the debates of the council of the King of France, letters were brought
from Robert, King of Sicily, addressed to him and his council. This King
Robert was, as they said, a very great astrologer, and full of deep
science; he had often cast the nativities of the kings of France and
England, and had found by his astrology and the influence of the stars,
that, if the King of France fought with the King of England in person,
he would surely be defeated; in consequence of which he, as a wise king,
and much fearing the danger and peril of his cousin the King of France,
had sent, long before, letters most earnestly to request King Philip and
his council never to give battle to the English when King Edward should
be there in person. These doubts, and this letter from the King of
Sicily, made many of the lords of France sore disheartened, of which the
king was informed, who nevertheless was very eager for the combat; but
he was so strongly dissuaded from it, that the day passed quietly, and
each man retired to his quarters.
When the Earl of Hainault saw that there was no likelihood of a battle,
he departed with all his people, and returned to Quesnoy. The next day
the Germans and Brabanters took their leave, and returned to their
homes. The King of England went to Brabant with the duke, his cousin.
Thus ended this great expedition, and every man returned to his own
house.
When the king’s vessel was ready, he embarked with a numerous attendance
at Antwerp, and sailed for London, where he arrived about St. Andrew’s
Day, and was joyfully received by his subjects, who were anxious for his
return. Great complaints were made to him of the ravages which the
Normans, Picards, and Spaniards had committed at Southampton; upon which
he answered, that, whenever it came to his turn, he would make them pay
dearly for it--and he kept his word before the end of that year.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE SEA-FIGHT BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND AND THE FRENCH, BEFORE SLUYS.
The King of England embarked for Flanders, in order to go to Hainault to
assist his brother-in-law in his war against France. He and his whole
navy sailed from the Thames, the day before the eve of St. John the
Baptist, 1340, and made straight for Sluys. Sir Hugh Quiriel, Sir Peter
Bahucet, and Barbenoire, were at that time lying between Blanckenburgh
and Sluys with upward of one hundred and twenty large vessels, without
counting others: these were manned with about forty thousand men,
Genoese and Picards, including mariners. By the orders of the King of
France, they were there at anchor, waiting the return of the King of
England, to dispute his passage.
When the king’s fleet was almost got to Sluys, they saw so many masts
standing before it, that they looked like a wood. The king asked the
commander of his ship what they could be; who answered, that he imagined
they must be that armament of Normans, which the King of France kept at
sea, and which had so frequently done him much damage, had burnt his
good town of Southampton, and taken his large ship the “Christopher.”
The king replied, “I have for a long time wished to meet with them, and
now, please God and St. George, we will fight them; for, in truth, they
have done me so much mischief, that I will be revenged on them if it be
possible.” The king drew up all his vessels, placing the strongest in
the front, and on the wings his archers. Between every two vessels with
archers there was one of men at arms. He stationed some detached vessels
as a reserve, full of archers, to assist and help such as might be
damaged. There were in this fleet a great many ladies from England,
countesses, baronesses, and knights’ and gentlemen’s wives, who were
going to attend on the queen at Ghent: these the king had guarded most
carefully by three hundred men at arms and five hundred archers. When
the King of England and his marshals had properly divided the fleet,
they hoisted their sails to have the wind on their quarter, as the sun
shone full in their faces, which they considered might be of
disadvantage to them, and stretched out a little, so that at last they
got the wind as they wished. The Normans, who saw them tack, could not
help wondering why they did so, and said they took good care to turn
about, for they were afraid of meddling with them. They perceived,
however, by his banner, that the king was on board, which gave them
great joy, as they were eager to fight with him: so they put their
vessels in proper order, for they were expert and gallant men on the
seas. They filled the “Christopher,” the large ship which they had taken
the year before from the English, with trumpets and other warlike
instruments, and ordered her to fall upon the English. The battle then
began very fiercely; archers and crossbow-men shot with all their might
at each other, and the men at arms engaged hand to hand. In order to be
more successful, they had large grapnels, and iron hooks with chains,
which they flung from ship to ship, to moor them to each other. There
were many valiant deeds performed, many prisoners made, and many
rescues. The “Christopher,” which led the van, was recaptured by the
English, and all in her taken or killed. There were then great shouts
and cries, and the English manned her again with archers, and sent her
to fight against the Genoese.
This battle was very murderous and horrible. Combats at sea are more
destructive and obstinate than upon the land, for it is not possible to
retreat or flee: every one must abide his fortune, and exert his prowess
and valor. Sir Hugh Quiriel and his companions were bold and determined
men, had done much mischief to the English at sea, and destroyed many of
their ships. This combat, therefore, lasted from early in the morning
until noon; and the English were hard pressed, for their enemies were
four to one, and the greater part men who had been used to the sea. The
king, who was in the flower of his youth, showed himself on that day a
gallant knight, as did the Earls of Derby, Pembroke, Hereford,
Huntingdon, Northampton, and Gloucester; the Lord Reginald Cobham, Lord
Felton, Lord Bradestan, Sir Richard Stafford, the Lord Percy, Sir Walter
Manny, Sir Henry de Flanders, Sir John Beauchamp, Sir John Chandos, the
Lord Delaware, Lucie Lord Malton, and the Lord Robert d’Artois, now
called Earl of Richmond. I cannot remember all the names of those who
behaved so valiantly in the combat; but they did so well, that, with
some assistance from Bruges and those parts of the country, the French
were completely defeated, and all the Normans and the others killed or
drowned, so that not one of them escaped. This was soon known all over
Flanders; and, when it came to the two armies before Thin-l’Evêque, the
Hainaulters were as much rejoiced as their enemies were dismayed.
After the king had gained this victory, which was on the eve of St.
John’s Day, he remained all that night on board of his ship before
Sluys; and there were great noises with trumpets, and all kinds of other
instruments. The Flemings came to wait on him, having heard of his
arrival, and what deeds he had performed. The king inquired of the
citizens of Bruges after Jacob von Artaveld; and they told him he was
gone to the aid of the Earl of Hainault with upward of sixty thousand
men, against the Duke of Normandy. On the morrow, which was Midsummer
Day, the king and his fleet entered the port. As soon as they were
landed, the king, attended by crowds of knights, set out on foot on a
pilgrimage to Our Lady of Ardembourg, where he heard mass, and dined. He
then mounted his horse, and went that day to Ghent, where the queen was,
who received him with great joy and kindness. The army and baggage, with
the attendants of the king, followed him by degrees to the same place.
The king had sent notice of his arrival to the lords that were before
Thin-l’Evêque, opposing the French; who, as soon as they heard of it,
and of his victory over the Normans, broke up their camp. The Earl of
Hainault disbanded all his troops, except the principal lords, whom he
carried with him to Valenciennes, and treated most nobly, especially the
Duke of Brabant, and Jacob von Artaveld. Jacob von Artaveld, in the full
market-place, explained the right King Edward had to the crown of
France, to all those lords that chose to hear him, and of what
importance it was to the three countries,--that is to say, Flanders,
Brabant, and Hainault,--when closely united. He spoke so clearly, and
with so much eloquence, that he was praised by all, who agreed that he
was worthy to exercise the dignity of Earl of Flanders. These lords then
took their leave, and agreed to meet in eight days’ time at Ghent, to
see the king. A day of conference was then appointed to be held at
Vilvorde.
It was then determined that the King of England should move about
Magdalen-tide, and lay siege to the city of Tournay; and all the lords
present promised to be there, as well as all the forces from the
principal towns. They then set off for their homes, to get ready, and
prepare themselves properly for the business.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE KING OF ENGLAND BESIEGES THE CITY OF TOURNAY WITH A POWERFUL ARMY.
King Philip, soon after the departure of these lords, was informed of
all that had passed, and how King Edward was to come to Tournay: he
therefore determined to provide it so well with ammunition, &c., and
with so many good knights, that the city should be well served and well
advised. He sent directly to the city of Tournay the flower of his
chivalry,--the Earl Raoul of Eu, Constable of France; the young Earl of
Guines, his son; the Earl of Foix, and his brothers, the Earl of Aymery
and Narbonne; the Lord Aymery of Poitiers; the Lord Geoffry of Chargny;
the Lord Gerard of Montfaucon; his two marshals, the Lord Robert
Bertrand, and Lord Matthew de Trie; the Lord of Caieux, seneschal of
Poitou; the Lord of Chatillon; and Sir John of Landas,--who had with
them many knights and esquires renowned in arms. The king entreated of
them earnestly that they would pay so much care and attention to
Tournay, that nothing unfortunate might happen; which they all promised
him. They took leave of the King of France, left Arras, and arrived at
Tournay, where they found Sir Godémar du Fay, who had been sent thither
before them. He received them joyfully, as did those of the town; and,
after having well examined the purveyances which were there, as well of
artillery as of provision, they ordered great quantities of corn, oats,
and other articles of food, to be brought into it from the country round
about, so that the city was in a good state to hold out for a long time.
The King of England, when the time for being before Tournay approached,
and the corn was nearly ripe, set out from Ghent, accompanied by seven
earls from his own country, two prelates, twenty-eight bannerets, two
hundred knights, four thousand men at arms, and nine thousand archers,
without counting the foot-soldiers. He passed through the town of
Oudenarde, crossed the Scheld, and encamped before Tournay, near St.
Martin’s Gate, on the road to Lisle and Douay. Soon after came his
cousin, the Duke of Brabant, with upward of twenty thousand men, knights
and esquires, and the companies from the different towns. The Brabanters
were encamped at Pontaries upon the Scheld, as you return from the
fields by the gate Valentinois. The Earl of Hainault came with the fine
cavalry of his country, with many Dutchmen and Zealanders, who attended
upon his person as their lord. The earl was encamped between the King of
England and the Duke of Brabant. Jacob von Artaveld came next with more
than forty thousand Flemings, not reckoning those from Ypres,
Poperingue, Cassel, and Bruges, who were ordered to another part, as you
will hear presently. He was quartered near the gate St. Fontaine, on
both sides of the Scheld, over which they had thrown a bridge of boats,
that they might have free intercourse. The Duke of Gueldres, the Earl of
Juliers, the Marquis of Blanckenberg, the Marquis of Nuys, the Earl of
Mons, the Earl of Savines, the Lord of Fauquemont, Sir Arnold de
Bacqueghen, and all the Germans, were stationed on the side toward
Hainault, so that the city of Tournay was very completely surrounded.
Each division of the army had open communication with each other; and no
one could enter or come out of the city without permission, or without
being seen.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SCOTS RECOVER GREAT PART OF THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE SIEGE OF
TOURNAY.
For the present we must return to Scotland, and see what is going on
there during this siege of Tournay. The reader should be informed that
Sir William Douglas, son of the brother of Sir James Douglas, who was
killed in Spain, the Earl of Moray, the Earl Patrick of Dunbar, the Earl
of Sutherland, Sir Robert Keith, Sir Simon Fraser, and Alexander Ramsay,
had remained as governors of the remnant of Scotland that was not in the
possession of the English. During the space of seven years they had
secreted themselves in the forest of Jedworth, in winter as well as
summer, and thence had carried on a war against all the towns and
fortresses wherein King Edward had placed any garrisons; in which many
perilous and gallant adventures befell them, and from which they
acquired much honor and renown. While King Edward was beyond sea, before
Tournay, the King of France sent over some forces to Scotland, which
arrived safe in the town of Perth; and he entreated the noblemen above
mentioned to carry on so bitter a war in England that King Edward should
be obliged to desist from his present enterprise before Tournay,
promising them every aid and assistance: in consequence of which these
lords collected their forces, and made themselves ready. They quitted
the forest of Jedworth, traversed Scotland, retook as many fortresses as
they were able, passed by Berwick, and, crossing the river Tyne, entered
Northumberland, which was formerly a kingdom of itself, where they found
plenty of fat cattle. Having wasted and burnt the whole country as far
as Durham, and even beyond it, they re-entered Scotland, and gained all
the fortresses which the King of England held, except the good town of
Berwick, and three other castles which annoyed them much, and which are
so strong that you will scarcely find their equals for strength in any
country: one is called Stirling, the other Roxburgh, and the third,
which may be styled the sovereign of Scotland, Edinburgh. This last is
situate upon a high rock, commanding a view of the country round about;
and the mountain has so steep an ascent, that few can go up it without
stopping twice or thrice. The governor of it at that time was a gallant
English knight, called Sir Walter Limousin.
