he had harangued, and
returned to his house, where he remained the whole day. On the morrow he
and his attendants mounted their horses, and went toward Oudenarde,
where the siege was still going on, notwithstanding the news of the
French; but on passing through Courtray he rested two days.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN ITS MARCH TO FLANDERS, AFTER THEY HAD
HEARD THE BRIDGES WERE BROKEN AND GUARDED.
We will for a while leave Philip von Artaveld, and speak of the young
King of France, who resided at Arras, and who, as he showed, had a great
desire to enter Flanders to lower the pride of the Flemings; and was
daily increasing his army by the arrival of men at arms from all
quarters. On the third day of November, he came to Seclin, where he
halted. A council was held in the presence of the Constable of France,
and the Marshals of France, Burgundy, and Flanders, to consider how they
should proceed. The common report in the army was the impossibility to
enter Flanders in case the passes of the river should be strongly
guarded. It rained, besides, at this time continually, and was so
exceedingly cold that they could not advance. Some of the wisest said it
was wrong to undertake such an expedition at this season of the year,
and to bring the king so far into such a country. They ought not to have
united before the summer to carry the war into Flanders, for the king
had never been so far in his life.
This river Lis is so difficult to cross, that except at certain places
it cannot be passed. There are no fords, and the country it runs through
is so very marshy, horses cannot approach it. There were many debates
among these lords on this subject; and those who knew the country said,
“Certainly, at such a season as this, it will not be right to advance
into that country, nor can we go into the territories of Cassel, Surnes,
or Verthes.”--“And what road shall we then take?” cried the constable.
Upon which the Lord de Coucy said, “I would propose that we march to
Tournay, and there cross the Scheld, and take the road toward Oudenarde.
This road is very easy, and we shall engage with our enemies. After
passing the Scheld, we shall not have any thing to stop us before
Tournay. We may thus arrive before Oudenarde, and punish Philip von
Artaveld. We can have daily refreshments of provisions come to us from
Hainault, and follow us down the river from Tournay.” This speech of
the Lord de Coucy was well attended to, and supported by several for
some time: but the constable and marshals were more inclined to follow
the course of the Lis, to seek a shorter passage, than to march to the
right or left by a longer road; and they urged strong reasons for it,
saying, “If we look for any other road but the straight one, we do not
show ourselves good men at arms; at least it is our duty to examine if
we cannot pass the river above or below this pass of Commines, which is
guarded. Besides, if we retreat, our enemies will rejoice and be
encouraged: their forces will increase, and they will say that we fly
from them. There is also another point which ought to be considered: we
are ignorant what has been the success of the ambassadors they sent to
England; for if, by any treaty, assistance should come to them from that
quarter, they will give us much trouble. It is therefore better that we
get rid of this business in Flanders as speedily as possible, than be
thus long in determining upon it. Let us instantly, and with courage,
march toward Commines, and God will assist us.”
This plan was unanimously adopted. During the time these lords were
assembled, they considered how they should form their battalions; and
selected those who were to march on foot with the constable in the
vanguard, in order to clear the roads for the army to pass and march in
a line, and to act as scouts to observe and find out their enemies. They
also chose those who were to be in the king’s battalion, regulated the
arms with which they should serve, and appointed proper persons to carry
the oriflamme of France and to guard it; and likewise determined of what
numbers the wings were to be composed, and how many were to be in the
rear-guard. All these things they debated and arranged. When these
points had been settled, and they could not think of any thing more that
was necessary to be done, the council broke up, and every one retired to
his lodgings. Those lords and barons who had not been present were
informed of the regulations, and the manner in which they were to act
from henceforward. It was this day ordered, that the king should on the
morrow dislodge from Seclin, march through Lille without halting, and
take up his quarters at Margnette l’Abbayee; and that the vanguard
should pass on to Commines and Warneton, and do the most they could in
the course of the day. This being settled, the master of the crossbows,
in conjunction with the constable and marshals, unanimously appointed
Sir Josse de Haluyn and the Lord de Rambures to the command of the
infantry, who were to clear the roads by cutting down hedges and
forests, filling up valleys, and every thing else that might be
necessary. Their numbers amounted to seventeen hundred and sixty.
In the vanguard were the Marshals of Flanders, France, and Burgundy, who
had under their command seventeen hundred men at arms and seven hundred
crossbows, besides four thousand infantry whom the earl had given to
them, armed with large shields and other weapons. It was also ordered
that the Earl of Flanders and his battalion, consisting of about sixteen
hundred men at arms, knights, squires, and infantry, should march on the
wings of the vanguard to re-enforce it, should it be necessary. It was
likewise ordered that the king’s battalion should march between the
vanguard and the battalion of the Earl of Flanders, and that the king’s
three uncles, Berry, Burgundy, and Bourbon, should be in it; and also
the Count de la Marche, Sir James de Bourbon, his brothers, the Count de
Clermont, the Dauphin d’Auvergne, the Count de Dampmartin, the Count de
Sancerre, Sir John de Bouiogne, to the amount of six thousand men at
arms, two thousand Genoese crossbows, and others.
The rear-guard was to consist of two thousand men at arms and two
hundred archers; the commanders of which were the Lord John d’Artois,
Count d’Eu, the Lord Guy, Count de Blois, Sir Waleran, Count de St. Pol,
Sir William, Count de Harcourt, the Lord de Chatillon, and the Lord de
Sere.
Sir Peter de Villiers was appointed to bear the oriflamme, attended by
four knights, whose names were Sir Robert le Baveux, Sir Morice de
Sancourt, Sir Guy de Tresiquidi, and Brandon de la Heuse: Le Borgne de
Ruet and Le Borgne de Montdoulcet were named to guard the banner.
It is proper to be known, that the lords who had planned this expedition
had determined they would never return to France until they had engaged
Philip von Artaveld and his forces; and it was for this reason they had
drawn up their battalions as ready for the combat on the morrow. The
Lords d’Albreth, de Coucy, and Sir Hugh de Hanlon were ordered to form
the battalions, and place them in array. Sir William de Bannes and the
Lord de Champreny were appointed marshals to attend to the quarters of
the king and his battalion.
It was also ordered, that on the day of battle no one but the king and
eight valiant men appointed to attend his person should be on horseback.
The names of these eight men were as follows: the Lord de Raineval, Le
Bègue de Villaines, Sir Aymemon de Pommiers, Sir Enguerrant de Haluyn,
the Viscount d’Acy, Sir Guy le Baveux, Sir Nicholas de Pennel, and Sir
William des Bourdes. The Lord de Raineval and Sir Enguerrant de Haluyn
were to take post in front of the king, Le Bègue de Villaines and the
Viscount d’Acy (who is called in several places hereafter the Viscount
d’Aunoy) were to place themselves on each side; and Sir Aymemon de
Pommiers, Sir Nicholas de Pennel, Sir Guy le Baveux, and Sir William des
Bourdes were to take post in the rear. It was likewise ordered, that on
the day of battle Sir Oliver de Clisson, Constable of France, and Sir
William de Poitiers, should advance on horseback, to reconnoitre and
observe the appearance of the enemy.
CHAPTER XVII.
SOME FEW OF THE FRENCH, NOT BEING ABLE TO CROSS THE LIS AT THE
BRIDGE OF COMMINES, FIND MEANS OF DOING SO BY BOATS AND OTHER
CRAFT, UNKNOWN TO THE FLEMINGS.
The orders above mentioned were punctually obeyed; and the vanguard
dislodged on the morrow, marching in order of battle toward Commines.
They found the roads well made, for the Lord de Fransures and Sir Josse
de Haluyn had paid great attention to them: this was on the Monday. When
the Constable and Marshals of France, with the vanguard, arrived at the
bridge of Commines, they were forced to halt; for it was so completely
destroyed, that it was not in the power of man to repair it if any
opposition should be made when they were attempting it, as the Flemings
were in great force on the opposite side of the river, and ready to
defend the pass against all who might wish to attack them: they were
upward of nine thousand, under the command of Peter du Bois and others,
who showed good inclinations to repulse any attempt. Peter du Bois had
placed himself on the causeway, at the end of the bridge, with a
battle-axe in his hand; and the Flemings were drawn up on each side.
The Constable of France and the lords with him, having considered the
situation, thought it impossible to pass the river at that place unless
the bridge were rebuilt; they ordered their servants to follow the
course of the river, and examine its banks for about a league up and
down. When they returned, they informed their masters, who were waiting
for them, they had not been able to find any place where the cavalry
could pass. Upon hearing this, the constable was much vexed, and said,
“We have been badly advised to take this road: better would it have been
for us to have gone to St. Omer than remain in this danger, or to have
crossed the Scheld at Tournay, as the Lord de Coucy advised, and to have
marched straight to Oudenarde and fought our enemies, since it is both
our duty and inclination to combat them; and they are so presumptuous,
they would have waited for us at their siege.” The Lord Louis Sancerre
then said, “I am of opinion that we fix our quarters here for this day,
and lodge our army, should it arrive, as well as we are able; and that
we send to Lille to seek for boats and hurdles, that may come down the
river, with which to-morrow we can throw a bridge from these fine meads,
and cross over; for we have no other alternative.” Upon this Sir Josse
de Haluyn said, “My lord, we have been informed that there will be great
difficulties between this and Lille; for the river Menyn, on which all
boats must pass to come hither, has been obstructed by large beams
thrown across it by the Flemings who are in those parts: they have
totally destroyed the bridge, and we learn it is impossible for any
vessels or boats to pass.”--“I know not, then,” added the constable,
“what we can now do. It will be better for us to take the road to Aire,
and cross the Lis at that place, since we are unable to do so here.”
During the time the Constable and Marshals of France and Burgundy were
in this dilemma at the bridge of Commines, several knights and squires
silently withdrew, with the intent to hazard some gallant deeds of arms,
and attempt to cross the river, whatever it might cost them. They meant
likewise to combat the Flemings in their intrenchments, and open a
passage, as I shall now relate. While the vanguard was on its march from
Lille to Commines, the Lord de St. Py, and some other knights from
Hainault, Flanders, Artois, and even France, had held a council without
the knowledge of the constable or marshals. They said, “We will procure
two or three boats, which we will launch into the river Lis, at a
sheltered place below Commines, and will fix posts on each side of the
river where it is not wide, to fasten cords to. We shall by this means
soon convey over a large body of men; and by marching on the rear of our
enemies we may attack them, and if victorious we shall gain the
reputation of valiant men at arms.” After they had thus determined in
council, the Lord de St. Py exerted himself so much that he procured
from Lille a boat and cords, with every other necessary article. On the
other hand, Sir Herbeaux de Belleperche and Sir John de Roye, who were
companions in this expedition, had also caused a boat to be brought. Sir
Henry de Manny, Sir John de Malatrait, and Sir John Chauderon, Bretons,
who had been of this council, had likewise provided one, and followed
the preceding companies.
The Lord de St. Py was the first who arrived at the river with his boat,
cords, and fastenings. They fixed a strong stake, to which they tied the
cord: three varlets then crossed over, and the boat, with the cords,
being launched, they fixed on the opposite side another strong post, to
which they fastened the other end of the cord; and, this being done,
they returned with the boat to their master. It happened that the
Constable and Marshals of France were at that time at the bridge of
Commines, pondering how they could discover a passage. They were then
informed of the intentions of the Lord de St. Py and the other knights;
upon which the constable, addressing himself to the Lord Louis de
Sancerre, said, “Marshal, go and see what they are doing, and, if it be
possible to cross the river in the manner they propose, add some of our
men to theirs.”
Just as these knights were preparing to embark, the Marshal of France
came thither, attended by a large company of knights and squires. They
made way for him, as was right. He stopped on the bank, and with
pleasure saw the arrangement of the boats. The Lord de St. Py,
addressing him, said, “My lord, is it agreeable to you that we should
cross here?”--“I am very well pleased with it,” replied the marshal;
“but you are running great risks: for if our enemies, who are at
Commines, should know your intentions, they would do you great
mischief.”--“My lord,” answered the Lord de St. Py, “nothing venture,
nothing win: in the name of God and St. George we will cross over, and
before to-morrow evening will fall suddenly on our enemies, and attack
them.” The Lord de St. Py then placed his pennon in the boat, and was
the first who stepped into it: he was followed by nine others, who were
as many as the boat could hold, and instantly, by means of the cord they
held, crossed over. When disembarked, in order to prevent themselves
from being discovered, they entered a small alder-grove, where they lay
hidden. Those on the bank, by means of the cord, drew the boat back. The
Count de Conversant, Lord d’Anghien, embarked with his banner, with the
Lord de Vertain his brother, and seven others. These nine then passed,
and the third time others followed them.
The two other boats now arrived that belonged to Sir Herbaut de
Belleperche, Sir John de Roye, and the Bretons; which were launched in
the same manner the first had been. These knights then crossed, and none
but determined men at arms did the same. It was a pleasure to see with
what eagerness they embarked: at times a great crowd was pushing who
should cross first, so that if the Marshal of France had not been there,
who kept them in proper order, accidents would have happened from their
overloading the boats.
News was brought to the constable and the lords of France at the bridge
of Commines, how their people were crossing the river, when he said to
the Seneschal de Rieux, “Go and examine this passage, I beg of you, and
see if our people be passing as they tell us.” The Lord de Rieux was
never happier than when he had this commission, and, clapping spurs to
his horse, hastened thither with his whole company, to the amount of
full forty men at arms. When he arrived at the passage where one hundred
and fifty of his countrymen had already crossed, he immediately
dismounted, and said he would also pass the river. The Marshal of France
would not refuse him; and intelligence was sent to the constable, that
his cousin the Lord de Rieux had crossed. The constable mused a little,
and then said, “Make the crossbows shoot, and skirmish with the Flemings
who are on the other side of the bridge, to occupy their attention, and
prevent them from observing our people; for, if they should have any
notion what they are about, they will fall upon them, destroy the
passage, and kill all those who have crossed; and I would much rather
die than that should happen.”
Upon this, the crossbows and infantry advanced. There were among them
some who flung hand-grenades, which, bursting, cast out bolts of iron
beyond the bridge, even as far as the town of Commines. The skirmish now
began to be very sharp; and the vanguard, by their movements, seemed
determined to cross the bridge if they could. The Flemings, being
shielded up to their noses, made a good appearance, and defended
themselves well. Thus passed this day, which was a Monday, in
skirmishing; and it was soon dark, for at that season the days are very
short. The boats, however, continued to carry over men at arms in great
numbers, who on their landing hid themselves in the alder-wood, waiting
for more.
You may easily guess what perils they were in; for, had those in
Commines gained the least intelligence of them, they must have had them
at their mercy, and conquered the greater part, besides taking the
boats; but, God favored the other party, and consented that the pride of
the Flemings should be humbled.
CHAPTER XVIII.
A SMALL BODY OF FRENCH, HAVING CROSSED THE LIS, DRAW UP IN BATTLE-ARRAY
BEFORE THE FLEMINGS.
I maintain that all men of understanding must hold this enterprise of
the boats, and passage of men at arms, as a deed of superior valor and
enterprise. Toward evening the knights and squires of the vanguard were
eager to cross with their companions; so that late in this Monday
evening there were, on the Flanders side of the river, about four
hundred men at arms, all the flower of knighthood, for no varlet was
suffered to cross.
The Lord Louis de Sancerre, seeing so many gallant men (sixty banners
and thirty pennons), said he should think himself to blame if he
remained behind. He then entered the boats, with his knights and
squires; and the Lord de Hangest, &c., crossed at the same time. When
they were all assembled, they said, “It is time to march toward
Commines, to look at our enemies, and see if we cannot make our quarters
good in the town.” Upon this they tightened their arms, buckled their
helmets on their heads in a proper manner, and, advancing through the
marshes which are contiguous to the river, marched in order of battle,
with banners and pennons displayed, as if they were immediately to
engage. The Lord de St. Py was the principal conductor and
commander-in-chief, because he knew the country better than any of the
others.
As they were thus marching in close order, in their way toward the town,
Peter du Bois and the Flemings were drawn up on the causeway; when,
casting their eyes toward the meads, they saw this body of men at arms
approaching. They were exceedingly astonished, and demanded from Peter
du Bois, “By what devil of a road have these men at arms come? and how
have they crossed the Lis?” He replied, “They must have crossed in
boats, and we have known nothing of the matter; for there is neither
bridge nor passable ford over the Lis between this and Courtray.”--“What
shall we do?” said some of them to Peter du Bois: “shall we offer them
battle?”--“By no means,” replied Peter: “let them advance, but we will
remain in our strength and in our place: we are on high ground, and
they on low, so that we have great advantage over them; and, if we
descend to meet them in the plain, we shall lose it. Let us wait until
the night become more obscure, and then we will consider how we had best
act. They are not of force sufficient to withstand us in battle; and,
besides, we are acquainted with all the roads of the country, of which
they must be ignorant.” This advice was followed; for the Flemings never
budged from their post, but remained steady at the foot of the bridge,
drawn up in order of battle on the causeway, in silence, and, by their
appearance, seemed as if they had not noticed what was passing. Those
who had crossed the river continued advancing slowly through the
marshes, following the course of it as they approached Commines.
The Constable of France, on the opposite side of the water, saw his men
at arms, with banners and pennons fluttering in the wind, drawn up in a
handsome small battalion, and marching toward Commines. On seeing this
his blood began to run cold from the great dread he had of their being
defeated; for he knew the Flemings were in great force on that side of
the water. In the excess of rage he cried out, “Ah, St. Ives! ha, St.
George! ha, Our Lady! what do I see there? I see in part the flower of
our army, who are most unequally matched. I would rather have died than
have witnessed this. Ah! Sir Louis de Sancerre, I thought you more
temperate and better taught than I see you now are: how could you have
hazarded so many noble knights and squires and men at arms against ten
or twelve thousand men, who are proud, presumptuous, and well prepared,
and who will show them no mercy, while we are unable, if there should be
a necessity, to aid them? Ah, Rohan! ah, Laval! ah, Rieux! ah,
Beaumanoir! ah, Longueville! ah, Rochfort! ah, Manny! ah, Malatrait!
ah, Conversant! ah, such a one and such a one!--how afflicted am I for
you all, when, without consulting me, you have run into such imminent
danger! Why am I Constable of France? for if you be conquered I shall
incur all the blame, and they will say I ordered you on this mad
enterprise.” The constable, before he heard that such numbers of valiant
men had crossed, had forbidden any of those near him to pass the river;
but, when he saw the appearance of those who had passed, he said aloud,
“I give free liberty for all who wish it to cross, if they be able.”
At these words the knights and squires stepped forth, seeking means to
cross the bridge; but it was soon night, and they were forced to leave
off their attempt, though they had begun to lay planks on the beams, and
even some had placed their targets to make a road: so that the Flemings
who were in Commines had enough to do to watch them, and were puzzled
how to act, for on the one hand they saw below the bridge, in the
marshes, a large body of men at arms who had halted with their lances
advanced before them, and to whom great re-enforcements were coming,
and, on the other, those of the vanguard on the opposite side of the
bridge were constantly skirmishing with them, and exerting themselves
lustily to repair the bridge.
In this situation were the French who had that evening crossed over in
boats. They had halted on the marshes, in mud and filth up to their
ankles. Now consider what must have been their courage and difficulties,
when in these long winter-nights they thus remained a whole night with
their arms and helmets on, with their feet in the mire, and without any
sort of refreshments. Certainly, I say, they are worthy of great renown;
for they were but a handful of men in comparison with the Flemings in
Commines and in that neighborhood. They dared not therefore advance to
attack them, and for this reason had halted, saying among themselves,
“Let us stop here until it be daylight, when we shall have a sight of
these Flemings who quit not the advantage of their intrenchments; but at
last they will not fail to come to us, and when near we will shout our
war-cries with a loud voice, each his own cry, or the cry of his lord,
notwithstanding all our lords may not have joined us. By this means we
shall frighten them, when we will fall on them with a thorough good
will. It is in the power of God, and within the compass of our own
ability, to defeat them; for they are badly armed, while our spears and
swords are of well-tempered steel from Bordeaux; and the habergeons they
wear will be a poor defence, and cannot prevent our blows from
penetrating through them.” With such hopes as these did those who had
passed the river comfort themselves, and remain in silence during the
night.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE FRENCH WHO HAD CROSSED THE LIS DEFEAT, WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER,
PETER DU BOIS AND THE FLEMINGS.--THE VANGUARD OF THE FRENCH ARMY
REPAIR AND PASS OVER THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.
