THE BATTLE OF MEAUX IN BRIE, WHERE THE VILLAINS ARE DISCOMFITED BY THE
EARL OF FOIX AND THE CAPTAL OF BUCH 264
BOOK II.
CHAPTER I.
CORONATION OF KING CHARLES OF FRANCE 266
CHAPTER II.
A COMBAT BETWEEN AN ENGLISH AND A FRENCH SQUIRE 268
CHAPTER III.
THE POPULACE OF ENGLAND REBEL AGAINST THE NOBILITY 274
CHAPTER IV.
THE POPULACE OF ENGLAND COMMIT MANY CRUELTIES ON THOSE IN OFFICIAL
SITUATIONS.--THEY SEND A KNIGHT AS AMBASSADOR TO THE KING 278
CHAPTER V.
THE NOBLES OF ENGLAND ARE IN GREAT DANGER OF BEING DESTROYED.--THREE OF
THE PRINCIPAL LEADERS OF THE REBELS ARE PUNISHED, AND THE REST SENT BACK
TO THEIR HOMES 284
CHAPTER VI.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS AGAIN LAYS SIEGE TO GHENT 296
CHAPTER VII.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS SENDS A HARSH ANSWER TO THOSE WHO WISHED TO MEDIATE
A PEACE BETWEEN HIM AND GHENT 298
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CITIZENS OF GHENT, AFTER HAVING HEARD FROM PHILIP VON ARTAVELD THE
TERMS OF PEACE WHICH HE HAD BROUGHT FROM THE CONFERENCES AT TOURNAY,
MARCH OUT, TO THE NUMBER OF FIVE THOUSAND, TO ATTACK THE EARL OF
FLANDERS IN BRUGES 300
CHAPTER IX.
THE ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE GHENT MEN.--THEY DEFEAT THE EARL OF FLANDERS
AND THE MEN OF BRUGES.--THE MEANS BY WHICH THIS WAS BROUGHT
ABOUT 303
CHAPTER X.
BRUGES IS TAKEN BY THE GHENT ARMY.--THE EARL OF FLANDERS SAVES HIMSELF
IN THE HOUSE OF A POOR WOMAN 309
CHAPTER XI.
THE EARL OF FLANDERS QUITS BRUGES, AND RETURNS TO LILLE, WHITHER SOME OF
HIS PEOPLE HAD ALREADY RETREATED 314
CHAPTER XII.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY INSTIGATES HIS NEPHEW KING CHARLES TO MAKE WAR ON
GHENT AND ITS ALLIES, AS WELL IN REVENGE FOR THE BURNT VILLAGES AS TO
ASSIST IN THE RECOVERY OF FLANDERS FOR THE EARL, WHO WAS HIS
VASSAL 315
CHAPTER XIII.
CHARLES THE SIXTH, KING OF FRANCE, FROM A DREAM, CHOOSES A FLYING HART
FOR HIS DEVICE 317
CHAPTER XIV.
KING CHARLES, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, WHO WAS
PRESENT, ASSEMBLES HIS ARMY IN ARTOIS AGAINST THE FLEMINGS.--PHILIP VON
ARTAVELD GUARDS THE PASSES INTO FLANDERS 319
CHAPTER XV.
SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF THE PARTY OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, HAVING PASSED
PONT-AMENIN, ARE DEFEATED AND KILLED ON THEIR ATTEMPT TO REPASS IT, THE
FLEMINGS HAVING BROKEN DOWN THE BRIDGE.--PHILIP, HEARING THIS NEWS WHEN
AT YPRES, MAKES USE OF IT TO ENCOURAGE THE INHABITANTS 321
CHAPTER XVI.
THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN ITS MARCH TO FLANDERS, AFTER THEY HAD
HEARD THE BRIDGES WERE BROKEN AND GUARDED 325
CHAPTER XVII.
SOME FEW OF THE FRENCH, NOT BEING ABLE TO CROSS THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF
COMMINES, FIND MEANS OF DOING SO BY BOATS AND OTHER CRAFT, UNKNOWN TO
THE FLEMINGS 330
CHAPTER XVIII.
A SMALL BODY OF FRENCH, HAVING CROSSED THE LIS, DRAW UP IN BATTLE-ARRAY
BEFORE THE FLEMINGS 335
CHAPTER XIX.
THE FRENCH WHO HAD CROSSED THE LIS DEFEAT, WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER, PETER
DU BOIS AND THE FLEMINGS.--THE VANGUARD OF THE FRENCH ARMY REPAIR AND
PASS OVER THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES 339
CHAPTER XX.
THE KING OF FRANCE CROSSES THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.--THE TOWN
OF YPRES SURRENDERS TO HIM.--THE KING OF FRANCE LODGES IN YPRES.--PETER
DU BOIS PREVENTS BRUGES FROM SURRENDERING TO THE KING.--PHILIP VON
ARTAVELD ASSEMBLES HIS FORCES TO COMBAT THE FRENCH 344
CHAPTER XXI.
PHILIP VON ARTAVELD, HAVING ENTERTAINED HIS CAPTAINS AT SUPPER, GIVES
THEM INSTRUCTIONS HOW THEY ARE TO ACT ON THE MORROW AT THE BATTLE OF
ROSEBECQUE 347
CHAPTER XXII.
PHILIP VON ARTAVELD AND HIS FLEMINGS QUIT THE STRONG POSITION THEY HAD
TAKEN IN THE MORNING, TO ENCAMP ON MONT D’OR, NEAR TO YPRES.--THE
CONSTABLE AND ADMIRAL OF FRANCE, WITH SIR WILLIAM OF POITIERS, SET OUT
TO RECONNOITRE THEIR SITUATION 351
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND FLEMINGS.--PHILIP VON
ARTAVELD IS SLAIN, AND HIS WHOLE ARMY DEFEATED 354
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE NUMBER OF SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, AND PURSUIT
AFTERWARDS.--PHILIP VON ARTAVELD IS HANGED AFTER HE WAS DEAD 359
BOOK III.
CHAPTER I.
FROISSART SETS OUT ON JOURNEY TO BÉARN TO SEEK ADMISSION TO THE
HOUSEHOLD OF THE COUNT DE FOIX 361
CHAPTER II.
SIR JOHN FROISSART, IN HIS JOURNEY TOWARD BÉARN, IS ACCOMPANIED BY A
KNIGHT ATTACHED TO THE COUNT DE FOIX, WHO RELATES TO HIM HOW THE
GARRISON OF LOURDE TOOK ORTINGAS AND LE PAILLIER, ON THE RENEWAL OF THE
WAR IN GUYENNE, AFTER THE RUPTURE OF THE PEACE OF BRETIGNY 363
CHAPTER III.
FROISSART CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY.--IN TRAVELLING FROM TOURNAY TO TARBES,
THE KNIGHT RELATES TO HIM HOW THE GARRISON OF LOURDE HAD A SHARP
RENCOUNTER WITH THE FRENCH FROM THE ADJACENT GARRISONS 367
CHAPTER IV.
SIR JOHN FROISSART ARRIVES AT ORTHÈS.--AN OLD SQUIRE RELATES TO HIM THE
CRUEL DEATH OF THE ONLY SON OF THE COUNT DE FOIX 372
BOOK IV.
CHAPTER I.
THE DUKE OF BOURBON IS APPOINTED CHIEF OF AN EXPEDITION TO AFRICA, THAT
IS UNDERTAKEN BY SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND AT THE
SOLICITATION OF THE GENOESE 382
CHAPTER II.
THE CHRISTIAN LORDS WEIGH ANCHOR, AND LEAVE THE ISLAND OF COMINO, IN
ORDER TO LAY SIEGE TO THE TOWN OF AFRICA.--THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY
CONDUCT THEMSELVES 387
CHAPTER III.
THE CONDUCT OF THE SARACENS DURING THE SIEGE OF THE TOWN OF
AFRICA.--THEY SEND TO DEMAND FROM THE FRENCH THE CAUSE OF THEIR MAKING
WAR AGAINST THEM 398
CHAPTER IV.
SOME MIRACLES ARE SHOWN TO THE SARACENS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO ATTACK THE
CAMP OF THE CHRISTIANS.--SEVERAL SKIRMISHES DURING THE SIEGE.--THE
CLIMATE BECOMES UNWHOLESOME, AND OTHER ACCIDENTS BEFALL THE
BESIEGERS 403
CHAPTER V.
A CHALLENGE IS SENT BY THE SARACENS TO OFFER COMBAT OF TEN AGAINST TEN
CHRISTIANS.--THE SARACENS FAIL IN THEIR ENGAGEMENT.--THE TOWN OF AFRICA
IS STORMED, BUT UNSUCCESSFULLY, AND WITH THE LOSS OF MANY WORTHY
MEN 407
CHAPTER VI.
THE SIEGE OF AFRICA IS RAISED.--THE CAUSE OF IT.--THE KNIGHTS AND
SQUIRES RETURN TO THEIR OWN COUNTRIES 414
CHAPTER VII.
DEATH AND BURIAL OF KING RICHARD II .421
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
THE MONK SIR FROISSART IN THE BREACH OF THE MONASTERY WALL
_Frontispiece._
LORD JAMES DOUGLAS THROWING THE HEART OF BRUCE AMONG THE SARACENS 45
HOW SIR WILLIAM DOUGLAS AND HIS COMPANIONS CAPTURED THE CASTLE OF
EDINBURGH BY STRATAGEM 67
HOW THE FRENCH FLUNG A SERVANT OVER THE WALLS INTO AUBEROCHE 95
THE DEATH OF JACOB VON ARTAVELD 115
KING EDWARD III. PRAYING IN HIS TENT THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE OF
CRECY 149
THE BLIND KING OF BOHEMIA DEAD ON THE BATTLE-FIELD OF CRECY 155
HOW THE SIX CITIZENS OF CALAIS DELIVERED THEMSELVES UP TO THE ENGLISH
KING 197
THE SURRENDER OF KING JOHN OF FRANCE 245
THE THREE KNIGHTS RECONNOITRING THE FLEMINGS IN THE MIST 353
HOW THE BOURG D’ESPAIGN FED THE FIRE IN THE GREAT FIRE-PLACE OF THE
COUNT OF FOIX 371
HOW A WONDERFUL APPARITION TERRIFIED THE SARACENS 403
THE CHRONICLES OF ENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, &c.
BOOK I.[2]
CHAPTER I.
THE OCCASION OF THE WARS BETWEEN THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND.
