Those within the castle repaired what damage had been done, for they had

plenty of workmen. On the morrow the French resolved to divide their

army into four divisions, the first of which should make an attack on

this fortress from the dawn until about nine o’clock; the second, from

that time until noon; the third, from noon till four o’clock; and the

fourth division, from that time till night. This mode of attack was

continued for six successive days. However, those within the castle were

never so much harassed but that they could defend themselves valiantly;

and their enemies gained nothing but the bridge which was before the

castle. The French lords, upon this, held a council, and sent to

Toulouse for eight of their largest battering-engines, and constructed

four other large ones upon the spot. These twelve engines cast stones

into the fortress day and night; but the besieged had taken such pains

to avoid what mischief they could do, that they only destroyed the roofs

of the houses. They had also made counter-engines, which played upon

those of their enemies, and in a short space of time totally ruined six

of them.

During this siege Sir Walter Manny made frequent excursions beyond the

river, with about sixscore companions, to forage, and often returned

with his booty in sight of the army. One day the Lord Charles of

Montmorency had been on a foraging party, with five or six hundred men,

and was conducting a great number of cattle to victual the army, when he

met Sir Walter Manny under the walls of Aiguillon. They immediately

began an engagement, which was very sharp, and many were killed and

wounded on both sides. The French were at least five to one. News was

brought of this into Aiguillon, when every one sallied out for the

fastest, and the Earl of Pembroke with the foremost; they dashed into

the midst of them, and found Sir Walter Manny unhorsed, and surrounded

by his enemies, but fighting most valiantly. He was directly rescued and

remounted. During the heat of the engagement, the French hastened to

drive off the cattle to a place of safety, or they would have lost them;

for the English were coming in crowds to succor their countrymen, and,

falling upon the French vigorously, they put them to flight, rescued

those they had made prisoners, and captured also many from them. The

Lord Charles de Montmorency had great difficulty to escape, and

retreated as fast as he could, quite discomfited. When it was over, the

English returned to Aiguillon.

Such skirmishes frequently happened, for scarcely a day passed without

some engagement. The French, having one day drawn out their army,

ordered those noblemen that were from Toulouse, Carcassonne, and

Beaucaire, and their dependencies, to make an attack with their men,

from the morning until noon; and those from Rouergue, Cahors, and

Agenois, to continue it from their retreat until the evening. The duke

promised to any of his soldiers who should gain the drawbridge of the

castle a reward of a hundred golden crowns. The duke, in order to assist

this attack, commanded a number of vessels and barges to come down the

river, in which many embarked to cross it, while the remainder passed

over the bridge. Those in the castle made a gallant defence; but at last

some of the French got into a small boat, and, passing under the bridge,

fastened strong hooks and chains to the drawbridge, with which they

pulled so lustily, that they broke the iron chains which held the

bridge, and forced it down.

The French, so eager were they to gain the promised reward, leaped upon

the bridge in such haste that they tumbled over each other. The besieged

flung down upon them stones, hot lime, large beams, and boiling water,

so that many were hurt and drowned in the ditches. The bridge, however,

was taken, though it cost them more than it was worth. But they could

not gain the gate: therefore, as it was late, they returned to their

camp, for they had need of rest; and those within the castle sallied

out, and repaired the bridge, making it stronger than ever.

On the next day two principal engineers came to the duke, and said, if

he would find them wood and workmen they would build for him four such

high towers, as, when they were advanced to the walls of the castle,

should overtop them. The duke commanded all the carpenters of the

country to be sent for, and handsomely paid. These four towers were

constructed, and placed on the decks of four large vessels; but they

took a long time in making, and cost much money. Those ordered upon this

attack embarked on board the vessels; and, when they were about half

way over the river, the besieged let off four martinets, which they had

newly constructed to defend themselves against these towers. These four

martinets cast such large stones, and so very rapidly, that the men at

arms in the towers were much hurt by them; and, having no means to

shield themselves, they returned back as fast as they were able. But in

their retreat one of the vessels foundered and sunk: the greater number

of those that were on board were drowned, which was a great pity, as

they were chiefly valiant knights who were eager to distinguish

themselves. When the duke found that this scheme did not answer his

expectations, he ordered them to disembark from the three remaining

vessels. He was at a loss what plan to follow, by which he could gain

the castle of Aiguillon; for he had vowed he would never quit the place

until he was master of it and the garrison, unless the king his father

ordered otherwise. The lords therefore advised him to send the Constable

of France and the Earl of Tancarville to Paris, to inform King Philip of

the state of the siege, and to know if the king wished the Duke of

Normandy to continue before Aiguillon until he had through famine made

himself master of it, since he could not gain it by force.

The King of England, having heard how much pressed his people were in

the castle of Aiguillon, determined to lead a great army into Gascony.

He set about making his preparations, summoned all the vassals in his

kingdom, and collected forces from whatever quarter he could, that were

willing to enter into his pay. About this time Sir Godfrey de Harcourt,

who had been banished from France, arrived in England. He was received

by the king in his palace; and he assigned over to him a handsome

estate in England, to maintain him suitable to his rank. Soon after this

the king assembled a large fleet of ships at Southampton, and sent

thither his men at arms and his archers. About St. John the Baptist’s

Day, 1346, the king took leave of the queen, and, setting out, left her

to the care of his cousin the Earl of Kent. He appointed the Lord Percy,

and the Lord Neville of Raby, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of

Durham, and the Bishop of Lincoln, to be his lieutenants for the

northern parts of his kingdom; and he did not take so many forces out of

the realm but that there was a sufficiency of men at arms left to defend

it, should there be occasion. He took the road to Southampton, where he

tarried until he had a favorable wind, when he embarked with his whole

army. On board the king’s ship were the Prince of Wales and Sir Godfrey

de Harcourt: the other lords, earls, and barons embarked with their men,

as they had been ordered. There might be about four thousand men at

arms, and ten thousand archers, not including the Irish and the Welsh,

who followed the army on foot.

When they embarked,[6] the weather was as favorable as the king could

wish, to carry him to Gascony; but on the third day the wind was so

contrary, that they were driven upon the coasts of Cornwall, where they

cast anchor, and remained for six days and six nights. During this time

the king altered his mind with respect to going toward Gascony, through

the advice and representations of Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, who convinced

him that it would be more for his interest to land in Normandy, by such

words as these: “Sir, that province is one of the most fertile in the

world; and I will answer on my head that you may land in any part of it

you shall please without hinderance, for no one will think of opposing

you. The Normans have not been accustomed to the use of arms; and all

the knighthood that would have otherwise been there are at present with

the duke before Aiguillon. You will find in Normandy rich towns and

handsome castles without any means of defence, and your people will gain

wealth enough to suffice them for twenty years to come. Your fleet may

also follow you up the river Orne as far as Caen. I therefore entreat

you will listen and give belief to what I say.” The king, who at that

time was in the flower of his youth, and who desired nothing better than

to combat his enemies, paid much attention to what Sir Godfrey de

Harcourt, whom he called cousin, had said. He commanded his sailors to

steer straight for Normandy, and ordered the flag of the admiral, the

Earl of Warwick, to be hoisted on board his ship: he took the lead, as

admiral of the fleet, and made for Normandy with a very favorable wind.

The fleet anchored near to the shores of Coutantin, and the king landed

at a port called La Hogue St. Vast. News of his arrival was soon spread

abroad: it was told all over the country, that the English had landed

with a very great army. Messengers were instantly despatched to Paris,

to the king, from the towns of Coutantin. He had already been informed

that the King of England had embarked a numerous army, and was on the

coasts of Normandy and Brittany; but he was not sure for what particular

port he intended to make. As soon, therefore, as he heard the English

had landed, he sent for his constable, the Earl of Guignes, and the Earl

of Tancarville, who were just come from Aiguillon, and ordered them to

set off directly for Caen, to defend that place and the neighborhood

against the English.

CHAPTER XLVII.

THE KING OF ENGLAND MARCHES INTO NORMANDY WITH HIS ARMY IN THREE

BATTALIONS.

When the fleet of England was all safely arrived at La Hogue, the king

leaped on shore first; but by accident he fell, and with such violence

that the blood gushed out of his nose. The knights that were near him

said, “Dear sir, let us entreat you to return to your ship, and not

think of landing to-day, for this is an unfortunate omen.” The king

instantly replied, “For what? I look upon it as very favorable, and a

sign that the land is desirous of me.”

His people were much pleased with this answer. The king and his army lay

that night upon the sands. In the mean time they disembarked their

baggage, armor, and horses; and there was a council held, to consider

how they could act most advantageously. The king created two marshals of

his army: one was Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, the other the Earl of

Warwick; and he made the Earl of Arundel his constable. He ordered the

Earl of Huntington to remain with his fleet, with a hundred or sixscore

men at arms, and four hundred archers. He then held another council

respecting the order of march, and determined to divide the army into

three battalions, one of which should advance on his right, following

the seacoast, and another on his left; and he himself, with the prince

his son and the main body, in the centre. Every night the marshal’s

battalion was to retire to the quarters of the king. They then began

their march, as they had resolved upon. Those who were on board the

fleet coasted shores, and took every vessel, great and small, they met

with. Both the armies of sea and land went forward until they came to a

strong town called Barfleur, which they soon gained, the inhabitants

having surrendered immediately for fear of losing their lives; but that

did not prevent the town from being pillaged and robbed of gold, silver,

and every thing precious that could be found therein. There was so much

wealth that the boys of the army set no value on gowns trimmed with fur.

They made all the townsmen quit the place, and embarked them on board

the fleet; for they did not choose that after they had continued their

march they should collect together, and attack them.

After the town of Barfleur had been pillaged, but not burnt, they spread

themselves over the country, near the seacoast, where they did whatever

they pleased, for there were none to oppose them. They advanced until

they came to a considerable and wealthy town called Cherbourg, which

they burnt and pillaged in part; but they could not conquer the castle,

as it was too strong and well garrisoned with men at arms: they

therefore passed on, and came before Montbourg, near Valogues, which

they pillaged and then set fire to. In this manner did they plunder and

burn a great many towns in that country, and acquired so much riches

that it would have been difficult to count their wealth.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

THE KING OF FRANCE COLLECTS A LARGE FORCE TO OPPOSE THE KING OF ENGLAND.

Thus, while the English were burning and destroying great part of

Normandy, the King of France was not idle, but had issued out his

summons to the Lord John of Hainault, who came to him with a powerful

company of knights from Hainault and elsewhere: he also sent to every

earl, baron, and knight that were dependent on him. They obeyed his

summons in such numbers as France had not seen for a hundred years; but,

as those in foreign countries were at great distances, they were long in

arriving, and the King of England had overrun and destroyed the whole

district of Coutantin in Normandy to its great detriment.

When King Philip first heard of the destruction the King of England was

making in his realm, he swore that the English should never return

without his having combated with them, and that the mischief they had

done to his people should be dearly paid for. He hastened, therefore, to

despatch his letters. He sent first to his good friends in the empire,

because they were at the greatest distance; and also to the gallant King

of Bohemia, whom he so much loved; and to the Lord Charles of Bohemia,

his son, who had then the title of King of Germany, which he had

obtained, as was well known, through the influence of his father and the

King of France, and he had already quartered the arms of the empire.