Peter du Bois, knowing these men at arms were in the marshes joining
Commines, was not perfectly at his ease, for he was uncertain what might
be the event. He had, however, under his command, six or seven thousand
men, to whom, during the night, he had thus spoken: “The men at arms
who have crossed the river to fight with us are neither of iron nor
steel. They have labored hard this whole day, and have been all night
standing in these marshes, so that it is possible that toward daybreak
they will be overpowered with sleep. While they are in this situation,
we will come slyly to attack them. Our numbers are sufficient to
surround them, but, when we have so done, let no one dare to rush upon
them, but remain silent; for, when it shall be proper time for you to
act, I will inform you.” To this command of Peter they all promised
obedience. On the other hand, the barons, knights, and squires, who had
remained in the marshes so near the enemy, were far from being
comfortable: some of them were up to their ankles in mud, and others
half way up their legs. But their eagerness and joy, on gaining this
pass with so much honor (for very gallant deeds of arms were likely to
ensue), made them forget all their pains and difficulties. If it had
been in summer-time, instead of the seventh day of November, they would
have enjoyed it; but now the ground was cold, muddy, and dirty, and the
nights were long. At times also it rained heavily on their heads; but it
ran off, as they had their helmets on, and every thing prepared for the
combat, and were only waiting for the enemy to come and attack them. The
great attention they paid to be in readiness kept up their spirits, and
made them almost forget their situation.
The Lord de St. Py full loyally acquitted himself in this expedition, as
a scout and observer of what the Flemings were doing, though he was the
commander-in-chief. He was continually on the lookout, and went privily
to reconnoitre their motions. On his return he said to his companions in
a low voice, “Now up: our enemies are very quiet. Perhaps they will
advance on us at daybreak: therefore be on your guard, and prepare to
act.” He would then return again to see if any thing were going forward,
and then come back to tell what he had observed. This he continued to do
until the hour which the Flemings had fixed upon to attack them. It was
on the point of day when they began their march in close order, without
uttering a word. The Lord de St. Py, who was on the watch, no sooner saw
this manœuvre than he found they were in earnest, and, hastening to his
companions, said to them, “Now, my lords, be alert: we have but to do
our utmost, for our enemy is on his march, and will be instantly here.
These barons of new date are advancing slowly, and think to catch and
surprise us: show yourselves true men at arms, for we shall have a
battle.” As the Lord de St. Py uttered these words, the knights and
squires, with great courage, seized their long Bordeaux spears, and,
having grasped them with a hasty will, placed themselves in as good
order as any knights or squires could devise.
When the Flemings advanced to the combat, the knights and squires began
to utter their war-cries, insomuch that the constable and vanguard, who
had not yet crossed the bridge, heard them, and said, “Our friends are
engaged: may God help them! for at this moment we are unable to give
them any assistance.” Peter du Bois marched in front, and was followed
by his Flemings; but, when they approached the French, they were
received on the sharp points of their long Bordeaux spears, to which
their coats of mail made not more resistance than if they had been of
cloth thrice doubled; so that they passed through their bodies, heads,
and stomachs.
When the Flemings felt these sharp spears which impaled them, they fell
back, and the French advancing gained ground upon them; for there were
none so hardy but that feared their strokes. Peter du Bois was one of
the first who was wounded, and run through by a lance. It came quite out
at his shoulder: he was also wounded on the head, and would have been
instantly slain if it had not been for the body-guard he had formed, of
thirty stout varlets, who, taking him in their arms, carried him as
quickly as they could out of the crowd. The mud from the causeway to
Commines was so deep that all these people sunk in it up to the middle
of their legs. The men at arms, who had been long accustomed to their
profession, drove down and slew the Flemings without let or hinderance:
they shouted, “St. Py forever!” “Laval,” “Sancerre,” “Anghien!” and the
war-cries of others who were there. The Flemings were panic-struck, and
began to give way, when they saw these knights attack them so
vigorously, and pierce them through with their spears. They retreated,
and, falling back on each other, were followed by the French, who
marched through them or around them, always attacking the thickest
bodies. They no more spared killing them than if they had been so many
dogs; and they were in the right, for, had the Flemings conquered, they
would have served them the same.
The Flemings, finding themselves thus driven back, and that the men at
arms had won the causeway and bridge, counselled together to set fire to
the town, in hopes it would cause the French to retreat, or enable them
to collect their people. This was executed, and fire set to several
houses, which were instantly in flames; but they were disappointed in
thinking by this to frighten the French, for they pursued them as
valiantly as before, fighting and slaying them on the ground, or in the
houses whither they had retreated. Upon this the Flemings made for the
open plain, where they collected in a body. They sent to Vertain,
Poperingue, Bergues, Rollers, Mesieres, Warneton, and the other
neighboring towns, to urge them to come to their assistance at Commines.
Those who fled, and the inhabitants of the villages near Commines, began
to set their bells a-ringing, which clearly showed there was an
engagement going forward. Some of them, however, began to slacken, and
others to occupy themselves in saving what they could of their goods,
and to carry them to Ypres or Courtray. Women and children ran thither,
leaving their houses full of furniture, cattle, and grain. Others again
marched in haste toward Commines, to help their countrymen who were
fighting.
While this was passing, and those valiant knights who had crossed the
Lis in boats were so gallantly engaged, the constable and vanguard were
busily employed in attempting to repair the bridge and cross it. There
was a very great throng, for the constable had given permission for all
to pass it who could. There was much danger for those who crossed it
first; and the lords who did so were obliged to step on targets thrown
on the beams of the bridge. When they had crossed, they began to
strengthen the bridge, for they found the planks lying on the ground,
which they put in their proper places. During the night two wagon-loads
of hurdles were brought, which were of great use to them, so that
shortly it was made as strong as ever. On Tuesday the whole vanguard
passed, took possession of the place, and, as they crossed, fixed their
quarters in the town.
Those of the vanguard who were in Commines drove out the Flemings. There
were slain of them in the streets and fields about four thousand, not
including those killed in the pursuit, in windmills, and in monasteries,
whither they had fled for shelter; for, as soon as the Bretons had
crossed, they mounted their horses, and began a chase after the
Flemings, and overran the country, which was then rich and plentiful.
CHAPTER XX.
THE KING OF FRANCE CROSSES THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.--THE
TOWN OF YPRES SURRENDERS TO HIM.--THE KING OF FRANCE LODGES IN
YPRES.--PETER DU BOIS PREVENTS BRUGES FROM SURRENDERING TO THE
KING.--PHILIP VON ARTAVELD ASSEMBLES HIS FORCES TO COMBAT THE
FRENCH.
We will now return to the King of France, and say how he went on. When
intelligence was brought him of Commines being conquered, that the
Flemings were dispersed, and the bridge rebuilt, he set out from the
abbey of Marquette where he had lodged, and marched with his whole army
in battle-array, as was befitting him to do, toward Commines. The king
and his uncles arrived at Commines on Tuesday, and took up their
lodgings in the town; from whence the vanguard had marched for the hill
of Ypres, where they had fixed their quarters. On the Wednesday morning
the king advanced to the hill of Ypres, where he remained until the
baggage and the remainder of his army should cross the river at Commines
or at Warneton; for there were very numerous trains, and multitudes of
horses.
While the king and his whole army were on Mount Ypres, many markets were
there held, and plenty of pillage was sold to those of Lille, Douay, and
Tournay, indeed, to all who wished to buy. A piece of cloth of Vexin,
Malines, Poperingue, or Commines, was sold for one franc. People were
clothed there too cheaply. Some Bretons and other pillagers, determined
on gain, went in large bodies, and loaded carts and horses with their
booty of cloths, linen, knives, money in gold and silver, dishes and
plates of silver, wherever they found them, which they sent, well packed
up, to a place of safety on the other side of the Lis, or by their
servants into France.
The king and all the lords came to Ypres, where they quartered
themselves as well as they could, and in as great numbers as the town
would hold. They remained there to refresh themselves four or five days.
We will now return to Philip, and say what he was doing. Being eager to
combat the King of France, as he plainly showed, he ordered, on his
arrival at Ghent, every man capable of bearing arms, after leaving a
sufficient garrison in the town, to follow him. All obeyed; for he gave
them to understand that by the grace of God they would defeat the
French, be lords of Ghent, and rank as sovereigns among other nations.
Philip von Artaveld carried with him about ten thousand men as the
arriere-ban: he had before sent to Bruges, Damme, Ardembourg, Sluys, to
the seacoasts, the Quatre Mestiers, and constable-wicks of Grammont,
Dendremonde, and Alost, and had raised from those places about thirty
thousand more. He and his whole army were quartered one night before
Oudenarde: on the morrow they marched away, and came before Courtray: he
had with him about fifty thousand men. The King of France received
intelligence that Philip von Artaveld was approaching, and, as it was
said, with full sixty thousand men. Upon this the vanguard set off from
Ypres, under the command of the Constable and Marshals of France, and
encamped a league and a half from Ypres, between Rollers and Rosebecque.
On the morrow the king and all the lords, with the main battalion and
rear-guard, quartered themselves there also. I must say that these
lords, while they were in the field, suffered greatly; for it was in the
heart of winter, the beginning of December, and it rained every day.
They slept on the roads every night, for they were in daily and hourly
expectation of a battle: it was commonly said in the army, “They will
come to-morrow;” which they believed, from the news the foragers brought
when they returned from their excursions.
The king was quartered in the midst of his army. The lords of France
were much vexed at Philip for delaying, for they were very impatient of
being out in such bad weather. It should be known, that with the king
were all the flower of French knighthood: it was therefore highly
presumptuous in Philip von Artaveld and the Flemings to think of
fighting with them; for if they had been satisfied with continuing their
siege of Oudenarde, and had slightly intrenched themselves, the French,
considering the wetness of the season, would never have marched to seek
them; and, if they had done so, they would have combated them under the
greatest disadvantages. But Philip was so vain of the good fortune he
had met with at Bruges, that he thought nothing could withstand him, and
he hoped he should be lord of the world. No other thoughts had he, and
was nothing afraid of the King of France nor his army; for, if he had
entertained any fears, he would not have done that which he did, as you
shall hear related.
CHAPTER XXI.
PHILIP VON ARTAVELD, HAVING ENTERTAINED HIS CAPTAINS AT SUPPER,
GIVES THEM INSTRUCTIONS HOW THEY ARE TO ACT ON THE MORROW AT THE
BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE.
Philip von Artaveld, with his whole army, on the Wednesday evening
preceding the battle, was encamped in a handsome position, tolerably
strong, between a ditch and grove, and with so good a hedge in front
that they could not easily be attacked. It was between the hill and town
of Rosebecque where the king was quartered. That same evening Philip
gave a magnificent supper to his captains at his quarters; for he had
wherewithal to do so, as his provisions followed him. When the supper
was over, he addressed them in these words: “My fair gentlemen, you are
my companions in this expedition, and I hope to-morrow we shall have
something to do; for the King of France, who is impatient to meet and
fight with us, is quartered at Rosebecque. I therefore beg of you to be
loyal, and not alarmed at any thing you shall see or hear; for we are
combating in a just cause, to preserve the franchises of Flanders, and
for our right. Admonish your men to behave well, and draw them up in
such manner that, by this means and our courage, we may obtain the
victory. To-morrow, through God’s grace, we shall not find any lord to
combat with us, or any who will dare take the field, unless he mean to
remain there; and we shall gain greater honor than if we could have
depended on the support of the English; for, if they had been with us,
they alone would have gained all the reputation. The flower of the
French nobility is with the king, for he has not left one behind: order,
therefore, your men not to grant quarter to any one, but to kill all who
fall in their way. By this means we shall remain in peace; for I will
and command, under pain of death, that no prisoners be made, except it
be the King of France. With regard to the king, I wish to support him,
as he is but a child, and ought to be forgiven; for he knows not what he
does, and acts according as he is instructed: we will carry him to
Ghent, and teach him Flemish: but as for dukes, earls, and other men at
arms, kill them all. The common people of France will never be angry
with us for so doing; for they wish, as I am well assured, that not one
should ever return to France, and it shall be so.”
When these Flemish captains had retired, and all gone to their quarters
to repose, the night being far advanced, those upon guard fancied they
heard a great noise toward the Mont d’Or. Some of them were sent to see
what it could be, and if the French were making any preparations to
attack them in the night. On their return they reported that they had
been as far as the place whence the noise came, but that they had
discovered nothing. This noise, however, was still heard, and it seemed
to some of them that their enemies were on the mount about a league
distant.
Philip arose, and, wrapping himself in a gown, took a battle-axe, and
went out of his tent to listen to this noise. It seemed to him as if
there were a great tournament. He directly returned to his tent, and
ordered his trumpet to be sounded to awaken the army. As soon as the
sound of the trumpet was heard, it was known to be his. Those of the
guard in front of the camp armed themselves, and sent some of their
companions to Philip to know what he wished to have done, as he was
thus early arming himself. On their arrival, he wanted to send them to
the part whence the noise had come, to find out what it could be; but
they reported that that had already been done, and that there was no
cause found for it. Philip was much astonished; and they were greatly
blamed, that, having heard a noise toward the enemy’s quarters, they had
remained quiet. “Ha,” said they to Philip, “in truth we did hear a noise
toward the Mont d’Or, and we sent to know what it could be; but those
who had been ordered thither reported that there was nothing to be found
or seen. Not having seen any positive appearance of a movement of the
enemy, we were unwilling to alarm the army lest we should be blamed for
it.” This speech of the guard somewhat appeased Philip; but in his own
mind he marvelled much what it could be. Some said it was the devils of
hell running and dancing about the place where the battle was to be, for
the abundance of prey they expected.
Neither Philip von Artaveld nor the Flemings were quite at their ease
after this alarm. They were suspicious of having been betrayed and
surprised. They armed themselves leisurely with whatever they had, made
large fires in their quarters, and breakfasted comfortably, for they had
victuals in abundance. About an hour before day, Philip said, “I think
it right that we march into the plain, and draw up our men; because,
should the French advance to attack us, we ought not to be unprepared,
nor in disorder, but properly drawn up like men, knowing well what we
are to do.” All obeyed this order, and, quitting their quarters, marched
to the heath beyond the grove. There was in front a wide ditch newly
made, and in their rear quantities of brambles, junipers, and shrubs.
They drew up at their leisure in this strong position, and formed one
large battalion, thick and strong. By the reports from the constables
they were about fifty thousand, all chosen men, who valued not their
lives. Among them were about sixty English archers, who, having stolen
away from their companions at Calais, to gain greater pay from Philip,
had left behind them their armor in their quarters.
Every thing being arranged, each man took to his arms. The horses,
baggage, women, and varlets were dismissed; but Philip von Artaveld had
his page mounted on a superb courser, worth five hundred florins, which
he had ordered to attend him, to display his state, and to mount if a
pursuit of the French should happen, in order that he might enforce the
commands which he had given to kill all. It was with this intention that
Philip had posted him by his side. Philip had likewise from the town of
Ghent about nine thousand men, well armed, whom he placed near his
person; for he had greater confidence in them than any of the others:
they therefore, with Philip at their head with banners displayed, were
in front; and those from Alost and Grammont were next; then the men from
Courtray, Bruges, Damme, Sluys, and the Franconate. They were armed, for
the greater part, with bludgeons, iron caps, jerkins, and with gloves of
iron-work. Each man had a staff with an iron point, and bound round with
iron. The different townsmen wore liveries and arms, to distinguish them
from one another. Some had jackets of blue and yellow, others wore a
welt of black on a red jacket, others chevroned with white on a blue
coat, others green and blue, others lozenged with black and white,
others quartered red and white, others all blue. Each carried the
banners of their trades. They had also large knives hanging down from
their girdles. In this state they remained, quietly waiting for day,
which soon came.
CHAPTER XXII.
PHILIP VON ARTAVELD AND HIS FLEMINGS QUIT THE STRONG POSITION THEY
HAD TAKEN IN THE MORNING, TO ENCAMP ON MONT D’OR, NEAR TO
YPRES.--THE CONSTABLE AND ADMIRAL OF FRANCE, WITH SIR WILLIAM OF
POITIERS, SET OUT TO RECONNOITRE THEIR SITUATION.
On the Thursday morning all the men at arms of the army, the vanguard,
the rear-guard, and the king’s battalion, armed themselves completely,
except their helmets, as if they were about to engage; for the lords
well knew the day could not pass without a battle, from the reports of
the foragers on the Wednesday evening, who had seen the Flemings on
their march demanding a battle. The King of France heard mass, as did
the other lords, who all devoutly prayed to God that the day might turn
out to their honor. In the morning there was a thick mist, which
continued so long that no one could see the distance of an acre: the
lords were much vexed at this, but they could not remedy it.
After the king’s mass, which had been attended by the constable and
other great lords, it was ordered that those valiant knights Sir Oliver
de Clisson, Constable of France, Sir John de Vienne, Admiral of France,
and Sir William de Poitiers, who had been long used to arms, should
reconnoitre the position of the Flemings, and report to the king and his
uncles the truth of it; during which time the Lord d’Albreth and Sir
Hugh de Châtillon were employed in forming the battalions. These three
knights, leaving the king, set off on the flower of their steeds, and
rode toward that part where they thought they should find the Flemings,
and toward the spot where they had encamped the preceding night.
You must know that on the Thursday morning, when the thick mist came on,
the Flemings having, as you have before heard, marched before daybreak
to this strong position, had there remained until about eight o’clock,
when, not seeing nor hearing any thing of the French, their numbers
excited in them pride and self-sufficiency, and their captains, as well
as others, began thus to talk among themselves: “What are we about, thus
standing still, and almost frozen with cold? Why do we not advance with
courage, since such is our inclination, and seek our enemies to combat
them? We remain here to no purpose, for the French will never come to
look for us. Let us at least march to Mont d’Or, and take advantage of
the mountain.” Many such speeches were made, and they all consented to
march to Mont d’Or, which was between them and the French. In order to
avoid the ditch in their front, they turned the grove, and entered the
plain. While they were thus on their march round the grove, the three
knights came so opportunely that they reconnoitred them at their ease,
and rode by the side of their battalions, which were again formed within
a bow-shot from them. When they had considered them on the left, they
did the same on the right, and thus carefully and fully examined them.
The Flemings saw them plainly, but paid not any attention to them; nor
did any one quit his ranks. The three knights were well mounted, and so
much used to this business that they cared not for them. Philip said to
his captains, “Our enemies are near at hand: let us draw up here in
battle-array for the combat. I have seen strong appearances of their
intentions: for these three horsemen who pass and repass have
reconnoitred us, and are still doing so.”
[Illustration: The Three Knights reconnoitring the Flemings in the
Mist.]
Upon this the Flemings halted on the Mont d’Or, and formed in one thick
and strong battalion; when Philip said aloud, “Gentlemen, when the
attack begins, remember our enemies were defeated and broken at the
battle of Bruges by our keeping in a compact body. Be careful not to
open your ranks, but let every man strengthen himself as much as
possible, and bear his staff right before him. You will intermix your
arms, so that no one may break you, and march straight forward with a
good step, without turning to the right or left; and act together, so
that, when the conflict begins, you may throw your bombards and shoot
with your crossbows in such manner that our enemies may be thunderstruck
with surprise.”