History tells us that Philip, King of France, surnamed the Fair, had
three sons, besides his beautiful daughter Isabella married to the King
of England. These three sons were very handsome. The eldest, Lewis, King
of Navarre during the lifetime of his father, was called Lewis Hutin;
the second was named Philip the Great, or the Long; and the third,
Charles. All these were kings of France after their father Philip by
legitimate succession, one after the other, without having any male
heirs: yet on the death of the last king, Charles, the twelve peers and
barons of France did not give the kingdom to Isabella the sister, who
was Queen of England, because they maintained, and do still insist, that
the kingdom of France is too noble to go to a woman, consequently either
to Isabella, or to her son the King of England; for they hold that the
son of a woman cannot claim any right of succession where that woman has
none herself. For these reasons the twelve peers and barons of France
unanimously gave the kingdom of France to the Lord Philip of Valois,
nephew to King Philip; and so put aside the Queen of England, who was
sister to Charles, the late King of France, and her son. Thus, as it
seemed to many people, the succession went out of the right line, which
has been the occasion of the most destructive wars and devastations of
countries in France and elsewhere, as you will learn hereafter: the real
object of this history being to relate the grand enterprises and deeds
of arms achieved in these great wars; for, from the time of good
Charlemagne, King of France, never were such feats performed.
CHAPTER II.
HOW EARL THOMAS OF LANCASTER, AND TWENTY-TWO OF THE GREATEST NOBLES IN
ENGLAND, WERE BEHEADED.
King Edward the Second, father to the noble King Edward the Third of
whom our history speaks, governed his kingdom very indifferently by the
advice of Sir Hugh Spencer, who had been brought up with him from his
youth.
This Sir Hugh had managed matters so that his father and himself were
the great masters of the realm, and were ambitious to surpass all the
other great barons in England; for which reason, after the great defeat
at Stirling, the barons and nobles, and even the council of the king,
murmured much, particularly against Sir Hugh Spencer, to whom they
imputed their defeat on account of his partiality for the King of
Scotland. The barons had many meetings on this matter to consult what
was to be done. The chief of them was Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, uncle
to the king. Sir Hugh soon found it would be necessary for him to check
them; and he was so well beloved by the king, and so continually in his
presence, that he was sure of gaining belief, whatever he said. He soon
took an opportunity of informing the king that these lords had entered
into an alliance against him, and that, if he did not take proper
measures, they would drive him out of the kingdom; and thus operated so
powerfully on the king’s mind, that his malicious intentions had their
full effect. The king caused all these lords to be arrested on a certain
day when they were met together, and without delay ordered the heads of
twenty-two of the greatest barons to be struck off, without assigning
any cause or reason. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, suffered the first. The
hatred against Sir Hugh Spencer was increased by this deed, particularly
that of the queen, and of the Earl of Kent, brother to the king; which
when he perceived, he fomented such a discord between the king and the
queen, that the king would not see the queen, or come to any place where
she was. This quarrel lasted some time: when the queen and the Earl of
Kent were secretly informed, that, if they did not speedily quit the
court, they would repent it; for Sir Hugh was endeavoring to stir up
much mischief against them. Then the queen, having made preparations for
passing secretly to France, set out as if to go on a pilgrimage to St.
Thomas of Canterbury; whence she went to Winchelsea, and that night
embarked on board a vessel prepared for her reception, accompanied by
her young son Edward, the Earl of Kent, and Sir Roger Mortimer. Another
vessel was loaded with luggage, &c.; and, having a fair wind, they
landed the next morning at Boulogne.
CHAPTER III.
THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND GOES TO COMPLAIN OF SIR HUGH SPENCER TO HER
BROTHER, THE KING OF FRANCE.
When the Queen Isabella landed at Boulogne with her son and her
brother-in-law the Earl of Kent, the governor of the town and the abbot
waited on her, and conducted her to the abbey, where she and her suite
were joyfully received, and remained two days. On the third she
continued her route toward Paris.
King Charles, her brother, being informed of her coming, sent some of
the greatest lords at that time near his person to meet her; among whom
were Sir Robert d’Artois, the Lord of Crucy, the Lord of Sully, and the
Lord of Roy, and many others, who honorably received and conducted her
to Paris to the king, her brother. When the king perceived his sister
(whom he had not seen for a long time) entering his apartment, he rose
to meet her, and, taking her in his arms, kissed her, and said, “You are
welcome, my fair sister, with my fine nephew, your son:” then, taking
one in each hand, he led them in. The queen, who had no great joy in her
heart except for being near her brother, would have knelt at his feet
two or three times; but the king would not suffer it, and, holding her
by the right hand, inquired very affectionately into her business and
affairs. Her answers were prudent and wise; and she related to him all
the injuries done to her by Sir Hugh Spencer, and asked of him advice
and assistance.
When the noble King Charles had heard the lamentations of his sister,
who with many tears had stated her distress, he said, “Fair sister, be
appeased; for, by the faith I owe to God and to St. Denis, I will
provide a remedy.” The queen then kneeled down in spite of the king, and
said to him, “My dear lord and brother, I pray God may second your
intentions.” The king then, taking her by the hand, conducted her to
another apartment, which was richly furnished for her and her young son
Edward: he then left her, and ordered that every thing should be
provided, becoming the state of her and her son, from his treasury.
CHAPTER IV.
SIR HUGH SPENCER CAUSES THE QUEEN ISABELLA TO BE SENT OUT OF FRANCE.
The queen [had] made all her preparations for her expedition very
secretly, but not so much so as to prevent its coming to the knowledge
of Sir Hugh Spencer, who thought that his most prudent plan would be to
win over to his interest the King of France. For this purpose he sent
over trusty and secret messengers laden with gold, silver, and rich
jewels. These were distributed among the king and his ministers with
such effect, that the king and his council were in a short time as cold
toward the cause of Isabella as they had before been warm.
Sir Hugh also endeavored to get the queen into his and the king’s power,
and to this end made the king write an affectionate letter to the pope,
entreating him to order the King of France to send back his wife. There
were similar letters written at the same time to the cardinals. The
nearest relations of the pope, and those most in his counsels, managed
the pope in such a manner, that he wrote to the King of France to send
back Isabella, Queen of England, to her husband, under pain of
excommunication. These letters were carried to the King of France by the
Bishop of Xaintes, whom the pope sent thither as his legate.
The king, on receipt of them, caused his sister to be acquainted with
their contents (for he had held no conversation with her for a long
time), and commanded her to leave the kingdom immediately, or he would
make her leave it with shame.
CHAPTER V.
THE QUEEN ISABELLA LEAVES FRANCE, AND GOES TO GERMANY.
When the queen heard this account, she knew not what to say, or what
measures to adopt: for the barons had already withdrawn themselves by
the king’s command, and she had no resource or adviser left but in her
dear cousin, Robert of Artois; and he could only advise and assist her
in secret, as the king had forbidden it. He well knew that the queen had
been driven from England through malice and ill-will: but he durst not
speak of it to the king; for he had heard the king say and swear that
whoever should speak to him in her behalf should forfeit his land, and
be banished the kingdom. He was also informed that the king was not
averse to the seizure of the persons of the queen, her son Edward, the
Earl of Kent, and Sir Roger Mortimer, and to their being delivered into
the hands of the King of England and Sir Hugh Spencer. He therefore came
in the middle of the night to inform the queen of the peril she was in.
She was thunder-struck at the information; to which he added, “I
recommend you to set out for the empire, where there are many noble
lords who will greatly assist you, particularly William, Earl of
Hainault, and his brother, who are both great lords, and wise and loyal
men, and much dreaded by their enemies.”
The queen ordered her baggage to be made ready as secretly as she could;
and, having paid for every thing, she quitted Paris, accompanied by her
son, the Earl of Kent, and all her company, and took the road to
Hainault. After some days she came into the country of Cambray. When she
found she was in the territories of the empire, she was more at her
ease; passed through Cambresis; entered L’Ostrevant in Hainault, and
lodged at the house of a poor knight called Eustace d’Ambreticourt, who
received her with great pleasure, and entertained her in the best manner
he could; insomuch that afterwards the Queen of England and her son
invited the knight, his wife, and all his children, to England, and
advanced their fortunes in different ways.
The arrival of the queen in Hainault was soon known in the house of the
good Earl of Hainault, who was then at Valenciennes. Sir John, his
brother, was also informed of the hour when she alighted at the house
of the Lord of Ambreticourt. This Sir John, being at that time very
young, and panting for glory like a knight-errant, mounted his horse,
and, accompanied by a few persons, set out from Valenciennes for
Ambreticourt, where he arrived in the evening, and paid the queen every
respect and honor.
The queen was at that time very dejected, and made a very lamentable
complaint to him of all her griefs; which affected Sir John so much,
that he mixed his own tears with hers, and said, “Lady, see here your
knight, who will not fail to die for you, though every one else should
desert you: therefore will I do every thing in my power to conduct you
and your son, and to restore you to your rank in England, by the grace
of God, and the assistance of your friends in those parts. And I, and
all those whom I can influence, will risk our lives on the adventure,
for your sake; and we will have a sufficient armed force, if it please
God, without fearing any danger from the King of France.” The queen, who
was sitting down, and Sir John standing before her, rose, and would have
cast herself at his feet out of gratitude for the great favor he had
just offered her; but the gallant Sir John, rising up quickly, caught
her in his arms, and said, “God forbid that the Queen of England should
ever do such a thing! Madam, be of good comfort to yourself and company;
for I will keep my promise: and you shall come and see my brother, and
the countess his wife, and all their fine children, who will be rejoiced
to see you; for I have heard them say so.” The queen answered, “Sir, I
find in you more kindness and comfort than in all the world besides; and
I give you five hundred thousand thanks for what you have said and
offered me. If you will keep what you have promised me with so much
courtesy, I and my son shall be forever bound unto you; and we will put
the kingdom of England under your management, as in justice it ought to
be.”
The queen set off, accompanied by Sir John, Lord of Beaumont, who with
joy and respect conducted her to Valenciennes. Many of the citizens of
the town came out to meet her, and received her with great humility. She
was thus introduced to William, Earl of Hainault, who, as well as the
countess, received her very graciously. Many great feasts were given on
this occasion, as no one knew better than the countess how to do the
honors of her house. This Earl William had at that time four
daughters,--Margaret, Philippa, Joan, and Isabella. The young King
Edward paid more court and attention to Philippa than to any of the
others; the young lady also conversed more frequently with him, and
sought his company oftener, than any of her sisters. The queen remained
at Valenciennes during eight days with the good earl and countess Joan
of Valois. In the mean time the queen made every preparation for her
departure; and Sir John wrote very affectionate letters unto certain
knights, and those companions in whom he put the most confidence, in
Hainault, in Brabant, and Bohemia, beseeching them, from all the
friendship that was between them, that they would accompany him in his
expedition to England.
