Copeland, he answered that he would not give up his prisoner, the King
of Scots, to man or woman, except to his own lord the King of England;
that they might depend on his taking proper care of him, and he would be
answerable for guarding him well. The queen upon this wrote letters to
the king, which she sent off to Calais. She therein informed him of the
state of his kingdom. The king then ordered John Copeland to come to him
at Calais; who, having placed his prisoner under good guards, in a
strong castle on the borders of Northumberland, set out, and, passing
through England, came to Dover, where he embarked, and landed near
Calais. When the King of England saw the squire, he took him by the
hand, and said, “Ha! welcome, my squire, who by his valor has captured
my adversary the King of Scotland.” John Copeland, falling on one knee,
replied, “If God, out of his great kindness, has given me the King of
Scotland, and permitted me to conquer him in arms, no one ought to be
jealous of it; for God can, when he pleases, send his grace to a poor
squire, as well as to a great lord. Sir, do not take it amiss if I did
not surrender him to the orders of my lady the queen; for I hold my
lands of you, and my oath is to you, not to her, except it be through
choice.” The king answered, “John, the loyal service you have done us,
and our esteem for your valor, is so great, that it may well serve you
as an excuse; and shame fall upon all those that bear you any ill-will.
You will now return home, and take your prisoner the King of Scotland,
and convey him to my wife; and by way of remuneration I assign lands, as
near your house as you can choose them, to the amount of five hundred
pounds sterling a year, for you and your heirs; and I retain you as a
squire of my body and of my household.” John Copeland left Calais the
third day after his arrival, and returned to England. When he was come
home he assembled his friends and neighbors, and, in company with them,
took the King of Scots, and conveyed him to York, where he presented
him, in the name of the king, to the queen, and made such handsome
excuses that she was satisfied.
When the queen had sufficiently provided for the defence of the city of
York, the castle of Roxburgh, the city of Durham, and the town of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as for all the borders, and had appointed
the Lords Percy and Neville governors of Northumberland to take proper
care of it, she set out from York, and returned to London. She ordered
the King of Scots, the Earl of Murray, and the other prisoners, to be
confined in the Tower of London; and, having placed a sufficient guard
over them, set out for Dover, where she embarked, and with a favorable
wind arrived before Calais three days preceding the feast of All Saints.
The king, upon her arrival, held a grand court, and ordered magnificent
entertainments for all the lords who were there, but more especially for
the ladies; as the queen had brought a great many with her, who were
glad to accompany her, in order to see fathers, brothers, and friends,
that were engaged at this siege of Calais.
CHAPTER LXIV.
THE YOUNG EARL OF FLANDERS IS BETROTHED, THROUGH THE CONSTRAINT OF
THE FLEMINGS, TO THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF ENGLAND.--HE ESCAPES
TO FRANCE IN A SUBTLE MANNER
The siege of Calais lasted a long time, during which many gallant feats
of arms and adventures happened. But it is not possible for me to relate
the fourth part of them; for the King of France had posted so many men
at arms in the fortresses, and on the borders of the counties of Guines,
Artois, Boulogne, round to Calais, and had such numbers of Genoese,
Normans, and others in vessels on the sea, that none of the English
could venture abroad on horseback or on foot, to forage, without meeting
some of these parties. There were frequent skirmishes near the gates and
ditches of the town, which never ended without several being killed and
wounded: sometimes one side gained the advantage, and sometimes the
other. The King of England and his council studied night and day to
invent new engines more effectually to annoy the town; but the
inhabitants were equally alert to destroy their effect, and exerted
themselves so much that they suffered nothing from them. However, no
provisions could be brought into the place but by stealth, and by the
means of two mariners who were guides to such as adventured. One was
named Marant, and the other Mestriel: both of them resided in Abbeville.
By their means the town of Calais was frequently victualled, and by
their boldness they were often in great danger, many times pursued and
almost taken; but they escaped, and slew and wounded many of the
English. The siege lasted all the winter. The king had a great desire to
keep on good terms with the municipalities of Flanders, because he
thought that through them he should the more easily obtain his end. He
made, therefore, frequent protestations of friendship to them, and gave
them to understand, that, after he should have succeeded at Calais, he
would reconquer for them Lisle, Douay, and all their dependencies: so
that the Flemings, believing in such promises, put themselves in motion
about the time that the king was in Normandy, whence he came to Crecy
and Calais; and they laid siege to Bethune. They had chosen for their
commander the Lord Oudart de Renty, who had been banished from France,
and had closely besieged the town and much damaged it by their attacks.
But there were within four knights for the King of France, who well
defended it: their names were Sir Geoffry de Chargny, the Lord Eustace
de Ribeaumont, the Lord Baudoin d’Anequin, and Lord John de Landas. The
town of Bethune was so well defended, that the Flemings conquered
nothing: they returned, therefore, to Flanders, not having been more
successful than before.
When the King of England was come to Calais, he did not cease sending
flattering messengers and promises to the municipalities of Flanders, to
preserve their friendship, and lessen their opinion of the King of
France, who was taking great pains to acquire their affections. The King
of England would have gladly seen the Earl Lewis of Flanders, who at
that time was but fifteen years old, married to his daughter Isabella,
and set so many engines to work among the Flemings that they acceded to
it; which mightily rejoiced the king, for he imagined that by this
marriage he would easily govern that country. The Flemings also thought
that this alliance would enable them more effectually to resist the
French; and that it would be more profitable to be connected with the
King of England than with the King of France. Their young earl, however,
who had been educated with the royal family of France, and who at the
time was in that kingdom, would not agree to it, and declared frankly
that he would never take to wife the daughter of him who had slain his
father. On the other hand, Duke John of Brabant was very eagerly trying
to make a match between the earl and his daughter, and promised to
obtain for him the full enjoyment of Flanders, by fair or foul means.
The duke also gave the King of France to understand, that, if the
marriage took place, he would manage the Flemings, that they should
attach themselves to him in preference to the King of England. Upon the
strength of these promises, the King of France consented to the marriage
of the Earl of Flanders with the Duke of Brabant’s daughter. After the
duke had obtained this consent, he sent messengers to all the principal
citizens of the great towns in Flanders; who colored the union with so
many specious reasons, that the councils of the principal towns sent to
the earl, and informed him that if he would come to Flanders and follow
their advice, they would be his true friends, and would give up to him
all royalties, rights, and jurisdictions, in a greater degree than any
earl had hitherto been possessed of. The earl was advised to go to
Flanders, where he was joyfully received; and the chief towns made him
rich and handsome presents.
As soon as the King of England was informed of this, he sent the Earls
of Northampton and Arundel, and Lord Reginald Cobham, into Flanders; who
managed matters so well with the leading men in the place, and with the
corporations, that they were more desirous their lord should marry a
daughter of the King of England, than the daughter of the Duke of
Brabant: they very affectionately entreated their lord so to do, and
supported it by many strong and good arguments (which would be too
tedious to detail here), insomuch that those of the Duke of Brabant’s
party could say nothing to the contrary. The earl, however, would not
consent to it, notwithstanding their fair speeches and arguments; but
repeated his former declaration, that he would never marry the daughter
of him who had killed his father, were he to have a moiety of the
kingdom of England for her dower. When the Flemings heard this, they
said their lord was too much of a Frenchman, and very ill-advised; and
that he must not expect any good from them, since he would not listen to
their counsels. They arrested him, and confined him,--though not a close
prisoner,--and told him he should never have his liberty until he would
pay attention to their advice. They added, that if the late earl his
father had not loved the French so much, but had listened to them, he
would have been the greatest prince in Christendom, and would have
recovered Lisle, Bethune, and Douay, and been alive at this day.
While all this was passing, the King of England still held on the siege
of Calais. He kept his court there at Christmas in a right royal manner;
and in the ensuing Lent the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Pembroke, the
Earl of Oxford, and many knights and squires who had crossed the sea
with them, returned from Gascony.
The Earl of Flanders was for a long time in danger from the Flemings,
and, being a prisoner, was perfectly weary of it. He therefore made them
understand that he was willing to follow their advice, for he could
receive more advantages from them than from those in any other country.
These words pleased the Flemings much: they gave him his liberty, and
allowed him to partake of one of his favorite amusements, hawking, of
which he was very fond. It happened one day, in the same week that he
was to espouse the English princess, he went out a-hawking: the falconer
fled his hawk at a heron, and the earl did the same with his. The two
hawks pursued their game, and the earl galloped off, as if following
them, crying, “Hoye, hoye!” When he was at some distance from his
keepers, and in the open fields, he stuck spurs into his horse, and made
such speed that he was soon out of sight. He did not stop until he was
got into Artois, where he was safe. He then went to King Philip in
France, and related to him and his nobles his adventures, who told him
he had acted wisely; but the English, on the contrary, accused him of
betraying and deceiving them.
CHAPTER LXV.
THE KING OF ENGLAND PREVENTS THE APPROACH OF THE FRENCH ARMY TO RAISE
THE SIEGE OF CALAIS, AND THE TOWN SURRENDERS.
The King of England, who found he could not conquer Calais but by
famine, ordered a large castle to be constructed of strong timbers, in
order to shut up the communication with the sea; and he directed it to
be built and embattled in such a manner that it could not be destroyed.
He placed it between the town and the sea, and fortified it with all
sorts of warlike instruments, and garrisoned it with forty men at arms
and two hundred archers, who guarded the harbor and port of Calais so
closely that nothing could go out or come into the town without being
sunk or taken. By this means he more sorely aggrieved the Calesians than
by any thing he had hitherto done, and sooner brought famine among them.
I will now relate what the King of England had done, and was doing, when
he saw with what a prodigious force the King of France was come to raise
the siege of Calais, which had cost him so much money and labor. He knew
that the town was so nearly famished, that it could hold out but a very
short time: therefore it would have sorely hurt him to have been forced
at that time to raise it. He considered that the French could neither
approach his army nor the town of Calais but by two roads,--the one by
the downs along the seashore, the other higher up the country, which,
however, was full of ditches and bogs; and there was but one bridge,
called the bridge of Nieullet, by which they could be crossed. He
posted, therefore, his fleet along the shore, as near as he could to the
downs, and provided it with plenty of every warlike engine, so that the
French could not pass that way. He sent the Earl of Derby, with a
sufficient force of men at arms and archers, to guard the bridge of
Nieullet. The French therefore were prevented from advancing thither,
unless they attempted crossing the marshes between Sangate and the sea,
which were impassable. There was also, nearer to Calais, a high tower,
which was guarded by thirty archers from England; and they had fortified
it with double ditches, as a stronger defence of the passage over the
downs. When the French had taken up their quarters on the hill of
Sangate, those from Tournay, who might amount to about fifteen hundred
men, advanced toward this tower; the garrison shot at them, and wounded
some; but the men of Tournay crossed the ditches, and reached the foot
of the tower with pickaxes and bars. The engagement was then very sharp,
and many of the Tournay men were killed and wounded; but in the end the
tower was taken and thrown down, and all that were within it put to the
sword.
