The history of that most victorius monarch, Edward IIId, King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, and first founder of the most noble Order of the Garter being a full and exact account of the life and death of the said king : together with that of his most renowned son, Edward, Prince of Wales and of Aquitain, sirnamed the Black-Prince : faithfully and carefully collected from the best and most antient authors, domestick and foreign, printed books, manuscripts and records / by Joshua Barnes ...

CHAPTER the FIFTEENTH.

The CONTENTS.

I. The French King sends an Army into Gascoign, which the Lord Oliver Ingham, King Edwards Seneschal of Aquitain, being too weak to match, overthrows by a Strata∣gem. II. King Philip reinforces his Navy, and sends to waste the Lord John of Hai∣nalts Lands. III. Sr. Giles Manny, Brother to the Lord Walter Manny, slain by the Cambresins. IV. The French King gives leave to the Bordering Garrisons to make an Incursion into the Earl of Hainalts Territories: Whereupon the Earl sends him a Defiance. V. After that the said Earl Marches in Hostile manner into the French Pale, where being satisfied with Revenge for that time, he passes over the Sea for En∣gland to enter a strict Alliance with King Edward. VI. The mean while King Phi∣lip orders his Eldest Son, John Duke of Normandy, to Revenge this severely upon Hainalt, and he himself having try'd in vain to draw off the Flemings from England to his side, procures the Pope to Interdict Flanders, and Commands his Garrisons, that Border'd that way, to make sharp War upon them, which is done accordingly. VII. Jacob van Arteveld in Revenge resolves to go and lay Siege before Tournay, and invites the Earl of Salisbury, and the Earl of Suffolks Eldest Son to come to such a Place, and joyn him: They in their Passage thither are intercepted , and taken Prisoners by the Men of Lille, and are sent to the French King, who is hardly perswaded by the King of Bohemia not to put them to Death in cold blood. VIII. The Duke of Normandy Invades Hainalt, with the various Rencounters thereupon. IX. He returning to Cam∣bray, Mutual Inroads are made into France and Hainalt by the Garrisons of either Party. X. The Duke, when the season of War was come, Marches again from Cambray, and goes before the Castle of Thine l'Evesque: The Earl of Hainalt coming home, Mar∣ches with a great Army to raise the Siege.

I. NOW thô Philip the French King, had upon good Reasons, as we shew'd before, declin'd to venture his whole Stock upon the chance of one Bat∣tle, yet was he not wanting to shew himself both Active and Provident, in offending his Enemy of England, where he imagin'd any probability of Success. He a therefore appointed the Lord Gaston Earl of Laille, who was a right Valiant Leader, and as then at Paris with the King, to undertake an Expedition a∣gainst the English in Gascoign, and to act as his Lieutenant there; making war against Bourdeaux and Bo••••delois, and all the Fortresses that held still of King Edward. At that time the worthy Baron b Oliver Lord Ingham, was Governour of Bourdeaux and the Parts thereabout, who not much doubting any great matter from France in this juncture, when the King of Englands Forces were in Flanders (For King Edward up∣on his Departure into England had left in Flanders great Part of his Forces under the Command of the Earl of Salisbury, and the Lord c Robert Hufford le Fitz, eldest Son to the Earl of Suffolk) was notwithstanding suddenly surprized to behold a compleat Army of Frenchmen approaching the Walls of Bourdeaux, to lay Siege thereto. He was not ready enough prepared to make good the Place by pure Force, nor had he sufficient Power at that time (many of his Men being dispersed into Winter Quar∣ters) to man the Walls and make good all other Defences: Only this was his Com∣fort, that the Inhabitants were all entirely affected to the English Interest. Where∣fore putting all his own Men, which were under 6000 into Arms in the most secret manner, he commanded the Citizens to shew no Fear or Distrust, but to follow their Occupations, as in time of Peace. Then immediately he set the City Gates wide o∣pen, and rear'd upon the Walls both of Town and Castle the French Lillies. The E∣nemy

finding the Gates open, enter'd peaceably, but when they saw the Arms of France every where erected, and also upon the Castle it self, supposing the English Garrison fled; and so secure now, both they within and they without for the most part laid by their Arms, but all went in without Order, to rifle the Houses of the English, and to seize the Castle. But just then the Valiant and Politick Lord Ingham with his Men all well-arm'd and in good Order rush'd forth upon them, flaying them down by Heaps, and driving all be∣fore them. At which instant the Citizens fell in upon them from all Parts with their Weapons in their hands, so that it was impossible for them, thô never so numerous to rally again and recover any Order: Wherefore with great ease the Lord Ingham prevail'd and vanquish'd them utterly, so that they were all either slain or taken al∣most to a Man; the Earl of Laille hardly with a few escaping. King Edward upon News hereof, besides his Gracious Acceptance of Sr. Oliver's Service, sent his Royal Letters of Thanks to his Subjects of Bourdeaux, wherein he also promised them con∣siderable Aid very speedily. They began thus. Edward, &c.

You ought, O most loving and loyal Subjects of Bourdeaux, greatly to rejoyce, for that by your Cou∣rage and Loyalty, you have purchas'd unto your selves a Name, that will be crown'd with immortal Honour: And we nothing doubt, but you will yet further endeavour to exalt your Glory more high by perseverance in those laudable Beginnings. But as for this last piece of your Service to Us, We shall take care to requite it with such Bounty, that by example of your Rewards obtained from Us, other of our lo∣ving Subjects may be rendred more prompt and willing to hazard in our Service both their Lives and Fortunes, &c.

When the News of this Success was brought to King Edward, it was also shew'd unto him, that the Lord d De la Brett, and other Lords of Gascoign, who had lately yielded to the French King; had now, for want of sufficient Protection from him, re∣turn'd to the Obedience of the King of England, and wasted the Lands of the French King as far as Tholouse.