There were great numbers in these countries who were willing to go with
him from the love they bore him, and many who refused, notwithstanding
his request: and even Sir John himself was much reproved by the earl his
brother, and by some of his council, because it seemed to them that this
enterprise was of much hazard, on account of the great divisions and
enmities which at that time subsisted among the great barons and commons
in England; and also because the English are always very jealous of
strangers, which made them doubt whether Sir John de Hainault and his
companions would ever return. But, notwithstanding all their blame and
all their advice bestowed upon him, the gallant knight would not change
his purpose; saying that he could die but once; that the time was in the
will of God; and that all true knights were bound to aid, to the utmost
of their power, all ladies and damsels driven from their kingdoms
comfortless and forlorn.
CHAPTER VI.
QUEEN ISABELLA ARRIVES IN ENGLAND WITH SIR JOHN DE HAINAULT.
The Queen of England took leave of the earl and countess, thanking them
much for the honor they had shown her, and kissed them at her departure.
The queen, her son, and suite set off, accompanied by Sir John, who with
great difficulty had obtained his brother’s permission.
They travelled in such a manner as to arrive at Dordrecht by the time
limited for their friends to meet them. At that place they provided
themselves with vessels of different sizes; and having embarked their
cavalry, baggage, &c., they set sail, first recommending themselves to
the care of the Lord. When they left the harbor of Dordrecht, the fleet,
considering the force, made a beautiful appearance from its good order,
and from the weather being clear and temperate. They came opposite to
the dikes of Holland the first tide after their departure. The next day
they cast anchor, and furled their sails, intending to follow the coast
of Zealand, and to land at a port which they had descried; but they
were prevented by a violent tempest, which drove them so far out of
their course, that for two days they knew not where they were. In this
God was very merciful to them; for, had they landed at the port they
intended, they would have fallen into the hands of their enemies, who,
apprised of their coming, waited for them at that place to put them to
death. At the end of two days the storm abated; and the sailors,
descrying England, made for it with great joy, and landed upon the
sands, having neither harbor nor safe port. They remained there three
days at a short allowance of provisions, while they disembarked their
cavalry, and landed their baggage. They were ignorant in what part of
England they were, whether that part of the country was friendly to them
or not. The fourth day they began their march, putting themselves under
the protection of God and St. George; having suffered much from cold and
hunger in addition to their late fears, of which they had not yet
divested themselves. They marched over hill and dale until they came to
some villages. Soon afterwards they saw a large monastery of black
friars, called St. Hamons, where they refreshed themselves during three
days.
CHAPTER VII.
THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND BESIEGES HER HUSBAND IN THE CITY OF BRISTOL.
The news of her arrival, being spread abroad, soon came to the knowledge
of those lords by whose advice she had returned. They got themselves
ready as soon as possible to join her son, whom they wished to have for
their sovereign. The first who came was Henry, Earl of Lancaster,
surnamed Wryneck, brother to the Earl Thomas who had been beheaded, and
father of the Duke of Lancaster who makes so conspicuous a figure in the
following history. This Earl Henry was attended by a great number of men
at arms. After him came, from different parts, earls, barons, knights,
and esquires, with such an armed force, that they no longer thought they
had any thing to apprehend. As they advanced, their forces were still
increased; so that a council was called to consider if they should not
march directly to Bristol, where the king and the two Spencers then
were.
Bristol was at that time a large town, well enclosed, and situated on a
good port. Its castle was very strong, and surrounded by the sea. The
queen, with all her company, the lords of Hainault, and their suite,
took the shortest road for that place. Their forces were augmenting
daily until they arrived at Bristol, which they besieged in form. The
king and the younger Spencer shut themselves up in the castle: old Sir
Hugh and the Earl of Arundel remained in the town.
When the citizens saw the queen’s force, and the affections of almost
all England on her side, alarmed at their own perilous situation, they
determined to surrender the town on condition that their lives and
property should be spared. They sent to treat with the queen on this
subject; but neither she nor her council would consent to it unless Sir
Hugh Spencer and the Earl of Arundel were delivered up to her
discretion, for she had come purposely to destroy them.
The citizens, seeing they had no other means of saving the town, their
lives, and their fortunes, acceded to the queen’s terms, and opened
their gates to her. She entered the town accompanied by Sir John de
Hainault, with all her barons, knights, and esquires, who took their
lodging therein: the others, for want of accommodation, remained
without. Sir Hugh Spencer and the Earl of Arundel were delivered to the
queen, to do with them as it should please her. Her children were also
brought to her,--John and her two daughters,--found there in the keeping
of Sir Hugh Spencer. As she had not seen them in a long time, this gave
her great joy as well as all her party.
The king and the younger Spencer, shut up in the castle, were much
grieved at what had passed, seeing the whole country turned to the
queen’s party and to Edward, the eldest son.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND AND SIR HUGH SPENCER ARE TAKEN AT SEA AS THEY
ARE ENDEAVORING TO ESCAPE FROM THE CASTLE OF BRISTOL.
The king and Sir Hugh Spencer, seeing themselves so closely pressed, and
being ignorant whether any succor was coming to them, embarked one
morning with a few followers in a small boat behind the castle,
intending, if possible, to reach the principality of Wales. They were
eleven or twelve days in this small boat; and, notwithstanding every
effort to get forward, the winds proved so contrary by the will of God,
that once or twice a day they were driven back within a quarter of a
league of the castle whence they set out. At length Sir Henry Beaumont,
espying the vessel, embarked with some of his companions in a barge, and
rowed so vigorously after it, that the king’s boatmen, unable to
escape, were overtaken. The king and Sir Hugh Spencer were brought back
to Bristol, and delivered to the queen and her son as prisoners. Thus
ended this bold and gallant enterprise of Sir John de Hainault and his
companions, who, when they embarked at Dordrecht, amounted to no more
than three hundred men at arms. By their means Queen Isabella recovered
her kingdom, and destroyed her enemies; at which the whole nation,
except some few who were attached to the Spencers, was greatly rejoiced.
When the king and Sir Hugh Spencer were brought to Bristol by Sir Henry
Beaumont, the king was sent to Berkeley Castle under a strong guard.
Many attentions were paid to him, and proper people were placed near his
person to take every care of him, but on no account to suffer him to
pass the bounds of the castle. Sir Hugh Spencer was delivered up to Sir
Thomas Wager, marshal of the army.
The queen and all the army set out for London, which is the principal
city in England. Sir Thomas Wager caused Sir Hugh Spencer to be fastened
on the poorest and smallest horse he could find, clothed with a tabard
such as he was accustomed to wear. He led him thus in derision, in the
suite of the queen, through all the towns they passed, where he was
announced by trumpets and cymbals by way of greater mockery, till they
reached Hereford, where she and her suite were respectfully and joyfully
received. The feast of All Saints was there celebrated with the greatest
solemnity and magnificence, out of affection to her son, and respect to
the noble foreigners that attended him.
When the feast was over, Sir Hugh was brought before the queen and
knights assembled. The charges were read to him; to which he made no
reply. The barons and knights then passed sentence on him,--that he
should be drawn on a hurdle, attended by trumpets and clarions, through
all the streets in the city of Hereford, and then conducted to the
market-place, where all the people were assembled: at that place he was
to be bound upon a high scaffold, in order that he might be more easily
seen by the people.
Afterwards his heart was thrown into the fire, because it had been false
and traitorous; since he, by his treasonable counsels, so advised the
king as to bring shame and mischief on the land, and had caused some of
the greatest lords to be beheaded by whom the kingdom ought to have been
supported and defended. His head was cut off, and sent to London.
After the execution, the queen and all the lords, with a great number of
common people, set out for London. As they approached it great crowds
came out to meet them, and received both her and her son, as well as
those who accompanied her, with great reverence.
The citizens presented handsome gifts to the queen, as well as to those
of her suite where they thought them best bestowed. After fifteen days
passed in feasts and rejoicings, the companions of Sir John de Hainault
were impatient to return home. When the queen and her companions saw
this, they addressed themselves to Sir John de Hainault, and requested
him to remain only until after Christmas, and that he would detain as
many of his followers as possible. He detained as many of his companions
as he could; but small was the number, the greater part refusing to stay
on any account.
The queen ordered a large sum of money to be given them for their
expenses, besides jewels of high price, which she presented to each
according to his rank; so that all were perfectly satisfied. She also
paid to each, in ready money, the value of their horses that they chose
to leave behind, according to their own estimation, without any demur.
CHAPTER IX.
THE CORONATION OF KING EDWARD THE THIRD.
Most of the followers of Sir John de Hainault having returned home, the
queen gave leave to many of her household to return to their
country-seats,--except a few of the nobles, whom she kept with her as
her council,--expressly ordering them to come back at Christmas to a
great court which at that time she intended to hold. When Christmas
came, she held the court above mentioned; and it was very fully attended
by all the nobles and prelates of the realm, as well as by the principal
officers of the chief cities and towns. In this assembly it was
determined that the kingdom could no longer remain without a sovereign;
and when all the acts done by the king, or having his consent, had been
read, the chiefs of the assembly consulted together, and agreeing that
such a man was not worthy to be a king, neither to bear a crown nor the
title of king, they unanimously resolved that his elder son and true
heir, then present, should be crowned instead of the father. They
ordered that his father should be kept a prisoner, having every
attention paid to his rank, as long as he should live.
The young King Edward, since so fortunate in arms, was crowned with a
royal diadem in the Palace of Westminster on Christmas Day, 1326. He
completed his sixteenth year on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul
following.
At this coronation Sir John de Hainault and all his companions, noble or
otherwise, were much feasted, and many rich jewels were given to him and
those that staid with him. He and his friends remained during these
grand feasts, to the great satisfaction of the lords and ladies that
were there, until Twelfth Day; when he received information that the
King of Bohemia, the Earl of Hainault his brother, and many great lords
of France, had ordered a tournament to be proclaimed at Condé. Sir John,
therefore, would no longer stay, notwithstanding their entreaties, from
the great desire he had to attend this tournament to see his brother and
the other princes, especially that gallant and generous prince, Charles,
King of Bohemia.