The King of France sent his two marshals, the Lord of Beaujeu and the
Lord of St. Venant, to examine the country, and see where the army could
pass, in order to fight with the English; but, after they had well
examined all the passes, they returned, and told the king there was not
any possibility of doing it but with infinite loss of men. Things
remained in this state that day and the following night; but on the
morrow, after the King of France had heard mass, he sent to the King of
England the Lord Geoffry de Chargny, the Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont, Sir
Guy de Nesle, and the Lord of Beaujeu, who, as they rode along, observed
how strongly all the passes were guarded. They were allowed to proceed
freely, for so the King of England had ordered, and praised very much
the dispositions of the Earl of Derby, who was posted at the bridge of
Nieullet, over which they passed. They rode on until they came where the
king was, whom they found surrounded by his barons and knights. They all
four dismounted, and advanced toward the king with many reverences; then
the Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont said, “Sir, the King of France informs
you, through us, that he is come to the hill of Sangate in order to give
you battle, but he cannot find any means of approaching you: he
therefore wishes you would assemble your council, and he will send some
of his, that they may confer together, and fix upon a spot where a
general combat may take place.” The King of England was advised to make
his answer as follows: “Gentlemen, I perfectly understand the request
you have made me from my adversary, who wrongfully keeps possession of
my inheritance, which weighs much upon me. You will therefore tell him
from me, if you please, that I have been on this spot near a
twelvemonth; this he was well informed of, and, had he chosen it, might
have come here sooner; but he has allowed me to remain so long, that I
have expended very large sums of money, and have done so much that I
must be master of Calais in a very short time. I am not therefore
inclined, in the smallest degree, to comply with his request, or to
gratify his convenience, or to abandon what I have gained, or what I
have been so anxious to conquer. If, therefore, neither he nor his army
can pass this way, he must seek out some other road.” The four noblemen
then returned, and were escorted as far as the bridge of Nieullet, and
related to the King of France the King of England’s answer.
The King of France, perceiving he could not in any way succeed, decamped
on the morrow, and took the road to Amiens, where he disbanded all his
troops, the men at arms as well as those sent from the different towns.
When the Calesians saw them depart, it gave them great grief. Some of
the English fell on their rear, and captured horses, and wagons laden
with wine and other things, as well as some prisoners; all which they
brought to their camp before Calais.
After the departure of the King of France, with his army, from the hill
of Sangate, the Calesians saw clearly that all hopes of succor were at
an end; which occasioned them so much sorrow and distress that the
hardiest could scarcely support it. They entreated, therefore, most
earnestly, the Lord John de Vienne, their governor, to mount upon the
battlements, and make a sign that he wished to hold a parley. The King
of England, upon hearing this, sent to him Sir Walter Manny and Lord
Basset. When they were come near, the Lord de Vienne said to them, “Dear
gentlemen, you, who are very valiant knights, know that the King of
France, whose subjects we are, has sent us hither to defend this town
and castle from all harm and damage: this we have done to the best of
our abilities. All hopes of help have now left us, so that we are most
exceedingly straitened; and, if the gallant king your lord have not pity
upon us, we must perish with hunger. I therefore entreat that you would
beg of him to have compassion on us, and to have the goodness to allow
us to depart in the state we are in, and that he will be satisfied with
having possession of the town and castle, with all that is within them,
as he will find therein riches enough to content him.” To this Sir
Walter Manny replied, “John, we are not ignorant of what the king our
lord’s intentions are, for he has told them to us. Know, then, that it
is not his pleasure you should get off so; for he is resolved that you
surrender yourselves solely to his will, to allow those whom he pleases
their ransom, or to put them to death; for the Calesians have done him
so much mischief, and have, by their obstinate defence, cost him so many
lives and so much money, that he is mightily enraged.” The Lord de
Vienne answered, “These conditions are too hard for us. We are but a
small number of knights and squires, who have loyally served our lord
and master, as you would have done, and have suffered much ill and
disquiet; but we will endure more than any man ever did in a similar
situation, before we consent that the smallest boy in the town should
fare worse than the best. I therefore once more entreat you, out of
compassion, to return to the King of England, and beg of him to have
pity on us: he will, I trust, grant you this favor; for I have such an
opinion of his gallantry as to hope that, through God’s mercy, he will
alter his mind.” The two lords returned to the king, and related what
had passed. The king said he had no intentions of complying with the
request, but should insist that they surrendered themselves
unconditionally to his will. Sir Walter replied, “My lord, you may be to
blame in this, as you will set us a very bad example; for, if you order
us to go to any of your castles, we shall not obey you so cheerfully, if
you put these people to death; for they will retaliate upon us in a
similar case.” Many barons who were then present supported this opinion.
Upon which the king replied, “Gentlemen, I am not so obstinate as to
hold my opinion alone against you all. Sir Walter, you will inform the
governor of Calais that the only grace he must expect from me is, that
six of the principal citizens of Calais march out of the town, with bare
heads and feet, with ropes around their necks, and the keys of the town
and castle in their hands. These six persons shall be at my absolute
disposal, and the remainder of the inhabitants pardoned.”
Sir Walter returned to the Lord de Vienne, who was waiting for him on
the battlements, and told him all that he had been able to gain from the
king. “I beg of you,” replied the governor, “that you would be so good
as to remain here a little, while I go and relate all that has passed to
the townsmen; for, as they have desired me to undertake this, it is but
proper they should know the result of it.” He went to the market-place,
and caused the bell to be rung; upon which all the inhabitants, men and
women, assembled in the town-hall. He then related to them what he had
said, and the answers he had received; and that he could not obtain any
conditions more favorable, to which they must give a short and immediate
answer. This information caused the greatest lamentations and despair,
so that the hardest heart would have had compassion on them. Even the
Lord de Vienne wept bitterly.
After a short time the most wealthy citizen of the town, by name Eustace
de St. Pierre, rose up and said, “Gentlemen, both high and low, it would
be a very great pity to suffer so many people to die through famine, if
any means could be found to prevent it; and it would be highly
meritorious in the eyes of our Saviour, if such misery could be averted.
I have such faith and trust in finding grace before God, if I die to
save my townsmen, that I name myself as first of the six.” When Eustace
had done speaking, they all rose up and almost worshipped him: many cast
themselves at his feet with tears and groans. Another citizen, very rich
and respected, rose up, and said he would be the second to his companion
Eustace; his name was John Daire. After him, James Wisant, who was very
rich in merchandise and lands, offered himself as companion to his two
cousins; as did Peter Wisant his brother. Two others then named
themselves, which completed the number demanded by the King of England.
The Lord John de Vienne then mounted a small hackney, for it was with
difficulty that he could walk, and conducted them to the gate. There was
the greatest sorrow and lamentation all over the town; and in such
manner were they attended to the gate, which the governor ordered to be
opened, and then shut upon him and the six citizens, whom he led to the
barriers, and said to Sir Walter Manny, who was there waiting for him,
“I deliver up to you, as governor of Calais, with the consent of the
inhabitants,
[Illustration: How the Six Citizens of Calais delivered themselves up to
the English King.]
these six citizens; and I swear to you that they were, and are at this
day, the most wealthy and respectable inhabitants of Calais. I beg of
you, gentle sir, that you would have the goodness to beseech the king
that they may not be put to death.”--“I cannot answer for what the king
will do with them,” replied Sir Walter; “but you may depend that I will
do all in my power to save them.” The barriers were opened, when these
six citizens advanced toward the pavilion of the king, and the Lord de
Vienne re-entered the town.
When Sir Walter Manny had presented these six citizens to the king, they
fell upon their knees, and with uplifted hands said, “Most gallant king,
see before you six citizens of Calais, who have been capital merchants,
and who bring you the keys of the castle and of the town. We surrender
ourselves to your absolute will and pleasure, in order to save the
remainder of the inhabitants of Calais, who have suffered much distress
and misery. Condescend, therefore, out of your nobleness of mind, to
have mercy and compassion upon us.” All the barons, knights, and
squires, that were assembled there in great numbers, wept at this sight.
The king eyed them with angry looks (for he hated much the people of
Calais, for the great losses he had formerly suffered from them at sea),
and ordered their heads to be stricken off. All present entreated the
king, that he would be more merciful to them; but he would not listen to
them. Then Sir Walter Manny said, “Ah, gentle king, let me beseech you
to restrain your anger. You have the reputation of great nobleness of
soul: do not therefore tarnish it by such an act as this, nor allow any
one to speak in a disgraceful manner of you. In this instance all the
world will say you have acted cruelly, if you put to death six such
respectable persons, who, of their own free will, have surrendered
themselves to your mercy, in order to save their fellow-citizens.” Upon
this the king gave a wink, saying, “Be it so,” and ordered the headsman
to be sent for; for that the Calesians had done him so much damage, it
was proper they should suffer for it. The Queen of England fell on her
knees, and with tears said, “Ah, gentle sir, since I have crossed the
sea with great danger to see you, I have never asked you one favor: now
I most humbly ask as a gift, for the sake of the Son of the blessed
Mary, and for your love to me, that you will be merciful to these six
men.” The king looked at her for some time in silence, and then said,
“Ah, lady, I wish that you had been anywhere else than here. You have
entreated in such a manner that I cannot refuse you. I therefore give
them to you, to do as you please with them.” The queen conducted the six
citizens to her apartments, and had the halters taken from round their
necks, after which she new-clothed them, and served them with a
plentiful dinner. She then presented each with six nobles, and had them
escorted out of the camp in safety.
CHAPTER LXVI.
THE KING OF ENGLAND RE-PEOPLES CALAIS.
The king, after he had presented these six citizens to the queen, called
to him Sir Walter Manny, and his two marshals,--the Earls of Warwick and
Stafford,--and said to them, “My lords, here are the keys of the town
and castle of Calais: go and take possession of them. You will put into
prison the knights you may find there, but you will send out of the
town all the other inhabitants, and all soldiers that may have come
there to serve for pay; as I am resolved to re-people the town with
English alone.” These three noblemen, with only one hundred men, went
and took possession of Calais, and from the gates sent to prison the
Lord John de Surie, the Lord John de Vienne, the Lord John de
Bellebourne, and other knights. They then ordered every sort of arms to
be brought, and piled in a heap in the market-place. They sent out of
the town all ranks of people, retaining only one priest, and two other
old men, that were well acquainted with the customs and usages of
Calais, in order to point out the different properties; and gave
directions for the castle to be prepared for lodging the king and queen,
and different hotels for their attendants. When this had been done, the
king and queen mounted their steeds, and rode toward the town, which
they entered at the sound of trumpets, drums, and all sorts of warlike
instruments.
The king gave to Sir Walter Manny, Lord Stafford, Lord Warwick, Sir
Bartholomew Burghersh, and other knights, very handsome houses in
Calais, that they might re-people it; and his intentions were, to send
thither, on his return to England, thirty-six substantial citizens, with
all their wealth, and to exert himself in such a manner that the
inhabitants of the town should be wholly English: which he afterwards
accomplished. The new town and fortifications, which had been built
before Calais, were destroyed, as well as the castle upon the harbor;
and the great boom which was thrown across was brought into the town.
The king posted different persons to guard the gates, walls, and towers
of the town; and what had been damaged he got repaired, which, however,
was not soon done. The Lord John de Vienne and his companions were sent
to England: they remained in London about half a year, and then were
ransomed. In my opinion, it was a melancholy thing for the inhabitants
of both sexes, of the town of Calais, thus to be sent abroad, with their
children, from their inheritances, leaving every thing behind: for they
were not allowed to carry off any of their furniture or wealth; and they
received no assistance from the King of France, for whom they had lost
their all. They did, however, as well as they were able; and the greater
part went to St. Omer.
The Cardinal Guy de Boulogne, who was come into France as ambassador,
and was with his cousin King Philip in the city of Amiens, labored so
earnestly, that he obtained a truce between the two kings and their
adherents, which was to last for two years.
CHAPTER LXVII.
A ROBBER OF THE NAME OF BACON DOES MUCH MISCHIEF IN LANGUEDOC, AND A
PAGE OF THE NAME OF CROQUART TURNS ROBBER.
All this year of the truce, the kings remained at peace. But Lord
William Douglas, and the Scots, who had taken refuge in the forest of
Jedworth, carried on the war against the English, wherever they could
meet with them. Those in Gascony, Poitou, and Saintonge, as well French
as English, did not observe the truce any better, but conquered towns
and castles from each other, by force or intrigue, and ruined and
destroyed the country, day and night. There were frequently gallant
deeds of arms performed, with alternate success.