About the same time the English e Mariners of the Cinque Ports, to revenge in part those late Affronts done to England by the French Navy, embarqued themselves in Pinnaces and small Boats well appointed, and after the Feast of St. Hilary, arrived at Boulogne upon the Sea-coast, from whence is the shortest Cutt to Dover: The wea∣ther was so misty, cloudy and dark, that they were scarce perceived when they were in the Haven. So that by the Lower Town they burnt 19 Gallies, 4 great Ships and 20 Small Boats with all their Tackling, beside those Houses near the Shore, among which one was the Block-House at that time full of Oars, Sails, Weapons, all man∣ner of Rigging, and other Necessaries sufficient to furnish 19 Gallies and Men for them. After all which they slew many of the Townsmen in a skirmish on the f land, set fire to the Lower Town, hang'd twelve Captains of their Ships, whom they had taken, and so bad them farewell for that time.

II. The mean while King g Philip bestirr'd himself, as One, who was sensible, how near all these matters concern'd his Honour and Estate Royal; he mightily enforced and strengthned his Navy, then on the Sea, under the Command of his three Admi∣rals, Sr. Hugh Quyriel, Sr. Peter Bahuchet, and Nicolas Barbenoir, the Genoan. These were furnished with a notable Fleet of Genuans, Normans, Bretons, and Picards, who did this Winter no small damage to the Coasts of England, at Dover, Sandwich, Win∣chelsey, Hastings, and Rye: For they were more than 40000 Men in all. Beside this King Philip wrote to the Lord of Beaumont-in-Champaine, the Lord of Bresne, the h Vidame of Chalons, the Lord John de la Beau, the Lords John and Gerard of Loire, enjoyning them to furnish themselves with competent forces, and so make an Impression upon the Lord John of Hainalts Lands, burning, killing, and destroying with∣out Pity, because he took King Edward's Part against France. These Lords did as they were Commanded, and enter'd the said Lands with 500 Men of Arms; appearing sud∣denly one Morning before the Town of Chimay, a strong Town of Hainalt, seated in a Wood, on the little River Blanche. Here they found a vast quantity of Cattle and o∣ther Prey, for the Country People never imagin'd the French could have come so far, without passing the Wood of Thierasche. The Place was too strong however, to be won by them, so that setting fire on the Suburbs, and the neighbouring Villages, they return'd laden with Spoil to Aubenton, and there divided the Booty.

At the same i time the Garrison of Cambray sent a small Detachment to a little strong House hard by, called Relenques, which also belonged to the foresaid Lord John of Hai∣nault, and was now kept by a Bastard son of his, who had only 15 Men of Arms, and about fourty others in his Company. These few held out manfully one whole day a∣gainst

a continual Assault of the Cambresins; but because the Ditches were so frozen, that there was free Passage for the Enemy to approach to the very Walls, about Mid∣night the Bastard and his Men in great silence trussed up all they had of any worth, and setting fire to the House, departed for Valenciennes, whither they all came in safety. Next day, as the Cambresins came thither again to renew the Assault, seeing all was reduced to Ashes, they beat down the Walls and what remain'd to the ground, and so returned.

III. We shew'd before, k how the Lord Walter Manny had taken the strong Castle of Thine l'Evesque, so called, because it belonged to the Bishop of Cambray, over which he had set as Captain his Brother Sr. Giles Manny. This l Sr. Giles was a Valiant Knight, and very much incommoded the Garrison of Cambray, both distressing them, that issued out of the Town, and also boldly braving them at their own Walls. Once particularly this Winter he Marched from his Garrison in the head of Sixscore Men of Arms, and came to the Barriers of Cambray; where the clamour rose so high, and the skirmish grew so fierce, that great numbers within the City were fain to run to Arms, and come to the Gate to the assistance of their Fellows, who were hitherto too weak for Sr. Giles, and were ready to turn their backs. But now upon this reinforcement Sr. Giles caused a Retreat to be sounded to his Men, and so began to draw off fair and softly. The fresh forces of the Cambresins issued out of the Barriers after him, as they might well do, both considering their own Numbers, and that so strong a Place was at hand to second them. Among the Frenchmen there was a young lusty Esquire of Gascoign, named William Marchant, who came out among the foremost into the Field, well∣mounted, his shield about his Neck, and his Spear in his Hand. Him when Sr. Giles beheld, he turn'd his Horse and rode up fiercely to him, thinking to have slain or taken him: But the Esquire held him tack gallantly, insomuch that at last either by his Hands, or some others, (for the Medley and Confusion was now at the highest) Sr. Giles was stricken thrô all his Harness, the Spear passing quite thrô his Body, upon which he fell down to the earth. Upon the fall of their Captain, his Men renew'd the skirmish more fiercely, but by continual Recruits from the Town they were finally overpower'd, slain, and put to slight. The Cambresins took up the Body of Sr. Giles, wounded mor∣tally, as he was, and brought him with great Triumph into the City, where presently they disarm'd him, and got skilfull Surgeons to dress his Wound, for they were very de∣sirous to save him to be Ransom'd; but for all their Care, he died the next day after. Then they resolv'd to send his Body to his Brethren, John and Thierry (for the Lord Walter the Elder was about King Edward's business) which two kept Garrison at Bou∣chain in Ostervandt: For thô at that time the Country of Hainault was not engag'd in any War (saving the late Incursion made into the Lord of Beaumonts Lands) yet all the Frontiers toward France were Garrison'd for fear of the Worst, the times begin∣ning to be troublesome. So they prepar'd an Horse, and Litter, and putting his Body therein, caused two Fryers to convey it to his Brethren, who received him with great sorrow, and saw him decently interred at the Fryers in Valenciennes, where afterwards the Lord Manny m buried his Father, as in due place we shall see. This being per∣formed, his two Brethren, John and Thierry, (who were also half n Brethren to the Earl of Namur) went to their Deceased Brothers Castle of Thine, whence they made sharp War upon those of Cambray, in Revenge of the Death of their Brother.

IV. At that time the o Lord Godmar du Fay of Normandy, was Captain of Tournay and the Country thereabout; the Lord of Beaujeu was Captain in Mortagne on the Skell, at the Consines of Hainault in Tournois, the Seneshall of Carcasson in the Town of St. Amand on the Scarp, Sr. Emeric of Poictiers in Doway; and the Lord Galeas de la Bausine, the Lord of Villers, the Marshall of Mirepoix, and Sr. Theobald of Mar∣ville in the City of Cambray: All which Garrisons desired nothing more than to make an Inroad into Hainault, there to rob and spoil the Country. This their De∣sire was brought to effect by the Bishop of Cambray, who being then at Paris with the King, complained

that the Hainalders had done him great Dammage, having de∣stroy'd and overran his Country more than any other: And that the Lord John of Hainault was an apparent and known Enemy to France, and the Earl his Nephew also, secretly a Friend to England.

