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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. VII.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND J. WHITE AND CO. FLEET-STREET.
1810.
CONTENTS
OF
_THE SEVENTH VOLUME_.
PAGE
CHAP. I.
Some captains attached to sir John de Luxembourg
surprise the castle of St Martin,
wherein they are all taken and slain 1
CHAP. II.
Poton de Saintrailles and sir Louis de Vaucourt
are made prisoners by the English 4
CHAP. III.
Maillotin de Bours and sir Hector de Flavy
fight together in the town of Arras 5
CHAP. IV.
Some of king Charles's captains make an
attempt on Corbie 12
CHAP. V.
The lord de Barbasan lays siege to the castle
of Anglure, held by the Burgundians 13
CHAP. VI.
The maid of Orleans is condemned to be
put to death and burnt at Rouen 15
CHAP. VII.
The general council is continued at Basil, by
the solicitations of the emperor 22
CHAP. VIII.
The duke of Bar enters the county of Vaudemont
to conquer it by force 29
CHAP. IX.
The duke of Bar is combated by the count
de Vaudemont and defeated 35
CHAP. X.
The young king Henry comes from England,
with a grand attendance, to Paris,
to be crowned king of France 44
CHAP. XI.
The detachment the duke of Bar had left to
blockade Vaudemont march away on
hearing of the ill success of the battle 51
CHAP. XII.
Sir John de Luxembourg assembles men at
arms and marches into Champagne against
the French, from whom he conquers several
castles. Other matters 53
CHAP. XIII.
The duke d'Alençon makes the chancellor
of Brittany prisoner 57
CHAP. XIV.
The French are near taking the castle of
Rouen 59
CHAP. XV.
The French take the castle of Dommart in
Ponthieu, and carry off the lord de Dommart
prisoner 64
CHAP. XVI.
Sir Thomas Kiriel, an Englishman, is appointed
governor of the castle of Clermont in
the Beauvoisis 66
CHAP. XVII.
The inhabitants of Chauny-sur-Oise destroy
the castle of their town 68
CHAP. XVIII.
The city of Chartres is conquered by king
Charles's party 70
CHAP. XIX.
The cardinal of Santa Croce is sent by the
pope to France, to endeavour to make
peace between the contending parties 76
CHAP. XX.
The English conquer the bulwark at Lagny-sur-Marne 78
CHAP. XXI.
Philibert de Vaudray, governor of Tonnerre,
and the lord d'Amont wait on the duke
of Bedford to serve him 81
CHAP. XXII.
The duke of Bedford marches a large force
to Lagny-sur-Marne, to support the English
and Burgundians who had remained
there, but retires without making any
conquest 83
CHAP. XXIII.
The commonalty of Ghent rise against their
magistrates 89
CHAP. XXIV.
Sir John bastard of St Pol and the lord de
Humieres are taken prisoners by the
French 91
CHAP. XXV.
Great disorders are committed by the
French in the Amiennois, Santerre and
Vimeu 92
CHAP. XXVI.
The heir of Commercy takes the town of
Ligny in the Barrois, belonging to sir
John de Luxembourg 94
CHAP. XXVII.
The Burgundians, under pretence of being
English, gain the castle of La Boue, near
to Laon. Other matters 96
CHAP. XXVIII.
Friar Thomas goes to Rome.--He is burnt
there 98
CHAP. XXIX.
The death of the duchess of Bedford 100
CHAP. XXX.
Some of the French captains cross the river
Somme and overrun Artois 101
CHAP. XXXI.
A benedictine monk attempts to gain the
castle of St Angelo at Rome 102
CHAP. XXXII.
A peace is concluded between the duke of
Bar and the count de Vaudemont 105
CHAP. XXXIII.
The duchess of Burgundy is brought to bed
of a son in the town of Ghent 106
CHAP. XXXIV.
A peace concluded between the duke of
Bar and the counts de St Pol and de
Ligny 107
CHAP. XXXV.
A war takes place between sir John and sir
Anthony du Vergy and the lord de Chasteau-Vilain 109
CHAP. XXXVI.
A treaty of peace is concluded between the
duke of Burgundy and the Liegeois 112
CHAP. XXXVII.
The duke of Bedford, who styled himself
regent of France, marries the daughter of
the count de St Pol 113
CHAP. XXXVIII.
The town of St Valery, in Ponthieu, is won
by the French 115
CHAP. XXXIX.
The dukes of Bedford and of Burgundy go
to Saint Omer 116
CHAP. XL.
The death of John de Toisy bishop of Tournay.
Great dissentions respecting the
promotion to the vacant bishoprick 118
CHAP. XLI.
The French make many conquests on the
confines of Burgundy 123
CHAP. XLII.
The duke of Burgundy reconquers several
places which the French had won in
Burgundy 128
CHAP. XLIII.
Gilles de Postelles is accused of treason to
the duke of Burgundy, and beheaded 129
CHAP. XLIV.
The French win by scalado the town of
Crespy in the Valois. Other matters 130
CHAP. XLV.
The duke of Burgundy keeps his appointment
before Passy. He besieges the
town and castle of Avalon 132
CHAP. XLVI.
Pierre de Luxembourg, count de St Pol,
besieges the town of St Valery. The
death of the count de St Pol 134
CHAP. XLVII.
The lord de la Trimouille is arrested in the
king's palace, and made to surrender his
prisoner the viscount de Thouars 137
CHAP. XLVIII.
