The historie of Philip de Commines Knight, Lord of Argenton

THE THIRD BOOKE. (Book 3)

How the King tooke occasion to make war anew vpon the Duke of Burgundy, and how he sent a purseuant of the parlament of Gaunt to sommon him to appeere at Paris. Chap. 1.

THe yeere 1470. the King determined to be reuenged of the Duke of Burgundie, supposing he had now found a time conuenient so to do, for he priuily sollicited and caused also others to sollicite the towns situate vpon the riuer of Somme, namely Amiens, Saint Quintine, and Abbeuille to rebell against the Duke, and to send for suc∣cours into France, and to receiue them into their towns ¹ . For all great Princes (if they be wise) will seeke euer some collour for their doings. And to the ende you may per∣ceiue what cunnig is vsed in Fraunce, I will shew you how this matter was managed, for the King and the Duke were both abused, whereof arose whot and sharpe war, which endured thirteen or foureteen yeeres. The King desired greatly to mooue these townes aboue named to rebellion, pretending (to the end he might haue the better means to practise with them) that the Duke aduanced his limits farther then the treatie would beare: whereupon ambassadors ran to and fro, who vnder colour of their ambassage practised continually as they passed through these townes, to the end aboue mentioned. In the said townes were no garrisons but all was quiet both in the realme, in Burgundie, and in Britaine. And the Duke of Guien liued to all mens iudgments in great amitie with the King his brother. Notwithstanding when the King first mooued this war, his meaning was not to take one or two of these towns onely, but sought to stir all the Duke of Burgundies subiects to rebelli∣on, trusting to atchieue his enterprise by this means. Diuers to obtaine his fauor entertained these practises, and reported their intelligence to be far greater then it was: for one promised to take this towne, an other that, and yet indeed all was no∣thing. Wherefore notwithstanding that the King had iust cause to be displeased for his euill vsage at Peronne, yet if he had thought this enterprise would haue fallen none otherwise out then it did, he would not haue broken the treatie nor mooued war: for he had made the peace to be proclaimed at Paris three months after his returne into his realme, and began this war with some feare, but the great hope he had conceiued of it, pricked him forward: and marke I pray you what cunning was vsed to further it. The Earle of Saint Paule Constable of Fraunce, (a very wise man,) and certaine of the Duke of Guien his seruants, with diuers others desired rather war then peace betweene these two great Princes, for two respects: The one they feared least their great offices and pensions should be diminished, if peace conti∣nued. For you shal vnderstand that the Constable had vnder his charge 4. hundred men of armes or launces paied by his owne hands euery muster, without controu∣ler: farther besides the fee and profits of his office, he had a yeerely pension of thirty thousand frankes and better, and receiued also the reuenews of many goodly places that he kept.

The other respect was this, they sought to perswade the King, and talked also to the like purpose among themselues, that his disposition was such, that his head could neuer be idle, wherefore vnlesse he were busied with great Princes abroad he would be in hand with his seruants and officers at home. For these two reasons therefore they sought to intangle him with wars: whereunto the better to perswade him the Constable promised to take Saint Quintine at all times when him listed, bicause his lands lay round about it, vaunting further that he had great intelligence in Flanders and Brabant, so far foorth that he would make a number of townes to reuolt from the Duke. The Duke of Guienne also being there present and all their principall ser∣uants, offered very earnestly and promised very faithfully to serue the King in this quarrell, and to leade with them fower or fiue hundred men of armes that the said Duke held in ordinary pay: but their drift was other than the King supposed, as heer∣after you shall heare. The King bicause he would seeme to proceede with due aduise and deepe consideration, called a Parlament of the three estates of his realme at Tours, in the moneths of March and Aprill in the yeere 1470. which was the first and last Parlament that euer he assembled. But to this Parlament came onely such as were purposely named, and such as the King knew would not gainsay him in any point. There he caused diuers enterprises to be discouered, that the Duke of Bur∣gundie had attempted against the crowne, and made the Earle of Eu openly to com∣plaine of him, saying, that the Duke detained from him contrarie to all lawe and equity Saint Valery and certaine otherlands, that he the said Earle held of the Duke as parcels of the Seignorie of Abbeuille, and the county of Ponthieu, the onely cause whereof was, for that a little ship of war of Eu had taken a Flemmish hoy laden with marchandise, the losse whereof the Earle offered to repay: further adding, that the Duke would constraine him to do him homage, and giue him his faith against all men none excepted, which he would neuer do, bicause it should be preiudiciall to the Kings estate. At this assemblie were diuers lawyers as well of the Parlament of Paris as other places, who concluded according to the Kings pleasure, that the Duke should be summoned to appeere in the Parlament at Paris. The King knew well that he would answere disdainfully, or do somwhat preiudiciall to the authoritie of the court, wherby he should haue the iuster pretence of war against him. Thus the Duke being in Gaunt was sommoned as he went to masse by a purseuant of the Parlament to appeere at Paris: wherewith he was much abashed and discontented, and caused the purseuant foorthwith to be apprehended and committed to warde, where he remained certaine daies, but in the end was dismissed and sent home. Thus you see what preparation was made to inuade the Duke of Burgundie, who being aduertised thereof, leuied a great band of men paid with home wages (as they termed them) which was a trifle they receiued to be in a readines in their owne houses. Notwith∣standing they mustered monethly in the townes where they dwelt, and receiued their pay. But at three or fower moneths end the Duke waxed wearie of the charge and dismissed these men, banishing all feare bicause the King sent often to him, and so departed into Holland. He entertained no soldiers in ordinarie pay for the safetie of his countrie, neither held any garrisons in the frontire townes, whereof ensued great inconuenience: for there was daily practising in Amiens, Abbeuile, and Saint Quin∣tine to yeeld them againe to the King. The Duke being in Holland was aduertised by Iohn late Duke of Bourbon, that shortly war should be made vpon him as well in Burgundie as in Picardie, and that the King had great intelligence not onely in his dominions but also in his house: with the which message he was maruelously abash∣ed: for he was vtterly vnfurnished of men of war, bicause he had discharged the band

aboue mentioned. Wherefore in great haste he passed the sea ² and went into Ar∣tois, and thence straight to Hedin, where he entred into ielousie both of some of his seruants, and also of those practises that were entertained in the townes aboue men∣tioned: but his preparation for the wars went but slowly forward. For he beleeued not all that was told him. Notwithstanding he commanded two of the chiefest citizens of Amiens whom he suspected for these treaties to repaire vnto him, who so cunningly excused themselues, that he dismissed them without further inquire. Immediately after certaine of his seruants fled out of his house, namely the bastard Baldwine ³ and others, which caused him to feare a greater traine to be behinde. Wherefore incontinent he made proclamation that all men should be in a readines, but bicause winter was begun, and he but newly returned out of Holland few stirred.

The Notes.

1 The Kings colour was this, he would not seeme to make war vpon the Duke, but onely to haue sent men to these towns at their request, who bicause of the Dukes cruell exactions had praied in aide of him as of their soueraigne.

2 This sea was one of the streames of the riuer of Rhene that enuiron Holland.

3 This Baldwine was the Dukes base brother: the cause of his departure was for that he had attempted with others corrupted by the King to poison the Duke: notwithstan∣ding afterward he recouered his fauor, and was taken prisoner at the battell of Nancy. Meyer.

How the townes of Saint Quintin and Amiens were yeelded to the King: and for what causes the Constable nourished the war between the King and the Duke of Burgundy. Chap. 2.

TWo daies after his seruants departure, which was in the moneth of December the yeere 1470. the Constable entred into Saint Quintine and sware them to the King. Then the Duke per∣ceiued his affaires to be in bad estate, for he had no force with him, but had sent all his seruants abroad to muster men in his dominions: Notwithstanding with those fewe he could leuie being foure or fiue hundred horse he went to Dourlans, min∣ding to keepe Amiens from reuolting. There he abode fiue or sixe daies: all the which space they in Amiens continually practised. The Kings army lying not farre off, shewed it selfe before the towne and was once refused: for part of the citizens held for the Duke: wherefore the Duke sent thither to make his lodging, and if he had beene so strong that the might haue aduentured to enter in person, the towne had neuer beene lost, but he was afraid to go thither weakely accompanied: not∣withstanding that diuers of the towne required him so to do. But when they of the contrary faction sawe his feare that he durst not enter the towne, they executed their enterprise, and reioiced the Kings forces. They of Abbeuille thought to do the like, but the Lord of Cordes entred in thither for the Duke, and preuented their pur∣pose. Dourlans is distant from Amiens but fiue small leagues, wherefore the Duke was forced to depart thence, so soone as he vnderstood of Amiens reuolt: from thence therfore he went to Arras in great haste and feare, doubting the execution

of diuers other such enterprises, for that he saw himselfe enuironed with the Con∣stables kinsfolkes & freinds: farther bicause the bastard Baudouin was fled, he entred into suspicion of his other brother the great bastard of Burgundie: notwithstanding his forces repaired to him by litle and litle. The King thought now that all had been his owne, supposing the aduertisements to be true that the Constable and the rest had giuen him of their intelligences, whereupon if he had not hoped, he would haue wished this enterprise vnbegun.

It is meete I should heare declare what mooued the Constable and the Duke of Guienne considering the great fauor, courtesies, and benefits the Duke of Guienne had receaued at the Duke of Burgundies hands, to kindle the fire betweene these two Princes that lay at rest in their dominions, and which way this war could turne to their profit. Somwhat I spake heerof before, saying, that they did it to be in the more assurance of their estates and offices. For they feared if the King liued in peace he would keepe some stir among them. Notwithstanding this was not the onely cause that mooued them. But you shall vnderstand that the Duke of Guienne and they had been earnest suters to conclude a mariage betweene the said Duke of Guienne, and the Duke of Burgundies onely daughter and heire (for sonne he had none) which matter they had often mooued to the Duke, who in words shewed himselfe not vn∣willing thereunto, yet notwithstanding would neuer conclude it, but entertained others also in hope thereof. Now marke how these men sought to atchieue their en∣terprise by constraining the Duke of Burgundy to this marriage. Immediately after these two towns were taken, and the Duke gon to Arras to leuy forces with al speed: the Duke of Guienne sent a secret messenger to him, who brought him three lines written with the said Dukes owne hand, foulded vp in a small lumpe of waxe, and conteining these words. Endeuor your selfe to appease your subiects, and you shall not faile of friends. Farther the Duke of Burgundy being at the first in exceeding great feare, sent to the Cōstable, desiring him to shew himself fauorable, & not to presse forward this war begun without any defiance made. At the which message the Constable greatly reioiced, supposing that he now held the Duke in such feare as he desired, which to increase, he sent him a speedy & discomfortable answere, the effect wherof was, that his state stoode in maruellous danger, so far foorth that he saw no way for him to winde himselfe out of these troubles but one. Namely by giuing his daughter in mariage to the D. of Guienne, which if he would do, he should than be succoured with great forces: for both the Duke of Guienne and diuers others Lords would declare themselues for him against the King, and he also would restore him Saint Quintine and take his part, otherwise he said he durst do nothing, considering how strong the K. was, hauing both his army very wel appointed, & also great intelligence in the Dukes dominions. This was the answer he sent, with diuers other fearefull messages. But I neuer knew man in my life come to good end that sought to put in feare and hold in subiection his master, or any other great Prince with whom he had to do, as in the end the Constables example shall well declare. For notwithstanding that the King were then his master, and that the greatest part of his reuenues lay, and all his children were resident in the Duke of Burgundies dominions: yet continued he these practises against both these Princes, with intent to hold them both in feare each by other, which cost him deere in the end, and no maruel. For notwithstanding that euery man desire to liue out of subiection and feare, and that all men natu∣rally hate these that hold them in awe: yet none so extremely as Princes. For I neuer knew Prince that hated not mortally all those that sought to put him feare.

After the D. of Burgundy had receaued the Constables answer, he perceaued wel

no friendship to be in him, & farther that he was the only author of this war. Wher∣upon he conceaued so extreme hatred against him, that after this he could neuer brooke him, especially bicause by these fearfull messages he fought to constraine him to mary his daughter at his pleasure: a vaine attempt. For before the returne of the Constables answer, the Duke had recouered his spirits, and had a great army with him. You may easely perceaue both by the message sent by the Duke of Guienne first, and the Constables answer afterwarn, that this was a compact matter between them, and the rather for that the like message or a more dreadfull came soone after from the Duke of Britaine, who sent also to the Kings seruice a hundred Britons, all men of armes vnder the leading of the Lord of Lescut. Wherefore we may boldly say that this war was mooued onely to constraine the Duke of Burgundy to con∣clude this mariage, and that they did but abuse the King in perswading him to begin war: for they were all in maner lies that they told him of their intelligences in the Dukes dominions. Notwithstanding, in this voiage the Constable did the King great seruice, and shewed extreme malice against the Duke of Burgundy, knowing that the Duke had conceaued mortal hatred against him. The Duke of Guienne also serued the King in these wars very well accompanied, so that the Duke of Burgundy stood vpon hard tearmes. But if at the first he would haue assured his daughter to the Duke of Guienne, both the said Duke of Guienne, the Constable, and diuers other noble men with all their adherents would haue reuolted to him against the King, and done their endeuor to haue pulled him vpon his knees. But whatsoeuer man purposeth in such cases, God disposeth afterward of them at his pleasure.

