blaming the vices and sins of each individual, more especially those
of the clergy, who publicly kept mistresses, to the breach of their
vows of chastity. In like manner, he blamed greatly the noble ladies,
and all others who dressed their heads in so ridiculous a manner, and
who expended such large sums on the luxuries of apparel. He was so
vehement against them that no woman thus dressed dared to appear in
his presence, for he was accustomed, when he saw any of them with such
dresses, to excite the little boys to torment and plague them, giving
them certain days of pardon for so doing, and which he said he had the
power of granting. He ordered the boys to shout after them, _Au hennin,
au hennin!_[17] even when the ladies were departed from him and from
hearing his invectives; and the boys pursuing them endeavoured to
pull down these monstrous head dresses, so that the ladies were forced
to seek shelter in places of safety. These cries caused many tumults
between those who raised them and the servants of the ladies.
Friar Thomas, nevertheless continued his abuse and invectives so loudly
that no women with high head dresses any longer attended his sermons,
but dressed in caps somewhat like those worn by peasants and people of
low degree.
The ladies of rank on their return from these sermons, were so much
ashamed by the abusive expressions of the preacher, that the greater
part laid aside their head dresses, and wore such as those of nuns. But
this reform lasted not long, for like as snails, when any one passes
by them, draw in their horns, and when all danger seems over, put them
forth again,--so these ladies, shortly after the preacher had quitted
their country, forgetful of his doctrine and abuse, began to resume
their former colossal head dresses, and wore them even higher than
before.
Friar Thomas, however, acquired very great renown in the towns wherein
he preached from all ranks of people, for the boldness and justness of
his remonstrances, more especially for those addressed to the clergy.
He was received wherever he went with as much respect and reverence by
the nobles, clergy, and common people as if he had been an Apostle of
our Lord Jesus Christ, sent from Heaven to earth.
He was followed by multitudes of people, and his mule was led by
knights, or those of high rank, on foot to the house wherein he was to
lodge, which was commonly that of the richest burgher in the town; and
his disciples, of whom he had many, were distributed among the best
houses; for it was esteemed a great favour when one of them lodged in
the house of any individual.
When Friar Thomas arrived at his lodgings, he retired to a private
chamber, and would not be visited by any but those of the family,
except for a few moments. At the conclusion of his sermons, he
earnestly admonished the audience on the damnation of their souls, and,
on pain of excommunication, to bring to him whatever backgammon boards,
chess boards, ninepins, or other instruments for games of amusement
they might possess. In like manner did he order the women to bring
their hennins,--and having caused a great fire to be lighted in front
of his scaffold, he threw all those things into it.
Friar Thomas remained in these parts for the space of six months, and
visited many great cities, such as Cambray, Tournay, Arras, Amiens and
Therouenne, wherein he made many celebrated sermons, to the delight of
the lower ranks, who sometimes assembled to hear him, to the number of
from sixteen to twenty thousand persons. At his sermons, he divided
the women from the men by a cord; for he said he had observed some sly
doings between them while he was preaching. He would not receive any
money himself, nor permit any of the preachers who attended him to
do so, but was satisfied if presents were made to him of rich church
ornaments, if his disciples were clothed and his own expenses paid. The
people were very happy in thus gratifying him.
Many persons of note, in the conviction that to serve him would be a
pious act, believing him to be a prudent and holy man, followed him
every where, deserting their parents, wives, children and homes. In
this number was the lord d'Antoing, and some others of the nobility.
When he had remained any time, without the clergy attempting to confute
his reasonings, he departed with the love of the people, but with the
indignation of some churchmen. He embarked at the port of St Valery, to
return to Brittany, where he had been born.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 17: _Au hennin._ This was the name given by the preacher to
those ridiculous colossal head dresses worn by the ladies in the 15th
century. For further particulars, see the French Encyclopedie, vol.
viii.]
CHAP. LV.
A GRAND TOURNAMENT IN THE CITY OF BRUSSELS.
At this period, the duke of Burgundy set out grandly accompanied by the
nobles of his country, for Brussels, to be present at a tournament that
was to be given there during the carnival. The son of the demoisel de
Gazebeque was the founder of the prize.