William de Coroam puts to flight John
Beaurain. Sir John de Luxembourg reconquers
the castle of Haphincourt 139
CHAP. XLIX.
The counts de Ligny and de St Pol keep
the appointed day at Villiers le Carbonel,
and afterward defeat the French from
the Garrison of Laon 141
CHAP. L.
La Hire and other French captains overrun
Artois and Cambresis 145
CHAP. LI.
The duke of Burgundy holds the anniversary
feast of the golden fleece in the city
of Dijon. He attends the marriage of
the duke of Savoy's son 148
CHAP. LII.
A general council is held at Basil 150
CHAP. LIII.
The town and castle of Provins in Brie are
won by the English and Burgundians.
The French reconquer the town and
castle of St Valery 152
CHAP. LIV.
The duke of Burgundy returns from Burgundy
to Flanders and Artois, having
with him John son to the count de
Nevers. Other matters 154
CHAP. LV.
John de Nevers is ordered to lay siege to
Moreuil. He has the county of Estampes
given to him 156
CHAP. LVI.
A quarrel between the Romans and pope
Eugenius, whom they wanted to detain
at Rome against his will 158
CHAP. LVII.
The abbey of St Vincent near Laon is demolished.
Many castles are conquered
by the Burgundians 159
CHAP. LVIII.
The lord Talbot returns to France, and conquers
many towns and castles 161
CHAP. LIX.
The count d'Estampes reconquers the town
of St Valery 164
CHAP. LX.
The French gain the town of Hamme on
the Somme, in the Vermandois 166
CHAP. LXI.
The town and castle of Chasteau-Vilain submits
to the obedience of the duke of
Burgundy 168
CHAP. LXII.
Heavy taxes laid on the countries of Artois
and those adjoining, on account of this
war 169
CHAP. LXIII.
The duke of Burgundy's captains appear
before Villefranche, wherein was the
duke of Bourbon. They afterward besiege
Belleville, which surrenders to them 171
CHAP. LXIV.
The lord Willoughby and Mathagon lay
siege to St Severin, where the English
are at first victorious, but are afterwards
defeated by the French 174
CHAP. LXV.
La Hire treacherously makes the lord
d'Auffemont a prisoner 177
CHAP. LXVI.
The common people of Normandy rise
against the English garrisons 178
CHAP. LXVII.
La Hire gains the castle of Breteuil, in
Beauvoisis, by storm 180
CHAP. LXVIII.
The dukes of Burgundy and of Bourbon
meet in the city of Nevers, and agree on
terms for a peace 181
CHAP. LXIX.
Amadeus duke of Savoy turns hermit, and
resides at Ripaille 187
CHAP. LXX.
The common people of Normandy assemble
in large bodies before Caen 191
CHAP. LXXI.
The duke and duchess of Burgundy return
from that country to Flanders and Artois 193
CHAP. LXXII.
The French gain the town of Rue from the
English 195
CHAP. LXXIII.
La Hire, Poton, Philip de la Tour, and the
lord de Fontaines, defeat the earl of
Arundel before the castle of Gerberoy 197
CHAP. LXXIV.
The duke of Burgundy is displeased with
the inhabitants of Antwerp 203
CHAP. LXXV.
The French conquer the towns of St Denis
from the English 205
CHAP. LXXVI.
The French, after having agreed to a truce
with the Burgundians on the frontiers of
the Beauvoisis, overrun the Boulonnois
and other parts 208
CHAP. LXXVII.
The cardinals of Santa Croce and of Cyprus
come to Arras, to attend the convention 211
CHAP. LXXVIII.
Louis de Luxembourg, count of St Pol,
espouses Joan of Bar, countess of Marle
and of Soissons 213
CHAP. LXXIX.
The French are defeated near to Rethel, by
the bastard de Humieres 214
CHAP. LXXX.
Ambassadors from the king of England arrive
at Arras to attend the convention 215
CHAP. LXXXI.
Ambassadors from France arrive at Arras to
attend this convention 217
CHAP. LXXXII.
Sir John de Mello, a knight of Spain, and
the lord de Chargny, combat each other
in the presence of the duke of Burgundy
at Arras 223
CHAP. LXXXIII.
The French and Burgundians are on very
amicable terms in Arras 230
CHAP. LXXXIV.
The cardinal of Winchester comes to Arras
to attend the convention 232
CHAP. LXXXV.
During the meeting of the convention at
Arras, La Hire and Poton overrun and
forage the country of the duke of Burgundy 234
CHAP. LXXXVI.
The kings of Arragon and Navarre are defeated,
and made prisoners, before
Gaieta, by the army of the duke of Milan 237
CHAP. LXXXVII.
The cardinal of Winchester and the whole
of the English embassy leave Arras.
Other ambassadors arrive there 240
CHAP. LXXXVIII.
A peace is concluded between Charles king
of France and the duke of Burgundy, in
the city of Arras 241
CHAP. LXXXIX.
The English lay siege to the town of St Denis,
which in the end surrenders to them
by capitulation 280
CHAP. XC.
Isabella, queen of France, dies in the city
of Paris 285
CHAP. XCI.
The cardinals, and the ambassadors from
the council, leave Arras. The duke of
Burgundy appoints different officers to
the towns and fortresses that had been
conceded to him by the peace 286
CHAP. XCII.
