The king entered the apartments where his uncles were, with a falcon on

his wrist: he was struck with the duke’s last words, and said with much

good-humor, “What were you speaking of, my fair uncles, at this moment,

with so much earnestness? I should like to hear it, if it be proper for

me to know.”--“Yes, my lord,” answered the Duke of Berry; “for what we

were discussing personally concerns you. Your uncle, my brother of

Burgundy, has just been complaining to me of the Flemings. Those

villains of Flanders have driven the earl their lord out of his country,

and all the gentlemen. They are now, to the amount of a hundred thousand

men, besieging Oudenarde, under a captain called Philip von Artaveld, an

Englishman for courage, who has sworn he will never break up the siege

until he has had his will on those of the town, unless you shall force

him to it. This reservation he has made. Now, what do you say to this?

will you assist your cousin of Flanders to regain his inheritance, of

which peasants, in their pride and cruelty, have deprived him?”--“By my

faith, my dear uncles,” replied the king, “I have a very great

inclination so to do, and in God’s name let us march thither. I wish for

nothing more than to try my strength in arms, for never hitherto have I

had armor on. It is necessary, therefore, if I wish to reign with honor

and glory, that I learn the art of war.” The two dukes were well pleased

at hearing the king thus speak out. The Duke of Bourbon now came, having

been sent for by them; and they related to him all you have heard, and

how eager the king was to march to Flanders, with which he was much

pleased.

CHAPTER XIII.

CHARLES THE SIXTH, KING OF FRANCE, FROM A DREAM, CHOOSES A FLYING HART

FOR HIS DEVICE.

It happened that during the residence of the young king Charles at

Senlis, as he was sleeping in his bed a vision appeared to him. He

thought he was in the city of Arras, where until then he had never been,

attended by all the flower of knighthood of his kingdom; that the Earl

of Flanders came there to him, and placed on his wrist a most beautiful

and elegant pilgrim-falcon, saying, “My lord, in God’s name I give this

falcon to you for the best that was ever seen, the most indefatigable

hunter, and the most excellent striker of birds.” The king was much

pleased with the present, and said, “Fair cousin, I give you my thanks.”

He then thought he turned to the Constable of France, who was near him,

and said, “Sir Oliver, let you and I go to the plains, and try this

elegant falcon which my cousin of Flanders has given me;” when the

constable answered, “Well, let us go.” Then each mounted their horses,

and went into the fields, taking the falcon with them, where they found

plenty of herons to fly him at. The king said, “Constable, cast off the

falcon, and we shall see how he will hunt.” The constable let him fly,

and the falcon mounted so high in the air they could scarcely see him:

he took the direction toward Flanders. “Let us ride after my bird,” said

the king to the constable; “for I will not lose him.” The constable

assented; and they rode on, as it appeared to the king, through a large

marsh, when they came to a wood, on which the king cried out,

“Dismount, dismount! we cannot pass this wood on horseback.” They then

dismounted, when some servants came and took their horses. The king and

the constable entered the wood with much difficulty, and walked on until

they came to an extensive heath, where they saw a falcon chasing herons,

and striking them down; but they resisted, and there was a battle

between them. It seemed to the king that his falcon performed gallantly,

and drove the birds before him so far that he lost sight of him. This

much vexed the king, as well as the impossibility of following him; and

he said to the constable, “I shall lose my falcon, which I shall very

much regret; for I have neither lure nor any thing else to call him

back.” While the king was in this anxiety he thought a beautiful hart,

with two wings, appeared to issue out of the wood, and come to this

heath, and bend himself down before the king, who said to the constable

as he regarded this wonder with delight, “Constable, do you remain here;

and I will mount this hart that offers himself to me, and follow my

bird.” The constable agreed to it; and the young king joyfully mounted

the hart, and went seeking the falcon. The hart, like one well tutored

to obey the king’s pleasure, carried him over the tops of the highest

trees, when he saw his falcon striking down such numbers of birds that

he marvelled how he could do it. It seemed to the king that, when the

falcon had sufficiently flown and struck down enough of the herons, he

called him back; and instantly, as if well taught, he perched on the

king’s wrist, when it seemed to him that after he had taken the falcon

by its lure, and given him his reward, the hart flew back again over the

wood, and replaced the king on the same heath whence he had carried him,

and where the constable was waiting, who was much rejoiced at his

return. On his arrival he dismounted: the hart returned to the wood,

and was no more seen. The king then, as he imagined, related to the

constable how well the hart had carried him, and that he had never rode

so easy before in his life; and also the goodness of his falcon, who had

struck down such numbers of birds: to all which the constable willingly

listened. The servants then seemed to come after them with their horses,

which, having mounted, they followed a magnificent road that brought

them back to Arras. The king at this part awakened, much astonished at

the vision he had seen, which was so imprinted on his memory that he

told it to some of his attendants who were waiting in his chamber. The

figure of this hart was so agreeable to him, that he could not put it

out of his imagination; and this was the cause why, on this expedition

to Flanders against the Flemings, he took a flying hart for his device.

CHAPTER XIV.

KING CHARLES, AT THE INSTIGATION OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, WHO WAS

PRESENT, ASSEMBLES HIS ARMY IN ARTOIS AGAINST THE FLEMINGS.--PHILIP

VON ARTAVELD GUARDS THE PASSES INTO FLANDERS.

The King of France, like one who was desirous of marching to Flanders to

abase the pride of the Flemings, as his predecessors had formerly done,

set his secretaries at work, and sent his letters and summons by

messengers to all parts of his kingdom, ordering every one to hasten to

Arras without delay, accoutred each according to his rank in the best

manner he was able; for, if it were God’s pleasure, he was determined to

fight the Flemings in their own country.

No lord of his realm disobeyed; but all sent orders to their vassals,

and marched from the most distant countries, such as Auvergne, Rouergue,

Toulousain, Gascony, Poitou, Limousin, Saintonge, and Brittany: others

came from the Bourbonois, Forêts, Burgundy, Dauphiné, Savoy, Bar, and

Lorrain, and from all parts of France and its dependencies, to Arras.

The assemblage of such numbers of men at arms was a wonderful, beautiful

sight. The Earl of Flanders resided at Hêdin, and heard daily, from the

King of France and the Duke of Burgundy, of the great levies which were

making, and in consequence issued a proclamation throughout Artois

forbidding any one, under pain of losing his life and fortune, to

withdraw any thing whatever from house, fortress, or town; for he was

desirous that the men at arms who were marching to Artois should have

the advantage of being served with whatever was in the Low Countries.

The King of France came into Artois, where he remained. Men at arms came

to him from all quarters, and so handsomely equipped, it was a fine

sight to see: they quartered themselves as they arrived in the plains,

and found all the barns quite full and well furnished. The Earl of

Flanders came to Arras, which greatly pleased the king and his lords: he

performed his homage in the presence of those peers who were there, for

the county of Artois, and the king accepted him as his vassal. His

majesty then addressed him, saying, “Fair cousin, if it please God and

St. Denis, we will restore you to your inheritance of Flanders, and will

abate the pride of Philip von Artaveld and the Flemings so effectually,

that they shall never again have it in their power to rebel.”--“My

lord,” replied the earl, “I have full confidence in it; and you will

acquire such honor and glory that as long as the world lasts you will

be praised, for certainly the pride of the Flemings is very great.”

Philip, while at the siege of Oudenarde, was informed of every thing,

and that the King of France was marching a large army against him,

though he pretended not to believe it; and said to his people, “By what

means does this young king think to enter Flanders? He is as yet too

young by a year to imagine he can frighten us by his assembling an army.

I will have the entrances so well guarded that it shall not be in their

power for this year to cross the river Lis.” He sent to Ghent for the

Lord de Harzelles. On his arrival, he said to him, “Lord de Harzelles,

you hear how the King of France is making preparations to destroy us. We

must have a council on this subject. You shall remain here, and I will

go to Bruges to learn surer intelligence, and to encourage the citizens

of the principal towns. I will go to establish such garrisons on the

river Lis, and at the chief passes, that the French shall not be able to

advance through them.”

CHAPTER XV.

SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF THE PARTY OF THE EARL OF FLANDERS, HAVING PASSED

PONT-AMENIN, ARE DEFEATED AND KILLED ON THEIR ATTEMPT TO REPASS IT,

THE FLEMINGS HAVING BROKEN DOWN THE BRIDGE.--PHILIP, HEARING THIS

NEWS WHEN AT YPRES, MAKES USE OF IT TO ENCOURAGE THE INHABITANTS.

While these preparations were going forward, and during the residence of

the King of France at Arras, great bodies of men at arms were assembling

in the Tourneois, Artois, and castlewick of Lille and its neighborhood.

Some knights and squires who resided at Lille and thereabout resolved to

perform feats of arms that should gain them renown, chiefly through the

exhortations of the Haze de Flanders. They collected about sixscore

knights and squires, and crossed the river Lis at Pont-Amenin, which was

not then broken down, two leagues from Lille. They rode for the town of

Harle, which they surprised; and, after slaying many in the town and

environs, they drove the remainder out of the town. Their cries were

heard in the neighboring villages; the inhabitants of which sounded

their alarm-bells, and marched toward Harle and Pont-Amenin, whence the

cries seemed to come.

When the Haze, Sir John Jumont, the Constable de Vuillon, Sir Henry

Duffle, and the other knights and squires, had sufficiently alarmed the

country, they thought it was time for them to retreat, and set out on

their return, intending to repass the bridge; but they found it strongly

occupied by Flemings, who were busily employed in destroying it; and

when they had broken down any parts they covered them with straw, that

the mischief might not be perceived. The knights and squires at this

moment arrived, mounted on the best of horses, and found upward of two

thousand peasants drawn up in a body without the town, prepared to

advance upon them. The gentlemen, on seeing this, formed; and, having

fixed their lances on their rests, those best mounted instantly charged

this body of peasants, with loud shouts. The Flemings opened their ranks

through fear, but others say through malice; for they well knew the

bridge would not bear them, and they said among themselves, “Let us make

way for them, and we shall soon see fine sport.”

The Haze de Flanders and his companions, desirous to get away (for any

further stay would be against them), galloped for the bridge, which was

now too weak to bear any great weight: however, the Haze and some others

had the courage and good luck to pass over,--they might be about

thirty,--but, as others were following, the bridge broke down under

them. Horses and riders were overthrown, and both perished together.

Those behind, seeing this misfortune, were thunderstruck, and knew not

whither to fly to save themselves. Some leaped into the river, intending

to swim, but they were not able thus to escape. Great slaughter ensued;

for the Flemings fell upon them, and killed them easily and without

pity. They made several leap into the water, and they were drowned. Sir

John de Jumont narrowly escaped, for the bridge broke under him, but by

great agility of body he saved himself: he was, however, badly wounded

on the head and body by arrows, and it was six weeks before he

recovered. At this unfortunate action were killed the Constables de

Vuillon, de Bouchars, de St. Hilaire, and more drowned: Sir Henry Duffle

was slain. Including drowned and killed, there were upward of sixty; and

very fortunate were those who escaped. Great numbers returned wounded

from this enterprise. News was carried to the lords of France at Arras,

of their countrymen having lost the day, and that the Haze de Flanders

had conducted this foolish expedition. He was pitied by some, but by

others not. Those who had been most accustomed to arms said they had

acted ill, to cross a river that was not fordable, attack a large town,

and enter an enemy’s country, and return the way they had come, without

having established guards on the bridge. It was not an enterprise

planned by prudent men at arms, who were desirous of success; but, since

they planned their enterprise with so much self-sufficiency, they had

suffered from the consequence.