A bold thought came into Sir William Douglas’s mind, which he mentioned
to his companions, the Earl of Dunbar, Sir Robert Fraser, who had been
tutor to King David of Scotland, and Alexander Ramsay, who all agreed
to try to execute it. They collected upward of two hundred lances of
Highlanders, went to sea, and purchased oats, oatmeal, coal, and straw,
and landed peaceably at a port about three miles from the castle of
Edinburgh, which had made a stronger resistance than all the other
castles. When they had armed themselves, they issued forth in the
night-time; and having chosen ten or twelve from among them, in whom
they had the greatest confidence, they dressed them in old, threadbare
clothes, with torn hats, like poor tradesmen, and loaded twelve small
horses, with a sack to each, filled with oats, meal, or coal; they then
placed the rest in ambuscade in an old abbey, that was ruined and
uninhabited, close to the foot of the mountain on which the castle was
situate. At daybreak these merchants, who were privily armed, took the
road with their horses, the very best way they could, toward the castle.
When they had got about half-way up the hill, Sir William Douglas and
Sir Simon Fraser advanced before the others, whom they ordered to follow
in silence, and came to the porter’s lodge. They informed him that they
had brought, with many risks and fears, coal, oats, and meal; and, if
there were any want of such articles, they should be glad to dispose of
them, and at a cheap rate. The porter replied, that the garrison would
thankfully have them, but it was so early that he dared not awake either
the governor or his steward. At the same time he told them to come
forward, and he would open the other gate. They all then passed quietly
through, and entered with their loads to the gate of the barriers, which
he opened for them.
Sir William Douglas had remarked that the porter had all the great keys
of the castle-gates; and had, in an
[Illustration: How Sir William Douglas and his Companions captured the
Castle of Edinburgh by Stratagem.]
apparently indifferent manner, inquired which opened the great gate, and
which the wicket. When the first gate was opened, they turned in their
nags, and flung off the loads of two, which consisted of coal, directly
upon the sill of the gate, so that it could not be shut; and then seized
the porter, whom they slew so suddenly that he did not utter a word.
They then took the keys, and opened all the gates, and Sir William
Douglas gave a blast upon his horn as a signal for his companions; they
then flung off their torn clothes, and placed all the remainder of the
coal between the gates, so that they could not be shut. When those in
the ambuscade heard the horn, they sallied forth, and hastened forward
to the castle. The noise of the horn awakened the watch of the castle,
at that time asleep, who, seeing these armed men running up the castle
hill, blew lustily on his horn, and bawled out, “Treason! treason! Arm
yourselves, my masters, as fast as you can; for here are men at arms
advancing to our fortress.” They all roused themselves as quickly as
they could, and when armed came to the gate; but Sir William and his
twelve companions defended the gate, so that it could not be shut. The
combat then grew hotter; but those from without maintained their ground
with great valor, until their ambuscade arrived. The garrison made a
very gallant defence, killing and wounding many of their enemies; but
Sir William and his party exerted themselves so much, that the fortress
was taken, and all the English killed, except the governor and six
esquires, to whom they showed mercy. The Scots remained in the castle
all that day, and appointed for governor a squire of that country,
called Sir Simon de Vesci, and left with him many of his countrymen.
This news was brought to the King of England while he lay before
Tournay.
CHAPTER XXVI.
SIR WILLIAM DE BAILLEUL AND SIR VAUFLART DE LA CROIX MAKE AN EXCURSION
TO PONT-À-TRESSIN.
The King of France published a special summons throughout his kingdom,
and also in many parts of the empire, for levying of forces. It had so
good an effect, that Charles, King of Bohemia, the Duke of Lorrain, the
Earl of Bar, the Bishop of Metz, the Bishop of Verdun, the Earl of
Montbeliard, the Lord John of Chalons, the Earl of Geneva, the Earl of
Savoy, and the Lord Lewis, his brother, came to serve under the King of
France, with as many men as they could collect together. There came to
him also, the Dukes of Brittany, Burgundy, and Bourbon, the Earls of
Alençon, Flanders, Foretz, Armagnac, Blois, Harcourt, and Dammartin, the
Lord Charles of Blois, the Lord of Coucy, and many other knights and
barons. The King of Navarre afterwards came with a number of men at
arms, to serve for the lands he held in France, and for which he was a
homager to the king. The King of Scotland was also there, under the
appointment of the King of France, and had a handsome body of men given
him.
Soon after the King of France had taken up his quarters, with his army,
near the bridge of Bouvines, a company of Hainaulters put themselves in
motion by the exhortations of Sir Vauflart de la Croix, who told them he
knew all the country well, and he could lead them to a part of the
French army which they would be sure of conquering. About one hundred
and twenty of them, knights and esquires, set out one day through love
to each other, to do some deeds of arms, and advanced toward
Pont-à-Tressin. They made the Lord of Bailleul their captain, and it was
under his banner that they were to enlist.
That same morning, some of the Liegeois made also an excursion, under
the command of Sir Robert de Bailleul, brother-german to the
above-mentioned Sir William de Bailleul; for he had made a promise to do
this, to the Bishop of Liege, and was bound to execute it with his whole
company. The Liegeois had passed Pont-à-Tressin, were foraging for their
horses, and looking out to see if they could find any chance to profit
by. The Hainaulters had rode on, and passed the bridge, without meeting
with any one; for there was such a fog that they could not distinguish
any thing at the distance of a lance’s-length. When all had passed the
bridge, they ordered Sir William de Bailleul and his banner to remain
there, and Sir Vauflart de la Croix, Sir Raflet de Monceaux, and Sir
John de Verchin, to advance as far as the quarters of the King of
Bohemia, and Bishop of Liege, which were near the bridge, and to attack
them. The Lord of Rodemach had had the guard that night of the army of
the King of Bohemia, and was on the point of retiring, when the
light-horse of the Hainaulters appeared. They attacked them, as they
came up, very valiantly; and they were repulsed also by the Liegeois.
The conflict was sharp, and the Hainaulters behaved themselves well. To
secure a retreat, however, to their banner, the Hainaulters drew toward
the bridge, where they were followed by those of Liege and Luxembourg,
and the engagement was renewed. Sir William de Bailleul was advised to
recross the bridge with his banner, for many of his people remained
there; and many a gallant deed was performed, many a capture made, and
many a rescue. Sir Vauflart, unluckily, was not able to gain the passage
of the bridge: so he got out of the crowd, and saved himself the best
way he could, by taking a road he was acquainted with, and hiding
himself among thorns and quagmires, where he remained a considerable
time. The rest still continued the combat; but the Liegeois, and those
from Luxembourg, had overthrown Sir William de Bailleul.
While this was passing, Sir Robert’s company, who had been out foraging,
returned, and, hearing the noise, came to the bridge. Sir Robert ordered
his banner to advance, which was carried by a squire called James de
Forsines, crying out, “Moriennes.” The Hainaulters, who were much
heated, perceiving the banner of Moriennes, which is quite straight,
thought it was their own, which they had been ordered to rally under,
for there is but very little difference between the two; the Morienne
arms having bars counterbarred with two chevrons, gules, and the chevron
of Sir Robert had on it a small cross or. The Hainaulters made a sad
mistake, and ran into the midst of Sir Robert’s troop, who received them
most fiercely, repulsed and discomfited them. They lost, on their side,
Sir John de Vargny, Sir Walter de Pont-à-l’Arche, Sir William de
Pipempoix, Sir John de Soire, Sir Daniel de Bleze, Sir Race de Monceaux,
Sir Lewis Dampelu, and many other knights and squires. Sir William de
Bailleul saved himself in the best manner he could, but he lost a great
many of his men. Sir Vauflart de la Croix, who hid himself among the
reeds in the marshes, hoped to have remained there until the night, but
he was perceived by some troopers who were riding through these marshes:
they made such a shouting and noise, that Sir Vauflart came out, and
surrendered himself to them, who led him to the army, and gave him up to
their commander. He detained him a whole day in his quarters, and would
willingly, through pity, have saved him, as he knew his head would
probably suffer. But the King of France, having heard of it, wished to
take cognizance of it himself: so Sir Vauflart was given up to him, and
the king sent him to Lisle, where, as he had done much harm to the
inhabitants, they would not accept of any ransom, but put him to death.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE EARL OF HAINAULT ATTACKS THE FORTRESS OF MORTAGNE IN VARIOUS
MANNERS.
The King of France was much rejoiced at the arrival of Sir Robert de
Bailleul, and his defeat of the Hainaulters. Shortly afterwards, the
Earl of Hainault, Sir John his uncle the seneschal of Hainault, with
full six hundred lances, Hainaulters and Germans, set out from the siege
before Tournay. The earl had sent orders for those of Valenciennes to
take another route, and place themselves between the Scarpe and the
Scheld, to attack the town of Mortagne. They came there in a large body,
and brought with them many engines, to throw things into the place. I
have before told how the Lord of Beaujeu had been sent thither as
governor. He had expected an attack, from the situation of Mortagne upon
the Scheld, and bordering upon Hainault, and had driven upward of twelve
hundred piles in the bed of the river to prevent its navigation. It was
not long before the earl and his Hainaulters arrived on one side of the
town, and the Valenciennois on the other. They made preparations for an
immediate attack. The Valenciennois ordered their crossbow-men to shoot,
and to advance to the barriers; but they were unable to do so, on
account of the wide and deep trenches which had been made before them.
They then bethought themselves to cross the Scarpe at any rate below
Château l’Abbaie, and, passing near St. Amand, to make an assault upon
the gate which opens toward Mande. This they executed, and full four
hundred troops crossed the river, and Mortagne’s three gates were
besieged. The weakest was certainly that leading to Mande: however, that
was tolerably strong.
At that post the Lord of Beaujeu placed himself; for he knew that all
the rest were safe. He had armed himself with a very stout lance, having
the head of tempered steel, and on the under side a sharp hook, so that,
when he made his stroke, he could fix the hook into the jackets or armor
of those who attacked, draw them to him, and make them fall into the
river. By this means, in the course of the day, he caught and destroyed
more than twelve of the assailants. At this gate the conflict was much
more severe than anywhere else, and the Earl of Hainault was ignorant of
it: he was hard by toward Brisnal, drawn out in order of battle, upon
the bank of the Scheld. The lords took counsel how they might draw out
the piles, either by force or ingenuity, from the bed of the river, so
that they might advance upon it up to the walls of the town. They
ordered an engine to be made in a large vessel, for the purpose of
drawing them out one after another, and all the carpenters were directly
set upon this business. This same day the Valenciennois, on their part,
erected a handsome engine, which cast stones into the town and castle,
and much annoyed the inhabitants of Mortagne. In this manner passed the
first day and the following night. On the morrow they returned to the
attack on all sides. The third day the vessel and engine were ready to
draw out the piles, and those ordered to that duty were set to work; but
they had so much trouble and labor in drawing out one, that the lords
thought they should never accomplish it, and therefore made them desist.