How the Duke of Burgundie tooke Piquigny, and afterward found meanes to make truce with the King for a yeere to the Constables great griefe. Chap. 3.

YOu haue heard at large the cause of this war, at the beginning whereof both the Princes were blinded, inuading each other and neither of them knowing the cause why, which was a mar∣uellous cunning of the contriuers of this enterprise. For a man might haue pronounced the old Prouerbe of these two Princes: that the one part of the world was not acquainted with the others maners nor actions. All these affaires aboue rehersed since the beginning of these wars, chanced in very short space, for within lesse then fifteene daies after the taking of Amiens, the Duke put himselfe into the field neere to Arras, (for farther he retired not,) and from thence marched toward the riuer of Somme, and so straight to Piquigny, but vpon the waie thither he met with a messenger of the Duke of Britaine on foote, who aduertised him from the Duke his Master, that the King had giuen his said Master to vnderstand of di∣uers secrets, and among others of intelligences he had in many great towns of his dominions: namely Andwerp, Bruges, and Bruxelles, adding also that the King was determined to come and besiege him into what towne soeuer he should retire, were it euen into Gaunt. All the which aduertisements I suppose the Duke of Britain sent in fauour of the Duke of Guienne, hoping thereby to further much the marri∣age aboue mentioned. But the Duke of Burgundie tooke this message in euill part, and foorthwith dispatched the messenger, willing him to tell his master that he was

misinformed by some euill seruants about him, who put these feares and doubts into his head, to the end he should not aide him as he was bound by their league. And farther that he knew not what townes Gaunt and the other cities were: in the which he said the King would come to besiege him: for they were too great to be besieged. He bad him farther to informe his Master in what sort he found him accompanied, and to aduertise him that the world went otherwise with him then he supposed, for he was determined to passe the riuer of Somme, and to fight with the King, if he would come to stop him vpon the way. Laste of all, he willed him to desire his Master on his behalfe to ioine with him against the King, and to shew himselfe a friend to the Duke of Burgundie, as he had shewed himselfe to him by the treatie of Peronne. The next day the Duke of Burgundie approched neere to a towne vpon the riuer of Somme called Piquigny, the seat whereof was meruellous strong. There he determined to make a bridge to passe the said riuer, but fower or fiue hundred franke archers, and certaine gentlemen, who by chance lodged at that present in the towne, seeing the Duke passe by, salied out to the skirmish vpon a long causey, and issued foorth so far from the place, that thereby they gaue the Dukes men occasion to pursue them, who folowed them so speedily that they slue a great number of them, before they could retire into the towne, and tooke the suburbes into the which the causey lead. Then fower or fiue peeces of artilery were bent against the towne, not∣withstāding that it were impregnable on that side, for that the riuer ran between the towne and the Dukes battery. But these franke archers fearing (bicause they saw the bridge in hand) to be besieged also on the other side, abandoned the place and fled. The castle held two or three daies and than yeelded also by composition, and the soldiers departed in their doblets and their hose. The good successe of this small exploit so much encouraged the Duke that he led his army before Amiens, where he built two or three lodgings, saying that he would keepe the field, to see if the King durst come to fight with him, and in the end approched with his artillerie so neer the towne, that it shot at randon ouer and into it: in the which estate he laie there at the least six weeks. Within the towne was the Constable and al the great officers of the realme: namely the Lord great Master, Admirall, Marshall, Seneshals, and others accompanied with foureteene hundred men of armes, and foure thousand francke archers. The King in the meane time lying at Beauuais made a great muster, being accompanied with the Duke of Guienne his brother, and Nicolas Duke of Calabria, sonne and heire to Iohn Duke of Calabria and Lorraine, and onely heire of the house of Aniou. Farther all the nobles of the realme subiect to the Arriereban were come thither to him, who trauelled earnestly (as I haue beene since informed) to vnderstand the bottome of this enterprise, for they saw the troubles so farre from pacification that the King was now more busied with wars then euer. They within Amiens determined to assaile the Duke of Burgundie and his army, if the King would send his forces being at Beauuais to ioine with them. But the King being ad∣uertised of this enterprise, sent foorthwith to countermand it: for notwithstanding that in all apparance the successe thereof was like to be good: yet was it not alto∣gither voide of danger, especially for those that should haue salied: for considering that they must all haue issued foorthwith on foote, and at two gates one of the which was hard by the Dukes campe: if happily they had beene repulsed, they should haue put both the towne and themselues in great hazard. In the meane time the Duke sent one of his Pages to the King called Simon of Quincy, afterward Bailife of Troy with a letter of sixe lines written with his owne hand, wherein he humbled himselfe to him, saying that he was very sorie he had thus inuaded him for

other mens pleasures, which he supposed he would not haue done, if he had beene well informed of their practises. The Kings army sent into Burgundy ¹ had defeated all the force of the countrie in battell, and taken many prisoners. The number of the dead was not great, but the discomfiture was great, in such sort that the Kings forces had already taken some places, and besieged other some, wherewith the Duke was somwhat abashed, notwithstanding he made the contrary to be bruted in his campe, saying that his army had obtained the victorie.

When the King had read the Dukes letter aboue mentioned, he reioiced much thereat, both bicause of the reason aboue alleaged ² , and also for that he soon waxed wearie of all long enterprises. Wherefore he gaue him a speedy answer, and directed a commission to certaine in Amiens authorising them thereby to treate of truce. Whereupon diuers truces were concluded one after another for fower and fiue daies: and in the end one so far as I remember for a yeere, to the Constables great discontentation: for vndoubtedly whatsoeuer men haue thought or can thinke to the contrarie, he was then mortal enimie to the Duke, and many hauty words passed betweene them in such sort, that after this they neuer were friends as the sequele well declared. True it is that they sent afterward one to another, but all for practise sake, and each to make his profit by the other. For all that the Duke did was onely to recouer Saint Quintine, which the Constable euer when he stood in feare of the King promised to restore, and some of these treaties betweene them I haue knowen so far aduanced, that the Dukes men vpon the Constables promise to be receiued, haue come within two or three leagues of the towne. But when the matter should be exe∣cuted, he euer continued in his accustomed dissimulation, and sent a countermaund, which his double dealing cost him deere in the end. He thought bicause of the seate of the towne, the great number of men he had vnder his charge paid out of the Kings cofers, and the variance betweene these two Princes (which himselfe nouri∣shed) to hold them both in feare, but his enterprise was too too dangerous: for they were both too great, too strong, and too subtile.

When these armies were dismissed, the King returned into the countrie of Tou∣raine, the Duke of Guienne into his owne countrie, and the Duke of Burgundy into his: in the which estate these affaires remained awhile. The said Duke of Burgundy assembled all the estates of his dominions ³ , and declared vnto them what damage he had receiued by not hauing soldiers in ordinarie pay as the King had: alleaging that if there had beene but fiue hundred men in a readines to defend the frontires, the King would neuer haue mooued this war, but they should haue liued in peace. He shewed further what great dangers they were like to fall into if this inconueni∣ence were not speedily redressed: and pressed them earnestly for the paiment of eight hundred light horse. In the end they agreed to giue him a subsidie of sixe score thousand crowns ⁴ ouer and aboue all other duties they yeerly paid him, in the which subsidie Burgundie was not comprehended. But his said subiects for diuers respects feared to put themselues into such subiection and slauerie, as they saw the realme of Fraunce in by reason of these men of armes: which their feare was not without cause: for after the Duke had obtained fiue or sixe hundred men of armes in ordinarie, he sought continually to encrease the number, and began to attempt more boldly against his neighbors in such sort, that in the end these 120000. crownes grew to 500000. and the number of his men of armes augmented so excessiuely, that his sub∣iects were greatly charged for their maintenance. To say my fansie of these ordinarie men of armes, I thinke vnder a wise Prince they be well imploied, but if he be other∣wise, or happily at his death leaue his children in their minoritie, the seruice wherein

their gouernors imploy them is not alwaies profitable neither for the King, nor for his subiects. The hatred betweene the King and the Duke diminished not but still endured. Further the Duke of Guienne being returned into his countrie, sent often to the Duke of Burgundy, following still his sute for his daughters marriage, who fed him continually with faire words, as he did euery other man that required hir. And I thinke verily that he neither was desirous of a sonne ⁵ , neither would haue married his daughter during his life: but haue kept hir to intertaine men, thereby to obtaine their friendship and aide. For he had so many great enterprises in his head, that all his life time could not suffice to atchieue them, and those aduentures almost impos∣sible to be compassed: for halfe Europe would not haue contented him. He had cou∣rage ynough to attempt any thing, his bodie was able to endure as much labour and trauell as was needfull, he was furnished both of men and mony, but he lacked fine∣nes and cunning sufficient for the managing of his affaires. And what Prince soeuer desireth to be great (notwithstanding that he be accomplished with all other good parts:) yet if he lacke an excellent wit all is to no purpose, which vndoubtedly pro∣ceedeth of the meere grace of God. To be short, if part of the Dukes vertues and part of the King our masters had been tempered togither, they would haue made a perfect Prince: for vndoubtedly in wit the King far excelled him, as it well appeered in the end.

The Notes.

1 Of this armie he spake somwhat in the Duke of Bourbons aduertisement sent to the Duke of Burgundie mentioned in the first chapter of this booke, it was led by the Earle Daulphin d'Auuergne sonne to the Earle of Montpensier. Of this discomfiture reade Annal. Burgund. pag. 945.

2 The reason was bicause he perceiued the intelligences of the Constable and the rest to be vntrue.

3 This assembly was held the 16. of Iune. Meyer.

4 But this subsidie of 120000. crownes was granted but for three yeeres. Meyer. pag. 348. and 367.

5 The Duke desired no sonne, bicause then his daughters marriage could not haue stood him in such stead as now it did.

Of the wars among the Princes of England during these troubles betweene King Lewis and Charles Duke of Burgundy. Chap. 4.

I Must now discourse of Edward King of England, bicause * 1.1 these three great Princes, namely our King, the King of England, and the Duke of Burgundy, liued all in one age: in the which discourse, I will not obserue the Historiogra∣phers vsuall order in writing, who set downe the certaine yeeres and daies when each thing hapned, neither will I vouch examples out of ancient histories, for you know them better than my selfe, and in so dooing I should but seeme to reason of Diuinitie before a Doctor. But I will rudely aduertise you of all that I haue seene, knowen or

heard, of these Princes of whom I write. You liue in the selfe same age that all these things hapned, wherefore me thinke it needlesse so exactly to note the houres and seasons.

I haue before rehearsed what occasion mooued the Duke of Burgundy to mary King Edvvards sister, and said it was principally to fortifie himselfe against the King, otherwise he would neuer haue done it, for the great affection he bare to the house of Lancaster, whereof he was descended by his mother: for she was daughter to the King of Portugall, and hir mother daughter to the Duke of Lancaster ¹ , so that as feruently as he loued the house of Lancaster, as extremly hated he the house of Yorke. But you shall vnderstand that at the time of this mariage, the house of Lan∣caster was vtterly destroied, and the house of Yorke no more spoken of. For King Edvvard being both King and Duke of Yorke raigned peaceably. During the ciuill wars betweene these two houses, were fought in England seauen or eight cruell bat∣tels, and in them slaine three or fower score Princes and Lords of the blood royall, as before is rehearsed in this history. The rest that escaped being all yoong Lords, whose fathers died in these battels aboue mentioned, liued as banished men in the Duke of Burgundies court, who receiued them as his kinsmen of the house of Lan∣caster, before his mariage with King Edvvards sister. I haue seene them in so great misery before they came to the Dukes knowledge, that those that beg from dore to dore were not in poorer estate then they: for I once saw a Duke of Excester run on foote bare legged after the Duke of Burgundies traine, begging his bread for Gods sake, but he vttered not his name. He was the neerest of the house of Lancaster, and had maried King Edvvards sister ² , but when he was knowne, the Duke gaue him a small pension to maintaine his estate. They of the house of Somerset and diuers others, were there in like maner, who died all afterwards in the wars. Their fathers and kinsmen had spoiled and destroied the realme of Fraunce, and possessed the greatest part thereof many yeeres, and afterwards slew one another, and those that remained aliue in England and their children haue died as you haue seene. Yet men say, that God punisheth not now as he did in the children of Israels time, but suffer∣eth euill men and euill Princes to liue vnpunished. True it is that he threatneth not now by expresse messengers as he was wont: for he hath left examples inough to in∣struct vs. Notwithstanding you may perceiue by these discourses, ioining thereto the great knowledge you haue besides, that of euill Princes and such as haue autho∣rity in this world, and abuse it to cruelty or tiranny, few or none escape vnpunished though it happen not by and by after the fault committed, neither so soone happily as those that are afflicted desire. But to returne to King Edvvard, the chiefe man in England that maintained the house of Yorke was the Earle of Warwicke. And on the other side the greatest champion of the house of Lancaster was the Duke of Sommerset. The said Earle of Warwicke might iustly be called King Edwards father, as well for the training of him vp, as also for the great seruices he did him, for the which the King had also highly aduanced him, for besides his owne inheritance which was great, he held goodly lands of the Kings gift, aswel crowne lands, as lands forfeited by attaindor. Farther he was deputy of Calice, and had diuers other great offices, so that I haue heard his yeerely reuenewes valued at fower score thousand crownes, besides his owne inheritance. But in the end he fell at variance with the King his master, about a yeere (as I gesse) before the Duke of Burgundies comming before Amiens: which breach the said Duke furthered to the vttermost of his power. For the Earles great authority in England much discontented him, besides that they two were not friends, for the Earle had continuall intelligence with the