King Philip entreated of them to come speedily to his assistance, for

he was impatient to meet the English who were despoiling his kingdom.

These lords had no intention of excusing themselves, but set about

collecting a large body of men at arms from Germany, Bohemia, and

Luxembourg, and came to the King of France with a powerful army. The

King of France wrote also to the Duke of Lorraine, who came to serve him

with upward of three hundred lances. The Earl of Savoy, the Earl of

Saltzburg, the Earl of Flanders, and Earl William of Namur, came also to

King Philip, each of them with a very handsome company.

You have before heard the manner of the King of England’s march: the two

marshals on the right and left, and the King and Prince of Wales in the

centre. They advanced by short marches, and every day they encamped

between ten and twelve o’clock. They found the country so abounding with

provisions, that they had no need to seek for forage, except wines, of

which there was a reasonable quantity. It is not to be wondered at, if

the people of the country were alarmed and frightened, for they had

never seen any men at arms, and knew nothing of war or battles: they

therefore fled before the English, as soon as ever they heard they were

coming, leaving their houses and barns quite full, for they had neither

means nor art to save them.

The King of England and Prince of Wales had in their battalion about

three thousand men at arms, six thousand archers, ten thousand infantry,

without counting those that were under the marshals; and they marched on

in the manner I have before mentioned, burning and destroying the

country, but without breaking their line of battle. They did not turn

toward Coutances, but advanced to St. Lô in Coutantin, which in those

days was a very rich and commercial town, and worth three such towns as

Coutances. In the town of St. Lô was much drapery, and many wealthy

inhabitants; among them you might count eight or nine score that were

engaged in commerce. When the King of England was come near to the town,

he encamped: he would not lodge in it for fear of fire. He sent,

therefore, his advanced guard forward, who soon conquered it at a

trifling loss, and completely plundered it. No one can imagine the

quantity of riches they found in it, nor the number of bales of cloth.

If there had been any purchasers, they might have bought enough at a

very cheap rate.

The English then advanced toward Caen, which is a much larger town,

stronger, and fuller of draperies and all other sorts of merchandise,

rich citizens, noble dames and damsels, and fine churches. In

particular, there are two very rich monasteries, one dedicated to St.

Stephen, and the other to the Trinity. The castle is situated on one

side of the town: it is the handsomest in all Normandy; and Sir Robert

de Blargny was governor, with a garrison of three hundred Genoese.

In the heart of the town were the Earl of Eu and of Guignes, the

Constable of France, and the Earl of Tancarville, with a crowd of men at

arms. The king rode on very prudently, and, having united his three

battalions, he took up his quarters for that night in the fields, two

short leagues from Caen, near a town called Estreham, where there is a

haven. He ordered the Earl of Huntington, whom he had made admiral of

his fleet, to sail for that place. The Constable of France, and the

other lords who were assembled in Caen, watched it well that night; and

on the morrow they armed themselves and all the inhabitants. After they

were drawn out, the constable and the Earl of Tancarville ordered that

no one should leave the town, but should guard well the bridge, the

gates, and the river. They gave up the suburbs to the English, because

they were not enclosed; and they thought they should find sufficient

employment to guard the town, which was only defended by the river. The

townsmen, however, said they would march out into the plains, as they

were in sufficient force to fight with the English. When the constable

perceived their willingness, he said, “It shall be so, then; but, in

God’s name, you shall not fight without me.” They then marched out of

the town in handsome order, and made a show as if they would fight

valiantly, and risk their lives upon the event.

CHAPTER XLIX.

THE BATTLE OF CAEN.--THE ENGLISH TAKE THE TOWN.

On this day the English rose very early, and made themselves ready to

march to Caen: the king heard mass before sunrise, and afterwards

mounting his horse, with the Prince of Wales and Sir Godfrey de Harcourt

(who was marshal and director of the army, and through whose advice the

king had undertaken this expedition), marched forward in order of

battle. The battalion of the marshals led the van, and came near to the

handsome town of Caen.

When the townsmen, who had taken the field, perceived the English

advancing with banners and pennons flying in abundance, and saw those

archers whom they had not been accustomed to, they were so frightened

that they betook themselves to flight, and ran for the town in great

disorder, without regarding the constable and the men at arms who were

with them. The English pursued them eagerly; which, when the constable

and the Earl of Tancarville saw, they gained a gate at the entrance of

the bridge in safety, and a few knights with them, for the English had

already entered the town.

Some knights and squires of the French, who knew the road to the castle,

made for it; and the governor, Sir Robert de Blargny, received them all.

As the castle was very large, and plentifully victualled, those were

safe that could get there.

The English, who were after the runaways, made great havoc; for they

spared none. When the constable, and those that had taken refuge with

him within the gate of the bridge, looked round them, and saw the great

slaughter the English were making (for they gave no quarter), they began

to fear lest they should fall into the hands of some of those archers,

who would not know who they were. But they perceived a knight who had

but one eye, named Sir Thomas Holland (whom they had formerly known in

Prussia and Grenada), coming toward them, in company with five or six

other knights: they called to him, and asked if he would take them as

his prisoners. Sir Thomas and his company advanced to the gate, and,

dismounting, ascended to the top, with sixteen others, where he found

the above-mentioned knights, and twenty-five more, who surrendered

themselves to Sir Thomas.

Having left a sufficient guard over them, he mounted his horse, rode

through the streets, and prevented many acts of cruelty; as did also

other knights and squires, to whom several of the citizens owed their

lives. It was fortunate for the English that it was ebb-tide in the

river, which admits large vessels, and the water very still, so that

they could pass and repass beside the bridge. Those inhabitants who had

taken refuge in the garrets flung down from them in these narrow streets

stones, benches, and whatever they could lay hands on, so that they

killed and wounded upwards of five hundred of the English; which so

enraged the King of England, when he received the reports in the

evening, that he ordered the remainder of the inhabitants to be put to

the sword, and the town burnt. But Sir Godfrey de Harcourt said to him,

“Dear sir, assuage somewhat of your anger, and be satisfied with what

has already been done. You have a long journey yet to make before you

arrive at Calais, whither it is your intention to go; and there are in

this town a great number of inhabitants who will defend themselves

obstinately in their houses, if you force them to it: besides, it will

cost you many lives before the town can be destroyed, which may put a

stop to the expedition to Calais, and that will not redound to your

honor. Therefore be sparing of your men, for in a month’s time you will

have a call for them; as it cannot otherwise happen but that your

adversary King Philip must soon come to give you battle, and you may

meet with many difficulties, assaults, and skirmishes, that will find

full employment for the number of, and even more if we could get them.

We are complete masters of the town, without any more slaughter; and the

inhabitants, and all they possess, are at our disposal.” The king

replied, “Sir Godfrey, you are our marshal: therefore order as you

please; for this time we do not wish to interfere.”

Sir Godfrey then rode through the streets, his banner displayed before

him, and ordered in the king’s name that no one should dare, under pain

of immediate death, to insult or hurt man or woman of the town, or

attempt to set fire to it. Several of the inhabitants, on hearing this

proclamation, received the English into their houses; and others opened

their coffers to them, giving up their all since they were assured of

their lives. However, there were, in spite of these orders, many

atrocious thefts and murders committed. The English continued masters of

the town for three days. In this time they amassed great wealth, which

they sent in barges down the river of Estreham to St. Saveur, two

leagues off, where their fleet was. The Earl of Huntington made

preparations, therefore, with the two hundred men at arms and his four

hundred archers, to carry over to England their riches and prisoners.

The king purchased from Sir Thomas Holland and his companions the

Constable of France and the Earl of Tancarville, and paid down twenty

thousand nobles for them.

CHAPTER L.

THE ENGLISH COMMIT GREAT DEPREDATIONS IN NORMANDY.--SIR GODFREY DE

HARCOURT ENCOUNTERS THE MEN AT ARMS OF AMIENS, ON THEIR WAY TO

PARIS, AND KING EDWARD MARCHES INTO PICARDY.

When the king had finished his business in Caen, and had sent his fleet

to England loaded with cloths, jewels, gold and silver plate, and a

quantity of other riches, and upward of sixty knights, with three

hundred able citizens, prisoners; he then left his quarters, and

continued his march as before, his two marshals on his right and left,

burning and wasting all the flat country.

They pushed forward until they came to Poissy, where the bridge was also

destroyed; but the beams and other parts of it were lying in the river.

The king remained here five days, while they were repairing the bridge,

so that his army might pass over without danger. His marshals advanced

very near to Paris, and burnt St. Germain-en-Laye, La Montjoie, St.

Cloud, Boulogne near Paris, and Bourg la Reine. The Parisians were much

alarmed, for Paris at that time was not enclosed. King Philip upon this

began to stir; and, having ordered all the pent-houses in Paris to be

pulled down, went to St. Denis, where he found the King of Bohemia, the

Lord John of Hainault, the Duke of Lorraine, the Earl of Flanders, the

Earl of Blois, and great multitudes of barons and knights, ready to

receive him. When the Parisians learned that the king was on the point

of quitting Paris, they came to him, and, falling on their knees, said,

“Ah, sire and noble king, what are you about to do? to leave your fine

city of Paris?” The king replied, “My good people, do not be afraid: the

English will not approach you nearer than they have done.” He thus spoke

in answer to what they had said,--that “our enemies are only two leagues

off: as soon as they shall know you have quitted us, they will come

hither directly; and we are not able to resist them ourselves, nor shall

we find any to defend us. Have the kindness, therefore, sire, to remain

in your good city of Paris to take care of us.” The king replied, “I am

going to St. Denis, to my army; for I am impatient to pursue the

English, and am resolved to fight with them at all events.”

The King of England remained at the nunnery of Poissy to the middle of

August, and celebrated there the feast of the Virgin Mary. He sat at

table in his scarlet robes without sleeves, trimmed with furs and

ermines. He afterwards took the field, and his army marched as before:

Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, one of his marshals, had the command of the

vanguard, with five hundred men at arms, and about thirteen hundred

archers. By accident he fell in with a large party of the citizens of

Amiens on horseback, who were going to King Philip at Paris, in

obedience to his summons. He immediately attacked them with those under

his command; but they made a good defence, as they were very numerous

and well armed, and had four knights from Amiens with them. The

engagement lasted a long time, and many were slain at the onset; but at

last those from Amiens were overthrown, killed, or taken prisoners. The

English seized all their baggage and arms, and found many valuables; for

they were going to the king excellently well equipped, and had but just

quitted their city. Twelve hundred were left dead on the spot. The King

of England entered the country of Beauvais, destroying all the flat

country; and took up his quarters in a rich abbey called St. Messien,

near to Beauvais, where he lodged one night. The morrow, as he was on

his march, he by chance turned his head round, and saw the abbey all in

flames; upon which he instantly ordered twenty of those who had set fire

to it to be hung, as he had most strictly forbidden that any church

should be violated, or monastery set on fire. He passed near Beauvais

without attacking it,--for he was anxious to be as careful of his men

and artillery as possible,--and took up his quarters at a small town

called Milly. The two marshals passed so near to Beauvais, that they

advanced to attack it, and skirmish with the townsmen at the barriers,

and divided their forces into three battalions. This attack lasted until

the afternoon; for the town was well fortified and provided with every

thing, and the bishop was also there, whose exertions were of more

service than those of all the rest. When the English found they could

not gain any thing, they set fire to the suburbs, which they burnt

quite close to the gates of the town, and then came, toward evening, to

where the king was.