The duke of Burgundy was magnificently feasted by his cousin duke
Philip of Brabant, the great barons of the country, and by the city
of Brussels. On the day of the tournament, the two dukes were matched
against each other, as well as their nobles, by the advice of prudent
counsellors and heralds at arms, to avoid any accidents that might
happen.
There were this day from seven to eight score helmets in the market
place at Brussels who made a fine show; for they were all richly
dressed, and adorned with their emblazoned surcoats. When the officers
at arms had made the usual proclamations, the tournament commenced,
and many hardy strokes were given; but the prize was adjudged to a
gentleman of Brabant, called Jean Linquart.
On the morrow, and the ensuing day were great justings: on the first,
the duke of Brabant gained the prize, and on the second the lord de
Mamines won it. With regard to the dancings and banquets, there were
abundance of both, and crowds of ladies and damsels richly dressed
according to the fashions of the country. There were likewise very
many masquerades of the ladies and gentlemen.
During the feast, the sword was given to the lord de Croy, knight to
the duke of Burgundy, who, having considered a while, had another
tournament proclaimed to be holden on an appointed day in the town of
Mons, in Hainault, but which, from certain causes that interfered at
that time, did not take place.
The duke of Burgundy, having tarried in the city of Brussels from four
to five days, set out on his return home to Flanders, notwithstanding
the weather was then very severe, with frost and snow. The other lords
returned to the places whence they came.
CHAP. LVI.
THE COUNT DE NAMUR DIES, AND MAKES THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY HIS HEIR.
The count de Namur, who was very old, died in the course of this year.
He had, some time before his death, sold to the duke of Burgundy his
county of Namur with its dependancies; and on his decease the duke
advanced thither, when peaceable possession was given to him of the
whole; and he appointed commissioners and captains to govern and defend
it at his pleasure.
The Liegeois, who bordered on Namur, were not well pleased at this
accession of power to the duke of Burgundy, whom they feared before,
and very much disliked, because duke John his father, and duke William
his uncle, had formerly conquered them, as has been related in the
earlier part of this work. The Liegeois held, at this time, the strong
town of Mont-Orgueil, situated near to Bouvines[18], which was said
to belong to Namur, and, as such, the duke of Burgundy wished to have
it, but the Liegeois refused to yield it up, and hence began a quarrel
on each side. The duke, finding that he could not gain it amicably,
returned to Flanders and secretly raised a body of men at arms, whom he
dispatched, under the command of sir John Blondel and Gerard bastard
of Brimeu, to the country of Liége, with orders to win the tower of
Mont-Orgueil by force.
When they had approached the walls, and were preparing their scaling
ladders, they were seen by the garrison, who made a sally and defeated
them. They then returned back, and the Liegeois kept up a stricter
watch than before; and their hatred to the duke of Burgundy was
increased.
The English continued their siege of Orleans, and king Charles was in
very great distress; for the major part of his princes and nobles,
perceiving that his affairs were miserably bad, and every thing going
wrong, had quite abandoned him. Nevertheless, he had great hope and
confidence in God; and laboured earnestly to procure a peace with the
duke of Burgundy, and had sent him many embassies to solicit it, but,
hitherto, no terms could be agreed on between them.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 18: Bouvines,--in the county of Namur, situated on the Meuse.]
CHAP. LVII.
THE ENGLISH, MARCHING TO REINFORCE THE SIEGE OF ORLEANS, ARE MET AND
ATTACKED BY THE FRENCH.
The regent duke of Bedford, while at Paris, had collected about five
hundred carts and cars from the borders of Normandy and from the
Isle de France, which different merchants were ordered to load with
provision, stores and other things, and to have conveyed to the english
army before Orleans. When all was ready, the command of this convoy
was given to sir John Fascot[19] grand master of the duke's household,
and with him were the provost of Paris, named Simon Morbier, the
bastard de Thiam knight, bailiff of Senlis, the provost of Melun, and
several other officers from the Isle de France and that neighbourhood,
accompanied by sixteen hundred combatants and a thousand common men.