This affair passed off, and was soon forgotten. Philip departed from

Bruges, and came to Ypres, where he was most joyfully received. Peter du

Bois went to Commines, where all the inhabitants of the flat country

were assembled, and instantly began his preparations for defence,

loosening the planks of the bridge, so that, if there should be

occasion, it could immediately be pulled down; but he was unwilling

totally to destroy the bridge, lest the inhabitants of the adjacent flat

country might suffer, who daily crossed it with their cattle in droves,

to place them in greater security on that side of the Lis. The whole

country was so much covered with them, it was marvellous to see.

The day Philip von Artaveld came to Ypres, news arrived of the defeat of

the French at Pont-Amenin, and that the Haze had been nearly taken.

Philip was mightily rejoiced at this, and said with a smile, to

encourage those near, “By the grace of God, and the just cause we are

engaged in, it will all end so; and never shall this king, if he should

be so foolishly advised to cross the Lis, return again to France.”

Philip was five days in Ypres, and harangued the people in the open

market-place, to encourage them and to keep them steady to their

engagements, telling them that the King of France was coming to destroy

them without the least shadow of right. “Good people,” said Philip, “do

not be alarmed if he should march against us; for he will never be able

to cross the river Lis, as I have had all the passes well guarded, and

have ordered Peter du Bois to Commines with a large body of men: he is a

loyal man, and one who loves the honor of Flanders; and Peter le Nuitre

I have sent to Warneton. All the other bridges on the Lis are broken

down, and there is neither pass nor ford which they can cross but at

these two towns. I have also heard from our friends whom we sent to

England. In a short time we shall receive considerable succors from

thence, as we have made a strong alliance with them. Keep up, therefore,

valiantly your hopes, for our honor shall be unsullied; and observe

punctually what you have promised and sworn to us in the good town of

Ghent, which has had such trouble and difficulty to maintain the rights

and franchises of Flanders. Now let all those who are determined to

remain steady to the cause, according to the oath they took, gallantly

lift up their hands to heaven as a token of loyalty.”

At these words all who were in the market-place, and who had heard the

speech, held up their hands as a sign of their loyalty. After this

Philip descended from the scaffold on which he had harangued, and

returned to his house, where he remained the whole day. On the morrow he

and his attendants mounted their horses, and went toward Oudenarde,

where the siege was still going on, notwithstanding the news of the

French; but on passing through Courtray he rested two days.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE ORDER OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN ITS MARCH TO FLANDERS, AFTER THEY HAD

HEARD THE BRIDGES WERE BROKEN AND GUARDED.

We will for a while leave Philip von Artaveld, and speak of the young

King of France, who resided at Arras, and who, as he showed, had a great

desire to enter Flanders to lower the pride of the Flemings; and was

daily increasing his army by the arrival of men at arms from all

quarters. On the third day of November, he came to Seclin, where he

halted. A council was held in the presence of the Constable of France,

and the Marshals of France, Burgundy, and Flanders, to consider how they

should proceed. The common report in the army was the impossibility to

enter Flanders in case the passes of the river should be strongly

guarded. It rained, besides, at this time continually, and was so

exceedingly cold that they could not advance. Some of the wisest said it

was wrong to undertake such an expedition at this season of the year,

and to bring the king so far into such a country. They ought not to have

united before the summer to carry the war into Flanders, for the king

had never been so far in his life.

This river Lis is so difficult to cross, that except at certain places

it cannot be passed. There are no fords, and the country it runs through

is so very marshy, horses cannot approach it. There were many debates

among these lords on this subject; and those who knew the country said,

“Certainly, at such a season as this, it will not be right to advance

into that country, nor can we go into the territories of Cassel, Surnes,

or Verthes.”--“And what road shall we then take?” cried the constable.

Upon which the Lord de Coucy said, “I would propose that we march to

Tournay, and there cross the Scheld, and take the road toward Oudenarde.

This road is very easy, and we shall engage with our enemies. After

passing the Scheld, we shall not have any thing to stop us before

Tournay. We may thus arrive before Oudenarde, and punish Philip von

Artaveld. We can have daily refreshments of provisions come to us from

Hainault, and follow us down the river from Tournay.” This speech of

the Lord de Coucy was well attended to, and supported by several for

some time: but the constable and marshals were more inclined to follow

the course of the Lis, to seek a shorter passage, than to march to the

right or left by a longer road; and they urged strong reasons for it,

saying, “If we look for any other road but the straight one, we do not

show ourselves good men at arms; at least it is our duty to examine if

we cannot pass the river above or below this pass of Commines, which is

guarded. Besides, if we retreat, our enemies will rejoice and be

encouraged: their forces will increase, and they will say that we fly

from them. There is also another point which ought to be considered: we

are ignorant what has been the success of the ambassadors they sent to

England; for if, by any treaty, assistance should come to them from that

quarter, they will give us much trouble. It is therefore better that we

get rid of this business in Flanders as speedily as possible, than be

thus long in determining upon it. Let us instantly, and with courage,

march toward Commines, and God will assist us.”

This plan was unanimously adopted. During the time these lords were

assembled, they considered how they should form their battalions; and

selected those who were to march on foot with the constable in the

vanguard, in order to clear the roads for the army to pass and march in

a line, and to act as scouts to observe and find out their enemies. They

also chose those who were to be in the king’s battalion, regulated the

arms with which they should serve, and appointed proper persons to carry

the oriflamme of France and to guard it; and likewise determined of what

numbers the wings were to be composed, and how many were to be in the

rear-guard. All these things they debated and arranged. When these

points had been settled, and they could not think of any thing more that

was necessary to be done, the council broke up, and every one retired to

his lodgings. Those lords and barons who had not been present were

informed of the regulations, and the manner in which they were to act

from henceforward. It was this day ordered, that the king should on the

morrow dislodge from Seclin, march through Lille without halting, and

take up his quarters at Margnette l’Abbayee; and that the vanguard

should pass on to Commines and Warneton, and do the most they could in

the course of the day. This being settled, the master of the crossbows,

in conjunction with the constable and marshals, unanimously appointed

Sir Josse de Haluyn and the Lord de Rambures to the command of the

infantry, who were to clear the roads by cutting down hedges and

forests, filling up valleys, and every thing else that might be

necessary. Their numbers amounted to seventeen hundred and sixty.

In the vanguard were the Marshals of Flanders, France, and Burgundy, who

had under their command seventeen hundred men at arms and seven hundred

crossbows, besides four thousand infantry whom the earl had given to

them, armed with large shields and other weapons. It was also ordered

that the Earl of Flanders and his battalion, consisting of about sixteen

hundred men at arms, knights, squires, and infantry, should march on the

wings of the vanguard to re-enforce it, should it be necessary. It was

likewise ordered that the king’s battalion should march between the

vanguard and the battalion of the Earl of Flanders, and that the king’s

three uncles, Berry, Burgundy, and Bourbon, should be in it; and also

the Count de la Marche, Sir James de Bourbon, his brothers, the Count de

Clermont, the Dauphin d’Auvergne, the Count de Dampmartin, the Count de

Sancerre, Sir John de Bouiogne, to the amount of six thousand men at

arms, two thousand Genoese crossbows, and others.

The rear-guard was to consist of two thousand men at arms and two

hundred archers; the commanders of which were the Lord John d’Artois,

Count d’Eu, the Lord Guy, Count de Blois, Sir Waleran, Count de St. Pol,

Sir William, Count de Harcourt, the Lord de Chatillon, and the Lord de

Sere.

Sir Peter de Villiers was appointed to bear the oriflamme, attended by

four knights, whose names were Sir Robert le Baveux, Sir Morice de

Sancourt, Sir Guy de Tresiquidi, and Brandon de la Heuse: Le Borgne de

Ruet and Le Borgne de Montdoulcet were named to guard the banner.

It is proper to be known, that the lords who had planned this expedition

had determined they would never return to France until they had engaged

Philip von Artaveld and his forces; and it was for this reason they had

drawn up their battalions as ready for the combat on the morrow. The

Lords d’Albreth, de Coucy, and Sir Hugh de Hanlon were ordered to form

the battalions, and place them in array. Sir William de Bannes and the

Lord de Champreny were appointed marshals to attend to the quarters of

the king and his battalion.

It was also ordered, that on the day of battle no one but the king and

eight valiant men appointed to attend his person should be on horseback.

The names of these eight men were as follows: the Lord de Raineval, Le

Bègue de Villaines, Sir Aymemon de Pommiers, Sir Enguerrant de Haluyn,

the Viscount d’Acy, Sir Guy le Baveux, Sir Nicholas de Pennel, and Sir

William des Bourdes. The Lord de Raineval and Sir Enguerrant de Haluyn

were to take post in front of the king, Le Bègue de Villaines and the

Viscount d’Acy (who is called in several places hereafter the Viscount

d’Aunoy) were to place themselves on each side; and Sir Aymemon de

Pommiers, Sir Nicholas de Pennel, Sir Guy le Baveux, and Sir William des

Bourdes were to take post in the rear. It was likewise ordered, that on

the day of battle Sir Oliver de Clisson, Constable of France, and Sir

William de Poitiers, should advance on horseback, to reconnoitre and

observe the appearance of the enemy.

CHAPTER XVII.

SOME FEW OF THE FRENCH, NOT BEING ABLE TO CROSS THE LIS AT THE

BRIDGE OF COMMINES, FIND MEANS OF DOING SO BY BOATS AND OTHER

CRAFT, UNKNOWN TO THE FLEMINGS.

The orders above mentioned were punctually obeyed; and the vanguard

dislodged on the morrow, marching in order of battle toward Commines.

They found the roads well made, for the Lord de Fransures and Sir Josse

de Haluyn had paid great attention to them: this was on the Monday. When

the Constable and Marshals of France, with the vanguard, arrived at the

bridge of Commines, they were forced to halt; for it was so completely

destroyed, that it was not in the power of man to repair it if any

opposition should be made when they were attempting it, as the Flemings

were in great force on the opposite side of the river, and ready to

defend the pass against all who might wish to attack them: they were

upward of nine thousand, under the command of Peter du Bois and others,

who showed good inclinations to repulse any attempt. Peter du Bois had

placed himself on the causeway, at the end of the bridge, with a

battle-axe in his hand; and the Flemings were drawn up on each side.

The Constable of France and the lords with him, having considered the

situation, thought it impossible to pass the river at that place unless

the bridge were rebuilt; they ordered their servants to follow the

course of the river, and examine its banks for about a league up and

down. When they returned, they informed their masters, who were waiting

for them, they had not been able to find any place where the cavalry

could pass. Upon hearing this, the constable was much vexed, and said,

“We have been badly advised to take this road: better would it have been

for us to have gone to St. Omer than remain in this danger, or to have

crossed the Scheld at Tournay, as the Lord de Coucy advised, and to have

marched straight to Oudenarde and fought our enemies, since it is both

our duty and inclination to combat them; and they are so presumptuous,

they would have waited for us at their siege.” The Lord Louis Sancerre

then said, “I am of opinion that we fix our quarters here for this day,

and lodge our army, should it arrive, as well as we are able; and that

we send to Lille to seek for boats and hurdles, that may come down the

river, with which to-morrow we can throw a bridge from these fine meads,

and cross over; for we have no other alternative.” Upon this Sir Josse

de Haluyn said, “My lord, we have been informed that there will be great

difficulties between this and Lille; for the river Menyn, on which all

boats must pass to come hither, has been obstructed by large beams

thrown across it by the Flemings who are in those parts: they have

totally destroyed the bridge, and we learn it is impossible for any

vessels or boats to pass.”--“I know not, then,” added the constable,

“what we can now do. It will be better for us to take the road to Aire,

and cross the Lis at that place, since we are unable to do so here.”

