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CHAPTER CCXII.-THE LORD DE MONTAGU WRITES LETTERS TO SEVERAL OF THE PRINCIPAL TOWNS OF THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE.-THE PARISIANS RENEW THEIR OATHS OF FIDELITY AFTER THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.

THE lord de Montagu, instantly on his return from Montereau to Bray-sur-Seine, caused letters to be written charging the dauphin and his advisers with having committed murder on the person of his lord the duke of Burgundy,-which letters he despatched to Troyes, Rheims, Châlons, and to all the towns attached to the king and the duke of Burgundy. In these letters he humbly begged of them to be on their guard, and not to pay any attention to the lies and assertions of those who upheld the dauphin's party, for that their disloyalty was now discovered, but remain firm to the king and to the count de Charolois, successor to the duke of Burgundy, from whom, under God's good pleasure, they should have speedy assistance and support. The towns received these letters in great kindness, and strongly expressed their thanks for them to the lord de Montagu, saying they were mightily grieved at the unfortunate death of the duke of Burgundy.

On the 11th of September, the duke's death was known at Paris; and the inhabitants on hearing the manner of it were thrown into the utmost consternation and sorrow. On the morrow morning, the count de St. Pol, lieutenant of the king in Paris, the chancellor of France, the provosts of the town and of the merchants, together with the greater part of the king's ministers and officers, great numbers of nobles and inhabitants, assembled as early as they could; when, after the detail of the manner in which the murder of the duke of Burgundy had been perpetrated, they renewed their oaths of fidelity to the count de St. Pol, and swore to serve and obey him with all their forces in the guard and defence of Paris, and the preservation of the realm, against the damnable intentions of all wicked and seditious persons who have violated the peace; and to pursue, to the utmost of their power of vengeance, the conspirators and actors in the murder of the duke of Burgundy, and to denounce and accuse before the courts of law all who shall any way favour the aforesaid conspirators and murderers. They likewise engaged never to surrender the town of Paris, nor to enter into any treaty whatever without its being made public; and this they also swore to in the hands of the count de St. Pol,-which oaths were afterward sealed and sent to Senlis and other places of their party, to induce them to take similar oaths to their governors. When these things were done, many persons of both sexes were arrested in Paris, who were known to be of the dauphin's party, as well those who had returned in consequence of the peace as others of whom they had any suspicions. They were confined in different prisons, and some of them were executed in a summary way of justice.

CHAPTER

CCXIII.THE DAUPHIN DEPARTS FROM MONTEREAU.—THE DELIVERANCE OF THOSE WHO HAD ACCOMPANIED THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY,—AND OTHER MATTERS.

THE dauphin having appointed sir Pierre de Guitry (who had been present at the murder of the duke of Burgundy), governor of Montereau, departed thence with his whole force. He sent the prisoners, with the lady of Giac and Philip Josquin, to Bourges in Berry. Charles de Bourbon and sir Pierre de Giac took oaths of fidelity to serve the dauphin; but although the other prisoners were repeatedly solicited by the dauphin and his ministers to turn to their party, to which they were tempted by the most splendid offers of wealth and honours, they would never consent, replying to such solicitations that they would rather die in prison, or suffer such death as the dauphin might please to inflict, than do anything for which they or their successors might be blamed. When it was seen that they were firm in their resolution, they were all set at liberty, on paying certain sums as their ransom, except gir Charles de Lens, admiral of France, whom they put to death.

On the dauphin's arrival at Bourges, he summoned men-at-arms on all sides to join him there, with whom he advanced into Anjou, and had a conference with the duke of Brittany, who consented that a part of his nobles should serve the dauphin. He received also great

succours from Scotland, which he caused to be conducted down the Loire, and thence to Poitiers. He collected likewise men-at-arms in Auvergne and in Languedoc, and elsewhere, that he might have sufficient strength to oppose all who should attempt to injure him or the kingdom of France. He caused it to be declared throughout all the towns and countries under his dependence, that what had been done to the duke of Burgundy was in his own defence, and that he had been justly put to death,-alleging numerous reasons in his justification for suffering it, but which it would occupy too much time to relate.

When the king and queen of France heard of all these matters they were highly displeased, and to provide a remedy for them, different royal edicts were published in all parts of the kingdom under the king's obedience, containing an account of the death of the duke of Burgundy and the disloyalty of the perpetrators of it, commanding all governors, magistrates, and others, under pain of death, not to afford any aid, support or advice, to the dauphin or to his party, but to prepare themselves in all diligence to oppose him and them; in so doing they should have steady and effectual support.