Poor rogues took advantage of such times, and robbed both towns and
castles; so that some of them, becoming rich, constituted themselves
captains of bands of thieves. There were among them those worth forty
thousand crowns. Their method was, to mark out the particular towns or
castles, a day or two’s journey from each other: they then collected
twenty or thirty robbers, and, travelling through by-roads in the
night-time, entered the town or castle they had fixed on about daybreak,
and set one of the houses on fire. When the inhabitants perceived it,
they thought it had been a body of forces sent to destroy them, and took
to their heels as fast as they could. The town of Donzere was treated in
this manner; and many other towns and castles were taken, and afterwards
ransomed. Among other robbers in Languedoc, one had marked out the
strong castle of Cobourne in Limosin, which is situated in a very strong
country. He set off in the night-time, with thirty companions, and took
and destroyed it. He seized also the Lord of Cobourne, whom he
imprisoned in his own castle, and put all his household to death. He
kept him in prison until he ransomed himself for twenty-four thousand
crowns, paid down. The robber kept possession of the castle and
dependencies, which he furnished with provisions, and thence made war
upon all the country round about. The King of France, shortly
afterwards, was desirous of having him near his person. He purchased the
castle for twenty thousand crowns, appointed him his usher at arms, and
heaped on him many other honors. The name of this robber was Bacon; and
he was always mounted on handsome horses, of a deep roan color, or on
large palfreys, apparelled like an earl, and very richly armed; and this
state he maintained as long as he lived.
There were similar disorders in Brittany; and robbers carried on the
like methods of seizing and pillaging different towns and castles, and
then selling them back again to the country at a dear rate; by which
means many of their leaders became very rich. Among others there was one
of the name of Croquart, who was originally but a poor boy, and had been
page to the Lord d’Ercle in Holland. When this Croquart arrived at
manhood, he had his discharge, and went to the wars in Brittany, where
he attached himself to a man at arms, and behaved very well. It
happened, that in some skirmish his master was taken and slain; when, in
recompense for his prowess, his companions elected him their leader, in
the place of his late master. He then made such profit by ransoms, and
the taking of towns and castles, that he was said to be worth full forty
thousand crowns, not including his horses, of which he had twenty or
thirty, very handsome and strong, and of a deep roan color. He had the
reputation of being the most expert man at arms of the country, was
chosen to be one of the thirty that engaged against a similar number,
and was the most active combatant on the side of the English. King John
of France made him the offer of knighting him, and marrying him very
richly, if he would quit the English party, and promised to give him two
thousand livres a year; but Croquart would never listen to it. It
chanced one day, as he was riding a young horse which he had just
purchased for three hundred crowns, and was putting him to his full
speed, that the horse ran away with him, and, in leaping a ditch,
stumbled into it, and broke his master’s neck. Such was the end of
Croquart.
CHAPTER LXVIII.
SIR AYMERY DE PAVIE PLOTS WITH SIR GEOFFRY DE CHARGNY TO SELL THE TOWN
OF CALAIS.
At this time Sir Geoffry de Chargny was stationed at St. Omer, to defend
the frontier; and in every thing touching war he acted as if he had been
king. He bethought himself, that as Lombards are very poor, and by
nature avaricious, he would attempt to recover the town of Calais by
means of Aymery de Pavie the governor; and as, from the terms of the
truce, the inhabitants of the towns of St. Omer and Calais might go to
each place to sell their different merchandises, Sir Geoffry entered
into a secret treaty with Sir Aymery, and succeeded so far that he
promised to deliver up the town on receiving twenty thousand crowns. The
King of England, however, got intelligence of it, and sent to Aymery the
Lombard orders to cross the sea immediately, and come to him at
Westminster. He obeyed; for he could not imagine that the king knew of
his treason, it had been so secretly carried on. When the king saw the
Lombard, he took him aside, and said, “Thou knowest that I have
intrusted to thee what I hold dearest in this world, except my wife and
children: I mean the town and castle of Calais, which thou hast sold to
the French, and for which thou deservest death.” The Lombard flung
himself on his knees, and said, “Ah, gentle king, have mercy on me, for
God’s sake! All that you have said is very true; but there is yet time
to break the bargain, for hitherto I have not received one penny.” The
king had brought up this Lombard from a child, and much loved him: he
replied, “Aymery, it is my wish that you continue on this treaty: you
will inform me of the day that you are to deliver up Calais, and on
these conditions I promise you my pardon.” The Lombard then returned to
Calais, and kept every thing secret. In the mean time Sir Geoffry de
Chargny thought himself sure of having Calais, and issued out privately
his summons for five hundred lances. The greater part were ignorant
where he intended to lead them, for it was only known to a few barons. I
do not believe he had even informed the King of France of his plan, as
he would have dissuaded him from it on account of the truce. The Lombard
had consented to deliver up the town to him the last night of the year,
with which he made the King of England acquainted by means of his
brother.
CHAPTER LXIX.
THE BATTLE OF CALAIS, BETWEEN THE KING OF ENGLAND, UNDER THE BANNER
OF SIR WALTER MANNY, WITH SIR GEOFFRY DE CHARGNY AND THE FRENCH.
When the King of England was informed of this, and knew that the day was
for a certainty fixed, he set out from England with three hundred men at
arms and six hundred archers. He embarked at Dover, and came so
privately to Calais, that no one knew of his being there. He placed his
men in ambuscade in the rooms and towers of the castle, and said to Sir
Walter Manny, “Sir Walter, I will that you be the chief of this
enterprise; and I and my son will fight under your banner.” Sir Geoffry
de Chargny had left St. Omer the latter end of December, with all the
forces he had collected; and arrived near to Calais about midnight, the
last day of the month. He halted there for his rear to come up, and sent
forward two of his squires, who found Sir Aymery waiting for them. They
asked if it were time for Sir Geoffry to advance: the Lombard answered
that it was. The two squires upon this returned to Sir Geoffry, who
marched his men in battle-array over the bridge of Nieullet. He then
sent forward twelve of his knights, with one hundred men at arms, to
take possession of the castle of Calais; for he thought, if he had
possession of the castle, he should soon be master of the town,
considering what strength he had with him; and in a few days time he
could have as much more, should there be occasion. He gave orders for
twenty thousand crowns to be delivered to Sir Odoart de Renty, who was
in this expedition, for him to pay to the Lombard; and Sir Geoffry
remained in the plain in silence, his banner displayed before him, with
the rest of his army; for his intention was to enter the town by one of
its gates, otherwise he would not enter it at all.
The Lombard had let down the drawbridge of the castle, and opened one of
the gates, through which his detachment entered unmolested; and Sir
Odoart had given him the twenty thousand crowns in a bag,--who said he
supposed they were all there, for he had not time to count them, as it
would be day immediately. He flung the bag of crowns into a room, which
he locked, and told the French he would conduct them to the great tower
that they might the sooner be masters of the castle: in saying this he
advanced on, and, pushing back the bolt, the door flew open. In this
tower was the King of England with two hundred lances, who sallied
forth, with swords and battle-axes in their hands, crying out, “Manny,
Manny, to the rescue! What! do these Frenchmen think to conquer the
castle of Calais with such a handful of men!” The French saw that no
defence could save them, so they surrendered themselves prisoners; and
scarcely any of them were wounded. They were made to enter this tower,
whence the English had sallied, and there shut in. The English quitted
the castle, and, forming themselves in array, mounted their horses (for
they knew the French were mounted), and made for the gate leading to
Boulogne. Sir Geoffry was there with his banner displayed (his arms were
three escutcheons argent on a field gules), and he was very impatient to
be the first that should enter Calais. He said to those knights who were
near him, that, if this Lombard delayed opening the gate, they should
all die with cold. “In God’s name,” replied Sir Pepin de Werre, “these
Lombards are a malicious sort of people: perhaps he is examining your
florins, lest there should be any false ones, and to see if they be
right in number.” During this conversation the King of England and his
son advanced, under the banner of Sir Walter Manny. There were many
other banners also there, such as the Earl of Suffolk’s, the Lord
Stafford’s, Lord John Montacute’s (brother to the Earl of Salisbury),
the Lord John Beauchamp’s, the Lord Berkeley’s, the Lord de la Waae. All
these were barons having banners; and no more than these were in this
expedition.
The great gates were soon opened, and they all sallied out. When the
French saw this, and heard the cries of “Manny to the rescue!” they
found they had been betrayed; and Sir Geoffry said to those around them,
“Gentlemen, if we fly, we shall lose all: it will be more advantageous
for us to fight valiantly, in the hopes that the day may be ours.”--“By
St. George,” said some of the English, who were near enough to hear it,
“you speak truth: evil befall him who thinks of flying!” They then
retreated a little, and dismounted, driving their horses away, to avoid
being trampled on. When the King of England saw this, he halted the
banner under which he was, and said, “I would have the men drawn up here
in order of battle; and let a good detachment be sent toward the bridge
of Nieullet, for I have heard that there is posted a large body of
French on horseback and on foot.” Six banners and three hundred archers
left his army, and made for the bridge of Nieullet, where they found the
Lord Moreau de Fiennes, and the Lord of Crequi, who guarded it. There
were also posted, between the bridge and Calais, the crossbow-men from
St. Omer and Aire, who had that day sharp work. More than six hundred
were slain or drowned; for they were immediately discomfited, and
pursued to the river. It was then scarcely daybreak. The knights of
Picardy maintained this post some time, and many gallant actions were
performed; but the English kept increasing from the town, when, on the
contrary, the French fell off: so that, when they found they could not
longer keep the bridge, those that had horses mounted them, and betook
themselves to flight. The English immediately pursued them, and many
were overthrown: but those that were well mounted escaped; among them
were the Lords de Fiennes, de Crequi, de Sempy, de Lonchinleich, and the
Lord of Namur. Many were taken through their own hardiness, who might
otherwise have saved themselves. When it was broad daylight, that each
could see the other, some knights and squires collected themselves
together, and vigorously attacked the English, insomuch that several of
the French made good prisoners, that brought them much profit.
We will now speak of the King of England, who was there incognito under
Sir Walter Manny’s banner. He advanced with his men on foot, to meet the
enemy, who were formed in close order, with their pikes, shortened to
five feet, planted out before them. The first attack was very sharp and
severe. The king singled out Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, who was a strong
and hardy knight. He fought a long time marvellously well with the king,
so that it was a pleasure to see them: but by the confusion of the
engagement they were separated; for two large bodies met where they were
fighting, and forced them to break off their combat. On the side of the
French there was excellent fighting by Sir Geoffry de Chargny, Sir John
de Landas, Sir Hector and Sir Gavin Ballieul, and others; but they were
all surpassed by Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, who that day struck the king
twice down on his knees: at last, however, he was obliged to surrender
his sword to the king, saying, “Sir knight, I surrender myself your
prisoner, for the honor of the day must fall to the English.” All that
belonged to Sir Geoffry de Chargny were either slain or captured: among
the first were Sir Henry du Bois and Sir Pepin de Werre: Sir Geoffry and
the rest were taken prisoners. The last that was taken, and who in that
day excelled all, was Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont. This business was
finished under the walls of Calais, the last day of December, toward
morning, in the year of grace 1348.
CHAPTER LXX.
THE KING OF ENGLAND PRESENTS A CHAPLET OF PEARLS TO SIR EUSTACE DE
RIBEAUMONT.