When Philip had formed his men in battle-array, and told them how to
act, he went to the wing of his army in which he had the greatest
confidence. Near him was his page on the courser, to whom he said, “Go,
wait for me at that bush out of bow-shot; and, when thou shalt see the
discomfiture of the French and the pursuit begin, bring me my horse, and
shout my cry; they will make way for thee to come to me, for I wish to
be the first in the pursuit.” The page, on these words, left his master,
and did as he had ordered him. Philip placed near him, on the side of
this wing, forty English archers whom he had in his pay. Now, if it be
considered how well Philip had arranged this business, I am of opinion
(and in this I am joined by several others) that he well knew the art of
war; but in one instance, which I will relate, he acted wrong. It was in
quitting the first strong position he had taken in the morning; for they
would never have sought to fight him there, as it would have been too
much to their disadvantage; but he wished to show that his people were
men of courage, and had little fear of their enemies.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND FLEMINGS.--PHILIP
VON ARTAVELD IS SLAIN, AND HIS WHOLE ARMY DEFEATED.
The three knights returned to the King of France and to his battalions,
which had already been formed and were marching slowly in order of
battle; for there were many prudent and brave men, who had been long
accustomed to arms, in the vanguard, in the king’s battalion, and in the
rear-guard, who knew well what they were to do, for they were the flower
of chivalry in Christendom. Way was made for them; and the Lord de
Clisson spoke first, bowing to the king from his horse, and taking off
the beaver he wore, saying, “Sire, rejoice: these people are our own,
and our lusty varlets will fight well with them.”--“Constable,” replied
the king, “God assist you! Now advance, in the name of God and St.
Denis.” The knights before mentioned as the king’s body-guard now drew
up in good order. The king created many new knights, as did different
lords in their battalions, so that several new banners were displayed.
It was ordered, that when the engagement was about to commence, the
battalion of the king, with the oriflamme of France, should march to the
front of the army, that the van and rear guards should form the two
wings as speedily as possible, and by this means enclose and straiten
the Flemings, who were drawn up in the closest order, and gain a great
advantage over them. Notice of this intended movement was sent to the
rear-guard, of which the Count d’Eu, the Count de Blois, the Count de
St. Pol, the Count de Harcourt, the Count de Châtillon, and the Lord de
la Gere were commanders. The young Lord de Haurel displayed his banner
this day before the Count de Blois, who also knighted Sir Thomas
d’Istre, and Sir James de Hameth. According to the report of the
heralds, there were this day created four hundred and sixty-seven
knights.
The Lord de Clisson, Sir John de Vienne, and Sir William de Langres,
having made their report to the king, left him, and went to their post
in the vanguard. Shortly afterwards the oriflamme was displayed by Sir
Peter de Villiers, who bore it. Some say (as they find it written) that
it was never before displayed against Christians, and that it was a
matter of great doubt during the march whether it should be displayed or
not. However, the matter having been fully considered, they resolved to
display it, because the Flemings followed opinions contrary to that of
Pope Clement, and called themselves Urbanists; for which the French said
they were rebellious and out of the pale of the Church. This was the
principal cause why it had been brought and displayed in Flanders.
The oriflamme was a most excellent banner, and had been sent from heaven
with great mystery: it is a sort of gonfalon, and is of much comfort in
the day of battle to those who see it. Proof was made of its virtues at
this time; for all the morning there was so thick a fog, that with
difficulty could they see each other, but the moment the knight had
displayed it, and raised his lance in the air, this fog instantly
dispersed, and the sky was as clear as it had been during the whole
year. The lords of France were much rejoiced when they saw this clear
day, and the sun shine, so that they could look about them on all
sides.
It was a fine sight to view these banners, helmets, and beautiful
emblazoned arms: the army kept a dead silence, not uttering a sound, but
eyed a large battalion of Flemings before them, who were marching in a
compact body, with their staves advanced in the air, which looked like
spears; and so great were their numbers, they had the appearance of a
wood. The Lord d’Estonnenort told me that he saw (as well as several
others), when the oriflamme was displayed, and the fog had dispersed, a
white dove fly many times round the king’s battalion. When it had made
several circles, and the engagement was about to begin, it perched on
one of the king’s banners: this was considered as a fortunate omen.
The Flemings advanced so near, that they commenced a cannonade with bars
of iron, and quarrels headed with brass. Thus was the battle begun by
Philip and his men against the king’s battalion, which at the outset was
very sharp; for the Flemings, inflamed with pride and courage, came on
with vigor, and, pushing with shoulders and breasts like enraged wild
boars, they were strongly interlaced, one with the other, that they
could not be broken, nor their ranks forced. By this attack of cannons
and bombards, the Lord d’Albaruin, banneret, Morlet de Haruin, and James
Doré, on the side of the French, were first slain, and the king’s
battalion obliged to fall back. But the van and rear guards pushed
forward, and, by enclosing the Flemings, straitened them much. Upon the
two wings these men at arms made their attack, and, with their
well-tempered lances of Bordeaux, pierced through their coats of mail to
the flesh. All who were assailed by them drew back to avoid the blows,
for never would those that escaped return to the combat. By this means,
the Flemings were so straitened that they could not use their staves to
defend themselves. They lost both strength and breath, and, falling upon
one another, were stifled to death without striking a blow.
Philip von Artaveld was surrounded, wounded by spears, and beaten down,
with numbers of the Ghent men, who were his guards. When Philip’s page
saw the ill success of his countrymen, being well mounted on his
courser, he set off, and left his master, for he could not give him any
assistance, and returned toward Courtray, on his way to Ghent. When the
Flemings found themselves enclosed on two sides, there was an end to the
business, for they could not assist each other. The king’s battalion,
which had been somewhat disordered at the beginning, now recovered. The
men at arms knocked down the Flemings with all their might. They had
well-sharpened battle-axes, with which they cut through helmets, and
disbrained heads: others gave such blows with leaden maces, that nothing
could withstand them. Scarcely were the Flemings overthrown before the
pillagers advanced, who, mixing with the men at arms, made use of the
long knives they carried, and finished slaying whoever fell into their
hands, without more mercy than if they had been so many dogs. The
clattering on the helmets, by the axes and leaden maces, was so loud,
that nothing else could be heard for the noise. I was told, that if all
the armorers of Paris and Bruxelles had been there working at their
trade, they could not have made a greater noise than these combatants
did on the helmets of their enemies; for they struck with all their
force, and set to their work with the greatest good-will. Some, indeed,
pressed too forward into the crowd, and were surrounded and slain: in
particular, Sir Louis de Gousalz, a knight from Berry, and Sir Fleton de
Reniel. There were several more, which was a great pity; but in such a
battle as this, where such numbers are engaged, it is not possible for
victory to be obtained without being dearly bought; for young knights
and squires, eager to gain renown, willingly run into perils in hopes of
honor.
The crowd was now so great, and so dangerous for those enclosed in it,
that the men at arms, if not instantly assisted, could not raise
themselves when once down. By this were several of the French killed and
smothered; but they were not many, for, when in danger, they helped each
other. There was a large and high amount of the Flemings who were slain;
and never was there seen so little blood spilt at so great a battle,
where such numbers were killed. When those in the rear saw the front
fail, and that they were defeated, they were greatly astonished, and
began to throw away their staves and armor, to disband, and fly toward
Courtray and other places, not having any care but to save themselves if
possible. The Bretons and French pursued them into ditches,
alder-groves, and heaths, where they fought with and slew them. Numbers
were killed in the pursuit, between the field of battle and Courtray,
whither they were flying in their way to Ghent.
This battle on Mont d’Or took place the twenty-seventh day of November,
on the Thursday before Advent, in the year of grace 1382; and at that
time the King of France was fourteen years of age.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE NUMBER OF SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, AND PURSUIT
AFTERWARDS.--PHILIP VON ARTAVELD IS HANGED AFTER HE WAS DEAD.
Thus were the Flemings defeated on Mont d’Or, their pride humbled, and
Philip von Artaveld slain; and with him nine thousand men from Ghent and
its dependencies (according to the report of the heralds) on the spot,
not including those killed in the pursuit, which amounted to twenty-five
thousand more. This battle, from the beginning to the defeat, did not
last more than half an hour.
When the King of France arrived at his camp, where his magnificent
pavilion of red silk had been pitched, and when he had been disarmed,
his uncles, and many barons of France, came, as was right, to attend
him. Philip von Artaveld then came into his mind, and he said, “If
Philip is dead or alive, I should like to see him.” They replied, they
would have a search made for him. It was proclaimed through the army,
that whoever should discover the body of Philip von Artaveld should
receive one hundred francs. Upon this the varlets examined the dead, who
were all stripped, or nearly so; and Philip through avarice was so
strictly sought after, that he was found by a varlet, who had formerly
served him some time, and who knew him perfectly. He was dragged before
the king’s pavilion. The king looked at him for some time, as did the
other lords. He was turned over and over to see if he had died of
wounds, but they found none that could have caused his death. He had
been squeezed in the crowd, and, falling into a ditch, numbers of Ghent
men fell upon him, who died in his company. When they had sufficiently
viewed him, he was taken from thence, and hanged on a tree. Such was the
end of Philip von Artaveld.
BOOK III.[31]
CHAPTER I.
FROISSART SETS OUT ON JOURNEY TO BÉARN, TO SEEK ADMISSION TO THE
HOUSEHOLD OF THE COUNT DE FOIX.
In order to know the truth of distant transactions, without sending upon
the inquiry any other in place of myself, I took an opportunity of
visiting that high and redoubted prince Gaston Phœbus, Count de Foix and
de Béarn; for I well knew, that if I were so fortunate as to be admitted
into his household, and to remain there in quiet, I could not choose a
situation more proper to learn the truth of every event, as numbers of
foreign knights and squires assembled there from all countries,
attracted by his high birth and gentility. It fell out just as I had
imagined.
I told this my intention to my very renowned lord the Count de Blois,
and also the journey I wished to undertake, who gave me letters of
recommendation to the Count de Foix. I began my journey, inquiring on
all sides for news; and, through the grace of God, continued it, without
peril or hurt, until I arrived at the count’s residence, at Orthès in
Béarn, on St. Catherine’s Day in the year of grace 1388. The Count de
Foix, as soon as he saw me, gave me a hearty welcome, adding, with a
smile and in good French, that he was well acquainted with me, though he
had never seen me before, but he had frequently heard me spoken of. He
retained me in his household, and, by means of the letters which I had
brought, gave me full liberty to act as I pleased as long as I should
wish to remain with him. I there learnt the greater part of those events
which had happened in the kingdoms of Castile, Portugal, Navarre,
Aragon, even in England, in the Bourbonnois, and every thing concerning
the whole of Gascony. He himself, when I put any question to him,
answered it most readily, saying that the history I was employed on
would in times to come be more sought after than any other; “because,”
added he, “my fair sir, more gallant deeds of arms have been performed
within these last fifty years, and more wonderful things have happened,
than for three hundred years before.”
I was thus received by the Count de Foix in his hotel, and entertained
according to my pleasure. My wish was to inquire after news relative to
my history; and I had at my option barons, knights, and squires, who
gave me information, as well as the gallant Count de Foix himself. I
will therefore illustrate, in good language, all I there learnt, to add
to my materials, and to give examples to those worthies who wish to
advance themselves in renown. If I have heretofore dwelt on gallant
deeds, attacks, and captures of castles, towns, and forts, on
hard-fought battles and skirmishes, many more will now ensue; all of
which, by God’s grace, I will truly narrate.
CHAPTER II.
SIR JOHN FROISSART, IN HIS JOURNEY TOWARD BÉARN, IS ACCOMPANIED BY
A KNIGHT ATTACHED TO THE COUNT DE FOIX, WHO RELATES TO HIM HOW THE
GARRISON OF LOURDE TOOK ORTINGAS AND LE PAILLIER, ON THE RENEWAL OF
THE WAR IN GUYENNE, AFTER THE RUPTURE OF THE PEACE OF BRETIGNY.
At the time I undertook my journey to visit the Count de Foix,
reflecting on the diversity of countries I had never seen, I set out
from Carcassonne, leaving the road to Toulouse on the right hand, and
came to Monteroral, then to Tonges, then to Belle, then to the first
town in the county of Foix; from thence to Maisieres, to the castle of
Sauredun; then to the handsome city of Pamiers, which belongs to the
Count de Foix, where I halted to wait for company that were going to
Béarn, where the count resided. I remained in the city of Pamiers three
days; it is a very delightful place, seated among fine vineyards, and
surrounded by a clear and broad river called the Liege. Accidentally, a
knight attached to the Count de Foix, called Sir Espaign du Lyon, came
thither on his return from Avignon: he was a prudent and valiant knight,
handsome in person, and about fifty years of age. I introduced myself to
his company, as he had a great desire to know what was doing in France.
We were six days on the road travelling to Orthès. As we journeyed, the
knight, after saying his orisons, conversed the greater part of the day
with me, asking for news; and when I put any questions to him he very
willingly answered them. On our departure from Pamiers we crossed the
mountain of Cesse, which is difficult of ascent, and passed near the
town and castle of Ortingas, which belongs to the King of France, but
did not enter it. We went to dine at a castle of the Count de Foix, half
a league farther, called Carlat, seated on a high mountain. After dinner
the knight said, “Let us ride gently: we have but two leagues of this
country (which are equal to three of France) to our
lodging.”--“Willingly,” answered I. “Now,” said the knight, “we have
this day passed the castle of Ortingas, the garrison of which did great
mischief to all this part of the country. Peter d’Anchin had possession
of it; he took it by surprise, and has gained sixty thousand francs from
France.”--“How did he get so much?” said I. “I will tell you,” replied
the knight. “On the feast of Our Lady, the middle of August, a fair is
holden, where all the country assemble, and there is much merchandise
brought thither during that time. Peter d’Anchin and his companions of
the garrison of Lourde had long wanted to gain this town and castle, but
could not devise the means. They had, however, in the beginning of May,
sent two of their men, of very simple outward appearance, to seek for
service in the town: they soon found masters who were so well satisfied
with them, that they went in and out of the town whenever they pleased,
without any one having the smallest suspicion of them.
“When mid-August arrived, the town was filled with foreign merchants
from Foix, Béarn, and France; and you know, when merchants meet, after
any considerable absence, they are accustomed to drink plentifully
together to renew their acquaintance, so that the houses of the masters
of the two servants were quite filled, where they drank largely, and
their landlords with them. At midnight Peter d’Anchin and his company
advanced toward Ortingas, and hid themselves and horses in the wood
through which we passed. He sent six varlets with two ladders to the
town, who, having crossed the ditches where they had been told was the
shallowest place, fixed their ladders against the walls; the two
pretended servants, who were in waiting, assisted them (while their
masters were seated at table) to mount the walls. They were no sooner
up, than one of the servants conducted their companions toward the gate
where only two men guarded the keys: he then said to them, ‘Do you
remain here, and not stir until you shall hear me whistle; then sally
forth, and slay the guards. I am well acquainted with the keys, having
more than seven times guarded the gate with my master.’
“As he had planned, so did they execute, and hid themselves well. He
then advanced to the gate, and, having listened, found the watch
drinking: he called them by their names, for he was acquainted with
them, and said, ‘Open the door: I bring you the best wine you ever
tasted, which my master sends you that you may watch the better.’ Those
who knew the varlet imagined he was speaking the truth, and opened the
door of the guardroom: upon this he whistled, and his companions sallied
forth, and pushed between the door, so that they could not shut it
again. The guards were thus caught cunningly, and so quietly slain that
no one knew any thing of it. They then took the keys, and went to the
gate, which they opened, and let down the drawbridge so gently it was
not heard. This done, they sounded a horn with one blast only, which
those in ambuscade hearing, they mounted their horses, and came full
gallop over the bridge into the town, where they took all its
inhabitants, either at table or in their beds. Thus was Ortingas taken
by Peter d’Anchin of Bigorre and his companions in Lourde.”
I then asked the knight, “But how did they gain the castle?”--“I will
tell you,” said Sir Espaign du Lyon. “At the time the town was taken, by
ill-luck the governor was absent, supping with some merchants from
Carcassonne, so that he was made prisoner; and on the morrow Peter
d’Anchin had him brought before the castle wherein were his wife and
children, whom he frightened by declaring he would order the governor’s
head to be struck off if they did not enter into a treaty to deliver up
the castle. It was concluded, that, if his lady would surrender, the
governor should be given up to her, with permission to march unmolested
away with every thing that belonged to them. The lady, who found herself
in such a critical situation, through love to him who could not now
defend her, in order to recover her husband and to avoid greater
dangers, surrendered the castle, when the governor, his wife, and
children, set out with all that belonged to them, and went to Pamiers.
By this means Peter d’Anchin captured the town and castle of Ortingas;
and, when they entered the place, he and his companions gained thirty
thousand francs, as well in merchandise which they found there, as in
good French prisoners. All those who were from the county of Foix or
Béarn received their liberty, with their goods untouched.
“Peter d’Anchin held Ortingas for full five years; and he and his
garrison made frequent excursions as far as the gates of Carcassonne,
which is sixteen long leagues distant, greatly ruining the country, as
well by the ransoms of towns which compounded, as by the pillage they
made. During the time Peter d’Anchin garrisoned Ortingas, some of his
companions made a sally, being desirous of gain, and came to a castle a
good league off, called Le Paillier, of which Raymond du Paillier, a
French knight, was the lord. They this time accomplished their
enterprise, having before attempted it in vain; and, by means of a
scalado, they took the castle, the knight and his lady in bed. They kept
possession of it, allowing the lady and the children to depart, but
detained the knight four months in his own castle, until he had paid
four thousand francs for his ransom. In short, after they had
sufficiently harassed the country, they sold these two castles, Ortingas
and Le Paillier, for eight thousand francs, and then retired to Lourde,
their principal garrison. Such feats of arms and adventures were these
companions daily practising.
CHAPTER III.
FROISSART CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY.--IN TRAVELLING FROM TOURNAY TO
TARBES, THE KNIGHT RELATES TO HIM HOW THE GARRISON OF LOURDE HAD A
SHARP RENCOUNTER WITH THE FRENCH FROM THE ADJACENT GARRISONS.
In the morning we mounted our horses, set out from Tournay, passed the
river Lesse at a ford, and, riding toward the city of Tarbes, entered
Bigorre.
I recollected what he had said some days before respecting the country
of Larre and Mengeant de Lourde, and, reminding him of them, said, “My
lord, you promised that when we came to the country of Larre, you would
tell me more of Mengeant de Lourde, and the manner of his death.”--“It
is true,” replied the knight: “come and ride by my side, and I will tell
it you.” I then pushed forward to hear him the better, when he began as
follows:--
“During the time Peter d’Anchin held the castle and garrison of
Ortingas, as I have before related, those of Lourde made frequent
excursions at a distance from their fort, when they had not always the
advantage.
“It was told to the governor of Tarbes, a squire of Gascony, called
Ernauton Biffete, how those of Lourde were overrunning and harassing the
country; and he sent information of this to the Lord de Benach and to
Enguerros de Lane, son of Sir Raymond, and also to the Lord de Barbasan,
adding, he was determined to attack them. These knights and squires of
Bigorre, having agreed to join him, assembled their men in the town of
Tournay, through which the garrison of Lourde generally returned. When
those of Lourde heard that the French garrisons were waiting for them at
Tournay, they began to be alarmed, and called a council to determine how
to conduct their pillage in safety. It was resolved to divide themselves
into two parties: one, consisting of servants and pillagers, was to
drive the booty, and take by-roads to Lanebourg, crossing the bridge of
Tournay, and the river Lesse between Tournay and Malvoisin; the other
division was to march in order of battle on the high grounds, and to
make an appearance as if they meant to return by the pass of Larre below
Marteras, but to fall back between Barbasan and Montgaillard, in order
that the baggage might cross the river in safety. They were to meet all
together at Montgaillard, from whence they would soon be at Lourde.