The next day the king and his whole army marched forward, burning and

wasting all the country as they went, and lay that night at a village

called Grandvillier. On the morrow he passed near to Argis: his scouts

not finding any one to guard the castle, he attacked and burnt it, and,

passing on, destroyed the country, and came to Poix, which was a

handsome town with two castles. The lords of both were absent, and no

one was there but two handsome daughters of the Lord of Poix. In order

more effectually to guard them, they brought them to the king, who, as

in honor bound, entertained them most graciously. He inquired whither

they would wish to go. They answered, to Corbie, to which place they

were conducted in safety. The King of England lay that night in the town

of Poix. The inhabitants of Poix, as well as those of the castle, had a

conference with the marshals of the army, in order to save the town from

being plundered and burnt. They offered to pay, as a ransom, a certain

number of florins the ensuing day, as soon as the army should have

marched off. On the morrow morning the king and army departed, except

some few who remained behind, by order of the marshals, to receive the

ransom from the townsmen. When the inhabitants were assembled together,

and considered the small number of the English who were left with them,

they resolved to pay nothing, told them so, and directly fell upon them.

The English defended themselves gallantly, and sent after the army for

succor. When Lord Reginald Cobham and Sir Thomas Holland, who commanded

the rear-guard, were told of this, they cried out, “Treason! treason!”

and returned back to Poix, where they found their countrymen still

engaged with the townsmen. Almost all the inhabitants were slain, the

town was burnt, and the two castles razed to the ground. The English

then followed the king’s army, which was arrived at Airaines, where he

had ordered the troops to halt, and to quarter themselves for that

night, strictly commanding, under pain of death, that no harm should be

done to the town or inhabitants by theft or otherwise; for he wished to

remain there a day or two in order to gain information where he could

best cross the river Somme,--which he was under the necessity of doing,

as you will shortly hear.

CHAPTER LI.

THE KING OF FRANCE PURSUES THE KING OF ENGLAND, IN THE COUNTRY OF

BEAUVAIS.

I wish now to return to King Philip, whom we left at St. Denis with his

army, which was increasing every day. He marched off with it, and pushed

forward until he came to Coppigny les Guises, which is three leagues

distant from Amiens, where he halted. The King of England, who was still

at Airaines, was much embarrassed how to cross the Somme, which was wide

and deep, as all the bridges had been broken down, and their situations

were well guarded by men at arms. The two marshals, at the request of

the king, followed the course of the river, in order if possible to find

a passage for the army: they had with them a thousand men at arms and

two thousand archers. They passed by Lompré, and came to Pont de Remy,

which they found defended by numbers of knights, squires, and people of

the country. The English dismounted, and attacked the French from the

very dawn of the morning until near ten o’clock; but the bridge was so

well fortified and guarded, that they could not gain any thing: so they

departed, and went to a large town called Fontaines-sur-Somme, which

they completely plundered and burnt, as it was quite open. They next

came to another town, called Long, in Ponthieu; but they could not gain

the bridge, so well was it guarded. They then rode on to Pecquigny, but

found the town, castle, and bridge so well garrisoned that it was

impossible to pass. In this manner had the King of France ordered all

the bridges and fords of the river Somme to be guarded, to prevent the

King of England from crossing it with his army; for he was resolved to

force them to fight when he should see the most favorable opportunity,

or else to starve them.

The two marshals, having thus in vain followed the course of the Somme,

returned to the King of England, and related to him that they were

unable to find a passage anywhere. That same evening the King of France

took up his quarters at Amiens, with upward of one hundred thousand men.

The King of England was very pensive: he ordered mass before sunrise,

and his trumpets to sound for decamping. All sorts of people followed

the marshals’ banners, according to the orders the king had issued the

preceding day; and they marched through the country of Vimeu, drawing

near to the good town of Abbeville. In their march they came to a town

where a great number of country-people had assembled, trusting to some

small fortifications which were thrown up there; but the English

conquered the town as soon as they came to it, and all that were within.

Many of the townsmen and those from the adjoining country were slain or

taken prisoners. The king lodged that night in the great hospital.

The King of France set out from Amiens, and came to Airaines about noon:

the English king had quitted it about ten o’clock. The French found

there provisions of all sorts; meat on the spits, bread and pastry in

the ovens, wine in barrels, and even some tables ready spread, for the

English had left it in very great haste. The King of France fixed his

quarters there, to wait for his nobles and their retinue. The King of

England was in the town of Oisemont. When his two marshals returned in

the evening, after having overrun the country as far as the gates of

Abbeville, and St. Valery, where they had a smart skirmish, the King of

England summoned a council, and ordered many prisoners, whom his people

had made in the districts of Ponthieu and Vimeu, to be brought before

him.

The king most courteously asked if any of them knew a ford below

Abbeville, where he and his army could pass without danger; and added,

“Whoever will show us such a ford shall have his liberty, and that of

any twenty of his fellow-soldiers whom he may wish to select.” There was

among them a common fellow whose name was Gobin Agace, who answered the

king, and said, “Sir, I promise you, under peril of my life, that I will

conduct you to such a place, where you and your whole army may pass the

river Somme without any risk. There are certain fordable places where

you may pass twelve men abreast twice in the day, and not have water

above your knees; but, when the tide is in, the river is full and deep,

and no one can cross it: when the tide is out, the river is so low that

it may be passed on horseback or on foot without danger. The bottom of

this ford is very hard, of gravel and white stones, over which all your

carriages may safely pass, and from thence is called Blanchetaque. You

must therefore set out early, so as to be at the ford before

sunrise.”--“Friend,” replied the king, “if I find what thou hast just

said to be true, I will give thee and all thy companions their liberty;

and I will besides make thee a present of a hundred nobles.” The king

gave orders for every one to be ready to march at the first sound of his

trumpet, and to proceed forward.

CHAPTER LII.

THE BATTLE OF BLANCHETAQUE, BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND AND SIR GODÉMAR

DU FAY.

The King of England did not sleep much that night, but, rising at

midnight, ordered his trumpet to sound. Very soon every thing was ready;

and, the baggage being loaded, they set out from the town of Oisemont

about daybreak, and rode on, under the guidance of Gobin Agace, until

they came to the ford of Blanchetaque about sunrise; but the tide was at

that time so full, they could not cross. The king, however, determined

to wait there for those of his army who were not yet come up; and he

remained until after ten o’clock, when the tide was gone out. The King

of France, who had his scouts all over the country, was informed of the

situation of the King of England: he imagined he should be able to shut

him up between Abbeville and the Somme, and then take him prisoner, or

force him to fight at a disadvantage. From the time of his arrival at

Amiens, he had ordered a great baron of Normandy, called Sir Godémar du

Fay, to guard this ford of Blanchetaque, at which the English must cross

and nowhere else. Sir Godémar had set out, in obedience to this order,

and had with him altogether one thousand men at arms and six thousand

foot, with the Genoese. He had passed St. Ricquier in Ponthieu, and from

there came to Crotoy, where this ford was. He had collected in his march

great numbers of the country-people. The townsmen of Abbeville had also

accompanied him, excellently well appointed: they had arrived at the

passage before the English. They were in all fully twelve thousand men.

Among them were two thousand who had jackets resembling wagoners’

frocks, called _torriquiaux_.

On the arrival of the English army, Sir Godémar du Fay drew up his men

on the banks of the river to defend the ford. The King of England,

however, did not for this give up his intention of crossing; but, as

soon as the tide was sufficiently gone out, he ordered his marshals to

dash into the water, in the name of God and St. George. The most doughty

and the best-mounted leaped in first, and in the river the engagement

began: many on both sides were unhorsed into the water. There were some

knights and squires from Artois and Picardy, in the pay of Sir Godémar,

who, in hope of preferment and to acquire honor, had posted themselves

at this ford; and they appeared to be equally fond of tilting in the

water as on dry land.

The French were drawn up in battle-array near the narrow pass leading to

the ford, and the English were much annoyed by them as they came out of

the water to gain the land; for there were among them Genoese

cross-bow-men, who did them much mischief. On the other hand, the

English archers shot so well together, that they forced the men at arms

to give way. At this ford of Blanchetaque many gallant feats of arms

were performed on each side; but in the end the English crossed over,

and, as they came on shore, hastened to the fields. After the king, the

prince, and the other lords had crossed, the French did not long keep

their order, but ran for the fastest. When Sir Godémar du Fay found his

army was discomfited, he saved himself as quickly as he could, and many

with him; some making for Abbeville, others for St. Ricquier. The

infantry, however, could not escape, and there were numbers of those

from Abbeville, Arras, Montreuil, and St. Ricquier, slain or taken

prisoners. The pursuit lasted more than a league. The English had

scarcely gained the opposite bank, when some of the light-horse of the

French army, particularly those belonging to the King of Bohemia and Sir

John of Hainault, advanced on the rear, took from them some horses and

accoutrements, and slew several on the bank who were late in crossing.

The King of France had set out from Airaines that morning, thinking to

find the English on the banks of the Somme. When news was brought to him

of the defeat of Sir Godémar and his army, he immediately halted, and

demanded of his marshals what was to be done. They answered, “You can

only cross the river by the bridge of Abbeville, for the tide is now in

at Blanchetaque.” The King of France therefore turned back, and took up

his quarters at Abbeville. The King of England, when he had crossed the

Somme, gave thanks to God for it, and began his march in the same order

he had done before. He called to him Gobin Agace, gave him and his

companions their freedom without ransom, and ordered the hundred nobles

of gold to be presented him, as well as a good horse. The king continued

his march, thinking to take up his quarters at a good and large town

called Noyelle, situated hard by; but when he was informed that it

belonged to the Countess d’Aumale, sister to the late Robert d’Artois,

he sent to assure the inhabitants, as well as all the farmers belonging

to her, that they should not be hurt. He marched farther on, but his two

marshals rode to Crotoy near the sea: they took the town, and burnt it.

In the harbor they found many ships and other vessels laden with wines

from Poitou, Saintonge, and La Rochelle. They ordered the best to be

carried to the English army; then one of the marshals pushed forward,

even as far as the gates of Abbeville, and returned by St. Ricquier,

following the seashore to the town of St. Esprit de Rue.

These two battalions of the marshals came on a Friday, in the afternoon,

to where the king was; and they fixed their quarters, all three

together, near Crecy in Ponthieu. The King of England, who had been

informed that the King of France was following him in order to give him

battle, said to his people, “Let us post ourselves here; for we will not

go farther before we have seen our enemies. I have good reason to wait

for them on this spot, as I am now upon the lawful inheritance of my

lady-mother, which was given her as her marriage-portion; and I am

resolved to defend it against my adversary Philip de Valois.” Inasmuch

as his forces were not more than one-eighth as many as those of the King

of France, his marshals fixed upon the most advantageous situation; and

the army went and took possession of it. He then sent his scouts toward

Abbeville, to learn if the King of France meant to take the field this

Friday; but they returned, and said they saw no appearance of it: upon

which he dismissed his men to their quarters, with orders to be in

readiness by times in the morning, and to assemble in the same place.

