CHAPTER CCL.-AMBASSADORS FROM FRANCE, ENGLAND, AND BURGUNDY, MEET AT CALAIS TO TREAT OF A GENERAL PEACE.

In these days, several ambassadors of note were sent by king Charles to St. Omer to treat of a peace with the English, who were to come to that town according to their promise of last year. The principal of these were the archbishop of Rheims and of Narbonne, and the count de Dunois, bastard of Orleans. On their arrival at St. Omer they were grandly feasted by the duke of Burgundy, and soon after heard that the duke of Orleans was come to Calais, being brought thither by the English; on which they sent to Calais to know at what place it would be agreeable to them to hold their convention.

The answer returned was, that the English would not quit Calais with the duke of Orleans, but that, if the French ambassadors would come thither, they would be ready to enter upon the business. Having considered the proposal, the archbishop of Rheims, the count de Dunois, and others, went thither under passports, together with the lord de Crevecœur, and the envoys from the duke of Burgundy. On their arrival at Calais, the count de Dunois was conducted to the duke of Orleans his brother, who received him with much joy, and most courteously thanked him for the attentions he had paid to his property during the time of his imprisonment.

After this, the parties met on business several times,—and divers proposals were made respecting the deliverance of the duke of Orleans, and for a general peace; but as they could not agree as to several articles, they appointed another meeting, before which each was to inform his sovereign of the grounds they had laid for a negotiation to establish peace between the two kingdoms. The French and Burgundians returned to St. Omer, and, shortly after, the duke of Orleans was carried back to England.

CHAPTER CCLI.-THE BARROIS AND LORRAINERS OVERRUN THE COUNTY OF VAUDEMONT, WHERE THEY COMMIT GREAT WASTE AND DESTRUCTION.

WHILE these things were passing, the Barrois and Lorrainers collected a large force, together with some Frenchmen, and marched for the county of Vaudemont, where they carried destruction with fire and sword, committing sacrilege on many churches and doing inestimable mischiefs. The count de Vaudemont, to avenge himself, not having sufficient forces of his own, sent to demand succour from the duke of Burgundy, and from his son-inlaw the lord de Croy, and to beg of them not to delay sending him reinforcements of men-at-arms. In consequence, sir John de Croy was despatched to him, accompanied by sir Simon de Lalain, the lords de Launoy and de Maingoual, nephews to the lord de Croy * sir John bastard de Reuly†, sir Anthony de Wissoch, and other nobles, with a body of one thousand combatants, who fixed their rendezvous at Aubanton‡, and thence marched toward the duchy of Bar, for the Barrois had evacuated the county of Vaudemont.

They continued advancing until they came before the town of Bar-le-Duc§, in which were the marquis du Pont, son to the king of Sicily, duke of Bar, and others of the nobility of that country. They summoned the marquis to come out and give them battle, for that they were ready and anxious to meet him in the field. The marquis, by advice of his council, made answer, that he would not combat them at their request and pleasure; but he had that intention in proper time and place, when he should judge most fitting. The Burgundians, on hearing this answer, departed thence for a large village, called Longueville ||, where they were met by the count de Vaudemont with all the forces he could muster.

On the morrow, they advanced farther into the duchy of Bar, destroying everything with fire and sword; and thence into Lorraine, where they despoiled all that was not secured in

* John I. lord of Launoy (a noble and ancient house in Flanders) married Jane daughter of John, and sister of Anthony, lords de Croy, by whom she had the two sons here mentioned, viz., John II. lord of Launoy, knight of the Golden Fleeco, who died in 1492; secondly, Anthony lord of Maingoval, who was ancestor-to the famous Charles de Launoy, prince of Salmone and count of Asti, one of Charles the Fifth's greatest generals.

Reuly. Rely.-DU CANGE. Q. Renti?
Aubanton,- —a town in Picardy, near Vervins, diocese

of Laon.

Bar-le-Duc, a strong town of Lorraine, on the confines of Champagne.

Longueville,-three leagues north from Faquemont.

the fortified towns and castles; and what was worse, they took by force some churches and committed divers sacrileges. In truth, the count de Vaudemont was so determined on his revenge that he would have continued this cruel treatment throughout the duchies of Lorraine and Bar, had not the lords who had come to his aid been dissatisfied with it. He could not keep them longer with him, nor indeed his own men; so that after they had been employed on this business for the space of twenty-six days, without meeting with any force to combat, they returned whence they had come, but by another road, after having suffered greatly from want of provision for themselves and their horses.