“The French, in like manner as those of Lourde, had called a council
respecting their mode of acting. Sir Monant de Barbasan and Ernauton
Biscete said, ‘Since we know the men of Lourde are bringing home great
plunder and many prisoners, we shall be much vexed if they escape us:
let us therefore form two ambuscades, for we are enough for both.’ Upon
this it was ordered, that Le Bourg d’Espaign, Sir Raymond de Benach, and
Enguerros de Lane, with one hundred spears, should guard the passage at
Tournay, for the cattle and prisoners must necessarily cross the river;
and the Lord de Barbasan and Ernauton Biscete, with the other hundred
lances, should reconnoitre, if perchance they could come up with them.
They separated from each other; and the Lord de Benach, and the Bourg
d’Espaign, placed themselves in ambuscade at the bridge between Tournay
and Malvoisin. The other division rode to the spot where we now are,
which is called the Larre, and there the two parties met. They instantly
dismounted, and, leaving their horses to pasture, with pointed lances
advanced, for a combat was unavoidable, shouting their cries, ‘St.
George for Lourde!’ ‘Our Lady for Bigorre!’
“They charged each other, thrusting their spears with all their
strength, and, to add greater force, urged them forward with their
breasts. The combat was very equal; and for some time none were struck
down, as I heard from those present. When they had sufficiently used
their spears, they threw them down, and with battle-axes began to deal
out terrible blows on both sides. When any were so worsted or out of
breath that they could not longer support the fight, they seated
themselves near a large ditch full of water in the middle of the plain,
when, having taken off their helmets, they refreshed themselves: this
done, they replaced their helmets, and returned to the combat. I do not
believe there ever was so well-fought or so severe a battle as this of
Marteras in Bigorre, since the famous combat of thirty English against
thirty French knights in Brittany.
“They fought hand to hand; and Ernauton de Sainte Colombe, an excellent
man at arms, was on the point of being killed by a squire of the country
called Guillonet de Salenges, who had pushed him so hard that he was
quite out of breath, when I will tell you what happened: Ernauton de
Sainte Colombe had a servant who was a spectator of the battle, neither
attacking nor attacked by any one; but, seeing his master thus
distressed, he ran to him, and, wresting the battle-axe from his hands,
said, ‘Ernauton, go and sit down: recover yourself: you cannot longer
continue the battle.’ With this battle-axe he advanced upon the squire,
and gave him such a blow on the helmet as made him stagger and almost
fall down. Guillonet, smarting from the blow, was very wroth, and made
for the servant to strike him with his axe on the head; but the varlet
avoided it, and grappling with the squire, who was much fatigued, turned
him round, and flung him to the ground under him, when he said, ‘I will
put you to death, if you do not surrender yourself to my master.’--‘And
who is thy master?’--‘Ernauton de Sainte Colombe, with whom you have
been so long engaged.’ The squire, finding he had not the advantage,
being under the servant, who had his dagger ready to strike, surrendered
on condition to deliver himself prisoner, within fifteen days, at the
castle of Lourde, whether rescued or not. Of such service was this
servant to his master; and I must say, Sir John, that there was a
superabundance of feats of arms that day performed, and many companions
were sworn to surrender themselves at Tarbes and at Lourde. Ernauton
Biscete and Le Mengeant de Sainte Basile fought hand to hand, without
sparing themselves, and performed many gallant deeds, while all the
others were fully employed: however, they fought so vigorously that they
exhausted their strength, and both were slain on the spot. Thus fell
Ernauton Biscete and Le Mengeant de Sainte Basile.”
“By my faith,” said I to the knight, “I have listened to
[Illustration: How the Bourg d’Espaign fed the Fire in the great
Fire-place of the Count of Foix.]
you with pleasure; and in truth it was a very severe affair for so small
a number. But what became of those who conducted the pillage?”--“I will
tell you,” replied he. “At the bridge of Tournay, below Malvoisin, where
they intended to cross, they found the Bourg d’Espaign in ambuscade,
who, on their arrival, sallied out upon them, being in sufficient force.
Those of Lourde could not retreat, and were obliged to abide the event.
I must truly say that the combat was as severe and as long, if not
longer than that at Marteras. The Bourg d’Espaign performed wonders: he
wielded a battle-axe, and never hit a man with it but he struck him to
the ground. He was well formed for this, being of a large size, strongly
made, and not too much loaded with flesh. He took with his own hand the
two captains, the Bourg de Cornillac and Perot Palatin de Béarn.”
“Holy Mary!” said I to the knight, “this Bourg d’Espaign, is he so
strong a man as you tell me?”--“Yes, that he is, by my troth,” said he,
“and you will not find his equal in all Gascony for vigor of body: it is
for this the Count de Foix esteems him as his brother in arms. Three
years ago I saw him play a ridiculous trick, which I will relate to you.
On Christmas Day, when the Count de Foix was celebrating the feast with
numbers of knights and squires, as is customary, the weather was
piercing cold; and the count had dined, with many lords, in the hall.
After dinner he rose, and went into a gallery, which has a large
staircase of twenty-four steps: in this gallery is a chimney where is a
fire kept when the count inhabits it, otherwise not; and the fire is
never great, for he does not like it: it is not for want of blocks of
wood, for Béarn is covered with wood in plenty to warm him if he had
chosen it, but he has accustomed himself to a small fire. When in the
gallery he thought the fire too small, for it was freezing, and the
weather very sharp; and said to the knights around him, ‘Here is but a
small fire for this weather.’ Ernauton d’Espaign instantly ran down
stairs (for, from the windows of the gallery which looked into the
court, he had seen a number of asses with billets of wood for the use of
the house), and seizing the largest of these asses, with his load, threw
him over his shoulders, and carried him up stairs, pushing through the
crowd of knights and squires who were around the chimney, and flung ass
and load, with his feet upward, on the dogs of the hearth; to the
delight of the count, and the astonishment of all, at the strength of
the squire, who had carried, with such ease, so great a load up so many
steps.”
This feat of strength did I hear; and all the histories of Sir Espaign
du Lyon gave me such satisfaction and delight, I thought the road was
much too short.
CHAPTER IV.
SIR JOHN FROISSART ARRIVES AT ORTHÈS.--AN OLD SQUIRE RELATES TO HIM THE
CRUEL DEATH OF THE ONLY SON OF THE COUNT OF FOIX.
On the morrow we set out, and dined at Montgerbal, when having
remounted, and drunk a cup at Ercie, we arrived by sunset at Orthès. The
knight dismounted at his own house; and I did the same at the Hotel of
the Moon, kept by a squire of the count, called Ernauton du Pin, who
received me with much pleasure on account of my being a Frenchman. Sir
Espaign du Lyon, who had accompanied me, went to the castle to speak
with the count on his affairs. He found him in his gallery, for a
little before that hour he had dined. It was a custom with the count,
which he had followed from his infancy, to rise at noon, and sup at
midnight.
The knight informed him of my arrival, and I was instantly sent for; for
he is a lord above all others who delights to see strangers, in order to
hear news. On my entering, he received me handsomely, and retained me of
his household; where I staid upward of twelve weeks well entertained, as
were my horses. Our acquaintance was strengthened by my having brought
with me a book which I had made at the desire of Winceslaus of Bohemia,
Duke of Luxembourg and Brabant. In this book, called “Le Meliador,” are
contained all the songs, ballads, roundelays, and virelays, which that
gentle duke had composed, and of them I had made this collection. Every
night after supper I read out to him parts; during which time neither he
nor any one else spoke, for he was desirous I should be well heard, and
took much delight in it. When any passages were not perfectly clear, he
himself discussed them with me, not in his Gascon language, but in very
good French.
I shall relate to you several things respecting him and his household,
for I tarried there as long as I could gain any information. Count
Gaston Phœbus de Foix, of whom I am now speaking, was at that time
fifty-nine years old; and I must say, that although I have seen very
many knights, kings, princes, and others, I have never seen any so
handsome, either in the form of his limbs and shape, or in countenance,
which was fair and ruddy, with gray and tender eyes, that gave delight
whenever he chose to express affection. He was so perfectly formed, one
could not praise him too much. He loved earnestly the things he ought to
love, and hated those which it was becoming him so to hate. He was a
prudent knight, full of enterprise and wisdom. He had never any men of
abandoned character with him, reigned prudently, and was constant in his
devotions. There were regular nocturnals from the Psalter, prayers from
the rituals to the Virgin, to the Holy Ghost, and from the
burial-service. He had every day distributed as alms, at his gate, five
florins in small coin, to all comers. He was liberal and courteous in
his gifts; and well knew how to take when it was proper, and to give
back where he had confidence. He mightily loved dogs above all other
animals, and during the summer and winter amused himself much with
hunting. He never liked any foolish works nor ridiculous extravagances;
and would know every month the amount of his expenditure. He chose from
his own subjects twelve of the most able to receive and administer his
finances: two of them had the management for two months, when they were
changed for two others; and from them he selected one as comptroller, in
whom he placed his greatest confidence, and to whom all others rendered
their accounts. This comptroller accounted by rolls or written books,
which were laid before the count. He had certain coffers in his
apartment, from whence he took money to give to different knights,
squires, or gentlemen, when they came to wait on him, for none ever left
him without a gift; and these sums he continually increased, in order to
be prepared for any event that might happen. He was easy of access to
all, and entered very freely into discourse, though laconic in his
advice and in his answers. He employed four secretaries to write and
copy his letters; and these secretaries were obliged to be in readiness
the moment he came out from his closet. He called them neither John,
Walter, nor William, but his good-for-nothings, to whom he gave his
letters after he had read them, either to copy, or to do any thing else
he might command.
In such manner did the Count de Foix live. When he quitted his chamber
at midnight for supper, twelve servants bore each a lighted torch before
him, which were placed near his table, and gave a brilliant light to the
apartment. The hall was full of knights and squires; and there were
plenty of tables laid out for any person who chose to sup. No one spoke
to him at his table, unless he first began a conversation. He commonly
ate heartily of poultry, but only the wings and thighs; for in the
daytime he neither ate nor drank much. He had great pleasure in hearing
minstrels, as he himself was a proficient in the science, and made his
secretaries sing songs, ballads, and roundelays. He remained at table
about two hours; and was pleased when fanciful dishes were served up to
him, which having seen, he immediately sent them to the tables of his
knights and squires.
In short, every thing considered, though I had before been in several
courts of kings, dukes, princes, counts, and noble ladies, I was never
at one that pleased me more, nor was I ever more delighted with feats of
arms, than at this of the Count de Foix.
I was very anxious to know, seeing the hotel of the count so spacious
and so amply supplied, what was become of his son Gaston, and by what
accident he had died, for Sir Espaign du Lyon would never satisfy my
curiosity. I had made so many inquiries, that at last an old and
intelligent squire informed me:--
“Gaston, the son of my lord, grew up, and became a fine young gentleman.
He was married to the daughter of the Count d’Armagnac, sister to the
present count and to Sir Bernard d’Armagnac; and by this union peace was
insured between Foix and Armagnac. The youth might be about fifteen or
sixteen years old: he was a very handsome figure, and the exact
resemblance of his father in his whole form.
“He took it into his head to make a journey into Navarre, to visit his
mother[32] and uncle; but it was an unfortunate journey for him and for
this country. On his arrival at Navarre, he was splendidly entertained;
and he staid some time with his mother. On taking leave, he could not
prevail on her, notwithstanding his remonstrances and entreaties, to
accompany him back; for, the lady having asked if the Count de Foix, his
father, had ordered him to bring her back, he replied that when he set
out no such orders had been given; which caused her to fear trusting
herself with him. She therefore remained; and the heir of Foix went to
Pampeluna to take leave of his uncle. The king entertained him well, and
detained him upward of ten days. On his departure, he made him handsome
presents, and did the same by his attendants. The last gift the king
gave him was the cause of his death, and I will tell you how it
happened. As the youth was on the point of setting out, the king took
him privately into his chamber, and gave him a bag full of powder, which
was of such pernicious quality as would cause the death of any one that
ate of it. ‘Gaston, my fair nephew,’ said the king, ‘will you do what I
am about to tell you? You see how unjustly the Count de Foix hates your
mother, who being my sister, it displeases me as much as it should you.
If you wish to reconcile your father to your mother, you must take a
small pinch of this powder, and, when you see a proper opportunity,
strew it over the meat destined for your father’s table; but take care
no one sees you. The instant he shall have tasted it, he will be
impatient for his wife, your mother, to return to him; and they will
love each other henceforward so strongly, they will never again be
separated. You ought to be anxious to see this accomplished. Do not tell
it to any one; for, if you do, it will lose its effect.’ The youth, who
believed every thing his uncle the King of Navarre had told him,
replied, he would cheerfully do as he had said; and on this he departed
from Pampeluna, on his return to Orthès. His father the Count de Foix
received him with pleasure, and asked what was the news in Navarre, and
what presents and jewels had been given him; he replied, ‘Very handsome
ones,’ and showed them all, except the bag which contained the powder.
“It was customary, in the hotel de Foix, for Gaston and his bastard
brother Evan to sleep in the same chamber. They mutually loved each
other, and were dressed alike, for they were nearly of the same size and
age. It fell out, that their clothes were once mixed together; and, the
coat of Gaston being on the bed, Evan, who was malicious enough,
noticing the powder in the bag, said to Gaston, ‘What is this that you
wear every day on your breast?’ Gaston was not pleased at the question,
and replied, ‘Give me back my coat, Evan: you have nothing to do with
it.’ Evan flung him his coat, which Gaston put on, but was very pensive
the whole day. Three days after, as if God was desirous of saving the
life of the Count de Foix, Gaston quarrelled with Evan at tennis, and
gave him a box on the ear. The boy was vexed at this, and ran crying to
the apartment of the count, who had just heard mass. The count, an
seeing him in tears, asked what was the matter. ‘In God’s name, my
lord,’ replied Evan, ‘Gaston has beaten me; but he deserves beating much
more than I do.’--‘For what reason?’ said the count, who began to have
some suspicions. ‘On my faith,’ said Evan, ‘ever since his return from
Navarre, he wears on his breast a bag of powder: I know not what use it
can be of, nor what he intends to do with it; except that he has once or
twice told me, his mother would soon return hither, and be more in your
good graces than ever she was.’--‘Ho!’ said the count, ‘hold thy tongue,
and be sure thou do not mention what thou hast just told me to any man
breathing.’--‘My lord,’ replied the youth, ‘I will obey you.’ The Count
de Foix was very thoughtful on this subject, and remained alone until
dinner-time, when he rose up, and seated himself as usual at his table
in the hall. His son Gaston always placed the dishes before him, and
tasted the meats.[33] As soon as he had served the first dish, and done
what was usual, the count cast his eyes on him, having formed his plan,
and saw the strings of the bag hanging from his pourpoint. This sight
made his blood boil, and he said, ‘Gaston, come hither: I want to
whisper you something.’ The youth advanced to the table, when the count,
opening his bosom, undid his pourpoint, and with his knife cut away the
bag. The young man was thunderstruck, and said not a word, but turned
pale with fear, and began to tremble exceedingly, for he was conscious
he had done wrong. The count opened the bag, took some of the powder,
which he strewed over a slice of bread, and, calling a dog to him, gave
it him to eat. The instant the dog had eaten a morsel, his eyes rolled
round in his head, and he died. The count on this was very wroth, and
indeed had reason. Rising from table, he would have struck his son with
a knife; but the knights and squires rushed in between them, saying,
‘For God’s sake, my lord, do not be too hasty, but make further
inquiries before you do any ill to your son.’ The first words the count
uttered were in Gascon: ‘Ho, Gaston, thou traitor! for thee, and to
increase thy inheritance which would have come to thee, have I made war,
and incurred the hatred of the kings of France, England, Spain, Navarre,
and Aragon, and have borne myself gallantly against them; and thou
wishest to murder me! Thy disposition must be infamously bad: know
therefore thou shalt die with this blow.’ And leaping over the table,
with a knife in his hand, he would have slain him; but the knights and
squires again interfered, and on their knees said to him with tears,
‘Ah, ah! my lord, for Heaven’s sake, do not kill Gaston: you have no
other child. Let him be confined, and inquire further into the business.
Perhaps he was ignorant what was in the bag, and may therefore be
blameless.’--‘Well,’ replied the count, ‘let him be confined in the
dungeon, but so safely guarded that he may be forthcoming.’ The youth
was therefore confined in this tower. I will tell you the cause of his
death, since I have said so much on the subject. The Count de Foix had
caused him to be confined in a room of the dungeon where was little
light: there he remained for ten days. He scarcely ate or drank any
thing of the food which was regularly brought to him, but threw it
aside. The count would not permit any one to remain in the chamber to
advise or comfort him: he therefore never put off the clothes he had on
when he entered his prison. This made him melancholy, and vexed him, for
he did not expect so much harshness: he therefore cursed the hour he was
born, and lamented that he should come to such an end. On the day of his
death, those who brought him food said, ‘Gaston, here is meat for you.’
He paid not any attention to it, but said, ‘Put it down.’ The person who
served him, looking about, saw all the meat untouched that he had
brought thither the last days: then, shutting the door, he went to the
count, and said, ‘My lord, for God’s sake, look to your son: he is
starving himself in his prison. I do not believe he has eaten any thing
since his confinement; for I see all that I have carried to him lying on
one side untouched.’ On hearing this, the count was enraged, and,
without saying a word, left his apartment, and went to the prison of his
son. In an evil hour, he had in his hand a knife, with which he had been
paring and cleaning his nails; he held it by the blade so closely that
scarcely the thickness of a groat appeared of the point, when, pushing
aside the tapestry that covered the entrance of the prison, through ill
luck, he hit his son on a vein of his throat, as he uttered, ‘Ha,
traitor, why dost thou not eat?’ and instantly left the room, without
saying or doing any thing more. The youth was much frightened at his
father’s arrival, and withal exceedingly weak from fasting. The point of
the knife, small as it was, cut a vein, which as soon as he felt he
turned himself on one side, and died. The count had barely got back
again to his apartment, when the attendants of his son came, and said,
‘My lord, Gaston is dead.’--‘Dead!’ cried the count. ‘Yes, God help me!
indeed he is, my lord.’ The count would not believe it, and sent one of
his knights to see. The knight, on his return, confirmed the news. The
count was now bitterly affected, and cried out, ‘Ha, ha, Gaston! what a
sorry business has this turned out for thee and me! In an evil hour
didst thou go to visit thy mother in Navarre. Never shall I again enjoy
the happiness I had formerly.’ He then ordered his barber to be sent
for, and was shaven quite bare. He clothed himself, as well as his whole
household, in black. The body of the youth was borne, with tears and
lamentations, to the church of the Augustine Friars at Orthès, where it
was buried. Thus have I related to you the death of Gaston de Foix: his
father killed him indeed, but the King of Navarre was the cause of this
sad event.”
BOOK IV.[34]
CHAPTER I.
THE DUKE OF BOURBON IS APPOINTED CHIEF OF AN EXPEDITION TO AFRICA,
THAT IS UNDERTAKEN BY SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND AT THE
SOLICITATION OF THE GENOESE.
I have delayed, for a long time, speaking of a grand and noble
enterprise that was undertaken by some knights of France, England, and
other countries, against the kingdom of Barbary. The text of the subject
I mean to proceed on says, that about this time the Genoese were
reported throughout France and other countries, to be desirous of
raising a large army to invade Barbary; and that all knights, squires,
or men at arms, who would engage in this expedition, should be supplied
with such purveyances as biscuit, fresh water, vinegar, and vessels and
galleys to transport them thither.
