THE
CHRONICLES
OF
ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET.
_H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars, London._
THE
CHRONICLES
OF
ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET;
CONTAINING
AN ACCOUNT OF THE CRUEL CIVIL WARS BETWEEN THE HOUSES OF
ORLEANS AND BURGUNDY;
OF THE POSSESSION OF
PARIS AND NORMANDY BY THE ENGLISH;
_THEIR EXPULSION THENCE_;
AND OF OTHER
MEMORABLE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE,
AS WELL AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
_A HISTORY OF FAIR EXAMPLE, AND OF GREAT PROFIT TO THE
FRENCH_,
_Beginning at the Year_ MCCCC. _where that of Sir JOHN FROISSART finishes,
and ending at the Year_ MCCCCLXVII. _and continued by others to the
Year_ MDXVI.
TRANSLATED
BY THOMAS JOHNES, ESQ.
IN THIRTEEN VOLUMES VOL. XII.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND J. WHITE AND CO. FLEET-STREET.
1810.
CONTENTS
OF
_THE TWELFTH VOLUME._
PAGE
CHAP. I.
The king of France enters the city of Naples
in triumph. The attack and capture
of the Castel Nuovo and the Castel del
Ovo. Of the events that passed in Naples 1
CHAP. II.
King Charles makes his public entry into
Naples, as king of that country and monarch
of all Italy 15
CHAP. III.
King Charles makes dispositions to return
to France, and takes leave of his subjects
in Naples 18
CHAP. IV.
King Charles returns from Naples to France 19
CHAP. V.
The battle of Foronuovo, where the king
of France gains a complete victory over
the confederated princes of Italy 24
CHAP. VI.
The king decamps from Foronuovo, to return
to France 30
CHAP. VII.
The king of France goes to St Denis. He
returns to Amboise, and there suddenly
dies of a fit of apoplexy 36
CHAP. VIII.
Of the funeral services performed for king
Charles VIII, of France, at Amboise, Paris,
and St Denis 39
CHAP. IX.
Of king Louis the Twelfth 41
CHAP. X.
Duke Ludovico Sforza is made prisoner before
Novara, and carried to France 47
CHAP. XI.
The cardinal Ascanius, brother to the duke
of Milan, is taken prisoner, and carried
to France 51
CHAP. XII.
The inhabitants of Milan are bribed into
subjection 53
CHAP. XIII.
The king of France sends troops to reconquer
Naples, which in a short time is won,
and Frederick, styling himself king thereof,
comes to France 74
CHAP. XIV.
The cardinal of Amboise makes his public
entry into Lyon, as legate to France 76
CHAP. XV.
The French, after the capture of Naples,
make war on the Turks 77
CHAP. XVI.
The archduke makes his entry into Lyon.
Another heretic 82
CHAP. XVII.
The cardinal of St Pietro ad vincula elected
pope 88
CHAP. XVIII.
The Sophi of Persia makes war on the Turk
Usson Cassan 92
CHAP. XIX.
A great mortality from the unwholesomeness
of the season. Of the deaths of
many persons of note 97
CHAP. XX.
The deaths of the archduke and of the
queen of Hungary 105
CHAP. XXI.
The pope, by the assistance of the French,
gains Bologna 106
CHAP. XXII.
Of the damsel Trivulce 108
CHAP. XXIII.
Of the league of Cambray, formed by the
cardinal of Amboise, between the pope,
the emperor Maximilian, the king of
France, and the king of Spain, against
the Venetians. The king of France defeats
the Venetians at Agnadello 112
CHAP. XXIV.
A war between Pope Julius and the king of
France, on account of the duke of Ferrara.
A council of the church assembled
at the instance of the emperor Maximilian
and the king of France, to the dissatisfaction
of the pope. Bologna taken by
the French 118
CHAP. XXV.
The duke of Nemours marches his army
against Brescia. On taking the town, a
great slaughter ensues 124
CHAP. XXVI.
The duke of Nemours defeats the united
armies of the pope, the Venetians, and
the Spaniards, near to Ravenna, but is
himself slain, after he had gained the
victory, and totally repulsed the enemy 129
CHAP. XXVII.
On the departure of the French from Italy,
the Swiss take the town of Milan and
other places held by the king of France 138
CHAP. XXVIII.
Of the war in Guienne. The king of France
sends succours to the king of Navarre.
The king of England makes preparations
to invade France. A sea fight between
two large English and French ships 143
CHAP. XXIX.
The king of England disembarks with his
whole army at Calais. The French are
defeated by the Swiss, at Novara 147
CHAP. XXX.
A body of French on their return from
victualling Therouenne, besieged by the
English and Hainaulters, are attacked and
put to flight 151
CHAP. XXXI.
The king of Scotland enters England with
a powerful army. He is slain. Peace concluded
between the king of France and
the Venetians 154
CHAP. XXXII.
The towns of Therouenne and Tournay surrender
to the English on capitulation 156
CHAP. XXXIII.
Of the death and interment of the most
Christian queen of France, Anne of Brittany 161
CHAP. XXXIV.
The king of France marries the princess
Mary, sister to king Henry of England.
Francis duke of Valois and count of Angoulesme
marries the princess Claude,
daughter to the king of France. The
new queen makes her public entry into
France 162
CHAP. XXXV.
Of the tilts performed at Paris. The death
and interment of Louis XI. king of
France 168
CHAP. XXXVI.