CHAPTER

CCXIV.-PHILIP

COUNT DE CHAROLOIS IS MADE ACQUAINTED WITH THE CRUEL MURDER OF HIS FATHER. HE HOLDS A GRAND COUNCIL ON THE STATE OF HIS AFFAIRS, AND CONCLUDES A TRUCE WITH THE ENGLISH.-OTHER MATTERS. PHILIP count de Charolois was at Ghent when he was informed of the cruel death of his father, and was so sorely afflicted by it that it was some days before his ministers could comfort him. When his countess, the lady Michelle de France, sister to the dauphin, heard of it, she was greatly troubled, fearful that her lord would on this account be estranged from her and hold her less in his affections; but this did not happen, for within a short time, by the exhortations and remonstrances of his ministers he was no way displeased with her, and showed her as much kindness as before. He soon afterward held a council with the principal persons of Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres, and then took possession of the country of Flanders, without paying any attention to his liege lord. He departed thence for Mechlin, where he had a conference with the duke of Brabant his cousin, John of Bavaria his uncle, and his aunt the countess of Hainault, on several matters; and from Mechlin he went to Lille. From this day he styled himself duke of Burgundy, and in his letters assumed all the titles of the late duke John his father.

While he was at Lille, many great lords came thither to offer their services to him, as they had been the dependants of his father, some of whom he retained in his household, and promised the others great advantages hereafter. Master Philip de Morvillers, first president of the parliament of Paris, came also, with many notable persons; and in concert with them and with his own ministers, the duke resolved to write letters to the different towns attached to the king's and his party, setting forth that as they had been the friends and supporters of his father, he hoped they would in like manner be his. He added, that he would very shortly request a truce from the English; and desired them to send him a deputation to Arras on the 17th day of October, with sufficient powers to agree to whatever terms might be demanded from them by him. The duke of Burgundy did not delay to send ambassadors to the king of England at Rouen, to endeavour to obtain a truce for a certain space of time, for all the countries under the dependence of the king of France and himself. The ambassadors were the bishop of Arras, the lord de Toulongeon, sir Guillaume de Champdivers, sir Guillebert de Launoy and some others; and they obtained the requested truce, hoping also to proceed further with the English.

During this time the Dauphinois, quartered at or near Compiegne, recommenced a sharp warfare against such of the Burgundians as were near to them. In another part of the country, La Hire and Ponton de Santrailles, with a large force, took the town of Crespy in the Laonnois, and the castle of Clarcy; by which conquests the town of Laon and the countries of the Laonnois and Vermandois were kept under great subjection.

When the 17th of October was come, the duke of Burgundy, sir John de Luxembourg, with numbers of other lords and captains, together with the deputations from the principal

towns, assembled in Arras. They were very affectionately addressed by the dean of Liege, by orders of the duke, and particularly those lords and captains who had served his late father, and requested that in like manner they would serve him in an expedition which he proposed shortly to undertake for the good of the king and kingdom. The deputies from the towns were also required to support his party, and to afford him every aid and assistance, should there be occasion. To these requests all present unanimously assented.

CHAPTER CCXV.-THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ORDERS A FUNERAL SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED IN THE CHURCH OF ST. VAAST AT ARRAS, FOR DUKE JOHN HIS LATE FATHER.— OTHER MATTERS.

The

On the 13th day of this same month of October, the duke of Burgundy had a solemn service celebrated in the church of St. Vaast in Arras, for the salvation of the soul of duke John his father. There were present at it the bishops of Amiens, of Cambray, of Terouenne, of Tournay, and of Arras,—many abbots from Flanders, Artois, and the adjacent countries, -and there were in the whole twenty-four crosiers. The chief mourner, the duke of Burgundy, was supported by sir John de Luxembourg and sir James de Harcourt. bishop of Amiens said mass, during which friar Pierre Floure, doctor in divinity and of the order of preaching friars, delivered the sermon. He was also inquisitor of the faith in the province of Rheims; and he exhorted the duke most strongly in his discourse not to take vengeance into his own hands for the death of his father, but to apply to the laws for reparation of the crime, and should the laws be insufficient, he should afford them every assistance, and not think of executing justice himself, for that belonged to God alone. Many of the nobles present were not very well pleased with the preacher for his sermon.

Some days after this service, sir John de Saulx, knight, doctor of laws, and chancellor to duke John, sir Andrieu de Valines, master John d'Orle advocate in the parliament, John de Caumesnil, with others of the principal citizens of Paris, sent by the count de St. Pol and the Parisians, arrived at Arras and waited on the duke of Burgundy to know what his future intentions and plans might be. When they had been well entertained by the duke and his ministers, they were told that within a few days the duke would form an alliance with the king of England by the consent of the king of France; and that when this was done he would, with his whole force, seek for reparation and vengeance on the cruel murderers of his father.