The King of France remained all Friday in Abbeville, waiting for more

troops. He sent his marshals, the Lord of St. Venant, and Lord Charles

of Montmorency, out of Abbeville to examine the country, and get some

certain intelligence of the English. They returned about vespers, with

the information that the English were encamped on the plain. That night

the King of France entertained at supper in Abbeville all the princes

and chief lords. There was much conversation relative to war; and the

king entreated them after supper, that they would always remain in

friendship with each other,--that they would be friends without

jealousy, and courteous without pride. The king was still expecting the

Earl of Savoy, who ought to have been there with a thousand lances, as

he had been well paid for them at Troyes in Champaign three months in

advance.

CHAPTER LIII.

THE ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE ENGLISH AT CRECY, WHO WERE DRAWN UP IN THREE

BATTALIONS ON FOOT.

The King of England, as I have mentioned before, encamped this Friday in

the plain, for he found the country abounding in provisions; but if they

should have failed he had plenty in the carriages which attended on him.

The army set about furbishing and repairing their armor; and the king

gave a supper that evening to the earls and barons of his army, when

they made good cheer. On their taking leave, the king remained alone

with the lords of his bedchamber: he retired into his oratory, and,

falling on his knees before the altar, prayed to God, that, if he should

combat his enemies on the morrow, he might come off with honor. About

midnight he went to bed; and, rising early the next day, he and the

Prince of Wales heard mass, and took the communion. The greater part

[Illustration: King Edward III. praying in his Tent the Night before the

Battle of Creçy.]

of his army did the same, confessed, and made suitable preparations.

After mass the king ordered his men to arm themselves, and assemble on

the ground he had before selected. He had enclosed a large park near a

wood in the rear of his army, in which he placed all his baggage-wagons

and horses; and this park had but one entrance. His men at arms and

archers remained on foot.

The king afterwards ordered, through his constable and his two marshals

that the army should be divided into three battalions. In the first he

placed the young Prince of Wales, and with him the Earls of Warwick and

Oxford, Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, the Lord Reginald Cobham, Lord Thomas

Holland, Lord Stafford, Lord Manley, the Lord Delaware, Sir John

Chandos, Lord Bartholomew Burgherst, Lord Robert Neville, Lord Thomas

Clifford, the Lord Bourchier, the Lord Latimer, and many other knights

and squires whom I cannot name. There might be in this first division

about eight hundred men at arms, two thousand archers, and a thousand

Welshmen. They advanced in regular order to their ground, each lord

under his banner and pennon, and in the centre of his men. In the second

battalion were the Earl of Northampton, the Earl of Arundel, the Lords

Ross, Willoughby, Basset, St. Albans, Sir Lewis Tufton, Lord Multon, the

Lord Loccels, and many others; amounting in all to about eight hundred

men at arms and twelve hundred archers. The third battalion was

commanded by the king, and was composed of about seven hundred men at

arms and two thousand archers.

The king then mounted a small palfrey, having a white wand in his hand,

and attended by his two marshals on each side of him: he rode a foot’s

pace through all the ranks, encouraging and entreating the army that

they would guard his honor, and defend his right. He spoke this so

sweetly, and with such a cheerful countenance, that all who had been

dispirited were directly comforted by seeing and hearing him. When he

had thus visited all the battalions, it was near ten o’clock: he retired

to his own division, and ordered them all to eat heartily, and drink a

glass after.

They ate and drank at their ease; and, having packed up pots, barrels,

&c., in the carts, they returned to their battalions, according to the

marshals’ orders, and seated themselves on the ground, placing their

helmets and bows before them, that they might be the fresher when their

enemies should arrive.

CHAPTER LIV.

THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY AT CRECY.

That same Saturday the King of France rose betimes, and heard mass in

the monastery of St. Peter’s in Abbeville, where he was lodged. Having

ordered his army to do the same, he left that town after sunrise. When

he had marched about two leagues from Abbeville, and was approaching the

enemy, he was advised to form his army in order of battle, and to let

those on foot march forward, that they might not be trampled on by the

horses. The king upon this sent off four knights, the Lord Moyne of

Bosthberg, the Lord of Noyer, the Lord of Beaujeu, and the Lord of

Aubigny, who rode so near to the English that they could clearly make

out their position. The English plainly perceived that they were come to

reconnoitre them: however, they took no notice of it, but suffered them

to return unmolested. When the King of France saw them coming back, he

halted his army; and the knights, pushing through the crowds, came near

the king, who said to them, “My lords, what news?” They looked at each

other without opening their mouths, for neither chose to speak first. At

last the king addressed himself to the Lord Moyne, who was attached to

the King of Bohemia, and had performed very many gallant deeds, so that

he was esteemed one of the most valiant knights in Christendom. The Lord

Moyne said, “Sir, I will speak, since it pleases you to order me, but

under the correction of my companions. We have advanced far enough to

reconnoitre your enemies. Know, then, that they are drawn up in three

battalions, and are waiting for you. I would advise, for my part

(submitting, however, to better counsel), that you halt your army here,

and quarter them for the night; for before the rear shall come up, and

the army be properly drawn out, it will be very late, your men will be

tired and in disorder, while they will find your enemies fresh and

properly arrayed. On the morrow you may draw up your army more at your

ease, and may reconnoitre at leisure as to the part where it will be

most advantageous to begin the attack; for be assured they will wait for

you.” The king commanded that it should be so done; and the two marshals

rode, one toward the front and the other toward the rear, crying out,

“Halt banners, in the name of God and St. Denis!” Those that were in the

front halted; but those behind said they would not halt until they were

as far forward as the front. When the front perceived the rear pressing

on, they pushed forward; and neither the king nor the marshals could

stop them, but they marched without any order until they came in sight

of their enemies. As soon as the foremost rank saw them, they fell back

at once in great disorder; which alarmed those in the rear, who thought

they had been fighting. There was then space and room enough for them to

have passed forward, had they been willing: some did so, but others

remained shy. All the roads between Abbeville and Crecy were covered

with common people, who, when they were come within three leagues of

their enemies, drew their swords, bawling out, “Kill, kill!” and with

them were many great lords that were eager to make show of their

courage. There is no man, unless he had been present, that can imagine,

or describe truly, the confusion of that day; especially the bad

management and disorder of the French, whose troops were beyond number.

What I know, and shall relate in this book, I have learned chiefly from

the English,--who had well observed the confusion they were in,--and

from those attached to Sir John of Hainault, who was always near the

person of the King of France.

CHAPTER LV.

THE BATTLE OF CRECY, BETWEEN THE KINGS OF FRANCE AND OF ENGLAND.

The English, who were drawn up in three divisions and seated on the

ground, seeing their enemies advance, rose undauntedly up, and fell into

their ranks. That of the prince was the first to do so, whose archers

were formed in the manner of a portcullis, or harrow, and the men at

arms in the rear. The Earls of Northampton and Arundel, who commanded

the second division, had posted themselves in good order on his wing to

succor the prince, if necessary.

You must know that these kings, earls, barons, and lords of France did

not advance in any regular order, but one after the other, or any way

most pleasing to themselves. As soon as the King of France came in sight

of the English, his blood began to boil, and he cried out to his

marshals, “Order the Genoese forward, and begin the battle, in the name

of God and St. Denis!” There were about fifteen thousand Genoese

crossbow-men; but they were quite fatigued, having marched on foot that

day six leagues, completely armed and with their crossbows. They told

the constable they were not in a fit condition to do any great things

that day in battle. The Earl of Alençon, hearing this, said, “This is

what one gets by employing such scoundrels, who fall off when there is

any need for them.” During this time a heavy rain fell, accompanied by

thunder and a very terrible eclipse of the sun; and before this rain a

great flight of crows hovered in the air over all those battalions,

making a loud noise. Shortly afterwards it cleared up, and the sun shone

very bright; but the Frenchmen had it in their faces, and the English at

their backs. When the Genoese were somewhat in order, and approached the

English, they set up a loud shout in order to frighten them; but they

remained quite still, and did not seem to attend to it. They then set up

a second shout, and advanced a little forward; but the English never

moved.

They hooted a third time, advancing with their crossbows presented, and

began to shoot. The English archers then advanced one step forward, and

shot their arrows with such force and quickness, that it seemed as if it

snowed. When the Genoese felt these arrows, which pierced their arms,

heads, and through their armor, some of them cut the strings of their

crossbows, others flung them on the ground, and all turned about and

retreated quite discomfited. The French had a large body of men at arms

on horseback, richly dressed, to support the Genoese. The King of

France, seeing them thus fall back, cried out, “Kill me those

scoundrels; for they stop up our road, without any reason.” Then you

should have seen the above-mentioned men at arms lay about them, killing

all they could of these runaways.

The English continued shooting as vigorously and quickly as before. Some

of their arrows fell among the horsemen, who were sumptuously equipped,

and, killing and wounding many, made them caper and fall among the

Genoese, so that they were in such confusion they could never rally

again. In the English army there were some Cornish and Welshmen on foot,

who had armed themselves with large knives: these, advancing through the

ranks of the men at arms and archers, who made way for them, came upon

the French when they were in this danger, and, falling upon earls,

barons, knights, and squires, slew many; at which the King of England

was afterwards much displeased. The valiant King of Bohemia was slain

there. He was called Charles of Luxembourg, for he was the son of the

gallant king and emperor Henry of Luxembourg. Having heard the order of

the battle, he inquired where his son the Lord Charles was: his

attendants answered that they did not know, but believed he was

fighting. The king said to them, “Gentlemen, you are all my people, my

friends and brethren at arms this day: therefore, as I am blind, I

request of you to lead me so far into the engagement that I may strike

one stroke with my sword.” The knights replied, they

[Illustration: The Blind King of Bohemia dead on the Battle-field of

Creçy.]

would directly lead him forward; and, in order that they might not lose

him in the crowd, they fastened all the reins of their horses together,

and put the king at their head, that he might gratify his wish, and

advanced toward the enemy. The Lord Charles of Bohemia, who already

signed his name as King of Germany, and bore the arms, had come in good

order to the engagement; but, when he perceived that it was likely to

turn out against the French, he departed, and I do not well know what

road he took. The king his father rode in among the enemy, and made good

use of his sword; for he and his companions fought most gallantly. They

advanced so far that they were all slain; and on the morrow they were

found on the ground, with their horses all tied together.

The Earl of Alençon advanced in regular order upon the English, to fight

with them, as did the Earl of Flanders in another part. These two lords

with their detachments, coasting, as it were, the archers, came to the

prince’s battalion, where they fought valiantly for a length of time.

The King of France was eager to march to the place where he saw their

banners displayed; but there was a hedge of archers before him. He had

that day made a present of a handsome black horse to Sir John of

Hainault, who had mounted on it a knight of his called Sir John de

Fusselles, that bore his banner; which horse ran off with him, and

forced his way through the English army, and, when about to return,

stumbled and fell into a ditch, and severely wounded him. He would have

been dead if his page had not followed him round the battalions, and

found him unable to rise: he had not, however, any other hinderance than

from his horse, for the English did not quit the ranks that day to make

prisoners. The page alighted, and raised him up; but he did not return

the way he came, as he would have found it difficult from the crowd.