Francis I. king of France, is consecrated at
Rheims. He makes his public entry into
Paris. He leaves France to attack the
Swiss, in the Milanese, who have taken
possession of that duchy 171
CHAP. XXXVII.
The king of France pursues the Swiss with
his whole army. The town and castle of
Novara surrender to the king 179
CHAP. XXXVIII.
The king of France defeats the Swiss army
at Marignano, on the feast day of the exaltation
of the cross. Of the cruel battle
and slaughter of the French and Swiss 182
CHAP. XXXIX.
Milan surrenders to the king of France.
The castle, besieged by the French, surrenders
on capitulation 191
CHAP. XL.
Pope Leo X. and the king of France meet
at Bologna, to confer on the state of affairs.
The king returns to France 194
CHAP. XLI.
The emperor Maximilian assembles a large
army, to attempt the conquest of the
Milanese, and to drive the French out of
Italy. The constable of Bourbon, lieutenant-general
for the king in Italy, marches
against him 198
CHAP. XLII.
The emperor Maximilian, finding that he
could not succeed in his attempt on Milan,
marches away 202
CHAP. XLIII.
The king of France goes on a pilgrimage to
the church of the Holy Handkerchief in
Chambery. A treaty of peace concluded
between him and the archduke king of
Spain 204
HERE BEGINNETH
THE TWELFTH VOLUME
OF THE
CHRONICLES
OF
_ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET._
CHAP. I.
THE KING OF FRANCE ENTERS THE CITY OF NAPLES IN TRIUMPH.--THE ATTACK
AND CAPTURE OF THE CASTEL NUOVO AND THE CASTEL DEL OVO.--OF THE EVENTS
THAT PASSED IN NAPLES.
On Sunday, the 22d day of February, in the year 1494, king Charles
dressed himself in his royal robes, and triumphantly entered the city
of Naples. Although he afterwards made another entry, as shall be more
fully detailed, he, however, showed himself this day the true king and
potent lord of Naples, and went thence to the castle of Capua.
As some of the partisans of king Alphonso still held the citadel of
Naples, the Castel Nuovo, and the Castel del Ovo, king Charles ordered
them to be instantly attacked, although one side of the citadel was
washed by the sea. He had his battering artillery pointed against the
Castel Nuovo; and the captains of the guard for the king were sir
Gabriel de Montfaucon, Jean de la Grange, and others of rank.
Not to prolong matters, the citadel was gained after a very severe
attack; and the Germans, Neapolitans, and Spaniards, of the party
adverse to the king of France, burnt the outworks and hastily retreated
to join their associates in the Castel Nuovo. In the citadel were found
the largest cannons that had ever been seen, with such quantities of
other things of an extraordinary appearance that it was more than eight
days before the place could be cleared, by employing numbers of people
and carts.
Wednesday, the 25th day of February, the king, after hearing mass
in the church of the Annonciada went to dine with the lord de
Montpensier, and thence, accompanied by his lords, repaired to the
citadel to examine how it had been battered, and to consult on the
best means of conquering the Castel Nuovo. The next day the garrison
demanded a parley, on which the artillery ceased firing,--and the lord
Angilbert of Cleves, the lord of Ligny, the bailiff of Dijon, and the
great chamberlain to the queen advanced to confer with them. The first
demand of the garrison was, that the king would grant them a truce for
twenty-four hours, which was cheerfully acceded to: the next, that
they might, on the morrow, march away with arms and baggage, which was
refused.
On the twenty-four hours being expired, the artillery played more
fiercely than before,--and it was a pitiful sight to view the ruins of
this Castel Nuovo, which was exceedingly strong. The besieged fired
a piece of artillery against the church of the Franciscans of the
observantine order, which broke through the roof, but did not the least
mischief to crowds of persons, of both sexes, then in the church. The
incessant firing of the batteries lasted from Thursday to the Monday
following,--and there were so many breaches, for the king was there
in person, that the garrison again demanded a cessation of arms for
another parley. The lord Angilbert of Cleves and the bailiff of Dijon,
who spoke German, met the deputies from the castle. They demanded
permission to march away in safety with their baggage, to receive
three months pay to serve the king, if it should be agreeable to him;
otherwise, to receive passports for them to go whither-soever they
pleased.
The cessation of arms was renewed from day to day, as the parley was
prolonged by the garrison until the 3d of March, in expectation of
being relieved by king Alphonso. But when they found all hopes of
relief vain, and that the batteries were about to recommence with more
violence than ever, they were forced to abandon themselves to the mercy
of the king, into whose hands they surrendered themselves. He allowed
them to keep their baggage; but all artillery, stores, and provisions,
were to remain in the castle, which he immediately re-garrisoned with
his troops, and with able captains, for its defence.
During the king's stay at that pleasant place Poggio-Réalé, the
daughter of the duchess of Melfy[1], in company with her mother, came
thither, mounted on a superb courser of La Puglia, and throwing the
bridle on his neck, made him gallop four or five long courses; after
which she made him curvet and bound, as well as the most excellent
rider could have done, which pleased the king very much,--and he made
her a handsome present.
Monday, the 4th of March, the king had the Castel del Ovo besieged,
and strongly battered on the land side; the others were surrounded by
the sea. This day, the king heard mass at the carthusian convent, and
dined with the lord of Clerieux[2]: he afterwards visited the siege
of the Castel del Ovo, of which the artillery had already destroyed
great part,--for the canoniers had performed their duty wonderfully
well, insomuch that about five o'clock in the afternoon the garrison
demanded a parley. The king being there in person, consented to it, and
sent thither the lords de Foix and de Miolan, who having heard their
proposals, carried them to the king while at supper.