On receiving this information, and after having concluded several agreements, the Parisians returned home to carry back the intelligence and to keep the citizens and inhabitants of the Isle de France in good obedience. The duke of Burgundy then assembled some of his most powerful and faithful lords, as well seculars as ecclesiastics, with whom he held many secret councils to consider how he should conduct himself in the present state of his affairs, more especially respecting the death of his father. On this subject their opinions were divided, but at length the majority determined that since he had permission from the king of France, he should form a strict alliance with the English. In consequence of this resolution, an embassy was again sent to the king of England at Rouen, consisting of the bishop of Arras, sir Actis de Brimeu, sir Roland de Uniquerke, and others, who on their arrival at Rouen were kindly received by the king and princes, for he was very desirous of forming a connection with the duke of Burgundy, well knowing that through his means, in preference to all others, he could obtain the hand of the lady Catherine of France, which he was so anxious to have. When the ambassadors had declared the causes of their coming, and exhibited a sketch of their articles for the proposed alliance, the king was tolerably satisfied, and told them that within a few days he would send ambassadors to the duke who should declare his final resolutions. With this answer they returned to Arras.

About St. Andrew's day following, the bishop of Rochester, the earls of Warwick and of Kyme, with other knights and esquires, arrived at Arras, as ambassadors from the king of England, to whom the duke gave a most honourable reception. They laid before him the different articles of a treaty which the king wished to conclude with Charles king of France

and the duke, who in return gave them other articles such as he would abide by. In short, the negotiations were carried on so effectually that a treaty was agreed on, provided that the king of France and his ministers would consent thereto.

At this time the king and queen of France, with the lady Catherine their daughter, resided at Troyes in Champagne, and were under the guidance of such as had been posted there purposely, who were strongly attached to the party of Burgundy. In consequence of

this treaty it was ordered that the men-at-arms of the king of France and of the duke of Burgundy should discontinue their warfare against the English, who were on their part to desist from all offensive operations. The truces were again renewed and confirmed, and it was agreed that the king of England should send ambassadors in company with the duke of Burgundy to the king of France at Troyes in Champagne, who intended going thither soon to put a finishing hand to this treaty of alliance. When these matters had been arranged and the ambassadors had been greatly feasted and honoured by the duke of Burgundy in Arras, they returned to the king of England at Rouen. While this treaty was going on, sir Jaines de Harcourt showed himself every way strongly attached to the duke of Burgundy. He was the first called to the private councils of the duke, who paid him more attention and greater honour than to any other person of his court, for he loved him most cordially in consequence of his having sworn to serve him on the death of duke John. Sir James, in these days caused the castle of Crotoy, of which he was governor for the king of France, to be strongly repaired and replenished with all sorts of provision and military stores.

CHAPTER CCXVI.-SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG ASSEMBLES A LARGE BODY OF MEN-AT-ARMS, AND LEADS THEM BEFORE ROYE.-OTHER OCCURRENCES THAT HAPPENED AT THIS PERIOD.

IN conformity to the treaty with the English, the duke of Burgundy commenced his operations by assembling men-at-arms in Artois, Flanders, and elsewhere, which he sent with different captains to be under the general command of sir John de Luxembourg, near to Peronne, who was to muster them, and lead them to lay siege to the castle of Muyn, which was strongly garrisoned by the Dauphinois, who had sorely oppressed the country round Amiens and Corbie. Several of the nobility joined sir John de Luxembourg, at l'eronne, such as, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, the vidame of Amiens, Anthony lord of Croy, le borgne de Fosseux knight, John de Fosseux his brother, the lord de Longueval, Hector and Philip de Saveuses, the lord de Humbercourt, sir John de Luquerque, the lord de Cohen, with many other notable knights and esquires, who marched from Peronne to Lyhons in Santerre, and to the adjacent villages, intending to besiege the castle of Muyn, but their intentions were soon changed. During the time that these men-at-arms were at Lyhons, and on the night of the 10th of December, sir Karados de Quesnes, Charles de Flavy, the bastard de Tournemine, and one called Harbonniers, made a sally from Compiegne, with about five hundred combatants, to the town of Roye in the Vermandois, which they attacked, and, from neglect of the guard, great part of them entered the place. They assembled in the market-place, shouting out, "Town won! Long live the king and dauphin!" The inhabitants were awakened by these shouts; and, seeing they could not make any resistance, the greater part escaped over the walls, and fled.