There was at that time a very able engineer at Mortagne, who, having
considered the machine of the Valenciennois, and how much it annoyed the
town,--for it was perpetually in action,--made another in the castle,
which was not very large, but well made and tempered, and so well
pointed that it was used only three times. The first stone fell within
twelve paces of the engine of the Valenciennois; the second was nearer
to the box; and the third was so well aimed that it struck the machine
upon the shaft, and split it in two. The soldiers of Mortagne made a
great shouting at this event. The Hainaulters were thus two days and two
nights before Mortagne without conquering any part of it. The earl and
his uncle thought it advisable to return toward Tournay, which they did;
and the Valenciennois went back to their town whence they had come.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE EARL OF HAINAULT TAKES THE TOWN OF ST. AMAND DURING THE SIEGE OF
TOURNAY.
Three days after the Earl of Hainault had returned from before Mortagne,
he made a request to his companions that they would come with him to St.
Amand; for he had received many complaints of the soldiers of St. Amand
having burnt the monastery of Hanon, and of their attempt to do the same
at Vicoigne, as well as of many other troubles which they had wrought
upon the borders of Hainault. The earl set out from the siege of Tournay
with three thousand combatants, and came before St. Amand by the way of
Mortagne, which town was only enclosed with a palisade. A knight from
Languedoc, and seneschal of Carcassonne, was governor of it; and he had
told the monks of the abbey, as well as the inhabitants, that it was not
tenable against any body of men, not that he meant to give it up, but on
the contrary to defend it as long as he could, and mentioned it merely
as a piece of information. These words were not much attended to, or
believed: however, he had some time before sent to Mortagne all the
jewels of the monastery, and thither went also the abbot and his monks,
who were not very well calculated to defend themselves.
The Valenciennois, who had been ordered by the earl their lord to be
before St. Amand on a certain day, came with twelve thousand combatants,
and, posting themselves before the town, armed all the crossbow-men, and
made them advance toward the bridge over the Scarpe. The conflict was
here very sharp: it lasted all that day, without the Valenciennois being
able to make any impression; but they had a great many of their men
killed and wounded, and the besieged, mocking them, called out, “Go your
ways, and drink your good ale.” Towards the evening they retired from
before the town, much wearied, and surprised that they had not heard any
tidings of their lord. They called a council, and resolved to return
back to their own town. On the morrow after their departure, the Earl of
Hainault arrived, as has been said, by the way of Mortagne, and he
immediately began the attack: it was so violent that the barriers were
instantly won, and they advanced to the gate which opens toward
Mortagne. The earl and his uncle headed this attack: they fought most
valiantly, and spared none. Each of them at this place received two such
blows from stones thrown down upon them, that their helmets were split
through, and themselves stunned. One present then said to the earl,
“Sir, we shall never do any thing effectual in this place, for the gate
is very strong, the passage narrow, and it will cost you too many of
your people to gain it; but if you will order some large beams of wood
to be brought, and shod with iron in the manner of piles, and strike
with them against the walls of the monastery, I will promise you that
you will make breaches in many places. If once we get into the
monastery, the town is ours, for there is nothing to stop us between it
and the town.” The earl ordered this advice to be followed; for he
perceived it was reasonable, and the shortest method of getting
possession of the town. Great beams of oak were brought, formed, and
sharpened like piles; and to each were ordered twenty or thirty men,
who, bearing it in their hands, retreated some paces, and then ran with
it with great force against the wall, which they battered down in many
places, so that they entered valiantly, and crossed a small rivulet.
The seneschal of Carcassonne was there, with his banner displayed before
him, which was gules, with a chef argent, three chevrons in chief, and
an indented border, argent; and near him were collected many companions
from his own country, who received the Hainaulters very gallantly, and
fought as well as they were able; but it was in vain, as they were
overpowered by numbers. It may be worth remembering, that, on their
entering the monastery, there remained a monk called Sir Froissart, who
did wonders, killing and wounding, at one of the breaches where he had
posted himself, upward of eighteen, so that no one durst venture to pass
through. At last he was forced to fly, for he perceived that the
Hainaulters were entering the monastery by various other breaches: the
monk therefore made off as fast as he could, and saved himself in
Mortagne. As soon as the earl, Sir John, and the knights of Hainault had
entered the monastery, the earl ordered no quarter to be given, so much
was he enraged at the violences they had committed in his territories.
The town was soon filled with soldiers, who pursued all they met from
street to street, and from house to house: very few escaped being put to
death. The seneschal was slain under his banner, and upward of two
hundred men with him. The earl returned that evening to Tournay.
On the morrow the men at arms of Valenciennes and the commonalty came to
St. Amand, burnt the town, the monastery, and the great minster;
breaking and destroying all the bells, of which there were numbers of
very good and melodious ones. The Earl of Hainault made another
excursion from the siege of Tournay, with about six hundred men at arms,
in order to burn Orchies, Landas, and Le Celle. He afterwards crossed,
with his army, the river Scarpe above Hanon, and, entering France, came
before a large and rich monastery at Marchiennes, of which Sir Aymé de
Vervaulx was governor, who had with him a detachment of crossbow-men
from Douay. The attack was violent; for the knight had strongly
fortified the first gate, which was surrounded by wide and deep ditches,
and the French and monks withinside defended themselves valiantly. The
Hainaulters exerted themselves much; and, having procured boats, they by
this means gained entrance into the monastery: but a German knight,
attached to the Lord of Fauquemont, was drowned; his name was Sir Bacho
de la Wiere. At the attack of the gate, the earl, his uncle the
seneschal of Hainault, and many others, proved themselves such good
knights, that the gate was gained, Sir Aymé slain, and the greater part
of the others. Many monks who were there were captured, the monastery
pillaged and burnt, as well as the village. The earl after this returned
with his army to Tournay.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SIR CHARLES DE MONTMORENCY, AND MANY OTHERS OF THE FRENCH, CAPTURED AT
PONT-À-TRESSIN.
The siege of Tournay lasted a long time, and the town held out well; but
the King of England thought he must gain it, for he knew that there were
within it great numbers of men at arms, and a scarcity of provision,
which would oblige them to yield through hunger. But others said that
they would find supplies through the country of the Brabanters, who
permitted frequent and large quantities of provisions to pass through
their army, and even to enter the town. Those from Brussels and Louvain
were quite weary of remaining there so long, and petitioned the marshal
of their army for leave to return to Brabant. The marshal replied that
he was very willing to consent to their departure, but they must leave
their arms and accoutrements behind them. This made them so ashamed,
that they never again repeated their request. During this siege, the
Germans made an excursion toward Pont-à-Tressin, where Sir Robert de
Bailleul had defeated the Hainaulters. The Lord of Rauderondenc, Sir
John of Rauderondenc his son (at that time a squire), Sir John de
Randebourgh (a squire also, and tutor to the Lord of Rauderondenc’s
son), Sir Arnold de Bacqueghen, Sir Reginald d’Escouvenort, Sir Courrat
d’Astra, Sir Bastien de Basties, Candrelier his brother, the Lord
Strauren de Leurne, with many others, from the duchies of Juliers and
Gueldres, held a conference together, and resolved to make an excursion
on the morrow, by break of day; for which purpose they armed and
prepared themselves well that night.
Some knights bachelors from Hainault joined them; among whom were Sir
Florent de Beaurieu, Sir Latas de la Haye (marshal of the army), the
Lord John of Hainault, Sir Oulphart de Guistelles, Sir Robert Glewes
from the county of Los (at that time only a squire), and many more;
amounting altogether to upward of three hundred good men at arms. They
came to Pont-à-Tressin, which they crossed without loss. They then held
a council, on what would be the most advantageous plan for them to beat
up and skirmish with the army of the French. It was determined that the
Lord of Rauderondenc, and his son, Sir Henry de Kalkren, a mercenary
knight, Sir Thilman de Saussy, Sir Oulphart de Guistelles, Sir l’Alleman
of Hainault, Sir Robert Glewes, and Jacquelot de Thiaulx, should act as
light-horse, and skirmish up to the tents of the French; that the rest
of the knights and squires, who might amount to three hundred, should
remain at the bridge to keep and defend that pass in case of any attack.
This advanced body then set out: they were forty persons altogether,
well mounted upon handsome and strong chargers. They rode on till they
came to the French camp, when they immediately dashed in, and began to
cut down tents and pavilions, and do every possible damage by
skirmishing with all that opposed them. That night two great barons, the
Lord of Montmorency and the Lord of Saulieu, had the watch, and were
with their guard when the Germans fell upon them. As soon as they heard
the noise, they and their banners moved toward it.
When the Lord of Rauderondenc saw them approach, he turned his horse
about, and ordered his pennon and his party to push for the bridge, the
French following him closely. In this chase the French captured Sir
Oulphart de Guistelles; for he could not follow their track, his sight
being indifferent. He was surrounded by the enemy, and made prisoner, as
were two esquires of the names of Mondrop and Jacquelot de Thiaulx. The
French galloped after them, but the Germans escaped; and, being scarcely
more than half an acre separated from them, they could plainly hear them
crying out, “Ha, gentlemen! you shall not return as easy as you came.”
Then one of his party rode up to the Lord of Rauderondenc, and said,
“Sir, consider what you are about, or the French will cut us off from
the bridge.” The Lord of Rauderondenc replied, “If they know one road to
it, I know another;” and, turning to his right, led his party along a
road tolerably well beaten, which brought them straight to the river
before mentioned, which is very deep, and surrounded by marshes. On
their coming thither they found they could not ford it, so that they
must return, and pass over the bridge. The French, thinking to cut off
and take the Germans, went on full gallop toward the bridge. When they
were come near to it, and saw the large body of men waiting for them,
they said to one another, “We are making a foolish pursuit, and may
easily lose more than we can gain;” upon which many turned back,
particularly the banner-bearer of the Lord of Saulieu, as well as that
lord himself. But the Lord of Montmorency would not retire, but pushed
forward courageously, and with his party attacked the Germans. This
attack was very fierce on both sides, and each party had many unhorsed.
While they were engaged, the light troops made a circuit, and fell upon
their flank: notwithstanding this, and the hard blows given, the French
stood their ground. But Sir Reginald d’Escouvenort, knowing the banner
of Montmorency, under which the knight was, with sword in hand, dealing
his blows about him, came up on his right hand, and, with his left hand
seizing the reins of his horse, stuck spurs into his own, and drew him
out of the combat. The Lord of Montmorency gave many blows with his
sword upon the helmet and back of Sir Reginald, which at once broke and
received them. However, the Lord of Montmorency remained his prisoner;
and the Germans fought so well, that they maintained their ground, and
made fourscore gentlemen prisoners. They then repassed the bridge
without hindrance, and returned to Tournay, where each retired to his
own quarters.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE SIEGE OF TOURNAY RAISED BY MEANS OF A TRUCE.
The siege of Tournay had lasted a long time (eleven weeks, all but three
days), when the lady of John de Valois--sister to the King of France,
and mother to the Earl of Hainault--took great pains with both parties
to make up a peace, so that they might separate without a battle. The
good lady had frequently, on her knees, besought it of the King of
France. She at last so far prevailed, by the help and assistance of the
Lord Lewis d’Augimont, who was well beloved by both parties, that a day
was fixed for a negotiation, when each of the parties was to send five
well-qualified persons to treat upon the best means of bringing about a
reconciliation. These commissioners were to meet at a chapel situated in
the fields, called Esplotin. On the day appointed, having heard mass,
they assembled after dinner, and took the lady with them. When they had
all entered this chapel, they saluted each other most politely, with
every mark of respect: they then began on the business. This first day,
however, passed away without any thing being decided. The next day they
came to their appointment, began on the treaty as before, and fell upon
some arrangement that seemed likely to end to their mutual satisfaction.