Thursday, the 5th of March, the king again returned to the siege,
after his dinner; and while he was in the trenches with his artillery,
the prince of Tarentum waited on him. The lord de Guise, the lord
de Ligny, the master of the household Brillac, had advanced to meet
the prince, and remained as hostages for his safe return after the
conference. The king and prince were both sumptuously dressed, and
conversed by themselves for some time, in a garden adjoining to the
park of artillery, to all appearance with great politeness. When the
conversation was ended, the king called to him the lord de Montpensier,
the lord de Foix, the lord de la Trimouille, the lord de Miolan,
the mareschal de Gie, and several others, with whom he talked for a
considerable time, surrounded by his guards. When it was over, the
prince took leave of the king, and returned to his galley, which was
anchored off the shore, attended by many of the french lords, according
to the king's orders. On his arrival at the shore, he took leave of
these lords, commending himself to the good graces of their king; and
when he had embarked in his galley they went back to relate to the king
all that had passed, and his praises of the reception he had had. On
this day the artillery did not play on either side.
Friday, the 6th of March, the king, having heard mass, went to dine
with the lord de Clerieux,--and this day many of the garrison (among
whom were several of the wounded) left the Castel del Ovo. The
Spaniards went to the prince of Tarentum, and the Germans surrendered
themselves to the king, having passports for the purpose. The lord de
Cressol, sir Gabriel de Montfaucon, by the king's command, entered the
castle with a body of men under arms, and archers, to take charge of
it, and the numberless stores within it.
Saturday, the 7th of March, the king went to examine the Castel del
Ovo, and then departed to lay siege to the opposite castle. Towards
evening, the prince of Tarentum paid another visit to the king, near
to the park of artillery,--and the lords de Guise and de Ligny were
hostages for his safe return. This conference was short, for it was
late; and when the prince returned to his galley the above lords
rejoined the king. It is worthy of remark, that on this day the prince
of Salernum, who had been, five years a fugitive from Naples, through
fear of king Alphonso, returned thither, and recovered a young son who
had been, by Alphonso, confined in prison,--for the cardinal of San
Pietro ad vincula had paid a very large sum for his ransom.
On Sunday, the 8th of March, the king having heard mass, and dined,
went to amuse himself at the siege, and sent the governor of Paris,
and the esquire Galiot, to summon the garrison to surrender, otherwise
he would shortly batter the walls about their ears. They refused to
comply; and, in consequence, the batteries were played with such effect
that, on the Thursday following, the 12th, they knew not where to
shelter themselves,--and the governor was constrained to come from
the castle to speak with the king, then in the trenches. The governor,
bareheaded and on his knees, besought the king, with uplifted hands, to
grant a truce until the morrow, and to receive the garrison mercifully,
which was granted. The governor was a handsome, tall figure, with white
hairs; and, on having this answer, he returned by sea to the castle,
accompanied by the prince of Salernum and the mareschal de Gie, to
parley with the garrison in the castle. Shortly after, the captains
Claude de Rabaudanges and the lord de la Vernade were appointed
governors of this castle,--and nothing was taken out of it.
The king, on the following sunday, after hearing mass, returned to the
castle of Capua, and remained some days, to receive the homages of the
princes and princesses of the realm, together with those of the nobles
and inhabitants as well of Naples as of the Terra di Lavora, Calabria,
La Puglia, and of other parts subjected to the crown of Naples. He had
there established his chancery, and courts of justice and finance,
with presidents like as in France. The president Guennay was the
chancellor, having the king's secretaries under him, with great and
smaller seals for all requisite acts. He ordered money to be coined of
gold and silver, and other metal; such as crowns, ducats, and various
pieces, both double and single, having the arms of France impressed on
one side, and on the reverse the arms of Sicily, quartered with the
small crosses of Jerusalem.
The king now appointed many new officers for the city of Naples, and
in other towns,--namely, judges, masters of the mint, and of various
descriptions. During this interval, he visited the different churches
in Naples, and every thing worth seeing there and in its neighbourhood.
While thus employed, he had many very fine entertainments given him by
the nobility in Naples, and others,--but it would be tiresome to detail
them all.
News arrived on the Wednesday, that Gaieta was taken by the french
troops: in consequence of which, the king sent the seneschal of
Beaucaire on the morrow to take the government of it. During the
month of April, the king inspected his artillery, and that which had
been found in the castles of Naples: the greater part of the last was
transported to France. The lord d'Aubigny left Naples this month for
Calabria, accompanied by his men at arms and a large body of Germans.
The 15th of April, the king, after hearing mass in the church of the
Annonciada, was confessed, and then touched and cured great numbers
that were afflicted with the evil,--a disorder that abounded much all
over Italy,--when the spectators were greatly edified at the powers of
such an extraordinary gift. This day the lord Virgilio Orsini and the
count of Petilano waited on the king for the first time since they had
been made prisoners.
The next day, which was Maunday-Thursday, the 16th of April, the king
heard divine service in the church of St John, a handsome building,
and attended (as if in France) on thirteen poor persons, who were
washed and waited on at dinner, and presented with thirteen crowns.
The sermon was preached on that and the two following days by master
Pinelli, a doctor of divinity in the university of Paris.