The cause of their forming this armament was, that the Africans had
attacked the country of Genoa, plundering the islands belonging to them,
and carrying off such from the coasts of Genoa as were not on their
guard, by which they were kept under continual alarms. They possessed
also a town, situated on the sea-shore of Barbary, which is beyond
measure strong, and called Africa, surrounded with high walls, gates,
and deep ditches. Like as the strong town of Calais is the key to France
and Flanders, and whoever is master of it may at all times enter those
countries, and from thence may be sent a powerful force by sea, to do
mischief to their neighbors; just so is the town of Africa the
stronghold of the inhabitants of Barbary, Bugia, and Tunis, and other
infidel countries. The Genoese, who are rich merchants, bore great
hatred to this town; for its corsairs frequently watched them at sea,
and, when strongest, fell on and plundered their ships, carrying their
spoils to this town of Africa, which was, and is now, their place of
deposit, and may be called their warren.
The Genoese, to put an end to such conduct, and satisfy the complaints
of their subjects, that were daily made to them, determined to make
their situation known to the court of France, and to offer to such
knights as would undertake an expedition against the infidels, vessels
of provision, with a passage thither and back free of all costs,
provided that one of the king’s uncles, or his brother the Duke of
Touraine (who, being young, ought to labor to gain renown), would take
the chief command. They likewise offered the aid of pilgrims, from
foreign parts to assist them, twelve thousand select Genoese crossbows,
and eight thousand infantry armed with spears and shields, all at their
expense. They imagined, that as now there was a truce between France,
England, and their allies, their knights would, from having nothing to
do, be glad to join in this warfare, and that they should have numbers
of them from those kingdoms.
When this intelligence was first brought to the French knights, they
were much rejoiced, in hope of gaining honor; and the ambassadors from
Genoa were told they should not return without their business being
attended to, and succor afforded them, for their anxiety to extend the
Christian faith was very praiseworthy. They waited at Paris, while it
was under deliberation of the council who should be appointed
commander-in-chief. The Duke of Touraine offered his services to the
king and council; but they, as well as the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy,
remonstrated, that this command was not fit for him. They considered,
that as the Genoese insisted on the king’s brother, or one of his
uncles, taking the command, the Duke of Bourbon would be the most proper
person, and that he should have for his second the Lord de Coucy. The
Genoese ambassadors having received a favorable answer from the king,
and certain assurances of being assisted with knights and men at arms
from France, under the command of the Duke of Bourbon, in the course of
the year, were greatly contented. They took leave of the king, and
returned to their own country, to relate the good news, and make
preparations accordingly.
Reports of an invasion of Barbary were soon spread throughout France. To
some knights and squires it was agreeable, to others the contrary. All
who were desirous of going thither could not, as it would have been at
their own charges, for no lord paid for any but those of his own
household. It was also ordered, that no one from France should make part
of this expedition but such as had the king’s leave, for the council
wished not the realm to be void of defence; and the Genoese were
expressly bound not to suffer any servants to embark, but solely such as
were gentlemen, and who could be depended upon. It was, besides, meant
as a compliment to the knights and squires of other nations who might
wish to join in the enterprise. This regulation gave pleasure to all
foreign knights who heard of it. The Duke of Bourbon, having accepted
the command, sent his servants to Genoa, where they were to embark, to
make the necessary preparations for him and his household. The gallant
Count d’Auvergne, who was likewise of the expedition, did the same. The
Lord de Coucy, Sir Guy de la Tremouille, Sir John de Vienne, and all the
great barons and knights of France who had obtained leave to make part
of this army, were not behindhand in sending thither purveyances
suitable to their state. The Lord Philip d’Artois, Count d’Eu, Sir
Philip de Bar, the Lord de Harcourt, Sir Henry d’Antoing, did so
likewise. From Brittany and Normandy many great lords made preparations
for this expedition to Barbary, as well as from Hainault; among the last
were the Lord de Ligne and the Lord de Havreth. Several knights came
from Flanders; and the Duke of Lancaster had a bastard son, called Henry
de Beaufort, whom, through devotion, he sent thither. He had him well
accompanied by many knights and squires of rank in England.
The Count de Foix was unwilling his bastard son, Evan of Foix, should
remain behind, and had him properly attended by knights and squires, as
he wished him to keep his state grandly. Every one had taken care to
send beforehand all he should want; and those at the greatest distance
from Genoa left their countries the middle of May, but it was about a
month before all were assembled. The Genoese were well pleased on their
arrival, and made handsome and rich presents to the chiefs, the better
to secure their affections. As the knights arrived, they were posted
adjoining each other, and, on being mustered by the marshals, amounted
to fourteen hundred knights and squires. They were embarked on board of
ships and galleys, that had been properly equipped for the voyage, on
St. John Baptist’s Day, in the year of grace 1390.
It was a beautiful sight to view this fleet, with the emblazoned banners
of the different lords glittering in the sun and fluttering in the wind:
and to hear the minstrels and other musicians sounding their pipes,
clarions, and trumpets, whose sounds were re-echoed back by the sea.
When all were embarked, they cast anchor, and remained that night at the
mouth of the harbor; but the servants and horses were left behind on
shore. A horse worth fifty francs was on their embarkation sold for ten,
as many of the knights and squires were uncertain when, or if ever, they
should return, and the keep of five horses at Genoa was upward of a
franc a day: they therefore, on departing, made of them what money they
could, but it was little enough.
There were about three hundred galleys to transport the men at arms and
archers, and upward of one hundred vessels for the purveyances and other
necessaries. On the morrow, at daybreak, they weighed anchor, and rode
coastwise that and the succeeding night. The third day they made
Port-fino, where they lay that night: at sunrise they rowed to
Porto-Venere, and again cast anchor. The ensuing morning they weighed,
and took to the deep, putting themselves under the protection of God and
St. George. When they had passed the island of Elba, they encountered a
violent tempest, which drove them back by Gorgona, Sardinia, and
Corsica, into the Gulf of Lyons, a position always dangerous; but they
could not avoid it, for the tempest was so violent, that the ablest
mariner could not do any thing to prevent their running the utmost risk
of destruction: they waited therefore the will of God. This storm lasted
a day and night, and dispersed the fleet. When the weather became calm,
and the sea tranquil, the pilots, who were acquainted with those seas,
steered as directly as they could for the island of Commeres, which is
but thirty miles from the town of Africa, whither they bent their
course. The masters of the vessels had held a council before they
entered the Gulf of Lyons, and determined, that, should they part
company, they would rendezvous at the island of Commeres, and wait there
until they were all assembled. This plan was adopted; and it was upward
of nine days before all were collected, so much had they been scattered.
The island of Commeres, though not large, is very pleasant. The lords
there refreshed themselves, and praised God for having all met again
without essential loss or damage. When on the eve of departure, the
French lords, who took the lead, held a council on their future
proceedings, as they were now so near the port of Africa.
CHAPTER II.
THE CHRISTIAN LORDS WEIGH ANCHOR, AND LEAVE THE ISLAND OF COMINO,
IN ORDER TO LAY SIEGE TO THE TOWN OF AFRICA.--THE MANNER IN WHICH
THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES.
They addressed the masters of the galleys as follows: “Gentlemen, we are
now on the nearest land to the strong town of Africa, whither, if it
please God, we will go, and besiege it. We must therefore consult with
you how we may enter the harbor and disembark. We propose to send in
advance our smaller vessels, called brigandines, to amuse the enemy,
while we remain at the mouth of the harbor: on the following day we will
at our leisure land, through God’s grace, and encamp ourselves as near
the town as possible, out of the reach of their bricolles.[35] The
Genoese crossbows shall be drawn up, and ready for defence or attack. We
suppose that, on our debarkation, a multitude of your young squires will
demand to be knighted, for increase of honor and advancement. Instruct
them gently how they ought to act, for you are very capable of doing it;
and know, gentlemen, that we are well inclined to acquit ourselves
handsomely toward you; and, to show our eagerness to annoy the enemy, we
shall take every possible pains that this town of Africa may be won. It
has done you too great damage to be longer endured, and is, besides, the
key to the empire of Barbary and the surrounding kingdoms of Africa,
Morocco, and Bugia. Should God, of his goodness, permit us to conquer
it, all the Saracens will tremble, as far as Nubia and Syria, and we
shall be everywhere talked of. With the assistance of the princes of
Christendom, who are the nearest to us, we may re-enforce it with men,
and victual it again; so that, if once we gain possession, it will
become a place for all knights and squires to adventure themselves in
arms against the enemies of God, and conquer their lands.”--“My lords,”
replied the masters of the vessels, “we shall never pretend to teach you
how to act, but give our opinions with all modesty and humility; for you
are too noble, wise, and valiant, for us to pretend to lay down rules
for your conduct.” The Lord de Coucy said, “We should, however, wish to
have your opinions, for we have observed nothing but what is
praiseworthy in you; and, as it is you who have brought us hither, to
accomplish deeds of arms, we shall never act without having your
advice.” Such were the conversations held in the presence of the Duke
of Bourbon, the Count d’Eu, and some of the great barons of France, with
the captains of the Genoese vessels, before they sailed for the coast of
Africa.
When all was ready, and the men at arms had re-embarked on board their
galleys, with a good will to meet their enemies the Saracens, the
admiral gave orders for the trumpets to sound, and the fleet to get
under way. The sea was now calm, and the weather fine: it was a pleasure
to see the rowers force their vessels through its smooth surface, which
seemed to delight in bearing these Christians to the shores of the
infidels. Their fleet was numerous and well ordered; and it was a fine
sight to view their various banners and pennons, emblazoned with their
arms, fluttering with the gentle gales, and glittering in the sun. Late
in the evening, the Christians saw the towers of Africa, as pointed out
to them by the sailors, which, as they advanced, opened more to their
view. Every one was rejoiced at this sight, and not without cause, as
they had in part accomplished the object of their voyage. If the
Christians, on thus seeing Africa, conversed much concerning the war
they were about to commence, the Saracens, who had so plainly observed
them from their town, and were on the watch, did the same. They were
astonished at the great number of vessels, of all descriptions, and
concluded they had a very large army on board to besiege the town. They
were not cast down with this, for they knew the place was strong, well
fortified with towers, and plentifully stored with artillery and
provisions.
On their first noticing the fleet, they sounded, according to custom, a
number of bells on the towers, to alarm and inform the country that an
enemy was on the coast. There were encamped near the town a large body
of barbarians and infidels, whom the kings of Tunis and Bugia had sent
thither to defend the coast, and prevent the Christians from making any
progress into the interior of the country. The noise of the trumpets and
drums announced the arrival of the Christians; and, in consequence, they
formed their army according to their manner, and sent some of the ablest
captains to the shore to observe the motions of the enemy, and the
manner of their debarkation. They also posted their most expert men at
arms on the towers and battlements of the town, that they might not be
taken by surprise; for it was strong enough to resist every thing but a
long siege, if they were on their guard.
As I, John Froissart, the author of these Chronicles, was never in
Africa, I sought all the information I could from those knights and
squires who had been on this expedition, and made several journeys to
Calais to learn the truth of all that passed. [Having inquired as to the
size and form of the town of Africa, some who had been there figured it
out to me, and said it was in the form of a bow, like to Calais,
extending its arms toward the sea. This town of Africa, at the time the
lords of France and other nations were before it with an anxious desire
to win it, was wonderfully strong, surrounded with high walls at proper
distances. The entrance of the harbor was defended by a tower larger
than the rest, on which was placed a bricolle to cast large stones and
quarrels, with which it was well provided.
When the Christians approached the harbor, the walls of the town seemed
to be hung with cloths or tapestry, somewhat similar in appearance to
coverlets of beds. They cast anchor about one league distant from the
port, where they remained until the morrow. The night was clear and
serene, for it was the month of July, about Magdalen-tide; and they made
themselves comfortable, rejoicing that, through God’s pleasure, they had
so far succeeded as to have the town of Africa now before them.
The Saracens, who were on the opposite shore watching the Christian
fleet, held this night a council on their future mode of proceeding, for
they knew the town would be besieged. They thus conversed among
themselves: “Our enemies are now arrived: they will, if they can, land,
and lay siege to Africa, which is the key to the adjoining kingdoms. We
must therefore consider well our plans for opposing them: otherwise we
shall be greatly blamed, and especially if we should not at first
dispute their landing.” It was proposed by a valiant Saracen, called
Mandifer, to resist their landing, as being the most honorable; and to
oppose them instantly with their whole force, or they would probably
have fault found with them. This was strongly supported by many, as it
seemed the most courageous plan; when an ancient Saracen began to speak,
who had great influence among them, as he showed. This lord came from a
town in Africa called Maldages, and his name was Bellius. He gave his
opinion quite contrary to that of Mandifer, and supported it with the
following reasons: “Gentlemen, we are sent hither to guard the coast,
and defend this country; but we have no orders from the kings of Tunis
or of Bugia to attack our enemies without having maturely considered the
consequences. What I have to propose, I will maintain by such reasons as
these: First, you must suppose that this army of Christians has been
long in preparation, and is provided with all things necessary. Their
captains, you may also believe, are perfect men at arms, as able in
council as in the field, with the greatest ardor to perform deeds of
arms. If we meet them on the shore, they will advance their Genoese
crossbows, for you may be assured they have brought numbers of them. It
will be against them who have such excellent crossbows, that we must
support the first attack; and we are not armed, nor have we shields to
guard us against their arrows. Our men, finding themselves wounded, will
draw back, and refuse the combat, so that these Genoese will make good
their landing in spite of us. Their men at arms, desirous of displaying
their courage, will leap from their boats, and, observing our disorder,
will attack us with lances, and gain a victory. Should this happen, the
town of Africa is irrecoverably lost, for any thing we can do to prevent
it. Those within will be so much discouraged by our defeat, that, before
our men can be rallied, the place will be taken by storm or
capitulation, and be so well guarded that we shall have the greatest
difficulty to regain it. The French, and those with them, are very
expert and subtle in arms. I therefore maintain, that it will be more to
our advantage that the enemy should be ignorant of our force at the
onset; for at this moment we have not a sufficiency to offer them
battle, though our strength is daily increasing. I advise, that we
suffer them to disembark at their ease; for, as they have no horses to
advance into the country, they will remain where they land, suspicious
of our intentions.] The town of Africa is not afraid of them, nor of
their attacks; for it is tolerably strong, and well provided with every
thing. The air is now warm, and will be hotter. They will be exposed to
the heat of the sun, while we shall be in the shade. Their provisions
will be destroyed, without hopes of having a supply, if they make any
long stay, and we shall have abundance from our own country: we will
frequently beat up their quarters; and, should they be unfortunate in
these skirmishes, they will be worn down. We must avoid all general
engagements, otherwise we cannot conquer them; but we shall do it by
this plan, and trusting to the climate, which is contrary to the nature
of their constitutions. [They will not have any re-enforcements, and we
shall have many. The extreme heat of the sun, and the fatigue they will
undergo from being always armed in fear of us, will very soon bring on
disorders which will carry numbers to the grave; and thus shall we be
revenged without striking a blow.] Such is the plan I propose; and, if I
knew of any better, I would lay it before you.”
All those in the council, who had been used to arms, adopted the advice
the old Saracen lord had given. It was in consequence forbidden, under
pain of death, for the army to attack or skirmish with the Christians on
the sea-shore; but they were ordered to remain quietly in their
quarters, and suffer them to land and encamp themselves without any
opposition. None dared infringe these orders. They sent a body of their
archers into the town of Africa, to assist in its defence; and never
made any movement until the morrow, so that the country seemed
uninhabited.
The Christians having lain this night, as I have said, at anchor at the
mouth of the harbor, made themselves ready the next day, which was a
clear bright morning, for approaching the town, being very desirous to
land. Trumpets and clarions began to sound and make a loud noise on
board the different galleys and ships. When it was about nine o’clock,
and the Christians had drunk a cup, and partaken of soup made of Grecian
or Malmsey wines, with which they had abundantly provided themselves, to
cheer their hearts and raise their spirits, they began to execute the
plan they had laid down while at the island. They sent, as it seems to
me, some light vessels called brigandines, armed with bricolles and
cannons, first toward the harbor. When they were properly drawn up in
array, they entered the haven, and saluted the town with arrows and
stones; but the walls were hung with wet carpeting to deaden the blows.
These brigandines entered the port without damage, and were followed by
the galleys and other vessels in such handsome order as to make a
pleasant show. In turning into the harbor, there was a large castle with
towers, and on one larger than the rest was placed a bricolle, for the
defence of the place, which was not idle, but threw quarrels among the
fleet. On each of the towers on the walls was a bricolle which shot
well; and, to say the truth, the Saracens had laid in stores for a long
time, from the expectation of a siege.
When the Christians entered the port of Africa, to disembark, the
weather was so beautiful, and their order so well preserved, that it was
delightful to see it. Their trumpets and clarions made the air resound,
and were echoed back by the waves. Many knights both from France and
from other countries now displayed their banners, and several knights
were created; the first of whom was John, Lord de Ligny, in Hainault: he
was knighted by his cousin Sir Henry d’Antoing; and the Lord de Ligny
there first displayed his banner, which was emblazoned with his arms on
a field or, having a bend gules; he was accompanied by his cousin-german
the Lord d’Havreth in Hainault. All the knights and squires disembarked
in view of the Saracens, on a Wednesday, the vigil of Magdalen Day, in
the year of grace 1390, and, as they landed, encamped according to
orders from the marshals. Thus they took possession of the land of their
enemies, who, noticing their camp, could not avoid highly praising the
good order of it. Those in the larger galleys, that could not lie near
the shore, were put into boats, and conveyed to land, under the banner
of Our Lady. The Saracens, both within and without the town, allowed
them to land peaceably, for they were not in numbers sufficient to
oppose them; and the French advanced with displayed banners, on which
were emblazoned their arms, to places marked out for their lodgings by
the marshals.
The Duke of Bourbon, as commander-in-chief, was lodged in the centre of
his army, with all honor, and powerfully guarded. The device on his
banner, powdered over with flowers-de-luce, was a figure of the Virgin
Mary in white, seated in the centre, and an escutcheon of Bourbon at her
feet. I will name those lords of rank who were quartered on the right of
the duke, looking toward the town: first Sir William de la Tremouille,
and his brother, with a pennon; the Lord de Bordenay, with a banner; Sir
Helion de Lignac, with a pennon; the Lord de Tours, the same. Then were
placed the Hainaulters, whose standard bore the device of the Lord
William of Hainault, at that time Count d’Ostrevant, eldest son of Duke
Albert of Bavaria, Count of Holland, Hainault, and Zealand, which device
was a harrow or, on a field gules. There was the Lord d’Havreth with his
banner; the Lord de Ligny, with his; and then the Lord Philip, Count
d’Artois, with his banner; the Lord de Mathefelon, with his banner; the
Lord de Calan, with a pennon; the seneschal d’Eu, with the same; the
Lord de Linieres, with a banner; the Lord de Thim, with the same; the
Lord d’Ameval, with the same; Sir Walter de Chastillon, with a pennon;
Sir John de Châteaumorant, with a banner; the brother to the Marshal de
Sancerre, with a pennon; the Lord de Coucy, with his banner, and better
supported than any except the Duke of Bourbon; the Lord de Licques, with
a pennon; Sir Stephen de Sancerre, with the same; and then the pennon
of the King of France, blazoned with his device. Beside it was Sir John
le Barrois, with his pennon ornamented with his arms; Sir William
Morles, with his banner; the Lord de Longueval, with a pennon; Sir John
de Roye, with a banner; the Lord de Bours, with a pennon; the Viscount
d’Ausnay, with a banner; and Sir John de Vienne, Admiral of France, with
his banner.