Whereupon King Philip (as one that consider'd not how many Enemies he created to himself) presently gave leave to the foresaid Garrisons of Cambresis and Tournois to make an Incursion into Hainault, which they gladly did to the number of 600 Men of Arms. On a Saturday Morning they all began their March from Cambray, and were met by a Troop of Almains from the Ca∣stle

of Mal-maison, which stood two leagues from Cambray; the Almains being Ser∣vants to the Bishop of the said City. So that all joyning together they went to the Town of Haspre upon the Selle, which was rich and large, being much extended in the Suburbs without the Walls. The Inhabitants were all secure, as in the depth of Peace, for they had seen no War of many Years, and knew of none near them. Wherefore the French enter'd without resistance, and found Men and Women in their houses and at work, whom they took or slew, as many as they laid hands on, and having robbed the Town at their pleasure, they set it then on fire and burnt it to the very ground, that nothing remain'd but the bare Walls: Nor did they so much as spare the Great Priory of Black-Monks within the Walls, of large Buildings, beside the Church, which being all within the Walls was a Cell to St. Waast or Vedast, an Ab∣by of Arras; but this also being first robbed, they burnt to the ground, and so re∣turn'd laden with prey to their several Garrisons. The News of this was brought to the young Earl of Hainault, when he was a bed in his Palace at Valenciennes, called la Salle du Comte: Whereupon he arose suddenly, buckled on his Armour and hastily call'd for all those Knights who were about his Court; But their Lodgings were so scatter'd, that they could not all be ready so soon as the Earl: He for his part not tarrying for any Man, rode into the Market-place and caused the Bells to ring an Alarm: At the sound whereof all the Men of War, then in pay in the City, arose, put on their Armour and follow'd the Earl their Lord, who with a few was already ridden out of the Town in great haste towards Haspre. He was scarce well out of Town, when news came to him, that the Frenchmen had atchieved their Enterprise and were gone home. Then he rode in a great passion to the Abby of Fontaine, where the Lady Joan de Valois, his Mother was retir'd in Devotion, p as we shew'd before, upon the death of her Husband the Earl. To her he related this Affront of her Brother King Philip, with the most bitter Invectives imaginable; she good Lady! took much pains to appease his Anger, and to excuse his Uncle of being concern'd in such an unnatural Cruelty to him: But he said with an Oath, that the Destruction of Haspre should be soundly revenged in France. So after a short Visit he return'd to Valenciennes, and presently sent out his Writs of Citation to the Prelates and Knights of his Country, to come and give him their Counsel in this Affair. When his Uncle the Lord John of Hainault heard this News, he took horse and rode to the Earl his Nephew to Valenciennes, whom as soon as the Earl saw, he said,

Ah! Dear Uncle, your Absence from us hath made the Frenchmen presumptuous.

Sir, repli'd he; that you have received any Trouble or Dammage, I am very sorry, I assure you; and yet in a manner I cannot but gather thence some kind of satisfaction: For now you are fitly rewarded for the love and service you shew'd to the French King, when you left your Brother-in-Law, the King of Eng∣land, to go and aid him at Viron-fosse. Consider now, whether you had best stay for a little more Provocation; till you see all your Country overrun, as some of my Lands have been already.

Ah Uncle, said the Earl, do you but advise into what Quarter we had best to March, and I'll see it shall be shortly done with a Witness.

Now the Day of the Parliament being come, which the Earl had summon'd to Mons, thither came all the Burgesses of Hainault, Holland and Zealand, among whom were divers Opinions: The more Cauteous advis'd,

That certain Persons of Quali∣ty should be sent to the French King, to know whether he consented to those Ho∣stilities done in Hainault, or no; and if so, upon what Pretence he made War in the Earls Land without Defiance. Others more warm were of the mind, that the Earl should immediately seek Revenge, in the same manner as he had suffer'd the Injury, to wit suddenly, and without giving any Notice at all. But at last a third Opinion prevail'd above these, that indeed the Earl could do no less in Honour than make War in France; but it was reckon'd more generous and agreeable to the Law q made by King Edward at Arques in Brabant, to defie the French King first, and then to pass into his Realm with an Army.

Accordingly the Defiances being there written and sealed by the Earl and all his Nobles, the Abbot Theobald of St. Crispin was presently dispatch'd away with them to Paris. The Earl thanked all his Lords for their readiness to maintain his Honour, and set himself with all his Power to pre∣pare for the War. The Abbot of St. Crispin went and presented the Defiances to King Philip, who upon perusal thereof, notwithstanding his Quarrel with England, haughty as he was, made but sport of the matter, saying,

His Nephew was but an Outragious Fool, and that he was only taking the readiest course to ruine his own Country.

The Abbot return'd to the Earl and his Council, to whom he shew'd how he had suc∣ceeded: But the Answer enflam'd them all ten times more than before. The mean

while the Earl made great Levies from Brabant and Flanders, as well as in his own Countries, till he had gotten together a Formidable Army.