This battle, which was fought on the Saturday between La Broyes and

Crecy, was very murderous and cruel, and many gallant deeds of arms were

performed that were never known. Toward evening many knights and squires

of the French had lost their masters: they wandered up and down the

plain, attacking the English in small parties. They were soon destroyed;

for the English had determined that day to give no quarter, or hear of

ransom from any one.

Early in the day some French, Germans, and Savoyards had broken through

the archers of the prince’s battalion, and had engaged with the men at

arms; upon which the second battalion came to his aid, and it was time,

for otherwise he would have been hard pressed. The first division,

seeing the danger they were in, sent a knight in great haste to the King

of England, who was posted upon an eminence near a windmill. On the

knight’s arrival he said, “Sir, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Reginald

Cobham, and the others who are about your son, are vigorously attacked

by the French; and they entreat that you would come to their assistance

with your battalion, for, if their numbers should increase, they fear he

will have too much to do.” The king replied, “Is my son dead, unhorsed,

or so badly wounded that he cannot support himself?”--“Nothing of the

sort, thank God,” rejoined the knight; “but he is in so hot an

engagement that he has great need of your help.” The king answered,

“Now, Sir Thomas, return to those that sent you, and tell them from me

not to send again for me this day, or expect that I shall come, let what

will happen, as long as my son has life: and say that I command them to

let the boy win his spurs; for I am determined, if it please God, that

all the glory and honor of this day shall be given to him and to those

into whose care I have intrusted him.” The knight returned to his lords,

and related the king’s answer, which mightily encouraged them, and made

them repent they had ever sent such a message.

It is a certain fact, that Sir Godfrey de Harcourt, who was in the

prince’s battalion, having been told by some of the English that they

had seen the banner of his brother engaged in the battle against him,

was exceedingly anxious to save him; but he was too late, for he was

left dead on the field, and so was the Earl of Aumarle, his nephew. On

the other hand, the Earls of Alençon and of Flanders were fighting

lustily under their banners, and with their own people; but they could

not resist the force of the English, and were there slain, as well as

many other knights and squires that were attending on or accompanying

them. The Earl of Blois, nephew to the King of France, and the Duke of

Lorraine, his brother-in-law, with their troops, made a gallant defence;

but they were surrounded by a troop of English and Welsh, and slain in

spite of their prowess. The Earl of St. Pol and the Earl of Auxerre were

also killed, as well as many others. Late after vespers, the King of

France had not more about him than sixty men, every one included. Sir

John of Hainault, who was of the number, had once remounted the king,

for his horse had been killed under him by an arrow: he said to the

king, “Sir, retreat while you have an opportunity, and do not expose

yourself so simply: if you have lost this battle, another time you will

be the conqueror.” After he had said this, he took the bridle of the

king’s horse, and led him off by force, for he had before entreated of

him to retire. The king rode on until he came to the castle of La

Broyes, where he found the gates shut, for it was very dark. The king

ordered the governor of it to be summoned: he came upon the battlements,

and asked who it was that called at such an hour. The king answered,

“Open, open, governor: it is the fortune of France.” The governor,

hearing the king’s voice, immediately descended, opened the gate, and

let down the bridge. The king and his company entered the castle; but he

had only with him five barons,--Sir John of Hainault, the Lord Charles

of Montmorency, the Lord of Beaujeu, the Lord of Aubigny, and the Lord

of Montfort. The king would not bury himself in such a place as that,

but, having taken some refreshments, set out again with his attendants

about midnight, and rode on under the direction of guides who were well

acquainted with the country, until about daybreak he came to Amiens,

where he halted. This Saturday the English never quitted their ranks in

pursuit of any one, but remained on the field, guarding their position,

and defending themselves against all who attacked them. The battle was

ended at the hour of vespers.

[There can be no better opportunity than this celebrated chapter

affords to show the young reader how Froissart’s Chronicles looked,

both in their first English guise, and in the original old French.

It is, therefore, repeated here in both versions.

The first is especially valuable as an example of how our language

looked and sounded during the first quarter of the sixteenth

century. The translator, John Bourchier, Lord Berners, was a

notable soldier and statesman, as well as a scholar. He came of a

good family: his grandfather was son of Anne, granddaughter of King

Edward the Third. He was born about 1467; in due time went to

college, fought in the French wars, travelled on the Continent,

became a favorite of King Henry the Eighth, was employed in

honorable embassies, became chancellor of the exchequer, and

finally passed his quiet age as governor of Calais. It was at the

request of King Henry the Eighth that he translated Froissart into

English, though he evidently loved our fine old writer on his own

account, and speaks thus in his quaint preface: “...Whan I

advertysed and remembred the manyfolde comodyties of hystorie, howe

benefyciall it is to mortall folke, and eke howe laudable and

merytoryous a deed it is to write hystories, fixed my mynde to do

some thyng therein; and ever whan this ymaginacyon came to me, I

volved, tourned, and redde many volumes and bokes, conteyning

famouse histories; and amonge all other, I redde diligently the

four volumes or bokes of sir Johan Froyssart of the countrey of

Heynaulte, written in the Frenche tonge, whiche I iudged comodyous,

necessarie, and profytable to be hadde in Englysshe, sithe they

treat of the famous actes done in our parties; ... and specially

they redounde to the honoure of Englysshemen.”

Accordingly, under the “gracyous suppertacyon” of the king, he made

his translation, the first volume of which was printed by Pyason in

the year 1523, announcing itself thus: “Here begynnith the firste

volum of Syr John Froissart: of the Cronycles of Englande, Fraunce,

Spayne, Portyugale, Scotlande, Bretaine, Flaunders: and other

places adjoynynge. Translated oute of Frenche into oure maternall

Englysshe tongue, by John Bouchier, knyghte, lorde Berners: At the

commandement of oure moste hyghe redouted Soveraygne lorde kynge

Henrye the VIII, kynge of Englaunde, Fraunce, and Irelande,

defendour of the faith: and of the church of Englande and also of

Irelande in earth the supreme heade.”

I earnestly hope that this following chapter of what may perhaps

fairly be called the first classic in modern English prose may

tempt some young reader hereafter to study Berners more carefully,

and to re-infuse, under his influence, the old fire and color and

brightness into the pale and often pitiful sentences of our current

style.--S. L.]

_Of the batayle of Cressy bytwene the kyng of England and the

frenche kyng._

CAP. CXXX.

Thenglysshmen who were in thre batayls, lyeing on the grounde to

rest them, assone as they saw the frenchmen aproche, they rose upon

their fete, fayre and easely, without any hast, and arranged their

batayls: the first, which was the princes batell, the archers there

stode in manner of a herse,[7] and the men of armes in the botome

of the batayle. Therle of Northāpton,[8] and therle of Arundell,

with the second batell, were on a wyng in good order, redy to

confort the princes batayle, if nede were. The lordes and knyghtes

of France, cāe{A} not to the assemble togyder in good order, for

some cāe before, and some came after, in such hast and yvell order,

yᵗ[9] one of thē{A} dyd trouble another: whan the french kyng sawe

the englysshmen, his blode chaunged, and sayde to his marshals,

make the genowayes go on before, and begynne the batayle in the

name of god and saynt Denyse; ther were of the genowayes crosbowes,

about a fiftene thousand, but they were so wery of goyng a fote

that day, a six leages, armed with their crosbowes, that they sayde

to their constables, we be not well ordred to fyght this day, for

we be not in the case to do any great dede of armes, we have more

nede of rest: these wordes came to the erle of Alanson, who sayd, a

man is well at ease to be charged wᵗ[10] suche a sorte of

rascalles, to be faynt and fayle now at moost nede. Also the same

season there fell a great rayne, and a clyps, with a terryble

thunder, and before the rayne, ther came fleyng over both batayls,

a great nombre of crowes, for feare of the tempest comynge. Than

anone the eyre beganne to wax clere, and the sonne to shyne fayre

and bright, the which was right in the french mens eyen and on the

englysshmens backes. Whan the genowayes were assembled toguyder,

and beganne to aproche, they made a great leape and crye, to

abasshe thenglysshmen, but they stode styll, and styredde not for

all that; tha[=n]e the genowayes agayne the seconde tyme made

another leape, and a fell crye, and stepped forward a lytell, and

thenglysshmen remeued not one fote; thirdly agayne they leapt and

cryed, and went forthe tyll they come within shotte; tha[=n]e they

shotte feersly with their crosbowes; than thenglysshe archers stept

forthe one pase, and lette fly their arowes so hotly, and so

thycke, that it semed snowe: when the genowayes felte the arowes

persynge through heedes, armes, and brestes, many of them cast

downe their crosbowes, and dyde cutte their strynges, and retourned

dysconfited. Whan the frenche kynge sawe them flye away, he sayd,

slee these rascals, for they shall lette and trouble us without

reason: then ye shulde have sene the men of armes dasshe in among

them, and kylled a great nombre of them; and ever styll the

englysshmen shot where as they sawe thyckest preace; the sharpe

arowes ranne into the men of armes, and into their horses, and many

fell, horse and men, amōge[11] the genowayes; and when they were

downe, they coude not relyve agayne, the preace was so thycke, that

one overthrewe another. And also amonge the englysshemen there were

certayne rascalles that went a fote, with great knyves, and they

went in among the men of armes, and slewe and murdredde many as

they lay on the grounde, bothe erles, baronnes, knyghtes, and

squyers, whereof the kyng of Englande was after dyspleased, for he

had rather they had bene taken prisoners. The valyant kyng of

Behaygne, called Charles of Luzenbourge, sonne to the noble

emperour Henry of Luzenbourge, for all that he was nyghe blynde,

whan he understode the order of the batayle, he sayde to them about

hym, where is the lorde Charles my son, his men sayde, sir, we can

not tell, we thynke he be fyghtynge; than he sayde, sirs, ye ar my

men, my companyons, and frendes in this iourney. I requyre you

bring me so farre forwarde, that I may stryke one stroke with my

swerde: they sayde they wolde do his commandement, and to the

intent that they shulde not lese hym in the prease, they tyed all

their raynes of their bridelles eche to other, and sette the kynge

before to acomplysshe his desyre, and so thei went on their

ennemyes; the lorde Charles of Behaygne, his sonne, who wrote

hymselfe kyng of Behaygne, and bare the armes, he came in good

order to the batayle, but wha[=n]e he sawe that the matter wente

awrie on their partie, he departed, I can not tell you whiche waye;

the kynge his father was so farre forewarde that he strake a stroke

with his swerde, ye and mo than foure, and fought valyantly, and so

dyde his company, and they advētured themselfe so forwarde, that

they were ther all slayne, and the next day they were founde in the

place about the kyng, and all their horses tyed eche to other. The

erle of Alansone came to the batayle right ordynotlye, and fought

with thenglysshmen; and the erle of Flaunders also on his parte;

these two lordes with their cōpanyes coosted the englysshe archers,

and came to the princes batayle, and there fought valyantly longe.