Those on the left hand of the Duke of Bourbon were, the Lord d’Ausemont,
with a banner; Sir John Beaufort, bastard to the Duke of Lancaster, a
banner; Sir John le Bouteiller, an Englishman, a pennon; Sir John de
Crama, a banner; the Souldich de l’Estrade, a pennon; Sir John de
Harcourt, a banner; the Lord Berald, Count de Clermont, and Dauphin of
Auvergne, a banner, and with good array; Sir Hugh Dauphin, his brother,
a pennon; the Lord de Berthencourt, a pennon; the Lord de Pierre
Buffiere, a banner; the Lord de St. Semere, a banner; the Lord de
Louvart, marshal of the army, a pennon; the Begue de Beausse, a pennon;
the Lord de Louvy, a banner; Sir Gerard de Louvy, his brother, a pennon;
the Lord de Saint-Germain, a banner; and then the pennon on a standard,
with the device of the Duke of Bourbon; the Lord Philip de Bar, a
banner; Sir Lewis de Poitiers, a pennon; Sir Robert de Calobre, the
same; the Viscount de Les, a banner; the Lord de Nogent, the same; the
Lord de Villeneuve, a pennon; Sir William de Moulin, the same; the Lord
de Longwy, a pennon; Sir Angorget d’Amboise, the same; Sir Alain de la
Champaigne, a pennon.
All these banners and pennons that I have named were placed in front of
the camp, facing the town of Africa. But there were many knights and
squires, of great courage and ability, who were quartered in the
fields, whom I cannot name; and, if I could, it would take up too much
space, for they were in the whole fourteen thousand, all gentlemen. This
was a handsome army, able to perform many gallant deeds, and support a
hard warfare, if the Saracens had ventured an attack, which they did
not, contenting themselves this day with throwing large bolts, not
meaning to act contrary to their plan. When the Christians were
encamped, it was necessary for them to be careful of the provision they
had brought; for they could not now venture to forage in this country,
nor collect wood nor boughs for huts, as they would have run many risks
by foolishly venturing themselves for such objects.
The knights were lodged under tents and pavilions of cloth, which they
had procured at Genoa. The Genoese crossbows formed two wings, enclosing
within them the principal lords; and, from their numbers, they occupied
a great deal of ground, turning toward the sea-shore. All their
provision was on board the vessels, and there were boats continually
employed in bringing different articles from them, as they were wanted.
When the inhabitants of the neighboring islands, such as Sicily and
others, as well as those in the kingdom of Naples, la Puglia, and
Calabria, heard the Christians were laying siege to Africa, they exerted
themselves to supply them with every sort of provision: some from a
desire of gain, others from affection to the Genoese. However, these
purveyances did not come regularly; for at times the supply was most
abundant, at others they were in great distress from want.
CHAPTER III.
THE CONDUCT OF THE SARACENS DURING THE SIEGE OF THE TOWN OF
AFRICA.--THEY SEND TO DEMAND FROM THE FRENCH THE CAUSE OF THEIR
MAKING WAR AGAINST THEM.
I will say something of the Saracens, for it is but just they should be
equally spoken of as the Christians, that the truth may be more
apparent. You must know that these infidels had, for a long time, been
menaced by the Genoese, and were expecting the town of Africa to be
besieged, in which they were not disappointed. They had made
preparations for resistance, when they heard of the arrival of the
Christian fleet, an event that had been long looked for by the
neighboring nations; for they are not prudent nor well advised, who fear
not their enemies, however small they may be. The Saracens, however, do
not hold the Christians cheap: on the contrary, they consider them as
men of courage and enterprise, and much fear them. The better to resist
their enemies, they assembled the most experienced warriors from the
kingdoms of Bugia, Morocco, and Tunis, in which last the town of Africa
is situated, and encamped on the downs near the sea-shore. They took
advantage of a large and thick wood in their rear, to avoid any danger
from ambuscades or skirmishes on that side. The Saracens showed much
ability in thus posting themselves. They amounted, according to the
estimate of able men at arms, to thirty thousand archers and ten
thousand horse. Others thought they were more; but their exact numbers
were unknown, for the Christians supposed many were lodged in the wood.
They were very numerous, for they were in their own country, and could
come and go from their army at their pleasure without danger. They
received continual supplies of fresh provision, which was brought on the
backs of camels.
The second day after the Christians had landed, the Saracens, about
dawn, came to attack the camp; Sir Henry d’Antoing having the command of
the guard of two hundred men at arms and one thousand Genoese crossbows.
The skirmish lasted more than two hours, and many gallant deeds were
done in shooting and thrusting the lance, for there was not any
engagement with the sword hand to hand. The Saracens did not foolhardily
risk themselves, but fought with valor and more prudence than the
Christians. When they had skirmished some time, the Saracens retreated;
for the army began to be in motion, and some of the French barons had
come to witness the action, and observe the manner of their enemies’
fighting, that they might be prepared to meet them another time. The
Saracens retired to their camp, as did the Christians to theirs; but,
during the whole time of this siege of Africa, the Christians were never
left quiet, for their camp was every night or morning attacked by the
enemy.
Among the Saracens was a young knight, called Agadinquor Oliferne,
excellently mounted on a beautiful courser, which he managed as he
willed, and which, when he galloped, seemed to fly with him. From his
gallantry he showed he was a good man at arms; and when he rode abroad
he had with him three javelins, well feathered and pointed, which he
dexterously flung, according to the custom of his country. He was
completely armed in black, and had a kind of white napkin wrapped round
his head. His seat on horseback was graceful; and, from the vigor and
gallantry of his actions, the Christians judged he was excited thereto
by his affection to a young lady of the country. True it is, he most
sincerely loved the daughter of the King of Tunis, who, according to the
report of some Genoese merchants who had seen her, was very handsome,
and the heiress of his kingdom. This knight called Agadinquor was the
son of Duke Oliferne; but I know not if he ever married this lady. I
heard that during the siege he performed many handsome feats of arms, to
testify his love, which the French knights saw with pleasure, and would
willingly have surrounded him; but he rode so good a horse, and had him
so well in hand, that all their efforts were vain. The Christian lords
were very anxious to make some Saracens prisoners, to learn from them
the real state of their army; but they could not succeed, and, having
noticed their intent, the Saracen chiefs gave orders accordingly. The
Saracens were much afraid of the Genoese crossbows: they shielded
themselves as well as they could against their bolts, but they are not
armed so strongly as the Christians; for they know not the art to forge
armor like theirs, nor have they workmen who could make such. Iron and
steel are not common among them; and they wear light targets hanging on
their necks, covered with boiled leather from Cappadocia, that no spear
can penetrate if the leather has not been overboiled. Their manner of
fighting, according to what I heard, was to advance on the Christians,
and shoot a volley of arrows at the Genoese the moment they made their
appearance, and then to fall down under shelter of their shields, by
which they avoided the bolts from the crossbows that went over them:
they then rose, and either shot more arrows, or launched their javelins
with much dexterity.
Thus, for the space of nine weeks that the siege lasted, were continual
skirmishes made; and on both sides many were killed and wounded, more
especially such as ventured too rashly. The Christians imitated the
Saracens by avoiding a close combat; and the lords from France and other
countries took delight in their manner of fighting, for, to say the
truth, novelty is always pleasing. The young lords of these infidels
were greatly struck with the glittering armor and emblazoned banners and
pennons of their enemies; and, when returned to their camp, they
conversed much about them. They were, however, astonished at one thing,
which I will now relate. The Saracens within the town of Africa were
anxious to know on what pretence the Christians had come with so large
an army to make war on them; and to learn the reasons they resolved, as
I was told, in council, to send a person that could speak Genoese, and
gave him the following orders: “Go and take the road to the camp of the
Christians [and manage, before thou returnest, to speak with some lords
in their army], and demand in our name why they have brought so powerful
a force against us, and taken possession of the lands of the King of
Africa, who has not done any thing to offend them. True it is, that in
former times we were at war with the Genoese, but that should no way
concern them; for they come from very distant countries, and the Genoese
are our neighbors. Our custom has been, excepting in times of truce, to
seize mutually all we can from each other.”
Having received these instructions, the messenger departed, and rode on
to the camp. The first person he met was a Genoese, to whom he said that
he was sent by the Saracens to speak with some baron from France. The
Genoese to whom he had addressed himself was called Antonio Marchi, a
centurion of crossbows, who took him under his care, to his great joy,
and conducted him instantly to the Duke of Bourbon and the Lord de
Coucy. They both listened very attentively, and what they did not
understand the centurion interpreted in very good French. When he had
finished all he had been ordered to say, he asked for an answer. The
French lords told him he should have one as soon as they had considered
the purport of his message. Twelve of the greatest barons of the army
assembled in the Duke of Bourbon’s tent; and, the messenger and
interpreter being called in, the last was ordered to tell him from the
lords present, “That in consequence of their ancestors having crucified
and put to death the Son of God, called Jesus Christ, a true prophet,
without any cause or just reason, they were come to retaliate on them
for this infamous and unjust judgment. Secondly, they were unbaptized,
and infidels in the faith to the holy Virgin, mother of Jesus Christ,
and had no creed of their own. For these and other causes they held the
Saracens and their whole sect as enemies, and were come to revenge the
injuries they had done to their God and faith, and would to this effect
daily exert themselves to the utmost of their power.” When the messenger
had received this answer, he departed from the army unmolested, and
returned to report to his masters what you have just read. The Saracens
laughed heartily at hearing it, and said they made assertions without
proofs; for it was the Jews who had crucified Jesus Christ, and not
they. Things remained on the former footing: the siege was continued,
and each army on its guard.
[Illustration: How a wonderful Apparition terrified the Saracens.]
CHAPTER IV.
SOME MIRACLES ARE SHOWN TO THE SARACENS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO ATTACK
THE CAMP OF THE CHRISTIANS.--SEVERAL SKIRMISHES DURING THE
SIEGE.--THE CLIMATE BECOMES UNWHOLESOME, AND OTHER ACCIDENTS BEFALL
THE BESIEGERS.
Shortly after this message, the Saracens determined in council to remain
quiet for seven or eight days, and during that time neither to skirmish
nor any way to annoy the Christians, but, when they should think
themselves in perfect security, to fall on their camp like a deluge.
This was adopted; and the ninth evening, a little before midnight, they
secretly armed their men with their accustomed arms, and marched
silently in a compact body toward the Christian camp. They had proposed
making a severe attack on the opposite quarter to the main guard, and
would have succeeded in their mischievous attempt if God had not watched
over and preserved them by miracles, as I will now relate. As the
Saracens approached, they saw before them a company of ladies dressed in
white; one of whom, their leader, was incomparably more beautiful than
the rest, and bore in front a white flag having a vermilion cross in the
centre. The Saracens were so greatly terrified at this vision, that they
lost all strength and inclination to proceed, and stood still, these
ladies keeping steadily before them. The Genoese crossbows had brought
with them a dog, as I heard, from beyond sea; but whence, no one could
tell, nor did he belong to any particular person. This dog had been very
useful to them; for the Saracens never came to skirmish, but by his
noise he awakened the army; and as every one now knew that whenever the
dog barked, the Saracens were come or on their road, they prepared
themselves instantly. In consequence of this the Genoese called him the
dog of Our Lady. This night the dog was not idle, but made a louder
noise than usual, and ran first to the main guard, which was under the
command of the Lord de Torcy, a Norman, and Sir Henry d’Antoing. As
during the night all sounds are more easily heard, the whole army was in
motion, and properly prepared to receive the Saracens, who they knew
were approaching.
This was the fact; but the Virgin Mary and her company, having the
Christians under their care, watched over them; and this night they
received no harm, for the Saracens were afraid to advance, and returned
the way they had come. The Christians were more attentive to their
future guards. The Saracen knights and squires within the town were much
cast down at the sight they had seen, more especially those who were
advanced near this company of ladies; while, on the other hand, the
Christians were greatly exerting themselves to win the place, which was
courageously defended. At this period the weather was exceedingly hot;
for it was the month of August, when the sun is in its greatest force,
and that country was warmer than France, from being nearer the sun, and
from the heat of the sands. The wines the besiegers were supplied with,
from La Puglia and Calabria, were fiery, and hurtful to the
constitutions of the French, many of whom suffered severely by fevers
from the heating quality of their liquors. I know not how the Christians
were enabled to bear the fatigues in such a climate, where sweet water
was difficult to be had. They, however, had much resource in the wells
they dug, for there were upward of two hundred sunk through the sands
along the shore; but at times even this water was muddy and heated. They
were frequently distressed for provision, for the supply was irregular
from Sicily and the other islands: at times they had abundance, at other
times they were in want. The healthy comforted the sick, and those who
had provision shared it with such as had none; for in this campaign they
were all as brothers. The Lord de Coucy, in particular, was beloved by
every gentleman: he was kind to all, and behaved himself by far more
graciously in all respects than the Duke of Bourbon, who was proud and
haughty, and never conversed with the knights and squires from foreign
countries in the same agreeable manner the Lord de Coucy did.
The Duke was accustomed to sit cross-legged the greater part of the day
before his pavilion; and those who had any thing to say to him were
obliged to make many reverences, and address him through the means of a
third person. He was indifferent whether the poorer knights and squires
were well or ill at their ease: this the Lord de Coucy always inquired
into, and by it gained great popularity. It was told me by some foreign
knights who had been there, that, had the Lord de Coucy been
commander-in-chief instead of the Duke of Bourbon, the success would
have been very different; for many attacks on the town of Africa were
frustrated by the pride and fault of the Duke of Bourbon: several
thought it would have been taken if it had not been for him.
This siege lasted, by an exact account, sixty-one days, during which
many were the skirmishes before the town and at the barriers: they were
well defended, for the flower of the infidel chivalry was in the town.
The Christians said among themselves, “If we could gain this place by
storm or otherwise, and strongly re-enforce and victual it during the
winter, a large body of our countrymen might then come hither in the
spring, and gain a footing in the kingdoms of Barbary and Tunis, which
would encourage the Christians to cross the sea annually, and extend
their conquests.”--“Would to God it were so!” others replied; “for the
knights now here would then be comfortably lodged, and every day if they
pleased they might have deeds of arms.” The besieged were alarmed at the
obstinacy of their attacks, and redoubled their guards. The great heat,
however, did more for them than all the rest, added to the uncertainty
of being attacked; for the policy of the Saracens was to keep them in
continual alarms. They were almost burnt up when in armor; and it was
wonderful that any escaped death, for during the month of August the air
was suffocating. An extraordinary accident happened, which, if it had
lasted any time, must have destroyed them all. During one week, from the
heat and corruption of the air, there were such wonderful swarms of
flies, the army was covered with them. The men knew not how to rid
themselves of these troublesome guests, which multiplied daily, to their
great astonishment; but through the grace of God, and the Virgin Mary,
to whom they were devoted, a remedy was found in a thunder and hail
storm, that fell with great violence, and destroyed all the flies. The
air, by this storm, was much cooled, and the army got to be in better
health than it had been for some time.
Knights who are on such expeditions must cheerfully put up with what
weather may happen, for they cannot have it according to their wishes;
and, when any one falls sick, he must be nursed to his recovery or to
his death.
CHAPTER V.
A CHALLENGE IS SENT BY THE SARACENS TO OFFER COMBAT OF TEN AGAINST
TEN CHRISTIANS.--THE SARACENS FAIL IN THEIR ENGAGEMENT.--THE TOWN
OF AFRICA IS STORMED, BUT UNSUCCESSFULLY, AND WITH THE LOSS OF MANY
WORTHY MEN.
The besiegers and their enemies studied day and night how they could
most effectually annoy each other. Agadinquor Oliferne, Madifer de
Tunis, Belins Maldages, and Brahadin de Bugia, and some other Saracens,
consulted together, and said, “Here are our enemies the Christians
encamped before us, and we cannot defeat them. They are so few in number
when compared to us, that they must be well advised by their able
captains; for in all our skirmishes we have never been able to make one
knight prisoner. If we could capture one or two of their leaders, we
should acquire fame, and learn from them the state of their army and
what are their intentions. Let us now consider how we may accomplish
this.” Agadinquor replied, “Though I am the youngest, I wish to speak
first.”--“We agree to it,” said the others. “By my faith,” continued he,
“I am very desirous of engaging them; and I think, if I were matched in
equal combat with one of my size, I should conquer him. If you will
therefore select ten valiant men, I will challenge the Christians to
send the same number to fight with us. We have justice on our side in
this war, for they have quarrelled with us without reason; and this
right, and the courage I feel, induce me to believe that we shall have
the victory.” Madifer de Tunis, who was a very valiant man, said,
“Agadinquor, what you have proposed is much to your honor. To-morrow,
if you please, you shall ride as our chief toward the camp of the
Christians, taking an interpreter with you, and make a signal that you
have something to say. If you be well received by them, propose your
combat of ten against ten. We shall then hear what answer they give;
and, though I believe the offer will be accepted, we must take good
counsel how we proceed against these Christians, whom we consider as
more valiant than ourselves.”
This being determined on, they retired to rest. On the morrow, as usual,
they advanced to skirmish; but Agadinquor rode on at some distance in
front with his interpreter. The day was bright and clear, and a little
after sunrise the Saracens were ready for battle. Sir Guy and Sir
William de la Tremouille had commanded the guard of the night, and were
on the point of retiring, when the Saracens appeared in sight about
three bowshots distant. Agadinquor and his interpreter advanced toward
one of the wings, and made signs to give notice that he wanted to parley
with some one. By accident he came near the pennon of a good squire at
arms called Affrenal, who, noticing his signs, rode forward a pace, and
told his men to remain as they were, “for that he would go and see what
the Saracen wanted: he has an interpreter with him, and is probably come
to make some proposition.” His men remained steady, and he rode toward
the Saracen.
When they were near each other, the interpreter said, “Christian, are
you a gentleman, of name in arms, and ready to answer what shall be
asked of you?”--“Yes,” replied Affrenal, “I am: speak what you please,
it shall be answered.”--“Well,” said the interpreter, “here is a noble
man of our country who demands to combat with you bodily; and, if you
would like to increase the number to ten, he will bring as many of his
friends to meet you. The cause for the challenge is this: They maintain,
that their faith is more perfect than yours; for it has continued since
the beginning of the world, when it was written down, and that your
faith has been introduced by a mortal, whom the Jews hung and
crucified.”--“Ho!” interrupted Affrenal, “be silent on these matters,
for it does not become such as thee to dispute concerning them; but tell
the Saracen, who has ordered thee to speak, to swear on his faith that
such a combat shall take place, and he shall be gratified within four
hours. Let him bring ten gentlemen, and of name in arms, on his side,
and I will bring as many to meet him.” The interpreter related to the
Saracen the words that had passed, who seemed much rejoiced thereat, and
pledged himself for the combat.
This being done, each returned to his friends; but the news had already
been carried to Sir Guy and to Sir William de la Tremouille, who,
meeting Affrenal, demanded how he had settled matters with the Saracen.