This armament left Paris on Ash-Wednesday, under the command of sir
John Fastolfe, who conducted the convoy and his forces in good order by
short marches, until he came near the village of Rouvroy in Beauce,
situated between Genville and Orleans.
Many french captains, having long before heard of his coming, were
there assembled to wait his arrival, namely, Charles duke of Bourbon,
the two marshals of France, the constable of Scotland and his son, the
lords de la Tour, de Chauvigny, de Graville, sir William d'Albreth, the
viscount de Thouars, the bastard d'Orleans, sir James de Chabannes,
the lord de la Fayette, Poton de Saintrailles, Estienne de Vignolles,
surnamed La Hire, sir Theolde de Valperghe, and others of the nobility,
having with them from three to four thousand men. The English had
been informed of this force being assembled from different garrisons
which they had in those parts, and lost no time in forming a square
with their carts and carriages, leaving but two openings,--in which
square they inclosed themselves, posting their archers as guards to
these entrances, and the men at arms hard by to support them. On the
strongest side of this inclosure were the merchants, pages, carters,
and those incapable of defending themselves, with all their horses.
The English thus situated, waited two hours for the coming of the
enemy, who at length arrived with much noise, and drew up out of
bow-shot in front of the inclosure. It seemed to them, that considering
their superior numbers, the state of the convoy, and that there were
not more than six hundred real Englishmen, the rest being composed of
all nations, they could not escape falling into their hands, and must
be speedily conquered. Others, however, had their fears of the contrary
happening, for the french captains did not well agree together as to
their mode of fighting, for the Scots would combat on foot, and the
others on horseback.
The lord Charles de Bourbon was there knighted by the lord de la
Fayette, with some others. In the mean time, the constable of Scotland,
his son and all their men, dismounted and advanced to attack their
adversaries, by whom they were received with great courage.
The english archers, under shelter of the carriages, shot so well and
stifly that all on horseback within their reach were glad to retreat
with their men at arms. The constable of Scotland and his men attacked
one of the entrances of the inclosure, but they were soon slain on
the spot. Among the killed were sir John Stuart, his son, sir William
d'Albreth lord d'Orval, the lord de Châteaubrun, the lord de Mont
Pipel, sir John Larigot, the lord de Verduisant, the lord de Divray,
the lord de la Greve, sir Anthony de Puilly and others, to the amount
of six score gentlemen and five hundred common men, the greater part of
whom were Scotsmen. The other french captains retreated with their men
to the places whence they had come.
The English, on their departure, refreshed themselves, and then marched
away in haste for their town of Rouvroy, where they halted for the
night. On the morrow, they departed in handsome array, with their
convoy and artillery, armed with every accoutrement becoming warriors,
and in a few days arrived before Orleans, very much rejoiced at their
good fortune in the late attack from the French, and at having so
successfully brought provision to their countrymen.
This battle was ever afterward called the Battle of Herrings, because
great part of the convoy consisted of herrings and other articles of
food suitable to Lent. King Charles, on hearing the event, was sick
at heart, seeing that the state of his affairs was becoming worse and
worse. This battle of Rouvroy was fought on the night of the first
Sunday in Lent, about three hours after midnight. The English lost
only one man of note, called Bresanteau, nephew to sir Simon Morbier,
provost of Paris.
On the part of the English were that day made knights, Galloy d'Aunoy,
lord d'Orville, the great Raoulin, and Louis de Luxu, a Savoyard. The
army of the English might have consisted of about seventeen hundred
combatants of tried courage, without including common men; and the
French, as I have said, were from three to four thousand at least. The
lord de Châteaubrun and some others were knighted at the same time with
Charles de Bourbon. Only one prisoner was made that day, and he was a
Scotsman.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 19: Q. If not sir John Fastolfe.]
CHAP. LVIII.
A MAIDEN, NAMED JOAN, WAITS ON KING CHARLES AT CHINON, WHERE HE
RESIDED.--THE KING RETAINS HER IN HIS SERVICE.
In the course of this year, a young girl called Joan, about twenty
years old, and dressed like a man, came to Charles king of France at
Chinon. She was born in the town of Droimy, on the borders of Burgundy
and Lorraine not far from Vaucouleurs, and had been for some time
hostler and chambermaid to an inn, and had shown much courage in riding
horses to water, and in other feats unusual for young girls to do.