When the young King Edward, his mother, and the barons, saw that it was
not possible to detain him any longer, they gave him permission to
depart, very much against their will. The king, by the advice of the
queen, granted him an annuity of four hundred marks sterling,
hereditable rent, to be held of him in fee, payable in the city of
Bruges. He gave also to Philip de Chateaux, his principal esquire and
chief counsellor, a hundred marks sterling of rent, to be paid at the
same time and place. He ordered many knights to accompany him to Dover,
and that his passage should be free of all cost. He presented the
Countess de Garennes, sister to the Count de Bar, and some other ladies
who had accompanied the queen to England, with many rich jewels, on
their taking leave.
Sir John and his company immediately embarked on board the vessels
prepared for them, to be in time for the tournament. The king sent with
him fifteen young and hardy knights to attend him at this tournament,
there to try their skill, and to get acquainted with the lords and
knights that were to be there. Sir John and his company paid them all
the attention in their power, and on this occasion tourneyed at Condé.
CHAPTER X.
ROBERT BRUCE, KING OF SCOTLAND, DEFIES KING EDWARD.
After the departure of Sir John de Hainault, King Edward and his mother
governed the kingdom by the counsels of the good Earl of Kent and of Sir
Roger Mortimer. Both of them had been banished with the queen. They also
took the advice of Sir Thomas Wager, and of others who were esteemed the
wisest in the land. This, however, created much envy, which never dies
in England, but reigns there as well as in other places. Thus passed the
winter and Lent in perfect peace until Easter; when it happened that
Robert, King of Scotland, who, though brave, had suffered much in his
wars with England, having often been defeated by King Edward,
grandfather of the young king, being at this time very old and afflicted
with leprosy, hearing that the king had been taken prisoner and deposed,
and his counsellors put to death, thought it a favorable opportunity to
send a defiance to the present king, as yet a youth, whose barons were
not on good terms with each other, and to attempt the conquest of some
part of England. About Easter, 1327, he sent a defiance to King Edward
and all the country, informing them that he would enter the kingdom, and
burn it as far as he had done before after the defeat of Stirling, in
which the English suffered so much.
When the young king and his council received this challenge, they
published it throughout the kingdom, and ordered that all the nobles and
others should come properly accoutred and accompanied, according to
their different ranks, to York, the Day of Ascension following. He also
sent a considerable body of men at arms to guard the frontiers of
Scotland, and messengers to Sir John de Hainault, begging him very
affectionately to assist and accompany him in this expedition, and to
meet him at York on Ascension Day with as many companions in arms as he
could bring with him.
Sir John and his company reached York by the appointed time, and were
welcomed and magnificently entertained by the king, queen, and all the
barons. The handsomest suburbs of the city were assigned them for their
quarters, and a monastery of white friars was allotted for him and his
household. In company with the knight came from Hainault the Lord of
Anghien (called Sir Walter), Sir Henry, Lord of Antoing, the Lord of
Seignoles, and the following knights,--Sir Fastres de Reu, Sir Robert de
Bailleul, Sir William de Bailleul his brother, the Lord of Havereth
(castellan of Mons), Sir Alart de Briseil, Sir Michael de Ligne, Sir
John de Montigny the younger, and his brother Sir Sause de Boussac, Sir
Percival de Severies, the Lords of Gommegines, De Biaurien, and De
Folion. There came also from Flanders, first, Sir Hector de Vilains, Sir
John de Rhodes, Sir Vaufflat de Guistelle, Sir James de Guistelle his
brother, Sir Gossuin de la Muelle, and the Lord of Tarces. Many came
from Brabant; as the Lord of Dusle, Sir Thierry de Vaucourt, Sir Rasses
de Gres, Sir John de Cassebegne, Sir John Pilestre, Sir William de
Courterelles, the three brothers De Harlebeque, Sir Walter de
Hautebergue, and several others. Of the Bohemians were, Sir John de
Libeaux, Henry his brother, Sir Henry de la Chappelle, Sir Hugh de Hay,
Sir John de Limies, Sir Lambert des Prez, Sir Gilbert de Hers. There
came also other volunteer knights out of Cambresis and Artois, in hopes
of advancement; so that Sir John had five hundred good men in his
company, well apparelled and richly mounted.
CHAPTER XI.
A DISSENSION BETWEEN THE ARCHERS OF ENGLAND AND THE HAINAULTERS.
The King of England, in order to entertain and feast the strangers and
their company, held a great court on Trinity Sunday, at the house of the
black friars, where he and the queen were lodged, and where each kept
their household separate; the king with his knights, and the queen with
her ladies, whose numbers were considerable. At this court the king had
five hundred knights, and created fifteen new ones. The queen gave her
entertainment in the dormitory, where at least sixty ladies, whom she
had invited to entertain Sir John de Hainault and his suite, sat down at
her table. There might be seen a numerous nobility well served with
plenty of strange dishes, so disguised that it could not be known what
they were. There were also ladies most superbly dressed, who were
expecting with impatience the hour of the ball, or a longer continuance
of the feast: but it fell out otherwise; for, soon after dinner, a
violent affray happened between some of the grooms of the Hainaulters
and the English archers, who were lodged with them in the suburbs. This
increased so much that the archers collected together with their bows
strung, and shot at them so as to force them to retreat to their
lodgings. The greater part of the knights and their masters, who were
still at court, hearing of the affray, hastened to their quarters. Those
that could not enter them were exposed to great danger; for the archers,
to the number of three thousand, aimed both at masters and servants. It
was supposed that this affray was occasioned by the friends of the
Spencers and the Earl of Arundel, in revenge for their having been put
to death through the advice of Sir John de Hainault. The English also,
at whose houses the Hainaulters lodged, barricaded their doors and
windows, and would not suffer them to enter: nevertheless some of them
got admittance at the back doors, and quickly armed themselves, but
durst not advance into the street, for fear of the arrows. The strangers
immediately sallied from behind their lodgings, breaking down the hedges
and enclosures, until they came to a square, where they halted, waiting
for their companions, till they amounted to a hundred under arms, and as
many without, who could not gain admittance to their lodgings. United
thus, they hastened to assist their friends, who were defending their
quarters in the great street in the best manner they could: they passed
through the hotel of the Lord of Anghien, which had great gates before
and behind open into the street, where the archers were dealing about
their arrows in a furious manner. Many Hainaulters were wounded with
them.
CHAPTER XII.
HOW THE FIGHT BETWEEN THE ARCHERS AND THE HAINAULTERS ENDED.
Here we found the good knights, Sir Fastres de Rue, Sir Percival de
Severies, and Sir Sause de Boussac, who, not getting admittance into
their lodgings, performed deeds equal to those that were armed. They had
in their hands great oaken staves, taken from the house of a carter:
they dealt their blows so successfully that none durst approach them,
and, being strong and valiant knights, beat down, that evening, upward
of sixty men. At last the archers were discomfited and put to flight.
There remained on the ground dead three hundred men, or thereabouts, who
were all from the bishopric of Lincoln. I believe that God never showed
greater grace or favor to any one than he did in that day to Sir John de
Hainault and his company; for these archers certainly meant nothing less
than to murder and rob them, notwithstanding they were come upon the
king’s business. These strangers were never in such great peril as
during the time they remained at York; nor were they in perfect safety
until their return to Wissan; for, during their stay, the hatred of the
archers was so greatly increased against them, that some of the barons
and principal knights informed the lords of Hainault that the archers
and others of the commonalty of England, to the number of six thousand,
had entered into an agreement to massacre and burn them and their
followers in their lodgings either by night or day, and there was no one
on the part of the king, or of the barons, that could venture to assist
them. The Hainaulters, therefore, had no other resource left than to
stand by each other, and to sell their lives as dearly as possible. They
made many prudent regulations for their conduct, were frequently obliged
to lie on their arms, to confine themselves to their quarters, and to
have their armor ready, and their horses always saddled. They were also
obliged to keep detachments continually on the watch in the fields and
roads round the city, and to send scouts to the distance of half a
league, to see if those people, of whom they had received information,
were coming; with orders, that, if they perceived any bodies in motion
advancing toward the town, they were immediately to return to the
detachments in the fields, in order that they might be quickly mounted,
and collected together under their own banner, at an appointed
alarm-post. They continued in the suburbs four weeks in this distressing
situation; and none except a few of the great lords, who went to court
to see the king and his council, or to the entertainments to hear the
news, ventured to quit their quarters or their arms. If this unfortunate
quarrel had not happened, they would have passed their time very
pleasantly; for there was such plenty in the city and surrounding
country, that during more than six weeks, while the king and the lords
of England, with upward of forty thousand men at arms, remained there,
the provisions were not dearer; for as much was to be bought for a penny
as before their arrival. Good wines from Gascony, Alsace, and the Rhine
were in abundance, and reasonable; poultry and other such provisions at
a low price. Hay, oats, and straw, of a good quality, and cheap, were
delivered at their quarters.
CHAPTER XIII.
HOW THE KING AND HIS ARMY MARCHED TO DURHAM.
After remaining three weeks from the time of this affray, the king
issued a proclamation by his marshals, that every one in the course of
the ensuing week should be provided with carts, tents, and every thing
necessary for their march toward Scotland. When every one was properly
equipped, the king and all his barons marched out of the city, and
encamped six leagues from it. Sir John de Hainault and his company were
encamped near the king, as a mark of distinction, and to prevent the
archers from taking any advantage of him. The king and this first
division remained there two days and two nights, waiting the arrival of
money for his expenses, as well as to examine whether any thing were
wanting. On the third day the army dislodged, and before daybreak
marched till they came to the city of Durham, a long day’s journey, at
the entrance of a country called Northumberland, which is wild, full of
deserts and mountains, and poor in every thing except cattle. The river
Tyne runs through it, full of flints and large stones. Upon this river
is situated the town called Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The lord marshal of
England was there, with a numerous army to guard the country against the
Scots. At Carlisle was a considerable body of Welsh, under the command
of Lord Hereford and Lord Mowbray, to defend the passage of the Eden;
for the Scots could not enter England without passing one of these
rivers. The English could get no certain information of the Scots until
they arrived at this place: they had passed the river so privately,
that neither those of Carlisle nor those of Newcastle had the smallest
knowledge of it. These towns are said to be distant from each other four
and twenty English miles.
CHAPTER XIV.
OF THE MANNERS OF THE SCOTS, AND HOW THEY CARRY ON WAR.
The Scots are bold, hardy, and much inured to war. When they make their
invasions into England, they march from twenty to four and twenty miles
without halting, as well by night as day; for they are all on horseback,
except the camp-followers, who are on foot. The knights and esquires are
well mounted on large bay horses, the common people on little galloways.