Affrenal related what you have heard, and that he had accepted the
challenge. The two knights were well pleased, and said, “Affrenal, go
and speak to others, for we will be of your number ten.” He replied,
“God assist us! I fancy I shall find plenty ready to fight the
Saracens.” Shortly after, Affrenal met the Lord de Thim, to whom he told
what had passed, and asked if he would make one. The Lord de Thim
willingly accepted the offer; and of all those to whom Affrenal related
it, he might, if he pleased, have had a hundred instead of ten. Sir
Boucicaut the younger accepted it with great courage, as did Sir Helion
de Lignac, Sir John Russel, an Englishman, Sir John Harpedone, Alain
Boudet, and Bouchet. When the number of ten was completed, they retired
to their lodgings, to prepare and arm themselves. When the news of this
combat was spread through the army, and the names of the ten were told,
the knights and squires said, “They are lucky fellows, thus to have such
a gallant feat of arms fall to their lot.”--“Would to Heaven,” added
many, “that we were of the ten!” All the knights and squires seemed to
rejoice at this event, except the Lord de Coucy. I believe the Lord de
Thim was a dependent on, or of the company of, the Lord de Coucy; for,
when he repaired to his tent to arm, he found him there, and
acknowledged him for his lord. He related to him the challenge of the
Saracen, and that he had accepted being one of the ten. All present were
loud in praise of it, except the Lord de Coucy, who said, “Hold your
tongues, you youngsters, who as yet know nothing of the world, and who
never consider consequences, but always applaud folly in preference to
good. I see no advantage in this combat, for many reasons: one is, that
ten noble and distinguished gentlemen are about to fight with ten
Saracens. How do we know if their opponents are gentlemen? They may, if
they choose, bring to the combat ten varlets, or knaves; and, if they
are defeated, what is the gain? We shall not the sooner win the town of
Africa, but by it risk very valuable lives. Perhaps they may form an
ambuscade, and, while our friends are on the plain waiting for their
opponents, surround them and carry them off, by which we shall be
greatly weakened. I therefore say, that Affrenal has not wisely managed
this matter; and, when he first met the Saracen, he should have
otherwise answered, and said, ‘I am not the commander-in-chief of our
army, but one of the least in it; and you Saracen, who address yourself
to me, and blame our faith, are not qualified to discuss such matters,
nor have you well addressed yourself. I will conduct you to my lords,
and assure you, on my life, that no harm befall you in going or in
returning, for my lords will cheerfully listen to you.’ He should then
have led him to the Duke of Bourbon and the council of war, when his
proposal would have been heard and discussed at leisure, his intentions
been known, and answers made according as they should think the matter
deserved. Such a combat should never be undertaken but after great
deliberation, especially with enemies like to those we are engaged with.
And when it had been agreed on, and the names and qualities of each
combatant should be declared, we would then have selected proper persons
to meet them, and proper securities would have been required from the
Saracens for the uninterrupted performance of the combat, and a due
observance of the articles. If matters had been thus managed, Lord of
Thim, I think it would have been better. It would be well if it could be
put on this footing; and I will speak to the Duke of Bourbon and the
principal barons in the army, and hear what they shall say on the
subject.” The Lord de Coucy then departed for the tent of the Duke of
Bourbon, where the barons were assembled, as they had heard of this
challenge, to consider what might be the probable event of it. Although
the Lord de Coucy had intended his speech to the Lord de Thim as advice
for his benefit, he did not the less arm himself: when fully equipped,
he went with his companions, who were completely armed, and in good
array, with Sir Guy de la Tremouille at their head, to meet the
Saracens.
During this there was conversation on the subject between the lords in
the tent of the Duke of Bourbon: many thought the accepting such a
challenge improper, and supported the opinion of the Lord de Coucy, who
said it ought to have been ordered otherwise. But some, and in
particular the Lord Philip d’Artois, Count d’Eu, and the Lord Philip de
Bar, said, “Since the challenge has been accepted by our knights, they
would be disgraced were the combat now broken off; and in the name of
God and Our Lady let them accomplish it the best manner they can.” This
was adopted; for it was now too far advanced to be stopped. It was
therefore ordered to draw out the whole army properly arrayed, that, if
the Saracens had formed any bad designs, they might be prepared to meet
them. Every one, therefore, made himself ready: the whole were drawn up,
as if for instant combat, the Genoese crossbows on one side, and the
knights and squires on the other; each lord under his own banner or
pennon emblazoned with his arms. It was a fine sight to view the army
thus displayed; and they showed great eagerness to attack the Saracens.
The ten knights and squires were advanced on the plain waiting for their
opponents. But they came not, nor showed any appearance of so doing;
for, when they saw the Christian army so handsomely drawn out in
battle-array, they were afraid to advance, though they were thrice their
numbers. At times they sent horsemen, well mounted, to ride near their
army, observe its disposition, and then gallop back; which was solely
done through malice, to annoy the Christians.
This was the hottest day they felt, and it was so extremely oppressive
that the most active among them were almost stifled in their armor: they
had never suffered so much before; and yet they remained expecting the
ten Saracens, but in vain, for they never heard a word from them. The
army was ordered to attack the town of Africa, since they were prepared,
and thus pass the day; and the ten champions, in regard to their honor,
were to remain on their ground to the evening.
The knights and squires advanced with great alacrity to the attack of
the town. But they were sorely oppressed with the heat, and, had the
Saracens known their situation, they might have done them much damage;
probably they might even have raised the siege, and obtained a complete
victory, for the Christians were exceedingly weakened and worn down.
True it is, they gained by storm the wall of the first enclosure, but no
one inhabited that part; and the enemy retired within their second line
of defence, skirmishing as they retreated, and without any great loss.
The Christians paid dear for an inconsiderable advantage: the heat of
the sun and its reflection on the sands, added to the fatigue of
fighting, which lasted until evening, caused the death of several
valiant knights and squires; the more the pity.
Now consider how great was this loss; and, had the advice of the gallant
Lord de Coucy been followed, it would not have happened, for the army
would have remained quietly in its camp as it had hitherto done. The
whole army was dismayed at it, and each bewailed the loss of his friend.
They retired late to their camp, and kept a stronger guard than usual
during the night, for fear of the Saracens. It passed, however, without
further accident, and more prudent arrangements were made. The Saracens
were ignorant of what their enemies had suffered: had they known it,
they would have had a great advantage over them; but they were in dread
of the Christians, and never ventured to attack them but in skirmishes,
retreating after one or two charges. The person among them who had shown
the most courage was Agadinquor Oliferne. He was enamoured with the
daughter of the King of Tunis, and, in compliment to her, was eager to
perform brilliant actions.
Thus was the siege of Africa continued; but the relations and friends of
the knights and squires who had gone thither, from France and other
countries, received no intelligence, nor knew more of them than if they
were dead. They were so much alarmed at not having any news of them,
that many processions were made in England, France, and Hainault, to the
churches, to pray God that he would bring them back in safety to their
several homes. The intention of the Christians was to remain before the
town of Africa, until they should have conquered it by storm, treaty, or
famine.
CHAPTER VI.
THE SIEGE OF AFRICA IS RAISED.--THE CAUSE OF IT.--THE KNIGHTS AND
SQUIRES RETURN TO THEIR OWN COUNTRIES.
You have before heard what pains the Christians took to conquer the town
of Africa; for they thought if they succeeded they should gain renown,
and be able to withstand, during the winter, all the forces the infidels
could bring against them, until they should be re-enforced from Europe,
especially by the King of France, who was young and fond of arms; and
there were still two years to run of the truce with England. The
Christians had therefore laid siege to Africa, as being the most
convenient entrance into Barbary. The infidels, suspicious of such being
their intentions, well victualled the place, and re-enforced it with a
new garrison, the better to guard it.
The siege still continued, although, after the beforementioned loss on
the part of the Christians, little advantage was gained, and the men at
arms were greatly discouraged; for they could not obtain any opportunity
of changing the tiresomeness of their situation, and of revenging
themselves on the enemy. Many, in consequence, began to murmur, and say,
“We remain here in vain, for, if we do nothing more effectual than
skirmishing, we shall never gain the town: if by accident we kill one
infidel by our arrows, they supply his place with ten more, as they are
in their own country, and have provision and stores in abundance, while
ours are brought with much difficulty and uncertainty. What will become
of us if we stay longer? The cold nights of winter freeze and benumb us
to death. We shall be in a most disagreeable state, for many reasons:
First, at that time of the year the sea will be so tempestuous, no one
will venture on it. We have now but eight days’ provision; and should
the stormy weather set in, and prevent any vessels arriving, we must
inevitably perish. Secondly, suppose we have provision and stores in
plenty, how can the army support for so long a time the fatigue of a
regular guard? The danger will be too great; for the enemy is on his own
ground, and well acquainted with the country, and may attack us in the
night-season, as we have already seen, and do us infinite damage.
Thirdly, should we be infected with any disorder, from want of better
air and fresh provision, it may be contagious, and we shall drop off one
after another, for we have not any remedies to guard against such a
misfortune. Besides, should the Genoese, who are a treacherous race,
wish to return without us, they might embark in the night-time; and when
once on board their vessels we could not prevent them, and they would
leave us here to pay the reckoning. It will be right that we
remonstrate with our lords, who are enjoying their ease, on these our
suspicions; for the Genoese do not conceal their opinions of us. Some of
their talkers have said to our men, ‘You Frenchmen are odd men at arms:
when we sailed from Genoa, we thought you would have conquered this town
of Africa within a week or a fortnight after your landing; but we have
been here nearly two months, and nothing has been done: by the assaults
and skirmishes you make, the town need not fear you these two years;
and, at the rate you go on, you will never conquer the kingdoms of Tunis
or Africa.’”
The Genoese had so frequently held this language to the varlets and
others of the army, that it reached the ears of their lords, and was
repeated to the Lord de Coucy, who was wise and prudent, and to whom the
whole army looked up. He considered a while, and then said to himself,
“The conversations of these Genoese are but too well founded in truth:
to put a stop to them, a full assembly of the principal knights must be
held, to consider how we are to proceed, for winter is fast
approaching.” At this council, which was held in the Duke of Bourbon’s
tent, various plans were proposed; but the conclusion was, that they
would, for this season, break up the siege, and every person should
return home the way he had come. The chief lords secretly made
preparations accordingly, and, calling to them the masters of the
galleys and other vessels, acquainted them with their intentions. The
captains were much surprised, and said, “My lords, do not harbor any
suspicions of us; for we are pledged to you by our honor and oaths, and
we will most loyally and honestly acquit ourselves. Had we pleased, we
might have accepted the favorable offers that were made us by the
Africans; but we refused to enter into any treaty with them, from our
attachments and engagements to you.”
“We have no doubts of you, gentlemen,” replied the Lord de Coucy, “for
we look on you as loyal and valiant men. But we have considered our
situation: winter is at hand, and we have a scarcity of provision.
Should it be God’s good pleasure that we return to France, we will
inform the king, who is young and fond of war, of the state of this
country. At this moment he knows not where to employ his force; for he
and the King of England are at peace. He is unhappy when idle; and we
shall advise him to undertake an expedition hither, as well to have the
pleasure of meeting the King of Sicily as to conquer this country from
the Saracens. Prepare and make ready your galleys, for we shall leave
this coast in a very few days.” The Genoese were not well pleased with
the French lords for thus breaking up the siege of the town of Africa;
but, as they could not amend it, they were forced to bear with it as
well as they could.
There was a rumor current in the Christian camp, that the Genoese were
treating with the Saracens to betray and deliver up to them the
remainder of the army. It was firmly believed by many; and they said,
“Our principal commanders, the Duke of Bourbon, the Dauphin of Auvergne,
the Lord de Coucy, Sir Guy de la Tremouille, Sir Philip de Bar, and Sir
John de Vienne, are well acquainted with this plot; and for this reason
they have determined suddenly to break up the siege.” When it was
proclaimed that every one was to embark on board the galleys or other
vessels, in an orderly manner, you would have seen the varlets in the
greatest bustle packing up the purveyances of their different lords, and
conveying them on board the ships which lay at anchor off the shore.
When all things were embarked, the knights entered the galleys that had
brought them thither. Many had bargained with the captains to carry them
to Naples, others to Sicily, Cyprus, or Rhodes, thence to perform a
pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
After having remained sixty-one days before the town of Africa, they
broke up the siege, and set sail from that country in sight of the
Saracens from the walls. This gave them such joy, that they sounded
horns, and beat drums, and made so great a noise by their shoutings, as
to be heard in the army of the Saracens. Several young knights mounted
their horses, and galloped to the place where the camp had been, to see
if they could find any thing left behind. Agadinquor d’Oliferne and
Brahadin de Tunis were the first to arrive; but the Christians had so
completely cleared the camp, that there was nothing for them to carry
away. The Saracens left their station to examine the camp, and remained
more than two hours noticing the manner and form of it. They praised
much their subtlety in sinking wells for fresh water, and, having for
some time viewed the galleys under sail, they returned to visit their
friends in the town of Africa. But they did not know the great losses
the Christians had suffered until that day, and I will tell you by what
accident it happened. In the camp of the Christians was found, lying on
the ground, a Genoese varlet, who was too ill with a fever to be removed
when the sailors sought for their men to embark on board the barges. The
Saracens were delighted on finding this man, and ordered no harm to be
done him. They carried him to the principal commanders of their army,
and told them where they had found him. An interpreter was sent for, to
examine him; but at first he would not make any answers, considering
himself as a dead man, and desiring they would put him out of his pain.
The chiefs of the army, such as Agadinquor d’Oliferne and Brahadin de
Tunis, thought they should gain nothing by his death; and to induce him
to answer truly, without any equivocation, what questions should be put
to him, they promised to spare his life, and send him safe and well to
his own country on board of the first galley that should come thither
from Genoa or Marseilles, with a present of a hundred golden besants.
The varlet, hearing this, was freed from his fears of death, and made
easy, for he knew that these Saracens never break their words; and, as
every one dies as late as he can, he said to the interpreter, “Make them
all swear on their faith to keep what they have promised, and I will
truly answer whatever you may ask.” The interpreter repeated this to the
lords, who having consented to his demand, the varlet said, “Now ask
what questions you please, and I will answer them.” He was first asked
who he was, and his place of residence, and replied, “Portevances [that
his name was Simon Mollevin, and son to a captain of a galley at
Portevances”], then as to the commanders of the Christian army. He named
several; for, having kept company and drank with the heralds, he had
often heard their names mentioned, and remembered some of them. He was
asked if he knew the reasons why they had so suddenly raised the siege,
and departed. To this he made a very prudent reply, by saying he was
ignorant of it, as he was not present at the council of war when it was
determined on, and could only tell them what was the common report in
the army. It was said that the French suspected the Genoese of a design
to betray them; but the Genoese declared this was false, and wrongfully
imputed to them by the French. They had left the coast because they
were afraid to winter in this country, and risk the loss of as many
knights as they had once done. “Ask him,” said the lords to the
interpreter, “to explain this.” He replied, “So great was the loss on
the day the combat was to have taken place between ten of your knights
with ten of ours, that upward of sixty knights and squires, men of
renown, died that day; and it was solely on this account,” as the
Genoese said, “the siege was raised.” The Saracen chiefs seemed very
much pleased on hearing this, and made no further inquiries, but
punctually kept the promise they had made him.
On his return to Portevances and Genoa, he related all that had passed
and what answers he had made, for which he was no way blamed. The
Saracens said among themselves, “We have been very negligent in not
taking better measures against this union of the French and Genoese;
for, though they have been this time unsuccessful against Africa, we
must henceforward put our coast in a better state of defence (which we
may easily do); and we must, in particular, guard the Straits of Morocco
so strongly that neither the Genoese nor Venetians shall carry their
merchandise to Flanders through this strait, without paying so great a
toll as to make all the world wonder thereat, and even then it shall be
considered as a matter of favor.”
What these Africans had proposed, they executed; and all the kingdoms to
the south, west, and east, formed an alliance, such as Africa, Tunis,
Bugia, Morocco, Benmarin, Tremeçen, and Granada, with a resolution of
well guarding their coasts, and equipping such a fleet of galleys as
should make them masters of the sea, through hatred to the French and
Genoese for their late siege of Africa. They interrupted so much the
navigation of the Venetians and Genoese, that merchandise from
Alexandria, Cairo, Damascus, Venice, Naples, or Genoa, was difficult to
be had in Flanders for money; and, in particular, every sort of spicery
was enormously dear.
CHAPTER VII.[36]
DEATH AND BURIAL OF KING RICHARD II.
Now consider, ye kings, lords, dukes, prelates, and earls, how very
changeable the fortunes of this world are. This King Richard reigned
twenty-two years in great prosperity, and with much splendor; for there
never was a king of England who expended such sums, by more than a
hundred thousand florins, as King Richard did in keeping up his state,
and his household establishments. I, John Froissart, canon and treasurer
of Chimay, know it well; for I witnessed and examined it during my
residence with him for a quarter of a year. He made me good cheer,
because in my youth I had been secretary to King Edward his grandfather,
and the Lady Philippa of Hainault, Queen of England. When I took my
leave of him at Windsor, he presented me, by one of his knights called
Sir John Golofre, a silver gilt goblet, weighing full two marks, filled
with a hundred nobles, which were then of service to me, and will be so
as long as I live. I am bound to pray to God for him, and sorry am I to
write of his death; but, as I have dictated and augmented this history
to the utmost of my power, it became necessary to mention it, that what
became of him might be known.
When King Richard was born, his father was in Galicia, which Don Pedro
had given him to conquer. A curious thing happened on my first going to
England, which I have much thought on since. I was in the service of
Queen Philippa; and when she accompanied King Edward and the royal
family, to take leave of the Prince and Princess of Wales, at
Berkhampstead, on their departure for Aquitaine, I heard an ancient
knight, in conversation with some ladies, say, “We have a book called
Brut, that declares neither the Prince of Wales, Dukes of Clarence,
York, nor Gloucester, will be kings of England, but the descendants of
the Duke of Lancaster.” Now I, the author of this history, say that,
considering all things, these two knights, Sir Richard de Pontchardon,
and Sir Bartholomew Burghersh, in what they said, were both in the
right; for all the world saw Richard reign for twenty-two years in
England, and saw the crown then fall to the house of Lancaster. King
Henry would never have been king, on the conditions you have heard, if
his cousin Richard had treated him in the friendly manner he ought to
have done. The Londoners took his part for the wrongs the king had done
him and his children, whom they much compassionated.
When the funeral car of King Richard had remained in Cheapside two
hours, it was conducted forward, in the same order as before, out of the
town. The four knights then mounted their horses, which were waiting for
them, and continued their journey with the body until they came to a
village, where there is a royal mansion, called Langley, thirty miles
from London. There King Richard was interred. God pardon his sins, and
have mercy on his soul!
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=JACK IN THE BUSH=; OR, A SUMMER ON A SALMON RIVER. Illustrated by F. T.
MERRILL. 12mo, $1.25.
“A clever book for boys. It is the story of the camp life of a lot of
boys, and is destined to please every boy reader. It is attractively
illustrated.”--_Detroit Free Press._
CZAR AND SULTAN
THE ADVENTURES OF A BRITISH LAD IN THE RUSSO-TURKISH WAR OF 1877-78. By
ARCHIBALD FORBES. Illustrated. 12mo, $2 00.
“Very fascinating and graphic. Mr. Forbes is a forcible writer, and the
present work has the vigor and intensity associated with his name. It is
sure to be popular with youthful readers.”--_Boston Beacon._
JOSEPH THE DREAMER
By the author of “Jesus the Carpenter.” 12mo. _In Press._
The story of Joseph, told in the same popular, interesting, and
realistic manner as that of Jesus in the author’s former book; not only
setting forth truthfully and graphically the life of Joseph, but
picturing as well the marvelous state of Egypt in which he lived.
JESUS THE CARPENTER
By A. LAYMAN. 12mo, $1.50.
“I think the idea of this book--the aim and the intention--excellent and
the execution beautiful.”--Prof. A. B. BRUCE.
* * * * *
A NEW BOOK BY KIRK MUNROE
AT WAR WITH PONTIAC
OR, THE TOTEM OF THE BEAR. A Tale of Redcoat and Redskin. By KIRK
MUNROE. With 8 full-page illustrations by J. FINNEMORE. 12mo, $1.25.
A story of old days in America when Detroit was a frontier town and the
shores of Lake Erie were held by hostile Indians under Pontiac. The
hero, Donald Hester, goes in search of his sister Edith, who has been
captured by the Indians. Strange and terrible are his experiences: for
he is wounded, taken prisoner, condemned to be burned, and contrives to
escape. In the end there is peace between Pontiac and the English, and
all things terminate happily for the hero. One dares not skip a page of
this enthralling story.
THE WHITE CONQUEROR
A TALE OF TOLTEC AND AZTEC. By KIRK MUNROE. With 8 full-page
illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 12mo, $1.25.