In consequence of the peace of Arras, the
duke of Burgundy sends some of his
council, and heralds, to the king of England,
to remonstrate and explain the
causes of the peace he had concluded
with the king of France 288
CHAP. XCIII.
The populace of Amiens rise against the
levying of some taxes which were intended
to be laid on them 294
CHAP. XCIV.
The French overrun and pillage the country
of the duke of Burgundy after the peace
of Arras. The marshal de Rieux takes
many towns and castles from the English
in Normandy 300
CHAP. XCV.
The English suspect the Burgundians who
are waging war with them against the
king of France: they no longer converse
or keep company with them. Other matters
briefly spoken of 306
CHAP. XCVI.
King Henry sends letters to the Hollanders,
to draw them to his party. A copy of
these letters 310
CHAP. XCVII.
The duke of Burgundy determines to make
war on the English 313
CHAP. XCVIII.
The duke of Burgundy, by the advice of
his privy counsellors, resolves to make
an attempt to conquer Calais 318
CHAP. XCIX.
The city of Paris is reduced to the obedience
of Charles king of France 324
CHAP. C.
Arthur count de Richemont, constable of
France, makes war on the heir of Commercy 330
CHAP. CI.
The bishop of Liege and the Liegeois destroy
Bousseuvre, and other forts that had
made war against them 334
CHAP. CII.
The town and castle of Orchimont are destroyed
by Everard de la Marche 340
CHAP. CIII.
The English make excursions from Calais
toward Boulogne and Gravelines. La
Hire conquers Gisors, and loses it soon
afterwards 342
CHAP. CIV.
The men of Ghent, and the Flemings,
make great preparations for the siege of
Calais 344
CHAP. CV.
Sir John de Croy, bailiff of Hainault, in
conjunction with other captains, attack
the English and are discomfited by them 348
CHAP. CVI.
The Flemings march to the siege of Calais--and
march back again 352
CHAP. CVII.
Sir Florimont de Brimeu, seneschal of Ponthieu,
conquers the town of Crotoy 382
CHAP. CVIII.
Humphry duke of Glocester arrives at Calais
with a large armament. He enters
Flanders, Artois, and other territories of
the duke of Burgundy, and does much
damage to them 385
CHAP. CIX.
The Flemings again take up arms, after
their retreat from Calais to their towns 388
CHAP. CX.
La Hire conquers the town and castle of
Soissons. Other matters 395
CHAP. CXI.
The duchess of Bedford, sister to the count
de St Pol, re-marries of her own free
will. The king of Sicily negotiates with
the duke of Burgundy for his liberty.
The English recover the town of Pontoise 397
HERE BEGINNETH
THE SEVENTH VOLUME
OF THE
CHRONICLES
OF
_ENGUERRAND DE MONSTRELET_.
[A.D. 1431.]
CHAP. I.
SOME CAPTAINS ATTACHED TO SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG SURPRISE THE CASTLE
OF ST MARTIN, WHEREIN THEY ARE ALL TAKEN AND SLAIN.
At the commencement of this year, some of the captains attached to
sir John de Luxembourg, such as sir Simon de Lalain, Bertrand de
Manicain, Enguerrand de Crequi, Enguerrand de Gribauval marched
from the borders of the Laonnois with four hundred combatants to
the abbey of St Vincent, near Laon, wherein were a body of French.
They gained it by surprise, and on their entrance they set up a loud
shout, which awakened part of the enemy within a strong gateway, who
instantly defended themselves with vigour; and, during this, the lord
de Pennesac, then in Laon, was told what had happened. He immediately
collected a force to succour those in the gate, who were gallantly
defending themselves; and his men at arms, enraged to find the enemy so
near, lost no time in putting on their armour.
They soon marched out of Laon to the assistance of their friends then
fighting; but a part of the Burgundians, without finishing their
enterprise, or providing for what might happen, had quitted the combat
to plunder the abbey. They were, therefore, unexpectedly attacked
by these men at arms, and with such vigour that they were totally
defeated, and sixty of the principal were left dead on the spot: in the
number were Bertrand de Manicain and Enguerrand de Gribauval. The last
offered a large ransom for his life; but it was refused, by reason of
the great hatred the common people bore him for the very many mischiefs
he had long before done them.
Sir Simon de Lalain was made prisoner, and had his life spared through
the means of a gallant youth of the garrison named Archanciel, who
was much beloved by the commonalty. Enguerrand de Crequi was taken
at the same time with sir Simon and a few others; but the remainder,
witnessing their ill success, retreated to the places whence they had
come.
Sir John de Luxembourg was much afflicted at this event, and not
without cause, for he had lost in the affair some of his ablest
captains. The brother of the lord de Pennesac, called James, was killed.
At the same time, the castle of Rambures, belonging to the lord de
Rambures, then a prisoner in England, was won by the French, under the
command of Charles des Marests, who took it by scalado. Ferry de Mailly
was the governor of it for king Henry. The French, by this capture,
opened a free communication with the country of Vimeu and those
adjoining, as shall hereafter be shewn.
CHAP. II.
POTON DE SAINTRAILLES AND SIR LOUIS DE VAUCOURT ARE MADE PRISONERS BY
THE ENGLISH.
In this year, the marshal de Bousac, Poton de Saintrailles, sir Louis
de Vaucourt, and others of king Charles's captains, set out from
Beauvais with about eight hundred combatants to seek adventures, and
to forage the country near to Gournay. With them was a very young
shepherd's boy, who was desirous to raise his name in the same way that
the Maid had done.