On Easter-day, the 19th of April, the king was confessed in the church
of St Peter, adjoining to his lodgings, and then touched for the evil a
second time; after which he heard mass in the church of St John, and in
the evening a sermon by doctor Pinelli.--Wednesday, the 22d, the king
went to see the tiltings, the lists for which had been erected near
to a church founded by the Anjou-race of kings of Sicily, where were
many of the nobility and ladies of Italy. These justings lasted from
Wednesday until the first of May: the holders of them were Châtillon
and Bourdillon, and the assailants were very numerous,--and excellent
deeds of arms were done on each side.
On Sunday, being the feast of St Januarius, the king heard mass in the
cathedral or church of St Januarius, where many cardinals, bishops,
and prelates attended. The head of St Januarius was publicly displayed
to the king, and some of his blood in a glass bottle: it was congealed
like a stone, as the king proved by touching it with a small rod of
silver; but no sooner was it placed near to the head than it began
instantly to melt and become liquid, to the astonishment of many who
viewed this miracle.
The prelates of the church said, that by means of this miraculous head
and blood of St Januarius, they were made acquainted with the success
of their petitions to God; for when their prayers had been propitious,
the blood became liquid,--but when otherwise, it remained hard. They
were likewise by this means informed as to the dispositions of their
prince, and whether he was to reign over them or not, which seemed very
extraordinary.
On Monday, the 4th of May, the king sent Jean du Bois, Fontaines, and
the master of the household de Bresse, to make an inventory of all the
stores, and other effects, in the Castel del Ovo,--for there appeared
to be such quantities of provision, and of other things, that the
value seemed inestimable. During this time, the king visited several
places in the neighbourhood of Naples; such as the grotto which Virgil
had pierced with such subtile art through a high mountain on the
seashore of Naples, which is a wonderful thing, as there is no other
road but through this subterraneous passage, as all who have seen it
can testify. A little further on is the Solfaterra, where sulphur is
made,--and there are natural fires beneath the surface that are always
burning: the king saw them make sulphur. There are, likewise near,
many springs of hot water as well as of cold; and in a valley of this
mountain is a hole through which comes such an impetuous wind that it
supports in the air stones, and pieces of wood, that are thrown into
it,--and it is said that the heat is very great within this hole. The
king visited another remarkable spot where alum is made, and saw the
whole process. Near to this last place is a cavern having a deadly
quality; for whatever is thrown in perishes instantly, as was proved
before the king on an ass and cat, which, on being thrown in, were
suddenly killed[3]. The king, having seen all that was most curious,
returned to Naples for the night.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 1: Melfy. Q. Amelfi?]
[Footnote 2: Clerieux. William of Poitiers, lord of Clerieux, governor
of Paris.]
[Footnote 3: This must be the Grotto del Cane, not far from the
Solfaterra. Although small animals perish, yet I doubt whether an ass
could be thrown in, or would be so suddenly killed.]
CHAP. II.
KING CHARLES MAKES HIS PUBLIC ENTRY INTO NAPLES, AS KING OF THAT
COUNTRY AND MONARCH OF ALL ITALY.
Tuesday, the 12th of May, the king, having heard mass in the church of
the Annonciada, left Naples after dinner for Poggio-Réalé,--where all
the princes and nobles of France and Italy were assembled, to accompany
him in his public entry into Naples, as king of France, Sicily, and
Jerusalem. He was dressed in royal robes, and made a most splendid and
triumphant entry, and thenceforward was called Charles Cæsar Augustus.
In his right hand was the globe, and his sceptre in the left,--and his
mantle was of fine scarlet trimmed with ermine, having a deep fall-down
collar, ornamented with ermines' tails also, with a brilliant crown on
his head. The horse he rode was as grandly caparisoned as possible,
to suit his state: and over his head was borne a splendid canopy by
the highest nobility of Naples, who were surrounded by the king's
valets richly dressed in cloth of gold: the provost of the household
with his archers on foot attended on him on each side. The seneschal
of Beaucaire represented the constable of Naples,--and the lord de
Montpensier preceded him, handsomely mounted, and dressed as viceroy
and lieutenant-general of Naples.
The prince of Salernum was present, together with the great lords of
France, of the blood royal, and knights-companions of the king's order;
such as, the lord de Bresse, the lord de Foix, the lord de Luxembourg,
the lord de Vendôme, and others without number, all dressed in mantles
like to what the king wore. In short, the entry was most magnificent;
and the nobility of Naples, with their ladies, presented to the king
their children of ten, twelve, and fifteen years of age, requesting of
him to make them knights, which he did with his own hand,--and it was a
splendid spectacle.
The prelates and clergy came out to meet him in the richest copes,
bearing relics, and conducted him to the cathedral, where on the high
altar were displayed, as before, the head and blood of St Januarius. In
front of the altar, the king swore to protect his new subjects, and to
preserve them in their liberties and privileges, which gave universal
satisfaction,--and great rejoicings were made on this occasion, and
also for his happy arrival, and the great good he had promised them.
The king was, after this, conducted to his palace, where, during
several days, he received embassies from different parts of his
kingdom; such as Calabria, La Puglia, L'Abruzzo, to do homage, and to
inquire respecting the manner in which they were to be governed by
a viceroy when the king should be absent, as was natural for them.