The third day these lords returned, and agreed upon a truce, to last for
one year, between the kings and all the allies that were present.
The truce was immediately proclaimed in each army, to the great joy of
the Brabanters, who were heartily tired of the siege. The day after, at
daybreak, tents and pavilions were struck, wagons loaded, and every one
in motion to depart.
Thus the good city of Tournay remained unhurt; but it had a narrow
escape, for there were no more provisions in it than would have been
sufficient for three or four days.
CHAPTER XXXI.
KING EDWARD INSTITUTES THE ORDER OF ST. GEORGE, AT WINDSOR.
About this time the King of England resolved to rebuild and embellish
the great castle of Windsor, which King Arthur had first founded in time
past, and where he had erected and established that noble Round Table
from which so many gallant knights had issued forth, and displayed the
valiant prowess of their deeds at arms over the world. King Edward
therefore determined to establish an order of knighthood, consisting of
himself, his children, and the most gallant knights in Christendom, to
the number of forty. He ordered it to be denominated “knights of the
blue garter,” and that the feast should be celebrated every year at
Windsor, upon St. George’s Day. He summoned, therefore, all the earls,
barons, and knights of his realm, to inform them of his intentions. They
heard it with great pleasure; for it appeared to them highly honorable,
and capable of increasing love and friendship. Forty knights were then
elected, according to report and estimation the bravest in Christendom,
who sealed and swore to maintain and keep the feast and the statutes
which had been made. The king founded a chapel at Windsor, in honor of
St. George, and established canons there to serve God, with a handsome
endowment. He then issued his proclamation for this feast by his
heralds, whom he sent to France, Scotland, Burgundy, Hainault, Flanders,
Brabant, and the empire of Germany; and offered to all knights and
squires that might come to this ceremony passports to last for fifteen
days after it was over. The celebration of this order was fixed for St.
George’s Day next ensuing, to be held at Windsor, 1344; and the queen
was to be present, accompanied by three hundred ladies and damsels, all
of high birth, and richly dressed in similar robes.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND SETS AT LIBERTY SIR HERVÉ DE LÉON.
While the King of England was employed in making preparations for the
reception of the lords and ladies whom he expected at this feast, news
was brought him of the death of the Lord of Clisson and the other
knights. He was so much enraged at it, that he had determined to
retaliate upon the body of Sir Hervé de Léon, who was his prisoner; and
would surely have executed it, if the Earl of Derby, his cousin, had not
remonstrated, and showed in council such good reasons, as, for the sake
of his own personal honor, induced him to refrain from this revenge. He
added, “My lord, if that King Philip has, through rashness, had the
villany to put to death such valiant knights as these were, do not
suffer your courage to be tainted by it; for in truth, if you will but
consider a little, your prisoner has nothing to do with this outrage:
have a goodness, therefore, to give him his liberty at a reasonable
ransom.” The king ordered the captive knight to be brought before him,
and said, “Ha, Sir Hervé, Sir Hervé! my adversary Philip de Valois has
shown his treachery in too cruel a manner, when he put to death so many
knights. It has given me much displeasure, and it appears as it were
done in despite of us. If I were to take his conduct for my example, I
ought to do the like to you, for you have done me more harm in Brittany
than any other; but I shall endure it, and let him act according to his
own will. I will preserve my own honor unspotted, and shall allow you
your liberty at a trifling ransom, out of my love for the Earl of Derby,
who has requested it; but upon condition that you perform what I am
going to ask of you.” The knight replied, “Dear sir, I will do, to the
best of my power, whatever you shall command.” The king said, “I know,
Sir Hervé, that you are one of the richest knights in Brittany; and, if
I were to press you, you would pay me thirty or forty thousand crowns
for your ransom. But you will go to King Philip de Valois, my adversary,
and tell him from me, that, by putting so many knights to death in so
dishonorable a manner, he has sore displeased me; and I say and
maintain, that he has by this means broken and infringed the truce which
we had agreed to, and that from this moment I consider it as broken, and
send him by you my defiance. In consideration of your carrying this
message, I will let you off for ten thousand crowns, which you will pay,
or send to Bruges, in five days after you shall have crossed the sea.
You will also inform all such knights and squires as wish to attend my
feast (for we shall be right glad to see them) not to desist on this
account, for they shall have passports for their safe return, to last
for fifteen days after it be over.”--“Sir,” answered the knight, “I will
perform your message to the best of my abilities; and God reward you and
my Lord of Derby for your kindness to me!”
Sir Hervé de Léon did not after this remain long in prison, but, having
taken leave of the king, went to Southampton, and embarked on board a
vessel, with the intention of landing at Harfleur. A violent storm,
however, which lasted fifteen days, prevented it. He lost his horses,
as well as those of his servants, which were thrown overboard; and he
himself was so ill by it, that he never after enjoyed good health. At
last the mariners, with much danger, landed at Crotoy, from whence Sir
Hervé and his suite went on foot to Abbeville, where they procured
horses; but Sir Hervé was so ill, he could not bear the motion of the
horse. He was therefore put in a litter, and came to Paris, to King
Philip, to whom he delivered his message word for word. But he did not
live long. He died in returning to his own country, in the city of
Angers. God have mercy on his soul!
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE KING OF ENGLAND SENDS THE EARL OF DERBY TO MAKE WAR IN GASCONY.
St. George’s Day drew near, when the grand feast was to be celebrated at
the castle of Windsor. The king had made great preparations for it; and
there were earls, barons, ladies, and damsels most nobly entertained.
The festivities and tilts lasted a fortnight. Many knights came to them
from beyond sea, from Flanders, Hainault, and Brabant, but not one from
France. During the holding of these feasts the king received
intelligence from different countries, particularly from Gascony. The
Lord de l’Esparre, the Lord de Chaumont, the Lord de Mucident, were sent
thence by the other barons and knights who at that time were dependent
on the King of England; such as the Lord d’Albret, the Lord de Pumiers,
the Lord de Montferrant, the Lord of Duras, the Lord of Craton, the
Lord of Grailley, and many others; and some were likewise sent by the
cities of Bordeaux and Bayonne. These ambassadors were most courteously
entertained and received by the king and his council; to whom they
explained the weakness of the country of Gascony, and that his good
friends in that country and the loyal city of Bordeaux wanted aid: they
therefore entreated that he would send thither such a captain and force
of men at arms as he might think able to make head against the French,
who kept the field in opposition to all that were sent to meet them. The
king soon afterwards appointed his cousin the Earl of Derby leader of
this expedition, and nominated those knights that he had fixed upon to
be under him: first the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Oxford, the Lord
Stafford, Sir Walter Manny, Sir Frank van Halle, Sir Henry Eam of
Brabant, Sir Richard Fitzsimon, Sir Hugh Hastings, Sir Stephen Tombey,
Sir Richard Haydon, Sir John Norwich, Sir Richard Radcliffe, Sir Robert
Oxendon, and several more. They were fully three hundred knights and
squires, six hundred men at arms, and two thousand archers. The king
advised the earl his cousin to take plenty of gold and silver with him,
and to bestow it liberally among the knights and squires, in order to
acquire their good opinion and affection.
The king also, during the time of these festivals, sent Sir Thomas
Dagworth into Brittany to re-enforce the Countess of Montfort, and
assist her in preserving that country; for, notwithstanding the truce,
he doubted not but that King Philip would begin the war on account of
the message he had sent to him by Sir Hervé de Léon. He therefore
despatched thither one hundred men at arms, and two hundred archers
under the command of Sir Thomas. He likewise ordered the Earl of
Salisbury into the county of D’ulnestre; for the Scots had rebelled
against him, had burnt much in Cornwall, and had advanced as far as
Bristol, and besieged the town of D’ulnestre. However, the Earl of
Salisbury marched thither, with three hundred men at arms and six
hundred archers well appointed. Thus the king sent forth his people, and
directed his treasurers to deliver out to the commanding officers a
sufficiency of money for their own expenses, and to pay their
fellow-soldiers; and each set out according to the orders he had
received.
We will speak first of the Earl of Derby, as he had the greatest charge,
which he conducted to Southampton, and, embarking on board the fleet
stationed there for him, made sail for Bayonne. It was a handsome city,
and had always held out for the English. He arrived there, without
accident, on the sixth day of June, 1344, when he disembarked, and
landed his stores. They were joyfully received by the inhabitants, and
he remained there seven days to refresh himself and his horses. The Earl
of Derby and his army left Bayonne the eighth day after his arrival, and
set out for Bordeaux, where a grand procession came out to receive him.
The earl was lodged in the Abbey of St. Andrew, and his people within
the city. When the Count de Lisle was informed of the arrival of the
English, he sent for the Count de Comminges, the Count de Perigord, the
Count de Carmain, the Viscount de Villemur, the Count Duras, the Count
de Valentinois, the Count de Mirande, the Lord of Mirade, the Lord de la
Barde, the Lord of Pincornet, the Viscount de Châtillon, the Lord of
Chateauneuf, the Lord de Lescun, the Abbot of St. Savin, and for all the
other lords who were attached to the King of France. As soon as they
were all assembled, he demanded their counsel on the arrival of the
Earl of Derby. The lords in reply said they were sufficiently strong to
defend the passage of the river Dordogne, at Bergerac, against the
English. This answer mightily pleased the Count de Lisle, who was at
that time like a king in Gascony, and had been so since the commencement
of the wars between the two kings. He had taken the field, captured
towns and castles, and waged war upon all who were of the English army.
These lords sent immediately to assemble their dependants on all sides,
and advanced to Bergerac, where they entered the suburbs, which are
large, strong, and partly surrounded by the Dordogne. They had all their
purveyances brought to them there in safety.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE EARL OF DERBY CONQUERS BERGERAC.
When the Earl of Derby had remained at Bordeaux for about fifteen days,
he was informed that the barons and knights of Gascony were in Bergerac:
he therefore one morning marched that way with his army, and ordered his
marshals, Sir Walter Manny and Sir Frank van Halle, to push forward. The
English marched that morning no more than three leagues, to a castle
called Montcroullier, which belonged to them, and was situated a short
league from Bergerac. At this castle of Montcroullier they tarried that
day and night. The day following, their scouts were sent as far as the
barriers of Bergerac; and on their return they related to Sir Walter
Manny that they had reconnoitred the position of the French, which did
not appear to them any thing very formidable. This day the English
dined early; and during the repast Sir Walter Manny, addressing himself
to the Earl of Derby, said, “My lord, if we were good knights, and well
armed, we might this evening partake of the wines of these French lords
who are garrisoned in Bergerac.” The earl answered that it should not be
his fault if they did not. When their companions heard this they said,
“Let us hasten to arm ourselves; for we will ride toward Bergerac.” It
was no sooner said than done: they were all armed and mounted in an
instant. When the Earl of Derby perceived such willingness in his men,
he was exceedingly joyful, and cried out, “In the name of God and of St.
George, let us march to our enemies!” They then rode on, with banners
displayed, during the greatest heat of the day, until they came to the
barriers of Bergerac; which was not a place easily to be taken, for a
part of the river Dordogne surrounded it. The French lords who were in
the town, seeing the English coming to attack them, said they should be
well received, and sallied forth in battle-array: they had with them a
multitude of foot-soldiers, and country-people badly armed. The English
made their approaches in close order, so that they were plainly to be
distinguished by the townsmen, and the archers began to shoot thickly.