The earl of Warwick had notice of their march, and collected with all
haste about six hundred fighting men, whom he led toward Beauvais to
meet the enemy. He came up with them, unexpectedly, near to Gournay,
and commenced a sharp conflict, in which so little resistance was
made by the French that they were soon put to the rout, and Poton de
Saintrailles, sir Louis de Vaucourt, and about sixty combatants, were
made prisoners. The rest, with the exception of eight or ten who were
slain, made their escape with the marshal to Beauvais.
The English pursued them to the walls of that town, when the earl of
Warwick, assembling his men, returned to Gournay, happy at his good
success; and thence he went to the duke of Bedford in Rouen, by whom he
was joyfully congratulated on his victory.
CHAP. III.
MAILLOTIN DE BOURS AND SIR HECTOR DE FLAVY FIGHT TOGETHER IN THE TOWN
OF ARRAS.
On the 20th day of June in this year, a combat took place in the
town of Arras, and in the presence of the duke of Burgundy, between
Maillotin de Bours, appellant, and sir Hector de Flavy, defendant.
Maillotin had charged sir Hector, before the duke of Burgundy, with
having said, that he was desirous of becoming the duke's enemy, and of
turning to the party of king Charles; and also, that he had required
of him to accompany him in his flight, and to seize Guy Guillebaut,
the duke's treasurer, or some other wealthy prisoner, to pay for their
expenses.
The duke, on this charge, had ordered Maillotin to arrest sir Hector,
and bring him prisoner to Arras, which he did in the following manner.
Having received this order, he went, accompanied by a competent number
of men, to a village near Corbie called Bonnay, and thence sent to sir
Hector to come to him. Sir Hector, not knowing that any accusations
had been made against him, came thither with a very few attendants,
for Maillotin had pretended that he wanted only to speak with him; but
no sooner did he appear than he laid hands on him, and carried him
prisoner to Arras, where he remained in confinement a considerable
time. However, by the exertions of his friends, he was conducted to the
presence of the duke in Hesdin,--when he ably defended himself against
the charges brought against him, and declared that it was Maillotin
himself who made the proposals that he had mentioned. Words at last
ran so high that Maillotin threw down his glove, which sir Hector, by
leave of the prince, took up. The 20th day of June was fixed on for the
combat, and there might be forty days before its arrival. Sufficient
pledges were mutually given for their due appearance in person on the
appointed day.
The duke of Burgundy came from his palace in Arras about ten o'clock
of the 20th of June, grandly attended by his nobles and chivalry, to
the seat which had been prepared for him in the centre of the lists, in
the great market-square, the usual place for tournaments. The counts
de St Pol, de Ligny, and others of rank, entered the seat with the
duke. Two handsome tents were pitched at each end of the lists, and
without them were two great chairs of wood for the champions to repose
in. That of Maillotin, as appellant, was on the right hand of the
duke, and sir Hector's on the left. Sir Hector's tent was very richly
ornamented with sixteen emblazoned quarterings of his arms, and of
those of his ancestors, on each side. There was also a representation
of a sepulchre, because sir Hector had been made a knight at the holy
sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Shortly afterward, Maillotin was summoned by the king at arms to appear
in person and fulfil his engagements. About eleven o'clock, he left
his mansion, accompanied by the lord de Chargny, the lord de Humieres,
sir Peter Quierel lord de Ramencourt, and many other gentlemen, his
relations and friends. He was mounted on a horse covered with the
emblazonments of his arms, having on plain armour, his helmet on and
his vizor closed, holding in one hand his lance and in the other one
of his two swords; for he was provided with two, and a large dagger
hanging by his side. His horse was led by the bridle by two knights
on foot; and on his arrival at the barriers, he made the usual oaths
in the hands of sir James de Brimeu, who had been appointed for the
purpose. This done, the barriers were thrown open, and he entered with
his companions on foot, who then presented themselves before the duke
of Burgundy. After this, he rode to his chair, where he dismounted,
and entered his pavilion to repose himself and wait his adversary.
The lord de Chargny, who was his manager to instruct him how to act,
entered the tent with him, as did a few of his confidential friends.
Artois, king at arms, now summoned sir Hector de Flavy in the same
manner as he had done the other; and within a quarter of an hour sir
Hector left his house and came to the barriers on horseback, fully
armed like his opponent, grandly accompanied by gentlemen, among whom
were the two sons of the count de St Pol, Louis and Thibault, who led
sir Hector's horse by the bridle. The other lords followed behind on
foot, namely, the lord d'Antoing, the vidame of Amiens, John de Flavy,
brother to sir Hector, Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Chargny, the lord de
Saveuses, sir John de Fosseux, the lord de Crevecoeur, and many more
nobles and esquires of rank. On sir Hector's arrival at the barriers,
he took the oath, and then presented himself to the duke. He went to
his chair, dismounted, and entered his pavilion. Soon after, they both
advanced on foot before the duke, and swore on the evangelists that
their quarrel was good, and that they would combat fairly, and then
returned again to their pavilions.
Proclamation was now made by the king at arms for all persons, under
pain of death, to quit the lists, excepting such as had been charged
to guard them. The prince had ordered that eight persons on each side,
relations or friends of the champions, should remain within the lists
unarmed, in addition to the eight that had been before appointed to
raise them, or put an end to the combat, according to the prince's
pleasure.