Such was the mode in which war was carried on between these two great lords, to the ruin and destruction of the poorer people:

CHAPTER CCLII.-THE DUKE OF ORLEANS OBTAINS HIS LIBERTY BY MEANS OF THE DUKE

OF BURGUNDY, AND MARRIES THE LADY OF CLEVES, NIECE TO THE SAID DUKE*. SEVERAL embassies, as you have seen, took place between the kings of France and of England, and the duke of Burgundy, to endeavour to bring about a general peace, and also to obtain the deliverance of the duke of Orleans from his confinement in England. They had, however, been attended with little success, for the English held out no hopes of peace, but to the prejudice and loss of the king of France and his realm.

CAPTIVITY OF THE DUKE OF ORLEANS IN THE TOWER OF LONDON. From an illumination in the celebrated MS. volume of Poems written by the Duke during his imprisonment, and preserved in the Brit. Mus. Bib. Reg. 16. F. 2.

They would not condescend to treat in earnest but on condition that all the conquests they had made in France should remain freely to them, without any dependence whatever on

d'Armagnac, by whom he had no issue. His third wife was Mary, sixth daughter of Adolph duke of Cleves, who died in 1487, who brought him three children, Lewis afterwards king of France, Mary, married to the viscount de Narbonne, and Anno abbess of Fontevrault.

the crown of France, and they particularly insisted on holding the duchies of Guienne and Normandy on these terms. This had prevented the conclusion of a general peace, for neither the king of France nor his council would submit to them. In regard to the duke of Orleans, the English (as I heard from one who pretended to be acquainted with the secrets of their government) were not desirous that he should gain his liberty; for many persons about the court received very large sums to defray his expenses, and this was the cause why he had been so long detained prisoner. In truth, had the king of France, or those who had the management of the duke of Orleans' estates, refused to send over any more money, it is to be supposed that his deliverance would have been sooner effected. Nevertheless, I believe that everything was done honourably, and with good intentions.

While these negotiations were pending, and afterward, the duke of Burgundy had a great desire to aid the duke of Orleans in his deliverance, as well from their near connexion by blood, as that, on his return to France, they might remain good friends, forgetting all former feuds that had existed between their houses. In consequence, he caused frequent overtures to be made to the duke of Orleans, and to those who governed him, to learn in what manner he could best assist him for the accomplishment of this purpose; and at the same time, he caused him to be sounded, whether he would be willing to marry his niece, a daughter of the duchess of Cleves his sister, then with him; and also, in case of his deliverance, if he would agree to ally himself with the duke of Burgundy, without taking any measures in times to come against him or his family, in consequence of the former quarrels between their fathers, against their mutual enemies, the king of France and the dauphin always excepted. The duke of Orleans, considering the long imprisonment he had suffered and might still undergo, readily assented to these propositions. He gave his promise, on the word of a prince, that if the duke of Burgundy should obtain his liberty, he would instantly espouse his niece, the lady of Cleves, and satisfy the duke completely as to his other proposals. In consequence of this engagement, measures were taken in earnest, for the ransom of the duke of Orleans, with the king of England and his council; when after many delays, it was agreed to by the king of England, on condition that the duke of Burgundy would give security, under his seal, for the due payment of his ransom.

By the conclusion of this treaty, the duke of Orleans obtained his full liberty: and after he had solemnly promised to employ himself earnestly to bring about a general peace, and taken his leave of the king of England and some of the nobility, he set out from London, and arrived at Calais, furnished with ample passports, and thence was conducted to Gravelines, escorted by the lord de Cornewall* and sir Robert de Roixt, and other gentlemen. The duchess of Burgundy, attended by many great lords and gentlemen, came out of Gravelines to meet him; and both expressed much pleasure on the occasion,-the duke of Orleans for his liberty, and the duchess for his arrival. Within a few days, the duke of Burgundy came thither to see him, when, as before, great joy was testified on each side, and many and frequent embracings took place indeed their pleasure was so great, on this meeting, that neither could for some time utter a word.