V. All things being ready, he r began his March towards the Lands of Chimar, for his intent was to go and destroy the Lord of Bresne's Lands, and the Great Town of Aubenton in Tierasche: The Inhabitants of Aubenton were in much doubt of these Preparations; whereupon they sent for Succour to the Grand Baily of Vermandois, who sent unto them the Vidame of Chalons, the Lord of Bresne, the Lord de la Bonne, the Lord of Loire, and Others to the number of 300 Men of Arms. So they all fell to fortifie the Town where it most wanted, determining to expect the Hainalders and to defend the Place, which was very considerable in greatness and ri∣ches, especially in Drapery. The Hainalders came thither, as was expected, early on a Fryday and view'd well the Town, to find in what part it was most assaultable: That same Morning they resolv'd to give a general Assault, and so approached in very good Order in Three Battalia's, with their Crossbows before them, and their Banners waving in the Wind. The Earl of Hainault himself led the first Battail, having in his Retinue a great number of Choice Knights and Esquires of his own Subjects: The Lord John his Uncle had the second Battail, consisting of many choice Bands of Men of War, English and Others; the Third and last was brought up by the Lord of Val∣kenburgh, which consisted for the most part of Almains and Brabanders. These 3 Bat∣tails assaulted the Town at one time in three several places, with much Vigour and Gallantry, the Archers all the while both from within and without letting fly their Arrows and Quarrels without sparing. The Earl with his Battail came up near to the chief Gate, which for a while was worthily defended by the Vidame of Chalons, who there and then Knighted three of his Sons, and obliged his Men by words and example to do gallantly: But yet at last both he and they were by the Earl beaten back again into the Town in some Confusion: The Earl carrying the Barriers by fine Force, and keeping them. The mean while his Uncle the Lord of Beaumont was fighting with like Valour and Success at the Gate toward Chimay, where after a sharp Conflict, which yet was well manag'd by the Lord de la Bonne and the Lord of Bresne, he forced the E∣nemy to retire into the Town, and thereby wan both the Barriers and the Bridge also. Yet what they had, as it was not cheaply won, was not easily maintain'd: For the Besie∣ged being beaten into the Town, came now to revenge that Affront upon the Walls, whence they cast down barrs of Iron, Stones, Timber, Darts, and Pots of quick Lime, which did a great deal of Mischief. An Esquire of Hainault had such a stroke with a stone upon his Target, that it was quite cloven in sunder with the blow, and his Arm so shatter'd and broken, that it was long before it could perfectly be healed. The next morning being Saturday, the Assault was again renew'd on all sides with far more fury than before, so that althô they within did their utmost to defend them∣selves, at last all their Barriers and Defences were beaten down, and the Town was carried by Force. Sr. John the Earls Uncle, enter'd first with great noise of shouting and Trumpets, his Men of Arms beating down all before them. At this dreadfull sight the Vidame of Chalons, like a Noble Knight withdrew himself into a fair spacious place before the Minster, where he stood with his Men in a square Battail, resolved as it should seem to sell his Life dearly. But as for the Lord of Bresne, when he saw all was lost, knowing he had so much displeased Sr. John, by his late Incursion into his Lands about Chimay, that if he were taken no Ransom would be accepted for his Life, he determin'd to save himself by flight, and presently taking a good Horse fled away without any Order upon the spur. Sr. John hearing that his Capital Enemy was escaped, immediately with a good Brigade of Horse sped after him; but the Lord of Bresne had got the start of him so much, that finding the Gate of his Town rea∣dy open to receive him, he made shift to enter and close the Gates again, just as Sr. John came up to the very Walls, thrô eager pursuit with his Sword drawn in his hand. Wherefore seeing his Enemy had escap'd him, he return'd back to Aubenton; but in his passage thither, meeting with many of the Lord of Bresne's Men following their Master, he put them all to the Sword without mercy. The mean while in the Town, was the young Earl and his Men hard fighting with those who were drawn up before the Minster; and there the Vidame of Chalons did Wonders in Arms, and so did two of his Sons, and all his Company plaid this their last Stake gallantly and with honour; but the Hainalders were as cunning Gamesters, besides that they were more animated with Success; so that at last the Vidames Party being opprest by num∣bers of Men no less valiant and desperate than themselves, were slain upon the spot every Man, not one was taken to ransom, and the Vidame indeed scorn'd to be taken,

and his Sons were of his Mind, and so they all fell with their Swords in their hands. And of the whole Town not one escaped, but only those who fled away with the Lord Bresne, so that there died about 2000 People of the Town besides the Souldi∣ers. After this bloody Execution the Town was rifled and plunder'd, and all the Goods sent away to Chimay, and the residue committed to the Flames. From Au∣benton these incensed Warriers went to Maubert Fontaine, which they presently wan, and spoiled the Town, and then ras'd it to the ground; after that they took and burnt the Town of Aubigny, and Signy the Greater and the Less, and all the Hamlets thereabout, to the number of above 40. And then at last the Earl of Hainalt being (as the manner of War is) rather overrevenged of his wrongs, return'd to Mons well pleased, and having satisfied his Men with Thanks and Prey, gave them leave to de∣part for a while, because the season was not yet come to keep the Field.

But considering, that these his Actions would shortly call a War upon him from France, having constituted his Uncle Sr. John, Deputy Governour of Hainault, Hol∣land, and Zealand, he immediately shipt himself for England, with design to make an Alliance Offensive and Defensive with his Brother-in-Law King Edward; that so he might be the better able to withstand the Power of France. But the Lord John of Hainault staid at Mons, where like a good Provident Captain he took care for all Parts, and retain'd Souldiers, and strengthen'd all his Nephews Castles and Fortresses with Men and Ammunition. And first he sent to Valenciennes the Lord of Engien, the Lord of Vergny, the Lord of Gomegines, and Sr. Henry of Hofalize: To Lan∣drecy he sent the High-Steward of Hainalt with an hundred Spears; to Bouchan in Ostervandt three Captains, Brethren, Knights of Almain named Courrars; instead of the two Mannys, who were removed to the Castle of Thine, as s we shew'd before: To Escandure he sent Sr. Gerard van Sanckins, and the Lord of Valkenburg to the Town of Avesnes; the like care he took of St. Amand and of every Fortress fronting on France.

VI. But when King t Philip heard, how the Hainalders had wasted the Country of Tierasche, and had slain and taken his Captains, and destroy'd utterly his good Town of Aubenton, he presently in a great fury commanded his Eldest Son John Duke of Nor∣mandy, to make a notable Inroad into Hainalt, and there to harrass and destroy all the Country, that the Memory of his severe Revenge might remain for ever: And him we shall leave about his vast Preparations to execute his Fathers Command. His Father the mean while to provide against the Storm, which he expected from England, reinforced his Navy greatly at this time, and commanded his Admirals to cruise about the Coasts of Flanders, and by no means to suffer the King of England upon his return to set Foot∣ing there on pain of their Heads. And because he now understood for certain, that the Flemings had made homage and Fealty to the King of England his Adversary, he sent unto them a notable Prelate, who pretended to come from the Pope to shew them,

That if they would return to their Duty, and own themselves to hold only of his Holiness and of the Crown of France, forsaking King Edward, who (as he said) had enchanted them; then he would forgive them all their Trespasses, granting unto them a General Absolution, and also quit them of 2000000 of Florens, in which Summ they were bound unto him by a Former Obligation; and that he would fur∣ther procure them many Advantagious Privileges and Franchises.