She was instructed how to act, and sent to the king by sir Robert de
Baudricourt, knight, governor of Vaucouleurs, who supplied her with
horses and from four to six men as an escort. She called herself a
Maiden inspired by the Divine Grace, and said that she was sent to
restore king Charles to his kingdom, whence he had been unjustly
driven, and was now reduced to so deplorable a state.
She remained about two months in the king's household, frequently
admonishing him to give her men and support, and that she would repulse
his enemies, and exalt his name. The king and council in the mean time,
knew not how to act; for they put no great faith in what she said,
considering her as one out of her senses; for to such noble persons the
expressions she used are dangerous to be believed, as well for fear of
the anger of the Lord, as for the blasphemous discourses which they may
occasion in the world.
After some time, however, she was promised men at arms and support:
a standard was also given her, on which she caused to be painted a
representation of our Creator. All her conversation was of God, on
which account great numbers of those who heard her had great faith in
what she said, and believed her inspired, as she declared herself to be.
She was many times examined by learned clerks, and other prudent
persons of rank, to find out her real intentions; but she kept to her
purpose, and alway replied, that if the king would believe her, she
would restore to him his kingdom. In the mean time, she did several
acts which shall be hereafter related, that gained her great renown.
When she came first to the king, the duke d'Alençon, the king's
marshal, and other captains were with him, for he had held a grand
council relative to the siege of Orleans: from Chinon the king went to
Poitiers, accompanied by the Maid.
Shortly after, the marshal was ordered to convey provisions and stores,
under a strong escort, to the army within Orleans. Joan requested to
accompany him, and that armour should be given her, which was done. She
then displayed her standard and went to Blois, where the escort was to
assemble, and thence to Orleans, alway dressed in complete armour. On
this expedition many warriors served under her; and when she arrived at
Orleans great feasts were made for her, and the garrison and townsmen
were delighted at her coming among them.
[A.D. 1429.]
CHAP. LIX.
AMBASSADORS ARE SENT BY KING CHARLES, AND THE BURGHERS OF ORLEANS, TO
PARIS, TO NEGOTIATE A TREATY WITH THE REGENT, THAT THE TOWN OF ORLEANS
MAY REMAIN IN PEACE.
At the beginning of this year, the duke of Burgundy arrived at Paris
with about six hundred horse, and was most joyfully received by the
duke of Bedford and the duchess his sister. Soon after came thither
Poton de Saintrailles, Pierre d'Orgin, and other noble ambassadors
from king Charles, with envoys from the town of Orleans, to negotiate
with the duke-regent and king Henry's council for that town to remain
in peace, and that it should be placed in the hands of the duke of
Burgundy, for him to govern it at his pleasure, and to maintain its
neutrality. It was also pleaded, that the duke of Orleans and his
brother the count d'Angoulême, who had for a long time past been the
right owners of the town, were now prisoners in England, and had been
no way concerned in this war.
The duke of Bedford assembled his council many times on this matter,
but they could not agree respecting it. Several urged the great
expenses king Henry had been put to for this siege, and the great
losses he had sustained of his principal captains,--adding, that the
town could not hold out much longer, for it was hard pressed for
provision, and that it was a place more advantageous for them to
possess than any other, supporting what they said by several weighty
reasons. Others were not pleased that it should be put into the hands
of the duke of Burgundy, saying that it was unreasonable, when king
Henry and his vassals had supported all the risks and danger, that the
duke of Burgundy should reap the profit and honour, without striking a
blow.
One among them, called master Raoul le Saige, said, that he would
never be present when they should chew, for the duke of Burgundy to
swallow. In short, after much debating of the business, it was finally
concluded that the request of the ambassadors should not be granted,
and that the town should no otherwise be received in favour than by its
surrender to the English. The ambassadors, hearing this, made a reply,
which they had not, however, been charged with, that they knew well the
townsmen of Orleans would suffer the utmost extremities rather than
submit to such conditions. The ambassadors then returned to Orleans, to
report the answer they had received.