When the foot-soldiers felt the points of the arrows, and saw the
banners and pennons glittering in the air, which they had not been
accustomed to see, they fell back upon their men at arms. The archers
continued to shoot with great quickness, doing much mischief to them.
The lords of England then advanced, mounted on their excellent coursers,
with lances in rests, and, dashing into the midst of their infantry,
drove them down at pleasure, and killed and wounded the French men at
arms in abundance; for they could not in any way exert themselves, as
these runaways had blocked up the road.
Thus were those of Bergerac driven back again to the suburbs; but with
so much loss that the first bridge and bars were taken by storm, and the
English entered with them. Upon the pavement were many knights and
squires slain and wounded, and many prisoners made of those who came
forward to defend the passage. The Lord of Mirepoix was slain under the
banner of Sir Walter Manny, who was the first that entered the suburbs.
When the Count de Lisle saw that the English had got possession of the
suburbs, and were knocking down and killing his people without mercy, he
and the other lords of Gascony made a handsome retreat towards the town,
and passed the bridge with great difficulty. At this place the
engagement was very severe, and lasted a considerable time: the noblemen
of France and of England, named in the preceding chapters, combated most
valiantly, hand to hand. Neither knight nor bachelor could there conceal
himself. Sir Walter Manny had advanced so far among his enemies, that he
was in great danger. The English made prisoners of the Viscount de
Bousquetin, the Lords of Châtillon, of Chateauneuf, and of Lescun. The
French retreated into the fort, let down the portcullis, and, getting
upon the battlements, began to throw stones and other things to drive
their enemies away. This assault and skirmish lasted until vespers, when
the English retreated, quite weary, into the suburbs which they had won;
where they found such quantities of provision and wine as might on
occasion have lasted them most plentifully for four months.
When the morrow dawned, the Earl of Derby had his trumpets sounded, and
his forces drawn out in battle-array, to approach the town, and make a
mighty assault, which lasted till noon. They had not much success; for
they found that there were within it men who defended themselves
valiantly. At noontide the English retreated, perceiving that they only
lost their time. The lords then assembled in council, and determined to
attack the town on the side next the river, for it was there fortified
only by palisades. The Earl of Derby sent, therefore, to the fleet at
Bordeaux for vessels, which he ordered to come to him up the Dordogne:
there were upward of sixty barks and other vessels lying at Bordeaux,
that came to Bergerac. In the evening of the following day the English
made their arrangements; and at sunrise all those who were ordered to
attack the town, as well as the fleet, were quite ready, under the
command of the Lord Stafford. There were many knights and squires who
had requested to be on this expedition, in hopes of preferment, as well
as a body of archers. They advanced in haste, and came to some large
round piles placed before the palisades, which they flung down. The
townsmen, seeing this, went to the Count de Lisle, the lords, knights,
and squires who were present, and said to them, “Gentlemen, we pray you
to take heed what you are about; for we run a great risk of being
ruined. If the town be taken, we shall lose all we have, as well as our
lives. It will therefore be much better that we surrender it to the Earl
of Derby, before we suffer more damage.” The count replied, “We will go
to that quarter where the danger is; for we will not consent to
surrender it so easily.” The Gascon knights and squires came, therefore,
to defend the palisades; but the archers who were in the barks kept up
so vigorous an attack with their arrows, that none dared to show
themselves, unless they chose to run the risk of being either killed or
wounded. In the town there were with the Gascons two or three hundred
Genoese cross-bow-men, whose armor shielded them from the arrows. They
kept the archers well employed all the day, and many on each side were
wounded. At last the English who were in the vessels exerted themselves
so much that they broke down a large piece of the palisade: those of
Bergerac then retreated, and requested time to consider if they should
not surrender the place.
The remainder of that day and night was granted them, upon condition
that they should not attempt to repair the breaches; and every one
retired to his quarters. The lords of Gascony held that night a long
council; and about midnight, having packed up all their baggage, they
set out from Bergerac, and followed the road to La Réole, which is not
far distant, whose gates were opened to them; and there they took up
their quarters.
The English, on the morrow morning, re-embarked on board their fleet,
and came to the part where the palisades had been broken down. They
found in that place great numbers of the townsmen, who entreated the
knights that they would beseech the Earl of Derby to have mercy on them,
and allow them their lives and fortunes, and thenceforward they would
yield obedience to the King of England. The Earl of Pembroke and the
Earl of Oxford replied that they would cheerfully comply with their
request; and went to the Earl of Derby, who was not present, and related
to him what the inhabitants of Bergerac had desired of them. The Earl of
Derby answered, “He who begs for mercy should have mercy shown him: tell
them to open their gates, and let us enter, and we will assure them of
safety from us and from our people.” The two lords returned, and
reported what the earl had said. Upon which the townsmen went to the
market-place, where every one, men and women, being assembled, they rang
the bells, threw open the gates, went out in procession to meet the Earl
of Derby, and with all humility conducted him to the church, where they
swore homage and fealty to him, acknowledging him as their lord, for the
King of England, by virtue of a procuration which he had with him.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE COUNT DE LISLE, LIEUTENANT FOR THE KING OF FRANCE, IN GASCONY, LAYS
SIEGE TO THE CASTLE OF AUBEROCHE.
We will now return to the Count de Lisle, whom we left in La Réole. As
soon as he was informed that the Earl of Derby had returned to Bordeaux,
and had taken up his residence there, he did not think it probable he
would undertake any more expeditions this season. He sent letters
therefore to the Earls of Perigord, of Carmain, of Comminges, of
Bruniguel, and to all the barons of Gascony that were in the French
interest, to desire that they would collect as many people as they
could, and come with them properly armed, by an appointed time, to meet
him at Auberoche, as he intended to besiege it. They all obeyed his
summons; for he was as a king in these parts of Gascony. The knights who
were in Auberoche were not aware of this until they found themselves so
closely besieged on all sides that no one could go out of the garrison
without being seen. The French brought from Toulouse four large
machines, which cast stones into the fortress night and day; and they
made no other assault: so that in six days’ time they had demolished
all the roofs of the towers, and none within the castle dared to venture
out of the vaulted rooms on the ground-floor. It was the intention of
the army to kill all within the castle, if they would not surrender
themselves unconditionally.
News was brought to the Earl of Derby, that Auberoche was besieged; but
he did not imagine his friends were so hard pushed. When Sir Frank van
Halle, Sir Alain de Finefroide, and Sir John Lendal, who were thus
besieged, saw how desperate their situation was, they asked their
servants if there were not one among them who would, for a reward,
undertake to deliver the letters they had written to the Earl of Derby
at Bordeaux. One from among them stepped forward, and said he would be
the man who would cheerfully undertake the commission, not through lust
of gain, but from his desire to deliver them from the peril they were
in. The following night the servant took the letters, sealed with their
seals, and sewed them up in his clothes. He was let down into the
ditches: when he was at the bottom, he climbed up the opposite side, and
took his road through the army, for he could not avoid passing through
it. He was met by the first guard, but was not stopped, for he
understood the Gascon language well, and named one of the lords of the
army, as if belonging to him; so he was suffered to pass on: but he was
afterwards arrested, and detained under the tents of some other lords,
who brought him to the main watch. He was interrogated, searched, and
the letters found upon him, and guarded until morning, when the
principals of the army assembled in the tent of the Count de Lisle,
where the letters were read. They were rejoiced to find that the
garrison were so much straitened that they could not hold out longer;
and, seizing the
[Illustration: How the French flung a Servant over the Walls into
Auberoche.]
servant, they hung the letters round his neck, thrust him into one of
the machines, and flung him into Auberoche. The valet fell quite dead
amid the other valets of the castle, who were much terrified at it.
About this time the Earl of Perigord, his uncle Sir Charles de Poitiers,
the Earl of Carmain, and the Lord of Duras, mounting their horses, rode
as near to the walls of the castle as they could, and, calling out to
those within by way of derision, said, “Gentlemen, inquire of your
messenger where he found the Earl of Derby, and whether he is prepared
to assist you, since your man was so eager to quit your fortress, and
has returned as quickly.” Sir Frank van Halle replied, “By my faith,
gentlemen, if we be so closely confined in this place, we will sally
forth whenever it shall please God and the Earl of Derby. I wish to
heaven he were acquainted with our situation, for, if he were, the
proudest of you all would be afraid of standing your ground; and, if you
will send any one to give him this information, one of us will surrender
himself to you, to be ransomed as becomes a gentleman.” The French
answered, “Nay, nay, matters must not turn out so. The Earl of Derby, in
proper time, shall be made acquainted with it; but not until our engines
have battered your walls level with the ground, and you shall have
surrendered yourselves to save your lives.”--“That, for certain, will
never happen,” said Sir Frank van Halle; “for we will not surrender
ourselves, should we all die upon the walls.” The French lords then rode
on, and returned to their army. The three English knights remained in
Auberoche, quite confounded by the force of these engines, which flung
such quantities of stones that in truth it seemed as if the thunder from
heaven were battering the walls of the castle.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE EARL OF DERBY MAKES THE COUNT OF LISLE AND NINE MORE COUNTS AND
VISCOUNTS PRISONERS BEFORE AUBEROCHE.
All these speeches, the treatment of the messenger, the contents of the
letters, and the perilous situation of Auberoche, were known to the Earl
of Derby by means of a spy he had in the French army. The earl therefore
sent orders to the Earl of Pembroke in Bergerac to meet him at an
appointed place and hour; and also to the Lord Stafford and Sir Stephen
Tombey, who were at Libourne. The Earl of Derby then, accompanied by Sir
Walter Manny and the forces he had with him, took the road to Auberoche
as secretly as possible; for he had guides who were acquainted with all
the by-roads. They came to Libourne, where they waited a whole day for
the Earl of Pembroke; but hearing no tidings of him, and being impatient
to succor their friends who were so distressed, the Earl of Derby, the
Earl of Oxford, Sir Walter Manny, Sir Richard Hastings, Sir Stephen
Tombey, the Lord Ferrers, and other knights, set out from Libourne:
riding all night, they came on the morrow within two leagues of
Auberoche. They entered a wood; when, alighting from their horses, they
tied them to the trees, and allowed them to pasture, in expectation of
the arrival of the Earl of Pembroke. They waited all that morning, and
until noon, in vain, not knowing what to do; for they were but three
hundred lances and six hundred archers, and the French were from ten to
twelve thousand men. They thought it would be cowardice to suffer their
friends to be lost, when they were so near them. At last Sir Walter
Manny said, “Gentlemen, let us who are now here mount our horses, skirt
this wood, and advance until we come to their camp: when we shall be
close to it, we will stick spurs into our horses, and, with loud shouts,
fall upon them. It will be about their hour for supper; and we shall see
them so much discomfited, that they can never rally again.” The knights
present replied that they would all do as he had proposed. Each went to
his horse, re-girthed him, and tightened his armor: they ordered their
pages, servants, and baggage to remain where they were.