King our master. To be short, about this present or not long before, the Earle of Warwickes force was so great, that he seased the King his master into his hands, and put to death diuers personages that he highly fauored, namely the Lord of Scales the Queenes father ³ , and two of his sonnes, (the third being also in great danger) & with them diuers other knights. He entertained the King his master for a season very honorably, and placed new seruants about him, supposing that through simplicity he would soone forget the old. The Duke of Burgundy being not a little troubled with this aduenture, practised secretly how King Edvvard might escape, and they two commune togither, which enterprise had so good successe, that the King escaped indeede, and leuied men, and defeated certaine of the Earles bands. He was a fortunate Prince in the field: for he wan at the least nine great battels, figh∣ting himselfe on foote in euery one of them. The Earle of Warwicke vnable to make resistance, aduertised his friends what they should do, and embarked at leisure, ac∣companied with the Duke of Clarence, who had married his daughter and tooke part with him, notwithstanding that he were King Edwards brother. They transpor∣ted with them both wiues and children, and a great band of men, and sailed straight towards Calais: within the which was the Earles lieutenant named the Lord of Vaucler ⁴ , and diuers of the said Earles houshold seruants, who in stead of receiuing their Master presented him the canon. Further you shall vnderstand, that as they lay at anchor before the towne, the Duchesse of Clarence daughter to the Earle of Warwicke was deliuered of a sonne, and great intreatie was made, before Vaucler and the rest of the towne would suffer two flaggons of wine to be brought foorth to hir, which was great extremitie of the seruant towards the master. For it is to be sup∣posed that the Earle thought himselfe well assured of this place, which is they very key of England: and the goodliest captainship in mine opinion in the world, at the least in Christendome: which I dare boldly auow, bicause I was there diuers times during these wars, and heard also the Maior of the staple report, that he would wil∣lingly farme yeerely the deputyship of Calais of the King of England for fifteene thousand crownes. For the deputie receiueth the profits of all that they haue on this side the sea, and of all safe conducts, and placeth also the greatest part of the gar∣rison at his pleasure.

The King of England fauoured highly the Lord of Vaucler for this refusall made to his Captaine, and granted him by his letters patents the office of Deputie, which the Earle his master before held: for he was a wise and an ancient knight, and one of the order of the garter. The Duke of Burgundie also who then lay at Saint Omer, conceiued a maruellous good opinion of him, so far foorth that he sent me to him, granting him a yeerely pension of a thousand crownes, and desiring him to continue a true and faithfull seruant to the King his Master as he had begun: which at my comming thither, I found him fully determined to do, so that he sware in Staple Inne in Calais, (laying his hand within mine) to be faithfull and true to King Edward, and to serue him against all men. The like oth all the towne and all the garrison sware also. Farther I was by the space of two months almost continually resident at Calais, at the least posting daiely betweene Calais and Bul∣len to entertaine the said Vaucler: for you shall vnderstand that during these Eng∣lish troubles, the Duke of Burgundie came to Bullen where he prepared a great army by sea against the Earle of Warwick, who at his departure from Calais, tooke many ships of the Dukes subiects, which aduanced forward the war betweene the King of Fraunce and vs. For the Earles men sould the bootie in Normandie: where∣upon the Duke of Burgundie arrested all the French Marchants that came to the

Mart at Andwerp. Now bicause it is meete to vnderstand as well the cunning and subtill, as the iust and vpright dealings of the world, (not to practise them, but to know how to avoide them,) I will rehearse vnto you a sleight or subtilitie (terme it as you list) that was cunningly conueighed. Farther I would that men should vnder∣stand the practises as well of our neighbors as our selues, to the end it may appeere that in all places are both good and bad. When the Earle of Warwick came before Calais, thinking to enter into it as his onely refuge: the Lord of Vaucler being a very wise gentleman, sent him word that if he entred the towne he should cast away himselfe: considering that all England, the Duke of Burgundie, the people of the towne, and a great part of the garrison: namely the Lord of Duras Marshall there for the King of England, and diuers others that had men in the towne were his eni∣mies: wherefore his best way should be to retire into Fraunce, and as touching the towne of Calais he willed him not to trouble himselfe: for he would yeeld him good account thereof when time and occasion should serue. He did his Captaine good seruice by giuing him this aduise, but shewed himselfe thereby a very Iudas to his Master. For vndoubtedly a more traiterous part was neuer plaied, considering both that the King of England had made him Deputie of the towne of Calais, and the Duke of Burgundy giuen him so large a pension.

The Notes.

1 Philippa daughter to Iohn Duke of Lancaster was married to Iohn King of Portu∣gale, and had issue by him Isabell mother to Duke Charles.

2 This was Henry Holland Duke of Exceter, whose wife was Anne sister to King Edward the fourth, and his grandmother was Elizabeth daughter to Iohn Duke of Lan∣caster by his first wife, but he died without issue.

3 Our chronicles name the Queenes father Earle of Riuers, and so doth afterward also our Author lib. 5. cap. 15.

4 This Vaucler was a Gascoine borne.

How by King Lewis his aide, the Earle of Warwicke chased King Edward out of England, to the Duke of Burgundies great greefe, who receiued him into his countries. Chap. 5.

THe Earle of Warwicke followed Vauclers aduise, and landed in Normandie, where the King honorably receiued him, and fur∣nished him largely of mony for his mens expences, and appoin∣ted also the bastard of Bourbon Admirall of Fraunce being well accompanied, to defend the Englishmen and their ships against the Duke of Burgundies nauie, which was so mighty and strong that no man durst stir in these narrow seas for feare of it, making war vpon the Kings subiects both by sea & land, and threatening them euery where. All this happened the sommer before the King surprised Saint Quintine and Ami∣ens, which was (as before you haue heard) in the yeere 1470. The Duke of Burgun∣dies nauie aboue mentioned was stronger than the Kings and the Earles ioined to∣gither. For he had taken at Sluse many great ships of Spaine, Portugall and Genua, and diuers hulks of Almaine. King Edward was a man of no great forecast, but very

valiant, and the beautifullest Prince that liued in his time. He tooke no care for the Earle of Warwicks landing as the Duke of Burgundie did, who perceiuing great tumults already arising in England in the Earles fauor, aduertised the King often thereof. But he made small account of any danger, neither seemed to feare his enimy: which sure was great follie considering the great preparation he saw made. For the King armed all the ships to the sea that he could get, and manned them well, and prouided furniture also for the English men.

Besides this, he made a mariage betweene the Prince of Wales and the Earle of Warwickes second daughter. The said Prince was onely sonne and heire to King Henry of England, who liued yet prisoner in the Tower of London. This was a strange mariage when the Earle had deposed and imprisoned the Princes father, to cause him to mary his daughter, and to entertaine also the Duke of Clarence, bro∣ther to the King of the other faction, who had iust cause to feare his owne estate, if the house of Lancaster recouered the crowne. Thus we see that such enterprises are not atchieued without dissimulation. At the selfe same time that this army aboue mentioned lay in a readines to saile into England, I was at Calice to entertaine the Lord of Vaucler, whose dooble dealing till that very instant I neuer perceiued, not∣withstanding that it had now continued the space of three months. But at that pre∣sent, I desired him (bicause of the newes we heard) to put all the Earle of Warwicks houshold seruants being to the number of twenty or thirty out of the towne, alledg∣ing that I was sure the Kings army and the Earles were ready to depart out of Nor∣mandy where they lay, and if the Earle should happen sodainly to land in England, some such tumult might arise in the towne of Calice by meanes of his seruants, that he should not be master thereof. Wherefore I pressed him earnestly in all haste to put them out of the towne, which he alwaies heertofore promised me to do, but now he drew me aside saying, that he would be master of the town well inough, and required me to do this message to the Duke of Burgundy, that if he would be a friend to the realme of England he should endeuor himselfe to make peace and not war: which words he spake bicause of the nauy the Duke had on the sea against the Earle of Warwick. He told me farther, that peace might easily be made, bicause that day a gentlewoman passed through Calice to go into Fraunce to the Duches of Clarence with certaine ouertures of peace from King Edward. And he said true indeed, but as he abused others, euen so was he himselfe deceiued by this gentlewoman: for she went about a great enterprise, which also she atchieued to the preiudice of the Earle of Warwick, and his whole faction. Of this fine practise, & all other that haue been managed on this side the sea, I write the more at large bicause I am well assured that no man is able to make truer report of them then my selfe, at the least of those that haue hapned within these twenty yeeres.

The secret deliuered to this woman was to counsell the Duke of Clarence not to cause the destruction of his owne house, by setting vp againe the house of Lancaster, but to remember their ancient harred and diuision, adding that he might well assure himselfe that the Earle of Warwick hauing maried his daughter to the Prince of Wales, and already done homage to him, would by all meanes possible seeke to make him King. This gentlewoman so wisely executed the charge committed vnto hir, that she wan the Duke of Clarence, who promised to reuolt to the King his bro∣ther immediately after his returne into England. Shee was a woman well aduised and of few words, and bicause of hir sexe, had leaue granted hir to passe to hir Mei∣stres easilier then a man should, and as craftie a foxe as this Vaucler was, this wo∣man went beyond him, and was the onely contriuer of the enterprise, whereby the

Earle of Warwick and his whole faction were vtterly destroied: wherefore it is no shame to be suspicious, and to haue an eie vpon those that passe to and fro, but great shame it is to be deceiued, and vndone through our owne follie. Notwithstanding suspicions ought to be grounded vpon some good presumption, for to be too suspi∣cious is naught.

You haue heard, already how the Earle of Warwicks army, and the Kings ships appointed to wafte him ouer were in a readines to take sea, and how the Duke of Burgundies nauie being at Hancy lay prepared to fight with them. But it pleased God so to dispose of this voiage, that the selfe same night so great a tempest arose that the Dukes nauie was forced to seuer: part wherofran vpon the cost of Scotland, and part into Holland: and not long after the Earle hauing a good gale of winde, passed into England without all danger. The Duke of Burgundie had aduertised King Edward in what part rhe Earle would land, and had sent men purposely to him to sollicite him to looke to himselfe: but he litle regarding the danger, passed foorth the time in hunting, hauing none so neere him as the Archbishop of Yorke, and the Marques of Montagu, the Earle of Warwicks bretheren, who had promised and solemnly sworne to serue him against their brother and all others, wereunto he gaue credite. Immediatly after the Earles landing, great forces ioyned with him: where∣with the King being much abashed, began then, (but all too late) to looke about him, and sent word to the Duke of Burgundy, desiring him that his nauie might still keepe the Sea to stop the Earle from retiring againe into Fraunce (for vpon the land he would match him well ynough) which message pleased no man that heard it: for it had beene much better to haue kept him from landing, then to be constrained to hazard his estate in battell when he was landed. Fiue or sixe daies after the Earles arriuall his power was so great, that he encamped within three leagues of King Ed∣ward. Notwithstanding the Kings force was greater than his, if all his men had beene faithfull and true, and lay also in campe to fight with him. Further you shall vnder∣stand that the King lodged (as himselfe told me) in a strong village, at the least a strong house into the which no man could enter but by a draw bridge, which was a happy chance for him: the rest of his armie lay in other villages round about. But as he sat at dinner, suddenly one came running in, and brought newes that the Mar∣ques of Montague the Earles brother and certaine other were mounted on horse∣backe, and had caused all their men to crie, God saue King Henry. Which message the King at the first beleeued not, but in all haste sent other messengers foorth, and armed himselfe, and set men also at the barriers of his lodging to defend it. He was accompanied with the Lord Hastings Lord Chamberlain of England, a wise Knight and of the greatest authoritie about him, who was maried to the Earle of Warwicks sister, yet notwithstanding was true and faithfull to his Master, and had three hun∣dred horse vnder his charge in the Kings armie as himselfe told me. With the King was also the Lord of Scales the Queene of Englands brother, and diuers other vali∣ant Knights and Esquires, who all perceiued that this busines went not well: for the messengers brought word that the report was true, and that the enimies assembled to assault the King.