The frenche kynge wolde fayne have come thyder whanne he sawe their

baners, but there was a great hedge of archers before hym. The same

day the frenche kynge hadde gyven a great blacke courser to sir

Johan of Heynault, and he made the lorde Johan of Fussels to ryde

on hym, and to bere his banerre; the same horse tooke the bridell

in the tethe, and brought hym through all the currours of

thēglysshmen, and as he wolde have retourned agayne, he fell in a

great dyke, and was sore hurt, and had ben ther deed, and his page

had not ben,[12] who folowed hym through all the batayls, and sawe

wher his maister lay in the dyke, and had none other lette but for

his horse, for thenglysshmen wolde not yssue out of their batayle,

for takyng of any prisoner; tha[=n]e the page alyghted and relyved

his maister, than he went not backe agayn yᵉ same way that they

came, there was to many in his way. This batayle bytwene Broy and

Cressy, this saturday, was right cruell and fell, and many a feat

of armes done, that came not to my knowledge; in the night, dyverse

knyghtes and sqyers lost their maisters, and sometyme came on

thenglysshmen, who receyved them in suche wyse, that they were ever

nighe slayne, for there was none taken to mercy nor to raunsome,

for so the englysshmen were determyned: in the mornyng the day of

the batayle, certayne frenchemen and almaygnes[13] perforce opyned

the archers of the princes batayle, and came and fought with the

men of armes hande to hande: than the seconde batayle of

thenglysshmen came to socour the princes batayle, the whiche was

tyme, for they had as than moche ado; and they with yᵉ prince sent

a messanger to the kynge, who was on a lytell wyndmyll hyll; than

the knyght sayd to the kyng, sir, therle of Warwyke, and therle of

Cāfort, sir Reynolde Cobham, and other, suche as be about the

prince your sonne, ar feersly fought with all, and are sore

handled, wherfore they desyre you, that you and your batayle wolle

come and ayde them, for if the frenchmen encrease, as they dout

they woll, your sonne and they shall have much ado. Than the kynge

sayde, is my sonne deed or hurt, or on the yerthe felled; no sir,

quoth the knyght, but he is hardely matched, wherfore he hath nede

of your ayde. Well, sayde the kyng, retourne to hym, and to them

that sent you hyther, and say to them, that they sende no more to

me for any adventure that falleth, as long as my sonne is alyve;

and also say to thē, that they suffre hym this day to wynne his

spurres, for if god be pleased, I woll this iourney be his, and the

honoure thereof, and to them that be aboute hym. Than the kynght

retourned agayn to thē, and shewed the kynges wordes, the which

gretly encouraged them, and repoyned in that they had sende to the

kynge as they dyd. Sir Godfray of Harecourt, wolde gladly that the

erle of Harecourt, his brother, myght have bene saved, for he hard

say by thē that sawe his baner, howe that he was ther in the felde

on the french partie, but sir Godfray coude not come to hym

betymes, for he was slayne or he coude cōe at hym, and so was also

the erle of Almare, his nephue. In another place, the erle of

Alenson, and therle of Flaunders, fought valyantly, every lorde

under his owne baner; but finally, they coude not resyst agaynt the

puyssance of the englysshemen, and so ther they were also slayne,

and dyvers other knyghtes and sqyers. Also therle Lewes of Bloyes,

nephue to the frenche kyng, and the duke of Lorayne, fought under

their baners, but at last they were closed in among a cōpany of

englysshmen and walsshemen, and there were slayne, for all their

prowes. Also there was slayne, the erle of Ausser, therle of saynt

Poule, and many other. In the evenynge, the frenche kynge, who had

lefte about hym no mo than a threscore persons, one and other,

wherof sir John of Heynalt was one, who had remounted ones the

kynge, for his horse was slayne with an arowe, thā he sayde to the

kynge, sir, departe hense, for it is tyme, lese not yourselfe

wylfully, if ye have losse at this tyme, ye shall recover it agayne

another season: and soo he toke the kynges horse by the brydell,

and ledde hym away in a maner perforce: than the kyng rode tyll he

came to the castell of Broy, the gate was closed, bycause it was by

that tyme darke; than the kynge called the captayne, who came to

the walles, and sayd, who is that calleth there this tyme of night,

than the kynge sayde, open your gate quickely, for this is the

fortune of Fraunce: the captayne knewe than it was the kyng, and

opyned the gate, and let downe the bridge; than the kyng entred,

and he had with hym but fyve baronnes, sir Johan of Heynault, sir

Charles of Momorency, the lorde of Beauiewe, the lorde Dobegny, and

the lorde of Mountfort: the kynge wolde not tary there, but drāke

and departed thense about mydnyght, and so rode by suche guydes as

knewe the countrey, tyll he came in the mornynge to Amyense, and

there he rested. This saturday, the englysshemen never departed fro

their batayls for chasynge of any man, but kept styll their felde,

and ever defended themselfe agaynst all such as came to assayle

them: this batayle ended aboute evynsonge tyme.

COMMENT LE ROI DE FRANCE COMMANDA À SES MARÉCHAUX FAIRE COMMENCER

LA BATAILLE PAR LES GÉNOIS: ET COMMENT LES DITS GÉNOIS FURENT TOUS

DÉCONFITS.

Il n’est nul homme, tant fut présent à cette journée, ni eut bon loisir

d’aviser et imaginer toute la besogne ainsi qu’elle alla, qui en sut ni

put imaginer, ni recorder la vérité, specialement de la partie des

François, tant y eut pauvre arroy et ordonnance en leurs courois

(disposition); et ce que j’en sais, je l’ai su le plus par les Anglois,

qui imaginèrent bien leur convenant (ordre), et aussi par les gens

Messire Jean de Hainaut, qui fut toujours de-lez (près) le roi de

France.

Les Anglois qui ordonnés étoient en trois batailles, et qui sévient jus

(bas) à terre tout bellement, sitôt qu’ils virent les François

approcher, ils se levèrent moult ordonnément, sans nul effroi, et se

rangèrent en leurs batailles, celle du prince tout devant, leurs archers

mis en manière d’une herse, et les gens-d’armes au fond de la bataille.

Le comte de Northampton et le comte d’Arundel et leur bataille, qui

faisoient la seconde, se tenoient sur aile bien ordonnément et avisés et

pourvus pour conforter le prince, si besoin étoit. Vous devez savoir que

ces seigneurs, rois, ducs, comtes, barons François ne vinrent mie

jusques là tous ensemble, mais l’un devant, l’autre derrière, sans arroy

et sans ordonnance. Quand le roi Philippe vint jusques sur la place où

les Anglois étoient de là arrêtés et ordonnés, et il les vit, le sang

lui mua, car il les héoit (haïssoit) et ne se fut adonc nullement

refrené (retenu) ni abstenu d’eux combattre; et dit à ses maréchaux:

“Faites passer nos Génois devant et commencer la bataille, au nom de

Dieu et de monseigneur St. Denis.” Là avoit, de ces dits Génois

arbalétriers, environ quinze mille qui eussent eu aussi cher néant que

commencer adonc la bataille; car ils étoient durement las et travaillés

(fatigués) d’aller à pied ce jour plus de six lieues, tous armés, et de

leurs arbalétres porter; et dirent adonc à leurs connétables

(commandants) qu’ils n’étoient mie adonc ordonnés de foire nul grand

exploit de bataille.

Ces paroles volèrent jusques au comte d’Alençon, qui en fut durement

courrucé et dit: “On se doit bien charger de telle ribaudaille qui

faillent (manquent) au besoin.”

Entrementes (pendant) que ces parols couroient et que ces Génois se

reculoient et se détnoient (différoient) descendit une pluie du ciel, si

grosse et si épaisse que merveilles, et un tonnerre, et un esclistre

(eclair) moult grand et moult horrible.

Paravant cette pluie, pardessus les batailles, autant d’un côté que

d’autre, avoient volé si grand’ foison de courbeaux que sans nombre, et

demeué le plus grand tempêtes du monde. Là disolent aucuns sages

chevaliers que c’étoit un signe de grand’ bataille et de grand effusion

de sang.

Après toutes ces choses se commença l’air à éclaircir et le soleil à

luire bel et clair. Si l’avoient les François droit en l’œil et les

Anglois par derrière. Quand les Génois furent tous recuellis et mis

ensemble, et ils durent approcher leurs ennemis, ils commencèrent à

crier si très haut que ce fut merveilles, et le firent pour ébahir les

Anglois; mais les Anglois se tinrent tous cois, ni oncques n’en firent

semblant. Secondement encore crièrent eux ainsi, et puis allèrent un

petit pas avant; et les Anglois restoient tous cois, sans eux mouvoir de

leur pas. Tiercement encore crièrent moult haut et moult clair, et

passèrent avant, et tendirent leurs arbalétres et commencèrent à traire

(tirer). Et ces archers d’Angleterre, quand ils virent cette ordonnance,

passèrent un pas en avant, et puis firent voler ces sagettes (flèches)

de grand’ façon, qui entrèrent et descendirent si ouniement (à la fois)

sur ces Génois que ce sembloit neige. Les Génois qui n’avoient pas

appris à trouver tels archers que sont ceux d’Angleterre, quand ils

sentirent ces sagettes (flèches) qui leur perçoient bras, têtes et

banlevre, furent tantôt déconfits et confèrent les plusieurs les cordes

de leurs arcs et les aucuns les jetoient jus (à bas); si se mirent aussi

de retour.

Entre eux et les François avoit une grand’ haie de gens d’armes, montés

et parés moult richement, qui regardoient le convenant (disposition) des

Génois; si que quand ils cuidèrent (crurent) retourner, ils ne peuvent,

car le roi de France, par grand mautalent (mécontentement), quand il vit

leur pauvre arroy, et qu’ils se déconfisoient ainsi, commanda et dit:

“Or tôt, tuez toute cette ribaudaille, car ils nous empêchent la voie

sans raison.” Là vissiez gens d’armes en tous lez (côtés) entre eux

férir et frapper sur eux, et les plusieurs trébucher et cheoir parmi

eux, qui oncques puis ne se relevèrent. Et toujours traioirent

(tiroient) les Anglois en la plus grand’ presse, qui rien ne perdoient

de leur trait; car ils empalloient et féroient parmi le corps ou parmi

les membres gens et chevaux qui là chéoient (tomboient) et trebuchoient

à grand meschef; et ne pouvoient être relevés, si ce n’étoit par force

et par grand’ aide de gens. Ainsi se commença la bataille entre la Broye

et Crécy en Ponthieu, ce samedi à heure de vespres.

CHAPTER LVI.

THE ENGLISH ON THE MORROW AGAIN DEFEAT THE FRENCH.

When, on the Saturday night, the English heard no more hooting or

shouting, nor any more crying out to particular lords or their banners,

they looked upon the field as their own, and their enemies as beaten.