The Flemings an∣swer'd,

That they look'd upon themselves as fully acquitted already of whatsoe∣ver they were bound in to his Holiness: Since they fought not against the King of France, but the Usurper of that Crown.

King Philip being nettled with this An∣swer, made his Complaint to the Pope, and so well handled the Matter with him, that (contrary to the Opinion of St. Austin, who says, u

That neither a Common-Wealth, nor a Prince of a People, ought to be excommunicated

) he too easily interdicted all Flanders, insomuch, that no Priest there durst say or sing any Divine Service, while they should continue unreconciled to the Church. Whereof when the Flemings complain'd bitterly to King Edward, he sent them word,

that when he should come among them he would bring along with him Priests out of England, that should sing Mass, and perform Divine Service among them, whether the Pope would or no: For he said, He had Authority and Privilege so to do: And this Answer contented the Flemings.

But when King Philip saw he could not win them to his side by fair means, then he sent command to his Garrisons of Tournay, Lisle, Douay and other Frontier Fortres∣ses, to make War on the Flemings and to overrun their Country. According to these Orders the Lord Godmar du Fay, Sr. John du Roy, Sr. Matthew du Trie Marshall of Mirepoix, and divers other Lords and Knights from Tournay, Lisle and Doway, col∣lected

a Body of 1000 Men of Arms, 3000 Crossbows and Others; who all toge∣ther one evening setting out secretly from Tournay, and riding about six leagues North∣ward, came early the next Morning before Courtray. By that time the Sun was risen, they had gather'd together all the Cattel about the Town, while a Party of them rode up to the very Gates, and slew and hurt all whom they found without the Walls. Then they return'd homeward with all their Prey, which they carried clear off, and found, when they came to Tournay, that they had got more than 10000 Sheep, and of Swine, Beefs and Kine as many more.

VII. The Flemings were extreamly fretted at this Inroad of theirs, but especially Jacob van Arteveld, who swore to take a bloody Revenge within a little space: And presently commanded the good Towns of Flanders, to get ready their Quota's of Soul∣diers, and send them to him to Geertsberg or Mount Gerard directly between Ant∣werp and Tournay by such a certain day, in order to go with him before Tournay. He wrote Letters also to the Earl of Salisbury and the Lord Robert Hufford, eldest Son to the Earl of Suffolk, being then at Ipres, desiring them to come and meet him there at the same time. He himself against the Day prefixed went out of Gaunt with his Men of War, and made his Rendezvous at Mount Gerard aforesaid, being on an Arm of the Skell; where he resolved to stay for the Lords of England, and the Men of Frank and Bruges. The foresaid English Barons thought it dishonourable to delay a Matter of such Importance, especially the Flemings being so forward in what they them∣selves on behalf of the King their Master extreamly desired; wherefore they immedi∣ately dispatch'd an Answer to Jacob van Arteveld, signifying, that they would not fail to be with him at such a Day.

There was then at Ipre a Lord of Almain, named Sr. Vauflart de la Croix, who for a long time had made War against the Garrison of Lille (by the Dutch called Ryssel) whereby he was well acquainted with all the Avenues and Passages of that Country. Him now the two English Lords took for their Guide, and when the time appointed drew near, marched out of Ipre with 50 Men of Arms and 40 Archers in their Com∣pany: But as they came toward the Town of Lille, either by Treason of some a∣mong them, or by the Enemies Spies, their Approach was signified to those of the Town, who sent out beforehand 1500 Men both Horse and Foot, in three several Bo∣dies, that the English might by no means escape. It is likely they had at least a strong presumption some time before of this their Coming; for in such a certain place they had made a great Dike, where there never was any before, that their Passage might be the slower, and they might not slip quickly by unperceived. Sr. Vauflart had guided them well till they came to this Dike, but here he began to smell a Plot, and making an Halt, said to the English Barons,

My Lords, now I see well you can∣not pass without peril from the Garrison of Lille. For this way is but newly thus stop∣ped, and without fail they have had notice of our Coming: Wherefore by my ad∣vice, you would do well to turn back again and take some other way.

But the Lords answer'd him,

Nay Sr. Vauflart, it shall ne're be said, that we went out of the way for fear of the Men of Lille; therefore ride on before in Gods-name, for we have promised Jacob van Arteveld to be with him as on this day.

And saying so, they began to move forward; but then Sr. Vauflart repli'd,

Gentlemen, you have taken me in this journey for your Guide, and I have been with you all this Winter in Ipres, where indeed for your kind Company and singular Favours, I have been particularly obliged unto you: But if the Men of Lille once appear without the Walls, never expect that I should stand by you: For I design to save my self as soon as I may; because, if I am taken by them I am sure to die for it: And you must pardon me, if I love my Life something better than your good Company, thô you are my Friends.

The English Lords laughed heartily at him and said,

Well Sr. Vauflart, if it be so, we freely excuse you from further Attendance.