They bring no carriages with them, on account of the mountains they have
to pass in Northumberland; neither do they carry with them any
provisions of bread or wine; for their habits of sobriety are such, in
time of war, that they will live for a long time on flesh half sodden,
without bread, and drink the river-water without wine. They have,
therefore, no occasion for pots or pans: for they dress the flesh of
their cattle in the skins, after they have taken them off; and, being
sure to find plenty of them in the country which they invade, they carry
none with them. Under the flaps of his saddle, each man carries a broad
plate of metal; behind the saddle, a little bag of oatmeal: when they
have eaten too much of the sodden flesh, and their stomach appears weak
and empty, they place this plate over the fire, mix with water their
oatmeal, and, when the plate is heated, they put a little of the paste
upon it, and make a thin cake, like a cracknel or biscuit, which they
eat to warm their stomachs: it is therefore no wonder that they perform
a longer day’s march than other soldiers. In this manner the Scots
entered England, destroying and burning every thing as they passed. They
seized more cattle than they knew what to do with. Their army consisted
of four thousand men at arms, knights and esquires, well mounted;
besides twenty thousand men, bold and hardy, armed after the manner of
their country, and mounted upon little hackneys, that are never tied up
or dressed, but turned, immediately after the day’s march, to pasture on
the heath or in the fields. This army was commanded by two valiant
captains. The King of Scotland himself, who had been very brave, yet
being old, and laboring under a leprosy, appointed for one that gallant
prince, so renowned in arms, the Earl of Moray, who bore upon his banner
argent three pillows gules; the other was Sir James Douglas, esteemed
the bravest and most enterprising knight in the two kingdoms: he bore
for arms azure on a chef argent. These two lords were the greatest
barons, and most renowned for their prowess and other feats of arms.
CHAPTER XV.
KING EDWARD’S FIRST EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SCOTS.
When the English king and all his host had seen the smoke of the fires
which the Scots had made, the alarm was immediately sounded, and every
one ordered to dislodge and to follow his banners: they all, therefore,
withdrew to the fields, armed for immediate combat. Three battalions of
infantry were formed; each battalion having two wings, composed of five
hundred men at arms, who were to remain on horseback.
It was said that there were eight thousand men at arms, knights and
esquires, and thirty thousand men armed and equipped, half of whom were
mounted on small hackneys: the other half were countrymen on foot, sent
by the towns and paid by them. There were also twenty-four thousand
archers on foot, besides all the crew of followers of the army. Thus
being drawn up, they marched in battle array after the Scots, towards
the place whence the smoke came, until it was night. The army halted in
a wood, by the side of a small river, to rest themselves, and to wait
for their baggage and provisions.
And all that day the Scots had burnt and wasted and pillaged the country
about within five miles of the English host, but the Englishmen could
not overtake them. They could not approach near to the Scots, who went
wasting the country before them.
At daybreak the next morning every one was armed, and with banners
displayed marched in good order over mountains and through valleys, but
could never approach the Scots; for there were so many marshes and
dangerous places, that it was ordered, under pain of death, that no one
should quit his banner except the marshals. When it drew toward night,
the cavalry, and those who attended the baggage, more especially the
infantry, were so fatigued that they could march no farther.
The king then ordered the marshals to encamp the army there for the
night, in order that they might consider what was to be done the next
day. The army lay in a wood upon the banks of a small river, and the
king was lodged in a poor monastery hard by. When each had chosen a
spot of ground to encamp himself on, the lords retired apart, to
consider what would be the best method to force the Scots, considering
the situation of the country in which they were. It appeared to them
that the Scots were sheering off to their own country, burning and
pillaging as they went, and that it would be impossible to fight with
them in these mountains without a manifest disadvantage, supposing they
should overtake them, which they could not; but, as they must repass the
Tyne, it was determined in full council, that, if they were to get
themselves ready about midnight, and hasten their march next day, they
might cut off the passage of the river, and force them to fight at a
disadvantage, or remain shut up prisoners in England.
After this resolution had been entered into, each retired to his
quarters, to eat and drink what he could find there; and they desired
their companions to be silent, in order that the trumpets might be
heard: at the first sounding of which, the horses were to be saddled and
made ready; at the second, every one was to arm himself without delay;
and, at the third, to mount their horses immediately, and join their
banners. Each was to take only one loaf of bread with him, slung behind
him, after the manner of hunters. All unnecessary arms, harness, and
baggage were ordered to be left behind, as they thought they should, for
a certainty, give battle the next day, whatever might be the
consequences. As it had been ordered, so was it executed; and all were
mounted and ready about midnight. Some had but little rest,
notwithstanding they had labored hard the day before. Day began to
appear, as the battalions were assembled at their different posts. The
banner-bearers then hastened on, over heaths, mountains, valleys,
rocks, and many dangerous places, without meeting any level country. On
the summits of the mountains, and in the valleys, were large marshes and
bogs, and of such extent that it is a miracle many were not lost in
them; for each galloped forward without waiting for either commander or
companion. Those who fell into them found difficulty in getting any one
to help them. Many banners remained there; and several baggage and
sumpter horses never came out again.
In the course of the day there were frequent cries of alarm, as if the
foremost ranks were engaged with the enemy; which those behind believing
to be true, they hurried forward as fast as possible, over rocks and
mountains, sword in hand, with their helmets and shields prepared for
fighting, without waiting for father, brother, or friend. When they had
hastened about half a league toward the place from which the noise came,
they found themselves disappointed, as the cries proceeded from some
herds of deer or other wild beasts, which abounded in these heaths and
desert places, and which fled before the banners, pursued by the shouts
of the army, which made them imagine it was something else.
In this manner the young King of England, agreeably to the advice of his
council, rode all that day over mountains and deserts, without keeping
to any fixed road, or finding any town. About vespers, and sorely
fatigued, they reached the Tyne, which the Scots had already crossed,
though the English supposed they had it still to repass. Accordingly
they went over the ford, but with great difficulty, owing to the large
stones that were in the river.
When they had passed over, each took up his lodging on its banks, as he
could; and at this time the sun was set. There were few among them that
had any hatchets, wedges, or other instruments, to cut down trees to
make themselves huts; many of them had lost their companions, and even
the foot had remained behind, not knowing what road to ask for. They
were forced to lie this night on the banks of the river in their armor,
and at the same time hold their horses by their bridles, for there was
not any place where they could tie them. Thus the horses had nothing to
eat, neither oats nor any forage; and the men had only their loaf that
was tied behind them, which was wetted by the sweat of the horses. They
had no other beverage but the water of the river, except some great
lords who had bottles among their baggage; nor had they any fire or
light, not having any thing to make them of, except some few lords who
had some torches which they had brought on sumpter-horses. In such a
melancholy manner did they pass the night, without taking the saddles
from off the horses, or disarming themselves. And when the long-expected
day appeared, when they hoped to find some comfort for themselves and
horses, or to fight the Scots, which they very much wished for, to get
out of their disagreeable situation, it began to rain, and continued all
the day, insomuch that the river was so increased by noon that no one
could pass over, nor could any one be sent to know where they were, or
to get forage and litter for their horses, or bread and wine for their
own sustenance: they were therefore obliged to fast another night. The
horses had nothing to subsist on but the leaves of the trees, and grass.
They cut down with their swords young trees, and tied their horses to
them. They also cut down brushwood to make huts for themselves.
Having continued a whole week without hearing any tidings of the Scots,
who they imagined must pass that way, or very near it, on their return
home, great murmurs arose in the army; and many laid the fault on those
who had given such advice, adding that it was done in order to betray
the king and his host. Upon which, the lords of council ordered the army
to make ready to march, and cross the river seven leagues higher up,
where the ford was better; and it was proclaimed, that every one was to
be in readiness to march the next day, and to follow his banners. There
was another proclamation made, that whoever chose to take pains and find
out where the Scots were, and should bring certain intelligence of it to
the king, the messenger of such news should have one hundred pounds a
year in land, and be made a knight by the king himself. When this was
made known among the host, many knights and esquires, to the number of
fifteen or sixteen, eager to gain such rewards, passed the river with
much danger, ascended the mountains, and then separated, each taking
different routes.
The next day the army dislodged; marched tolerably well, considering
that they were but ill clothed; and exerted themselves so much, that
they repassed the river, though with much danger from its being swollen
by the rains. Many were well washed, and many drowned. When they had
crossed over, they remained there for that night, finding plenty of
forage in the fields near to a small village, which the Scots had burnt
as they passed. The next day they marched over hill and dale till about
noon, when they came to some burnt villages, and some fields where there
were corn and hay, so that the host remained there for that night. The
third day they marched in the same manner; but many were ignorant where
they were going, nor had they any intelligence of the enemy.
They continued their route the fourth day in this order; when, about
three o’clock, an esquire, galloping up hastily to the king, said,
“Sire, I bring you news of the Scots: they are three leagues from this
place, lodged on a mountain, where they have been this week, waiting for
you. They knew no more where you were than you did of them: and you may
depend on this as true; for I approached so near to them, that I was
taken, and led a prisoner to their army, before their chiefs. I informed
them where you were, and that you were seeking them to give them battle.
The lords gave me up my ransom, and my liberty, when I informed them
that you had promised a hundred pounds a year to whoever should first
bring intelligence of them, upon condition that he rested not until he
brought you this information; and I now tell you that you will find them
in the place I have mentioned, as eager to meet you in battle as
yourself can be.” As soon as the king heard this news he ordered his
army to be prepared, and turned his horses to feed in the fields, near
to a monastery of white monks, which had been burnt, and which was
called in King Arthur’s time Blanche Land. Then the king confessed
himself, and each made his preparations according to his abilities. The
king ordered plenty of masses to be said, to housel such as were
devoutly inclined. He assigned a hundred pounds’ value of land, yearly,
to the esquire, according to his promise, and made him a knight with his
own hands, in the presence of the whole army. When they had taken some
repose, and breakfasted, the trumpets sounded; and, all being mounted,
the banners advanced as the young knight led them on; but each battalion
marched by itself in regular array, over hill and dale, keeping their
ranks according to order. Thus they continued marching, when about
twelve o’clock they came within sight of the Scots army.
As soon as the Scots perceived them, they issued forth from their huts
on foot, and formed three good battalions upon the descent of the
mountain on which they lodged. A strong, rapid river ran at the foot of
this mountain, which was so full of large rocks and stones, that it was
dangerous to pass it in haste. If the English had passed this river,
there was not room between it and the mountain for them to draw up their
line of battle. The Scots had formed their two first battalions on the
two sides of the mountain, and on the declivity of the rock, which was
not easy to climb to attack them: but they themselves were posted so as
to annoy them with stones, if they crossed the river; which, if the
English effected, they would not be able to return.