When the engagement was over, the king returned to the castle in Calais,
and ordered all the prisoners to be brought before him. The French then
knew for the first time that the King of England had been there in
person, under the banner of Sir Walter Manny. The king said he would,
this evening of the new year, entertain them all at supper in the
castle. When the hour for supper was come, the tables spread, and the
king and his knights dressed in new robes, as well as the French,--who,
notwithstanding they were prisoners, made good cheer, for the king
wished it should be so,--the king seated himself at table, and made
those knights do the same around him in a most honorable manner. The
gallant Prince of Wales, and the knights of England, served up the first
course, and waited on their guests. At the second course they went and
seated themselves at another table, where they were served and attended
on very quietly.
When supper was over, and the tables removed, the king remained in the
hall, among the English and French knights, bareheaded, except a chaplet
of fine pearls which was round his head. He conversed with all of them;
but when he came to Sir Geoffry de Chargny his countenance altered, and,
looking at him askance, he said, “Sir Geoffry, I have but little reason
to love you, when you wished to seize from me by stealth, last night,
what had given me so much trouble to acquire, and has cost me such sums
of money. I am, however, rejoiced to have caught you thus in attempting
it. You were desirous of gaining it cheaper than I did, and thought you
could purchase it for twenty thousand crowns; but, through God’s
assistance, you have been disappointed.” He then passed on, and left Sir
Geoffry standing, without having a word to say for himself. When he came
to Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, he assumed a cheerful look, and said with
a smile, “Sir Eustace, you are the most valiant knight in Christendom,
that I ever saw attack his enemy, or defend himself. I never yet found
any one in battle, who, body to body, had given me so much to do as you
have done this day. I adjudge to you the prize of valor above all the
knights of my court, as what is justly due to you.” The king then took
off the chaplet, which was very rich and handsome, and, placing it on
the head of Sir Eustace, said, “Sir Eustace, I present you with this
chaplet, as being the best combatant this day, either within or without
doors; and I beg of you to wear it this year for love of me. I know that
you are lively and amorous, and love the company of ladies and damsels:
therefore say, wherever you go, that I gave it to you. I also give you
your liberty, free of ransom; and you may set out to-morrow, if you
please, and go whither you will.”
CHAPTER LXXI.
THE SEA-FIGHT OFF SLUYS. (FROM THE MANUSCRIPT IN THE HAFOD LIBRARY.)
About this period there was much ill-will between the King of England
and the Spaniards, on account of some infractions and pillages committed
at sea by the latter. It happened at this season, that the Spaniards
who had been in Flanders with their merchandise were informed they would
not be able to return home without meeting the English fleet. The
Spaniards did not pay much attention to this intelligence: however,
after they had disposed of their goods, they amply provided their ships
from Sluys with arms and artillery, and all such archers, crossbow-men,
and soldiers as were willing to receive pay. The King of England hated
these Spaniards greatly, and said publicly, “We have for a long time
spared these people, for which they have done us much harm, without
amending their conduct: on the contrary, they grow more arrogant; for
which reason they must be chastised as they repass our coasts.” His
lords readily assented to this proposal, and were eager to engage the
Spaniards. The king therefore issued a special summons to all gentlemen
who at that time might be in England, and left London. He went to the
coast of Sussex, between Southampton and Dover, which lies opposite to
Ponthieu and Dieppe, and kept his court in a monastery, whither the
queen also came. At this time and place that gallant knight Lord Robert
de Namur, who was lately returned from beyond sea, joined the king: he
came just in time to be one of this armament, and the king was
exceedingly pleased at his arrival. On finding that he was not too late
to meet the Spaniards on their return, the king, with his nobles and
knights, embarked on board his fleet; and he was never attended by so
numerous a company in any of his former expeditions at sea.
When the Spaniards had completed their cargoes, and laden their vessels
with linen cloths, and whatever they imagined would be profitable in
their own country, they embarked on board their fleet at Sluys. They
knew they should meet the English, but were indifferent about it; for
they had marvellously provided themselves with all sorts of warlike
ammunition, such as bolts for crossbows, cannon, and bars of forged iron
to throw on the enemy, in hopes, with the assistance of great stones, to
sink him. When they weighed anchor, the wind was favorable for them:
there were forty large vessels of such a size, and so beautiful, it was
a fine sight to see them under sail. Near the top of their masts were
small castles, full of flints and stones, and a soldier to guard them;
and there also was the flagstaff, from whence fluttered their streamers
in the wind, that it was pleasant to look at them. If the English had a
great desire to meet them, it seemed as if the Spaniards were still more
eager for it, as will hereafter appear. The Spaniards were full ten
thousand men, including all sorts of soldiers they had enlisted when in
Flanders: this made them feel sufficient courage not to fear the combat
with the King of England, and whatever force he might have at sea.
Intending to engage the English fleet, they advanced with a favorable
wind until they came opposite to Calais. The King of England, being at
sea, had very distinctly explained to all his knights the order of
battle he would have them follow. He had appointed the Lord Robert de
Namur to the command of a ship called “Le Salle du Roi,” on board of
which was all his household. The king posted himself in the forepart of
his own ship. He was dressed in a black velvet jacket, and wore on his
head a small hat of beaver, which became him much. He was that day, as I
was told by those who were present, as joyous as he ever was in his
life, and ordered his minstrels to play before him a German dance which
Sir John Chandos had lately introduced. For his amusement he made the
same knight sing with his minstrels, which delighted him greatly. From
time to time he looked up to the castle on his mast, where he had placed
a watch to inform him when the Spaniards were in sight. While the king
was thus amusing himself with his knights, who were happy in seeing him
so gay, the watch, who had observed a fleet, cried out, “Ho! I spy a
ship; and it appears to me to be a Spaniard.” The minstrels were
silenced, and he was asked if there were more than one; soon after he
replied, “Yes: I see two, three, four, and so many, that, God help me, I
cannot count them.” The king and his knights then knew they must be the
Spaniards. The trumpets were ordered to sound, and the ships to form a
line of battle for the combat; as they were aware, that, since the enemy
came in such force, it could not be avoided. It was, however, rather
late, about the hour of vespers. The king ordered wine to be brought,
which he and his knights drank; when each fixed their helmets on their
heads. The Spaniards now drew near. They might easily have refused the
battle, if they had chosen it; for they were well freighted, in large
ships, and had the wind in their favor. They could have avoided speaking
with the English, if they had willed; but their pride and presumption
made them act otherwise. They disdained to sail by, but bore instantly
down on them, and commenced the battle.
When the King of England saw from his ship their order of battle, he
ordered the person who managed his vessel, saying, “Lay me alongside the
Spaniard who is bearing down on us; for I will have a tilt with him.”
The master dared not disobey the king’s order, but laid his ship ready
for the Spaniard, who was coming full sail. The king’s ship was large
and stiff: otherwise she would have been sunk, for that of the enemy was
a great one and the shock of their meeting was more like the crash of a
torrent or tempest. The rebound caused the castle in the king’s ship to
encounter that of the Spaniard, so that the mast of the latter was
broken, and all in the castle fell with it into the sea, when they were
drowned. The English vessel, however, suffered, and let in water; which
the knights cleared, and stopped the leak, without telling the king any
thing of the matter. Upon examining the vessel he had engaged lying
before him, he said, “Grapple my ship with that; for I will have
possession of her.” His knights replied, “Let her go her way: you shall
have better than her.” That vessel sailed on; and another large ship
bore down, and grappled with chains and hooks to that of the king. The
fight now began in earnest, and the archers and crossbows on each side
were eager to shoot and defend themselves. The battle was not in one
place, but in ten or twelve at a time. Whenever either party found
themselves equal to the enemy, or superior, they instantly grappled,
when grand deeds of arms were performed. The English had not any
advantage; and the Spanish ships were much larger and higher than their
opponents, which gave them a great superiority in shooting and casting
stones and iron bars on board their enemy, which annoyed them
exceedingly. The knights on board the king’s ship were in danger of
sinking, for the leak still admitted water: this made them more eager to
conquer the vessel they were grappled to. Many gallant deeds were done;
and at last they gained the ship, and flung all they found in it
overboard, having quitted their own ship. They continued the combat
against the Spaniards, who fought valiantly, and whose crossbow-men shot
such bolts of iron as greatly distressed the English.
This sea-fight between the English and Spaniards was well and hardly
fought; but, as night was coming on, the English exerted themselves to
do their duty well, and discomfit their enemies. The Spaniards, who are
used to the sea, and were in large ships, acquitted themselves to the
utmost of their power. The young Prince of Wales and his division were
engaged apart: his ship was grappled by a great Spaniard, when he and
his knights suffered much; for she had so many holes, that the water
came in very abundantly, and they could not by any means stop the leaks,
which gave the crew fears of her sinking. They therefore did all they
could to conquer the enemy’s ship, but in vain; for she was very large,
and excellently well defended. During this danger of the prince, the
Duke of Lancaster came near, and, as he approached, saw he had the worst
of the engagement, and that his crew had too much on their hands, for
they were bailing out water: he therefore fell on the other side of the
Spanish vessel, with which he grappled, shouting, “Derby to the rescue!”
The engagement was now very warm, but did not last long, for the ship
was taken, and all the crew thrown overboard, not one being saved. The
prince, with his men, instantly embarked on board the Spaniard; and
scarcely had they done so when his own vessel sunk, which convinced them
of the imminent danger they had been in.
The engagement was in other parts well contested by the English knights,
who exerted themselves; and need there was of it, for they found those
who feared them not. Late in the evening, the “Salle du Roi,” commanded
by Lord Robert de Namur, was grappled by a large Spaniard, and the fight
was very severe. The Spaniards were determined to gain this ship; and,
the more effectually to succeed in carrying her off, they set all their
sails, took advantage of the wind, and, in spite of what Lord Robert
and his crew could do, towed her out of the battle; for the Spaniard was
of a more considerable size than the Lord Robert’s ship, and therefore
she more easily conquered. As they were thus towed, they passed near the
king’s ship, to whom they cried out, “Rescue the ‘Salle du Roi,’” but
were not heard, for it was dark; and, if they were heard, they were not
rescued. The Spaniards would have carried away with ease this prize, if
it had not been for a gallant act of one Hanequin, a servant to the Lord
Robert, who, with his drawn sword on his wrist, leaped on board the
enemy, ran to the mast, and cut the large cable which held the mainsail,
by which it became unmanageable; and with great agility he cut other
four principal ropes, so that the sails fell on the deck, and the course
of the ship was stopped. Lord Robert, seeing this, advanced with his
men, and, boarding the Spaniard sword in hand, attacked the crew so
vigorously that all were slain or thrown overboard, and the vessel won.
I cannot speak of every particular circumstance of this engagement. It
lasted a considerable time; and the Spaniards gave the King of England
and his fleet enough to do. However, at last victory declared for the
English: the Spaniards lost fourteen ships, the others saved themselves
by flight. When it was completely over, and the king saw he had none to
fight with, he ordered his trumpets to sound a retreat, and made for
England. They anchored at Rye and Winchelsea a little after nightfall,
when the king, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of
Richmond, and other barons, disembarked, took horses in the town, and
rode to the mansion where the queen was, scarcely two English leagues
distant. The queen was mightily rejoiced on seeing her lord and
children. She had suffered that day great affliction from her doubts of
success; for her attendants had seen from the hills of the coast the
whole of the battle, as the weather was fine and clear, and had told the
queen, who was very anxious to learn the number of the enemy, that the
Spaniards had forty large ships. She was therefore much comforted by
their safe return. The king, with those knights who had attended him,
passed the night in revelry with the ladies, conversing of arms and
amours. On the morrow the greater part of his barons who had been in
this engagement came to him. He greatly thanked them for all the
services they had done him, before he dismissed them; when they took
their leave, and returned every man to his home.
CHAPTER LXXII.
THE DEATH OF KING PHILIP, AND CORONATION OF HIS SON KING JOHN.