But God so prouided for the King that he lodged hard by the sea side, neer a place where a little ship laden with victuals that followed his armie, and two hulks of Hol∣land fraughted with merchandise lay at anchor: he had no other shift but to run to saue himselfe in one of them ¹ . The Lord Chamberlaine staied awhile behinde him, and talked with the lieutenant of his band and diuers other particular men in the Kings armie, willing them to go to the enimies, but to beare true and faithfull harts

to the King and him: which talke ended, he went aboord to the rest being ready to depart. Now you shall vnderstand that the custome in England is, after the victorie obtained, neither to kill nor raunsome any man, especially of the vulgar sort: know∣ing all men then to be ready to obey them, bicause of their good successe. Wherfore these soldiers after the Kings departure receiued no harme. Notwithstanding K. Ed∣ward himself told me, that in albattels that he wan, so soon as he had obtained victo∣ry he vsed to mount on horsebacke, and cry too Saue the people and kil the nobles: for of them few or none escaped. Thus fled King Edward the yeere 1470. with two hulks and a little bote of his owne countrie, accompanied with seuen or eight hundred persons, hauing none other apparell than they ware in the wars, vtterly vnfurnished of mony, and hardly knowing whither they went. Strange it was to see this poore King (for so might he now well be called) to flie after this sort pursued by his owne seruants, and the rather, for that he had by the space of twelue or thirteene yeeres liued in greater pleasures and delicacies than any Prince in his time: for he had who∣ly giuen himselfe to dames, hunting, hawking, and banketting, in such sort that he vsed when he went a hunting in the sommer season, to cause many pauilions to be pitched to solace himselfe there with the Ladies. And to say the truth his personage serued aswel to make court as any mans that euer I knew: for he was yong, & as good∣ly a gentleman as liued in our age, I meane in this time of his aduersitie: for afterward he grew maruellous grosse. But behold now how he fel into the trobles & aduersities of the world. He sailed straight towards Holland, and at that time the Easterlings were enimies both to the English men and the French, and had many ships of war vpon the sea, wherefore they were much feared of the English men, and not without cause: for they were very good soldiers, and had done them great harme that yeere, and taken many prises. These Easterlings discried afar off the ships wherin the King fled, and seuen or eight of them began to make saile after him, but in vaine: for he was far before them, and fell vpon the coast of Holland or somwhat lower: for he arriued in Freezland by a little towne called Alquemare ² , as neere the which as was possible his mariners cast anchor: for bicause it was ebbing water they could not enter the hauen. The Easterlings came in like maner and anchored hard by them, minding to boord them the next tide. Thus we see that one mischiefe neuer com∣meth without company.

King Edwards good successe was now cleane altered, and his thoughts quite chan∣ged: for not past fifteene daies before this misfortune, he would little haue beleeued him that had told him that the Earle of Warwicke should chase him out of Eng∣land, and subdue the whole country in eleuen daies: for in that smal space he brought it to due obedience. Further, he mocked the Duke of Burgundie for spending his treasure in defending the sea: and wished that the Earle were already landed in Eng∣land. But what excuse could he make now for himselfe receiuing so great losse through his owne fault, saue this, that such a mishap was not to be doubted: of which excuse a Prince growen to mans estate ought to be ashamed, for it will not serue. Wherefore let King Edwards example teach all Princes that thinke it shame to feare their enimies, to be wise in time: for notwithstanding that the greatest part of their seruants through flatterie vphold their sayings, and that themselues also by such words suppose to purchase an opinion of great courage: yet sure (whatsoeuer is said to their face) wise men account such language but meere folly: for it is great honor to feare that which is to be feared, and to prouide for it accordingly. Further, a wise man in a Princes companie is a great treasure and iewell, if he may be beleeued and haue leaue to speake the truth.

By chance the Lord of Gruteuse the Duke of Burgundies lieutenant in Holland was at that present in the place where King Edward arriued, who being aduertised by certaine that the King sent to land, both of his arriuall, and of the danger he was in of the Easterlings, gaue commandement foorthwith to the said Easterlings not to touch him: and went also himselfe into the Kings ship to welcome him. And thus he landed ³ being accompanied with his brother the Duke of Glocester (who after∣ward named himselfe King Richard) and a traine of fifteen hundred persons. The King had not one peny about him, but gaue the Master of the ship for his passage a goodly gowne furred with martins, promising one day to do him a good turne: and as touching his traine neuer so poore a company was seen. But the Lord of Gruteuse dealt very honorably with them: for he gaue much apparel among them, & defraied the King to La Hay in Holland whither he himselfe also waited vpon him. After∣ward he aduertised the Duke of Burgundie of this aduenture, who was maruellously abashed at the newes, and had much rather haue heard of the Kings death: for he feared the Earle of Warwicke, who was his mortall enimie, and bare now the whole sway in England. The said Earle soone after he was landed, found infinite numbers of men to take his part. For the armie that King Edward left behinde him, what for loue, what for feare yeelded to him in such sort, that euery day his forces encreased. And in this estate went he to London, where a great number of Knights and Esqui∣res (who afterward did King Edward good seruice) tooke sanctuarie, as also did the Queene his wife, who was there deliuered of a sonne in very poore estate.

The Notes.

1 The King embarked at Lyn.

2 Alquemare Meyer nameth Tessela.

3 King Edward landed in Holland the 9. of October. Meyer.

How the Earle of Warwick tooke out of prison King Henry of England. Chap. 6.

THe E. immediatly after his arriuall at London, went foorthwith to the tower & tooke K. Henry out of prison, whom himselfe ma∣ny yeres before had lead thither crying before him, Traitor, Trai∣tor: but now he called him his soueraigne Lord, and conueigh∣ed him to his palace at Westminster, where he sat him vnder the cloth of estate in the Duke of Clarences presence, who litle liked that sight. Farther he sent foorthwith three or foure hun∣dred men to Calais to spoile and forray the countrey of Boulenois, whom the Lord of Vaucler (so often aboue mentioned) friendly receiued, and made then open de∣claration of the good will he had alwaies borne the Earle his Master. The same day that the Duke receiued newes of the Kings arriuall in Holland: I was come from Calais to Bulen (where the Duke then lay,) vnderstanding nothing of this aduen∣ture, nor of the Kings flight. The Duke was first aduertised that he was dead, where∣of he forced not greatly, for he loued the house of Lancaster much better then the house of Yorke. Besides that he had with him the Dukes of Excester and Sommer∣set and diuers others of King Henries faction, by whose meanes he thought him∣selfe assured of peace with the house of Lancaster. But he feared the Earle of War∣wicke,

neither knew he how to entertaine him that was come to him ¹ , I meane King Edward who was his brother in lawe, and of the same order: for the King ware the golden Fleese, and the Duke the Garter.

The Duke foorthwith sent me backe againe to Calais, accompanied with a gen∣tleman or two of this newe King Henries faction, and gaue me instructions how to deale with this new world, pressing me earnestly to go bicause it stood him vpon to be well serued in this busines. I went as far as Tournehan a castell neere to Guiens, and further durst not passe, bicause I found the people flying for feare of the Eng∣lish men, who were abroad and spoiled all the countrey. But I sent foorthwith to the Lord of Vaucler desiring a safe conduct: for before I was accustomed to go without any, and was alwaies honorably receiued: for the English men are verie curteous and honorable in their entertainment. Al this seemed strange to me: for I neuer had seen such sudden alterations in the world. I aduertised the Duke the same night of the danger I should be in if I passed further, making no mention of the safe conduct I had sent for, bicause I doubted what answer I should receiue thereof. The Duke sent me a ring from his finger bidding me go forward, and if I were taken prisoner he would redeeme me: for he cared not greatly to endanger one of his seruants at his neede. But I had prouided well for my selfe: for I receiued a safe conduct with very curteous letters from the Lord of Vaucler. Wherein he sent me word that I might go and come after my woonted maner. Whereupon I went to Guisnes, and founde the captaine at the castell gate, who offred me a cup of wine, without that he led me into the castel as he was accustomed, but he feasted and entertained honorably these gentlemen of King Henries faction that accompanied me. From thence I went to Calais, where no man came foorth to receiue me after their woonted sort, but al men ware the Earle of Warwicks liuery. Further, vpon the gate of my lodging they made aboue an hundred white crosses and rimes, signifying that the King of Fraunce and the Earle of Warwick were all one: all the which seemed strange to me. Soone after my comming to Calais, I sent to Graueling, being but fiue leagues thence, comman∣ding all English merchants and merchandises to be staied, bicause the Englishmen had so spoiled the countrey. The Lord of Vaucler sent for me to diner, being well ac∣companied, and wearing on his cap a white ragged staffe of gold enamiled ² , being the Earles cognisance, which all the rest that were with him ware likewise, and he that could not haue it of gold, had if of cloth. It was told me there at diner, that within lesse than a quarter of an hower after these newes came out of England, euery man ware the said cognisance: so speedy and sudden was the change. This was the first time that I began to consider how vnstable and vncertaine all worldly things are. The said Vaucler gaue me very curteous language, and made certaine excuses in the Earle his captaines behalfe, rehearsing also what great benefits he had recei∣ued at his hands. But as touching the rest that were with him, I neuer saw men so far out of frame: for those that I tooke to haue bin the Kings trustiest seruants, were they that most threatned him: some I thinke for feare, but others in good earnest. Those household seruants of the Earles, whom I had required the Lord of Vaucler heereto∣fore to put out of the towne, were now in great credit. Notwithstanding they neuer vnderstood that I had mooued the said Vaucler to any such purpose. In all commu∣nication that passed betweene them and me, I euer told them that King Edvvard was dead, wherof I said I was well assured, notwithstanding that I knew the contrary, adding further, that though it were not so, yet was the league betweene the Duke of Burgundy and the King and realme of England such, that this accident could not infringe it: for we would account him King whom they did. I said moreouer, that

bicause of the alterations that had hapned in times past, these words, VVith the King and the Realme, were inserted into the league, for performance also whereof fower of the best townes in England were in pledge to the Duke. The merchants required in any wise to haue me staied, bicause their goods were taken at Grauelin by my com∣mandement as they said. In the end peace was thus concluded between them & me, that they should pay for al the cattell they had taken, or restore it again: for by agree∣ment betweene the house of Burgundy & them, they might go into certain pastures thereabout, and take cattel for the prouision of the towne, at a price which they now paide, and prisoners they had taken none. Thus it was agreed that the league should remaine firme and vnuiolable between vs and the King and the realme of England, saue that for Edward we named Henry.

This appointment pleased well the Duke of Burgundy, for the Earle of Warwick was sending fower thousand English men to Calice to make sharp war vpon his do∣minions, neither could the D. pacifie him by any meanes. Notwithstanding the rich merchants of London, diuers of the which were then at Calice, in the end perswaded him to peace, bicause their staple of wools is there, which is a far goodlier thing than a man would beleeue: for it is almost incredible of how great value the wooll is that is transported thither twise a yeere, and lieth there till merchants come to buy it. The chiefe vent whereof is into Flaunders and Holland, which was the principall cause that mooued these merchants to labour so earnestly for peace, and for stay of the soldiers the Earle was sending ouer: which sure was a happy chance for the Duke of Burgundie, for it was euen at the very same instant that the King tooke Amiens and Saint Quintine: and if both the realmes had made war vpon him at once, vndoub∣tedly he had been vndone. He trauelled to appease the Earle of Warwick by all meanes possible, alleging that he would attempt nothing against King Henry, seeing he was himselfe of the house of Lancaster, and vsing such words as might best serue for his purpose.

Now to returne to King Edward, he came to Saint Paule to the Duke of Burgun∣dy, and pressed him earnestly for aide to return home, assuring him that he had great intelligence in England, and desiring him for Gods loue not to abandon him, con∣sidering he had maried his sister, and that they were brethren of one order. The Dukes of Somerset and Excester labored him to the contrary, to wit, to take part with King Henry. The Duke could not tell whom to please, and either party he fea∣red to displease. But in the end bicause sharpe war was already begun vpon him, euen at his very nose ³ , he inclined to the Duke of Somerset and others aboue named, accepting their promises against the Earle of Warwick their ancient enimy. Wher∣with King Edvvard there present was woonderfully disquieted. But the Dukes ser∣uants alleaged the best reasons they could in excuse herof, saying that the Duke vsed this dissimulatiō to auoid war with both the realms at once, adding therto, that if he should be ouerthrowne, he could not after aide him at his ease. Notwithstanding the Duke seeing that he could no longer stay the King there, but that needs he would returne into England, and fearing for diuers considerations altogither to discontent him: pretended openly that he would not aide him, and made proclamation that no man should go to his seruice: but couertly he deliuered him 50000. gildons of the Saint Andrewes crosse, and caused three or fower great ships to be armed for him at La Vere in Zeland ⁴ , which is a hauen where all nations are receiued. Besides all this, he entertained for him secretly fowerteen ships of the Easterlings well ap∣pointed, who promised to serue him till he were landed in England and fifteen daies after, which was great aide considering the time.