The chairs being removed, proclamation was again made for the champions
to advance and do their duty. On hearing this, Maillotin de Bours, as
appellant, first stepped forth, and then sir Hector, each grasping
their lances handsomely. On their approach, they threw them, but
without either hitting. They then, with great signs of courage, drew
nearer, and began the combat with swords. Sir Hector, more than once,
raised the vizor of his adversary's helmet by his blows, so that his
face was plainly seen, which caused the spectators to believe sir
Hector had the best of the combat. Maillotin, however, without being
any way discouraged, soon closed it, by striking it down with the
pummel of his sword, and retreating a few paces.
The two champions shewed the utmost valour; but at this moment, before
any blood had been drawn, the duke ordered further proceedings to be
stopped, which was instantly done by those who had been commissioned
for the purpose. They were commanded to withdraw to their lodgings,
which they obeyed, by quitting the lists at opposite ends; and on
the morrow they dined at the duke's table, sir Hector sitting on his
right hand. When dinner was over, the duke ordered them, under pain
of capital punishment, to attempt nothing further against each other,
their friends or allies, and to lay aside all the malice and hatred
that was between them. In confirmation of which, he made them shake
hands.
CHAP. IV.
SOME OF KING CHARLES'S CAPTAINS MAKE AN ATTEMPT ON CORBIE.
About this time, some of king Charles's captains, namely, the lord de
Longueval, Anthony de Chabannes, Blanchefort, Alain Guion, and others,
advanced to the town of Corbie, thinking to take it by surprise. By the
activity of the abbot, the place was well defended; and it was also
succoured by John de Humieres, Enguerrand de Gribauval, with some more
gentlemen in their company, so that the French were repulsed with the
loss of many of their men. Alain Guion was so badly wounded that he was
in great peril of death. They caused, however, a very handsome suburb
toward Fouilloy to be burnt. They retreated to forage the countries on
the banks of the Somme, where they took the castles of Morcourt and
Lyon belonging to the lord de Longueval, committing also much damage to
the lands.
They soon quitted these castles, for fear of being besieged in
them, and returned to the places they had come from; but the duke of
Burgundy, on their departure, had them razed to the ground.
CHAP. V.
THE LORD DE BARBASAN LAYS SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF ANGLURE, HELD BY THE
BURGUNDIANS.
In this year, the lord de Barbasan, who had resided a considerable time
with the duke of Bar on the borders of Champagne, laid siege to the
Burgundians in the castle of Anglure,[1]--and he had approached so near
as to batter the walls with his cannon and other artillery. The duke
of Bedford, on hearing this, sent to their relief the earl of Arundel,
with the eldest son of the earl of Warwick, the lord de l'Isle-Adam,
the lord de Châtillon, the lord de Bonneul, and other captains, with
sixteen hundred men. After some days march, they came to Anglure,
and found that the lord de Barbasan, having had intelligence of their
motions, had retreated to a strong post, which he had also strengthened
by outworks.
Some skirmishes took place, in which from sixteen to twenty men were
killed on both sides, and the lord de l'Isle-Adam was wounded. The
English and Burgundians, seeing that they could not force the enemy to
battle without great disadvantage to themselves, withdrew the garrison,
with the lady of the castle, and set fire to it; after which, they
returned to Paris, and to the other parts whence they had come.
The lord de Barbasan had been constituted by king Charles governor
of the countries of Brie, the Laonnois and Champagne. Before he laid
siege to Anglure, he had conquered Noeville in the Laonnois, Voisines
and other places. He had remained about a month before this castle of
Anglure, having with him the lord de Conflans, sir John bastard de
Dampierre, and a great number of common people.
When the English and Burgundians were on their march to raise this
siege, in one of the many skirmishes, the French gained possession
of the outworks of the castle,--but were soon driven thence by the
English, who in consequence set the castle on fire, as has been related.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 1: Anglure, eight leagues to the north of Troyes.]
CHAP. VI.
THE MAID OF ORLEANS IS CONDEMNED TO BE PUT TO DEATH AND BURNT AT ROUEN.
Joan the Maid had sentence of death passed on her in the city of Rouen,
information of which was sent by the king of England to the duke of
Burgundy, a copy of whose letter now follows:
'Most dear and well beloved uncle, the very fervent love we know you
to bear, as a true Catholic, to our holy mother the church, and your
zeal for the exaltation of the faith, induces us to signify to you by
writing, that in honour of the above, an act has lately taken place
at Rouen, which will tend, as we hope, to the strengthening of the
catholic faith, and the extirpation of pestilential heresies.
'It is well known, from common report, and otherwise, that the woman,
erroneously called the Maid, has, for upward of two years, contrary to
the divine law, and to the decency becoming her sex, worn the dress
of a man, a thing abominable before God; and in this state she joined
our adversary and yours, giving him, as well as those of his party,
churchmen and nobles, to understand that she was sent as a messenger
from Heaven,--and presumptuously vaunting that she had personal and
visible communications with St Michael, and with a multitude of angels
and saints in paradise, such as St Catherine and St Margaret. By these
falsehoods, and by promising future victories, she has estranged the
minds of persons of both sexes from the truth, and induced them to the
belief of dangerous errors.