The duke of Orleans broke silence first, and said, "On my faith, fair brother and cousin, I ought to love you more than all the princes on earth, and my fair cousin the duchess also; for had it not been for you and her, I should have remained for ever in the power of my adversaries, and I have never found a better friend than you." The duke of Burgundy replied, that the not having done it sooner had weighed much on his mind,-for that he had for a considerable time been desirous of exerting himself for his deliverance. Such was the conversation, often renewed, between these two princes, which rejoiced all that heard it; and every one was glad of the return of the duke of Orleans, who had been a prisoner in England since the Friday before All-saints day, in the year of grace 1415, until the month of November in the year 1440.

The ambassadors from the king of France were present at this meeting; the principal of whom were, the archbishop of Rheims, lord chancellor of France, the archbishop of Narbonne, the count de Dunois, bastard of Orleans, and some others,-to each of whom, in his turn, the duke of Orleans gave a most gracious reception, but particularly to his brother.

Lord de Cornewall.-Sir John de Cornewall, summoned to Parliament 11 Henry VI.
Sir Robert de Rois. Sir Robert Roos.

The company thence went by water to St. Omer, and were lodged in the abbey of St. Bertin, where grand preparations had been made for the reception of the duke of Orleans, who was accompanied by the English lords. He was there received most honourably by the duke of Burgundy and the lords of his household. Great presents were made him by the municipality; and he was daily visited by persons from France and Picardy, but more from his own territories than elsewhere, who were very much rejoiced at his return. After some days, the duke of Orleans was requested, on the part of the duke of Burgundy, that he would be pleased to swear to the observance of the treaty of Arras, and take to wife the lady of Cleves, niece to the duke of Burgundy, as had been before treated of, and the duke replied, that he was perfectly ready and willing to confirm all that he had promised when a prisoner.

This business being settled, the two dukes entered the choir of the church of St. Bertin, with their attendants, whither the treaty of Arras was brought, written in Latin and in French. It was read aloud, first in Latin, then in French, by master James Trançon, archdeacon of Brussels, in the presence of the two dukes, the archbishops, bishops, and a great number of knights, esquires, burghers, and officers of each party. When the reading of it was ended, the duke of Orleans promised and swore on the book of the holy Evangelists, which the said archdeacon held in his hand, faithfully to observe all the articles of the treaty in general, excepting those articles that related to the death of the late duke of Burgundy, -saying, that he was not bounden to exculpate himself from this death, as his mind was no way consenting thereto; that he was perfectly ignorant of the attempt, and had been very much displeased and vexed when he heard of it, as this event had thrown the kingdom of France into greater danger than it had ever experienced. After this, the count de Dunois was called upon to take a similar oath, who, delaying some little to comply, was instantly commanded by the duke of Orleans to take it, which he then did. The duke then renewed his promise to espouse the lady of Cleves,-and they were immediately betrothed to each other by the archbishop of Narbonne.

Great feastings and every sort of amusement and entertainment now took place; and the duke of Burgundy's purveyors were despatched to distant countries, to supply provision for the wedding-feast, and also for that of St. Andrew, which the duke had not for some time kept. The duke of Burgundy defrayed the whole of the expenses of the duke of Orleans and of his train. On the Saturday before St. Andrew's day, the duke of Orleans was married to the lady of Cleves; and on the ensuing day, the feast was celebrated, when great crowds of the nobility came thither to view the procession of the lords and ladies to the church. The duke of Burgundy led his niece by her left hand: on the right, behind him, were sir John bastard of St. Pol and the lord de Hautbourdin, who held up the sleeve of her robe. A lady supported her train, which was very rich. A little behind came the duke of Orleans, leading the duchess of Burgundy, attended by the counts d'Eu, de Nevers, d'Estampes, de Saint Pol, de Dunois; while others of the high nobility, and ladies of rank, knights, esquires, and damsels, followed the archbishop of Narbonne, who on that day chanted mass.