The Notes.

1 He meaneth whether he should aide the King or no.

2 Our author reporteth this ragged staffe to be blacke, but bicause the Earles of VVar∣wicke neuer gaue it blacke but the Earles of Kent, I haue translated it white, no whit doubting but that either the printer hath faulted heere, or our authors memory failed him.

3 To wit by the Englishmen sent ouer by the Earle of VVarwick.

4 La Vere, otherwise called Camphere is in the Ile of VValkeren in Zeland not in Hol∣land, and is the Scottish staple, wherefore I haue beene bold to amend the booke.

How King Edward returned into England, where he slew in battell first the Earle of Warwick, and then the Prince of Wales. Chap. 7.

KIng Edward departed out of Flanders the yeere 1471. at the selfe * 1.2 same instant that the D. of Burgundie went to Amiens against the King. The said Duke thought now howsoeuer the world went in England he could not speede amisse, bicause he had friends on both sides: King Edward immediatly after his lan∣ding, marched straight towards London, bicause three or fower hundred Knights and Esquires of his faction, togither with others of the meaner sort, to the number of two thousand and better had retired themselues into the Sanctuaries of the citie, which was a happy chance for him, for if he landed with small force. The Earle of Warwick being in the north parts with a great armie, hearing these newes made haste to be at London before him, rather for other respects than for that he greatly feared the reuolt of the towne, notwithstanding the contrarie happened. For King Edward was receiued into the citie with great ioy and triumph the tuesday before Easter, contrarie to the expectation of most men, for all the world accounted him as vtterly vndone. And vndoubtedly if they had shut the gates against him, he had been past all recouerie: for the Earle of Warwicke was but a daies iourney behinde him. There were three things especially (as I haue heard) that caused the towne to reuolt. First, the gentle∣men that were in the sanctuaries and the yoong Prince lately borne. The second, the great debts that the King owed in the towne, in respect whereof the merchants to whom he was indebted thought it their best way to take part with him. The third, a great many women of honor and rich merchants wiues, with whom in times past he had been familiar, perswaded their husbands and friends to incline to him. He staied not past two or three daies in the towne: for vpon Easter euen he departed with all the force he could leuy, and marched against the Earle of Warwicke, whom he met the next morning being Easter day: and as they stood in order of battell, the one in face of the other, suddenly the D. of Clarence the Kings brother (who was recon∣ciled to the King as before you haue heard) reuolted to the King with twelue thou∣sand men and better ¹ , which no lesse astonied the Earle than encouraged the King, whose force was not great. But all this notwithstanding the battell was cruell and blooddy. They were all footemen on both sides, of the Kings vaward a great num∣ber were slaine: then his battell and the Earles met, and ioined so fiercely togither,

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that the King himselfe fought in person more valiantly than any man of either army. The Earle of Warwick vsed neuer to fight on foote, but his maner was when he had led his men to the charge, to take horse, and if the victory fell on his side to fight among his soldiers, otherwise to depart in time. But at this battel he was constrained by his brother the Marques of Mountacute, a valiant knight, to light on foote and send away his horse. To conclude, in this battell died the Earle and his brother, with a great number of gentlemen, and the slaughter of the poore people was also great. For King Edward at his departure out of Flaunders, resolued to cry no more to saue the people and kill the nobles: but he had conceiued extreeme hatred against the communalty of England, both for the great fauor they bare the Earle of Warwick, and for other respects also: wherefore at this battell he spared them not. Of the Kings side died about fifteene hundred, and the field was valiantly fought.

At the time of this battell the Duke of Burgundie lay before Amiens where he receiued letters from the Duches his wife, that King Edward hir brother was not a little discontented with him, alleaging that the aide he gaue him, was giuen in euil sort, and with euill will, so far foorth that he was almost vtterly forsaken of him: and to say the truth the King and he after this neuer loued one an other. Notwithstan∣ding the Duke supposing that this victory would greatly further his affaires, caused the newes to be published in all places.

I had forgotten to tell you how King Edward finding King Henry at London, lead him with him into the battell aboue mentioned. This King Henry was a very simple man, and almost an innocent: and if I haue not heard a lie, incontinent after the bat∣tell the Duke of Glocester K. Edwards brother, (who afterward named himselfe K. Richard) slue this holy man K. Henry with his own hands, or caused him to be slaine in his presence in some secret place ² . The Prince of Wales was landed in England when this battell aboue mentioned was fought, hauing in his company the Dukes of Excester and Sommerset, with diuers others of his kinsfolkes and ancient folow∣ers of his house. His army was to the number of forty thousand, as I haue been infor∣med by diuers that were with him: and if the Earle of Warwicke would haue staied for him, it is very like the victory would haue been theirs. But the Earle feared both the Duke of Sommerset, whose father and brother he had slaine: and also Queene Margaret the Princes mother: wherefore he fought alone and would not tarie for them ³ . Marke heere by this example how long ancient factions and partialities endure, how much they are to be feared, and what great damage ensueth thereof. So soone as King Edward had obteined this victory, he marched incontinent against the Prince of Wales, where another cruell battell was fought: for the Princes force was greater than the Kings, notwithstanding the lot of victory fell to the King, and the Prince was slaine vpon the place ⁴ with diuers other great Lords, and a maruellous number of common soldiers. The Duke of Sommerset was taken, and the next day beheaded. In eleuen daies the Earle of Warwicke subdued the whole realme of England, at the least brought it to obedience: and in one and twenty King Edvvard recouered it, hauing fought two great and cruell battels. Thus you see what sudden mutations haue been in England. K. Edvvard caused many of the peo∣ple to be put to death in many places, especially such as had made assemblies against him. And from that day forward raigned peaceably in England till his death, though not without great trouble and vexation of minde. I will heere end my dis∣course of these English affaires, till time and occasion serue in some other place, only adding this, that of all the nations in the world, the English men are most desirous to try their quarrels by dint of sword.

The Notes.

1 Our Chronicles report that the Duke turned on the Kings side at Couentrie before the Kings comming to London: and they vary also in other circumstances from our author.

2 Our histories report otherwise of King Henries death, for he was slain in the Tower, and not so soone after the battell.

3 Our Chronicles report that the Duke of Sommer set was at Barnet field with the Earle of VVarvvicke, and repaired afterward to the Queene, and was taken in the second bat∣tell, and then be he aded.

4 Our histories write that the Prince was not slaine in the battell but soone after, ha∣uing had communication with King Edward.

How the wars reuiued betweene King Lewis and Charles Duke of Burgundy, by the sollicitation of the Dukes of Guienne and Britaine. Chap. 8.

I Wil now return to our affairs on this side the sea, wherof I haue made no mention since the Duke of Burgundies departure from before Amiens, the Kings returne into the country of Touraine, and the Duke of Guienne his brother into Guienne. The saide Duke of Guienne continued still his sute aboue mentioned for his mariage with the Duke of Burgundies daughter, whereunto the said Duke in word euer shewed himselfe willing, but in deede meant nothing lesse, both bicause he purposed to vse hir as an instrument whereby to entertaine all the world, and a marchandise to put euery man in hope of, and also for that he stomacked the euill practises they had contriued to constraine him to this mariage perforce. The Earle of Saint Paul Constable of Fraunce busied himselfe in this treaty very earnestly, desiring that the mariage might seeme to be effected by his onely meanes and procurement. On the other side the Duke of Britaine traueled therein, to the end the whole honor thereof might redound to him. The King was as busie as the best to breake it off, though needlesly, as well for the two reasons aboue alleaged, as also bicause the Duke of Burgundy was not desirous of so great a sonne in lawe, wherefore in vaine the King troubled himselfe, but he could not see another mans thoughts. And sure he had iust cause of feare, for if this mariage had taken effect, his brother should haue beene so mighty, that he and the Duke of Britaine ioined togither, might haue put the Kings estate and his childrens in great danger. In the meane time about these affaires many ambassadors passed to and fro as well secretly as openly.

This often passing to and fro of ambassadors is a thing very dangerous: for vnder colour thereof many times euill practises are set abroch: yet notwithstanding ambas∣sadors must of force both be sent and receiued. They that shall reade this historie will aske peraduenture what remedie I can deuise against this inconuenience, bicause it seemeth almost remedilesse. For answere whereunto I will shew mine aduise, not∣withstanding that I know a number far better able to discourse heerof than my selfe. Ambassadors that come from perfect friends, with whom no occasion of quarrell can arise, must be well intertained, and permitted to come often to the Princes pre∣sence,

I meane if the Prince be wise and of comely personage, otherwise the lesse he be seene the better. Notwithstanding when he must of necessitie be seene, let him be well apparelled, and well instructed what to say, and vse short speech according to Princes amitie, which vsually is but short. But if ambassadors be sent openly or se∣cretly betweene Princes that are in continuall hatred and war, as all those haue been that I haue knowen or been conuersant with in my time, sure there is great danger therein. Notwithstanding mine aduise is, that ambassadors be well intertained and honorably receiued: for to send to meete them, to lodge them well, to appoint trusty and wise men to accompanie them, are not onely points of great curtesie, but also of great safetie. For thereby you shal both vnderstand who they are that resort to them, and also stay such as be light headed and discontented with the present estate, from bringing them intelligence: for there is no Princes court wherein all haue conten∣ted mindes. Further, they must haue speedie audience, and soone be dispatched. For me thinke it a perilous matter for a man to harbor his enimie in his house, but to de∣fray them, to lodge them well, and to giue them presents is but curtesie. Further, in time of open war no practise nor ouerture of peace must be altogither broken off (bicause peraduenture the lest of them may serue vs to good purpose) but all must be continued and intertained, and all ambassadors heard, vsing them as before is said, and appointing sure watch to espie who go to beare them intelligence, and are sent to them either by day or night: but this must be done as secretly as may be. Further, for one ambassador they send to you, send you two to them: and though they be wearie of your ambassadors, and forbid any more to come: yet send still when time & occasion serueth. For no spie shall haue such libertie to inquire and vnderstand of all matters as they. And if you send two or three togither, it is impossible for your enimy to haue so good watch (I meane vsing them with good termes as ambassadors are to be vsed) but that some of them shall haue conference and intelligence with one or other. Lastly, a wise Prince must alwaies endeuor himselfe to haue some secret friend or friends about his enimie, and beware as neere as he may (for in such cases men cannot alway do as they would) that his enimie haue not the like about him. You will say peraduenture that by such often sending I shall increase mine enimies inso∣lencie and pride. But I force not thereof: for by this meanes I shall vnderstand his secrets, and in the end all the profit and honor shall redound to me. And notwith∣standing that mine enimy may deale with me after the same sort, yet wold I not cease from sending, but intertaine all ouertures and breake off none, to the end I may al∣waies haue occasion to send. For all men haue not like wisedome, like cunning, nor like experience in these affaires, neither like occasion to trauell for experience, and in these cases the wisest win the garland: whereof I will giue you a manifest example. In all treaties of peace concluded betweene the English and French nations, the French haue alwaies shewed more finenes, subtiltie, and cunning than the English, so far foorth that the said English men haue a common prouerbe, as once they told me, when I treated with them: that in all battels fought with the French, euer or for the most part they haue obtained honor and victorie, but in all treaties that haue been concluded betweene them they haue euer receiued losse and dammage. And sure in mine opinion I haue knowen in this realme (especially of King Lewis his trai∣ning vp) men as sufficient to negotiate in a treatie of peace as any in the world. For those that are imploied in these affaires must be milde men, and such as can beare patiently all rude words to compas their purposes for their Masters profit, and such onely would King Lewis imploy. I haue beene somwhat long in discoursing how am∣bassadors actions must diligently be obserued, but not without cause: for I haue seen

and knowen so great falshood and treacherie vsed vnder colour thereof, that I could no sooner end my discourse.

This mariage between the Duke of Guienne and the Duke of Burgundies daugh∣ter was so earnestly laboured, that in the end some promise was made therof both by mouth and letter. But I haue knowen the like done to Nicholas Duke of Calabria and Loraine ¹ sonne to Iohn Duke of Calabria so often aboue mentioned, and to Phili∣bert Duke of Sauoy that last died, and to Maximilian Duke of Austrich now King of Romans onely sonne of Frederike the Emperor, who also receiued a letter written with the damsels owne hand by hir fathers commandement, and a diamond there∣with. All which promises were made in lesse than three yeeres space: yet am I well assured that during the Dukes life, none of them should haue been accomplished, at the least with his consent. But this letter aboue mentioned furthered much Duke Maximilians sute, as heereafter you shall heare. I write not this to charge there∣by the Duke of Burgundie, or any of those aboue mentioned, but onely to rehearse the course of these affaires. Further, I perswade my selfe that rude and simple men will not busie their braines about the reading of this historie: but Princes and Courtiers shall finde in it good lessons and aduertisements in mine opinion. During this treatie of marriage diuers newe enterprises against the King were in communication. With the Duke of Burgundie was the Lord of Vrfé, Poncet of Riuiere, and certaine other meane personages that ran to and fro, for the D. of Guiennes affaires. In like maner the Abbot of Begarde afterward Bishop of Leon was resident with him, for the Duke of Britaine. These aduertised the Duke of Bur∣gundy that the King practised to corrupt the Duke of Guiens seruants, and to with∣draw them from him, partly by loue, partly by force: adding also that he had already razed a certaine place belonging to the Lord of Estissac, the Duke of Guiennes ser∣uant, and had begun diuers other attempts against his brother, so far foorth, that he had withdrawne from him certaine of his houshold seruants: whereby appeered manifestly (as they said) that he ment to take Guienne from him now as in times past he had done Normandy once granted him for his partage as before is mentioned. The Duke of Burgundy sent diuers ambassadors to the King about these affaires, who euer excused himselfe ² , and accused his brother, saying that for his part he minded not to touch his brothers partage: but that his brother by seeking to inlarge his limits, was author of all these troubles.