On Monday, the 18th of May, the king ordered a grand supper to be
prepared at the Castel Nuovo, where he gave a sumptuous banquet, to
his princes and nobles, seated at two tables, in the great hall of
the castle, to which was an ascent by several stone steps. The grand
seneschal of Naples served the whole of the supper, superbly mounted,
and clothed in white, with abundance of trumpets and clarions sounding.
After supper, the king received the homage of all the lords, and then
returned to sleep at his palace.
CHAP. III.
KING CHARLES MAKES DISPOSITIONS TO RETURN TO FRANCE,--AND TAKES LEAVE
OF HIS SUBJECTS IN NAPLES.
Wednesday, the 20th of May, the king, having heard mass with great
solemnity at the church of the Annonciada, dined at the palace; after
which, the nobility of Naples waited on him to take leave. They were
assembled in the great hall, where the king received them graciously,
and kindly bade them adieu! at the same time, he presented to them the
lord de Montpensier, as their viceroy and governor during his absence.
When this was done, the king departed from Naples, attended by a
gallant company of lords and gentlemen, men at arms, Swiss and Germans,
and slept that night at Aversa, on his return to France.
CHAP. IV.
KING CHARLES RETURNS, FROM NAPLES TO FRANCE.
The king, as I have said, left Naples on the 20th of May, and halted
at Aversa. On the 21st, he marched from Aversa to Capua. On the
morrow, he dined and slept at the bishop's palace in Sezza[4]; and
on the Saturday, as he was about to enter Gaieta to refresh himself,
the castle fell down and obstructed the road, so that he returned to
Sezza,--but on the Sunday, when the damages had been repaired, he
proceeded and lay at Monte Cassino. Thence he passed to Ponte-corvo,
to Cyprienne, and to Fiorentino, a small city, then under an interdict
from pope Alexander, because the inhabitants had murdered and cut off
the arms of their bishop, who was a Spaniard, for having been obstinate
in supporting king Alphonso against the king of France. This latter
would not have been able to have heard mass that day, if he had not
before had full powers given him to order the celebration of the mass
in all places, according to his good pleasure.
On Friday, the 29th, the king advanced for the night to Valmontone,
wherein were many who hated the French, because they had destroyed and
burnt Monte-Fortino: nevertheless, he proceeded to Marina the next day,
and halted there till Sunday.
On Monday the first of June, the king re-entered Rome, on his return
to France, and was lodged in the palace of the cardinal de St Clement,
near to St Peter's. He was grandly accompanied by his nobles, gentlemen
pensioners, men at arms, cross-bowmen, Swiss and Germans; and because
pope Alexander was absent[5], he posted his men in different parts of
the town, to check any insolence of the Romans. Having done this, he
went to St Peter's, to return his thanksgivings to God. On Wednesday,
he left Rome, dined at Isola, and lay at Campanolle. Friday he
advanced to Ronciglione, and the same day entered Viterbo with his
whole army, where he was as well received as before. He remained in
Viterbo until Whitsunday was passed, to perform his devotions, and
visit the body of St Rosa.
On the 8th of June, the king supped and lay in the town of Monte
Fiascone, celebrated for its muscadine wines,--and thence, continuing
his march through La Paille and other places, arrived at Sienna, the
inhabitants of which came out to welcome him, magnificently dressed,
and with the same ceremonies as at the first of his coming thither.
The king marched from Sienna on the 17th of June for Poggiobondi,
where he lay, and staid the following morning, on account of its
being the feast of the holy sacrament, and attended the procession to
high mass with great devotion. After dinner he advanced to Château
Florentin,--and on the morrow he dined at Campane, near to Florence;
but he did not enter Florence on his return, for, under pretence of
being in the french interest, the town of Pont-Velle had been taken.
Saturday, the 20th of June, the king entered Pisa, where he was
received with every honour and submission. He staid there two days,
and on the Tuesday following dined at Pommart, and slept at Lucca,
where, in return for his handsome reception, he took the town under
his protection. He marched through Pietra Santa, and arrived, on the
Saturday, at Sarsaigne[6], where he had intelligence of the junction
of the duke of Milan with the Venetians. For this reason, he would not
sleep at Villa Franca, but encamped his army on the other side of the
river, where he supped, and waited for the arrival of his artillery,
and the rear of his army.
The king left his camp, at Villa Franca, on the 30th of June, to hear
mass at a large monastery near to Pontremoli; for the Germans had burnt
that town, in revenge for the murders of some of their countrymen by
the inhabitants, on their march to Naples. After dinner, the king
encamped at the foot of the Appenines, and there remained until his
artillery had passed the mountains. The lord de la Trimouille and Jean
de la Grange were charged with this business,--and although there
were plenty of hands they had great difficulties, on account of the
rocks. On the 3d of July, and the following day, the king crossed the
Appenines, and passed through Verceil and Cassano, and encamped his
army near to Borgo de Taro, where he lay, under the security of strong
guards. Sunday, the 5th of July, the king heard mass in his camp,
and dined at Foronuovo[7], where he formed his plan for the order of
battle, with a main body, a van and reserve, and having the usual
guards established.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 4: Sezza,--29 miles NNW. of Naples.]
[Footnote 5: The pope had fled to Orvieto, conscious of having deceived
the king, and fearful of consequences.]
[Footnote 6: Sarsaigne. Q. Sarsana?]
[Footnote 7: Foronuovo,--eight miles from Parma.]
CHAP. V.
THE BATTLE OF FORONUOVO, WHERE THE KING OF FRANCE GAINS A COMPLETE
VICTORY OVER THE CONFEDERATED PRINCES OF ITALY.