In the beginning of August, in the year 1350, Raoul de Cahours, and many
other knights and squires, to the number of one hundred and twenty men
at arms, or thereabouts, combated with the commander for the King of
England in Brittany, called Sir Thomas Daggeworth, before the castle of
Aurai. Sir Thomas and all his men were slain, to the amount of about a
hundred men at arms. On the 22d of August in the same year, King Philip
of France departed this life at Nogent-le-Roi, and was carried to Notre
Dame in Paris. The twenty-sixth day of September ensuing, John, eldest
son of King Philip, was crowned king, on a Sunday, at Rheims. His wife,
Queen Jane, was also crowned at the same time.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
THE KING OF FRANCE ISSUES OUT A SUMMONS FOR ASSEMBLING AN ARMY TO
COMBAT THE PRINCE OF WALES, WHO WAS OVERRUNNING THE PROVINCE OF
DERBY.
When King John of France had re-conquered all the towns and castles in
Lower Normandy, which belonged to the King of Navarre, whom he detained
in prison, he returned to the city of Paris. He had not been long there
before he heard that the Prince of Wales, with his whole army, had
invaded his kingdom,[23] and was advancing toward the fertile country of
Berry. When this was told him, the king said, with an oath, that he
would immediately set out after him, and give him battle wherever he
should find him. He issued out a special summons to all nobles and
others who held fiefs under him, that they should not, under any
pretence whatever, absent themselves without incurring his highest
displeasure, but, immediately on the receipt of these letters, set out
to meet him on the borders of Touraine and Blois; for he was determined
to fight the English. The king, to hasten the business, marched from
Paris,--for he had at this time a large body of men at arms in the
field,--and went to Chartres, to gain more certain intelligence of the
enemy. He remained there some time; and great crowds of troops and men
at arms came to him from the different countries of Auvergne, Berry,
Burgundy, Lorraine, Hainault, Vermandois, Picardy, Brittany, and
Normandy. They passed through the town on their arrival, to show their
musters, and took up their quarters in the fields, according to the
orders of the two marshals, the Lord John de Clermont and Lord Arnold
d’Andreghen. The king gave orders for all the towns in Anjou, Poitou,
Maine, and Touraine, to be well garrisoned, and provided with all
things,--especially those on the borders, by which it was hoped the
English would pass,--that they might be enclosed, and cut off from any
subsistence for themselves and horses. In spite of this, however, the
prince, who had with him two thousand men at arms and six thousand
archers, rode on at his ease, and collected everywhere provisions in
plenty. They found the country of Auvergne, which they had entered and
overrun, very rich, and all things in great abundance; but they would
not stop there, as they were desirous of combating their enemies.
They marched toward Romorantin. The King of France sent into Berry three
gallant barons,--the Lord of Craon, the Lord of Boucicault, and the
Hermit of Chaumont,--to defend the frontiers, and to observe the motions
of the English. They had with them three hundred lances; and, skirting
the borders of the province, they followed them for six days, without
finding any opportunity of intercepting or of attacking the enemy: such
good and close order did the English maintain on their march. The French
therefore had recourse to an ambuscade, near to Romorantin, in a
wonderfully narrow spot which the English were obliged to pass. That
same day there left the prince’s army, from the battalion of the
marshals, by permission of the prince, the Lord Bartholomew Burghersh,
the Lord of Muyssidan, a Gascon, the Lord Petiton Courton, the Lord
Delawar, the Lord Basset, Sir Walter Pavely, Sir Richard Pontchardan,
Sir Nesle Loring, the young Lord Despencer, Sir Eustace and Sir Sanchez
d’Ambreticourt, with about two hundred combatants, in order to push
forward to Romorantin. They passed through the ambuscade of the French
without molestation; but, the moment they were clear of it, the French,
who were mounted on excellent and well-dressed horses, stuck spurs into
them to overtake them. The English, who had got far forward, hearing the
sound of horses’ feet, turned round, and found it was the enemy. They
immediately halted, to wait for the French, who advanced on a gallop,
fully determined what to do, with their lances in their rests. The
English, seeing them thus charge full speed, opened on each side, and
let them pass through, so that no more than five or six were unhorsed.
They then closed their ranks, and fell upon the rear of the French. This
engagement was very sharp: many knights and squires were unhorsed,
raised up again, and rescued on both sides. It lasted a long time, and
no one could tell, so valiantly was it disputed, to which side victory
would incline, when the battalion of the marshals appeared in sight. The
French first noticed it, as it marched, skirting along a wood, and
immediately thought of saving themselves as fast as they could, taking
the road to Romorantin. The English followed on full gallop,
overthrowing all they could, without sparing themselves or their horses.
The slaughter was great, and many were killed and unhorsed. One-half of
them, however, got safe into the castle of Romorantin, whose gates were
opened to receive them. There the three barons saved themselves, as well
as some knights and squires who were the best mounted. The town of
Romorantin was taken on the first arrival of the English, for it was
not fortified. The remainder of the French endeavored to escape by
getting into the castle.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
THE PRINCE OF WALES TAKES THE CASTLE OF ROMORANTIN.
When the Prince of Wales was informed that his people had been engaged,
he hastened the march of his army toward Romorantin, and, when he
entered the town, found it full of men, who were studying how they could
take the castle. The prince called Sir John Chandos, and ordered him to
go and hold a parley with those in the castle. Sir John went to the
barriers, and made a sign that he wished to speak with some one: those
upon guard inquired his name, by whom he was sent, and then went to
inform their masters; upon which the Lord of Boucicault and the Hermit
of Chaumont came down to the bars. When Sir John saw them, he saluted
them, and said, “Gentlemen, I am sent to you by my lord the prince, who
wishes, as it appears to me, to behave courteously toward his enemies;
and thus says, that, if you will surrender the castle and yourselves, he
will show you mercy, and give you good company.” The Lord of Boucicault
replied, “We have no sort of inclination to accept of such terms, nor to
commit such an act of folly without any necessity; for we are determined
to defend ourselves.” Upon this they parted; and the prince ordered his
men to quarters, for the next day he meant to attack the castle. They
were therefore commodiously lodged in the town of Romorantin, and close
about it.
On the next morning the men at arms prepared themselves; and the archers
advanced under their respective banners, and made a sharp attack upon
the castle. The archers, who had posted themselves on the ditches, shot
so justly, that scarcely any one dared to show himself on the
battlements. Some got upon hurdles and doors, with pickaxes and mattocks
in their hands, and swam over the ditch, when they began to undermine
the walls. Those within flung down upon them large stones and pots of
hot lime. On this occasion there was slain, on the part of the English,
a squire called Remond de Gederlach, who belonged to the division of the
Captal de Buch. The attack lasted the whole day, with little
intermission. The English retreated, toward night, to their quarters, in
order to take care of the wounded; and on the morrow at sunrise the
marshals’ trumpets sounded. All who were ordered for this assault got
themselves in readiness: the Prince of Wales himself attended in person,
and by his presence mightily encouraged the English. A squire, of the
name of Bernard, was killed close at his side, by a stone thrown from
the castle; upon which the prince swore he would never move from that
place until he had the castle and all in it in his power, and
immediately ordered re-enforcements to the assault.
Some of the wisest thought that they might use lances and arrows forever
in vain; and therefore they ordered cannons to be brought forward, to
throw aquereaux and Greek fire[24] into the lower court of the castle,
so that it was all in a blaze. The fire increased so much, that it
gained a large tower which was covered with thatch. When those within
the castle found that they must either surrender themselves, or perish
by fire, the Lord of Craon, the Lord of Boucicault, and the Hermit of
Chaumont, came down from the castle, and surrendered themselves to the
prince, who made them ride and attend him, as his prisoners. Many other
knights and squires who were in the castle were set at liberty, and the
castle was destroyed.
CHAPTER LXXV.
THE KING OF FRANCE LEADS A GREAT ARMY TO THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
After the taking of the castle of Romorantin, and the above-mentioned
knights, the prince and his army marched forward as before, burning and
destroying the country, in his approach to Anjou and Touraine. The King
of France, who had resided at Chartres, set out from that place, and
came to Blois, where he remained two days. He then came to Amboise, and
then to Loches, where he heard that the English were in Touraine, taking
the road for their return through Poitou; for the English army was
constantly observed by some able and expert knights of France and
Burgundy, who sent the king particular information of its movements. The
King of France then advanced to La Haye, in Touraine. His army had
crossed the Loire by the bridges of Orleans, Mehun, Samur, Blois, and
Tours, and wherever else they could. There were such numbers of good and
able men, that they were at least twenty thousand men at arms, without
reckoning the others: there were twenty-five dukes and earls, and
upward of sixscore banners. The four young sons of the king were also
with him,--Charles, Duke of Normandy; the Lord Lewis, who was afterwards
Duke of Anjou; the Lord John, since Duke of Berry; and the Lord Philip,
the younger, who was afterwards Duke of Burgundy.
On the other hand, the Prince of Wales and his army were ignorant of the
exact motions of the French; but they supposed they were not far
distant, for their foragers found great difficulties in procuring
forage, of which the whole army was in extreme want. They repented of
the great waste they had made in Berry, Anjou, and Touraine, and that
they had not more amply provisioned themselves.
It happened on this Friday, from the King of France in person passing
the bridge of Chauvigny, and the great crowds which attended him, that
three great barons of France, the Lord of Auxerre, the Lord Raoul de
Joigny, and the Earl of Joigny, were obliged to remain all that day in
the town of Chauvigny, and a part of their people with them: the others
passed over without baggage or armor except what they had on their
backs. On the Saturday morning they dislodged, crossed the bridge, and
followed the army of the king, which was about three leagues off. They
made for the open fields and the heaths, which were surrounded by woods,
in order to arrive at Poitiers. This same Saturday the prince decamped
from a village hard by, and sent forward a detachment to seek
adventures, and to bring some intelligence of the French. They consisted
of about sixty men, well armed and mounted for the occasion. Among the
knights were Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt and Sir John de Guistelles. By
accident they got on the heaths surrounded by the woods above
mentioned. The French soon saw they were enemies: they fixed on their
helmets, and unfurled their banners as quickly as they were able; when,
fixing their lances in their rests, they stuck spurs to their horses.
The English no sooner perceived these Frenchmen, who were about two
hundred lances, than they allowed themselves to be pursued, as the
prince and his army were not far distant; they therefore wheeled about,
and made for the rutty road through the wood. The French chased them
with shouts and a great noise, and, as they galloped on, fell in with
the army of the prince, which had halted among the heaths to wait for
their companions. The Lord Raoul de Joigny, and those under his banner,
were advanced so far that they came right upon the banner of the prince.
The engagement was very sharp, and Sir Raoul fought well: however, he
was made prisoner, as were the Earl of Joigny, the Viscount de Breuse,
and the Lord of Chauvigny: the greater part were either slain or
captured. By these the prince learnt that the King of France had marched
forward, and that he could not return without fighting him. Upon which
he collected all the stragglers, and ordered that no one, under pain of
death, should advance or skirmish before the battalion of the marshals.
They marched on this Saturday, from about nine o’clock until vespers,
when they came within small leagues of Poitiers. The Captal de Buch, Sir
Haymenon de Pomiers, Sir Bartholomew Burghersh, and Sir Eustace
d’Ambreticourt were ordered to advance, and observe where the French
were encamped. These knights, with two hundred men well armed and
mounted on their best steeds, set out, and soon perceived the French
king’s army. All the plain was covered with men at arms, and these
English could not refrain from attacking the rear of the French: they
unhorsed many, and took some prisoners, insomuch that the main army
began to be in motion. News was brought of this to the King of France,
as he was on the point of entering the city of Poitiers: upon which he
turned back, and ordered his whole army to do the same, and make for the
open fields, so that it was very late before they were quartered. The
English detachment returned to the prince, and related to him the
appearance of the French, that they were in immense numbers. The prince,
on hearing this, said, “God help us! we must now consider which will be
the best manner to fight them the most advantageously.” This night the
English were quartered in a very strong position, among vineyards and
hedges; and both armies were well guarded.