And truly just as he had imagin'd, so it fell out, for unawares they were even then in danger of the French Ambush, who cri'd out,

Hold Messieurs, you are not like to pass this way without our Leave,

and at that instant they poured in a whole Flight of Ar∣rows upon them, and came out in good Order against them. The Lord Vauflart had no sooner espi'd them, but he turn'd his Horse and got out of the Preass, as hastily as he might, and setting spurs to his Horse escap'd away: But the English Captains thought scorn to flinch, and so rode forward, till finding themselves enclos'd with their Enemies, as it were in a Net, they alighted on foot and began to defend them∣selves like Men; insomuch that for all their great Disadvantage, they slew and hurt many of their Enemies. But the Men of Lille were now both behind and before,

and they were enclosed in a narrow straight Passage beside, so that on each Flank al∣so they lay open to the Enemies shot, among bushes, hedges and ditches, that they could neither turn backward nor forward, nor yet have convenient Ground to fight it out on: And however well they might behave themselves, 'twas impossible they should get off, because perpetually fresh Men flow'd in upon them under the Conduct of the x Lord of Rambois; so after some Resistance they were all taken of necessity, and with them a young Esquire of Limosin, named Raymund Rogerii, Nephew to Peter Rogerii then Cardinal, and shortly after Pope of Rome, by the Name of Clement VI. This young Gentleman having yielded himself prisoner, was afterwards slain in Cool blood by the Frenchmen, for greediness of his rich Arms and costly Apparel. This is the man∣ner of the taking of the Earl of Salisbury, and the Earl of Suffolks y eldest Son (not as is commonly said, of the Earl of Suffolk himself) as Froisard hath deliver'd; and truly it would not seem improbable neither, but upon these accounts, that it is hardly cre∣dible, two such Great Captains as these were known to be, should erre so much against the Rules of War, in being so rash and careless; and besides the way from Ipres to Greetsberg by Ryssel or Lille is the farthest way about by much, and shews that Sr. Vauflart had rather a mind to expose them to their Enemies, both of Lille and Tour∣nay, than to guide them the nearest and safest way: Which had been by passing from Ipre to cross the Skell about Courtray, a Garrison of their Friends, to keep the left hand till they came to the place of Rendezvous, which was not above 4 leagues be∣neath Aelst or Alost, on another Arm of the Skell. Wherefore having a more proba∣ble Account elsewhere of the taking of these Men, I shall set that down also, leaving the Reader to judge, which Opinion seems most preferable. Immediately after Easter the Earl of Salisbury, and the Earl of Suffolks Eldest Son, called Robert Ʋfford le Fitz, went and laid Siege to the Town of Lille in Flanders, z so called from its Scituation a∣mong Lakes, which are now dri'd up, that Town holding then for the French; and being furnished with a good Garrison. Hereupon full of Courage, one Day they made a vigorous a Sally upon the Besiegers, but whether really overpower'd by the English, or only in Policy pretending so to be, they at last retir'd in great (seeming) Confusion, much faster than they issued out. The two English Lords, as the Nature of Man is, presuming belike on their late frequent Successes, hoped by pursuing them close to en∣ter with them Pell-mell, and so to be Masters of the Place. With this Design they follow'd the Townsmen close at their heels, themselves being follow'd but by a few of their Troops, that were then in readiness; thô greater Numbers were hasting on to second them. But as soon as ever the two Lords with a few about them were got within the Gates, down fell the Armed Portcullis from behind them, and in their Face they met with a great number of Men of Arms; besides that those who lately fled from them return'd upon them now with greater vigour. So that immediately they were both taken and sworn Prisoners (with their Men) and then clapt in Irons and laid in the Town-Hall Prison or common Goal, till it might be resolv'd what to do with them. At last it was determin'd, that these two Illustrious Captives, being fetter'd and shackled with Iron, should be sent and presented to the French King, as a lucky Hansel of his future Success. As they were b convey'd to Paris, they were drawn in a Cart thrô the midst of every Town, Village or Hamlet in their way, with great shouts and cries of the Vulgar, and scoffs and railings of the rascal sort of People. Be∣ing c at last brought into the King of France's Presence, he most unworthily com∣manded they should be put to Death; but to this the most Noble King of Bohemia, John of Luxemburgh, oppos'd himself with words to this effect.

Sir, if these Gentlemen your Prisoners, were not Persons of as high Merit as Qua∣lity, I should not take much notice of them at this time; thô I should hardly al∣low of putting the most mean or undeserving Enemy to Death in cold blood. They are indeed, as Matters now stand, open Enemies to your Majesty; but they are Honou∣rable Enemies however, and such as never fought against you, but in their Liege Ma∣sters Quarrel; nor then till open Defiance had been made. Nor were they taken so much by the Valour of your Subjects, as thrô an excess of their own, and that too by a subtle Contrivance of their Adversaries; nor even then perhaps had they so tame∣ly yielded, but that they believ'd, they should not fail of being used like Prisoners of War. Let not the most Christian King of France prove more severe and less just or honourable, than even his Enemies suppos'd him to be.

Beside, the Event of War is uncertain, and the King of England is not only him∣self of great Puissance, but has gained strong Allies in the Empire; so that he may be suppos'd able to return like for like: If these Men therefore should now die, who

of your Lords would willingly fight in your Quarrel; since if taken, they must never expect to be put to Ransom, but in Revenge of these Mens Blood, to inevitable Death? Nor are your Enemies only like to resent this Action, if you proceed se∣verely; but the better Part of your Friends also, as you may guess from Me, who am the First, that blame this Resolution of yours against them. To kill those that re∣sist is Valour and Justice; but to put those to the Sword, who have laid down theirs, is both cruel and ungenerous: It may be any Mans fortune to be taken Prisoner; but it will be an eternal Blot to that Conqueror, who destroys those in cold Blood, whom the Law of Arms makes only Prisoners of War. My Royal Friend and Bro∣ther, let us resolve to be valiant Enemies but Mercifull Victors; at least let us forbear these unreasonable Severities, till we are first provoked by the example of the English, to use them.

King Philip being convinced by these Reasons of his Old Friend, the Heroick King of Bohemia, revoak'd the Sentence of their Death; but however d committed them to close Prison: He sent also to thank the Garrison of Lille, for this agreeable piece of Service, and promis'd them gratiously to take them into his Consideration. But Jacob van Arteveld, when he heard of their Taking, in great Displeasure broke up his Assembly at Mount-Gerard or Geertsberg, and laying aside all hopes of Succeeding as then against Tournay, went back again to Gaunt the Metropolis of Flanders.