The archbishop was attended by a numerous body of clergy, who made processions round the choir; and there were numbers of kings-at-arms, heralds, and pursuivants, as well as trumpeters, minstrels, and others playing on a variety of musical instruments. All these heralds were dressed in their tabards emblazoned with the arms of their respective lords, and in the number was Garter king-at-arms from England. The lord Fanhope, and sir Robert Roos, with their attendants, were present at all these ceremonies, to whom the highest honours were paid, and the handsomest reception given: the duke of Burgundy showed particular attention to lord Fanhope, and they went all over the town without hindrance. When mass was finished, the company went to dinner, where the duchess of Orleans was seated at the middle of the table in the great hall: on her right was the archbishop who had celebrated mass, and on her left the duchess of Burgundy. There were also the countesses d'Estampes and de Namur. At other tables were seated ladies-and damsels, each according to her rank and degree.

With regard to the two dukes, the English lords, the counts before-named, and other

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chivalry, they all dined together like a troop, and were well and abundantly served from various rich and curious dishes. From dinner they proceeded to view the justs in the market-place, where all the windows round were filled with ladies splendidly dressed. The lord de Vaurin won the prize this day. After supper, justs were again held in the great hall of the abbey of St. Bertin, on small horses, when many lances were broken, and it was a fine sight to view. On the morrow, which was Monday, were divers joyous entertainments and justings, in which the count de St. Pol won the ladies' prize.

During these days, many presents were made by the princes to the officers-at-arms, for which they cried out several times, with a loud voice, "Largesse!" naming such as had given them a present.

On Tuesday, which was the vigil of St. Andrew's day, the duke of Burgundy commenced his feast of the Golden Fleece, by hearing vespers in the choir of the church of St. Bertin, accompanied by his brother knights clothed in their mantles, hoods, and in the full dress of the order. Above each of the knights' seats in the choir was an emblazoned tablet of his arms; but there were many knights not present, and six had died since the last celebration of this feast. On the morrow, St. Andrew's day, the knights, in handsome array, went to church in procession; and it was wondrous to see the very rich ornaments of the altar, as well as of the choir, so that both English and French marvelled at the great state and splendour of the duke of Burgundy. After the church service, the duke seated himself at table in the midst of his knights, who were placed in the usual order on one side, and were abundantly well served. In the procession to and from church, the oldest knight went last, according to the date of his knighthood.

On Thursday a chapter was held, for the filling up the vacant stalls of those who were dead, which lasted a considerable time. It was there agreed on unanimously to offer a collar to the duke of Orleans,-and the bishop of Tournay and master Nicholas Raoullin, chancellor of Burgundy, were sent to him, to know if it would be agreeable to him to accept of it. When they had declared the wish of the duke of Burgundy and of his knights-companions, the duke of Orleans replied, that he would willingly wear the order, in honour of his fair cousin the duke of Burgundy, and soon after entered the great hall, whither came the duke of Burgundy, with the knights-companions preceded by their officers-at-arms. Golden Fleece, king-at-arms, bore on his arm a mantle and hood of the order, and, on approaching the duke of Orleans, sir Hugh de Launoy (who had been deputed for this purpose) addressed him saying," My most excellent, most puissant and most redoubted lord, my lord duke of Orleans, you see here in your presence my most redoubted lord my lord duke of Burgundy, and my lords his companions of the order of the Golden Fleece, who have unanimously resolved, in full chapter, to present to you a collar of the said order, as a testimony of your high renown, prudence and valour, which they humbly entreat you will be pleased to accept of and wear, to promote that fraternal love and friendship which at present exists between you, and that it may be strengthened and preserved."

The duke of Orleans having replied that he would willingly wear it, the duke of Burgundy advanced with one of the collars in his hand, which he presented to him, and placed round his neck, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and then kissed his cheek. The duke of Orleans then requested the duke would be pleased to wear his order, to which he assented, and the duke of Orleans then drew a collar of his order from his sleeve, and put it round the duke of Burgundy's neck. When the duke of Orleans had been dressed in the mantle and hood of the order, he was led to the chapter-house to take the accustomed oaths, and to assist in the election of four other knights; but they were not immediately named, and none but themselves knew to whom the vacant collars were to be given. The greater part of the nobles were much gratified by this exchange of orders, and that so much unanimity and concord existed between these two princes. Some days afterward, the chapter was renewed, and it was determined to present the dukes of Brittany and of Alençon each with a collar; and Golden Fleece, king-at-arms, was ordered to carry to them letters from the duke of Burgundy and the knights-companions, to inform them of their election. The king-at-arms performed his message punctually; and the two lords received the collars with pleasure, giving him for his trouble such rich presents as satisfied him.