When the English lords perceived the disposition of the Scots, they
ordered their men to dismount, take off their spurs, and form three
battalions as before. Many new knights were made; and, when the
battalions were formed, some of the chief lords brought the young king
on horseback along the lines, to encourage the men. The king spoke most
graciously to all, and besought them to take every pains to do him honor
and preserve their own. He ordered, under pain of death, that no one
should advance before the banners of the marshals, or move without
orders. Shortly afterwards the battalions were commanded to advance
toward the enemy in slow time, keeping their ranks. This was done; and
each battalion moved on a considerable space, and came to the ascent of
the mountain where the Scots were posted. This manœuvre was intended in
order to see whether the enemy would retire, or make any movement; but
neither one nor other was to be perceived, and the armies were so near
each other that they could see the arms on their fields. The army was
ordered to halt to consider what was to be done; and some companions
were mounted to skirmish with the enemy, and to examine the passage of
the river and their appearance more clearly. They sent heralds to make
an offer of retiring on the morrow, if they would pass the river, and
fight upon the plain; or, if the Scots would not consent to this, that
they would do the same.
When the Scots received this proposal, the chiefs retired to counsel,
and returned for answer by the heralds, that they would do neither the
one nor the other; that the king and his barons saw that they were in
his kingdom, and had burnt and pillaged wherever they had passed; and
that, if it displeased the king, he might come and amend it, for they
would tarry there as long as it pleased them. When the council of the
King of England heard the answer, he ordered it to be proclaimed, that
each should take up his quarters where he was, without quitting the
ground or his arms: they therefore lay that night very uncomfortably
upon the hard ground, among rocks and stones, with their armor on, nor
could they get any stakes for the purpose of tying their horses, or
procure either litter, or forage, or any bushes to make fires.
The Scots, seeing the English thus take up their quarters, ordered part
of the army to remain where the battalions had been drawn up; and the
remainder retired to their huts, where they made marvellously great
fires, and about midnight such a blasting and noise with their horns,
that it seemed as if all the great devils from hell had been come there.
Thus were they lodged this night, which was the night of the feast of
St. Peter, the beginning of August, 1327, until the next day, when the
lords heard mass; afterwards every one armed himself, and the battalions
were formed as on the preceding day. When the Scots saw this, they came
and lodged themselves on the same ground they had done before; and the
two armies remained thus drawn up until noon, when the Scots made no
movement to come toward the English, nor did these on their part make
any advances, for they dared not to attempt it with so great
disadvantage. Several companions passed the river on horseback, as did
some of the foot, to skirmish with the Scots, who also quitted their
battalions to meet them; and many on each side were killed, wounded, and
taken prisoners. In the afternoon the lords ordered every one to retire
to their quarters, as it seemed to them that they were drawn up to no
purpose. In this manner they remained for three days. The Scots, on
their side, never quitted the mountain; but there were continued
skirmishes on both sides, and many killed and taken prisoners. In the
evenings they made large fires, and great noises with their horns and
with shouting. The intention of the English lords was to keep the Scots
besieged there; for, as they could not well fight with them, they hoped
to starve them. They knew from the prisoners that they had neither
bread, wine, salt, nor other provision, except cattle, of which they had
plenty, that they had seized in the country: of these they might eat,
indeed, without bread, which would not be very palatable. But they had
some little flour to make such cakes as have been before mentioned, and
which some of the English use on their inroads beyond the borders.
The fourth day, in the morning, the English looked for the Scots on the
mountain, but saw none of them, for they found they had decamped
secretly at midnight. Scouts of horse and of foot were immediately
despatched through the mountains to know what was become of them. They
found them, about four o’clock, posted upon another mountain, much
stronger than that they had left, upon the same river, near a large
wood, to be more concealed, and in order more privately to advance or
retreat at pleasure.
As soon as this was known, the English had orders to dislodge, and to
march in battle array toward the place where the enemy was posted; and
they encamped on a mountain opposite. They formed their battalions, and
seemed as if they meant to advance to them. The Scots no sooner
perceived this, than they sallied out of their quarters, and came and
posted themselves by the side of the river, directly in front; but they
were unwilling to advance or come nearer. The English could not attack
them in such a situation without great disadvantage and loss. They
remained full eighteen days in this situation upon this mountain, whence
the lords sent frequent heralds to the Scots, to offer to give them full
place of plain ground to draw up their battalions, or else they would
accept the same from them; but they would not agree to either of these
proposals.
The two armies had little comfort during the time they remained in this
position. The first night that the English were posted on this second
mountain, the Lord James Douglas took with him about two hundred men at
arms, and at midnight crossed the river, at such a distance from the
camp that he was not noticed, and fell upon the English army most
valiantly, shouting, “Douglas forever! Ye shall die, ye thieves of
England!” He and his companions killed more than three hundred; and he
galloped up to the king’s tent, and cut two or three of its cords,
crying, at the same time, “Douglas! Douglas forever!” when he set off;
and in his retreat he lost some of his followers, but not many: he
returned to his friends on the mountain. Nothing more of the sort was
attempted from that time; but the English in future kept a strong and
attentive guard, for they were fearful of another attack from the Scots,
and had placed sentinels and scouts to give notice of the smallest
movement of the enemy; the chief lords also slept in their armor. There
were frequent skirmishes, and many lives lost on both sides. The
twenty-fourth day from the time they had received intelligence of the
enemy, a Scots knight was taken prisoner, who, sore against his will,
gave an account to the lords of the state of the enemy. He was so
closely examined, that he owned his lords had given orders that morning
for every one to be armed by vespers, and follow the banner of Lord
James Douglas; that it was to be kept secret; but he was not for a
certainty acquainted with their intentions further. Upon this the
English lords held a council; and they judged, from the information of
the Scots knight, that the enemy might perhaps come in full force at
night to attack them on both sides at once, and from their sufferings by
famine, which they could endure no longer, make it a very bloody and
doubtful combat. The English formed into three battalions, and posted
themselves before their quarters, on three separate spots of ground.
They made large fires, in order to see better, and left their pages in
their quarters to take care of their horses. They remained under arms
all the night, and each was placed under his own standard or banner.
Toward daybreak two Scots trumpeters fell in with one of the patrols,
who took them, and brought them before the lords of the council, to whom
they said, “My lords, why do you watch here? You are losing your time;
for we swear, by our heads, that the Scots are on their march home since
midnight, and are now four or five leagues off, and they left us behind,
that we might give you the information.” The English said that it would
be in vain to follow them, as they could never overtake them; but,
fearing deceit, the lords ordered the trumpeters to close confinement,
and did not alter the position of the battalions until four o’clock.
When they saw that the Scots were really gone, they gave permission for
each to retire to his quarters, and the lords held a council to consider
what was to be done. Some of the English, however, mounted their horses,
passed the river, and went to the mountain which the Scots had quitted,
and found more than five hundred large cattle, which the enemy had
killed, as they were too heavy to carry with them, and too slow to
follow them, and they wished not to let them fall into the hands of the
English alive. They found there, also, more than three hundred caldrons,
made of leather with the hair on the outside, which were hung on the
fires full of water and meat, ready for boiling. There were also upward
of a thousand spits with meat on them, prepared for roasting; and more
than ten thousand pairs of old worn-out shoes, made of undressed
leather, which the Scots had left there. There were found five poor
English prisoners, whom the Scots had bound naked to the trees, and some
of them had their legs broken. They untied them, and sent them away, and
then returned to the army, just as they were setting out on their march
to England, by orders from the king and council.
They followed all that day the banners of the marshals, and halted at an
early hour in a beautiful meadow, where there was plenty of forage for
their horses; and much need was there of it, for they were so weakened
by famine, that they could scarce move. The next day they decamped
betimes, and took up their quarters still earlier, at a large monastery
within two leagues of Durham. The king lay there that night, and the
army in the fields around it, where they found plenty of grass, pulse,
and corn. They remained there quiet the next day; but the king and lords
went to see the church of Durham. The king paid his homage to the church
and the bishopric, which he had not before done, and gave largesses to
the citizens.
They found there all their carriages and baggage, which they had left in
a wood thirty-two days before at midnight, as has been related. The
inhabitants of Durham, finding them there, had brought them away at
their own cost, and placed them in empty barns. Each carriage had a
little flag attached to it, that it might be known. The lords were much
pleased at finding them again.
The king and nobles reposed two days at Durham, and the army in its
environs, for there would not have been sufficient room to lodge them in
that city. They had all their horses well shod, and set out on their
march toward York. They made such haste, that in three days they arrived
there, and found the queen mother, who received the king and nobles with
great joy, as did all the ladies of the court and city. The king
disbanded the army, and gave permission for every one to return to his
home, and made many acknowledgments to the earls, barons, and knights
for the services they had rendered him by their advice and prowess. The
knights made out their accounts for horses which had been ruined or
lost, or had died, and gave them in to the council; and also a statement
of their own expenses, which Sir John de Hainault took upon him as his
own debt toward his followers, for the king and his ministers could not
immediately collect such a sum as their horses amounted to; but he gave
them sufficient for their own expenses, and to carry them back to their
own country.
When the Hainaulters had received their demand for horses, they
purchased small hackneys to ride more at their ease, and sent their
carriages, sumpter-horses, trunks, and servants on board of two ships,
which the king had provided for them, and which landed them at Sluys, in
Flanders. They took leave of the king, queen, the earls of Kent and
Lancaster, and of all the barons, who paid them many honors; and the
king had them escorted by twelve knights and two hundred men at arms,
for fear of the archers, of whom they were not well assured, as they
must pass through the bishopric of Lincoln. Sir John and all his company
set out, escorted as above, and by easy journeys came to Dover, where
they embarked on board vessels ready provided for them. The Hainaulters
arrived at Wissan, where they tarried two days in order to deck out
their horses and the remains of their armor; during which time Sir John
de Hainault and some other knights went on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of
Boulogne. They returned together to Hainault, when they separated, and
each went to his own house: but Sir John went to his brother, who was at
that time at Valenciennes; he was received by him with great joy, as he
was much beloved by him. The Lord of Beaumont then related to him all
the above-mentioned history.
CHAPTER XVI.
KING EDWARD MARRIES THE LADY PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT.