During the time the Constable and Marshals of France and Burgundy were

in this dilemma at the bridge of Commines, several knights and squires

silently withdrew, with the intent to hazard some gallant deeds of arms,

and attempt to cross the river, whatever it might cost them. They meant

likewise to combat the Flemings in their intrenchments, and open a

passage, as I shall now relate. While the vanguard was on its march from

Lille to Commines, the Lord de St. Py, and some other knights from

Hainault, Flanders, Artois, and even France, had held a council without

the knowledge of the constable or marshals. They said, “We will procure

two or three boats, which we will launch into the river Lis, at a

sheltered place below Commines, and will fix posts on each side of the

river where it is not wide, to fasten cords to. We shall by this means

soon convey over a large body of men; and by marching on the rear of our

enemies we may attack them, and if victorious we shall gain the

reputation of valiant men at arms.” After they had thus determined in

council, the Lord de St. Py exerted himself so much that he procured

from Lille a boat and cords, with every other necessary article. On the

other hand, Sir Herbeaux de Belleperche and Sir John de Roye, who were

companions in this expedition, had also caused a boat to be brought. Sir

Henry de Manny, Sir John de Malatrait, and Sir John Chauderon, Bretons,

who had been of this council, had likewise provided one, and followed

the preceding companies.

The Lord de St. Py was the first who arrived at the river with his boat,

cords, and fastenings. They fixed a strong stake, to which they tied the

cord: three varlets then crossed over, and the boat, with the cords,

being launched, they fixed on the opposite side another strong post, to

which they fastened the other end of the cord; and, this being done,

they returned with the boat to their master. It happened that the

Constable and Marshals of France were at that time at the bridge of

Commines, pondering how they could discover a passage. They were then

informed of the intentions of the Lord de St. Py and the other knights;

upon which the constable, addressing himself to the Lord Louis de

Sancerre, said, “Marshal, go and see what they are doing, and, if it be

possible to cross the river in the manner they propose, add some of our

men to theirs.”

Just as these knights were preparing to embark, the Marshal of France

came thither, attended by a large company of knights and squires. They

made way for him, as was right. He stopped on the bank, and with

pleasure saw the arrangement of the boats. The Lord de St. Py,

addressing him, said, “My lord, is it agreeable to you that we should

cross here?”--“I am very well pleased with it,” replied the marshal;

“but you are running great risks: for if our enemies, who are at

Commines, should know your intentions, they would do you great

mischief.”--“My lord,” answered the Lord de St. Py, “nothing venture,

nothing win: in the name of God and St. George we will cross over, and

before to-morrow evening will fall suddenly on our enemies, and attack

them.” The Lord de St. Py then placed his pennon in the boat, and was

the first who stepped into it: he was followed by nine others, who were

as many as the boat could hold, and instantly, by means of the cord they

held, crossed over. When disembarked, in order to prevent themselves

from being discovered, they entered a small alder-grove, where they lay

hidden. Those on the bank, by means of the cord, drew the boat back. The

Count de Conversant, Lord d’Anghien, embarked with his banner, with the

Lord de Vertain his brother, and seven others. These nine then passed,

and the third time others followed them.

The two other boats now arrived that belonged to Sir Herbaut de

Belleperche, Sir John de Roye, and the Bretons; which were launched in

the same manner the first had been. These knights then crossed, and none

but determined men at arms did the same. It was a pleasure to see with

what eagerness they embarked: at times a great crowd was pushing who

should cross first, so that if the Marshal of France had not been there,

who kept them in proper order, accidents would have happened from their

overloading the boats.

News was brought to the constable and the lords of France at the bridge

of Commines, how their people were crossing the river, when he said to

the Seneschal de Rieux, “Go and examine this passage, I beg of you, and

see if our people be passing as they tell us.” The Lord de Rieux was

never happier than when he had this commission, and, clapping spurs to

his horse, hastened thither with his whole company, to the amount of

full forty men at arms. When he arrived at the passage where one hundred

and fifty of his countrymen had already crossed, he immediately

dismounted, and said he would also pass the river. The Marshal of France

would not refuse him; and intelligence was sent to the constable, that

his cousin the Lord de Rieux had crossed. The constable mused a little,

and then said, “Make the crossbows shoot, and skirmish with the Flemings

who are on the other side of the bridge, to occupy their attention, and

prevent them from observing our people; for, if they should have any

notion what they are about, they will fall upon them, destroy the

passage, and kill all those who have crossed; and I would much rather

die than that should happen.”

Upon this, the crossbows and infantry advanced. There were among them

some who flung hand-grenades, which, bursting, cast out bolts of iron

beyond the bridge, even as far as the town of Commines. The skirmish now

began to be very sharp; and the vanguard, by their movements, seemed

determined to cross the bridge if they could. The Flemings, being

shielded up to their noses, made a good appearance, and defended

themselves well. Thus passed this day, which was a Monday, in

skirmishing; and it was soon dark, for at that season the days are very

short. The boats, however, continued to carry over men at arms in great

numbers, who on their landing hid themselves in the alder-wood, waiting

for more.

You may easily guess what perils they were in; for, had those in

Commines gained the least intelligence of them, they must have had them

at their mercy, and conquered the greater part, besides taking the

boats; but, God favored the other party, and consented that the pride of

the Flemings should be humbled.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A SMALL BODY OF FRENCH, HAVING CROSSED THE LIS, DRAW UP IN BATTLE-ARRAY

BEFORE THE FLEMINGS.

I maintain that all men of understanding must hold this enterprise of

the boats, and passage of men at arms, as a deed of superior valor and

enterprise. Toward evening the knights and squires of the vanguard were

eager to cross with their companions; so that late in this Monday

evening there were, on the Flanders side of the river, about four

hundred men at arms, all the flower of knighthood, for no varlet was

suffered to cross.

The Lord Louis de Sancerre, seeing so many gallant men (sixty banners

and thirty pennons), said he should think himself to blame if he

remained behind. He then entered the boats, with his knights and

squires; and the Lord de Hangest, &c., crossed at the same time. When

they were all assembled, they said, “It is time to march toward

Commines, to look at our enemies, and see if we cannot make our quarters

good in the town.” Upon this they tightened their arms, buckled their

helmets on their heads in a proper manner, and, advancing through the

marshes which are contiguous to the river, marched in order of battle,

with banners and pennons displayed, as if they were immediately to

engage. The Lord de St. Py was the principal conductor and

commander-in-chief, because he knew the country better than any of the

others.

As they were thus marching in close order, in their way toward the town,

Peter du Bois and the Flemings were drawn up on the causeway; when,

casting their eyes toward the meads, they saw this body of men at arms

approaching. They were exceedingly astonished, and demanded from Peter

du Bois, “By what devil of a road have these men at arms come? and how

have they crossed the Lis?” He replied, “They must have crossed in

boats, and we have known nothing of the matter; for there is neither

bridge nor passable ford over the Lis between this and Courtray.”--“What

shall we do?” said some of them to Peter du Bois: “shall we offer them

battle?”--“By no means,” replied Peter: “let them advance, but we will

remain in our strength and in our place: we are on high ground, and

they on low, so that we have great advantage over them; and, if we

descend to meet them in the plain, we shall lose it. Let us wait until

the night become more obscure, and then we will consider how we had best

act. They are not of force sufficient to withstand us in battle; and,

besides, we are acquainted with all the roads of the country, of which

they must be ignorant.” This advice was followed; for the Flemings never

budged from their post, but remained steady at the foot of the bridge,

drawn up in order of battle on the causeway, in silence, and, by their

appearance, seemed as if they had not noticed what was passing. Those

who had crossed the river continued advancing slowly through the

marshes, following the course of it as they approached Commines.

The Constable of France, on the opposite side of the water, saw his men

at arms, with banners and pennons fluttering in the wind, drawn up in a

handsome small battalion, and marching toward Commines. On seeing this

his blood began to run cold from the great dread he had of their being

defeated; for he knew the Flemings were in great force on that side of

the water. In the excess of rage he cried out, “Ah, St. Ives! ha, St.

George! ha, Our Lady! what do I see there? I see in part the flower of

our army, who are most unequally matched. I would rather have died than

have witnessed this. Ah! Sir Louis de Sancerre, I thought you more

temperate and better taught than I see you now are: how could you have

hazarded so many noble knights and squires and men at arms against ten

or twelve thousand men, who are proud, presumptuous, and well prepared,

and who will show them no mercy, while we are unable, if there should be

a necessity, to aid them? Ah, Rohan! ah, Laval! ah, Rieux! ah,

Beaumanoir! ah, Longueville! ah, Rochfort! ah, Manny! ah, Malatrait!

ah, Conversant! ah, such a one and such a one!--how afflicted am I for

you all, when, without consulting me, you have run into such imminent

danger! Why am I Constable of France? for if you be conquered I shall

incur all the blame, and they will say I ordered you on this mad

enterprise.” The constable, before he heard that such numbers of valiant

men had crossed, had forbidden any of those near him to pass the river;

but, when he saw the appearance of those who had passed, he said aloud,

“I give free liberty for all who wish it to cross, if they be able.”

At these words the knights and squires stepped forth, seeking means to

cross the bridge; but it was soon night, and they were forced to leave

off their attempt, though they had begun to lay planks on the beams, and

even some had placed their targets to make a road: so that the Flemings

who were in Commines had enough to do to watch them, and were puzzled

how to act, for on the one hand they saw below the bridge, in the

marshes, a large body of men at arms who had halted with their lances

advanced before them, and to whom great re-enforcements were coming,

and, on the other, those of the vanguard on the opposite side of the

bridge were constantly skirmishing with them, and exerting themselves

lustily to repair the bridge.

In this situation were the French who had that evening crossed over in

boats. They had halted on the marshes, in mud and filth up to their

ankles. Now consider what must have been their courage and difficulties,

when in these long winter-nights they thus remained a whole night with

their arms and helmets on, with their feet in the mire, and without any

sort of refreshments. Certainly, I say, they are worthy of great renown;

for they were but a handful of men in comparison with the Flemings in

Commines and in that neighborhood. They dared not therefore advance to

attack them, and for this reason had halted, saying among themselves,

“Let us stop here until it be daylight, when we shall have a sight of

these Flemings who quit not the advantage of their intrenchments; but at

last they will not fail to come to us, and when near we will shout our

war-cries with a loud voice, each his own cry, or the cry of his lord,

notwithstanding all our lords may not have joined us. By this means we

shall frighten them, when we will fall on them with a thorough good

will. It is in the power of God, and within the compass of our own

ability, to defeat them; for they are badly armed, while our spears and

swords are of well-tempered steel from Bordeaux; and the habergeons they

wear will be a poor defence, and cannot prevent our blows from

penetrating through them.” With such hopes as these did those who had

passed the river comfort themselves, and remain in silence during the

night.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE FRENCH WHO HAD CROSSED THE LIS DEFEAT, WITH GREAT SLAUGHTER,

PETER DU BOIS AND THE FLEMINGS.--THE VANGUARD OF THE FRENCH ARMY

REPAIR AND PASS OVER THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.

Peter du Bois, knowing these men at arms were in the marshes joining

Commines, was not perfectly at his ease, for he was uncertain what might

be the event. He had, however, under his command, six or seven thousand

men, to whom, during the night, he had thus spoken: “The men at arms

who have crossed the river to fight with us are neither of iron nor

steel. They have labored hard this whole day, and have been all night

standing in these marshes, so that it is possible that toward daybreak

they will be overpowered with sleep. While they are in this situation,

we will come slyly to attack them. Our numbers are sufficient to

surround them, but, when we have so done, let no one dare to rush upon

them, but remain silent; for, when it shall be proper time for you to

act, I will inform you.” To this command of Peter they all promised

obedience. On the other hand, the barons, knights, and squires, who had

remained in the marshes so near the enemy, were far from being

comfortable: some of them were up to their ankles in mud, and others

half way up their legs. But their eagerness and joy, on gaining this

pass with so much honor (for very gallant deeds of arms were likely to

ensue), made them forget all their pains and difficulties. If it had

been in summer-time, instead of the seventh day of November, they would

have enjoyed it; but now the ground was cold, muddy, and dirty, and the

nights were long. At times also it rained heavily on their heads; but it

ran off, as they had their helmets on, and every thing prepared for the

combat, and were only waiting for the enemy to come and attack them. The

great attention they paid to be in readiness kept up their spirits, and

made them almost forget their situation.