On Monday the 6th of July, in the year 1495, the french army was
encamped adjoining to the valley of Taro, about two miles from
Foronuovo, and four from Parma. Thence marched that gallant prince,
Charles VIII. of the name, king of France, accompanied by those valiant
captains before mentioned, and about eight or nine thousand courageous
men at arms, to meet from fifty to sixty thousand Lombards, Venetians,
Estradiots[8], and others, his enemies. The marquis of Mantua was
commander of the Venetians: count Galeas Sforza was the representative
of his brother, Ludovico duke of Milan, and the lord of Ferrara
commanded the rest of the traitors, in company with other captains.
The king was armed from head to foot in a manner becoming so great
a prince. Over his armour he wore a jacket, with short sleeves, of
a white and violet colour, besprinkled with crosses of Jerusalem.
His helmet was magnificently ornamented with feathers,--and he was
accoutred like a good man at arms, with sword, dagger, spear and
battle-axe. He was mounted on a powerful black horse, called Savoy,
whose caparison was of the same colours with the king's jacket, and
besprinkled with similar small crosses. The king was surrounded by very
able and trusty advisers to direct him, having under them about two
thousand men, who afterwards gave good proofs of their valour.
When the french army had been properly arranged, and the artillery
was ready, they began to advance toward the enemy in such wise as the
ground served them. The Italians not knowing in what division of the
army the king had posted himself, sent a herald, under pretence of
asking something from him,--and the herald, on his return, told them
the manner in which the king was accoutred. They now began to move,
and taking advantage of a favourable situation, discharged a heavy
piece of artillery at the van of the french, which wounded and killed
several, although it did not break their ranks, nor cause any great
confusion. A sharp cannonading followed; but the king's artillery
did great mischief to the enemy, and killed one of their principal
cannoniers, as was known from a trumpeter that was soon after made
prisoner. The king's artillery was so well served that the Italians
were forced to retreat, having noticed the excellent order in which the
French were formed.
It was wonderful to observe the cool and determined valour of the
gallant king, both in actions, and in speeches to those about his
person: 'How say you, my lords and friends? Are you not resolved to
serve me well to-day? and will you not live and die with me?' Then
having heard their answers, he continued, 'Be of good courage, and
not afraid; for although they be ten times our number,--which is the
case, as I know for certain,--yet we have justice on our side, for
which I put my confidence in God, that he will be pleased to give us
the victory over our enemies. I have also hopes that he will fight
this day on our side, and that, through his gracious favour, we shall
again triumph, as we have done throughout the whole of this expedition,
and return to France with honour to ourselves, through his merciful
kindness.' Such, or nearly similar, were the words with which this
valorous king consoled and encouraged all around him.
The enemy were much surprised at the good order of the French; and
to endeavour to break it, they sent a detachment of Estradiots, and
some Albanians, across a hill, to fall on the baggage. Those who had
the guard of it had been very negligent in not keeping themselves
in readiness to resist an attack, by reason of some dispute among
themselves, for which they suffered; but it was not much, as shall be
told hereafter,--and the army remained unbroken.
The Italians, seeing this, sent a herald to the king to demand a truce.
The king replied,--'If they wish for a truce, let them meet me between
the two armies.' But he afterward sent to them, to say, that if they
would, through friendship, allow him and his army a free passage to
France, it was all he wanted, otherwise he would force his passage in
spite of them.
The Lombards and Venetians, hearing this message from the king's
herald, detained him, and resolved instantly to charge the French,
like madmen. They were particularly desirous to attack the division
where the king was, to put him to death,--but God was that day his
Protector. The advanced guard, perceiving the enemy thus hastily
marching, informed the king of their gaining the woods and bushes;
on which he crossed the bed of the Taro, and each army was in sight
of the other. In fact, the Italians were handsomely equipped and
mounted, and advanced with the appearance of a determined courage, as
they were far superior in numbers to the French. Their best men were
placed in front,--and the first onset was very severe on both sides.
As they had been informed by their herald how the king was dressed,
their chief attack was made on his division, and with such success
that they advanced to his person; but he displayed great valour, and
was so heartily seconded by those near him that the enemies were
completely repulsed, with immense slaughter; even the boldest among
them attributed their highest honour to him who could fly the fastest;
for when they saw the day was lost, the best piece of all their armour
was the point of their spurs.
Only one man of rank was made prisoner on the side of the French,
namely, Matthew bastard of Bourbon, who had most valiantly defended
the king, and he was taken when pursuing the enemy up to their lines.
Not more than nine or ten french gentlemen were killed, although
their enemies were ten to one against them, the greater part of whom
saved themselves by flight. This proves, beyond a doubt, that Divine
Providence assisted the French, and gave them the victory over their
disloyal enemies, who were conquered in so very short a space of time.
The king remained the whole of the day armed and on horseback, and
until the whole of his army had retired within their camp. Thither
came ambassadors to him from the Italians, to demand the prisoners; but
they were answered, that they should not be restored,--which astonished
them greatly, as they feared that some of their first nobility had been
either killed or made prisoners.
The king and his nobles, in sign of triumph and victory, supped and
lay on the field of battle,--where they ate and drank what they could
find, and as it pleased God, to whom they gave their most humble
thanksgivings and praises for their success, as indeed they were
bounden to do.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 8: Estradiots,--a sort of light horse, or a militia.]