Shortly afterwards, the king, queen, the Earl of Kent, his uncle, Earl
Henry of Lancaster, the Earl of Mortimer, and all the barons who were of
the council, sent a bishop, two knights bannerets, and two able clerks,
to Sir John de Hainault, to beg of him to be the means that the young
king, their lord, should marry; and that the Count of Hainault and
Holland would send over one of his daughters, for he would love her more
dearly, on his account, than any other lady. The count said he gave many
thanks to the king, queen, and the lords by whose counsel they were sent
thither to do him so much honor; and that he most willingly complied
with their request, if the pope and the holy Church of Rome would agree.
They immediately despatched two of the knights and the clerks to the
pope at Avignon, to entreat his consent; for without the pope’s
dispensation it could not be done, on account of their near
relationship; being in the third degree connected, for their two mothers
were cousins-german, being the children of two brothers. As soon as they
came to Avignon their business was done, for the pope and the college
gave their consent most benignantly.
When these gentlemen were returned to Valenciennes from Avignon, with
all their bulls, this marriage was directly settled and consented to on
each side; and immediate preparations were made for the dress and
equipage of such a lady, who was to be Queen of England.
She was then married, by virtue of a procuration which the King of
England had sent thither, and went on board a ship at Wissan, and landed
at Dover with all her suite. Her uncle, Sir John de Hainault, conducted
her to London, where she was crowned; and there were great crowds of the
nobility, and feastings, tournaments, and sumptuous entertainments every
day, which lasted for three weeks.
CHAPTER XVII.
DOUGLAS IS KILLED FIGHTING FOR THE HEART OF KING ROBERT.
After the Scots had in the night quitted the mountain where the young
King Edward and the nobles of England had held them besieged, as you
have before heard, they marched twenty-two miles without halting, and
crossed the Tyne pretty near to Carlisle, where by the orders of the
chiefs all disbanded and went to their own homes. Shortly afterwards
some of the lords and barons so earnestly solicited the King of England,
that a truce was agreed on between the two kings for three years.
During this truce it happened that King Robert of Scotland, who had been
a very valiant knight, waxed old, and was attacked with so severe an
illness that he saw his end was approaching: he therefore summoned
together all the chiefs and barons in whom he most confided, and, after
having told them that he should never get the better of this sickness,
he commanded them upon their honor and loyalty to keep faithfully the
kingdom for his son David, to crown him king when he was of a proper
age, and to marry him with a lady suitable to his station.
He after that called to him the gallant Lord James Douglas, and said to
him, in presence of the others,--
“My dear friend Lord James Douglas, you know that I have had much to do,
and have suffered many troubles, to support the rights of my crown. At
the time that I was most occupied I made a vow, the non-accomplishment
of which gives me much uneasiness: I vowed, that, if I could finish my
wars in such a manner that I might have quiet to govern peaceably, I
would go and make war against the enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ. To
this point my heart has always leaned; but our Lord gave me so much to
do in my lifetime, and this last expedition has delayed me so long,
followed by this heavy sickness, that, since my body cannot accomplish
what my heart wishes, I will send my heart in the stead of my body to
accomplish my vow.
“I will that as soon as I shall be dead you take my heart from my body,
and have it well embalmed; you will also take as much money from my
treasury as will appear to you sufficient to perform your journey, as
well as for all those whom you may choose to take with you in your
train: you will then deposit your charge at the Holy Sepulchre of our
Lord, where he was buried, since my body cannot go there. You will not
be sparing of expense; and, wherever you pass, you will let it be known
that you bear the heart of King Robert of Scotland, which you are
carrying beyond seas by his command, since his body cannot go thither.”
All those present began bewailing bitterly; and, when the Lord James
could speak, he said, “Gallant and noble king, I return you a hundred
thousand thanks for the high honor you do me, and for the valuable and
dear treasure with which you intrust me; and I will most willingly do
all that you command me, with the utmost loyalty in my power. Never
doubt it, however I may feel unworthy of such a high distinction.”
The king replied, “Gallant knight, I thank you. You promise it me,
then?”
“Certainly, sir; most willingly,” answered the knight. He then gave his
promise upon his knighthood.
The king said, “Thanks be to God! For I shall now die in peace, since I
know that the most valiant and accomplished knight of my kingdom will
perform that for me which I am unable to do for myself.”
Soon afterwards the valiant Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, departed
this life. His heart was embalmed, and his body buried in the monastery
of Dunfermline.
Early in the spring the Lord James Douglas, having made provision of
every thing that was proper for his expedition, embarked at the port of
Montrose, and sailed directly for Sluys in Flanders, in order to learn
if any one were going beyond the sea to Jerusalem, that he might join
companies. He remained there twelve days, and would not set his foot on
shore, but staid the whole time on board, where he kept a magnificent
table, with music of trumpets and drums, as if he had been the King of
Scotland. His company consisted of one knight banneret, and seven
others, of the most valiant knights of Scotland, without counting the
rest of his household. His plate was of gold and silver, consisting of
pots, basins, porringers, cups, bottles, barrels, and other such things.
He had likewise twenty-six young and gallant esquires of the best
families in Scotland to wait on him; and all those who came to visit him
were handsomely served with two sorts of wine, and two sorts of
spices,--I mean those of a certain rank. At last, after staying at Sluys
twelve days, he heard that Alphonso, King of Spain, was waging war
against the Saracen King of Grenada. He considered that, if he should go
thither, he should employ his time and journey according to the late
king’s wishes; and, when he should have finished there, he would proceed
farther, to complete that with which he was charged. He made sail
therefore toward Spain, and landed first at Valencia; thence he went
straight to the King of Spain, who was with his army on the frontiers,
very near the Saracen King of Grenada.
[Illustration: Lord James Douglas throwing the Heart of Bruce among the
Saracens.]
It happened, soon after the arrival of the Lord James Douglas, that the
King of Spain issued forth into the fields, to make his approaches
nearer the enemy: the King of Grenada did the same, and each king could
easily distinguish the other’s banners; and they both began to set their
armies in array. The Lord James placed himself and his company on one
side, to make better work and a more powerful effort. When he perceived
that the battalions on each side were fully arranged, and that of the
King of Spain in motion, he imagined they were about to begin the onset;
and, as he always wished to be among the first rather than last on such
occasions, he and all his company struck their spurs into their horses,
until they were in the midst of the King of Grenada’s battalion, and
made a furious attack on the Saracens. He thought that he should be
supported by the Spaniards; but in this he was mistaken, for not one
that day followed his example. The gallant knight and all his companions
were surrounded by the enemy: they performed prodigies of valor, but
these were of no avail, as they were all killed.[3] It was a great
misfortune that they were not assisted by the Spaniards.
About this time many of the nobles and others, desirous of a settled
peace between the Scots and English, proposed a marriage between the
young King of Scotland and the sister of the King of England. This
marriage was concluded and solemnized at Berwick, with great feasts and
rejoicings on both sides.
CHAPTER XVIII.
PHILIP OF VALOIS CROWNED KING OF FRANCE.
Charles, King of France, died without heirs male. The twelve peers and
barons of France assembled at Paris without delay, and gave the kingdom
with one consent to Philip of Valois. They passed by the Queen of
England, and the king her son, although she was cousin-german to the
king last deceased; for they said that the kingdom of France was of such
great nobleness that it ought not to fall by succession to a female.
They crowned the Lord Philip King of France, at Rheims, the Trinity
Sunday following.
CHAPTER XIX.
KING EDWARD IS ADVISED BY HIS COUNCIL TO MAKE WAR AGAINST KING
PHILIP OF FRANCE. HE EFFECTS GREAT ALLIANCES IN GERMANY, AND IS
MADE VICAR OF THE EMPIRE.
The Lord Robert d’Artois[4] was in England very near the king’s person,
whom he was continually advising to make war upon the King of France,
for wrongfully withholding his inheritance. The king saw clearly that it
was impossible for him, and all the force he could bring from his own
country, to subdue such a great kingdom as that of France, if he did not
obtain powerful friends and assistance in the empire, and in other
parts, by means of his money.
The King of England, when the winter was over, embarked, accompanied by
many earls, barons, and knights, and came to the city of Antwerp, which
at that time was held for the Duke of Brabant. He sent to the Duke of
Brabant, his cousin, his brother-in-law the Duke of Gueldres, to the
Marquis of Juliers, the Lord John of Hainault, and to all those from
whom he expected support and assistance, that he should be happy to have
some conversation with them.
When all the lords of the empire were assembled in the city of Halle,
they had long deliberations together, and said to the King of England,
“Dear sir, there is an ordinance of a very old date, sealed, that no
king of France should take and keep possession of any thing that
belongs to the empire. Now, King Philip has gotten possession of the
castles of Crevecœur in Cambresis, and of Arleux in Artois, as well as
the city of Cambray; for which the emperor has good grounds to challenge
him through us,--if you will have the goodness to obtain his consent, in
order to save our honor.” The King of England replied that he would
cheerfully conform himself to their advice.
It was then determined that the Marquis of Juliers should go to the
emperor, and with him knights and counsellors from the king, and some
from the Duke of Gueldres; but the Duke of Brabant would not send any:
he lent, however, his castle of Louvain to the king for his residence.
The Marquis of Juliers and his company returned from the emperor about
All Saints’ Day; and, when he sent to inform the king of this, he
congratulated him on the good success of his mission. The king wrote him
for answer that he should come to him on the feast of St. Martin, and
demanded of the Duke of Brabant to name the place where he wished this
conference to be holden; who replied, at Arques, near to his own
country. Upon this the king gave notice of it, that all his allies might
be there.
The town-hall of Arques was hung with rich and fine cloths, like to the
presence-chamber of the king. His Majesty was seated five feet higher
than the rest of the company, and had on his head a rich crown of gold.
The letters from the emperor to the king were publicly read, by which
the King of England was constituted and established his vicar and
lieutenant, and full powers granted to him to do all the acts of law and
justice to every one, in his name, and also to coin money in gold and
silver.
On this occasion an ancient statute was renewed and confirmed, which
had been made in former times at the court of the emperor. It directed
that any one meaning to hurt or annoy another should send him a
sufficient defiance three days before he committed any hostile act; and
that whoever should act otherwise should be degraded as an evil-doer.
When all this was completed, the lords took their leave, and gave each
other their mutual promises to be fully equipped, without delay, three
weeks after the feast of St. John, to sit down before the city of
Cambray; which of right belonged to the emperor, but had turned to the
French.
CHAPTER XX.