The Lord de St. Py full loyally acquitted himself in this expedition, as

a scout and observer of what the Flemings were doing, though he was the

commander-in-chief. He was continually on the lookout, and went privily

to reconnoitre their motions. On his return he said to his companions in

a low voice, “Now up: our enemies are very quiet. Perhaps they will

advance on us at daybreak: therefore be on your guard, and prepare to

act.” He would then return again to see if any thing were going forward,

and then come back to tell what he had observed. This he continued to do

until the hour which the Flemings had fixed upon to attack them. It was

on the point of day when they began their march in close order, without

uttering a word. The Lord de St. Py, who was on the watch, no sooner saw

this manœuvre than he found they were in earnest, and, hastening to his

companions, said to them, “Now, my lords, be alert: we have but to do

our utmost, for our enemy is on his march, and will be instantly here.

These barons of new date are advancing slowly, and think to catch and

surprise us: show yourselves true men at arms, for we shall have a

battle.” As the Lord de St. Py uttered these words, the knights and

squires, with great courage, seized their long Bordeaux spears, and,

having grasped them with a hasty will, placed themselves in as good

order as any knights or squires could devise.

When the Flemings advanced to the combat, the knights and squires began

to utter their war-cries, insomuch that the constable and vanguard, who

had not yet crossed the bridge, heard them, and said, “Our friends are

engaged: may God help them! for at this moment we are unable to give

them any assistance.” Peter du Bois marched in front, and was followed

by his Flemings; but, when they approached the French, they were

received on the sharp points of their long Bordeaux spears, to which

their coats of mail made not more resistance than if they had been of

cloth thrice doubled; so that they passed through their bodies, heads,

and stomachs.

When the Flemings felt these sharp spears which impaled them, they fell

back, and the French advancing gained ground upon them; for there were

none so hardy but that feared their strokes. Peter du Bois was one of

the first who was wounded, and run through by a lance. It came quite out

at his shoulder: he was also wounded on the head, and would have been

instantly slain if it had not been for the body-guard he had formed, of

thirty stout varlets, who, taking him in their arms, carried him as

quickly as they could out of the crowd. The mud from the causeway to

Commines was so deep that all these people sunk in it up to the middle

of their legs. The men at arms, who had been long accustomed to their

profession, drove down and slew the Flemings without let or hinderance:

they shouted, “St. Py forever!” “Laval,” “Sancerre,” “Anghien!” and the

war-cries of others who were there. The Flemings were panic-struck, and

began to give way, when they saw these knights attack them so

vigorously, and pierce them through with their spears. They retreated,

and, falling back on each other, were followed by the French, who

marched through them or around them, always attacking the thickest

bodies. They no more spared killing them than if they had been so many

dogs; and they were in the right, for, had the Flemings conquered, they

would have served them the same.

The Flemings, finding themselves thus driven back, and that the men at

arms had won the causeway and bridge, counselled together to set fire to

the town, in hopes it would cause the French to retreat, or enable them

to collect their people. This was executed, and fire set to several

houses, which were instantly in flames; but they were disappointed in

thinking by this to frighten the French, for they pursued them as

valiantly as before, fighting and slaying them on the ground, or in the

houses whither they had retreated. Upon this the Flemings made for the

open plain, where they collected in a body. They sent to Vertain,

Poperingue, Bergues, Rollers, Mesieres, Warneton, and the other

neighboring towns, to urge them to come to their assistance at Commines.

Those who fled, and the inhabitants of the villages near Commines, began

to set their bells a-ringing, which clearly showed there was an

engagement going forward. Some of them, however, began to slacken, and

others to occupy themselves in saving what they could of their goods,

and to carry them to Ypres or Courtray. Women and children ran thither,

leaving their houses full of furniture, cattle, and grain. Others again

marched in haste toward Commines, to help their countrymen who were

fighting.

While this was passing, and those valiant knights who had crossed the

Lis in boats were so gallantly engaged, the constable and vanguard were

busily employed in attempting to repair the bridge and cross it. There

was a very great throng, for the constable had given permission for all

to pass it who could. There was much danger for those who crossed it

first; and the lords who did so were obliged to step on targets thrown

on the beams of the bridge. When they had crossed, they began to

strengthen the bridge, for they found the planks lying on the ground,

which they put in their proper places. During the night two wagon-loads

of hurdles were brought, which were of great use to them, so that

shortly it was made as strong as ever. On Tuesday the whole vanguard

passed, took possession of the place, and, as they crossed, fixed their

quarters in the town.

Those of the vanguard who were in Commines drove out the Flemings. There

were slain of them in the streets and fields about four thousand, not

including those killed in the pursuit, in windmills, and in monasteries,

whither they had fled for shelter; for, as soon as the Bretons had

crossed, they mounted their horses, and began a chase after the

Flemings, and overran the country, which was then rich and plentiful.

CHAPTER XX.

THE KING OF FRANCE CROSSES THE LIS AT THE BRIDGE OF COMMINES.--THE

TOWN OF YPRES SURRENDERS TO HIM.--THE KING OF FRANCE LODGES IN

YPRES.--PETER DU BOIS PREVENTS BRUGES FROM SURRENDERING TO THE

KING.--PHILIP VON ARTAVELD ASSEMBLES HIS FORCES TO COMBAT THE

FRENCH.

We will now return to the King of France, and say how he went on. When

intelligence was brought him of Commines being conquered, that the

Flemings were dispersed, and the bridge rebuilt, he set out from the

abbey of Marquette where he had lodged, and marched with his whole army

in battle-array, as was befitting him to do, toward Commines. The king

and his uncles arrived at Commines on Tuesday, and took up their

lodgings in the town; from whence the vanguard had marched for the hill

of Ypres, where they had fixed their quarters. On the Wednesday morning

the king advanced to the hill of Ypres, where he remained until the

baggage and the remainder of his army should cross the river at Commines

or at Warneton; for there were very numerous trains, and multitudes of

horses.

While the king and his whole army were on Mount Ypres, many markets were

there held, and plenty of pillage was sold to those of Lille, Douay, and

Tournay, indeed, to all who wished to buy. A piece of cloth of Vexin,

Malines, Poperingue, or Commines, was sold for one franc. People were

clothed there too cheaply. Some Bretons and other pillagers, determined

on gain, went in large bodies, and loaded carts and horses with their

booty of cloths, linen, knives, money in gold and silver, dishes and

plates of silver, wherever they found them, which they sent, well packed

up, to a place of safety on the other side of the Lis, or by their

servants into France.

The king and all the lords came to Ypres, where they quartered

themselves as well as they could, and in as great numbers as the town

would hold. They remained there to refresh themselves four or five days.

We will now return to Philip, and say what he was doing. Being eager to

combat the King of France, as he plainly showed, he ordered, on his

arrival at Ghent, every man capable of bearing arms, after leaving a

sufficient garrison in the town, to follow him. All obeyed; for he gave

them to understand that by the grace of God they would defeat the

French, be lords of Ghent, and rank as sovereigns among other nations.

Philip von Artaveld carried with him about ten thousand men as the

arriere-ban: he had before sent to Bruges, Damme, Ardembourg, Sluys, to

the seacoasts, the Quatre Mestiers, and constable-wicks of Grammont,

Dendremonde, and Alost, and had raised from those places about thirty

thousand more. He and his whole army were quartered one night before

Oudenarde: on the morrow they marched away, and came before Courtray: he

had with him about fifty thousand men. The King of France received

intelligence that Philip von Artaveld was approaching, and, as it was

said, with full sixty thousand men. Upon this the vanguard set off from

Ypres, under the command of the Constable and Marshals of France, and

encamped a league and a half from Ypres, between Rollers and Rosebecque.

On the morrow the king and all the lords, with the main battalion and

rear-guard, quartered themselves there also. I must say that these

lords, while they were in the field, suffered greatly; for it was in the

heart of winter, the beginning of December, and it rained every day.

They slept on the roads every night, for they were in daily and hourly

expectation of a battle: it was commonly said in the army, “They will

come to-morrow;” which they believed, from the news the foragers brought

when they returned from their excursions.

The king was quartered in the midst of his army. The lords of France

were much vexed at Philip for delaying, for they were very impatient of

being out in such bad weather. It should be known, that with the king

were all the flower of French knighthood: it was therefore highly

presumptuous in Philip von Artaveld and the Flemings to think of

fighting with them; for if they had been satisfied with continuing their

siege of Oudenarde, and had slightly intrenched themselves, the French,

considering the wetness of the season, would never have marched to seek

them; and, if they had done so, they would have combated them under the

greatest disadvantages. But Philip was so vain of the good fortune he

had met with at Bruges, that he thought nothing could withstand him, and

he hoped he should be lord of the world. No other thoughts had he, and

was nothing afraid of the King of France nor his army; for, if he had

entertained any fears, he would not have done that which he did, as you

shall hear related.

CHAPTER XXI.

PHILIP VON ARTAVELD, HAVING ENTERTAINED HIS CAPTAINS AT SUPPER,

GIVES THEM INSTRUCTIONS HOW THEY ARE TO ACT ON THE MORROW AT THE

BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE.

Philip von Artaveld, with his whole army, on the Wednesday evening

preceding the battle, was encamped in a handsome position, tolerably

strong, between a ditch and grove, and with so good a hedge in front

that they could not easily be attacked. It was between the hill and town

of Rosebecque where the king was quartered. That same evening Philip

gave a magnificent supper to his captains at his quarters; for he had

wherewithal to do so, as his provisions followed him. When the supper

was over, he addressed them in these words: “My fair gentlemen, you are

my companions in this expedition, and I hope to-morrow we shall have

something to do; for the King of France, who is impatient to meet and

fight with us, is quartered at Rosebecque. I therefore beg of you to be

loyal, and not alarmed at any thing you shall see or hear; for we are

combating in a just cause, to preserve the franchises of Flanders, and

for our right. Admonish your men to behave well, and draw them up in

such manner that, by this means and our courage, we may obtain the

victory. To-morrow, through God’s grace, we shall not find any lord to

combat with us, or any who will dare take the field, unless he mean to

remain there; and we shall gain greater honor than if we could have

depended on the support of the English; for, if they had been with us,

they alone would have gained all the reputation. The flower of the

French nobility is with the king, for he has not left one behind: order,

therefore, your men not to grant quarter to any one, but to kill all who

fall in their way. By this means we shall remain in peace; for I will

and command, under pain of death, that no prisoners be made, except it

be the King of France. With regard to the king, I wish to support him,

as he is but a child, and ought to be forgiven; for he knows not what he

does, and acts according as he is instructed: we will carry him to

Ghent, and teach him Flemish: but as for dukes, earls, and other men at

arms, kill them all. The common people of France will never be angry

with us for so doing; for they wish, as I am well assured, that not one

should ever return to France, and it shall be so.”

When these Flemish captains had retired, and all gone to their quarters

to repose, the night being far advanced, those upon guard fancied they

heard a great noise toward the Mont d’Or. Some of them were sent to see

what it could be, and if the French were making any preparations to

attack them in the night. On their return they reported that they had

been as far as the place whence the noise came, but that they had

discovered nothing. This noise, however, was still heard, and it seemed

to some of them that their enemies were on the mount about a league

distant.

