THE KING OF FRANCE SETS OUT FROM GRENOBLE, TO CROSS THE ALPS ON HIS
MARCH TO NAPLES.
On Friday, the 29th of August, the king, having heard mass and taken
leave of his queen, set out from Grenoble to dine at a place called
La Meure, a village dependant on a barony belonging to the count of
Dunois. He thence went to sup and lie at the small town of Escoy, where
he was honourably received by the burghers and inhabitants. On the
morrow, he dined at St Bonnet, and went to lodge at a small city in
Dauphiny, called Gap. The next day he dined at Forges, and supped at
Embrun[115], where he was joyfully received by all ranks, and lodged
at the bishop's palace, who was then absent on an embassy from the king
to the pope.
On Monday morning, having heard mass in the church of our Lady, the
king left Embrun for St Crespin, where he lay, and thence went to
Briançon[116]. He was received with every honour by the clergy and
people, and conducted to an immense inn without the town, as the most
convenient lodgings for him. He and his company were there served with
plentiful cheer, and excellent wines. On the 2d of September the king
dined at Serzene; and in the evening was at the provostship of Ourse,
where, after his repast, a tall man, native of la Poille, was brought
before him, as charged with being one of the 'principaux maistres de
la vau-perte[117].' After the king had heard what he had to say, he
delivered him into the hands of his officers of justice, who, having
duly examined the charge laid against him, caused him to be publicly
hanged on a tree.
The ensuing day, the king dined at Chaumont, and immediately after
entered Savoy, to lie at Suse. The duchess of Savoy, accompanied by
many lords, ladies, and damsels, had come thither to meet him, and
entertained him handsomely. On quitting Suse, he dined at St Jousset,
entered Piedmont, and lodged at Villanne[118],--and wherever he
came, he was received with all due honours. On the morrow, he made
preparations for his entry into Turin, as described in the following
chapter.