KING EDWARD AND HIS ALLIES SEND CHALLENGES TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
Winter was now over, and the summer come, when, the feast of St. John
the Baptist approaching, the lords of England and Germany made
preparations for undertaking their intended expedition. The King of
France also made his preparations to meet them; for he was well
acquainted with part of what they intended, though he had not yet
received any challenge. King Edward collected his stores in England,
where he made his armaments ready; and, as soon as St. John’s Day was
passed, transported them across the sea to Vilvorde, whither he went
himself. He made all his people, on their arrival, take houses in the
town; and, when this was full, he lodged them in tents and pavilions in
the fine meadows along the side of the river. He remained thus from
Magdalen Day until the feast of Our Lady in September, expecting week
after week the arrival of the lords of the empire, especially the Duke
of Brabant, for whom all the others were waiting. When the King of
England saw that they came not, he caused them to be summoned to be at
the city of Mechlin on St. Giles’s Day, according to their promises, and
give reasons for their delays.
The lords of Germany, in obedience to the summons, came to Mechlin,
where, after many debates, they agreed that the king should be enabled
to march in a fortnight, when they would be quite ready; and, that their
cause might have a better appearance, they determined to send challenges
to King Philip. These challenges were written and sealed by all except
the Duke John of Brabant, who said he would do his part at the proper
time and place. They were given in charge to the Bishop of Lincoln, who
carried them to Paris, and performed his errand so justly and well that
he was blamed by no one. He had a passport granted him to return to his
lord, who, as said before, was at Mechlin.
CHAPTER XXI.
KING EDWARD CREATES SIR HENRY OF FLANDERS A KNIGHT, AND AFTERWARDS
MARCHES INTO PICARDY.
As soon as the King of England had passed the Scheld, and had entered
the kingdom of France, he called to him the Lord Henry of Flanders, who
was but a young esquire, and knighted him; at the same time giving him
two hundred pounds sterling a year, properly secured in England. The
king was lodged in the abbey of Mont St. Martin, where he remained two
days. His troops were scattered round about in the country. The Duke of
Brabant was quartered at the monastery of Vaucelles. When the King of
France, who was at Compiègne, heard this news, he increased his forces
everywhere, and sent the Earl of Eu and Guines, his constable, with a
large body of men at arms, to St. Quentin, to guard that town and the
frontiers against his enemies. He sent the Lords of Coucy and of Ham to
their castles, and a great number of men at arms to Guise, Ribemont,
Bouchain, and the neighboring fortresses on the borders of his kingdom;
and came himself to Peronne, in the Vermandois. During the time the King
of England was at the abbey of Mont St. Martin, his people overran the
country as far as Bapaume, and very near to Peronne and St. Quentin:
they found it rich and plentiful, for there had not been any wars in
those parts.
Sir Henry of Flanders, to do credit to his newly acquired knighthood,
and to obtain honor, made one of a party of knights, who were conducted
by Sir John de Hainault. There were among them the Lords of Fauquemont,
Bergues, Vaudresen, Lens, and many others, to the number of five hundred
combatants. They had a design upon a town in the neighborhood, called
Hennecourt, whither the greater number of the inhabitants of the country
had retired, who, confiding in the strength of this fortress, had
carried with them all their movables. Sir Arnold of Bacqueghen and Sir
William du Dunor had already been there, but had done nothing; upon
which all these lords had collected together, and were desirous of going
thither to do their utmost to conquer it. There was an abbot at that
time in Hennecourt, of great courage and understanding, who ordered
barriers to be made of woodwork around the town, and likewise to be
placed across the street, so that there was not more than half a foot
from one post to another: he then collected armed men, provided stones,
quicklime, and such like instruments of annoyance, to guard them. As
soon as the lords above mentioned came there, the abbot posted his
people between the barriers and the gate, and flung the gate open. The
lords dismounted, and approached the barriers, which were very strong,
sword in hand; and great strokes were given to those within, who
defended themselves very valiantly. Sir Abbot did not spare himself;
but, having a good leathern jerkin on, dealt about his blows manfully,
and received as good in his turn. Many a gallant action was performed;
and those within the barriers flung upon the assailants stones, logs,
and pots full of lime, to annoy them.
It chanced that Sir Henry of Flanders, who was one of the foremost, with
his sword attached to his wrist, laid about him at a great rate: he came
too near the abbot, who caught hold of his sword, and drew him to the
barriers with so much force, that his arm was dragged through the
grating, for he could not quit his sword with honor. The abbot continued
pulling; and, had the grating been wide enough, he would have had him
through, for his shoulder had passed, and he kept his hold, to the
knight’s great discomfort. On the other side, his brother knights were
endeavoring to draw him out of his hands; and this lasted so long that
Sir Henry was sorely hurt: he was, however, at last rescued, but his
sword remained with the abbot. And at the time I was writing this book,
as I passed through that town, the monks showed me this sword, which was
kept there, much ornamented. It was there that I learnt all the truth of
this assault. Hennecourt was very vigorously attacked that day; and it
lasted until vespers. Many of the assailants were killed or wounded.
Sir John of Hainault lost a knight from Holland, called Sir Herman, who
bore for arms a fess componé gules, and in chief, three buckles azure.
When the Flemings, Hainaulters, English, and Germans, who were there,
saw the courage of those within the town, and that, instead of gaining
any advantage, they were beaten down and wounded, they retreated in the
evening, carrying with them to their quarters the wounded and bruised.
On the next morning the king departed from Mont St. Martin, and ordered,
under pain of death, that no damage should be done to the abbey, which
was observed. They then entered the Vermandois, and at an early hour
took up their lodgings on Mont St. Quentin. They were in a regular order
of battle, and those of St. Quentin might have encountered them had they
chosen it; but they had no desire to issue out of the town. The scouts
of the army went up to the barriers, and skirmished with those who were
there. The Constable of France and Sir Charles le Blois drew up their
people in order of battle before the barriers; and when the Englishmen,
among whom were the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Northampton, Sir
Reginald Cobham, and many others, saw the manner in which it was done,
they retreated to the main army of the king, which remained encamped on
the hill until four o’clock the next morning. A council was then held,
to consider whether they should march straight into France, or draw
toward Tierache, keeping near the borders of Hainault. By the advice of
the Duke of Brabant, the latter plan was followed, as from that country
they drew all their provision; and they resolved, that if King Philip
should follow them with his army, as they supposed he would, they would
wait for him in the plains, and give him battle without fail. They then
set out from Mont St. Quentin, ranged in a regular order, in three
battalions. The marshals and the Germans led the van, the King of
England the centre, and the Duke of Brabant the rear. They advanced not
more than three or four leagues a day, halting early, but burning and
pillaging all the country they passed through.
We must now speak of the expedition of Sir John of Hainault, who had
with him full five hundred fighting men. He came first to Guise, which
he burnt, and destroyed the mills. In the fortress was the Lady Jane,
his daughter, wife of Lewis, Earl of Blois. She begged of her father to
spare the lands and heritage of his son-in-law; but in vain, for Sir
John would not depart until he had completed the purpose of his
expedition. He then returned to the king, who was lodged in the abbey of
Sarnaques, while his people overran the country. The Lord of Fauquemont
led sixscore German lances to Lonnion, in Tierache, a large level town;
the inhabitants of which had almost all retired with what they could
carry off into the woods, and there had fortified their position by
cutting down large trees. The Germans followed them, and, being joined
by Sir Arnold Bacqueghen and his company, they attacked the people of
Lonnion in the wood, who defended themselves as well as they could; but
they were overpowered and obliged to flee. There were about forty killed
and wounded, and all they brought there plundered. Thus was this country
ruined without any hindrance; and the English acted as they thought
proper.
When the King of England had halted in the champaign country of
Tierache, he was informed that the King of France was within two leagues
of him, and eager to give him battle. He therefore summoned the chiefs
of his army, and demanded of them the best method of preserving his
honor, as his intention was to accept the combat. The lords looked at
each other, and requested the Duke of Brabant to give his opinion. The
duke replied, that he was for fighting, as they could not depart
honorably without it; and he advised that a herald should be sent to the
King of France, to offer him battle, and to fix the day. A herald who
belonged to the Duke of Gueldres, and spoke French well, had this
commission. After being informed what he was to say, he rode to the
French army, and, coming to the king and his counsellors, told them that
the King of England, having halted in the plains, demanded and required
the combat of one army against the other. To this King Philip answered
willingly, and appointed the Friday following for the day, this being
Wednesday. The herald returned back, well clothed with handsome furred
mantles, which the king and lords of France had given him for the sake
of the news he had brought, and related the good cheer he had received.
The day being thus fixed, information of it was given to the captains of
either army, and every one made his preparations accordingly.
On the Thursday morning, two knights belonging to the Earl of Hainault,
the Lords of Faguinelles and Tupegny, mounted their steeds; and these
two, leaving their own army, set out to view that of the English. They
rode on for some time boldly along the line of the English army; when it
chanced that the horse of the Lord of Faguinelles took fright, ran off
in spite of all the efforts of his master, and carried him, whether he
would or no, to the quarters of the enemy. He fell into the hands of the
Germans, who, soon perceiving he did not belong to their party,
surrounded him and his horse, and took him prisoner. He remained
prisoner to five or six German gentlemen, who immediately ransomed him.
When they found out that he was a Hainaulter, they asked him whether he
knew Sir John of Hainault; he replied, _Yes_, and begged of them, for
the love of God, to carry him to him, because he was sure he would be
security for his ransom. The Germans were delighted at this, and carried
him to Sir John, who pledged himself for his ransom. The Lord of
Faguinelles thereupon returned to the army of Hainault, to his earl and
other lords. His steed was returned to him through the entreaties of the
Lord of Beaumont. Thus passed that day without any other thing occurring
worthy of being recorded.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE TWO KINGS RETIRE FROM VIRONFOSSE WITHOUT GIVING BATTLE.
It was a matter of much wonder, how two such fine armies could separate
without fighting. But the French were of contrary opinions among
themselves. Some said it would be a great shame, and very blameable, if
the king did not give battle when he saw his enemies so near him, and
drawn up in his own kingdom in battle array: others said it would
exhibit a singular instance of madness to fight, as they were not
certain that some treachery was not intended; besides, if fortune should
be unfavorable, the king would run a great risk of losing his kingdom,
and, if he should conquer his enemies, he would not be the nearer to
gain possession of England or of the land of the allies. Thus the day
passed until near twelve o’clock in disputes and debates. About noon a
hare was started in the plain, and ran among the French army, who began
to make a great shouting and noise, which caused those in rear to
imagine the combat was begun in front; and many put on their helmets,
and made ready their swords. Several new knights were made, especially
by the Earl of Hainault, who knighted fourteen; and they were after
called _knights of the hare_.