Philip arose, and, wrapping himself in a gown, took a battle-axe, and

went out of his tent to listen to this noise. It seemed to him as if

there were a great tournament. He directly returned to his tent, and

ordered his trumpet to be sounded to awaken the army. As soon as the

sound of the trumpet was heard, it was known to be his. Those of the

guard in front of the camp armed themselves, and sent some of their

companions to Philip to know what he wished to have done, as he was

thus early arming himself. On their arrival, he wanted to send them to

the part whence the noise had come, to find out what it could be; but

they reported that that had already been done, and that there was no

cause found for it. Philip was much astonished; and they were greatly

blamed, that, having heard a noise toward the enemy’s quarters, they had

remained quiet. “Ha,” said they to Philip, “in truth we did hear a noise

toward the Mont d’Or, and we sent to know what it could be; but those

who had been ordered thither reported that there was nothing to be found

or seen. Not having seen any positive appearance of a movement of the

enemy, we were unwilling to alarm the army lest we should be blamed for

it.” This speech of the guard somewhat appeased Philip; but in his own

mind he marvelled much what it could be. Some said it was the devils of

hell running and dancing about the place where the battle was to be, for

the abundance of prey they expected.

Neither Philip von Artaveld nor the Flemings were quite at their ease

after this alarm. They were suspicious of having been betrayed and

surprised. They armed themselves leisurely with whatever they had, made

large fires in their quarters, and breakfasted comfortably, for they had

victuals in abundance. About an hour before day, Philip said, “I think

it right that we march into the plain, and draw up our men; because,

should the French advance to attack us, we ought not to be unprepared,

nor in disorder, but properly drawn up like men, knowing well what we

are to do.” All obeyed this order, and, quitting their quarters, marched

to the heath beyond the grove. There was in front a wide ditch newly

made, and in their rear quantities of brambles, junipers, and shrubs.

They drew up at their leisure in this strong position, and formed one

large battalion, thick and strong. By the reports from the constables

they were about fifty thousand, all chosen men, who valued not their

lives. Among them were about sixty English archers, who, having stolen

away from their companions at Calais, to gain greater pay from Philip,

had left behind them their armor in their quarters.

Every thing being arranged, each man took to his arms. The horses,

baggage, women, and varlets were dismissed; but Philip von Artaveld had

his page mounted on a superb courser, worth five hundred florins, which

he had ordered to attend him, to display his state, and to mount if a

pursuit of the French should happen, in order that he might enforce the

commands which he had given to kill all. It was with this intention that

Philip had posted him by his side. Philip had likewise from the town of

Ghent about nine thousand men, well armed, whom he placed near his

person; for he had greater confidence in them than any of the others:

they therefore, with Philip at their head with banners displayed, were

in front; and those from Alost and Grammont were next; then the men from

Courtray, Bruges, Damme, Sluys, and the Franconate. They were armed, for

the greater part, with bludgeons, iron caps, jerkins, and with gloves of

iron-work. Each man had a staff with an iron point, and bound round with

iron. The different townsmen wore liveries and arms, to distinguish them

from one another. Some had jackets of blue and yellow, others wore a

welt of black on a red jacket, others chevroned with white on a blue

coat, others green and blue, others lozenged with black and white,

others quartered red and white, others all blue. Each carried the

banners of their trades. They had also large knives hanging down from

their girdles. In this state they remained, quietly waiting for day,

which soon came.

CHAPTER XXII.

PHILIP VON ARTAVELD AND HIS FLEMINGS QUIT THE STRONG POSITION THEY

HAD TAKEN IN THE MORNING, TO ENCAMP ON MONT D’OR, NEAR TO

YPRES.--THE CONSTABLE AND ADMIRAL OF FRANCE, WITH SIR WILLIAM OF

POITIERS, SET OUT TO RECONNOITRE THEIR SITUATION.

On the Thursday morning all the men at arms of the army, the vanguard,

the rear-guard, and the king’s battalion, armed themselves completely,

except their helmets, as if they were about to engage; for the lords

well knew the day could not pass without a battle, from the reports of

the foragers on the Wednesday evening, who had seen the Flemings on

their march demanding a battle. The King of France heard mass, as did

the other lords, who all devoutly prayed to God that the day might turn

out to their honor. In the morning there was a thick mist, which

continued so long that no one could see the distance of an acre: the

lords were much vexed at this, but they could not remedy it.

After the king’s mass, which had been attended by the constable and

other great lords, it was ordered that those valiant knights Sir Oliver

de Clisson, Constable of France, Sir John de Vienne, Admiral of France,

and Sir William de Poitiers, who had been long used to arms, should

reconnoitre the position of the Flemings, and report to the king and his

uncles the truth of it; during which time the Lord d’Albreth and Sir

Hugh de Châtillon were employed in forming the battalions. These three

knights, leaving the king, set off on the flower of their steeds, and

rode toward that part where they thought they should find the Flemings,

and toward the spot where they had encamped the preceding night.

You must know that on the Thursday morning, when the thick mist came on,

the Flemings having, as you have before heard, marched before daybreak

to this strong position, had there remained until about eight o’clock,

when, not seeing nor hearing any thing of the French, their numbers

excited in them pride and self-sufficiency, and their captains, as well

as others, began thus to talk among themselves: “What are we about, thus

standing still, and almost frozen with cold? Why do we not advance with

courage, since such is our inclination, and seek our enemies to combat

them? We remain here to no purpose, for the French will never come to

look for us. Let us at least march to Mont d’Or, and take advantage of

the mountain.” Many such speeches were made, and they all consented to

march to Mont d’Or, which was between them and the French. In order to

avoid the ditch in their front, they turned the grove, and entered the

plain. While they were thus on their march round the grove, the three

knights came so opportunely that they reconnoitred them at their ease,

and rode by the side of their battalions, which were again formed within

a bow-shot from them. When they had considered them on the left, they

did the same on the right, and thus carefully and fully examined them.

The Flemings saw them plainly, but paid not any attention to them; nor

did any one quit his ranks. The three knights were well mounted, and so

much used to this business that they cared not for them. Philip said to

his captains, “Our enemies are near at hand: let us draw up here in

battle-array for the combat. I have seen strong appearances of their

intentions: for these three horsemen who pass and repass have

reconnoitred us, and are still doing so.”

[Illustration: The Three Knights reconnoitring the Flemings in the

Mist.]

Upon this the Flemings halted on the Mont d’Or, and formed in one thick

and strong battalion; when Philip said aloud, “Gentlemen, when the

attack begins, remember our enemies were defeated and broken at the

battle of Bruges by our keeping in a compact body. Be careful not to

open your ranks, but let every man strengthen himself as much as

possible, and bear his staff right before him. You will intermix your

arms, so that no one may break you, and march straight forward with a

good step, without turning to the right or left; and act together, so

that, when the conflict begins, you may throw your bombards and shoot

with your crossbows in such manner that our enemies may be thunderstruck

with surprise.”

When Philip had formed his men in battle-array, and told them how to

act, he went to the wing of his army in which he had the greatest

confidence. Near him was his page on the courser, to whom he said, “Go,

wait for me at that bush out of bow-shot; and, when thou shalt see the

discomfiture of the French and the pursuit begin, bring me my horse, and

shout my cry; they will make way for thee to come to me, for I wish to

be the first in the pursuit.” The page, on these words, left his master,

and did as he had ordered him. Philip placed near him, on the side of

this wing, forty English archers whom he had in his pay. Now, if it be

considered how well Philip had arranged this business, I am of opinion

(and in this I am joined by several others) that he well knew the art of

war; but in one instance, which I will relate, he acted wrong. It was in

quitting the first strong position he had taken in the morning; for they

would never have sought to fight him there, as it would have been too

much to their disadvantage; but he wished to show that his people were

men of courage, and had little fear of their enemies.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND FLEMINGS.--PHILIP

VON ARTAVELD IS SLAIN, AND HIS WHOLE ARMY DEFEATED.

The three knights returned to the King of France and to his battalions,

which had already been formed and were marching slowly in order of

battle; for there were many prudent and brave men, who had been long

accustomed to arms, in the vanguard, in the king’s battalion, and in the

rear-guard, who knew well what they were to do, for they were the flower

of chivalry in Christendom. Way was made for them; and the Lord de

Clisson spoke first, bowing to the king from his horse, and taking off

the beaver he wore, saying, “Sire, rejoice: these people are our own,

and our lusty varlets will fight well with them.”--“Constable,” replied

the king, “God assist you! Now advance, in the name of God and St.

Denis.” The knights before mentioned as the king’s body-guard now drew

up in good order. The king created many new knights, as did different

lords in their battalions, so that several new banners were displayed.

It was ordered, that when the engagement was about to commence, the

battalion of the king, with the oriflamme of France, should march to the

front of the army, that the van and rear guards should form the two

wings as speedily as possible, and by this means enclose and straiten

the Flemings, who were drawn up in the closest order, and gain a great

advantage over them. Notice of this intended movement was sent to the

rear-guard, of which the Count d’Eu, the Count de Blois, the Count de

St. Pol, the Count de Harcourt, the Count de Châtillon, and the Lord de

la Gere were commanders. The young Lord de Haurel displayed his banner

this day before the Count de Blois, who also knighted Sir Thomas

d’Istre, and Sir James de Hameth. According to the report of the

heralds, there were this day created four hundred and sixty-seven

knights.

The Lord de Clisson, Sir John de Vienne, and Sir William de Langres,

having made their report to the king, left him, and went to their post

in the vanguard. Shortly afterwards the oriflamme was displayed by Sir

Peter de Villiers, who bore it. Some say (as they find it written) that

it was never before displayed against Christians, and that it was a

matter of great doubt during the march whether it should be displayed or

not. However, the matter having been fully considered, they resolved to

display it, because the Flemings followed opinions contrary to that of

Pope Clement, and called themselves Urbanists; for which the French said

they were rebellious and out of the pale of the Church. This was the

principal cause why it had been brought and displayed in Flanders.

The oriflamme was a most excellent banner, and had been sent from heaven

with great mystery: it is a sort of gonfalon, and is of much comfort in

the day of battle to those who see it. Proof was made of its virtues at

this time; for all the morning there was so thick a fog, that with

difficulty could they see each other, but the moment the knight had

displayed it, and raised his lance in the air, this fog instantly

dispersed, and the sky was as clear as it had been during the whole

year. The lords of France were much rejoiced when they saw this clear

day, and the sun shine, so that they could look about them on all

sides.

It was a fine sight to view these banners, helmets, and beautiful

emblazoned arms: the army kept a dead silence, not uttering a sound, but

eyed a large battalion of Flemings before them, who were marching in a

compact body, with their staves advanced in the air, which looked like

spears; and so great were their numbers, they had the appearance of a

wood. The Lord d’Estonnenort told me that he saw (as well as several

others), when the oriflamme was displayed, and the fog had dispersed, a

white dove fly many times round the king’s battalion. When it had made

several circles, and the engagement was about to begin, it perched on

one of the king’s banners: this was considered as a fortunate omen.

The Flemings advanced so near, that they commenced a cannonade with bars

of iron, and quarrels headed with brass. Thus was the battle begun by

Philip and his men against the king’s battalion, which at the outset was

very sharp; for the Flemings, inflamed with pride and courage, came on

with vigor, and, pushing with shoulders and breasts like enraged wild

boars, they were strongly interlaced, one with the other, that they

could not be broken, nor their ranks forced. By this attack of cannons

and bombards, the Lord d’Albaruin, banneret, Morlet de Haruin, and James

Doré, on the side of the French, were first slain, and the king’s

battalion obliged to fall back. But the van and rear guards pushed

forward, and, by enclosing the Flemings, straitened them much. Upon the

two wings these men at arms made their attack, and, with their

well-tempered lances of Bordeaux, pierced through their coats of mail to

the flesh. All who were assailed by them drew back to avoid the blows,

for never would those that escaped return to the combat. By this means,

the Flemings were so straitened that they could not use their staves to

defend themselves. They lost both strength and breath, and, falling upon

one another, were stifled to death without striking a blow.