VIII. The mean while John Duke of Normandy, King Philips Eldest Son, who as we shew'd before, had Orders from his Father to invade the Earl of Hainalts Coun∣try, made his general Rendezvous at St. Quintin. There came to him thither Walter de Brenne, the Duke of Athens, Lewis of Cressy Earl of Flanders, who had now little or no Authority left him in his own Country; Ralph Earl of Ewe and Guisnes, Con∣stable of France, the Earl of Auxerre, the Earl of Porcien, the Earl of Grand-P••••, the Earl of Coucy, the Lord of Bresne, the Lord of Craon, and divers other Nobles of Normandy and of the Lower Marches. All these with their several Retinues be∣ing assembled at the Place aforesaid, a little after Easter, in the Year of our Lord MCCCXL; The Constable and the two Marshals found the whole Number to con∣sist of 6000 Men of Arms and 18000 Others. So they took the Field and began then March, passing by the strong Castle of Bouhain and Cambresis, and lodged in the Town of Montais on the River Selle. The Lord Richard Verchin High Seneschall of Hai∣nault, being beforehand informed by his Spies, that the Duke of Normandy intended to lodge that Night at Montais, took with him certain Choice Men of Arms from se∣veral Garrisons, and about Sun-set, leaving his Castle of Landrecy, rode forth till he came to a Forest on the Confines of Hainault, a little league from Montais. It was now Night and very dark, but this Lord and his Men knew the whole Country per∣fectly. Wherefore in a field by this Forest the Lord Verchin made an Halt, and there first declared to his Company,

That he design'd to go and beat up the Duke of Normandy's Quarters at Montais;

whereat all his Men expressed much joy, and pro∣mised to live and die with him in the Undertaking. He thanked them heartily, and then gave them the Word and full Directions, thô they were all expert Captains; the Knights being Sr. James Sart, Sr. Henry of Hofalize, Sr. Oliver Guistels, Sr. John Chastellet, and Sr. Bertrand his Brother: The Esquires were Giles and Thierry Som∣main, Brethren, Baldwin Beaufort, Colebrier Brule, Esquire Moreau, Soldat Stramen, John Robsert, Bridol Thyaulx and Others to the number of 56, who all rode secretly to Montais, and enter'd the very Town undiscover'd. The French were so secure they had set no c Watch, so that the Seneschall of Hainault alighted very silently before the chief House of the Town, for there they expected to find the Duke of Normandy himself: But whether by Chance, his own Discretion, or meer Providence, he was not lodged there; but two other Great Lords of Normandy had the Place assigned them to their no great advantage in the end, for now they were suddenly assailed by these unexpected Guests, and the Gate of the Lodgings broken down. But when they heard the Cry of Hainalt in the House they were extreamly amazed, and yet they defended themselves as well as they could, thô it availed but little; for they were but few within, and those but ill prepared; there one of the Lords was slain outright, as he fought valiantly, the other was taken Prisoner, but being naked was left there, when he had first given to the Seneschall his Faith and Troth, that he would not fail to yield himself Prisoner, within three Days after at Valenciennes. At this Noise the Army be∣gan to take the Alarm, and the Frenchmen came out of their Lodgings and made fires, and lighted up Torches and Candles, while others went to awake their Fellows; but the Duke of Normandy, at the first noise arose in all hast, put on his Armour, and

order'd his Banner to be displayed before his Lodgings, whereto his Men might repair; for it was not known what Numbers the Enemy consisted of, the Darkness of the Night making all things uncertain. But now the Hainalders, perceiving it high time to depart, retired in good Order to their Horses, mounted and went away with 10 or 12 Prisoners of Quality clear off, for the French durst not pursue them in the Dark, for fear of an Ambush. By the next morning they reached Quesnoy, where having rested a while to refresh themselves they rode to Valenciennes.

In the Morning the Duke of Normandy, being mightily incensed at this presumption of the Hainalders, and resolving a severe Revenge, gave Command to his Men to dislodge, and March into Hainault, and there burn and destroy without Mercy. So his Vancurrours consisting of two Hundred Spears, ••ode forth under the Command of Sr. Theobald of Marville, Galeas Lord of Bausine, the Lord of Mirepoix, the Lord of Ra∣venal, the Lord of Sempy, John Lord of Landas, the Lord of Angers, and the Lord of Tramels: Next these rode the two Marshals of the Army, with 500 Spears; then came the Duke himself with the other Lords, Knights, and Esquires, and the Gross of the Army. The Vanguard burnt Ferest, Bertran, Bertinginel, Sormaine, Vendegres in the Wood, Vendegres on the Sands, by the River Rouelle; the next day they burnt Os∣menal, Wallers, Gomegnies, Marchiennes, Pestell, Anfroy, Pyeprux, Fresnoy, Obiez, the good Town of Bannoy, and all the Country as far as the River Honneau. That same day the Marshals with their Battail gave a Brisk Assault to the Castle of Verchin, but the Seneschal had so well provided for it, that they got no Advantage there. Thence the Army passed on, and encamped by the River of s Selle, between Aussy and San∣coy. Now at this time the Lord of Valkenberg, who had been sent at first to Avesnes, was Captain of the strong Town of Maubeuge upon the Sambre, having with him in Garrison an 100 Spears of Germans and Hainalders. When he heard how the French were about these Hostilities in Hainault, and saw the poor Country People daily flying away from before them, he was very much moved both with Indignation and Compas∣sion; and so now leaving the Town to the Care of the Lord Beaurenoire and the Lord Montecuculi, he arm'd himself and his Company, whom for that purpose he had drain'd from several Garrisons, saying, he had a great Mind to find out these Frenchmen. So he rode carefully, and with secresie all day by the Forest of Mormaux; but in the E∣vening hearing by his Spies, that the French Army was encamped on the Selle, between Aussy and Sancoy, he said, he would go and give them a Camisade. So riding on till about Midnight, by the help of a Guide, he passed the River, and then gave the Word, and necessary Orders, making all things ready for the Exploit: So he rode on fair and softly, till he came to the skirts of the French Host, but then all in one instant set Spurs to their Horses, and dashed in with great Fury among the sleepy Frenchmen, cry∣ing out Valkenberg, and cutting down Tents and Pavilions, and slaying and wounding whomsoever they met with. The Alarm waken'd the whole Host, so that they began to Rise and Arm apace, and so flock'd to their Banners, moving as they were ranged, to that Part, whence the noise came. Of the French there were already slain the Lord of Picquegny, and the Lord Anthony Condom desperately wounded; the Viscount of Quesnes, and the Bourge of Rouvres were taken Prisoners, besides the Mischief done a∣mong the Common sort. But now, when the Lord of Faulquemont (which is Valkenburg) saw by the Lights in the Host, and the Banners approaching, that it was time for him to be gone, he went off in an instant with all his Company, and repassed the River of Selle without any Damage in the World; for he was not followed, because the French were unskill'd in the Country, and feared an Ambush. By Sunrise that Morning he got to Quesnoy, where he was let in by the Captain Sr. Thierry of Valcourt; who knew him for a Friend. About the same time also the Duke of Normandy went over the River after him, his Vanguard being enforced with 200 Spears more under the Lord of Nor∣siers, besides the Footmen arm'd with Brigandines, all who appear'd before Quesnoy, and made a shew, as if the Army was coming up to besiege the Place, or at least attempt it by Assault: But the Town was so well provided with Ammunition and Valiant Souldiers, that they would but have lost their Labour; which also the Enemy partly knew, but however they were resolv'd not to leave them unsaluted, and so came to the Barriers to skirmish. Thô they came on fast enough, they were soon obliged to with∣draw much faster, for they were entertain'd by the Town with many pieces of Artille∣ry, from whence were discharged huge quarrels of Stone, and mighty Weights of Lead and Iron, which kill'd whereever they fell, but especially made the Frenchmen unwil∣ling to approach, for fear their Horses should be slain, now they were in a strange Coun∣try. Wherefore they turn'd off thence, and in their way set on fire Verchin the Great