A detachment of the Dauphinois now advanced to the gate, which they opened to admit the remainder of their forces, and their horses, into the town. Perceval le Grand, governor of the place for the duke of Burgundy, having been awakened like the others, and perceiving that no resistance could be made, escaped as well as he could from the town, leaving behind his wife, children, and great part of his wealth. He hastened to Lyhons, and very dolefully related to his commander, sir John de Luxembourg, the news of the capture of Roye. Sir John instantly ordered his trumpets to sound for the assembling of his men at arms, and led them toward Roye, sending forward a party of scouts to the town, to gain intelligence, who found the scaling-ladders still reared against the walls by which the enemy had entered. They were no sooner observed, than the Dauphinois made preparations for defence, and gave

a sharp discharge of cannons, cross-bows, and bows on them, and on some men-at-arms, who had joined the scouts. However, notwithstanding their defence, one of the suburbs was taken, and in the conflict several were wounded on each side. On that of sir John de Luxembourg was a valiant man-at-arms, named Robert de Rebretanges, and who, in consequence of this wound, died shortly after.

After sir John had posted his men in the different suburbs and houses round the town, he fixed his own quarters at a village about half a league distant. He then sent the lord de Humbercourt, bailiff of Amiens, to that place, and to Corbie, to require that they would send him cross-bowmen, cannons, and other implements of war, to enable him to subdue the Dauphinois in Roye, which request was complied with in the most ample manner. With the same eagerness were the cross-bowmen of Douay, Arras, Peronne, St. Quentin, Mondidier, Noyon, and other places under the dependence of the king, sent to Roye in great numbers. On the arrival of these reinforcements, sir John invested the town on all sides, and made some vigorous assaults: he also had some bombards, and other engines, pointed against the walls and gates, which greatly harassed the besieged. They made, however, a handsome defence, and some sallies; but in these they did not gain much.

At length, the besieged seeing all their efforts vain, and hopeless of succour, concluded a treaty with sir John, by his commissioners, on the 18th day of January, to surrender the place, on condition that they should depart in safety, with their baggage, and with a part of what they had gained in the town. When this treaty was ratified, the Dauphinois marched away under passports from sir John de Luxembourg, who appointed Hector de Saveuses to escort them; and, when out of the town, they took the road to Compiegne, marching with great speed.

Very soon after their departure, about two thousand English came to Roye, under the command of the earl of Huntingdon, and his father-in-law sir John de Cornwall†, to assist the Burgundians; for, as I have said, there was a truce between the English and them, expecting that this truce would shortly be (as it happened) turned into a solid peace. The English, hearing of the departure of the Dauphinois, hastily set out in pursuit of them, and overtook them about four leagues from Roye. The moment they came near, without any words, they attacked them lance in hand, although they were few in number; for, having rode so hard, three parts of their men were behind. The English were accompanied by many of the men-at-arms of sir John de Luxembourg, the principal of whom were Butor bastard of Croy, Aubellet de Folleville, the bailiff de Foquesolle, the bastard Dunon and several other gentlemen. The Dauphinois made no great resistance, and were therefore soon routed, very many were killed, taken, or robbed; but a few escaped as well as they could, by flying to the woods and other places. Hector de Saveuses, observing this, made sir Karados de Quesnes his prisoner, in order to save him and restore him to liberty; but sir John de Cornwall took him from him, saying that he had not any right to make him his prisoner, since he had a passport from his captain; and because Hector would not release him at the first word, Cornwall smote him severely on the arm with his gauntlet, which incensed Hector much,—but he could not help himself, as the English were too numerous. Sir Karados, the lord of Flavy, and most part of the men-at-arms, were made prisoners by the English; but those taken by the Picards were put to death by them, for they were afraid to bring them to their quarters on account of the passports that had been granted them. However, Harbonniers, who was prisoner to Aubellet de Folleville, was carried to Noyon, and there beheaded.

The English, after this affair, returned with their prisoners to a village within two leagues of Roye, where they quartered themselves. Hector de Saveuses made what haste he could to sir John de Luxembourg, to relate all that had passed, who was greatly enraged that his

* John Holland, son of John, earl of Huntingdon and duke of Exeter, beheaded in 1 Henry IV. He was restored to the earldom of Huntingdon in 4 Henry V., and in 11 Henry VI. was created duke of Exeter, with precedence over all the nobility except the duke of York. He died in 25 Henry VI., and was succeeded by his son Henry, who died in banishment. After the death of the

first duke of Exeter, his widow, sister of King Henry IV.,
and mother of the earl of Huntingdon here mentioned,
married for her second husband, Sir John de Cornewal,
who was afterwards summoned to parliament by the title
of Lord Fanhope, 11 Henry VI.
† See Dugdale's Baronage.

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