CHAP. VI.
THE KING DECAMPS FROM FORONUOVO, TO RETURN TO FRANCE.
On the morrow of the battle of Foronuovo, the 7th of July, the king,
after hearing early mass, decamped from before Foronuovo, and posted
his army on an elevated situation called Magdelan, about half a
french league from his late camp, where he remained the whole day.
The commanders of the artillery made such diligence in bringing up
the cannon that they were placed round the king, as was usual in such
cases. The king marched away, on the Wednesday, with his army and
artillery, and repassed several towns wherein he had halted on his
advance to Naples, notwithstanding the attempts of the enemy to prevent
it. He came at length to Novara, and delivered the duke of Orleans, who
had been shut up in that town, with a party of his men, by the traitor
Ludovico of Milan. Thence the king proceeded to Asti and to Vercelli,
where the duke of Orleans came to meet him. The king received him with
much friendship, and they supped together.
On Friday, the 2d of October in this year, the lord de Vendôme died
in the town of Vercelli. His death was much lamented by the king
and his nobles, for he was a notable prince. The following Tuesday,
the king had a funeral service performed with much solemnity in
the cathedral-church dedicated to St Eusebius, where great grief
was manifested by all the assistants; and afterward his body was
transported to France, to be interred among his ancestors.
On Wednesday, the 7th of October, the bishop of Sion arrived at
Vercelli, with a body of Swiss, horse and foot, and others from the
german allies of the king, for his better security. The king thanked
the bishop for his friendship, and grandly feasted him and the troops
he had brought.
The next day, ambassadors came to the king from Ludovico of Milan and
the Venetians, and earnestly demanded a treaty, having witnessed the
strength of the king, and the enterprising courage of his troops,--when
a treaty was agreed to, on much better terms than they deserved.
On Saturday, the 10th of October, the king heard mass in the church
of the Cordeliers in Vercelli, adjoining his lodgings; and after his
dinner, he proceeded to Trino, where he halted until the 15th of
October, when he went to Crescentino, and from this place, by many
days march, arrived at Grenoble, passing through the following towns;
Sillans, Sessia[9], Turin, Quiers, Rivoli, Suza, Briançon, Nôtre
Dame d'Embrun, Savines, Saint Eusebe, La Meure[10], and Tault near to
Grenoble. He arrived at Grenoble about vespers, on the 27th of October;
and all ranks of people went out in procession, and made another public
entry for him on his return from the campaign of Italy.
The king, being unwell, remained in Grenoble until the 3d of
November, when he set out for Lyon, passing through the towns of St
Rambert, where he staid some days, Sillans, La Côte St André, and
Chatonay,--from which last place he advanced nearer to Lyon, where he
slept.
On Saturday, the 7th of November, having dined at Venisseu, he
proceeded to Lyon, whence all the churchmen came out in grand
procession, dressed in their robes, and bearing relics, to meet and
welcome him on his return from Italy. He made a public entry into Lyon,
as king of Jerusalem, Naples, and Sicily, attended by all the municipal
officers, and persons of rank in that town, handsomely dressed. He
was conducted triumphantly through the streets, accompanied by the
nobles and captains, who were looked at with pleasure in consequence
of the noble victory they had gained over such superior numbers. The
streets and squares were hung with tapestries: bonfires and mysteries
were exhibited in all the open spaces through which the king passed,
in his way to the archbishop's palace, that had been prepared for his
lodgings. Here the queen and the duchess of Bourbon his sister were
waiting, with many noble ladies and damsels, impatient to receive him;
and indeed he was deserving of such eagerness.
The king held most sumptuous justs at three different places in Lyon:
at La Grenette in front of the convent of Cordeliers, in the Juerie,
and before the palace: at all of them, he was foremost to offer
himself, and performed many gallant feats with lance and sword, on
horseback and on foot, as did several others of the french lords. In
memory of these justs, three stone columns were erected,--and to this
day there exist the latin verses that were inscribed on them, for king
Charles was the principal tenant of the lists.
Prior to the expedition to Naples, the king had the body of the
seraphic doctor, St Bonaventure, raised with great pomp from his tomb
in the church of the Cordeliers,--and the duke and duchess of Bourbon
had his shrine afterward covered with plates of silver. The king, at
the same time, founded the convent of the Cordeliers of the Observance
in the city of Lyon, which is become a place of much devotion.
When the king had staid some days in Lyon, he resolved to pursue his
journey, to pay his devotions at the abbey of St Denis, and return
thence to Amboise,--which he did, as shall be hereafter related.
In the year 1496, the son of the king of Spain died,--and the same year
died the duke of Savoy, who was said, by those lately returned from
Italy, to have poisoned the whole country of Piedmont.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 9: Sessia. Q. Borgo de Sessia?]
[Footnote 10: La Meure. Q. La Meyrie? in the election of Grenoble.]
CHAP. VII.
THE KING OF FRANCE GOES TO ST DENIS.--HE RETURNS TO AMBOISE, AND THERE
SUDDENLY DIES, OF A FIT OF APOPLEXY.
When king Charles had made some stay in Lyon, and had witnessed the
tilts and tournaments that had been performed at Moulins, in the
Bourbonnois, he proceeded to the abbey of St Denis, to accomplish the
vow of pilgrimage he had made, and to offer up his thanksgivings to God
for the brilliant victories he had obtained over his enemies, and for
the successful issue of his expedition to Naples. He went likewise to
St Denis, to replace the blessed bodies of the holy martyrs, who repose
there, that had been taken down from their niches when the king set out
on his italian expedition.