'She clothed herself in armour also, assisted by knights and esquires,
and raised a banner, on which, through excess of pride and presumption,
she demanded to bear the noble and excellent arms of France, which in
part she obtained. These she displayed at many conflicts and sieges;
and they consisted of a shield having two flower de luces or on a
field azure, with a pointed sword surmounted with a crown proper.
'In this state she took the field with large companies of men at arms
and archers, to exercise her inhuman cruelties by shedding Christian
blood, and stirring up seditions and rebellions of the common people.
She encouraged perjuries, superstitions and false doctrines, by
permitting herself to be reverenced and honoured as a holy woman, and
in various other manners that would be too long to detail, but which
have greatly scandalized all Christendom wherever they have been known.
'But divine Mercy having taken pity on a loyal people, and being no
longer willing to suffer them to remain under such vain errors and
credulities, permitted that this woman should be made prisoner by your
army when besieging Compiègne, and through your affection she was
transferred to our power.
'On this being known, she was claimed by the bishop in whose diocese
she had been taken; and as she had been guilty of the highest treason
to the Divine Majesty, we delivered her up to be tried and punished
by the usual ecclesiastical judges, not only from respect to our holy
mother the church, whose ordinances we shall ever prefer to our own,
but also for the exaltation of our faith.
'We were unwilling that the officers of our secular justice should take
cognizance of the crime, although it was perfectly lawful for us so to
do, considering the great mischiefs, murders, and detestable cruelties,
she has committed against our sovereignty, and on a loyal obedient
people.
'The bishop having called to his aid in this matter the vicar of the
inquisitor of errors and heresies in the faith, with many able doctors
in theology and in the canon law, commenced with much solemnity and
gravity the trial of the said Joan. After these judges had for several
days interrogated her on her crimes, and had maturely considered her
confessions and answers, they sent them for the opinion of our beloved
daughter the university of Paris, when they all determined that this
Joan was superstitious, a sorceress of the devil, a blasphemer of God
and of his saints, a schismatic, and guilty of many errors against the
faith of Jesus Christ.
'To recal her to the universal faith of our holy church, to purge
her from her pernicious errors, and to save her soul from perpetual
damnation, and to induce her to return to the way of truth, she was
long and frequently charitably preached to; but that dangerous and
obstinate spirit of pride and presumption, which is alway endeavouring
to prevent the unity and safety of Christians, held the said Joan so
fast bound that no arguments nor exhortations could soften the hardness
of her heart, so that she boasted that all which she had done was
meritorious, and that it had been done by the command of God and the
aforesaid holy virgins, who had personally appeared to her. But what
was worse, she refused to acknowledge any power on earth but God and
his saints, denying the authority of our holy father the pope, and of
the general councils of the universal church militant.
'The ecclesiastical judges, witnessing her obstinacy and hardness of
heart, had her brought forth before the people, who, with the clergy,
were assembled in great numbers, when she was again preached to by
an able divine. Having been plainly warned of the doctrines of our
holy religion, and the consequences of heresies and erroneous opinions
concerning it to the welfare of mankind, she was charitably admonished
to make her peace with the church, and renounce her errors, but she
remained as obstinate as before.
'The judges, having considered her conduct, proceeded to pronounce
sentence upon her, according to the heinousness of her crimes; but
before it was read her courage seemed to fail her, and she said she was
willing to return to the church. This was heard with pleasure by the
judges, clergy and spectators, who received her kindly, hoping by this
means to preserve her soul from perdition.
'She now submitted herself to the ordinances of the church, and
publicly renounced and abjured her detestable crimes, signing with
her own hand the schedule of her recantation and abjuration. Thus was
our merciful mother the church rejoiced at the sinner doing penance,
anxious to recover the lost sheep that had wandered in the desert. Joan
was ordered to perform her penance in close confinement.
'But these good dispositions did not last long; for her presumptuous
pride seemed to have acquired greater force than before,--and she
relapsed, with the utmost obstinacy, into all those errors which
she had publicly renounced. For this cause, and that she might not
contaminate the sound members of our holy communion, she was again
publicly preached to; and, proving obstinate, she was delivered over to
the secular arm, who instantly condemned her to be burnt. Seeing her
end approach, she fully acknowledged and confessed that the spirits
which had appeared to her were often lying and wicked ones; that the
promises they had made to set her at liberty were false,--and that she
had been deceived and mocked by them.
'She was publicly led to the old market-place in Rouen, and there burnt
in the presence of the people!'
This notice of her sentence and execution was sent by the king of
England to the duke of Burgundy, that it might be published by him for
the information of his subjects, that all may henceforward be advised
not to put faith in such or similar errors as had governed the heart of
the Maid.
CHAP. VII.
THE GENERAL COUNCIL IS CONTINUED AT BASIL, BY THE SOLICITATIONS OF THE
EMPEROR.
In this year, a general council of the holy church, which had been
moved for during the pontificate of pope Martin, was ordered by the
pope to be held in the city of Basil. Basil is a handsome city,
abounding in wealth, and seated on the banks of the Rhine; whither
came crowds from all parts to attend the council, more especially many
notable clerks from the university of Paris, and numberless ambassadors
from the emperor of Germany, different kings, princes and prelates.
Pope Eugenius, however, was desirous of deferring this council for
a year and a half, and wished to have it transferred to Bologna la
Grassa, for the accommodation of the Greeks, who he was in hopes would
attend it. The emperor, when he heard of this, wrote letters to the
pope, containing in substance as follows.