We haue heer to consider how troublesom, dangerous, and far from all good end the affaires of this Realme are, when it is in discord and ciuill dissention: for not∣withstanding that at the beginning of the troubles all men hope shortely to see them at an end: yet is the contrary greatly to be feared, for though the fire be kind∣led at the first, but betweene two or three Princes or men of meaner estate: yet be∣fore two yeeres be exspired, all our neighbours shall be bidden to the banquet, as plainly may appeere by this that followeth. At this very instant that I now write of, the D. of Guienne at the least his seruants, and the D. of Britaine desired the Duke of Burgundy in no wise to call the Englishmen to his aide: for seeing all that they did was for the good and benefite of the realme, they would not bring the ancient enimies of the crowne into the realme: adding farther that if he would be in a rea∣dines they should be strong ynough of themselues, aswell bicause of their great for∣ces as also of the good intelligence they had in the realme with diuers Captaines and others. And once it was my chance to be present when the Lord of Vrfé had communication with the Duke to this effect, and withall pressed him earnestly with all speede to leauy his army. The Duke stoode at a window and called me to

him and said: Heere is my Lord of Vrfé that presseth me earnestly to leauy the grea∣test force that possible I may, alleaging that it shall be greatly for the benefite of the realme: what thinke you of this motion if I enter into the realme with my army, shall I do any great good there? I answered him merily that I thought no: then said he: I loue the realme of Fraunce better than my Lord of Vrfé weeneth, for where it hath one King I would it had six.

During the treaty of mariage aboue mentioned, Edward King of England who thought verily that the mariage should haue bin accomplished: (wherein he was de∣ceiued, as was also the King) traueled earnestly with the Duke of Burgundy to breake it off, alleaging that the K. had no issue male, wherfore if he hapned to die the crown should descend to his brother, whereby (if this marriage tooke effect) the realme of England shuld stand in great danger, so many seigniories being vnited to the crown. This matter troubled maruellously though needlesly, not onely the King of Eng∣land, but also his whole Councell in such sort, that they would giue no credite to the Duke of Burgundy, what promise soeuer he made to the contrary. The saide Duke notwithstanding the request aboue mentioned made vnto him by the Dukes of Guienne and Britaine, for not calling in strangers to his aide, was very desirous that the King of England should inuade some part of the realme, and himselfe would haue pleaded ignorance therein. But the Englishmen would not be woon therunto: for they so much feared the annexing of the house of Burgundy by this mariage to the crown of Fraunce, that they would at that time rather haue aided the King, than inuaded him. You see heere all these Princes throughly busied and accompanied with a number of wise men, who (as the sequele well declared) foresawe a far of more by the one halfe than in their life time tooke effect: for they all through this conti∣nuall toile and trauell, in short space one after another ended their liues, each man reioicing at others death as of a thing most desired. Soone after also followed their masters, leauing their successors troubles enow, all saue the King our master who left his realme to his sonne, quiet both from foraine wars and ciuill dissention, so that he did more for him than euer he either would or could do for himselfe: for I neuer knew him in peace saue onely a litle before his death.

The Duke of Guienne at this present lay sicke and in danger of death as som said, but others affirmed the contrary: his men pressed earnestly the Duke of Burgundy to put himselfe into the field, bicause the time of the yeere serued fitly for that pur∣pose, and aduertised him that the Kings army was abroad, and lay at Saint Iohn d' Angelie, or at Xainctes, or thereabout. To be short, they labored the Duke so importunately, that he went to Arras, and there assembled his forces, and marched towards the townes of Peronne, Roye, and Montdidier: his army was maruellous great, yea the greatest that euer he had before: for in it were twelue hundred Laun∣ces of his ordinary retinue, euery one of them accompanied with three archers well armed and well mounted: farther in euery company of these Launces were ten men of armes for a supply, besides the lieutenant and ensine bearer. The gentlemen of the Dukes dominions were likewise in very good order: for they were very well paid and led by valiant knights and esquires. And sure at that time these countries were maruellous rich.

The Notes.

1 This Nicolas is named in other histories Marques du Pount.

2 The King made war vpon his brother bicause he had restored the Earle of Armig∣nac to all his possessions in Guienne, whom the King before had banished. Annal. Aquit.

How the finall peace treated of betweene the Duke of Burgundie and the King brake off bicause of the Duke of Guiens death, and how these two great Princes sought to deceiue each other. Chap. 9.

WHile the Duke was leuying his armie aboue mentioned, the Lord of Cran and the Chauncellor of Fraunce named Master Peter Doriole, came to him twise or thrise from the King, and se∣cretly treated with him of a final peace, which heertofore could neuer be concluded, bicause the Duke required the restitution of Amiens and Saint Quintine, whereunto the King would ne∣uer condiscend: but now partly bicause of the great preparation he saw made against him, and partly in hope to compas certaine purposes whereof heerafter you shall heare, he agreed to yeeld them. The conditions of this peace were, that the King should restore to the Duke Amiens and Saint Quintine, and whatsoeuer else was in controuersie betweene them. That he should abandon the Earles of Neuers and Saint Paule Constable of Fraunce, and permit the Duke to do with them and all their possessions at his pleasure, and seize them into his own hands if he could. That the Duke in like maner should abandon the Dukes of Guienne and Britaine, and permit the King to do with them and their seigniories at his pleasure. I was present when the Duke of Burgundie sware this treatie, and likewise the Lord of Cran, and the Chauncellor of Fraunce in the Kings name, who also at their de∣parture from the Duke aduised him not to dismisse his armie, but to march still for∣ward, to the end the King their Master might make the speedier deliuerie of the two places aboue named. Further Simon of Quinchy was sent with them to see the King sweare and confirme this treaty, which his ambassadors had concluded: but the King delaied the confirmation a certaine space, and in the meane time happened his bro∣thers death.

The D. being readie to depart from Arras receiued two seuerall aduertisements: one that Nicholas Duke of Calabria and Loraine, heire of the house of Aniou, and sonne to Iohn Duke of Calabria was comming to him about his daughters marriage, whom the Duke honorably receiued, and put in great hope of his sute. But the next day being the 15. of May 1472. (as I remember) came letters from Simon of Quinchy the Dukes ambassador to the King, wherein he aduertised his Master of the Duke of Guiennes death, and that the K. had alreadie recouered a great part of his countrie. The like aduertisements receiued he also incontinent from others, but reporting diuersly of the said Dukes death. Soone after returned Simon of Quinchy from the King with a cold answer: for he refused to sweare the treatie, which the Duke tooke very disdainfully as a matter tending to his contempt and dishonor. His men also in time of war as well for this as other causes spake very villanous and opprobrious words of the King, and I warrant you the French requited them with the like. The Duke of Burgundie being almost out of his wits bicause of these newes, by the per∣swasion of certaine no lesse sorie for this accident than himselfe, writ letters to diuers townes of the realme, charging the King with his brothers death, but little it auailed, for no man stirred ¹ . Notwithstanding if the Duke of Guienne had liued, vndoub∣tedly the King should haue had ynough to do: for the Britons were in a readines to

inuade him, hauing greater intelligences in the realme than euer before: all the which failed by the Dukes death.

The Duke of Burgundy in this fury put himselfe into the field, and marched to∣wards Nesle in Vermandois, making foule and cruell war, contrary to his accusto∣med maner: for he spoiled and burned all the countrey as he passed. His vaward marched before him, and besieged the said towne of Nesle being of no force: but the Duke himselfe lodged three leagues from it. Within the towne were certaine franke archers that slew a herald of the Dukes comming to summon them. Further, their captaine came foorth to parle vnder surety, thinking to bring the matter to composition but could not, and as he returned into the towne (the truce yet conti∣nuing bicause of his saly) they within the towne (notwithstanding that themselues stood open vpon the wall no man seeking to hurt them) slew yet two other of the Dukes men, wherfore the truce was disauowed, & word sent to the Lady of Nesle be∣ing within the towne, to come foorth with all hir household & stuffe, which she did accordingly: and immediately after, the place was assaulted and taken, and the grea∣test part of them that were within it slaine: all that were taken aliue were hanged, saue a few whom the soldiers for very pity let go, a number also had their hands cut off. It lotheth me to make mention of this cruelty: but bicause I was present, some∣what I am forced to write therof. And sure either the Duke was maruellously passio∣ned, in that he committed so cruell an act, or some great caused mooued him there∣unto. He alleaged two, the one the Duke of Guiennes death, wherof he spake very strangely vpon other mens report: the other the griefe he had conceiued for the losse of Amiens and Saint Quintin aboue rehearsed.

Some that shall read this that foloweth, will thinke happily that there was small faith in these two Princes, or that I misreport them: I would be loth to misreport ei∣ther of them. And to the King our Master, how much I am bound all the world knoweth. But to continue my history (right reuerend father in God) in such sort as you haue required, I am forced to vtter that I know howsoeuer it passed. And I doubt not but these two, being compared with other Princes, shall seeme noble, woorthy, and honorable, and the King our Master wise aboue all the rest, who left his realme enlarged and in peace with all his enimies. Wherefore let vs now consider whether of these two Princes sought to deceiue the other, to the end that if heereafter this history happen to fall into the hands of some yoong Prince that hath to negotiate in such like affaires, he may by reading thereof be the better instructed how to looke to himselfe. For notwithstanding that neither Princes nor enimies be alwaies alike, nor deale alike, in like affaires: yet is it good to know the histories of times past. To speake therefore vprightly, I thinke both these Princes were fully bent each to de∣ceiue other, and tended both to one end, as you shall heare. Both of them had their armies abroad in a readines. The King had already taken diuers places, and during the treaty made sharpe war vpon his brother, whom the Lords of Courton, Patris, Foucart and diuers others had already relinquished, & were receiued into the Kings seruice. Further, his army lay about Rochell, hauing great intelligence in the towne, for the citizens practised continually, as well bicause of the rumor of this treaty, as also bicause of the Dukes sicknes. And I thinke the Kings resolution was, if he could atchieue his enterprise there, or his brother hapned to die, not to sweare the treaty: but if he found great resistance, to sweare it, and performe his promise, thereby to auoid all danger. And sure he lost no time, but vsed great diligence, delaying also ve∣ry cunningly Simon of Quingy the space of eight daies, during the which delay, his brother died: further, he knew well the Duke of Burgundy so greatly to desire the

restitution of these two townes aboue named, that he durst not flatly fall out with him. Wherefore he meant to delay him, and feed him foorth with faire words fifteen or twenty daies (as he did accordingly) to see in the meane time what would happen. Now that I haue spoken of the King, and shewed how he was purposed to deale with the Duke, it is fit I should also declare how the Duke was minded towards him, and thought to delude him, had not the Duke of Guiennes death happened. Simon of Quinchy by the Kings request had a commission from the Duke his Master, comman∣ding him immediately after the treatie sworne, and writings deliuered for the confir∣mation thereof, to go into Britaine to informe the Duke of Britaine of the conditi∣ons of the peace, and in like maner the Duke of Guiennes ambassadors resident in Britaine, to the end they might aduertise their Master thereof at Bordeaux: whereby the King meant to put the Britons into the greater feare, when they should see them∣selues abandoned of him that was their chiefe anchor hold.