It is an ancient and praiseworthy custom, that when the most Christian
kings of France undertake any foreign expedition in person, they
supplicate the aid and intercession of the glorious martyr St Denis,
and his companions Saint Rusticus and Saint Eleutherus. The shrines of
these saints are, in consequence, taken down from their niches on the
king's quitting his kingdom, and deposited in a private part of the
church. These holy bodies, thus deposited, cannot be replaced in their
former situations until the king shall return to St Denis from his
foreign expedition, whether it had been for conquest or pleasure.
King Charles, therefore, having been victorious throughout Italy,
followed the pious custom of his ancestors the kings of France. He
made a devout pilgrimage, to St Denis,--and the shrines of the martyrs
were, by him, replaced in their several niches, in the presence of
the great barons of France. The king would neither pass nor repass
through Paris on this pilgrimage, for reasons that moved him so to do,
but which I omit, to avoid prolixity. For this cause, when he left St
Denis, he took his road through St Antoine des Champs, thence over Le
Pont-de-Chalenton[11], and through Beauce, strait to the castle of
Amboise, where he found the queen and many lords and ladies of his
noble blood. He was received there by the inhabitants with the utmost
joy and honour.
He had not been long at Amboise before he heard of the treachery of the
Neapolitans, and the death of the noble Gilbert lord of Montpensier.
The remaining captains, unable to support themselves in Naples after
his loss, returned home as well as they could; for those traitors of
Lombardy and Naples had suddenly risen in rebellion,--and they could
not possibly receive succours in time from France, had they attempted
to hold out against them, from the great distance.
King Charles made preparations to avenge himself on them for their
treachery and infidelity,--but he had over-exerted himself in his late
expedition. His constitution, which was naturally feeble, became daily
worse: whence it happened, that as he was walking one day in a gallery
of the castle of Amboise with the queen, and amusing himself by looking
at some tennis-players, he was suddenly seized with a fit, and died
shortly after, in the twenty-eighth year of his age, and in the month
of April in the year 1497. May God have mercy on his soul!
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 11: Pont de Chalenton. Q. Charenton?]
CHAP. VIII.
OF THE FUNERAL SERVICES PERFORMED FOR KING CHARLES VIII. OF FRANCE, AT
AMBOISE, PARIS, AND ST DENIS.
After the decease of king Charles VIII. whose soul may God pardon! a
very solemn funeral service was performed at Amboise, in the church of
St Florent, by the reverend cardinal the lord John Peraule, assisted
by many prelates, great lords, and other persons. There were immense
numbers of tapers and torches, and great alms were distributed. When
this service was over, the king's heart was carried for interment to
the church of Nôtre Dame de Clery, near to that of his late father.
The body, with the representation of his figure over it, was borne
in sorrowful pomp to the church of our Lady in the fields, in the
suburbs of Paris, where it was watched all night by some of his most
confidential friends.
On the morrow morning, a grand procession came out of Paris, consisting
of all the clergy with their crosses, the four orders of mendicant
friars, the members of the court of parliament and of the other
courts of justice, the provosts, sheriffs, and inhabitants dressed
in mourning, to the church of our Lady in the Fields,--where were
waiting the great lords, officers, pages of honour, and others, to the
number of more than seven thousand persons, clad in mourning, with
hoods,--and, according to the usual ceremony, conducted the body to
the cathedral-church of our Lady in Paris. There were four hundred
torches, ornamented with escutcheons of three flowers de luce, carried
by four hundred poor men, dressed in black cloaks and hoods. A solemn
funeral service was performed in the church of Nôtre Dame; after which,
the body was carried with the same ceremonies through Paris to the
abbey of St Denis, where another service was solemnly performed for the
deceased, and presents of money given to all the assistants in making
the offerings at the mass, and great alms distributed to the poor.
When the accustomed ceremonies had been finished, the body of king
Charles was interred in the sepulchre that had been prepared for him;
after which there was a grand dinner given to all the assistants in
honour of the late king, to whose soul may God graciously grant his
pardon! Amen.
CHAP. IX.
OF KING LOUIS THE TWELFTH.
On the 23d of May, in the year 1498, Louis duke of Orleans, son to the
late duke Charles, was consecrated king of France, in the same manner
as his predecessors had been, in the cathedral of Rheims. He was the
twelfth who had borne the name of Louis, and the fifty-fifth king of
France.
At this ceremony at Rheims were the twelve peers of France, or their
substitutes. For the duke of Burgundy appeared the duke of Alençon; for
the duke of Normandy, the duke of Lorraine; for the duke of Guienne,
the duke of Bourbon; for the earl of Flanders, the lord de Ravenstein;
for the earl of Champagne, the lord Angillebert of Cleves; for the earl
of Toulouse, the lord of Foix. Almost the whole of the french nobility
were present at the ceremony, which was solemnized in the usual mode to
that of former kings, by the cardinal of St Malo, archbishop of Rheims.
Immediately after, the king made knights of his order of St Michael
the lord de Taillebourg, the lord des Pierres, lord de la Gruture, the
lord de Clerieux. He created also knights to the amount of four score;
among whom were the lord de Myolans, sir Claude de Mont-l'Or lord of
Château-neuf, de Salazuit, and others, too numerous to name. When these
things were done, the king ordered preparations for his entry into
Paris.