They made great fires, and lighted torches because of the obscurity of

the night. King Edward then came down from his post, who all that day

had not put on his helmet, and, with his whole battalion, advanced to

the Prince of Wales, whom he embraced in his arms, and kissed, and said,

“Sweet son, God give you good perseverance: you are my son, for most

loyally have you acquitted yourself this day. You are worthy to be a

sovereign.” The prince bowed down very low, and humbled himself, giving

all the honor to the king his father. The English, during the night,

made frequent thanksgivings to the Lord for the happy issue of the day,

and without rioting; for the king had forbidden all riot or noise. On

the Sunday morning there was so great a fog that one could scarcely see

the distance of half an acre. The king ordered a detachment from the

army, under the command of the two marshals, consisting of about five

hundred lances and two thousand archers, to make an excursion, and see

if there were any bodies of French collected together. The quota of

troops from Rouen and Beauvais had, this Sunday morning, left Abbeville

and St. Ricquier in Ponthieu, to join the French army, and were ignorant

of the defeat of the preceding evening. They met this detachment, and,

thinking they must be French, hastened to join them.

As soon as the English found who they were, they fell upon them, and

there was a sharp engagement; but the French soon turned their backs,

and fled in great disorder. There were slain in this flight, in the open

fields, under hedges and bushes, upward of seven thousand; and, had it

been clear weather, not one soul would have escaped.

A little time after, the same party fell in with the Archbishop of

Rouen, and the great Prior of France, who were also ignorant of the

discomfiture of the French; for they had been informed that the king was

not to fight before Sunday. Here began a fresh battle, for these two

lords were well attended by good men at arms: however, they could not

withstand the English, but were almost all slain, with the two chiefs

who commanded them, very few escaping. In the course of the morning the

English found many Frenchmen who had lost their road on the Saturday,

and had lain in the open fields, not knowing what was become of the king

or their own leaders. The English put to the sword all they met; and it

has been assured to me for fact, that of foot-soldiers sent from the

cities, towns, and municipalities, there were slain, this Sunday

morning, four times as many as in the battle of Saturday.

CHAPTER LVII.

THE ENGLISH NUMBER THE DEAD SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF CRECY.

This detachment, which had been sent to look after the French, returned

as the king was coming from mass, and related to him all that they had

seen and met with. After he had been assured by them that there was not

any appearance of the French collecting another army, he sent to have

the numbers and condition of the dead examined.

He ordered on this business Lord Reginald Cobham, Lord Stafford, and

three heralds to examine their arms, and two secretaries to write down

all the names. They took much pains to examine all the dead, and were

the whole day in the field of battle, not returning but just as the king

was sitting down to supper. They made to him a very circumstantial

report of all they had observed, and said they had found eighty banners,

the bodies of eleven princes, twelve hundred knights, and about thirty

thousand common men.

The English halted there that day, and on the Monday morning prepared to

march off. The king ordered the bodies of the principal knights to be

taken from the ground, and carried to the monastery of Montenay, which

was hard by, there to be interred in consecrated ground. He had it

proclaimed in the neighborhood, that he should grant a truce for three

days, in order that the dead might be buried. He then marched on,

passing by Montrieul-sur-mer.

His marshals made an excursion as far as Hesdin, and burnt Vaubain and

Serain; but they could make nothing of the castle, as it was too strong

and well guarded. They lay that Monday night upon the banks of the

Canche, near Blangy. The next day they rode toward Boulogne, and burnt

the towns of St. Josse and Neufchatel: they did the same to Estaples, in

the country of the Boulonois. The whole army passed through the forest

of Hardelou, and the country of the Boulonois, and came to the large

town of Wisant, where the king, prince, and all the English lodged;

and, having refreshed themselves there one whole day, they came on the

Thursday before the strong town of Calais.

CHAPTER LVIII.

THE KING OF ENGLAND LAYS SIEGE TO CALAIS.--THE POORER SORT OF THE

INHABITANTS ARE SENT OUT OF IT.

A burgundy knight named Sir John de Vienne was governor of Calais; and

with him were Sir Arnold d’Andreghen, Sir John de Surie, Sir Bardo de

Bellebourne, Sir Geoffrey de la Motte, Sir Pepin de Were, and many other

knights and squires. On the king’s arrival before Calais, he laid siege

to it, and built, between it and the river and bridge, houses of wood;

they were laid out in streets, and thatched with straw or broom; and in

this town of the king’s there was every thing necessary for an army,

besides a market-place, where there were markets every Wednesday and

Saturday for butchers’ meat, and all other sorts of merchandise: cloth,

bread, and every thing else, which came from England and Flanders, might

be had there, as well as all comforts, for money. The English made

frequent excursions to Guines and its neighborhood, and to the gates of

St. Omer and Boulogne, from whence they brought great booties back to

the army. The king made no attacks upon the town, as he knew it would be

only lost labor, and he was sparing of his men and artillery; but said

he would remain there so long that he would starve the town into a

surrender, unless the King of France should come there to raise the

siege. When the governor of Calais saw the preparations of the King of

England, he collected together all the poor inhabitants, who had not

laid in any store of provisions, and, one Wednesday morning, sent upward

of seventeen hundred men, women, and children out of the town. As they

were passing through the English army, they asked them why they had left

the town. They replied, because they had nothing to eat. The king upon

this allowed them to pass through in safety, ordered them a hearty

dinner, and gave to each two sterlings, as charity and alms; for which

many of them prayed earnestly for the king.

CHAPTER LIX.

THE DUKE OF NORMANDY RAISES THE SIEGE OF AIGUILLON.

The Duke of Normandy, whom we left before Aiguillon, which he was

besieging, while Sir Walter Manny and the other knights were within it,

made, about the middle of August, a skirmish before the castle, which

increased so much that almost his whole army was engaged in it. Near

about this time, the Lord Philip of Burgundy, Earl of Artois and of

Boulogne, and cousin-german to the duke, arrived. He was a very young

knight. As soon as this skirmish commenced, he armed himself, and,

mounting a handsome steed, stuck spurs into him in order to hasten to

the combat; but the horse, taking the bit between his teeth, ran off

with him, and in crossing a ditch fell into it, upon the knight, who was

so grievously bruised that he never recovered, and in a short time died.

Soon afterwards the King of France sent to his son the Duke of Normandy,

to lay all other things aside, and raise the siege, in order to return

directly into France to defend his inheritance against the English. The

duke upon this demanded advice from the earls and barons there present,

for he had vowed he would never move from thence until he had the

castle, and all within it, in his power; but they assured him, since the

king his father had so expressly ordered him to return, he might comply

without any forfeiture of his honor. On the morrow at break of day,

therefore, the French decamped, and, trussing up tents and baggage with

great haste, took the road for France.

The knights who were in Aiguillon, seeing this, armed themselves, and,

mounting their horses, sallied forth (the pennon of Sir Walter Manny

taking the lead), fell upon the French, who were scarcely all marched

off, cut down and slew numbers, and took upward of forty prisoners, whom

they brought back to the castle. From them they learned the successful

campaign the King of England had made in France, and that at present he

was laying siege to Calais. Before the King of France left Amiens, after

the battle of Crecy, to go for Paris, he was so much enraged against Sir

Godémar du Fay, for not having done his duty in defending the ford of

Blanchetaque, by which means the English had entered Ponthieu, that he

had determined to hang him; to which many of his council also were

inclined, for they were desirous that Sir Godémar should make some

amends, by his death, for the defeat the king had suffered at Crecy, and

called him traitor. But Sir John of Hainault excused him, and averted

the king’s anger, by saying that it would have been difficult for him to

have resisted the English army, when all the flower of the French

nobility could do nothing. Soon after this the Duke of Normandy arrived

in France, where he was joyfully received by his parents the king and

queen.

CHAPTER LX.

SIR WALTER MANNY, BY MEANS OF A PASSPORT, RIDES THROUGH FRANCE FROM

AIGUILLON TO CALAIS.

About this time Sir Walter Manny had a conversation with a great knight

from Normandy, whom he detained as his prisoner, and asked him what sum

he was willing to pay for his ransom. The knight replied, “Three

thousand crowns.” Upon this Sir Walter said, “I know you are related to

the Duke of Normandy, much beloved by him, and one of his privy

councillors. I will let you free upon your honor, if you will go to the

duke, and obtain from him a passport for myself and twenty others, that

we may ride through France as far as Calais, paying courteously for

whatever we may want. If therefore you obtain this from the king, I

shall hold you free from your ransom, and also be much obliged to you;

for I have a great desire to see the King of England, and will not

remain in any town more than one night. If you cannot accomplish it, you

will return in a month to this fortress, as to your prison.” The knight

set out for Paris, and having obtained from the duke the passport,

returned with it to Sir Walter at Aiguillon, who acquitted him of his

ransom. Sir Walter shortly afterwards set out with twenty horse, and

took his road through Auvergne. He told everywhere who he was, and, at

every place he stopped, showed his passport, and was directly set at

liberty; but at Orleans he was arrested, although he showed his papers,

and from thence conducted to Paris, where he was confined in the prison

of the Châtelet. When the Duke of Normandy heard of it, he went

immediately to the king, and remonstrated with him on the subject,

because Sir Walter Manny had had his passport through his means; and

demanded that he should as soon as possible be set at liberty, otherwise

it would be said that he had betrayed him. The king answered that he

intended putting him to death, for he looked upon him as one of his

greatest enemies. Upon which the duke said, that, if he put his

intentions in execution, he would never bear arms against the King of

England, and would prevent all those dependent on him from doing the

same. Very high words passed between them; and he left the king,

declaring he would never serve in any of his armies so long as Walter

Manny should remain in prison.

Things remained in this situation a long time. There was a knight from

Hainault, named Sir Mansart d’Aisnes, who was eager to serve Sir Walter,

but had great difficulty in getting access to the Duke of Normandy:

however, at last the king was advised to let Sir Walter out of prison,

and to pay him all his expenses. The king would have Sir Walter to dine

with him in the Hotel de Nerle at Paris, when he presented him with

gifts and jewels to the amount of a thousand florins. Sir Walter

accepted of them upon condition that when he got to Calais he should

inform the king, his lord, of it; and if it were agreeable to his

pleasure he would keep them, otherwise he would send them back. The king

and duke said he had spoken like a loyal knight. Sir Walter then took

leave of them, rode on by easy day’s journeys to Hainault, and remained,

to refresh himself, three days in Valenciennes. He arrived at Calais,

where he was well received by the King of England, who, upon being

informed by Sir Walter of the presents he had from the King of France,

said, “Sir Walter, you have hitherto most loyally served us, and we hope

you will continue to do so. Send back to King Philip his presents, for

you have no right to keep them: we have enough, thank God, for you and

ourselves, and are perfectly well disposed to do you all the good in our

power for the services you have rendered us.” Sir Walter took out all

the jewels, and, giving them to his cousin the Lord of Mansac, said,

“Ride into France, to King Philip, and recommend me to him; and tell him

that I thank him many times for the fine jewels he presented me with,

but that it is not agreeable to the will and pleasure of the King of

England, my lord, that I retain them.” The knight did as he was

commanded; but the King of France would not take back the jewels: he

gave them to the Lord of Mansac, who thanked the king for them, and had

no inclination to refuse them.

CHAPTER LXI.

THE KING OF SCOTLAND, DURING THE SIEGE OF CALAIS, INVADES ENGLAND.