Philip von Artaveld was surrounded, wounded by spears, and beaten down,

with numbers of the Ghent men, who were his guards. When Philip’s page

saw the ill success of his countrymen, being well mounted on his

courser, he set off, and left his master, for he could not give him any

assistance, and returned toward Courtray, on his way to Ghent. When the

Flemings found themselves enclosed on two sides, there was an end to the

business, for they could not assist each other. The king’s battalion,

which had been somewhat disordered at the beginning, now recovered. The

men at arms knocked down the Flemings with all their might. They had

well-sharpened battle-axes, with which they cut through helmets, and

disbrained heads: others gave such blows with leaden maces, that nothing

could withstand them. Scarcely were the Flemings overthrown before the

pillagers advanced, who, mixing with the men at arms, made use of the

long knives they carried, and finished slaying whoever fell into their

hands, without more mercy than if they had been so many dogs. The

clattering on the helmets, by the axes and leaden maces, was so loud,

that nothing else could be heard for the noise. I was told, that if all

the armorers of Paris and Bruxelles had been there working at their

trade, they could not have made a greater noise than these combatants

did on the helmets of their enemies; for they struck with all their

force, and set to their work with the greatest good-will. Some, indeed,

pressed too forward into the crowd, and were surrounded and slain: in

particular, Sir Louis de Gousalz, a knight from Berry, and Sir Fleton de

Reniel. There were several more, which was a great pity; but in such a

battle as this, where such numbers are engaged, it is not possible for

victory to be obtained without being dearly bought; for young knights

and squires, eager to gain renown, willingly run into perils in hopes of

honor.

The crowd was now so great, and so dangerous for those enclosed in it,

that the men at arms, if not instantly assisted, could not raise

themselves when once down. By this were several of the French killed and

smothered; but they were not many, for, when in danger, they helped each

other. There was a large and high amount of the Flemings who were slain;

and never was there seen so little blood spilt at so great a battle,

where such numbers were killed. When those in the rear saw the front

fail, and that they were defeated, they were greatly astonished, and

began to throw away their staves and armor, to disband, and fly toward

Courtray and other places, not having any care but to save themselves if

possible. The Bretons and French pursued them into ditches,

alder-groves, and heaths, where they fought with and slew them. Numbers

were killed in the pursuit, between the field of battle and Courtray,

whither they were flying in their way to Ghent.

This battle on Mont d’Or took place the twenty-seventh day of November,

on the Thursday before Advent, in the year of grace 1382; and at that

time the King of France was fourteen years of age.

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE NUMBER OF SLAIN AT THE BATTLE OF ROSEBECQUE, AND PURSUIT

AFTERWARDS.--PHILIP VON ARTAVELD IS HANGED AFTER HE WAS DEAD.

Thus were the Flemings defeated on Mont d’Or, their pride humbled, and

Philip von Artaveld slain; and with him nine thousand men from Ghent and

its dependencies (according to the report of the heralds) on the spot,

not including those killed in the pursuit, which amounted to twenty-five

thousand more. This battle, from the beginning to the defeat, did not

last more than half an hour.

When the King of France arrived at his camp, where his magnificent

pavilion of red silk had been pitched, and when he had been disarmed,

his uncles, and many barons of France, came, as was right, to attend

him. Philip von Artaveld then came into his mind, and he said, “If

Philip is dead or alive, I should like to see him.” They replied, they

would have a search made for him. It was proclaimed through the army,

that whoever should discover the body of Philip von Artaveld should

receive one hundred francs. Upon this the varlets examined the dead, who

were all stripped, or nearly so; and Philip through avarice was so

strictly sought after, that he was found by a varlet, who had formerly

served him some time, and who knew him perfectly. He was dragged before

the king’s pavilion. The king looked at him for some time, as did the

other lords. He was turned over and over to see if he had died of

wounds, but they found none that could have caused his death. He had

been squeezed in the crowd, and, falling into a ditch, numbers of Ghent

men fell upon him, who died in his company. When they had sufficiently

viewed him, he was taken from thence, and hanged on a tree. Such was the

end of Philip von Artaveld.

BOOK III.[31]

CHAPTER I.

FROISSART SETS OUT ON JOURNEY TO BÉARN, TO SEEK ADMISSION TO THE

HOUSEHOLD OF THE COUNT DE FOIX.

In order to know the truth of distant transactions, without sending upon

the inquiry any other in place of myself, I took an opportunity of

visiting that high and redoubted prince Gaston Phœbus, Count de Foix and

de Béarn; for I well knew, that if I were so fortunate as to be admitted

into his household, and to remain there in quiet, I could not choose a

situation more proper to learn the truth of every event, as numbers of

foreign knights and squires assembled there from all countries,

attracted by his high birth and gentility. It fell out just as I had

imagined.

I told this my intention to my very renowned lord the Count de Blois,

and also the journey I wished to undertake, who gave me letters of

recommendation to the Count de Foix. I began my journey, inquiring on

all sides for news; and, through the grace of God, continued it, without

peril or hurt, until I arrived at the count’s residence, at Orthès in

Béarn, on St. Catherine’s Day in the year of grace 1388. The Count de

Foix, as soon as he saw me, gave me a hearty welcome, adding, with a

smile and in good French, that he was well acquainted with me, though he

had never seen me before, but he had frequently heard me spoken of. He

retained me in his household, and, by means of the letters which I had

brought, gave me full liberty to act as I pleased as long as I should

wish to remain with him. I there learnt the greater part of those events

which had happened in the kingdoms of Castile, Portugal, Navarre,

Aragon, even in England, in the Bourbonnois, and every thing concerning

the whole of Gascony. He himself, when I put any question to him,

answered it most readily, saying that the history I was employed on

would in times to come be more sought after than any other; “because,”

added he, “my fair sir, more gallant deeds of arms have been performed

within these last fifty years, and more wonderful things have happened,

than for three hundred years before.”

I was thus received by the Count de Foix in his hotel, and entertained

according to my pleasure. My wish was to inquire after news relative to

my history; and I had at my option barons, knights, and squires, who

gave me information, as well as the gallant Count de Foix himself. I

will therefore illustrate, in good language, all I there learnt, to add

to my materials, and to give examples to those worthies who wish to

advance themselves in renown. If I have heretofore dwelt on gallant

deeds, attacks, and captures of castles, towns, and forts, on

hard-fought battles and skirmishes, many more will now ensue; all of

which, by God’s grace, I will truly narrate.

CHAPTER II.

SIR JOHN FROISSART, IN HIS JOURNEY TOWARD BÉARN, IS ACCOMPANIED BY

A KNIGHT ATTACHED TO THE COUNT DE FOIX, WHO RELATES TO HIM HOW THE

GARRISON OF LOURDE TOOK ORTINGAS AND LE PAILLIER, ON THE RENEWAL OF

THE WAR IN GUYENNE, AFTER THE RUPTURE OF THE PEACE OF BRETIGNY.

At the time I undertook my journey to visit the Count de Foix,

reflecting on the diversity of countries I had never seen, I set out

from Carcassonne, leaving the road to Toulouse on the right hand, and

came to Monteroral, then to Tonges, then to Belle, then to the first

town in the county of Foix; from thence to Maisieres, to the castle of

Sauredun; then to the handsome city of Pamiers, which belongs to the

Count de Foix, where I halted to wait for company that were going to

Béarn, where the count resided. I remained in the city of Pamiers three

days; it is a very delightful place, seated among fine vineyards, and

surrounded by a clear and broad river called the Liege. Accidentally, a

knight attached to the Count de Foix, called Sir Espaign du Lyon, came

thither on his return from Avignon: he was a prudent and valiant knight,

handsome in person, and about fifty years of age. I introduced myself to

his company, as he had a great desire to know what was doing in France.

We were six days on the road travelling to Orthès. As we journeyed, the

knight, after saying his orisons, conversed the greater part of the day

with me, asking for news; and when I put any questions to him he very

willingly answered them. On our departure from Pamiers we crossed the

mountain of Cesse, which is difficult of ascent, and passed near the

town and castle of Ortingas, which belongs to the King of France, but

did not enter it. We went to dine at a castle of the Count de Foix, half

a league farther, called Carlat, seated on a high mountain. After dinner

the knight said, “Let us ride gently: we have but two leagues of this

country (which are equal to three of France) to our

lodging.”--“Willingly,” answered I. “Now,” said the knight, “we have

this day passed the castle of Ortingas, the garrison of which did great

mischief to all this part of the country. Peter d’Anchin had possession

of it; he took it by surprise, and has gained sixty thousand francs from

France.”--“How did he get so much?” said I. “I will tell you,” replied

the knight. “On the feast of Our Lady, the middle of August, a fair is

holden, where all the country assemble, and there is much merchandise

brought thither during that time. Peter d’Anchin and his companions of

the garrison of Lourde had long wanted to gain this town and castle, but

could not devise the means. They had, however, in the beginning of May,

sent two of their men, of very simple outward appearance, to seek for

service in the town: they soon found masters who were so well satisfied

with them, that they went in and out of the town whenever they pleased,

without any one having the smallest suspicion of them.

“When mid-August arrived, the town was filled with foreign merchants

from Foix, Béarn, and France; and you know, when merchants meet, after

any considerable absence, they are accustomed to drink plentifully

together to renew their acquaintance, so that the houses of the masters

of the two servants were quite filled, where they drank largely, and

their landlords with them. At midnight Peter d’Anchin and his company

advanced toward Ortingas, and hid themselves and horses in the wood

through which we passed. He sent six varlets with two ladders to the

town, who, having crossed the ditches where they had been told was the

shallowest place, fixed their ladders against the walls; the two

pretended servants, who were in waiting, assisted them (while their

masters were seated at table) to mount the walls. They were no sooner

up, than one of the servants conducted their companions toward the gate

where only two men guarded the keys: he then said to them, ‘Do you

remain here, and not stir until you shall hear me whistle; then sally

forth, and slay the guards. I am well acquainted with the keys, having

more than seven times guarded the gate with my master.’

“As he had planned, so did they execute, and hid themselves well. He

then advanced to the gate, and, having listened, found the watch

drinking: he called them by their names, for he was acquainted with

them, and said, ‘Open the door: I bring you the best wine you ever

tasted, which my master sends you that you may watch the better.’ Those

who knew the varlet imagined he was speaking the truth, and opened the

door of the guardroom: upon this he whistled, and his companions sallied

forth, and pushed between the door, so that they could not shut it

again. The guards were thus caught cunningly, and so quietly slain that

no one knew any thing of it. They then took the keys, and went to the

gate, which they opened, and let down the drawbridge so gently it was

not heard. This done, they sounded a horn with one blast only, which

those in ambuscade hearing, they mounted their horses, and came full

gallop over the bridge into the town, where they took all its

inhabitants, either at table or in their beds. Thus was Ortingas taken

by Peter d’Anchin of Bigorre and his companions in Lourde.”

I then asked the knight, “But how did they gain the castle?”--“I will

tell you,” said Sir Espaign du Lyon. “At the time the town was taken, by

ill-luck the governor was absent, supping with some merchants from

Carcassonne, so that he was made prisoner; and on the morrow Peter

d’Anchin had him brought before the castle wherein were his wife and

children, whom he frightened by declaring he would order the governor’s

head to be struck off if they did not enter into a treaty to deliver up

the castle. It was concluded, that, if his lady would surrender, the

governor should be given up to her, with permission to march unmolested

away with every thing that belonged to them. The lady, who found herself

in such a critical situation, through love to him who could not now

defend her, in order to recover her husband and to avoid greater

dangers, surrendered the castle, when the governor, his wife, and

children, set out with all that belonged to them, and went to Pamiers.