They advanced in silence by the side of the wood until they came to the
other end, where the French army was encamped in a wide valley, near a
small river: they then displayed their banners and pennons, and,
sticking spurs into their horses, dashed into the midst of the French
and Gascon forces, who were quite confounded and unprepared for this
attack, as they were busy about their suppers, many having set down to
table. The English were well prepared to act; and crying, “Derby, Derby
forever!” they cut down tents and pavilions, and slew and wounded all
that came in their way. The French did not know where to turn, so much
were they surprised; and when they got into the plains, if there were
any large body of them, the archers and crossbow-men made such good use
of their weapons that they were slain or dispersed. The Count de Lisle
was taken in his tent, badly wounded; the Earl of Perigord in his
pavilion, and also Sir Charles his uncle; the Lord of Duras was killed,
and so was Sir Aymery de Poitiers, but his brother the Earl of
Valentinois was made prisoner. Every one took to his heels as fast as he
could; but the Earl of Comminges, the Earls of Carmain, Villemur, and
Bruniguel, the Lords de la Barde and de la Taride, with others, who
were quartered on the opposite side of the castle, displayed their
banners, and, having drawn up their men, marched for the plain: the
English, however, who had already defeated the largest body of the army,
fell upon them most vigorously. In this engagement many gallant deeds of
arms were performed, many captures made, and many rescues. As soon as
Sir Frank van Halle and Sir John Lendal, who were in Auberoche, heard
the noise, and perceived the banners and pennons of their friends, they
hastened to arm themselves, and all those that were with them; when,
mounting their horses, they sallied out of the fortress, made for the
plain, and dashed into the thickest of the combat, to the great
encouragement of the English.
Why should I make a long story of it? All those who were of the Count de
Lisle’s party were discomfited, and almost all taken prisoners or slain.
Scarcely any would have escaped, if night had not closed so soon. Nine
earls and viscounts were made prisoners, and so many barons, knights,
and squires, that there was not a man at arms among the English that had
not for his share two or three. This battle before Auberoche was fought
on the eve of St. Laurence’s Day, in the year 1344. The English treated
their prisoners like friends: they received many upon their promises to
surrender themselves by a certain day at Bordeaux or Bergerac. The
English retired into Auberoche; and the Earl of Derby entertained at
supper the greater part of the prisoners,--earls, viscounts, barons, and
knights. They gave thanks and praises to God for having enabled them to
overcome upward of ten thousand men, when they themselves were not more
than one thousand, including every one; and to rescue the town of
Auberoche, in which were their friends, that must have been captured in
two days’ time. On the next morning, a little after sunrise, the Earl of
Pembroke arrived with three hundred lances and four thousand archers. He
had been informed of the event of the battle as they came along, and
said to the Earl of Derby, “Certainly, cousin, you have neither been
courteous, nor behaved honorably, to fight my enemies without waiting
for me, seeing that you had sent for me; and you might have been assured
that nothing should have prevented my coming to you.” The earl replied,
“Fair cousin, we were very anxious for your arrival, and we waited for
you from the morning until vespers. When we saw no appearance of your
coming, we dared not wait longer; for, had our enemies been informed of
our arrival, they would have had the advantage over us. But now, thanks
to God, we have conquered them, and we pray of you to help us in
conducting them to Bordeaux.” They remained that day and night in
Auberoche: on the next day early they were armed and mounted, and set
off, leaving there a Gascon knight in their interest, as governor, named
the Lord Alexander of Chaumont. They took the road to Bordeaux, and
carried with them the greater part of their prisoners.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE EARL OF DERBY TAKES DIFFERENT TOWNS IN GASCONY, IN HIS ROAD TOWARD
LA RÉOLE.
The Earl of Derby and his army, upon their arrival at Bordeaux, were
received with very great rejoicings: the inhabitants thought they never
could enough testify their joy to the earl and to Sir Walter Manny for
their enterprise, in which the Count de Lisle and more than two hundred
knights were made prisoners. The winter passed over without any action
taking place in Gascony that is worthy of being recorded. Easter, which
may be reckoned the beginning of the year 1345, was about the middle of
May; and the Earl of Derby, who had tarried all the winter in Bordeaux,
collected a very large body of men at arms and archers, and declared he
would make an expedition to La Réole, where the French had fixed their
headquarters. He went the first day from Bordeaux to Bergerac, where he
found the Earl of Pembroke ready with his troops. These two noblemen,
with their forces, remained for three days in Bergerac, and on the
fourth departed. When they were got into the open country they halted
their men, counted them, and found that they had about a thousand men at
arms and two thousand archers. They pushed forward until they came to a
castle called St. Basile, to which they laid siege. Those within,
considering that the principal barons of Gascony were prisoners, and
that they had no expectations of receiving succors from any place,
resolved to swear fealty to King Edward of England. The Earl of Derby
continued his route, and took the road toward Aiguillon; but before he
arrived there he came to the castle of Rochemilon, which was well
provided with soldiers and artillery; nevertheless the earl ordered it
to be vigorously assaulted. As the English advanced to the attack, those
within threw down upon them stones, bars of iron, and pots full of hot
lime, by which many were slain and wounded who adventured themselves too
rashly.
When the Earl of Derby perceived that his men were laboring in vain, and
getting themselves killed without any advantage, he sounded a retreat.
On the morrow he ordered the peasants to bring great quantities of
brushwood, fagots, straw, and turf, and to throw them all into the
ditches of the castle, and plenty of earth with them. When a part of the
ditch was so filled that one might get to the foot of the walls, he
assembled three hundred archers, well armed and in battle-array, and
sent before them two hundred countrymen, covered with shields, having
large pickaxes and hooks: while these first were employed in picking the
walls, the archers made such good use of their bows that no one dared to
show himself on the battlements. This lasted the greatest part of the
day, when the pickaxe-men made so large a breach in the walls, that ten
men might enter abreast. The inhabitants of the town and castle were
quite confounded: some fled toward the church, and others by a back way
out of the town. The fortress was immediately taken and pillaged, and
all the garrison were put to death, excepting such as had taken refuge
in the church, whom the Earl of Derby pardoned, for they had submitted
to his mercy. The earl placed in the castle a fresh garrison, under the
command of two English captains, Richard Willes and Robert Scot; and
then he came before Monsegur, where he ordered his men to prepare huts
for themselves and horses: he continued before it fifteen days.
The governor of the town was Sir Hugh de Bastefol, and there never
passed a day without some assault being made upon it. They sent for
large machines from Bordeaux and Bergerac; and the stones which they
cast into the town destroyed roofs, tiles, and the principal buildings.
The Earl of Derby sent every day to let them know, that, if they
suffered the town to be stormed, every one would be put to the sword;
but, if they would render obedience to the King of England, he would
pardon them, and treat them like friends. The townsmen would cheerfully
have surrendered, and they went to the governor to consult him, and to
sound his intentions; who answered them by ordering them to the
battlements, for that he had provision of every sort in sufficiency to
hold out for half a year if it were necessary. They left him in apparent
good humor; but about the time of vespers they seized him, and closely
confined him, assuring him, at the same time, he should never be set at
liberty if he did not assist them to make some terms with the Earl of
Derby. When he had sworn that he would do every thing in his power, they
let him go: he went directly to the barriers of the town, and made signs
that he wished to speak with the Earl of Derby. Sir Walter Manny being
present came to the governor, who said to him, “Sir Walter Manny, you
ought not to be surprised if we shut our gates against you, for we have
sworn fealty to the King of France; but not perceiving any one coming
from him to stop your career, and believing that you will still proceed
further,--for these reasons, in behalf of myself and the inhabitants of
this town, we wish you would allow us these terms: namely, that no
hostilities be carried on against us for the space of one month; and if
in that time the King of France or the Duke of Normandy come into this
country in such force as to give you battle, we then shall hold
ourselves free from our engagement; but, if neither of them come, we
will then enter under the obedience of the King of England.”
Sir Walter Manny went to relate this proposal to the Earl of Derby, who
acceded to it upon condition that there should not in the mean time be
any repairs made to the fortifications of the town, and that, if any of
the English army should want provisions, they might be at liberty to
purchase them. Upon this there were sent twelve of the principal
citizens as hostages, who were ordered to Bordeaux. The English
refreshed themselves with provisions from the town, but none were
suffered to enter it. They then continued their march, burning and
destroying all the country as far as Aiguillon, the governor of which
place came out to meet the earl, and surrendered the town and castle to
him, on condition of their lives and fortunes being spared; to the great
astonishment of all the country, for it was one of the strongest castles
in the world, and almost impregnable. When the squire who had thus
surrendered Aiguillon came to Toulouse, which is seventeen leagues
distant, the townsmen arrested him on suspicion of treason, and hung
him. This castle is situated on the point between two navigable rivers.
The earl ordered it to be re-victualled, and the fortifications
repaired, in order to its being fit to receive him on his return, and
that it might serve for a secure guard to his other possessions. He gave
the command of it to Sir John de Gombry. He then came to a castle called
Segart, which he took by storm, and put all the foreign soldiers he
found in it to death: from thence he came to the town of La Réole.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE EARL OF DERBY LAYS SIEGE TO LA RÉOLE, WHICH SURRENDERS TO HIM.
When the Earl of Derby was arrived at La Réole, he encompassed it
closely all round, erecting towers in the plains, and near to every
road, that no provision of any kind could enter it. He caused it to be
assaulted almost every day. This siege took up much of the summer; and,
when the time had expired which those of Monsegur had fixed for
surrendering themselves, the Earl of Derby sent thither, and the
inhabitants of the town became liegemen to the earl, who in all these
cases was the representative of the King of England. Even Sir Hugh de
Bastefol served under the earl with the men of Monsegur, for a certain
salary, which he received from the said earl, for himself and his
fellow-soldiers. The English who were besieging La Réole had lain before
it more than nine weeks, and had constructed two large towers of great
beams of wood, three stories high: each tower was placed on wheels, and
covered over with prepared leather, to shelter those within from fire
and from the arrows. In each story were one hundred archers. These two
towers, by dint of men’s force, were pushed close to the walls of the
town; for during the time they were building they had filled up the
ditches, so that these towers could easily pass over them. Those that
were in them began immediately to shoot so well and quick, that none
dared to appear upon the battlements unless he were well armed, or had a
shield. Between these two towers were posted two hundred men with
pickaxes and bars, to make a breach in the walls; which they did, and
cast away the stones. The inhabitants, seeing this, came upon the walls,
and inquired for some of the chiefs of the army to speak to them. The
Earl of Derby, being informed of it, sent thither Sir Walter Manny and
the Lord Stafford, who found the townsmen willing to surrender the town,
on condition of their lives and fortunes being spared.
When the governor, Sir Agos de Bans, a Provençal, found that the
inhabitants wanted to surrender the town, he retired into the castle of
La Réole with his fellow-soldiers; and, while this treaty was going on,
he had conveyed into it great quantities of wine and other provision. He
then ordered the gates to be fastened, and said he would never surrender
in so shameful a manner. The two knights returned to the Earl of Derby,
and related to him that the townsmen were desirous of surrendering upon
the terms above named; the earl sent them back, to know what the
governor’s intentions were respecting the castle. They returned with the
answer, that he had shut himself up in the castle, and would not yield
it. After a little consideration the earl said, “Well, well, let us have
compassion on the inhabitants: by means of the town, we shall soon gain
the castle.” The knights again went to the townsmen, and received their
submissions. They all came out to the plain, and, presenting the keys of
the town to the earl, said, “Dear sir, from this day forward, we
acknowledge ourselves as your loyal subjects, and place ourselves, in
every respect, under the obedience of the King of England.” They swore
by their heads, that they would not in any manner assist or succor those
in the castle, but, on the contrary, distress them all in their power.
The earl forbade, under pain of death, that any hurt should be done
toward the inhabitants of La Réole. He then entered it with his army,
and, surrounding the castle, erected all his machines against it; but
they did little mischief, for the castle was very high and built of a
hard stone. It was erected a long time since by the Saracens, who laid
the foundations so strong, and with such curious workmanship, that the
buildings of our time cannot be compared to it. When the earl found that
his machines had no effect, he commanded them to desist; and, as he was
not without miners in his army, he ordered them to undermine the
ditches of the castle so that they might pass beneath. This was not soon
done, however.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
SIR WALTER MANNY FINDS IN LA RÉOLE THE SEPULCHRE OF HIS FATHER.