Now you shall vnderstand that Simon of Quinchy had in his company a rider of the Dukes Escuirie called Henry a Parisian borne, a wise fellow and of good experi∣ence: who had a letter of credit to the said Simon written with the Dukes owne hand, but his commission was not to deliuer it till the said Simons departure from the King, and his arriuall to the Duke of Britaine at Nantes, where his charge was to deliuer him the letter and this message withall. That he should will the Duke of Britaine not to thinke that his Master would abandon the Duke of Guienne and him, for he would succour them both with body and goods, and that he had conclu∣ded this treatie to none other end but to auoid war, and recouer the townes of Saint Quintine and Amiens: which the King in time of peace contrary to his promise had taken from him. And further to aduertise the said Duke, that the Duke his Master would send an honorable ambassage to the King (so soone as he should be seized of that he demanded) humbly to beseech him to end this war, and relinquish his enter∣prise against the said two Dukes, and not to giue credite to the oth he had sworne, which he was no more determined to obserue, than the King had obserued the treaty ••ade before Paris called the treatie of Conflans: and the treatie which he had sworne at Peronne, and long after confirmed also. Further desiring him to call to remembrance, that he tooke these townes against his faith and promise in time of peace: wherefore he must hold himselfe contented if he recouered them after the same sort. And as touching the Earle of Saint Paule Constable of Fraunce, and the Earle of Neuers whom the King had permitted him to vse at his pleasure, he would protest, that notwithstanding he hated them as he had iust cause to do: yet would he forgiue all their offences, and let them liue in quiet, desiring the King to grant these two Dukes the like: and that it would please him to suffer all men to liue in peace and safetie, in such maner and forme as he had sworne at Conflans, when they were all there assembled togither: which if he refused to do, he would then suc∣cour his confederates. And it was determined that the Duke should be in campe when this ambassage should be sent to the King. But God disposed otherwise of these purposes: for death which departeth all things, and changeth all determinations, set them otherwise a worke, as partly you haue vnderstood already, and shall heeraf∣ter perceiue more at large: for the King restored not these two townes, and yet had the Duchie of Guienne by his brothers death, as reason was.

The Notes.

1 The Duke of Guienne died the 12. of May, but Meyer saith the 24. Annal. Aquit. the 11. Of his death reade Annal. Burgund. lib. 3. fol. 946. Meyer. lib. 17. fol. 353. wri∣teth

thus of it. Rex fratri venenum miscet per Iordanum Abbatem, Diui Ioannis be∣enedictini nominis: where reade also what Thomas Basinus Bishop of Lisieux writeth of the Dukes death, who compareth King Lewis to Cain, Atreus, Thiestes, Polinices, and Eteocles. Hollandiae scriptor saith thus: Rex ille, inquit idem, fecit quod Cain, qui vnicum fratrem suum Abel interfecit. Dedit enim Rex mortiferū Carolo fratri vene∣num, quo nō statim extinctus est, sed mensibus aliquot miserabiliter afflictus. Gaguin a French historiographer saith thus: The King was aduertised of his brother D. Charles his death, who died at Bordeaux poisoned by a certaine Abbot, but not without the Kings consent as the report went. Annal. Aquit. written by a French man seeme to make King Lewis accessorie to his brothers death. The Duke was poisoned as he sat at the table with the Lady of Mount soreau whom he entertained, and who was also poisoned with him. The King commanded the Abbots processe to cease, and the rest which were suspected: whereby he plainly bewraied his owne guiltie conscience.

How the Duke of Burgundy seeing that he could not take Beauuais, before the which he had laid his siege, went to Roan. Chap. 10.

NOw to returne to the war, you haue heard how certaine poore franke archers were handled at the taking of Nesle: thence the D. departed and went before Roye: within the which were 1500. franke archers and certaine men of armes of the Arriereban. The Dukes force was neuer so great as at that present. The next day after his arriuall, these franke archers fearing their liues, leapt downe the wals and yeelded themselues to him: and the third day they that yet remained within rendered themselues and the towne by composition, leauing behinde them both horse and harnesse, saue that euery man of armes brought foorth a trauelling nag. The Duke left men in the towne and went to Mondidier which he began to raze, meaning vtterly to destroy it & lay it desolate, but bicause of the good wil he perceiued the people of those parts ¹ to beare him, he caused it to be repaired, and left a garrison in it. From thence he de∣parted, meaning to march straight into Normandie: but as he passed hard by Beau∣uais the L. of Cordes who led his vaward, rode to the towne, and at his first arriuall the suburbs before the Bishops palace were taken by a couetous Burgundian named Master Iames of Montmartin: who had vnder his charge one hundred launces, and three hundred archers of the Dukes ordinarie retinue. The Lord of Cordes scaled the towne on the other side, but he lacked ladders, and those few he had were too short. He had two canons which shot twise at the towne gate, and brake downe a peece thereof: and if he had been furnished to haue continued the shot, vndoubted∣ly he had entred the towne, but he was vnprouided, bicause he came not for any such exploite. At his first arriuall none were in the towne but the citizens themselues, and the captaine of the towne called Loyset of Bailligny, with certaine soldiers of the Arriereban, but not ynow to defend the place. Notwithstanding it pleased God mi∣raculously to preserue it as he manifestly declared. For the Burgundians that were with the Lord of Cordes fought hand to hand with the French at the breach made in the gate: whereupon the said Lord of Cordes sent word diuers times to the Duke of Burgundie to make haste thither, assuring him that the towne was his owne. But

in the meane time while the Duke was vpon the way, one within deuised to throwe flaming fagots in their faces that were about to breake downe the gate: whereof they threw so great plentie, that the gate and the porch tooke fire in such sort, that the Burgundians were forced to retire till the fire ceased. Soone after arriued the Duke himselfe, who in like maner held the towne as taken, the fire being once quenched which was very great, for all the porch was on fire. And vndoubtedly if he had lodged part of his army on the other side of the towne towards Paris, no man could haue entred to releeue it. But it pleased God he should make doubt where none was: for bicause of a little brooke that was to passe he made difficultie so to do then, and yet afterward when a great number of men were entred the towne he would haue done it, and was hardly disswaded from it: notwithstanding that thereby he should then haue endangered his whole army. All this happened the eight & twentith of Iune in the yeere 1472. The fire aboue mentioned continued all day, and in the euening ten launces onely of the Kings ordinarie retinue entred the towne, as I was afterward informed: for I serued yet the Duke of Burgundie, but we saw them not enter, both bicause euery man was busied in making his lodging: and also bicause we had no force on that side the towne. By breake of day the Dukes battterie was bent against the wals: but soone after we saw two hundred men of armes enter the towne: and had it not beene for their comming, I thinke the citi∣zens would haue treated of a composition: which notwithstanding the Duke in this fury would neuer haue granted: for he desired to take the towne by assault, and if he had so done, vndoubtedly he would haue burnt it, which had been great pitie: sure it was preserued by very miracle. After these men of armes were entred, the Dukes artillerie shot continually the space of fifteen daies, and the place was as well beaten as euer was any, in such sort that the breach was saultable: but the ditch of the one side of the burned gate stood full of water, so that we were forced to build a bridge ouer it: but on the other side we might come hard to the wals without any danger, saue of one flanker which was so low that our artillerie could not beat it.

It is great danger and folly to assault a towne so well defended as this was: for within it was the Constable ² (as I remember) or lay by it, I wot not wel whether, the Marshall Ioachin, the Marshall of Loheac, the Lord of Crussoll, VVilliam of Valleu, Mery of Croy, Sallezarde, Theuenot of Vignoles, being all ancient captaines, ac∣companied with an hundred men of armes of the Kings ordinary retinue: besides a great number of footemen and others that were come thither with them. Yet the Duke contrary to the opinion of his whole army, determined to giue the assault. And the night before, as he lay on his field bed in his clothes, according to his accustomed maner, he asked certaine there present, whether they thought the town would abide the assault: who answered that they thought yea, seeing they were force sufficient to defend it: at the which answer he scoffed, saying that they should not finde a man there the next day. In the morning by breake of day the assault was giuen very couragiously, and the breach no lesse valiantly defended. A great number went thronging on our new made bridge in such sort, that an ancient knight of Bur∣gundy called Despiris was smothered there, who was the best man that died before the towne. On the other side of the gate certaine of our men got vp to the top of the wall, but some of them neuer returned. They fought hand to hand a great while, and the assault continued so long, that fresh bands were appointed to succeede, the first being wearied: but bicause the Duke saw his men to labor in vaine, he caused them to retire: yet notwithstanding they within salied not, for they saw company ynough ready to receiue them. At this assault were slaine twelue hundred soldiers ³ , and

the best man that died there was the aboue named Despiris. It was thought at the first that many more had been lost: for aboue a thousand were hurt. The next night they within salied foorth, but bicause their number was small, and the most of them on horsebacke, and therby encombred with the cords of our tents, they did no great exploit, but lost two or three gentlemen of their company, and hurt one of ours na∣med Master Iames d'Orson, a very honest gentleman, and master of the Dukes Ordi∣nance, who a few daies after died of the said hurt.

Seauen or eight daies after this assault, the Duke would haue diuided his army into two bands, and lodged part thereof at the gate towards Paris, contrary to all mens aduise and to all reason, considering the great number of soldiers within the town. This should haue been done at the beginning, but now it was too late. Wher∣fore seeing no remedy, he raised his campe in very good order ⁴ , hoping that they within would issue forth to the skirmish, which notwithstanding they did not. From thence he marched into Normandy, bicause he had promised the Duke of Britaine to come as far as Roan, where the said Duke of Britaine had promised in like maner to meete him. But bicause of the Duke of Guiennes death, he altered his minde, and stirred not out of his country. The Duke of Burgundy came before Eu, which was yeelded vnto him, as was also Saint Valery, and he burnt all this quarter euen hard to Diepe. He tooke likewise Neuf-chastell, and burnt both it and all the country of Caux, or the greatest part, euen hard to Roan gates: further, he presented himselfe in person before the said towne of Roan: he lost many of his foragers, whereby his army was in great distresse of victuals. In the end bicause winter approched he de∣parted homeward, and his backe was no sooner turned, but the French recouered Eu and Saint Valery, and tooke prisoners by composition seauen or eight Burgundians that were within them.

The Notes.

1 The French hath Chastellenies, which were places where certaine courts of the infe∣rior iurisdiction vvere held, to the which the countrey there about was bound to repaire.

2 Annal. Franc. report that the Constable lay hard by the tovvne, but mooued not to defend it, for the vvhich cause it vvas thought he had intelligence vvith the Duke.

3 Gaguin saith, that there vvere slaine at the assault of Beauuais 1500. men.

4 The Duke lay before Beauuais sixe and tvventy daies, and leuied his siege the 22. of Iuly. Meyer.

How the King made peace with the Duke of Britaine, and truce with the Duke of Burgundy, and how the Earle of Saint Paul escaped for that time a conspiracy that these two Princes made against him. Chap. 11.

ABout this time I came to the Kings seruice in the yeere 1472. who receiued also the selfesame yeere, the greatest part of his brother the Duke of Guienne his seruants. He lay then at Pont de See, making war vpon the Duke of Britaine: whither certaine ambassadors came to him out of Britaine, and from whence al∣so he sent his ambassadors thither. Among the rest that came to him to the said towne of Pont de See, were Philip of Essars,

seruant to the Duke, and VVilliam of Sousplenuille seruant to the Lord of Lescute, the which Lord of Lescute seeing his Master the Duke of Guienne at the point of death, tooke sea at Bordeaux and departed into Britaine, fearing to fall into the Kings hands: he embarked in time, and carried away with him the Duke of Guiennes Confessor ¹ , and a rider of his stable, who were charged with the Dukes death, and remained prisoners in Britaine many yeeres after. When these runnings to and fro had indured a while, the King in the end determined to haue peace with the Duke of Britaine, and to deale so liberally with the Lord of Lescute that he would thereby asswage the euil wil he bare him, and win him to his seruice. For as he knew the Duke of Britaines forces, being gouerned by so woorthy a man, greatly to be feared: so was he assured if he could win the Lord of Lescute to his seruice, that the Britons would labor for peace, bicause he was their onely man of wisdome and experience in the countrey: besides that, generally the Britaines desire nothing more than peace with Fraunce: bicause continually a great number of them haue good entertain∣ment, and be in good estimation in this realme, & not vnwoorthily: for sure in times past they haue done great seruice heere. Wherefore me thinke the King did very wisely in concluding this treaty, notwithstanding that some not considering so deepely thereof as himselfe did, thought otherwise of it. He had a very good opini∣on of the Lord of Lescute, & knew there was no danger in putting those offices and places of charge that he did into his hands, bicause he was a man of honor, & would neuer during these diuisions haue any intelligence with the English men, nor con∣sent that the townes in Normandie ² should be yeelded to them, but had beene the onely stay thereof, which was the cause of all his preferment. When the King had well debated this matter, he commanded Sousplenuille to put in writing all that his Master required, as well for the Duke as himselfe: which done, the King granted him all his demands being these: A pension of 80000. franks for the Duke: for his master the Lord of Lescute a pension of 6000. franks, the gouernment of Guienne, the two Seneschalships of Launes and Bordelois, the captainship of one of the castels of Bordeaux, the captainship of Blaye, and of the two castels of Bayonne, of Dax, and of Saint Seuer, 24000. crownes in ready mony, the Kings order, and the Earldome of Comminges. All the which the King granted and agreed vnto, saue that the Dukes pension was diminished by the one halfe, and continued but two yeeres. Further, the King gaue the said Sousplenuille 6000. crownes (which with the other 24. thousand giuen to his Master were to be paid in fower yeeres) a pension of 1200. franks, the Mayraltie of Bayonne, the Bailywick of Montargis, and certaine other small offices in Guienne. All the which aboue rehearsed estates, his Master and he enioied till the Kings death. Philip d'Essars likewise was made Bailife of Meaux, and lieutenant of the waters and forrests throughout the realme of Fraunce, and had also a pension granted him of 1200. franks, and 4000. crownes in ready money: all the which offices and estates from that day till the King our Master his death they quietly enioied, and the Lord of Comminges continued during his life his trustie and faithfull seruant.