By this means Peter d’Anchin captured the town and castle of Ortingas;

and, when they entered the place, he and his companions gained thirty

thousand francs, as well in merchandise which they found there, as in

good French prisoners. All those who were from the county of Foix or

Béarn received their liberty, with their goods untouched.

“Peter d’Anchin held Ortingas for full five years; and he and his

garrison made frequent excursions as far as the gates of Carcassonne,

which is sixteen long leagues distant, greatly ruining the country, as

well by the ransoms of towns which compounded, as by the pillage they

made. During the time Peter d’Anchin garrisoned Ortingas, some of his

companions made a sally, being desirous of gain, and came to a castle a

good league off, called Le Paillier, of which Raymond du Paillier, a

French knight, was the lord. They this time accomplished their

enterprise, having before attempted it in vain; and, by means of a

scalado, they took the castle, the knight and his lady in bed. They kept

possession of it, allowing the lady and the children to depart, but

detained the knight four months in his own castle, until he had paid

four thousand francs for his ransom. In short, after they had

sufficiently harassed the country, they sold these two castles, Ortingas

and Le Paillier, for eight thousand francs, and then retired to Lourde,

their principal garrison. Such feats of arms and adventures were these

companions daily practising.

CHAPTER III.

FROISSART CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY.--IN TRAVELLING FROM TOURNAY TO

TARBES, THE KNIGHT RELATES TO HIM HOW THE GARRISON OF LOURDE HAD A

SHARP RENCOUNTER WITH THE FRENCH FROM THE ADJACENT GARRISONS.

In the morning we mounted our horses, set out from Tournay, passed the

river Lesse at a ford, and, riding toward the city of Tarbes, entered

Bigorre.

I recollected what he had said some days before respecting the country

of Larre and Mengeant de Lourde, and, reminding him of them, said, “My

lord, you promised that when we came to the country of Larre, you would

tell me more of Mengeant de Lourde, and the manner of his death.”--“It

is true,” replied the knight: “come and ride by my side, and I will tell

it you.” I then pushed forward to hear him the better, when he began as

follows:--

“During the time Peter d’Anchin held the castle and garrison of

Ortingas, as I have before related, those of Lourde made frequent

excursions at a distance from their fort, when they had not always the

advantage.

“It was told to the governor of Tarbes, a squire of Gascony, called

Ernauton Biffete, how those of Lourde were overrunning and harassing the

country; and he sent information of this to the Lord de Benach and to

Enguerros de Lane, son of Sir Raymond, and also to the Lord de Barbasan,

adding, he was determined to attack them. These knights and squires of

Bigorre, having agreed to join him, assembled their men in the town of

Tournay, through which the garrison of Lourde generally returned. When

those of Lourde heard that the French garrisons were waiting for them at

Tournay, they began to be alarmed, and called a council to determine how

to conduct their pillage in safety. It was resolved to divide themselves

into two parties: one, consisting of servants and pillagers, was to

drive the booty, and take by-roads to Lanebourg, crossing the bridge of

Tournay, and the river Lesse between Tournay and Malvoisin; the other

division was to march in order of battle on the high grounds, and to

make an appearance as if they meant to return by the pass of Larre below

Marteras, but to fall back between Barbasan and Montgaillard, in order

that the baggage might cross the river in safety. They were to meet all

together at Montgaillard, from whence they would soon be at Lourde.

“The French, in like manner as those of Lourde, had called a council

respecting their mode of acting. Sir Monant de Barbasan and Ernauton

Biscete said, ‘Since we know the men of Lourde are bringing home great

plunder and many prisoners, we shall be much vexed if they escape us:

let us therefore form two ambuscades, for we are enough for both.’ Upon

this it was ordered, that Le Bourg d’Espaign, Sir Raymond de Benach, and

Enguerros de Lane, with one hundred spears, should guard the passage at

Tournay, for the cattle and prisoners must necessarily cross the river;

and the Lord de Barbasan and Ernauton Biscete, with the other hundred

lances, should reconnoitre, if perchance they could come up with them.

They separated from each other; and the Lord de Benach, and the Bourg

d’Espaign, placed themselves in ambuscade at the bridge between Tournay

and Malvoisin. The other division rode to the spot where we now are,

which is called the Larre, and there the two parties met. They instantly

dismounted, and, leaving their horses to pasture, with pointed lances

advanced, for a combat was unavoidable, shouting their cries, ‘St.

George for Lourde!’ ‘Our Lady for Bigorre!’

“They charged each other, thrusting their spears with all their

strength, and, to add greater force, urged them forward with their

breasts. The combat was very equal; and for some time none were struck

down, as I heard from those present. When they had sufficiently used

their spears, they threw them down, and with battle-axes began to deal

out terrible blows on both sides. When any were so worsted or out of

breath that they could not longer support the fight, they seated

themselves near a large ditch full of water in the middle of the plain,

when, having taken off their helmets, they refreshed themselves: this

done, they replaced their helmets, and returned to the combat. I do not

believe there ever was so well-fought or so severe a battle as this of

Marteras in Bigorre, since the famous combat of thirty English against

thirty French knights in Brittany.

“They fought hand to hand; and Ernauton de Sainte Colombe, an excellent

man at arms, was on the point of being killed by a squire of the country

called Guillonet de Salenges, who had pushed him so hard that he was

quite out of breath, when I will tell you what happened: Ernauton de

Sainte Colombe had a servant who was a spectator of the battle, neither

attacking nor attacked by any one; but, seeing his master thus

distressed, he ran to him, and, wresting the battle-axe from his hands,

said, ‘Ernauton, go and sit down: recover yourself: you cannot longer

continue the battle.’ With this battle-axe he advanced upon the squire,

and gave him such a blow on the helmet as made him stagger and almost

fall down. Guillonet, smarting from the blow, was very wroth, and made

for the servant to strike him with his axe on the head; but the varlet

avoided it, and grappling with the squire, who was much fatigued, turned

him round, and flung him to the ground under him, when he said, ‘I will

put you to death, if you do not surrender yourself to my master.’--‘And

who is thy master?’--‘Ernauton de Sainte Colombe, with whom you have

been so long engaged.’ The squire, finding he had not the advantage,

being under the servant, who had his dagger ready to strike, surrendered

on condition to deliver himself prisoner, within fifteen days, at the

castle of Lourde, whether rescued or not. Of such service was this

servant to his master; and I must say, Sir John, that there was a

superabundance of feats of arms that day performed, and many companions

were sworn to surrender themselves at Tarbes and at Lourde. Ernauton

Biscete and Le Mengeant de Sainte Basile fought hand to hand, without

sparing themselves, and performed many gallant deeds, while all the

others were fully employed: however, they fought so vigorously that they

exhausted their strength, and both were slain on the spot. Thus fell

Ernauton Biscete and Le Mengeant de Sainte Basile.”

“By my faith,” said I to the knight, “I have listened to

[Illustration: How the Bourg d’Espaign fed the Fire in the great

Fire-place of the Count of Foix.]

you with pleasure; and in truth it was a very severe affair for so small

a number. But what became of those who conducted the pillage?”--“I will

tell you,” replied he. “At the bridge of Tournay, below Malvoisin, where

they intended to cross, they found the Bourg d’Espaign in ambuscade,

who, on their arrival, sallied out upon them, being in sufficient force.

Those of Lourde could not retreat, and were obliged to abide the event.

I must truly say that the combat was as severe and as long, if not

longer than that at Marteras. The Bourg d’Espaign performed wonders: he

wielded a battle-axe, and never hit a man with it but he struck him to

the ground. He was well formed for this, being of a large size, strongly

made, and not too much loaded with flesh. He took with his own hand the

two captains, the Bourg de Cornillac and Perot Palatin de Béarn.”

“Holy Mary!” said I to the knight, “this Bourg d’Espaign, is he so

strong a man as you tell me?”--“Yes, that he is, by my troth,” said he,

“and you will not find his equal in all Gascony for vigor of body: it is

for this the Count de Foix esteems him as his brother in arms. Three

years ago I saw him play a ridiculous trick, which I will relate to you.

On Christmas Day, when the Count de Foix was celebrating the feast with

numbers of knights and squires, as is customary, the weather was

piercing cold; and the count had dined, with many lords, in the hall.

After dinner he rose, and went into a gallery, which has a large

staircase of twenty-four steps: in this gallery is a chimney where is a

fire kept when the count inhabits it, otherwise not; and the fire is

never great, for he does not like it: it is not for want of blocks of

wood, for Béarn is covered with wood in plenty to warm him if he had

chosen it, but he has accustomed himself to a small fire. When in the

gallery he thought the fire too small, for it was freezing, and the

weather very sharp; and said to the knights around him, ‘Here is but a

small fire for this weather.’ Ernauton d’Espaign instantly ran down

stairs (for, from the windows of the gallery which looked into the

court, he had seen a number of asses with billets of wood for the use of

the house), and seizing the largest of these asses, with his load, threw

him over his shoulders, and carried him up stairs, pushing through the

crowd of knights and squires who were around the chimney, and flung ass

and load, with his feet upward, on the dogs of the hearth; to the

delight of the count, and the astonishment of all, at the strength of

the squire, who had carried, with such ease, so great a load up so many

steps.”

This feat of strength did I hear; and all the histories of Sir Espaign

du Lyon gave me such satisfaction and delight, I thought the road was

much too short.

CHAPTER IV.

SIR JOHN FROISSART ARRIVES AT ORTHÈS.--AN OLD SQUIRE RELATES TO HIM THE

CRUEL DEATH OF THE ONLY SON OF THE COUNT OF FOIX.

On the morrow we set out, and dined at Montgerbal, when having

remounted, and drunk a cup at Ercie, we arrived by sunset at Orthès. The

knight dismounted at his own house; and I did the same at the Hotel of

the Moon, kept by a squire of the count, called Ernauton du Pin, who

received me with much pleasure on account of my being a Frenchman. Sir

Espaign du Lyon, who had accompanied me, went to the castle to speak

with the count on his affairs. He found him in his gallery, for a

little before that hour he had dined. It was a custom with the count,

which he had followed from his infancy, to rise at noon, and sup at

midnight.

The knight informed him of my arrival, and I was instantly sent for; for

he is a lord above all others who delights to see strangers, in order to

hear news. On my entering, he received me handsomely, and retained me of

his household; where I staid upward of twelve weeks well entertained, as

were my horses. Our acquaintance was strengthened by my having brought

with me a book which I had made at the desire of Winceslaus of Bohemia,

Duke of Luxembourg and Brabant. In this book, called “Le Meliador,” are

contained all the songs, ballads, roundelays, and virelays, which that

gentle duke had composed, and of them I had made this collection. Every

night after supper I read out to him parts; during which time neither he

nor any one else spoke, for he was desirous I should be well heard, and

took much delight in it. When any passages were not perfectly clear, he

himself discussed them with me, not in his Gascon language, but in very

good French.