While they were lying before this castle, and miners only could be
employed, Sir Walter Manny was reminded of his father, who formerly had
been murdered in his journey from St. James of Compostella; he had heard
in his infancy that he had been buried in La Réole or that neighborhood.
He therefore made inquiries in the town, if there were any one who could
inform him of the truth of this matter; and offered a hundred crowns to
him who should conduct him to the spot. This brought forward an old man,
who said to Sir Walter Manny, “Certainly, sir: I think I can lead you to
the place where your father was buried, or very near to it.” Sir Walter
replied, “If you prove your words true I will stick to my bargain, and
even go beyond it.”
To explain this matter more clearly, you must know that there was
formerly a bishop of Cambray, a Gascon, and of the families of Buc and
Mirefoix; and, during the time of his holding that see, a magnificent
tournament was held at Cambray, where there were upwards of five hundred
knights. A knight from Gascony tilted with the Lord of Manny, the father
of Sir Walter: the Gascon knight was so roughly handled and wounded that
he never enjoyed his health afterwards, but died. His death was laid to
the door of the Lord of Manny, and the bishop and his kindred vowed
revenge for it. Two or three years after, some good-hearted people
endeavored to reconcile them; and peace was agreed to, on condition that
the Lord of Manny should make a pilgrimage to St. James of Compostella
by way of penance.
During the time of this journey the Earl Charles of Valois, brother to
King Philip the Fair, was besieging La Réole, and had been there some
time; for it appertained, as well as many other cities and towns, to the
King of England, the father of him who besieged Tournay: so that the
Lord of Manny, on his return, went to visit the Earl Charles of
Valois,--as William Earl of Hainault had married the Lord Charles’s
daughter,--and showed him his letters, for in these parts he was as king
of France. It chanced one night, as he was returning to his lodgings,
that he was watched and waylaid by the kindred of him on whose account
he had performed this pilgrimage, and was murdered at a small distance
from the Earl Charles’s hotel. No one knew positively who had done this
deed, but the relations of the Gascon knight above mentioned were very
strongly suspected: however, they were so powerful that it was passed
over and excused, for none took the part of the Lord of Manny. The Earl
of Valois had him buried immediately in a small chapel which at that
time was without the walls of La Réole; and, when the Earl of Valois had
conquered the town, this chapel was enclosed in it. The old man
remembered all these circumstances perfectly well, for he had been
present when the Lord of Manny was interred. When Sir Walter came to the
spot where his father had been buried, with his aged conductor, he found
there a small tomb of marble which his servants had erected over him;
and the old man said, “You may be perfectly assured that your father
was buried and lies under this tomb.” Sir Walter then caused the
inscription, which was in Latin, to be read to him by a clerk, and found
that the old man had told him the truth. Two days afterwards he had the
tomb opened, took out the bones of his father, and, placing them in a
coffin, sent them to Valenciennes in the county of Hainault, where they
were again buried in the church of the Frères Mineurs, near the choir.
He ordered masses to be said, and to be continued yearly.
CHAPTER XL.
THE EARL OF DERBY CONQUERS THE CASTLE OF LA RÉOLE.
The Earl of Derby was more than eleven weeks besieging the castle of La
Réole: the miners, however, made such advances, that they had got under
one of the courts of the castle; but they could not undermine the
donjon, for it was built on too hard a rock. The Lord Agos de Bans, the
governor, then told his companions they were undermined, and in great
danger; who were much alarmed at it, and said, “Sir, you will be in
equal peril with ourselves, if you cannot find some method of avoiding
it. You are our captain, and we ought to obey you. In truth, we have
defended ourselves honorably, and no one can blame us if now we enter
into a treaty. Will you therefore talk with the Earl of Derby, and know
if he will accept of our surrender, sparing our lives and fortunes,
seeing that we cannot at present act otherwise?” Sir Agos went down from
the great tower, and, putting his head out of a window, made signs that
he wished to speak with some one from the army. A few of the English
came near him, and asked what he wanted: he replied that he would speak
with the Earl of Derby or Sir Walter Manny. When this was told the earl,
he said to Sir Walter Manny and to Lord Stafford, “Let us go to the
fortress, and see what the governor has to say to us:” they rode
therefore up to it. When Sir Agos perceived them, he saluted each very
respectfully, and said, “Gentlemen, you know for fact that the King of
France has sent me to this town and castle, to defend them to the best
of my abilities. You know in what manner I have acquitted myself, and
also that I should wish to continue it on; but one cannot always remain
in the place that pleases one best. I should therefore like to depart
from hence, with my companions, if it be agreeable to you; and, that we
may have your permission, if you will spare our lives and fortunes, we
will surrender this castle up to you.” The earl replied, “Sir Agos, Sir
Agos, you will not get off so. We know that you are very much
distressed, and that we can take you whenever we please, for your castle
now only stands upon props. You must surrender yourselves up
unconditionally, and so shall you be received.” Sir Agos, answering,
said, “Certainly, sir, if we should do so, I hold you of such honor and
gallantry, that you will show us every mark of favor, as you would wish
the King of France should do toward any of your knights; and, please
God, you will never stain your honor and nobility for a few poor
soldiers that are within here, who have gained their money with great
pain and trouble, and whom I brought with me from Provence, Savoy, and
Dauphiné: for know, that if the lowest of our men be not treated with
mercy, as well as the highest, we will sell our lives in such a manner
as none besieged ever did before. I therefore entreat of you to listen
to me, and treat us like brother soldiers, that we may feel ourselves
obliged to you.”
The three knights withdrew to a little distance, and conversed a long
time together; when, considering the gallantry of Sir Agos, that he was
a foreigner, and, besides, that they could not undermine the donjon,
they returned, and said to him, “Sir Agos, we shall be happy always to
treat every stranger knight as a brother at arms; and if, fair sir, you
and yours wish to leave the castle, you must carry nothing with you but
your arms and horses.”--“Let it be so, then,” replied Sir Agos. Upon
this he returned to his companions, and related what he had done: they
immediately armed themselves, and caparisoned their horses, of which
they had only six remaining. Some purchased horses of the English, who
made them pay dearly for them. Thus Sir Agos de Bans gave up the castle
of La Réole, of which the English took possession; and he went to the
city of Toulouse.
CHAPTER XLI.
THE EARL OF DERBY TAKES CASTEL MORON, AND AFTERWARDS VILLEFRANCHE, IN
PERIGORD.
When the Earl of Derby had gained possession of the town and castle of
La Réole, where he had spent a long time, he pushed forward, but left
there an English knight to see after the repairs, that it might be put
in a similar situation as when he had come before it. The earl advanced
toward Monpouillant, which he instantly ordered to be attacked the
moment he arrived. There were in the castle none but the peasantry of
the country who had retired thither with their cattle, depending on the
strength of the place. They defended themselves as long as they were
able; but at last it was taken by escalade, though it cost the earl dear
in the loss of many archers and a young English gentleman called Sir
Richard Pennort, who bore the banner of the Lord Stafford. The earl gave
the command of the castle and its dependencies to a squire of his own,
called Thomas Lancaster, and left him with twenty archers. The earl then
came to Castel Moron, which he attacked; but, finding he could not make
any impression, he took up his quarters before it for that night. On the
morrow morning a knight from Gascony came to him, called Sir Alexander
de Chaumont, and said, “Sir, pretend to decamp with your army, leaving
only a small detachment here before the town; and, from the knowledge I
have of its inhabitants, I am sure they will sally forth to attack them.
Your men will defend themselves as they retreat, and by placing an
ambuscade under these olive-trees, which as soon as they have passed,
one part of your army may fall upon their rear, and the other make for
the town.” The earl followed this advice, and ordered the Earl of Oxford
to remain behind with only a hundred men, giving him directions what he
wished to have done. He then ordered all the baggage to be packed up,
and to march off, as if he were going to another place. After having
posted a strong ambuscade in the valley among the olives and vines, he
rode on.
When the townsmen of Castel Moron perceived that the earl and the
greater part of his army were marching off, they said among themselves,
“Let us hasten to arm, and sally forth to combat this handful of English
that stay behind: we shall soon discomfit them, and have them at our
mercy, which will bring us great honor and profit.” They all agreed to
this proposal; and, hastening to arm themselves, they sallied out, to
the number of about four hundred. As soon as the Earl of Oxford and his
party saw them coming, they began to retreat, and the French to follow
them with great eagerness: they pursued them until they had passed the
ambush, when those posted there advanced upon them, calling out, “Manny
forever!” for Sir Walter commanded this ambuscade. One part of his
detachment fell upon those that had come from the town; and the other
made for Castel Moron, where they came about midnight, and found the
gates wide open, for the guards thought it was their own people
returning. The first-comers therefore seized the bridge, and were soon
masters of the town; for the inhabitants that had sallied out were
surrounded on all sides, and either slain or made prisoners. Those that
had remained in the town surrendered themselves to the Earl of Derby,
who received them kindly, and, out of his nobleness of disposition,
respited the town from being pillaged and burnt. He made a present of
it, and all its dependencies, to Sir Alexander de Chaumont, through
whose advice he had gained it. Sir Alexander made his brother, who was a
squire, called Antony de Chaumont, governor; and the Earl of Derby left
with him his archers, and forty infantry armed with bucklers, in order
to enable him the better to guard the town. The earl then came before
Villefranche, which he took by storm, as well as the castle. He made an
English knight, Sir Thomas Cook, governor of it. Thus did the Earl of
Derby march through every part of the country, without any one venturing
out to prevent him. He conquered many different towns and castles, and
his army gained so much riches, that it was marvellous to think on.
CHAPTER XLII.
JACOB VON ARTAVELD IS MURDERED AT GHENT.
Jacob von Artaveld, the citizen of Ghent that was so much attached to
the King of England, still maintained the same despotic power over all
Flanders. He had promised the King of England that he would give him the
inheritance of Flanders, invest his son the Prince of Wales with it, and
make it a duchy instead of an earldom. Upon which account the king was
at this period--about St. John the Baptist’s Day, 1345--come to Sluys,
with a numerous attendance of barons and knights. He had brought the
Prince of Wales with him, in order that Jacob von Artaveld’s promises
might be realized. The king remained on board his fleet in the harbor of
Sluys, where he kept his court. His friends in Flanders came thither to
see and visit him; and there were many conferences between the king and
Jacob von Artaveld on one side, and the councils from the different
capital towns on the other, relative to the agreement before mentioned;
as to which, those from the country did not unite in sentiment with the
king or with Von Artaveld: they declared they never would consent to
such a thing.
Jacob von Artaveld remained some little time longer with the King of
England, in order to be made acquainted with all his affairs: he, in
return, assured him that he would bring his countrymen over to his
opinion. But he deceived himself, and did wrong in staying behind and
not being at Ghent at the time when the citizens who had been deputed by
the corporations of the town arrived there; for as soon as they were
returned, taking advantage of the absence of Von Artaveld, they
collected a large meeting of high and low in the market-place, and there
explained to them the subject of the late conferences at Sluys, and what
the King of England had required of them through the advice of Jacob von
Artaveld.
The whole assembly began to murmur against him. They said that if it
pleased God they never would be pointed out, or found so disloyal as to
disinherit their natural lord in favor of a stranger. They then left the
market-place much discontented and angry with Artaveld. Now see how
unfortunately it fell out; for if he had gone to Ghent, instead of
Bruges and Ypres, and had urged upon them the cause of the King of
England, they would all have consented to his wishes, as those of the
two above-mentioned towns had done. But he trusted so much to his
prosperity and greatness, that he thought he could recover every thing
back in a little time.