CHAPTER LXXVI.
THE DISPOSITION OF THE FRENCH BEFORE THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
On the Sunday morning, the King of France, who was very impatient to
combat the English, ordered a solemn mass to be sung in his pavilion;
and he and his four sons received the communion. Mass being over, there
came to him the Duke of Orleans, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of
Ponthieu, the Lord James de Bourbon, the Duke of Athens, constable of
France, the Earl of Tancarville, the Earl of Saltzburg, the Earl of
Dammartin, the Earl of Ventadour, and many barons of France, as well as
other great lords who held fiefs in the neighborhood, such as my Lord
of Clermont, Sir Arnold d’Andreghen, marshal of France, the Lord de St.
Venant, the Lord John de Landas, the Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont, the
Lord de Fiennes, the Lord Geoffry de Chargny, the Lord of Châtillon, the
Lord of Sully, the Lord of Nesle, Sir Robert de Duras, and many more,
according to a summons they had received for a council. They were a
considerable time debating: at last it was ordered, that the whole army
should advance into the plain, and each lord should display his banner,
and push forward in the name of God and St. Denis. Upon this the
trumpets of the army sounded, and every one got himself ready, mounted
his horse, and made for that part of the plain where the king’s banner
was planted and fluttering in the wind. There might be seen all the
nobility of France, richly dressed out in brilliant armor, with banners
and pennons gallantly displayed; for all the flower of the French
nobility were there: no knight nor squire, for fear of dishonor, dared
to remain at home. By the advice of the constable and the marshals, the
army was divided into three battalions, each consisting of sixteen
thousand men at arms, who had before shown themselves men of tried
courage. The Duke of Orleans commanded the first battalion, where there
were thirty-six banners and twice as many pennons. The second was under
the command of the Duke of Normandy and his two brothers, the Lord Lewis
and Lord John. The King of France commanded the third.
While these three battalions were forming, the king called to him the
Lord Eustace de Ribeaumont, the Lord John de Landas, and the Lord
Guiscard de Beaujeu, and said to them, “Ride forward, as near the
English army as you can, and observe their countenance, taking notice
of their numbers, and examine which will be the most advantageous
manner for us to combat them, whether on horseback or on foot.” The
three knights left the king to obey his commands. The king was mounted
upon a white palfrey, and, riding to the head of his army, said aloud,
“You, men of Paris, Chartres, Rouen, and Orleans, have been used to
threaten what you would do to the English if you could find them, and
wished much to meet them in arms. Now that wish shall be gratified: I
will lead you to them; and let us see how you will revenge yourselves
for all the mischief and damage they have done you. Be assured we will
not part without fighting.” Those who heard him replied, “Sir, through
God’s assistance, we will most cheerfully meet them.” At this instant
the three knights returned, and, pushing through the crowd, came to the
king, who asked what news they had brought. Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont,
whom his companions had requested to be their spokesman, answered, “Sir,
we have observed accurately the English. They may amount, according to
our estimate, to about two thousand men at arms, four thousand archers,
and fifteen hundred footmen. They are in a very strong position, but we
do not imagine they can make more than one battalion: nevertheless they
have posted themselves with great judgment, have fortified all the road
along the hedge-side, and lined the hedges with part of their archers;
for, as that is the only road for an attack, one must pass through the
midst of them. This lane has no other entry; and it is so narrow, that
scarcely can four men ride through it abreast. At the end of this lane,
amid vines and thorns, where it is impossible to ride or march in any
regular order, are posted the men at arms, on foot; and they have drawn
up before them their archers, in the manner of a harrow, so that it
will be no easy matter to defeat them.” The king asked in what manner
they would advise him to attack them. “Sir,” replied Sir Eustace, “on
foot: except three hundred of the most expert and boldest of your army,
who must be well armed and excellently mounted, in order to break, if
possible, this body of archers; and then your battalions must advance
quickly on foot, attack the men at arms hand to hand, and combat them
valiantly. This is the best advice that I can give you; and, if any one
know a better, let him say it.” The king replied, “Thus shall it be,
then;” and in company with his two marshals he rode from battalion to
battalion, and selected, in conformity to their opinions, three hundred
knights and squires of the greatest repute in his army, each well armed
and mounted on the best of horses. Soon after, the battalion of the
Germans was formed, who were to remain on horseback to assist the
marshals: they were commanded by the Earls of Saltzburg, Neydo, and
Nassau.
King John was armed in royal armor, and nineteen others like him. He had
given his eldest son in charge to the Lord of St. Venant, the Lord of
Landas, and the Lord Theobald de Bodenay. The Lord Geoffry de Chargny
carried the banner of France, as being the most valiant and prudent
knight of the army. The Lord Reginald de Quenolle,[25] surnamed the
Archpriest, wore the full armor of the young Earl of Alençon.
CHAPTER LXXVII.
THE CARDINAL DE PERIGORD ENDEAVORS TO MAKE PEACE BETWEEN THE KING
OF FRANCE AND THE PRINCE OF WALES, PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS.
When the battalions of the King of France were drawn up, and each lord
posted under his proper banner, and informed how they were to act, it
was ordered, that all those who were armed with lances should shorten
them to the length of five feet, that they might be the more manageable,
and that every one should take off his spurs. As the French were on the
point of marching to their enemies, the Cardinal de Perigord, who had
left Poitiers that morning early, came full gallop up to the king,
making a low reverence, and entreated him, with uplifted hands, for the
love of God, to halt a moment, that he might speak to him. He thus
began: “Most dear sire, you have here with you all the flower of
knighthood of your kingdom, against a handful of people, such as the
English are, when compared to your army: you may have them upon other
terms than by a battle; and it will be more honorable and profitable to
you to gain them by these means than to risk such a fine army and such
noble persons as you have now with you. I therefore beseech you, in all
humility, and by the love of God, that you will permit me to go to the
prince, and remonstrate with him on the dangerous situation he is in.”
The king answered, “It is very agreeable to us; but make haste back
again.”
All this Sunday the cardinal rode from one army to the other, and was
very anxious to reconcile the two parties. Many proposals were made. At
last they declared that if the Prince of Wales, and one hundred of his
knights, did not surrender themselves prisoners to the King of France,
he would not allow them to pass on without an engagement. The prince and
his army disdained accepting such conditions. The Cardinal de Perigord,
not being able by any means to reconcile the king and prince, returned
to Poitiers late in the evening. That same day the French kept in their
quarters, where they lived at their ease, having plenty of provisions;
while the English, on the other hand, were but badly off, nor did they
know whither to go for forage, as they were so straitly kept by the
French, they could not move without danger. This Sunday they made many
mounds and ditches round where the archers were posted, the better to
secure them.
On Monday morning the prince and his army were soon in readiness, and as
well arrayed as on the former day. The French were also drawn out by
sunrise. The cardinal, returning again that morning, imagined that, by
his exhortations, he could pacify both parties; but the French told him
to return where he pleased, and not attempt bringing them any more
treaties or pacifications, else worse might betide him. When the
cardinal saw that he labored in vain, he took leave of the King of
France, and set out toward the Prince of Wales, to whom he said, “Fair
son, exert yourself as much as possible, for there must be a battle: I
cannot by any means pacify the King of France.” The prince replied, that
such were the intentions of him and his party; “and God defend the
right.” The cardinal then took leave of him, and returned to Poitiers.
The arrangement of the prince’s army, in respect to the battalions, was
exactly the same as what the three knights before named had related to
the King of France, except at this time he had ordered some valiant and
intelligent knights to remain on horseback, similar to the battalion of
the French marshals, and had also commanded three hundred men at arms,
and as many archers on horseback, to post themselves on the right, on a
small hill, that was not too steep nor too high; and, by passing over
its summit, to get round the wing of the Duke of Normandy’s battalion,
who was in person at the foot of it. These were all the alterations the
prince had made in his order of battle: he himself was with the main
body, in the midst of the vineyards; the whole completely armed, with
their horses near them, if there should be occasion for them. They had
fortified and enclosed the weaker parts, with their wagons and baggage.
I wish to name some of the most renowned knights who were with the
Prince of Wales. There were Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick; John
Vere, Earl of Oxford; William Montacute, Earl of Salisbury; Robert
Hufford, Earl of Suffolk; Ralph, Lord Stafford, the Earl of Stafford;
the Lord Richard Stafford, brother to the Earl; Sir John Chandos; the
Lord Reginald Cobham; the Lord Edward Spencer; the Lord James Audley,
and his brother the Lord Peter; the Lord Thomas Berkeley (son of the
Lord Maurice Berkeley, who died at Calais nine years before); Ralph,
Lord Basset, of Drayton; John, Lord Warren (eldest son to John
Plantagenet, late Earl of Warren, Strathern, and Surrey, by his first
lady, Maude de Hereford); Peter, Lord Mauley, the sixth of the name; the
Lord John Willoughby de Eresby; the Lord Bartholomew de Burghersh; the
Lord William Felton, and the Lord Thomas Felton his brother; the Lord
Thomas Bradestan; Sir Walter Pavely; Sir Stephen Cossington; Sir
Matthew Gournay; Sir William de la More, and other English. From
Gascony, there were the Lord of Pumiers; the Lord d’Albret; the Captal
de Buch; the Lord John de Chaumont; the Lord de l’Esparre; the Lord of
Rosen; the Lord of Cousen; the Lord de Montferrand; the Lord de
Landulas; the Lord Souldich de la Traine, and many more whom I cannot
remember. Of Hainaulters, there were Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt; the
Lord John de Guystelle, and two other strangers; the Lord Daniel
Phaselle, and Lord Denys de Morbeque. The whole army of the prince,
including every one, did not amount to eight thousand; when the French,
counting all sorts of persons, were upward of sixty thousand combatants,
among whom were more than three thousand knights.
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
THE BATTLE OF POITIERS, BETWEEN THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE KING OF
FRANCE.
When the Prince of Wales saw, from the departure of the cardinal without
being able to obtain any honorable terms, that a battle was inevitable,
and that the King of France held both him and his army in great
contempt, he thus addressed himself to them: “Now, my gallant fellows,
what though we be a small body when compared to the army of our enemies?
do not let us be cast down on that account, for victory does not always
follow numbers, but where Almighty God pleases to bestow it. If, through
good fortune, the day shall be ours, we will gain the greatest honor and
glory in this world: if the contrary should happen, and we be slain, I
have a father and beloved brethren alive, and you all have some
relations or good friends, who will be sure to revenge our deaths. I
therefore entreat you to exert yourselves, and combat manfully; for, if
it please God and St. George, this day you shall see me a good knight.”
By such words and arguments as these the prince harangued his men, as
did the marshals, by his orders; so that they were all in high spirits.
Sir John Chandos placed himself near the prince, to guard and advise
him; and never, during that day, would he on any account quit his post.