I shall relate to you several things respecting him and his household,

for I tarried there as long as I could gain any information. Count

Gaston Phœbus de Foix, of whom I am now speaking, was at that time

fifty-nine years old; and I must say, that although I have seen very

many knights, kings, princes, and others, I have never seen any so

handsome, either in the form of his limbs and shape, or in countenance,

which was fair and ruddy, with gray and tender eyes, that gave delight

whenever he chose to express affection. He was so perfectly formed, one

could not praise him too much. He loved earnestly the things he ought to

love, and hated those which it was becoming him so to hate. He was a

prudent knight, full of enterprise and wisdom. He had never any men of

abandoned character with him, reigned prudently, and was constant in his

devotions. There were regular nocturnals from the Psalter, prayers from

the rituals to the Virgin, to the Holy Ghost, and from the

burial-service. He had every day distributed as alms, at his gate, five

florins in small coin, to all comers. He was liberal and courteous in

his gifts; and well knew how to take when it was proper, and to give

back where he had confidence. He mightily loved dogs above all other

animals, and during the summer and winter amused himself much with

hunting. He never liked any foolish works nor ridiculous extravagances;

and would know every month the amount of his expenditure. He chose from

his own subjects twelve of the most able to receive and administer his

finances: two of them had the management for two months, when they were

changed for two others; and from them he selected one as comptroller, in

whom he placed his greatest confidence, and to whom all others rendered

their accounts. This comptroller accounted by rolls or written books,

which were laid before the count. He had certain coffers in his

apartment, from whence he took money to give to different knights,

squires, or gentlemen, when they came to wait on him, for none ever left

him without a gift; and these sums he continually increased, in order to

be prepared for any event that might happen. He was easy of access to

all, and entered very freely into discourse, though laconic in his

advice and in his answers. He employed four secretaries to write and

copy his letters; and these secretaries were obliged to be in readiness

the moment he came out from his closet. He called them neither John,

Walter, nor William, but his good-for-nothings, to whom he gave his

letters after he had read them, either to copy, or to do any thing else

he might command.

In such manner did the Count de Foix live. When he quitted his chamber

at midnight for supper, twelve servants bore each a lighted torch before

him, which were placed near his table, and gave a brilliant light to the

apartment. The hall was full of knights and squires; and there were

plenty of tables laid out for any person who chose to sup. No one spoke

to him at his table, unless he first began a conversation. He commonly

ate heartily of poultry, but only the wings and thighs; for in the

daytime he neither ate nor drank much. He had great pleasure in hearing

minstrels, as he himself was a proficient in the science, and made his

secretaries sing songs, ballads, and roundelays. He remained at table

about two hours; and was pleased when fanciful dishes were served up to

him, which having seen, he immediately sent them to the tables of his

knights and squires.

In short, every thing considered, though I had before been in several

courts of kings, dukes, princes, counts, and noble ladies, I was never

at one that pleased me more, nor was I ever more delighted with feats of

arms, than at this of the Count de Foix.

I was very anxious to know, seeing the hotel of the count so spacious

and so amply supplied, what was become of his son Gaston, and by what

accident he had died, for Sir Espaign du Lyon would never satisfy my

curiosity. I had made so many inquiries, that at last an old and

intelligent squire informed me:--

“Gaston, the son of my lord, grew up, and became a fine young gentleman.

He was married to the daughter of the Count d’Armagnac, sister to the

present count and to Sir Bernard d’Armagnac; and by this union peace was

insured between Foix and Armagnac. The youth might be about fifteen or

sixteen years old: he was a very handsome figure, and the exact

resemblance of his father in his whole form.

“He took it into his head to make a journey into Navarre, to visit his

mother[32] and uncle; but it was an unfortunate journey for him and for

this country. On his arrival at Navarre, he was splendidly entertained;

and he staid some time with his mother. On taking leave, he could not

prevail on her, notwithstanding his remonstrances and entreaties, to

accompany him back; for, the lady having asked if the Count de Foix, his

father, had ordered him to bring her back, he replied that when he set

out no such orders had been given; which caused her to fear trusting

herself with him. She therefore remained; and the heir of Foix went to

Pampeluna to take leave of his uncle. The king entertained him well, and

detained him upward of ten days. On his departure, he made him handsome

presents, and did the same by his attendants. The last gift the king

gave him was the cause of his death, and I will tell you how it

happened. As the youth was on the point of setting out, the king took

him privately into his chamber, and gave him a bag full of powder, which

was of such pernicious quality as would cause the death of any one that

ate of it. ‘Gaston, my fair nephew,’ said the king, ‘will you do what I

am about to tell you? You see how unjustly the Count de Foix hates your

mother, who being my sister, it displeases me as much as it should you.

If you wish to reconcile your father to your mother, you must take a

small pinch of this powder, and, when you see a proper opportunity,

strew it over the meat destined for your father’s table; but take care

no one sees you. The instant he shall have tasted it, he will be

impatient for his wife, your mother, to return to him; and they will

love each other henceforward so strongly, they will never again be

separated. You ought to be anxious to see this accomplished. Do not tell

it to any one; for, if you do, it will lose its effect.’ The youth, who

believed every thing his uncle the King of Navarre had told him,

replied, he would cheerfully do as he had said; and on this he departed

from Pampeluna, on his return to Orthès. His father the Count de Foix

received him with pleasure, and asked what was the news in Navarre, and

what presents and jewels had been given him; he replied, ‘Very handsome

ones,’ and showed them all, except the bag which contained the powder.

“It was customary, in the hotel de Foix, for Gaston and his bastard

brother Evan to sleep in the same chamber. They mutually loved each

other, and were dressed alike, for they were nearly of the same size and

age. It fell out, that their clothes were once mixed together; and, the

coat of Gaston being on the bed, Evan, who was malicious enough,

noticing the powder in the bag, said to Gaston, ‘What is this that you

wear every day on your breast?’ Gaston was not pleased at the question,

and replied, ‘Give me back my coat, Evan: you have nothing to do with

it.’ Evan flung him his coat, which Gaston put on, but was very pensive

the whole day. Three days after, as if God was desirous of saving the

life of the Count de Foix, Gaston quarrelled with Evan at tennis, and

gave him a box on the ear. The boy was vexed at this, and ran crying to

the apartment of the count, who had just heard mass. The count, an

seeing him in tears, asked what was the matter. ‘In God’s name, my

lord,’ replied Evan, ‘Gaston has beaten me; but he deserves beating much

more than I do.’--‘For what reason?’ said the count, who began to have

some suspicions. ‘On my faith,’ said Evan, ‘ever since his return from

Navarre, he wears on his breast a bag of powder: I know not what use it

can be of, nor what he intends to do with it; except that he has once or

twice told me, his mother would soon return hither, and be more in your

good graces than ever she was.’--‘Ho!’ said the count, ‘hold thy tongue,

and be sure thou do not mention what thou hast just told me to any man

breathing.’--‘My lord,’ replied the youth, ‘I will obey you.’ The Count

de Foix was very thoughtful on this subject, and remained alone until

dinner-time, when he rose up, and seated himself as usual at his table

in the hall. His son Gaston always placed the dishes before him, and

tasted the meats.[33] As soon as he had served the first dish, and done

what was usual, the count cast his eyes on him, having formed his plan,

and saw the strings of the bag hanging from his pourpoint. This sight

made his blood boil, and he said, ‘Gaston, come hither: I want to

whisper you something.’ The youth advanced to the table, when the count,

opening his bosom, undid his pourpoint, and with his knife cut away the

bag. The young man was thunderstruck, and said not a word, but turned

pale with fear, and began to tremble exceedingly, for he was conscious

he had done wrong. The count opened the bag, took some of the powder,

which he strewed over a slice of bread, and, calling a dog to him, gave

it him to eat. The instant the dog had eaten a morsel, his eyes rolled

round in his head, and he died. The count on this was very wroth, and

indeed had reason. Rising from table, he would have struck his son with

a knife; but the knights and squires rushed in between them, saying,

‘For God’s sake, my lord, do not be too hasty, but make further

inquiries before you do any ill to your son.’ The first words the count

uttered were in Gascon: ‘Ho, Gaston, thou traitor! for thee, and to

increase thy inheritance which would have come to thee, have I made war,

and incurred the hatred of the kings of France, England, Spain, Navarre,

and Aragon, and have borne myself gallantly against them; and thou

wishest to murder me! Thy disposition must be infamously bad: know

therefore thou shalt die with this blow.’ And leaping over the table,

with a knife in his hand, he would have slain him; but the knights and

squires again interfered, and on their knees said to him with tears,

‘Ah, ah! my lord, for Heaven’s sake, do not kill Gaston: you have no

other child. Let him be confined, and inquire further into the business.

Perhaps he was ignorant what was in the bag, and may therefore be

blameless.’--‘Well,’ replied the count, ‘let him be confined in the

dungeon, but so safely guarded that he may be forthcoming.’ The youth

was therefore confined in this tower. I will tell you the cause of his

death, since I have said so much on the subject. The Count de Foix had

caused him to be confined in a room of the dungeon where was little

light: there he remained for ten days. He scarcely ate or drank any

thing of the food which was regularly brought to him, but threw it

aside. The count would not permit any one to remain in the chamber to

advise or comfort him: he therefore never put off the clothes he had on

when he entered his prison. This made him melancholy, and vexed him, for

he did not expect so much harshness: he therefore cursed the hour he was

born, and lamented that he should come to such an end. On the day of his

death, those who brought him food said, ‘Gaston, here is meat for you.’

He paid not any attention to it, but said, ‘Put it down.’ The person who

served him, looking about, saw all the meat untouched that he had

brought thither the last days: then, shutting the door, he went to the

count, and said, ‘My lord, for God’s sake, look to your son: he is

starving himself in his prison. I do not believe he has eaten any thing

since his confinement; for I see all that I have carried to him lying on

one side untouched.’ On hearing this, the count was enraged, and,

without saying a word, left his apartment, and went to the prison of his

son. In an evil hour, he had in his hand a knife, with which he had been

paring and cleaning his nails; he held it by the blade so closely that

scarcely the thickness of a groat appeared of the point, when, pushing

aside the tapestry that covered the entrance of the prison, through ill

luck, he hit his son on a vein of his throat, as he uttered, ‘Ha,

traitor, why dost thou not eat?’ and instantly left the room, without

saying or doing any thing more. The youth was much frightened at his

father’s arrival, and withal exceedingly weak from fasting. The point of

the knife, small as it was, cut a vein, which as soon as he felt he

turned himself on one side, and died. The count had barely got back

again to his apartment, when the attendants of his son came, and said,

‘My lord, Gaston is dead.’--‘Dead!’ cried the count. ‘Yes, God help me!

indeed he is, my lord.’ The count would not believe it, and sent one of

his knights to see. The knight, on his return, confirmed the news. The

count was now bitterly affected, and cried out, ‘Ha, ha, Gaston! what a

sorry business has this turned out for thee and me! In an evil hour

didst thou go to visit thy mother in Navarre. Never shall I again enjoy

the happiness I had formerly.’ He then ordered his barber to be sent

for, and was shaven quite bare. He clothed himself, as well as his whole

household, in black. The body of the youth was borne, with tears and

lamentations, to the church of the Augustine Friars at Orthès, where it

was buried. Thus have I related to you the death of Gaston de Foix: his

father killed him indeed, but the King of Navarre was the cause of this

sad event.”

BOOK IV.[34]

CHAPTER I.

THE DUKE OF BOURBON IS APPOINTED CHIEF OF AN EXPEDITION TO AFRICA,

THAT IS UNDERTAKEN BY SEVERAL KNIGHTS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND AT THE

SOLICITATION OF THE GENOESE.

I have delayed, for a long time, speaking of a grand and noble

enterprise that was undertaken by some knights of France, England, and

other countries, against the kingdom of Barbary. The text of the subject

I mean to proceed on says, that about this time the Genoese were

reported throughout France and other countries, to be desirous of

raising a large army to invade Barbary; and that all knights, squires,

or men at arms, who would engage in this expedition, should be supplied

with such purveyances as biscuit, fresh water, vinegar, and vessels and

galleys to transport them thither.