The King hauing pacified all matters in Britaine marched straight toward Picar∣die: for he and the Duke of Burgundie vsed alwaies when winter approched, to make truce for sixe moneths, or a yeere, and some time more. After the which their woon∣ted maner they made truce at this present, which the Chancellor of Burgundie with certaine others came to the King to conclude. There the Kings Commissioners read the finall peace made with the Duke of Britaine, whereby the said Duke renounced the league he was entred into with the English men and the D. of Burgundie: wher∣fore the King required the Duke of Burgundies ambassadors not to comprehend the

Duke of Britaine in the truce as their confederate: whereunto they would not con∣discend, but agreed that the Duke of Britaine should be at his choise to declare him∣selfe within the time accustomed, either the Kings confederate or theirs: alleaging that heertofore also the said Duke had abandoned them by writing, yet had not de∣parted from their friendship. Further adding, that though he were a Prince wholy led and gouerned by others, and doing little of himselfe: yet in the end he euer yeel∣ded to that which was best and most necessary for his estate. All this was done in the yeere 1473.

During this treatie they murmured on both sides against the Earle of Saint Paule Constable of Fraunce: for the King and those that were neerest about him had con∣ceiued maruellous hatred against him. And the Duke of Burgundy hated him woorse than they, as he had iust cause to do: for I know the reasons that mooued them both to beare him ill will. The Duke had not yet forgotten that he was the onely occasion of the losse of Amiens and Saint Quintin, and perceiued well that he nourished this war betweene the King and him. For in time of truce he spake him as faire as was possible, but so soone as the war opened, he shewed himselfe his mortall foe. Further, the Earle had sought to constraine him by force to marrie his daughter to the Duke of Guienne, as before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ue heard. Besides all this there was yet another grudge: for while the Duke lay before Amiens, the Constable made a road into Henault, and among other cruell exploits burned the castell of Seure, belonging to a Knight na∣med Master Baudouin of Launay: before the which time they vsed on neither side to fire any place. But in reuenge thereof the Duke this last sommer burned the countrie all the way his armie passed, as before you haue heard. Thus they began to practise the Constables destruction: for the accomplishment whereof diuers of the Kings men conferred with such of the Dukes seruants as they knew to be his mortall eni∣mies: for the French had him in as great iealousie as the Duke of Burgundie had, and accused him as the onely occasion of the war: wherefore all his treaties and practises with both parties were ripped vp and discouered, and they both sought his death.

Some man may peraduenture aske heerafter, if the King alone were not of power sufficient to put him to death: whereunto I answer that he was not. For his lands lay iust in the middest betweene the King and the Duke: further, he held Saint Quintin a great and strong towne in Vermandois, and of his owne Han, Bohain, and other very strong places neere to the said Saint Quintin, the which he might man at all times with any nation at his owne pleasure. He had charge vnder the King of fower hundred men of armes well paied, of the which companie himselfe was controller and tooke the muster, which was no small profit to him: for his companies were not complete. Besides all this he had a yeerely pension of 45000. franks, and of euerie tunne of wine that passed through his countrie into Flaunders or Henault, he recei∣ued a crowne for impost. He had also goodly seigniories and possessions of his owne inheritance, and great intelligence as well in Fraunce as in the Dukes dominions, where he had many kinsfolks and allies.

The truce betweene the King and the Duke continued a whole yeere: all the which space this practise endured, and the Kings men addressed themselues wholie to the Lord of Hymbercourt (so often before named,) who of long time had beene the Constables enimy: besides that, their hatred was lately increased. For in an assembly held at Roye, where the Constable and others were commissioners for the King: and the Chancellor of Burgundy and the Lord of Hymbercourt, with diuers others for the Duke: as they conferred togither of their affaires, the Con∣stable

gaue the lie very shamefully to the said Hymbercourt, who answered there∣unto, that he would not beare this reproch at his hands, were it not in respect of the Kings honor, vnder whose safe conduct he was come thither as ambassador, and of the Duke his Master whose person he represented, and to whom he would make report of this iniurie done vnto him. This onely villanie and outrage so soone done, cost the Constable both lands and life as heereafter shall be declared more at large. Wherefore those that are in authority, yea and Princes themselues ought to take great heed how they iniurie any man by word or deed, and whom they iniurie: for the greater they are, the greater greefe and sorrowe is conceiued of their words, bicause they that are iniuried thinke that the great authority of the person that in∣iurieth them, will cause them the more to be marked and noted. And if he be their Master or Prince they vtterly dispaire of benefite or good turne at his hands: and most men serue rather for the good they hope to haue, than for that they haue al∣ready receiued.

But to returne to the point, the Kings men practised continually with Hymber∣court, and likewise with the Chancellor, as well bicause the words spoken at Roye touched him in part, as also bicause of the neere friendship that was between Hym∣bercourt and him. And the matter was so earnestly pressed, that an assembly was held about it at Bouuines a towne neere to Namur, whither the King sent the Lord of Courton gouernor of Lymosin, and Master Iohn Heberge afterward Bishop of Eureux: and the Duke the said Chancellor and Hymbercourt, being the yeere 1474.

The Constable being informed that they practised at Bouuines to his cost, sent with all speede to both the Princes, aduertising them he vnderstood of all their do∣ings, and so cunningly he wrought, that he perswaded the King that the Duke meant nothing but deceit, onely to allure the said Constable to his friendship: whereupon with all speed the King sent to his ambassadors at Bouuines, commanding them to conclude nothing against the Constable for certain reasons he would declare vnto them, but to prolong the truce according to their instructions, for a yeere or sixe moneths I wot not well whether. But when the messenger arriued, he found the trea∣tie already concluded, and the writings sealed and deliuered the night before. Not∣withstanding the ambassadors had so good intelligence togither, and were so great friends each to other, that they deliuered the writtings backe againe: the contents whereof were, that the Constable for the reasons therein rehearsed, was declared enimie and traitor to both the Princes: who promised and sware each to other, that whether of them could first lay hands on him, should either put him to death within eight daies, or deliuer him to the other to do with him at his pleasure. It was also therein concluded, that he should be proclaimed by sound of trumpet enimy to both the Princes, and likewise all that should serue, helpe, aide, or fauour him. Further, the King promised to deliuer to the Duke the towne of Saint Quintin, so often before mentioned, and to giue him all the Constables treasure and moouables that should be found in the realme of Fraunce, with all such seigniories and lordships as were held of the said Duke, and among the rest Han and Bohain, which are two very strong places. Lastly, a day was appointed when both the King and the Duke should send their forces to besiege him in Han. Notwithstanding for the reasons aboue rehearsed, this conclusion was cleane broken off, and a day and place assigned where the Constable should come to commune with the King vnder safe conduct: for he stood in doubt of his person, bicause of the late treatie held at Bouuines. The place assigned was three leagues from Noyon neere to the towne of La Fere, vpon a pretie riuer which no man could passe, bicause the Constables men had taken vp all the

bridges. In the said place was a narrow causey, ouerthwart the which a strong grate was built, whither the Constable came first, accompanied with all his men of armes, or the greatest part: for he had with him aboue three hundred gentlemen all men of armes: and he himselfe ware his quirace vnder a short gowne vngirt. The King came accompanied with the Earle of Dampmartine Lord great Master of Fraunce, the Constables mortall enimie, and with sixe hundred men of armes and better, and sent me before him to make his excuse to the Constable of his long stay: and soone after arriued himselfe, and they communed togither: at which their communication were present fiue or sixe of the Kings seruants, and as many of the Constables, who excused his comming thither in armes, bicause he stood in feare of the Earle of Dampmartin as he said. To be short, in the end it was agreed that all offences past should be forgiuen and forgotten: and the Constable passed through the grate to our side of the riuer, where the Earle of Dampmartin and he were made friends. That night he lodged with the King at Noyon, and the next morning returned to Saint Quintin throughly reconciled as he said. But when the King had well weighed this matter, and heard the murmuring of the people, he ac∣cused himselfe of great folly in going after this sort to commune with his seruant, & stomaked not a little, that he found the grate shut between them, considering that all the Constables men of armes were his subiects and paide out of his coffers: wherfore if his hatred against the Constable were great before, sure this meeting much increased it: and as touching the Constable, his proud stomack was no whit abated.

The Notes.

1 This Confessor was the Abbot of S. Iohn d'Angely, who died prisoner at Nantes in Britaine, in the great tower du Buffoy, where he confessed maruellous matters, and died very strangely. Annal. Aquit.

2 These places were those that remained in the Lord of Lescuts hands by the treaty of Caen, mentioned lib. 1. cap. 15.

A discourse very fit for this place, of the wisdome of the King and the Constable, with good aduertisements to such as are in credit with Princes. Chap. 12.

IF a man consider well this action of the Kings, he cannot but iudge it to proceede of great wisdome: for I am of opinion that the Duke of Burgundy to recouer Saint Quintin would easily haue pardoned the Constable all his offences, notwithstanding any promise made to the King of the contrary: Further, as tou∣ching the Constable, though he were a gentleman of great wise∣dome and vnderstanding, yet did he very vnaduisedly, and it ap∣peered that God had vtterly bereft him of all good aduise, in that he came thus dis∣guised before the King his Master, whose subiects all the men of armes were that accompanied him: and to say the truth, his very countenance shewed him to be astonished and abashed thereat: for when he came in person to the place, and found the grate shut betweene the King and him, he caused it foorthwith to be opened, and passed to our side of the riuer, where vndoubtedly he was in great danger.

This his dooing peraduenture himselfe and his familiar friends accounted a woorthy exploit: supposing the King to stand in feare of him, whom also they repu∣ted a timorous Prince. And true it is that he was so at times when there was cause why: but not alwaies when the world so iudged of him. For you shall vnderstand, that the ciuill wars with the Princes of his realme, out of the which he had wound himselfe by large gifts and promises, had beaten this lesson into his head, not to put any thing in aduenture if he could compasse his purposes by any other means: which caused a number of men to suppose all his dooings to proceede of feare. But diuers that vpon this imagination attempted foolish enterprises against him, found them∣selues much deceiued, namely, the Earle of Armignack and others, whom their fond attempts cost full deere. For the King knew when it was time to feare, and not to feare. Sure this praise I dare boldly giue him (which though happily I haue writ∣ten before, yet deserueth againe to be spoken) that he was the wisest man in aduersity that euer I knew. But to returne to my discourse of the Constable, who desired per∣aduenture to hold the King in feare, at the least I suppose so (for I will not charge him with it, but write this onely for an aduertisement to those that are in Princes seruice, and vnderstand not all alike the affaires of this world:) for mine owne part, if I had a friend, I would aduise him to endeuor himselfe that his Master might loue him, not feare him: for I neuer knew man whose authority depended of the feare his Master had of him, that sped not euill in the end, and that by his Masters consent. Examples ynow haue been seene heerof in our time, or not long before. In this realm of the Lord of Trimouille and others: In England of the Earle of Warwick and his faction. I could name some also in Spaine and in other countries. But those that shal reade this discourse may peraduenture be able to say more therin than my selfe. This their presumption oftentimes proceedeth of their good seruice: for they thinke their experience so great that they cannot be spared, and their deserts such that their Masters ought to beare all things at their hands. But Princes on the contrarie side both say and thinke, that men are bound to do them seruice, and desire no∣thing more than to be rid of such malapart fellowes. Touching the which point, I must needes speake somewhat of the King our Master: for once he told me in talking of those that do their Prince great seruice (naming withall his author from whom he receiued this opinion) that good seruice sometime vndooeth men: and is recompensed with great ingratitude, not alwaies by the Masters forgetfulnes, but many times through the seruants owne fault: who presuming vpon their good ser∣uice, behaue themselues arrogantly, either towards their Masters or their fellowes: Further, as touching those that come to preferment in Court, this was his opinion: that he is happier that receiueth a benefit of the Prince he serueth, without great desert, whereby he standeth bound to his Prince: than he that hath done so great seruice, that his Prince seemeth in debted to him: adding, that he for his part loued those better that were bound to him, than those to whom he was bound. Thus you see how hard it is to liue in this world in any estate: wherfore greatly are they bound to God, whom he hath indued with vnderstanding how to gouerne thēselues in their vocation. This enteruiew between the King & the Constable was in the yeere 1474.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Note that from this place til the 7. Chapter, all these English affaires, fall in∣to the yeeres 1469. & 1470.
• * 1.2

  Heere our En∣glish affaires begin the yeere, 1471.