In the first place, he was unwilling that the council should be
transferred from Basil, or any way delayed on account of the Greeks;
for as much pains had been taken in vain to unite them with the holy
church, it would be better to extirpate reigning heresies.
Item, the members of the council had written to those of Prague called
Hussites to attend this council,--and he, the emperor, had likewise
written to them, and sent them passports for their coming and return.
The Hussites had shewn intentions of compliance with these requests,
for they had suffered great losses in Hungary, having been twice
defeated by the duke of Austria.
Item, as the Hussites knew that this council was chiefly held for the
abolition of their heresies, could it be expected that any sincere
conversions would take effect, without the points of the disputed
doctrines having been fully and publicly argued?
Item, should it happen that they be converted by force of reason,
as the members of the council are from various countries, they will
admonish their countrymen when returned to destroy these Hussites.
Item, because the Hussites declare their sect to be founded on the Holy
Scriptures, should the council be delayed, they will naturally conclude
that this is done through a consciousness of inability to controvert
their doctrines, and will become more hardened and obstinate in their
errors.
Item, because common report has bruited it abroad that this council was
assembled for the reformation of public manners and the state of the
church, it is to be feared that many who have loudly spoken of these
matters will say, if the council be adjourned, that it is a mockery and
farce, and will end as unprofitably to the church as those of Pisa and
of Constance.
Item, since this council has been called to appease dissentions
that have arisen between the clergy and laity in many towns of
Christendom,--and since the members have summoned the attendance
of several of the chief inhabitants of different towns in Saxony,
particularly of Magdebourg, who had expelled the bishop and his clergy
from their town, and of others who had rebelled against their bishops
because they leaned to the doctrines of the Hussites,--it is to be
feared, should the council be deferred, that they will form such strong
connexions with the Hussites that it will be no longer possible to
remedy the mischief.
Item, although several towns and princes situated amidst these heretics
have made truces with them, nevertheless the majority of them are
firmly united with the Hussites, in hopes that the council will decide
on their doctrines; but should they find it is adjourned for so long a
time as a year and a half, they will be for ever lost to the church.
Item, it was hoped that this council would employ itself in the
pacification of many kings and princes now waging war against each
other, and in taking proper measures for a secure and lasting peace.
Should it now separate, these princes would continue a cruel warfare,
and no hope remain of again assembling it for the prevention of
seditions and heresies, and thus very many things profitable to the
Christian church will be delayed, if not totally obstructed; and
greater slanders and mischiefs will arise than he was willing to write.
These arguments having been adduced in the letters from the emperor, he
thus concludes:
'We therefore require of your holiness, that you instantly write to the
president and members of the council, that they do not on any account
separate, but that they do accomplish that which they have begun, and
for which they have been assembled in the name of the Lord,--and that
you do recal and annul whatever you may have written to the contrary.
Have the goodness to consider also that the heretics are increasing
in arms, and that if you do not disband them by clerical measures,
and replace them in their primitive state, there will not be left a
possibility of doing it by any other means whatever.
'Those who have advised you to adjourn the council have not assuredly
understood the grievous evils that may result from that measure. Would
to God they were sensible of the dangerous consequences at this moment
arising from delay! Should they fear that laics would usurp power
belonging to the church, they would deceive themselves,--for this is
only a subtlety to retard the council; which measure, if carried into
effect, would indeed force the laics to act against the church.
'This can only be prevented by continuing the sittings of the council;
for then the laics will be effectually restrained, when they shall see
the clergy abstain from all considerations of personal profit. You
should also consider, that perhaps the holy council will not consent
to adjourn itself, and that in this it will be followed by the kings,
princes and common people; and your holiness, who has hitherto been
held in respect, and considered as spotless by the members of the
Christian church, will fall under suspicion, and your mandates be
disregarded. For this adjournment, without any essential cause, will
stain your innocence; and it may be said that you nourish heresies
among Christians, a perseverance in wickedness and in the sins of the
people. Disobedience may therefore be consequently expected to the
church of God; for there are some who will not scruple to publish that
you have been the cause of these evils,--and many more than you are
aware of will agree with them.
'It would be very useful and good, if your holiness would attend
the council in person; but if that cannot be, send your immediate
commands for it to continue its sittings in the manner in which it has
commenced; for there are measures before it affecting the very vitals
of Christianity that can not, and ought not, to suffer a moment's delay.
'Should your holiness require, in future, any measures to be discussed
that do not demand such haste, such as touching an union with the Greek
church, another council may be called better inclined towards it; for
should this council be now dissolved, it is to be doubted whether
another can be assembled within the eighteen months, from events that
may arise.
'Your holiness will be pleased to weigh maturely all that we have
written to you, and give directions for the continuation of this
council; and have the goodness to receive our admonitions paternally
and kindly, for it has been our conscience, and the great difficulties
into which the church of God has fallen, and also our anxiety that your
character may not be liable to the least suspicion, that have urged
us to make them. This we will more clearly demonstrate to you when we
shall be in your presence, which we hope will shortly happen.'
This remonstrance had its due effect on the holy father, who
re-established the council at Basil, which was attended by great
multitudes of ecclesiastical and secular lords, ambassadors, princes
and prelates, and common people out of number.
CHAP. VIII.
THE DUKE OF BAR ENTERS THE COUNTY OF VAUDEMONT TO CONQUER IT BY FORCE.