When, on his return, he came to Ghent about midday, the townspeople, who
were informed of the hour he was expected, had assembled in the street
that he was to pass through. As soon as they saw him they began to
murmur, and put their heads close together, saying, “Here comes one who
is too much the master, and wants to order in Flanders according to his
will and pleasure; which must not be longer borne.” With this they had
also spread a rumor through the town, that Jacob von Artaveld had
collected all the revenues of Flanders for nine years and more; that he
had kept them securely to maintain his own state, and had, during the
time above mentioned, received all fines and forfeitures: of this great
treasure he had sent part into England. This information inflamed
[Illustration: The Death of Jacob van Artaveld.]
those of Ghent with rage; and as he was riding up the streets he
perceived that there was something in agitation against him, for those
who were wont to salute him very respectfully now turned their backs,
and went into their houses. He began therefore to suspect all was not as
usual; and as soon as he had dismounted, and entered his hotel, he
ordered the doors and windows to be shut and fastened.
Scarcely had his servants done this, when the street which he inhabited
was filled from one end to the other with all sorts of people, but
especially with the lowest of mechanics. His mansion was surrounded on
every side, attacked, and broken into by force. Those within did all
they could to defend it, and killed and wounded many; but at last they
could not hold out against such vigorous attacks, for three parts of the
town were there. When Jacob von Artaveld saw what efforts were making,
and how hardly he was pushed, he came to a window, and with his head
uncovered began to use humble and fine language, saying, “My good
people, what aileth you? Why are you so enraged against me? By what
means can I have incurred your displeasure? Tell me: I will conform
myself entirely to your wills.” Those who heard him made answer as with
one voice, “We want to have an account of the great treasures you have
made away with, without any title or reason.” Artaveld replied in a soft
tone, “Gentlemen, be assured that I have never taken any thing from the
treasures of Flanders; and if you will return quietly to your homes, and
come here to-morrow morning, I will be prepared to give so good an
account of them that you must be reasonably satisfied.” But they cried
out, “No, no! we must have it directly, you shall not thus escape from
us; for we know that you have emptied the treasury, and sent it into
England without our knowledge: you therefore shall suffer death.” When
he heard this he clasped his hands together, began to weep bitterly, and
said, “Gentlemen, such as I am, you yourselves have made me. You
formerly swore you would protect me against all the world; and now
without any reason you want to murder me. You are certainly masters, to
do it if you please; for I am but one man against you all. Think better
of it, for the love of God: recollect former times, and consider how
many favors and kindnesses I have conferred upon you. You wish to give
me a sorry recompense for all the generosities you have had at my hands.
You are not ignorant, that, when commerce was dead in this country, it
was I who restored it. I afterwards governed you in so peaceable a
manner, that under my administration you had all things according to
your wishes.” They began to bawl out, “Come down, and do not preach to
us from such a height; for we will have an account and statement of the
great treasures of Flanders, which you have governed too long without
rendering any account; and it is not proper for an officer to receive
the rents of a lord, or of a country, without accounting for them.” When
Jacob von Artaveld saw that he could not appease or calm them, he shut
the window, and intended getting out of his house the back way, to take
shelter in a church adjoining; but his hotel was already broken into on
that side, and upwards of four hundred were there calling out to him. At
last he was seized by them, and slain without mercy: his death-stroke
was given him by a saddler called Thomas Denys.
CHAPTER XLIII.
SIR JOHN OF HAINAULT QUITS THE ALLIANCE OF ENGLAND FOR THAT OF FRANCE.
Soon after this, King Philip of France endeavored by a treaty, through
the means of the Earl of Blois, to persuade Sir John of Hainault to take
part with France. In order to make him alter his opinion of the English,
they made him believe that they would not pay him his subsidy for a
considerable time. This put Sir John so much out of humor, that he
renounced all treaties and agreements which he had entered into with
England. The King of France was no sooner informed of it, than he sent
to him persons sufficiently authorized, who retained him, as well as his
counsel for France, at a certain salary; and he recompensed him in his
kingdom with a greater revenue than he derived from England.
CHAPTER XLIV.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY MARCHES WITH A GREAT ARMY INTO GASCONY, AGAINST THE
EARL OF DERBY.
The King of France, having received information of the expeditions and
conquests that the Earl of Derby had made in Gascony, issued a special
summons for all nobles and others that were capable of bearing arms to
assemble in the cities of Orleans and Bourges, and in that neighborhood,
by a certain day.
At last these lords were all assembled, with their men, in and near
Toulouse, for they were too great in numbers to be lodged in the city:
they amounted, in the whole, to upward of a hundred thousand persons.
This was the year of grace 1345. Soon after the feast of Christmas, the
Duke of Normandy, who was the commander-in-chief of this army, set out
to join it, and ordered his marshals, the Lord of Montmorency and the
Lord of St. Venant, to advance with the van. They came first to the
castle of Miraumont, which the English had conquered in the summer, and
most vigorously assaulted it. There were within about a hundred
Englishmen for its defence, under the command of John Briscoe.
With the French were the Lord Lewis of Spain, and a number of Genoese
crossbow-men, that spared none. Those within could not defend themselves
against so superior a force, but were taken, and the greater part of
them slain, even their captain. The marshals, having recruited their
battalion with fresh men, advanced farther, and came before
Villefranche, in the county of Agenois. The army halted there, and
surrounded it on all sides. Sir Thomas Cook, the governor, was not
there, but at Bordeaux, whither the Earl of Derby had sent for him.
However, those within made a vigorous defence; but in the end they were
taken by storm, and the greater part of the garrison put to the sword.
The army then marched toward the city of Angoulême, leaving the town and
castle of Villefranche standing undemolished, and without any guard. The
city of Angoulême was closely besieged: the governor of it for the King
of England was Sir John Norwich.
CHAPTER XLV.
SIR JOHN NORWICH ESCAPES FROM ANGOULÊME, WHEN THAT TOWN SURRENDERS TO
THE FRENCH.
The lords of France remained for a very considerable time before
Angoulême. The French overran all the country which had been conquered
by the English: they created much trouble, and, whenever they found a
fit opportunity, brought to their camp many prisoners and much pillage.
The two brothers of Bourbon acquired great praise from all, as they were
the foremost in every excursion. When Sir John Norwich, the governor of
Angoulême, found that the Duke of Normandy would not break up the siege
until he had gained the city, that his provisions were growing short,
and that the Earl of Derby showed no signs of coming to his relief;
having also perceived that the inhabitants were much inclined to the
French, and would have turned to them before if they had dared,--he
began to be suspicious of treason, and bethought how he could best save
himself and his companions. On the eve of the Purification, he came on
the battlements of the walls of the city alone, without having mentioned
to any one his intentions, and made signs with his cap that he wanted to
speak with some one from the army. Those who had noticed the signal came
to know what he wanted: he said he wished “to speak with my lord the
Duke of Normandy, or with one of his marshals.” They went to inform the
duke of this, who came there, attended by some of his knights. As soon
as Sir John saw the duke, he pulled off his cap, and saluted him. The
duke returned the salute, and said, “Sir John, how fares it with you?
Are you inclined to surrender yourself?”--“I have no intentions to do
that,” replied Sir John; “but I could wish to entreat of you, in
reverence to the feast of Our Lady, which is to-morrow, that you would
grant us a truce for that day only, that neither of us may hurt the
other, but remain in peace.” The duke said he was willing to consent to
it.
Early the next morning, which was Candlemas Day, Sir John and his
companions armed themselves, and packed up all they had. They then
ordered one of the gates to be opened, and issued forth; which being
perceived by the army, some part of it began to put itself in motion.
Sir John, upon this, rode up to them, and said, “Gentlemen, gentlemen,
beware that you do no harm to us; for we have had a truce agreed on for
this whole day, as you must know, by the Duke of Normandy; and we shall
not touch you. If you have not been informed of it, go and inquire; for
we can, upon the faith of this truce, ride and go wherever we please.”
This information was brought to the duke, and he was asked what was to
be done; who replied, “Let them go, in God’s name, whatever way they
choose; for we cannot force them to stay. I will keep the promise I made
them.” Thus Sir John Norwich passed through the whole French army
unhurt, and took the road to Aiguillon. When those who were in garrison
there heard in what manner he had escaped, and saved his men, they said
he had acted very cunningly.[5] The inhabitants of Angoulême held a
council on Candlemas Day, and determined to surrender themselves to the
duke. They sent persons properly authorized to treat, who managed so
well, that the duke showed them mercy, and pardoned them. He entered the
city and castle, where he received their homage, and appointed Sir
Anthony de Villiers governor, with a hundred soldiers to defend it. The
duke afterwards decamped, and came before the castle of Damazan, which
he laid siege to for fourteen days. There were continued assaults; but
at last it was taken, and all within it, Gascons and English, put to the
sword. The duke gave this castle and its dependencies to a squire from
Beausse, named the Borgne de Nully. He then came before Tonniens, which
is situated on the Garonne, and which he found well provided with
Gascons and English. There were many attacks and skirmishes, and he
remained some time before it. However, at last they surrendered, upon
condition of preserving their lives and fortunes, and to be conducted in
safety to Bordeaux. When these foreigners had left it, the town entered
under obedience to the duke, who staid here with his whole army, and on
the banks of the Garonne, until after Easter, when he advanced toward
Port St. Marie upon the same river. There were about two hundred English
to defend the town and this passage, who had strongly fortified it; but
they, and all within, were taken by assault. The French, after they had
repaired and re-enforced it with men at arms, set out and took the road
toward Aiguillon.
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE DUKE OF NORMANDY LAYS SIEGE TO AIGUILLON WITH A HUNDRED THOUSAND
MEN.
The noblemen of France, under the command of the Duke of Normandy,
pushed on until they came before the castle of Aiguillon, when they
encamped, and divided their forces in the extensive and handsome meadows
on the banks of the river Garonne, which is navigable for great vessels.
Each lord was posted with his own people, and every company by itself,
according to the orders of the marshals of the army. This siege
continued until the beginning of October; and there were upward of one
hundred thousand men in arms, including cavalry and infantry. Those
within were obliged to defend themselves against this army two or three
times every day, and most commonly from noon until eve without ceasing;
for there were continually pouring upon them fresh forces, Genoese or
others, who gave them no repose. The chiefs of the French army found
they could never attack with advantage the fortress, unless they passed
the river, which was wide and deep. The duke therefore ordered a bridge
to be constructed, that they might cross it. Three hundred workmen were
employed at this bridge, who worked day and night. As soon as the
knights who were in Aiguillon perceived that this bridge was nearly
finished, and that one-half of it was completed, they prepared three
vessels, in which they embarked, and, driving away the workmen and
guards, instantly destroyed what had taken so much time to make. The
lords of France, seeing this, got ready other vessels to attack them,
in which they placed a number of men at arms, Genoese crossbow-men, and
infantry, and ordered the workmen to continue their works under the
support of these guards. When these workmen were thus employed, Sir
Walter Manny and some of his companions embarked about noon, and,
dashing upon them, made them quit their work, and run off. He soon
destroyed all that they had done. This kind of skirmish was continued
daily; but at last the French sent such large detachments to guard the
workmen, that the bridge was completed in a good and strong manner. The
army then passed over it in order of battle, and attacked the castle for
the space of one whole day, but did no harm; and in the evening they
retreated to their camp, where they were plentifully supplied with every
thing.