The Lord James Audley remained also a considerable time near him; but,
when he saw that they must certainly engage, he said to the prince,
“Sir, I have ever served most loyally my lord your father, and yourself,
and shall continue to do so as long as I have life. Dear sir, I must now
acquaint you, that formerly I made a vow, if ever I should be engaged in
any battle where the king your father, or any of his sons, were, that I
would be the foremost in the attack, and the best combatant on his side,
or die in the attempt. I beg, therefore, most earnestly, as a reward for
any services I may have done, that you would grant me permission
honorably to quit you, that I may post myself in such wise to accomplish
my vow.” The prince granted this request, and, holding out his hand to
him, said, “Sir James, God grant that you may this day shine in valor
above all other knights!” The knight then set off, and posted himself at
the front of the battalion, with only four squires whom he had detained
with him, to guard his person. This Lord James was a prudent and valiant
knight; and by his advice the army had thus been drawn up in order of
battle. Lord James began to advance, in order to fight with the
battalion of the marshals. In like manner Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt
took great pains to be the first to engage, and was so, or near it;
and, at the same time that Lord James Audley was pushing forward to seek
his enemies, it thus befell Sir Eustace. I mentioned before that the
Germans, attached to the French interest, were drawn up in one battalion
on horseback, and remained so, to assist the marshals. Sir Eustace
d’Ambreticourt, being mounted, placed his lance in its rest, and, fixing
his shield, stuck spurs into his horse, and galloped up to this
battalion. A German knight, called Lord Lewis von Coucibras (who bore
for arms five roses, gules, on a shield argent, while those of Sir
Eustace were ermine, three humets, in pale gules), perceiving Sir
Eustace quit his army, left his battalion, that was under the command of
Earl John of Nassau, and made up to him. The shock of their meeting was
so violent, that they both fell to the ground. The German was wounded in
the shoulder, so that he could not rise again so nimbly as Sir Eustace,
who, when upon his legs, after he had taken breath, was hastening to the
knight that lay on the ground; but five German men at arms came upon
him, struck him down, and made him prisoner. They led him to those that
were attached to the Earl of Nassau, who did not pay much attention to
him, nor do I know if they made him swear himself their prisoner; but
they tied him to a car with some of their harness.
The engagement now began on both sides; and the battalion of the
marshals was advancing before those who were intended to break the
battalion of the archers, and had entered the lane where the hedges on
both sides were lined by the archers, who, as soon as they saw them
fairly entered, began shooting with their bows in such an excellent
manner, from each side of the hedge, that the horses, smarting under the
pain of the wounds made by their bearded arrows, would not advance, but
turned about, and by their unruliness threw their masters, who could not
manage them, nor could those that had fallen get up again for the
confusion: so that this battalion of the marshals could never approach
that of the prince. However, there were some knights and squires that
were so well mounted, that, by the strength of their horses, they passed
through, and broke the hedge, but, in spite of their efforts, could not
get up to the battalion of the prince. The Lord James Audley, attended
by his four squires, had placed himself, sword in hand, in front of this
battalion, much before the rest, and was performing wonders. He had
advanced through his eagerness so far, that he engaged the Lord Arnold
d’Andreghen, Marshal of France, under his banner, when they fought a
considerable time, and the Lord Arnold was roughly enough treated. The
battalion of the marshals was soon after put to the rout by the arrows
of the archers, and the assistance of the men at arms, who rushed among
them as they were struck down, and seized and slew them at their
pleasure. The Lord Arnold d’Andreghen was there made prisoner, but by
others than the Lord James Audley or his four squires; for that knight
never stopped to make any one prisoner that day, but was the whole time
employed in fighting and following his enemies. In another part, the
Lord John Clermont fought under his banner as long as he was able; but,
being struck down, he could neither get up again, nor procure his
ransom: he was killed on the spot. Some say this treatment was owing to
his altercation on the preceding day with Sir John Chandos.
In a short time this battalion of the marshals was totally discomfited;
for they fell back so much on each other, that the army could not
advance, and those who were in the rear, not being able to get forward,
fell back upon the battalion commanded by the Duke of Normandy, which
was broad and thick in the front, but it was soon thin enough in the
rear; for, when they learnt that the marshals had been defeated, they
mounted their horses, and set off. At this time a body of English came
down from the hill, and, passing along the battalions on horseback,
accompanied by a large body of archers, fell upon one of the wings of
the Duke of Normandy’s division. To say the truth, the English archers
were of infinite service to their army; for they shot so thickly and so
well, that the French did not know which way to turn themselves to avoid
their arrows: by this means they kept advancing by little and little,
and gained ground. When the men at arms perceived that the first
battalion was beaten, and that the one under the Duke of Normandy was in
disorder, and beginning to open, they hastened to mount their horses,
which they had, ready prepared, close at hand. As soon as they were all
mounted, they gave a shout of, “St. George for Guienne!” and Sir John
Chandos said to the prince, “Sir, sir, now push forward, for the day is
ours: God will this day put it in your hand. Let us make for our
adversary the King of France; for, where he is, will lie the main stress
of the business. I well know that his valor will not let him fly; and he
will remain with us, if it please God and St. George. But he must be
well fought with; and you have before said that you would show yourself
this day a good knight.” The prince replied, “John, get forward: you
shall not see me turn my back this day, but I will always be among the
foremost.” He then said to Sir Walter Woodland, his banner-bearer,
“Banner, advance, in the name of God and St. George.” The knight obeyed
the commands of the prince. In that part the battle was very hot and
greatly crowded. Many a one was unhorsed; and you must know that
whenever any one fell he could not get up again unless he were quickly
and well assisted. As the prince was thus advancing upon his enemies,
followed by his division, and upon the point of charging them, he
perceived the Lord Robert de Duras lying dead near a small bush on his
right hand, with his banner beside him, and ten or twelve of his people;
upon which he ordered two of his squires and three archers to place the
body upon a shield, carry it to Poitiers, and present it from him to the
Cardinal of Perigord, and say that “I salute him by that token.” This
was done; for he had been informed how the suite of the cardinal had
remained in the field of battle in arms against him, which was not very
becoming, nor a fit deed for churchmen to do, as they, under pretext of
doing good and establishing peace, pass from one army to the other: they
ought not therefore to take up arms on either side. These, however, had
done so, at which the prince was much enraged, and for this had sent the
cardinal his nephew Sir Robert de Duras, and was desirous of striking
off the head of the castellan of Amposta, who had been made prisoner,
notwithstanding he belonged to the cardinal; but Sir John Chandos said,
“My lord, do not think of such things at this moment, when you must look
to others of the greatest importance. Perhaps the cardinal may excuse
himself so well, that you will be convinced he was not to blame.”
The prince, upon this, charged the division of the Duke of Athens; and
very sharp the encounter was, so that many were beaten down. The French,
who fought in large bodies, cried out, “Montjoye St. Denis!” and the
English answered them with, “St. George for Guienne!” The prince next
met the battalion of Germans, under the command of the Earl of
Saltzburg, the Earl of Nassau, and the Earl of Neydo; but they were soon
overthrown and put to flight. The English archers shot so well, that
none dared to come within reach of their arrows, and they put to death
many who could not ransom themselves. The three above-named earls were
slain there, as well as many other knights and squires attached to them.
In the confusion Sir Eustace d’Ambreticourt was rescued by his own men,
who remounted him: he afterwards performed many gallant deeds of arms,
and made good captures that day.
When the battalion of the Duke of Normandy saw the prince advancing so
quick upon them, they bethought themselves how to escape. The sons of
the king, the Duke of Normandy, the Earl of Poitiers, the Earl of
Touraine, who were very young, too easily believed what those under
whose management they were placed said to them: however, the Lord
Guiscard d’Angle and Sir John de Saintré, who were near the Earl of
Poitiers, would not fly, but rushed into the thickest of the combat. The
three sons of the king, according to the advice given them, galloped
away, with upward of eight hundred lances who had never been near the
enemy, and took the road to Chauvigny. When the Lord John de Landas, who
with the Lord Theobald de Bodenay and the Lord of St. Venant were the
guardians of the Duke of Normandy, had fled with him a good league, they
took leave of him, and besought the Lord of St. Venant not to quit him
until they were all arrived at a place of safety; for by doing thus he
would acquire more honor than if he were to remain on the field of
battle. On their return they met the division of the Duke of Orleans,
quite whole and unhurt, who had fled from behind the rear of the king’s
battalion. True it is, there were many good knights and squires among
them, who, notwithstanding the flight of their leaders, had much rather
have suffered death than the smallest reproach. The king’s battalion
advanced in good order to meet the English; many hard blows were given
with swords, battle-axes, and other warlike weapons. The King of France,
with the Lord Philip his youngest son, attacked the division of the
marshals, the Earls of Warwick and Suffolk. There were also with the
marshals some Gascons, such as the Captal de Buch, the Lord of Pumiers,
the Lord Amery de Charree, the Lord of Languran, the Lord de l’Estrade.
The Lord John de Landas with the Lord Theobald de Bodenay, returning in
good time, dismounted, and joined the battalion of the king. On one side
the Duke of Athens, constable of France, was engaged with his division;
and a little higher up the Duke of Bourbon, surrounded with good knights
from the Bourbonois and Picardy. Near to these were the men of Poitou,
the Lord de Pons, the Lord de Partenay, the Lord de Dampmaire, the Lord
de Montabouton, the Lord de Surgeres, the Lord John de Saintré, the Lord
Guiscard d’Angle, the Lord d’Argenton, the Lord de Linieres, the Lord de
Montrande, the Viscount de Rochechouart, the Earl of Aulnoy. Many others
were also engaged, such as the Lord James de Beaujeu, the Lord of
Chateau-Villain, and other knights and squires from Burgundy. In another
part were the Earls of Vantadour and Montpensier, the Lord James de
Bourbon, the Lord John d’Artois and the Lord James his brother, the Lord
Arnold de Cervolle, surnamed the Archpriest, armed as the young Earl of
Alençon. There were also from Auvergne the Lord de Marcueil, the Lord
de la Tour, the Lord de Chalenton, the Lord de Montagu, the Lord de
Rochefort, the Lord de la Chaire, the Lord d’Achon; and from Limousin
the Lord de Linal, the Lord de Naruel, and the Lord Pierre de Buffiere.
From Picardy there were the Lord William de Merle, the Lord Arnold de
Renneval, the Lord Geoffry de St. Dizier, the Lord de Chauny, the Lord
de Hely, the Lord de Monsant, the Lord de Hagnes, and many others. The
Lord Douglas from Scotland was also in the king’s battalion, and for
some time fought very valiantly; but, when he perceived that the
discomfiture was so complete on the side of the French, he saved himself
as fast as he could; for he dreaded so much being taken by the English,
that he had rather have been slain.
The Lord James Audley, with the assistance of his four squires, was
always engaged in the heat of the battle. He was severely wounded in the
body, head, and face; and, as long as his strength and breath permitted
him, he maintained the fight, and advanced forward. He continued to do
so until he was covered with blood; then, toward the close of the
engagement, his four squires, who were as his body-guard, took him, and
led him out of the engagement, very weak and wounded, toward a hedge,
that he might cool and take breath. They disarmed him gently as they
could, in order to examine his wounds, dress them, and sew up the most
dangerous.
King John, on his part, proved himself a good knight; and, if the fourth
of his people had behaved as well, the day would have been his own.
Those, however, who had remained with him acquitted themselves to the
best of their power, and were either slain or taken prisoners. Scarcely
any who were with the king attempted to escape. In this engagement,
upward of two hundred knights and squires were killed or captured. A
band of Norman knights still kept up the battle in another part of the
field; and of these Sir Guinenton de Chambly and Sir Baudrin de la House
were slain. Many others were discomfited, who were fighting in small
bodies.
CHAPTER LXXIX.
TWO FRENCHMEN, RUNNING AWAY FROM THE BATTLE OF POITIERS, ARE PURSUED BY
TWO ENGLISHMEN, WHO ARE THEMSELVES MADE PRISONERS.
Among the battles, skirmishes, flights, and pursuits which happened in
the course of this day, an adventure befell Sir Edward de Roucy which I
cannot omit relating in this place. He had left the field of battle, as
he perceived the day was irrecoverably lost; and, not wishing to fall in
the hands of the English, was got about a league off, when he was
pursued by an English knight, his lance in rest, who cried to him, “Sir
knight, turn about! you ought to be ashamed thus to fly.” Upon this Sir
Edward halted, and the Englishman attacked him, thinking to fix his
lance in his target; but he failed, for Sir Edward turned the stroke
aside, nevertheless he did not miss his own: with his spear he hit his
enemy so violent a blow on the helmet, that he was stunned, and fell to
the ground, where he remained senseless. Sir Edward dismounted, and,
placing his lance on his breast, told him he would certainly kill him if
he did not surrender himself his prisoner, rescued or not. The
Englishman surrendered, and went with Sir Edward, who afterwards
ransomed him.