I have before mentioned that a serious quarrel[2] had taken place
between René duke of Bar and Anthony de Lorraine count de Vaudemont.
In consequence thereof, the duke of Bar had collected a great body of
men at arms, as well from his own duchy as from other parts of Germany,
to the amount of six thousand men. The principal leaders were the
counts de Salmes, de Salivines and de Linanges, the bishop of Metz,
sir Thibaut de Barbey, and other noble men of high rank. The duke had
also with him that gallant and renowned knight the lord de Barbasan,
by whose advice he ordered his army,--for he had great knowledge and
experience in war.
Having provided a sufficiency of artillery, provision and stores, the
duke marched his army before Vaudemont[3], the capital of that country,
which was naturally strong, and had been repaired with additional
fortifications, by the count, who had likewise well victualled and
garrisoned it, knowing that it was intended to be attacked by his
enemies.
He had appointed, as governors in his absence, Gerard de Passenchault,
bailiff of the county, and Henry de Fouquencourt, who made great
exertions to put the place in a proper state of defence. They were,
however, in spite of their efforts, soon besieged on all sides, by
reason of the superior numbers of their enemies.
The besiegers also overran and destroyed by fire and sword most part of
the county of Vaudemont, which, although very vexatious to the count,
he could no way resist for the present. He garrisoned all his strong
places as well as he could, and resolved to wait on duke Philip of
Burgundy, whose party he had alway supported, and humbly request aid
from him to deliver his country from his enemies.
He found the duke in Flanders, to whom having told his distress, the
duke replied, that he would willingly lay the case before his council,
and give him a speedy answer, and the best assistance he could afford.
A short time before the count's arrival, sir Anthony de Toulongeon,
the marshal of Burgundy, and other noble persons from that country,
had come to remonstrate with the duke on the state of affairs in that
duchy, and on the devastations there done by his enemies the French and
Bourbonnois, who were daily committing murders and mischiefs by fire
and sword, having already conquered some of his towns and castles, and
intending further inroads unless they were checked.
They earnestly solicited that he would, for the salvation of the
country, send thither some of his Picard-captains, accompanied by a
certain number of men at arms, more particularly archers, of whom, they
said, they were in much need.
The duke held several councils on these two demands, and on the means
of complying with them. They caused many debates,--and his ministers
urged the necessity of non-compliance, saying that the French were on
the borders of Picardy, eager to make an inroad on Artois, and the
moment they should know that his Picards had left their country, they
might do him very great mischief. Notwithstanding all the dangers that
might ensue, it was resolved, as a matter of necessity, that a thousand
or twelve hundred combatants should be given to the marshal, who
should have the chief command, with the Picardy-captains under him; and
when they were arrived in Burgundy, they should afford the count de
Vaudemont the strongest support they could.
When this had been resolved upon, it was necessary to seek for captains
to conduct the expedition; for there were few of any rank willing to
undertake it, because it was to a distant country, where the enemy was
in great force,--and they did not expect to be well paid, according to
the custom in those parts. However, the duke of Burgundy, the count of
Vaudemont, and others of weight in Picardy, determined to accept of
such as they could find willing to go; and they sounded Matthieu de
Humieres, Robinet de Huchechien, the bastard de Fosseux, the bastard
de Neufville, Gerard bastard de Brimeu, and some other gentlemen and
men at arms of the middle ranks, who had no great properties in their
own country, to know if they were inclined to assemble men at arms,
and to follow their leader whither he pleased to seek adventures. Some
presents and greater promises being added to this proposal, they
agreed to accept of the offers.
They collected, therefore, about the beginning of May, as many men
at arms as they could, in various parts, to the amount of a thousand
or twelve hundred, and had the duke of Burgundy's commands to keep
them on foot for a certain time: the most of them were poor soldiers,
accustomed to support themselves by living on their neighbours, when
they could not find wherewithal in their own countries, but strong,
healthy and vigorous, and accustomed to war.
When they were assembled in companies, they marched for the Cambresis,
and were mustered in a large village called Solames, belonging to the
abbot of St Denis in France. They thence advanced under the command of
the marshal, and other burgundian lords, to Rethel, where they received
a proportion of their pay, and thence returned through St Menehould
to Burgundy, where they remained some little time, waiting until the
burgundian forces were ready.
In the mean time, while these preparations were going forward,
the duke of Bar was besieging, with his numerous army, the town of
Vaudemont. He had remained before it for three complete months, and had
greatly damaged the walls by his cannon and other engines. The besieged
were in the utmost distress; but, as they had hopes of being speedily
relieved by the count, from whom they had secret messages, they bore
all with much patience. Their two governors made great exertions to
defend the place, that their lord might not reproach them with having
any way neglected their duty.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 2: The duchy of Bar having passed to the house of Anjou,
Réné, in the year 1431, sent his bailiffs from Bar and St Michel to
receive from Anthony of Lorraine count de Vaudemont, his acknowledgment
of him as lord paramount. The duke insisted on having full obedience of
all places within the county that had been held as fiefs from the dukes
of Bar, under pain of confiscation. _Dict. de Martiniere._ This was
probably the cause of quarrel.]
[Footnote 3: Vaudemont,--a small town in Lorraine. It had been the
capital of the county, but had given up that honour to the little town
of Vezelize.]
CHAP. IX.
THE DUKE OF BAR IS COMBATED BY THE COUNT DE VAUDEMONT AND DEFEATED.