The duke of Burgundy was very well pleased with their conduct in this
matter, and would not have disliked, had it been agreeable to the
regent and council, to have had the government of Orleans, as much from
his affection to his cousin of Orleans as to prevent it suffering the
perils likely to befall it; but the English, at that time, in full tide
of prosperity, never considered that the wheel of fortune might turn
against them.
The duke of Burgundy, while at Paris, had made many requests to his
brother-in-law the regent, for himself and his adherents, which,
however, were but little attended to. Having staid at Paris about three
weeks, he returned to Flanders, where he was attacked by a severe
illness, but by the attentions of able physicians he recovered his
health.
CHAP. LX.
THE MAID WITH MANY NOBLE FRENCH CAPTAINS OF GREAT RENOWN REINFORCE AND
REVICTUAL THE TOWN OF ORLEANS, AND AFTERWARD RAISE THE SIEGE.
The english captains had continued their siege of Orleans about seven
months, and had much straitened it by their batteries and towers, of
which they had erected not less than sixty. The besieged, sensible
of the peril they were in of being conquered, resolved to defend
themselves to the last, and sent to king Charles for reinforcements of
men, and a supply of stores and provision.
From four to five hundred combatants were first sent; but they were
followed by seven thousand more, who escorted a convoy of provision up
the river Loire. With these last came Joan, the Maid, who had already
done some acts that had increased her reputation.
The English attempted to cut off this convoy; but it was well defended
by the Maid and those with her, and brought with safety to Orleans,
to the great joy of the inhabitants, who made good cheer, and were
rejoiced at its safe arrival and the coming of the Maid.
On the morrow, which was a Thursday, Joan rose early, and, addressing
herself to some of the principal captains, prevailed on them to arm,
and follow her,--for she wished, as she said, to attack the enemy,
being fully assured they would be vanquished. These captains and other
warriors, surprised at her words, were induced to arm and make an
assault on the tower of St Loup, which was very strong, and garrisoned
with from three to four hundred English. They were, notwithstanding
the strength of the blockhouse, soon defeated, and all killed or made
prisoners, and the fortification was set on fire and demolished.
The Maid, having accomplished her purpose, returned with the nobles
and knights who had followed her to the town of Orleans, where she was
greatly feasted and honoured by all ranks. The ensuing day she again
made a sally, with a certain number of combatants, to attack another
of the english forts, which was as well garrisoned as the former one,
but which was in like manner destroyed by fire, and those within put to
the sword. On her return to the town after this second exploit, she was
more honoured and respected than ever.
On the next day, Saturday, she ordered the tower at the end of the
bridge to be attacked. This was strongly fortified, and had within
it the flower of the english chivalry and men at arms, who defended
themselves for a long time with the utmost courage; but it availed them
nothing, for by dint of prowess they were overcome, and the greater
part put to the sword. On this occasion were slain, a valiant english
captain named Classendach, the lord Molins, the bailiff of Evreux, and
many more warriors of great and noble estate.
The Maid, after this victory, returned to Orleans with the nobles who
had accompanied her, and with but little loss of men. Notwithstanding
that at these three attacks Joan was, according to common fame,
supposed to have been the leader, she had with her all the most expert
and gallant captains who for the most part had daily served at this
siege of Orleans, mention of whom has been before made. Each of these
three captains exerted himself manfully at these attacks, so that from
six to eight thousand combatants were killed or taken, while the French
did not lose more than one hundred men of all ranks.
The ensuing Sunday, the english captains, namely, the earl of Suffolk,
lord Talbot, lord Scales and others, seeing the destruction of their
forts, and the defeat of their men, resolved, after some deliberation,
to form the remains of their army into one body, march out of their
camp, and wait prepared for any engagement, should the enemy be willing
to offer them battle, otherwise they would march away in good order
for such towns as were under their obedience.
This resolution they instantly executed on Sunday morning, when
they abandoned their forts, setting fire to several, and drew up in
battle-array, expecting the French would come to fight with them; but
they had no such intentions, having been exhorted to the contrary by
Joan the Maid. The English, having waited a considerable time for them,
in vain, marched away, lest their forces might be further diminished,
without prospect of success.