It happened that in the midst of the general pursuit, a squire from
Picardy, named John de Helennes, had quitted the king’s division, and,
meeting his page with a fresh horse, had mounted him, and made off as
fast as he could. At that time there was near to him the Lord of
Berkeley, a young knight, who for the first time had that day displayed
his banner: he immediately set out in pursuit of him. When the Lord of
Berkeley had followed him for some little time, John de Helennes turned
about, put his sword under his arm in the manner of a lance, and thus
advanced upon the Lord Berkeley, who, taking his sword by the handle,
flourished it, and lifted up his arm in order to strike the squire as he
passed. John de Helennes, seeing the intended stroke, avoided it, but
did not miss his own; for, as they passed each other, by a blow on the
arm he made Lord Berkeley’s sword fall to the ground. When the knight
found that he had lost his sword, and that the squire had his, he
dismounted, and made for the place where his sword lay; but he could not
get there before the squire gave him a violent thrust which passed
through both his thighs, so that, not being able to help himself, he
fell to the ground. John upon this dismounted, and, seizing the sword of
the knight, advanced up to him, and asked him if he were willing to
surrender. The knight required his name. “I am called John de Helennes,”
said he; “what is your name?”--“In truth, companion,” replied the
knight, “my name is Thomas, and I am Lord of Berkeley, a very handsome
castle situated on the River Severn, on the borders of Wales.”--“Lord of
Berkeley,” said the squire, “you shall be my prisoner: I will place you
in safety, and take care you are healed, for you appear to me to be
badly wounded.” The knight answered, “I surrender myself willingly, for
you have loyally conquered me.” He gave him his word that he would be
his prisoner, rescued or not. John then drew his sword out of the
knight’s thighs, and the wounds remained open; but he bound them up
tightly, and, placing him on his horse, led him a foot-pace to
Châtelherault. He continued there, out of friendship to him, for fifteen
days, and had medicines administered to him. When the knight was a
little recovered, he had him placed in a litter, and conducted him safe
to his house in Picardy, where he remained more than a year before he
was quite cured, though he continued lame; and when he departed he paid
for his ransom six thousand nobles, so that this squire became a knight
by the great profit he got from the Lord of Berkeley.
CHAPTER LXXX.
THE MANNER IN WHICH KING JOHN WAS TAKEN PRISONER AT THE BATTLE OF
POITIERS.
King John himself did wonders: he was armed with a battle-axe, with
which he fought and defended himself. The Earl of Tancarville, in
endeavoring to break through the crowd, was made prisoner close to him;
as were also Sir James de Bourbon, Earl of Ponthieu, and the Lord John
d’Artois, Earl of Eu. In another part, a little farther off, the Lord
Charles d’Artois and many other knights and squires were captured by the
division under the banner of the Captal de Buch. The pursuit continued
even to the gates of Poitiers, where there was much slaughter and
overthrow of men and horses; for the inhabitants of Poitiers had shut
their gates, and would suffer none to enter: upon which account there
was great butchery on the causeway, before
[Illustration: The Surrender of King John of France.]
the gate, where such numbers were killed or wounded, that several
surrendered themselves the moment they spied an Englishman; and there
were many English archers who had four, five, or six prisoners.
The Lord of Pons, a powerful baron in Poitou, was slain there, as were
several other knights and squires. The English and Gascons poured so
fast upon the king’s division, that they broke through the ranks by
force; and the French were so intermixed with their enemies, that at
times there were five men attacking one gentleman. The Lord of Pompadour
and the Lord Bartholomew de Brunes were there captured. The Lord de
Chargny was slain, with the banner of France in his hands, by the Lord
Reginald Cobham; and afterwards the Earl of Dammartin shared the same
fate.
There was much pressing at this time, through eagerness to take the
king; and those who were nearest to him, and knew him, cried out,
“Surrender yourself, surrender yourself, or you are a dead man.” In that
part of the field was a young knight from St. Omer, who was engaged by a
salary in the service of the King of England: his name was Denys de
Morbeque: who for five years had attached himself to the English, on
account of having been banished in his younger days from France for a
murder committed in an affray at St. Omer. It fortunately happened for
this knight that he was at the time near to the King of France, when he
was so much pulled about: he by dint of force (for he was very strong
and robust) pushed through the crowd, and said to the king in good
French, “Sire, sire, surrender yourself.” The king, who found himself
very disagreeably situated, turning to him asked, “To whom shall I
surrender myself? to whom? Where is my cousin the Prince of Wales? if I
could see him, I would speak to him.”--“Sire,” replied Sir Denys, “he is
not here; but surrender yourself to me, and I will lead you to
him.”--“Who are you?” said the king. “Sire, I am Denys de Morbeque, a
knight from Artois; but I serve the King of England, because I cannot
belong to France, having forfeited all I possessed there.” The king then
gave him his right-hand glove, and said, “I surrender myself to you.”
There was much crowding and pushing about, for every one was eager to
cry out, “I have taken him.” Neither the king nor his youngest son
Philip were able to get forward, and free themselves from the throng.
The Prince of Wales, who was as courageous as a lion, took great delight
that day to combat his enemies. Sir John Chandos, who was near his
person, and had never quitted it during the whole of the day, nor
stopped to make prisoners, said to him toward the end of the battle,
“Sir, it will be proper for you to halt here, and plant your banner on
the top of this bush, which will serve to rally your forces, that seem
very much scattered; for I do not see any banners or pennons of the
French, nor any considerable bodies able to rally against us; and you
must refresh yourself a little, as I perceive you are very much heated.”
Upon this the banner of the prince was placed on a high bush: the
minstrels began to play, and trumpets and clarions to do their duty. The
prince took off his helmet; and the knights attendant on his person, and
belonging to his chamber, were soon ready, and pitched a small pavilion
of crimson color, which the prince entered. Liquor was then brought to
him and the other knights who were with him: they increased every
moment; for they were returning from the pursuit, and stopped there
surrounded by their prisoners.
As soon as the two marshals were come back, the prince asked them if
they knew any thing of the King of France: they replied, “No, sir, not
for a certainty; but we believe he must be either killed or made
prisoner, since he has never quitted his battalion.” The prince then,
addressing the Earl of Warwick and Lord Cobham, said, “I beg of you to
mount your horses, and ride over the field, so that on your return you
may bring me some certain intelligence of him.” The two barons,
immediately mounting their horses, left the prince, and made for a small
hillock, that they might look about them: from their stand they
perceived a crowd of men at arms on foot, who were advancing very
slowly. The King of France was in the midst of them, and in great
danger; for the English and Gascons had taken him from Sir Denys de
Morbeque, and were disputing who should have him, the stoutest bawling
out, “It is I that have got him!”--“No, no,” replied the others, “we
have him.” The king, to escape from this peril, said, “Gentlemen,
gentlemen, I pray you conduct me and my son in a courteous manner to my
cousin the prince; and do not make such a riot about my capture, for I
am so great a lord that I can make all sufficiently rich.” These words,
and others which fell from the king, appeased them a little; but the
disputes were always beginning again, and they did not move a step
without rioting. When the two barons saw this troop of people, they
descended from the hillock, and, sticking spurs into their horses, made
up to them. On their arrival, they asked what was the matter: they were
answered, that it was the King of France, who had been made prisoner,
and that upward of ten knights and squires challenged him at the same
time, as belonging to each of them. The two barons then pushed through
the crowd by main force, and ordered all to draw aside. They commanded,
in the name of the prince, and under pain of instant death, that every
one should keep his distance, and not approach unless ordered or desired
so to do. They all retreated behind the king; and the two barons,
dismounting, advanced to the king with profound reverences, and
conducted him in a peaceable manner to the Prince of Wales.
CHAPTER LXXXI.
THE PRINCE OF WALES MAKES A HANDSOME PRESENT TO THE LORD JAMES AUDLEY,
AFTER THE BATTLE OF POITIERS.
Soon after the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Reginald Cobham had left the
prince, as has been above related, he inquired from those knights who
were about him of Lord James Audley, and asked if any one knew what was
become of him. “Yes, sir,” replied some of the company: “he is very
badly wounded, and is lying in a litter hard by.”--“By my troth,”
replied the prince, “I am sore vexed that he is so wounded. See, I beg
of you, if he be able to bear being carried hither: otherwise I will
come and visit him.” Two knights directly left the prince, and, coming
to Lord James, told him how desirous the prince was of seeing him. “A
thousand thanks to the prince,” answered Lord James, “for condescending
to remember so poor a knight as myself.” He then called eight of his
servants, and had himself borne in his litter to where the prince was.
When he was come into his presence, the prince bent down over him, and
embraced him, saying, “My Lord James, I am bound to honor you very
much; for by your valor this day you have acquired glory and renown
above us all, and your prowess has proved you the bravest knight.” Lord
James replied, “My lord, you have a right to say whatever you please,
but I wish it were as you have said. If I have this day been forward to
serve you, it has been to accomplish a vow that I had made, and it ought
not to be thought so much of.”--“Sir James,” answered the prince, “I and
all the rest of us deem you the bravest knight on our side in this
battle; and to increase your renown, and furnish you withal to pursue
your career of glory in war, I retain you henceforward, forever, as my
knight, with five hundred marks of yearly revenue, which I will secure
to you from my estates in England.”--“Sir,” said Lord James, “God make
me deserving of the good fortune you bestow upon me!” At these words he
took leave of the prince, as he was very weak, and his servants carried
him back to his tent. He could not have been at a great distance, when
the Earl of Warwick and Lord Reginald Cobham entered the pavilion of the
prince, and presented the King of France to him. The prince made a very
low obeisance to the king, and gave him as much comfort as he was able,
which he knew well how to administer. He ordered wine and spices to be
brought, which he presented to the king himself, as a mark of his great
affection.
When the Lord James Audley was brought back to his tent, after having
most respectfully thanked the prince for his gift, he did not remain
long before he sent for his brother Sir Peter Audley, the Lord
Bartholomew Burghersh, Sir Stephen Coffington, Lord Willoughby of
Eresby, and Lord William Ferrers of Groby: they were all his relations.
He then sent for his four squires that had attended upon him that day,
and, addressing himself to the knights, said, “Gentlemen, it has
pleased my lord the prince to give me five hundred marks as a yearly
inheritance; for which gift I have done him very trifling bodily
service. You see here these four squires, who have always served me most
loyally, and especially in this day’s engagement. What glory I may have
gained has been through their means, and by their valor; on which
account I wish to reward them. I therefore give and resign into their
hands the gift of five hundred marks, which my lord the prince has been
pleased to bestow on me, in the same form and manner that it has been
presented to me. I disinherit myself of it, and give it to them simply,
and without a possibility of revoking it.” The knights present looked on
each other, and said, “It is becoming the noble mind of Lord James to
make such a gift;” and then unanimously added, “May the Lord God
remember you for it! We will bear witness to this gift to them
wheresoever and whensoever they may call on us.” They then took leave of
him; when some went to the Prince of Wales, who that night was to give a
supper to the King of France from his own provisions: for the French had
brought vast quantities with them, which were now fallen into the hands
of the English, many of whom had not tasted bread for the last three
days.
CHAPTER LXXXII.
THE PRINCE OF WALES ENTERTAINS THE KING OF FRANCE AT SUPPER, THE EVENING
AFTER THE BATTLE.