“The story is replete with scenes of vivid power; it is full of action
and rapid movement; and he must be deficient in receptive faculty who
fails to gain valuable historical instruction, along with the pleasure
of reading a tale graphically told.”--_Philadelphia Bulletin._
STORIES OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND HISTORY By HENRIETTA CHRISTIAN
WRIGHT.
_A NEW VOLUME JUST ISSUED._
=CHILDREN’S STORIES IN AMERICAN LITERATURE=, 1660-1860. 12mo, $1.25.
Miss Wright here continues her attractive presentation of literary
history begun in her “Children’s Stories in English Literature.” Elliot,
the translator of the Bible into the English language, Irving, Cooper,
Prescott, Holmes, Longfellow, Hawthorne, Mrs. Stowe, Whittier, Poe, and
Emerson are here considered, bringing the history of the subject down to
the period of the Civil War, and treated with constant reference to that
side of their works and personalities which most nearly appeals to
children.
=CHILDREN’S STORIES IN ENGLISH LITERATURE.= Two volumes: TALIÈSIN TO
SHAKESPEARE, SHAKESPEARE TO TENNYSON. 12mo, each, $1.25.
“It is indeed a vivid history of the people as well as a story of their
literature: and, brief as it is, the author has so deftly seized on all
the salient points, that the child who has read this book will be more
thoroughly acquainted than many a student of history with the life and
thought of the centuries over which the work reaches.”--_The
Evangelist._
=CHILDREN’S STORIES OF THE GREAT SCIENTISTS.= With portraits. 12mo, $1.25.
“The author has succeeded in making her pen-pictures of the great
scientists as graphic as the excellent portraits that illustrate the
work. Around each name she has picturesquely grouped the essential
features of scientific achievement.”--_Brooklyn Times._
=CHILDREN’S STORIES OF AMERICAN PROGRESS.= Illustrated. 12mo, $1.25.
“Miss Wright is favorably known by her volume of well-told ‘Stories in
American History’: and her ‘Stories of American Progress’ is equally
worthy of commendation. Taken together they present a series of pictures
of great graphic interest. The illustrations are excellent.”--_The
Nation._
=CHILDREN’S STORIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.= Illustrated. 12mo, $1.25.
“A most delightful and instructive collection of historical events, told
in a simple and pleasant manner. Almost every occurrence in the gradual
development of our country is woven into an attractive story for young
people.”--_San Francisco Evening Post._
* * * * *
G. A. HENTY’S POPULAR STORIES FOR BOYS
New Volumes for 1895-96. Each, crown 8vo, handsomely illustrated, $1.50.
Mr. Henty, the most popular writer of Books of Adventure in England,
adds three new volumes to his list this fall--books that will delight
thousands of boys on this side who have become his ardent admirers.
“Mr. Henty’s books never fail to interest boy readers. Among writers of
stories of adventure he stands in the very first rank.”--_Academy_,
London.
“No country nor epoch of history is there which Mr. Henty does not know,
and what is really remarkable is that he always writes well and
interestingly. Boys like stirring adventures, and Mr. Henty is a master
of this method of composition.”--_New York Times._
A KNIGHT OF THE WHITE CROSS
A TALE OF THE SIEGE OF RHODES. With 12 full-page illustrations.
Gervaise Tresham, the hero of this story, joins the Order of the Knights
of St. John, and leaving England he proceeds to the stronghold of
Rhodes, and becomes a page in the household of the Grand Master.
Subsequently, Gervaise is made a Knight of the Grand Cross for valor,
while soon after he is appointed commander of a war-galley, and in his
first voyage destroys a fleet of Moorish corsairs. During one of his
cruises the young knight is attacked on shore, captured after a
desperate struggle, and sold into slavery in Tripoli. He succeeds in
escaping, however, and returns to Rhodes in time to take part in the
splendid defence of that fortress. Altogether a fine chivalrous tale, of
varied interest and full noble daring.
THE TIGER OF MYSORE
A STORY OF THE WAR W\WITH TIPPOO SAIB. With 12 full-page illustrations.
Dick Holland, whose father is supposed to be a captive of Tippoo Saib,
goes to India to help him to escape. He joins the army under Lord
Cornwallis, and takes part in the campaign against Tippoo. Afterwards he
assumes a disguise; enters Seringapatum, the capital of Mysore, rescues
Tippoo’s harem from a tiger, and is appointed to high office by the
tyrant. In this capacity Dick visits the hill fortresses, still in
search of his father, and at last he discovers him in the great
stronghold of Savandroog. The hazardous rescue which Dick attempts, and
the perilous night ride through the enemy’s country are at length
accomplished, and the young fellow’s dangerous mission is done.
THROUGH RUSSIAN SNOWS
A STORY OF NAPOLEON’S RETREAT FROM MOSCOW. With 8 full-page
illustrations and a map.
The hero, Julian Wyatt, after several adventures with smugglers, by whom
he is handed over a prisoner to the French, regains his freedom and
joins Napoleon’s army in the Russian campaign, and reaches Moscow with
the victorious Emperor. Then, when the terrible retreat begins, Julian
finds himself in the rear guard of the French army, fighting
desperately, league by league, against famine, snow-storms, wolves, and
Russians. Ultimately he escapes out of the general disaster, after
rescuing the daughter of a Russian count; makes his way to St.
Petersburg, and then returns to England. A story with an excellent plot,
exciting adventures, and splendid historical interests.
* * * * *
G. A. HENTY’S POPULAR STORIES FOR BOYS
Each, crown 8vo, handsomely illustrated, $1.50.
=IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES.= A STORY OF ADVENTURE IN COLORADO.
“One of the most interesting and attractive stories for boys. It is a
tale of adventure thrilling enough for the most daring
readers.”--_Boston Journal._
=WULF THE SAXON.= A STORY OF THE NORMAN CONQUEST.
“An unusually realistic picture of the times. The scenes and incidents
which Mr. Henty introduces are calculated to awaken fresh interest in
the influence of the battle of Hastings upon the destiny of
mankind.”--_Boston Herald._
=WHEN LONDON BURNED.= A STORY OF RESTORATION TIMES AND THE GREAT FIRE.
“An exciting story of adventure, at the same time dealing with historic
truths deftly and interestingly.”--_Detroit Free Press._
=ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S EVE.= A TALE OF THE HUGUENOT WARS.
“Exciting enough to interest even the dullest of readers.”--_Boston
Transcript._
=THROUGH THE SIKH WAR.= A TALE OF THE CONQUEST OF THE PUNJAUB.
“Not only interesting but instructive. It is related with great spirit
and animation.”--_Boston Herald._
=A JACOBITE EXILE.= BEING THE ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG ENGLISHMAN IN THE
SERVICE OF CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN.
“Remarkable for its thrilling adventures and its interesting historical
pictures.”--_Herald and Presbyter._
=BERIC THE BRITON.= A STORY OF THE ROMAN INVASION.
“It is a powerful and fascinating romance.”--_Boston Post._
=IN GREEK WATERS.= A STORY OF THE GRECIAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE--1821-1827.
“It is a stirring narrative, wholesome and
stimulating.”--_Congregationalist._
=CONDEMNED AS A NIHILIST.= A STORY OF ESCAPE FROM SIBERIA.
“A narrative absorbing and thrilling. The scenes of Siberian prison-life
give the book a peculiar value.”--_Christian Advocate._
=REDSKIN AND COWBOY.= A TALE OF THE WESTERN PLAINS.
“Though it is full of hairbreadth escapes, none of the incidents are
improbable. It is needless to say that the adventures are well
told.”--_San Francisco Chronicle._
=THE DASH FOR KHARTOUM.= A TALE OF THE NILE EXPEDITION.
=HELD FAST FOR ENGLAND.= A TALE OF THE SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
⁂ _The above are Mr. Henty’s latest books. A full descriptive list
containing all of Mr. Henty’s books--now 47 in number--will be sent to
any address on application. They are all attractively illustrated and
handsomely bound._
* * * * *
SAMUEL ADAMS DRAKE’S HISTORICAL BOOKS
=THE MAKING OF THE OHIO VALLEY STATES.= 1660-1837. Illustrated. 12mo,
$1.50.
=THE MAKING OF VIRGINIA AND THE MIDDLE COLONIES.= 1578-1701. Illustrated.
12mo, $1.50.
=THE MAKING OF NEW ENGLAND.= 1580-1643. With 148 illustrations and with
maps. 12mo, $1.50.
=THE MAKING OF THE GREAT WEST.= 1812-1853. With 145 illustrations and with
maps. 12mo, $1.50.
“The author’s aim in these books is that they shall occupy a place
between the larger and lesser histories of the lands and of the periods
of which they treat, and that each topic therein shall be treated as a
unit and worked out to a clear understanding of its objects and results
before passing to another topic. In the furtherance of this method each
subject has its own descriptive notes, maps, plans, and illustrations,
the whole contributing to a thorough, though condensed, knowledge of the
subject in hand.”--_New York Mail and Express._
POEMS OF CHILDHOOD BY EUGENE FIELD
=LOVE SONGS OF CHILDHOOD.= 16mo, $1.00.
=WITH TRUMPET AND DRUM.= By Eugene Field. 16mo, $1.25.
“His poems of childhood have gone home, not only to the hearts of
children, but to the heart of the country as well, and he is one of the
few contributors to that genuine literature of childhood which expresses
ideas from the stand-point of a child.”--_The Outlook._
THE NORSELAND SERIES By H. H. BOYESEN.
=NORSELAND TALES.= Illustrated. 12mo, $1.25.
=BOYHOOD IN NORWAY=: NINE STORIES OF DEEDS OF THE SONS OF THE VIKINGS.
With 8 illustrations. 12mo, $1.25.
=AGAINST HEAVY ODDS=, AND A FEARLESS TRIO. With 13 full-page illustrations
by W. L. TAYLOR. 12mo, $1.25.
=THE MODERN VIKINGS=: STORIES OF LIFE AND SPORT IN THE NORSELAND. With
many full-page illustrations. 12mo, $1.25.
The four above volumes in a box, $5.00.
“Charmingly told stories of boy-life in the Land of the Midnight Sun,
illustrated with pictures giving a capital idea of the incidents and
scenes described. The tales have a delight all their own, as they tell
of scenes and sports and circumstances so different from those of our
American life.”--_New York Observer._
TWO BOOKS BY ROSSITER JOHNSON
=THE END OF A RAINBOW.= AN AMERICAN STORY. Illustrated. 12mo, $1.50.
“It will be read with breathless interest. It is interesting and full of
boyish experience.”--_The Independent._
=PHAETON ROGERS.= A NOVEL OF BOY LIFE. Illustrated. 12mo, $1.50.
* * * * *
MRS. BURTON HARRISON’S TALES
=BRIC-A-BRAC STORIES.= With 24 illustrations by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, $1.50.
“It is to be wished that every boy and girl might become acquainted with
the contents of this book.”--JULIAN HAWTHORNE.
=THE OLD FASHIONED FAIRY BOOK.= Illustrated by ROSINA EMMET. 16mo, $1.25.
“The little ones, who so willingly go back with us to ‘Jack the Giant
Killer,’ ‘Bluebeard,’ and the kindred stories of our childhood, will
gladly welcome Mrs. Burton Harrison’s ‘Old-Fashioned Fairy
Tales.’”--FRANK R. STOCKTON.
BOOKS OF ADVENTURE BY ROBERT LEIGHTON
=OLAF THE GLORIOUS.= A STORY OF OLAF TRIGGVISON, KING OF NORWAY, A.D.
995-1000. Crown 8vo, with numerous full-page illustrations, $1.50.
=THE WRECK OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE.= THE STORY OF A NORTH SEA FISHER BOY.
Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.50.
=THE THIRSTY SWORD.= A STORY OF THE NORSE INVASION OF SCOTLAND, 1262-65.
With 8 illustrations and a map. Crown 8vo, $1.50.
=THE PILOTS OF POMONA.= A STORY OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS. With 8
illustrations and a map. Crown 8vo, $1.50.
“Mr. Leighton as a writer for boys needs no praise, as his books place
him in the front rank.”--_New York Observer._
THINGS WILL TAKE A TURN
By BEATRICE HARRADEN, author of “Ships That Pass in the Night.”
Illustrated. 12mo, $1.00.
The charm of this tale is its delicate, wistful sympathy. It is the
story of a sunny-hearted child, Rosebud, who assists her grandfather in
his dusty, second-hand bookshop. One cannot help being fascinated by the
sweet little heroine, she is so engaging, so natural: and to love
Rosebud is to love all her friends and enter sympathetically into the
good fortune she brought them.
AMONG THE LAWMAKERS
By EDMUND ALTON. Illustrated. Square 8vo, $1.50.
“The book is a diverting as well as an instructive one. Mr. Alton was in
his early days a page in the Senate, and he relates the doings of
Congress from the point of view he then obtained. His narrative is easy
and piquant, and abounds in personal anecdotes about the great men whom
the pages waited on.”--_Christian Union._
EVENING TALES
DONE INTO ENGLISH FROM THE FRENCH OF FREDERIC ORTOLI, BY JOEL CHANDLER
HARRIS. 12mo, $1.00.
“It is a veritable French ‘Uncle Remus’ that Mr. Harris has discovered
in Frederic Ortoli. The book has the genuine piquancy of Gallic wit, and
will be sure to charm American children. Mr. Harris’s version is
delightfully written.”--_Boston Beacon._
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Froissart’s own cunning little poem of _Le Débat dou Cheval et dou
Levrier_, recently printed for the first time by M. Buchon, gives such
a picture of himself:--
“Froissars d’Escoce revenolt
Sus un cheval qui gris estoit;
Un blanc levrier menoit en lasse.”
[2] Froissart’s Chronicles were written in four volumes, or books. The
parts I have taken from the first book cover a period of about thirty
years, counting from the coronation of the young King Edward the Third
of England in the year 1326 to the battle of Poitiers in the year 1356.
The times covered by the other three books will be given as we come to
them.
I have thought that the young readers of Froissart would care to know
exactly how it was that such a wonderful amount of fighting had to be
done during the fourteenth century, in England, France, and Flanders,
as is described in this book; and I have therefore devoted the first
forty or fifty pages to such extracts as would inform them upon the
causes of these terrible and long-continued wars.--ED.
[3] The young readers of Froissart will be interested in some
particulars of this exploit not given by our author. When Douglas made
his first impetuous onset, it seemed as if he would be successful, even
alone. The Saracens retreated in confusion, and Douglas and his party
were tempted into a hot pursuit. “Taking the casket from his neck”
(says Hailes, in the Annals of Scotland), “which contained the heart of
Bruce,” Douglas “threw it before him, and cried, ‘Now pass thou onward,
as thou wast wont; and Douglas will follow thee, or die.’” Presently
the Saracens rallied, and surrounded the Scotch with overwhelming
numbers. “Douglas fell while attempting to rescue Sir William Clare
of Roslin, who shared his fate. Robert and Walter Logan, both of them
knights, were slain with Douglas.... His few surviving companions
found his body in the field, together with the casket, and reverently
conveyed them to Scotland. The remains of Douglas were interred in the
sepulchre of his fathers, in the church of Douglas; and the heart of
Bruce was deposited at Melrose.”
[4] Who, although he had been the chief supporter of Philip for the
crown, had afterwards become the object of Philip’s violent hatred, and
had been banished the kingdom.
[5] But it is to be hoped that every young reader of Froissart will
heartily despise such cunning. This act of Sir John Norwich was mean
and small beyond all decent words; for he took the basest advantage
of the Duke of Normandy’s honorable confidence in his fidelity to the
sacred obligations of a truce.--ED.
[6] Boys who accompany King Edward on this expedition will be glad to
know, at the outset, that they are not to be fobbed off with a few
skirmishes and a retreat of both armies--as on the preceding ones. In
fact, we are now on the way to fight the great battle of Crecy.--ED.
[7] French for _a harrow_.
[8] The mark “-“ over a letter denotes an _m_ or an _n_ added: thus
“cāe” = _came_, “thē” = _them_.
[9] yᵗ = _that_.
[10] wᵗ = _with_.
[11] = _amonge_.
[12] That is, _had been there dead if_ (and = _an_) _it had not been
for his page_.
[13] _almaygnes_ = _Allemands_ = _Germans_.
[14] That is, _makes him ready_.
[15] _Ensigns._
[16] _Two._
[17] _Mild maid_,--the Virgin Mary.
[18] _They._
[19] _Fly._
[20] _’gan_,--began.
[21] _Ay_,--yea.
[22] _Feod_,--one who owes fealty.
[23] The narrative has advanced five years since the last chapter. King
John keeps his oath: he “sets out after” the prince, and in a short
time brings on the great battle of Poitiers.--ED.
[24] Some say it was composed of sulphur, naphtha, pitch, gum, and
bitumen; others, that the ingredients are not now known. It was
invented by Callinicus of Heliopolis, in the seventh century, to
destroy the ships of the Saracens.--ED.
[25] It was Arnaut (i.e., Arnold) de Cervolle who was surnamed the
Archpriest.--ED.
[26] After the battle of Poitiers the wretched land of France was
tormented by all the ills of lawlessness. This chapter, and the next
three, particularly those describing the Jacquerie, will show every
boy the frenzies to which a people may be driven when the law is weak.
In this case the arm of the law--King John--was wholly lacking in
France.--ED.
[27] Of Normandy.--ED.
[28] That is, Jack Goodman.--ED.
[29] Froissart’s Chronicles having been composed in four volumes, the
peculiar nature of his work makes it well to preserve this division,
aside from the general advantage of giving in unaltered form, so far as
possible, the parts presented.--ED.
[30] This is King Charles the Sixth of France, called “the Maniac.” The
narrative has here advanced twenty-four years since we left King John
in England, a prisoner, after the battle of Poitiers. John has died,
and been succeeded by Charles V.,--“the Wise,”--who has reigned sixteen
years, and died. We now go on to see how his successor, young Charles
the Sixth, fares in his wars with Philip von Artaveld to recover the
rights of the Earl of Flanders. I have chosen these special chapters
because they give us lively pictures of manners and customs among
a different people from those illustrated by the selections of the
first book. The insurrection of Wat Tyler, of which Froissart gives
such a lively account in this book, ought really to begin these first
chapters, since it occurred in 1378,--two years before the coronation
of King Charles,--in the reign of Richard II. of England. The period
covered by my extracts from this second book is therefore from 1378 to
1382, when the battle of Rosbecq was fought.--ED.
[31] I devote my selections from this book mainly to showing the manner
in which the good canon Froissart picked up matter for his Chronicles
from the conversation of chance travellers as he rode on his way;
together with a glimpse of the handsome person and brilliant court of
the great Béarnese lord Gaston Phœbus, Count de Foix. The time is the
year 1388.--ED.
[32] His mother had been sent by her husband to bring home her dowry,
in the hands of her brother the King of Navarre. The latter refused to
send it; and the lady therefore remained in his country, fearing the
anger of her husband if she should return without it.--ED.
[33] The young readers of Froissart may remember this passage when
they come to read Chaucer’s account of the young squire who “Carf
byforn his fadur at the table” (i.e., _carved before his father at the
table_).--ED.
[34] For the sake of further variety I extract from Froissart’s fourth
volume a lively picture of a crusade against the Saracens. The time
is the last decade of the fourteenth century; more particularly, two
months of the year 1390.--ED.
[35] Machines for throwing stones.--ED.
[36] Which I have selected for a concluding chapter because it is the
last but one of Froissart’s book, and brings before us several persons
who have figured in the history, as _dramatis personæ_ come forth at
the last act of the play. Here are King Edward, with whose coronation
my abridgment begins; Queen Philippa, whom we saw him marry; and
King Richard II., whom we last beheld in front of Wat Tyler and his
rebels.--ED.
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