I have been silent some time respecting the King of Scotland, but until

this moment I have not had any thing worth relating; for, as I have said

before, mutual truces had been granted between him and the King of

England, which had not been infringed. During the time the King of

England was carrying on the siege of Calais, the Scots determined to

make war upon him, thinking it a good opportunity to be revenged for the

many disasters he had brought on them. England had at that time very few

men at arms, as the king had a great number with him before Calais, as

well as in his other armies in Brittany, Poitou, and Gascony. The King

of France took great pains to foment this war, in order that the English

might have so much to employ them at home as would oblige them to raise

the siege of Calais, and return to England.

King David issued his summons for a parliament to be holden at Perth;

which was attended by the earls, prelates, and barons of Scotland, who

were unanimous for invading England as speedily as possible. Raynold,

Lord of the Isles, who governed the wild Scots, and whom alone they

obeyed, was sent to, and entreated to attend the parliament. He complied

with the request, and brought three thousand of the wildest of his

countrymen with him. When all the Scots were assembled, they amounted

together to about forty thousand combatants; but they could not make

their preparations so secretly as to prevent news of it coming to the

knowledge of the Queen of England, who had taken up her residence in the

North, near the borders. She wrote and sent summons to all that were

attached to England to come to York by a certain day. Many men at arms

and archers who had remained at home put themselves in motion, and

advanced to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which the queen had appointed as the

final place of rendezvous. In the mean while, the Scots set out from

Perth, and advanced the first day to Dunfermline; the next day they

crossed a small arm of the sea; but the king went to Stirling, crossed

the water on the morrow, and came to Edinburgh. Here they halted, and

numbered their men. There were full three thousand knights and squires,

well armed, and thirty thousand others, mounted on galloways. They

marched to Roxburgh, the first fortress belonging to the English on

their road, under the command of the Lord William Montacute, who had

lately erected it against the Scots. This castle is handsome, and very

strong: the Scots therefore passed on without attacking it, and took up

their quarters on the banks of a river between Precy and Lincolle,

whence they began to destroy and burn the country of Cumberland. Some of

their scouts advanced as far as York, where they burnt all without the

walls and down the river, and returned to their army, within one day’s

march of Newcastle.

CHAPTER LXII.

THE BATTLE OF NEVILLE’S CROSS.

The Queen of England, who was very anxious to defend her kingdom and

guard it from all disturbers, in order to show that she was in earnest

about it came herself to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She took up her residence

there, to wait for the forces she expected from different parts of the

kingdom. The Scots, who were informed that Newcastle was the place of

rendezvous of the English army, advanced thither, and sent their

vanguard to skirmish near the town; who, on their return, burnt some

hamlets adjoining to it. The smoke and flames came into the town, which

made the English impatient to sally out upon those who had done this

mischief; but their leaders would not permit them. On the morrow the

King of Scotland, with full forty thousand men, including all sorts,

advanced within three short English miles of Newcastle, and took up his

quarters on the land of the Lord Neville. He sent to inform the army in

the town, that, if they were willing to come forth, he would wait for

them, and give them battle. The barons and prelates of England sent for

answer, that they accepted his offer, and would risk their lives with

the realm of their lord and king. They sallied out, in number about

twelve hundred men at arms, three thousand archers, and seven thousand

other men, including the Welsh. The Scots posted themselves opposite to

the English, and each army was drawn out in battle-array.

The Queen of England came to the place where her army was, and remained

until it was drawn out in four battalions. The first was under the

command of the Bishop of Durham and the Lord Percy; the second, under

the Archbishop of York and the Lord Neville; the third, under the Bishop

of Lincoln and Lord Mowbray; the fourth was commanded by Lord Baliol,

governor of Berwick, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Roos.

Each battalion had its just proportion of men at arms and archers, as

was expedient. The queen now advanced among them, and entreated them to

do their duty well in defending the honor of their lord and king, and

urged them, for the love of God, to fight manfully. They promised her

that they would acquit themselves loyally, to the utmost of their power,

and perhaps better than if the king had been there in person. The queen

then took her leave, and recommended them to the protection of God and

St. George. The two armies were soon after in motion, and the archers on

each side began to shoot; but those of the Scots did not long continue

it, while the English shot incessantly. When the battalions were got

into close combat, the engagement was sharp and well fought.

The battle began about nine o’clock, and lasted until noon. The Scots

had very hard and sharp axes, with which they dealt deadly blows; but

at last the English gained the field, though it cost them dear by the

loss of their men. On the part of the Scots, there fell in the field the

Earl of Sys, the Earl Dostre, the Earl Patris, the Earl of Furlant, the

Earl Dastredure, the Earl of Mar, the Earl John Douglas, Sir Alexander

Ramsay who bore the king’s banners, and many other barons, knights, and

squires. The King of Scotland was taken prisoner, fighting most

gallantly, and badly wounded before he was captured by a squire of

Northumberland named John Copeland; who, as soon as he got him, pushed

through the crowd, and with eight other companions rode off, and never

stopped until he was distant from the field of battle about fifteen

miles. He came about vespers to Ogle Castle, on the river Blythe, and

there declared that he would not surrender his prisoner, the King of

Scotland, to man or woman, except to his lord the King of England. That

same day were taken prisoners the Earls of Murray and March, Lord

William Douglas, Lord Robert de Wersy, the Bishops of Aberdeen and St.

Andrews, and many other barons and knights. There were about fifteen

thousand slain, and the remainder saved themselves as well as they

could. This battle was fought near Newcastle, in the year 1346, on a

Saturday preceding Michaelmas Day.

[The old ballad of “Durham Feilde” sings the battle of Neville’s

Cross described in the foregoing chapter, calling it “Durham Field”

after the Bishop of Durham, who led the English. The poem is

divided into two parts, of which only the second is here given on

account of its length. The First Part relates, in true old-servant

style, how the King of Scotland was informed that the King of

England was gone into France with all his soldiers, leaving none

behind but “Shepherds and millers, And priests with shaven

crowns;” whereupon “the King of Scots in a study stood,” and

resolved to seize such a favorable moment to overrun England in the

absence of its king. He calls together his lords, and in a boastful

mood proceeds to divide out the whole of England among them, as if

he had nothing to do but march forward and take possession.

Presently, however, his army is confronted with “the comminaltye of

litle England;” the King of Scots brags that

“They be but English knaves,

But shepherds and millers both,

And mass priests with their staves;”

and sends his herald to view them. When the herald returns,

“Who leads those lads?” said the King of Scots,

“Thou herald, tell thou me.”

The herald said, “The Bishop of Durham

Is captain of that companye;

For the Bishop hath spread the King’s banner,

And to battell he buskes him boune.”[14]

“I sweare by St. Andrewe’s bones,” saies the King,

“I’ll rapp that priest on the crowne!”

But presently a very different tale is told in

PART II.

The King looked towards litle Durham,

& that hee well beheld,

that the Earle Percy was well armed,

with his battell axe entred the feild.

the King looket againe towards litle Durham,

4 ancyents[15] there see hee;

there were to[16] standards, 6 in a valley,

he cold not see them with his eye.

My Lord of yorke was one of them,

my lord of Carlile was the other;

& my Lord ffluwilliams,

the one came with the other.

the Bishopp of Durham commanded his men,

& shortlye he them bade,

‘that never a man shold goe to the feild to fight

til he had served his god.’

500 priests said masse that day

in durham in the feild;

& afterwards, as I hard say,

they bare both speare & sheeld.

the Bishopp of Durham orders himselfe to fight

with his battell axe in hand;

he said, “this day now I will fight

as long as I can stand!”

“& soe will I,” sayd my Lord of Carlile,

“in this faire morning gay;”

“& soe will I,” said my Lord ffluwilliams,

“for Mary, that myld may.”[17]

our English archers bent their bowes

shortlye and anon,

they shott over the Scottish oast

& scantlye toucht a man.

“hold downe your hands,” sayd the Bishopp of Durham,

“my archers good & true.”

the 2ᵈ shoote that thé[18] shott

full sore the Scottes itt rue.

the Bishopp of Durham spoke on hye

that both partyes might heare,

“be of good cheere, my merrymen all,

the Scotts flyen,[19] & changen there cheere!”

but as thé saidden, soe thé didden,

they fell on heapes hye;

our Englishmen laid on with their bowes

as fast as they might dree.

The King of Scotts in a studye stood

amongst his companye,

an arrow stoke him thorrow the nose

& thorrow his armorye.

The King went to a marsh side

& light beside his steede,

and leaned him down on his sword hilt,

to let his nose bleede.

there followed him a yeoman of merry England,

his name was John of Coplande;

“yeeld thee Traytor!” saies Coplande then,

“thy liffe lyes in my hand.”

“how shold I yeeld me?” sayes the King,

“& thou art noe gentleman.”

“noe, by my troth,” sayes Copland there,

“I am but a poore yeoman;”

“what art thou better then I, Sir King?

tell me if that thou can!

what art thou better then I, Sir King,

now we be but man to man?”

the King smote angerly at Copland then,

angerly in that stonde;

& then Copland was a bold yeoman,

& bore the King to the ground.

he sett the King upon a Palfrey,

himselfe upon a steede,

he tooke him by the bridle rayne,

towards London he can[20] him Lead.

& when to London that he came,

the King from ffrance was new come home.

& there unto the King of Scottes

he sayd these words anon,

“how like you my shepards & my millers,

my priests with shaven crownes?”

“by my fayth, they are the sorest fighting men

that ever I mett on the ground;

“there was never a yeoman in merry England

but he was worth a Scottish knight!”

“I,[21] by my troth,” said King Edward, & laughe,

“for you fought all against the right.”

but now the Prince of merry England

worthilye under his Sheelde

hath taken the King of ffrance

at Poytiers in the ffeelde.

the Prince did present his father with that food,[22]

the lovely King off ffrance,

& fforward of his Iourney he is gone:

god send us all good chance!

“you are welcome, brothers!” sayd the King of Scotts,

to the King of ffrance,

“for I am come hither too soone;

Christ leeve that I had taken my way

unto the court of Roone!”

“& soe wold I,” said the King of ffrance,

“when I came over the streame,

that I had taken my Iourney

unto Ierusalem.”

Thus ends the battell of ffaire Durham

in one morning of may,

the battell of Cressey, & the battle of Potyers,

All within one monthes day.

then was welthe and welfare in mery England,

Solaces, game, & glee,

& every man loved other well,

& the King loved good yeomanrye

but God that made the grasse to growe,

& leaves on greenwoode tree,

now save & keepe our noble King,

& maintaine good yeomanry!

ffinis.]

CHAPTER LXIII.

JOHN COPELAND TAKES THE KING OF SCOTLAND PRISONER, AND RECEIVES GREAT

ADVANTAGES FROM IT.

When the Queen of England, who had remained in Newcastle, heard that her

army had gained the day, she mounted her palfrey, and went to the field

of battle. She was informed that the King of Scotland had been made

prisoner by a squire of the name of John Copeland, but who had ridden

off with him, they could not tell whither. The queen ordered that a

letter should be written, commanding him to bring the King of Scots to

her, and telling him that he had not done what was agreeable to her in

carrying off his prisoner without leave. All that day the queen and army

remained on the field of battle which they had won, and on the morrow

returned to Newcastle.