and the Less, Fresne, Samners, Artes, Semeriens, Sariten, Turgyes, Estines, Aulnoy, and so many Towns and Villages that way, that the smoak was seen at Valenciennes. After this the Frenchmen order'd their Battails on the Mountain Casteres near Valenci∣ennes, to see if by any means they could entice the Enemy to come forth against them. The mean while a Detachment of 200 Spears under the Leading of the Lord Craon, the Lord Mauliverer, the Lord of Mathelor, and the Lord of Dunoy, rode towards Montigny, and went and Assaulted a great Tower belonging to Sr. John Vernier of Va∣lenciennes, which afterwards came to Sr. John Nevill. The Assault was fierce and con∣tinued long, even well-nigh an whole day, so that several of the French were slain and wounded before they left off: But they within behav'd themselves so well, that they receiv'd no loss at all. About the same time another Party of Frenchmen went to Tryche, thinking at their Pleasure to pass the Bridge, and so to approach the Town: But the Townsmen had already broke down the Bridge, and stood there to Defend the Passage: So that they could not hope for any Advantage that way. However having Guides among them, and such as knew the Country, they made shift to Convey over at De∣nain two Hundred Men on Foot, who came suddenly upon the Men of Tryche: They therefore being but few in number, and not very Expert in Military Affairs, could not endure against the French in plain fight, and so they fled to the Town as fast as they could, leaving several of their Friends behind, both dead and wounded. Upon this Suc∣cess of the French, another Body, both Horse and Foot passed over, who joyning with the others, set themselves all together to Assault the Town. That day the Seneschal of Hainault went secretly from Valenciennes with an Hundred Men of Arms to succour the Men of Tryche, and in the way a little beyond St. Waast, he met with 25 Forerun∣ners of the French Army, whose Captains were the Lord Bouciquaut, afterwards Mar∣shal of France, the Lord Surgieres, and Sr. William Blandeau who had passed the Bridge by Valenciennes, called de la Rouelle. When the Seneschal of Hainault espied these Men, he rode forth like a Valiant Captain in the Head of his Troop against them, and at the first shock bore down to the Earth with his Spear, the Lord Bouciquaut, whom he took Prisoner and sent to Valenciennes, as one who was ordain'd to a Nobler De∣stiny: The Lord of Surgieres escaped away by the Goodness of his Horse, but Sr. William Blandeau was also taken alive by Sr. Henry de Hofalize, and the rest either all taken or slain. Then the Seneschal proceeded on toward Tryche, but he had almost come too late; for the French had just taken the Town before he came, and were now beat∣ing down the Mills, and a little Castle that was hard by: When upon the Seneschals approach, being suddenly taken, they had hardly the leisure to mount their Horses; so they were easily discomfited and put to flight, and pursued so narrowly, that many leapt into the River of Skell, and some were drown'd, especially the Footmen, of whom very few escaped. Thus was Tryche sav'd out of the fire, and most of the spoils recover'd again: After which the Seneschal repassed the River at Denain, and rode to his Castle of Verchin to defend it, if need should be.

All this while the Duke of Normandy was upon the Mount of Casteres near upon all day, expecting that the Men of Valenciennes would have issued out to have fought with him: And so they would gladly have done, but that Sr. Henry Dantoing their Gover∣nour and the Provost of the Town, according to the Seneschals Order, stood at the Gate which looks towards Cambray, and by fair Words and good Arguments us'd all their endeavour to stop them from sallying out: For it was too Great, Populous, and rich a City to be hazarded at one cast of Fortune; But while the Men of War remain'd with∣in, both they and the Town were safe, being a mutual security to one another. When therefore the Duke of Normandy saw plainly that they would not come forth against him, he sent the Duke of Athens, and the Marshals of his Host, the Earl of Auxerre and the Lord of Chastillon with 300 Spears to go and skirmish with them at the Bar∣riers. All these rode forth accordingly in good Order and came to the Barriers on the side de la Rouelle, but they durst not tarry there long for fear of the shot from the Walls, which slew their Horses; the Lord of Chastillon notwithstanding rode so near, that his Horse fell dead under him, so that he was fain to leap upon another in great Danger of his Own Person. Then they return'd by the Marches, and burnt and beat down the Mills on the River Rouelle, and so came by Chartreux to their Host again: But certain of their Company tarried behind at Marley to get store of Forage for their Horses. Now there was a considerable Castle not far off, formerly belonging to the Lord Ro∣bert of Namur, in Right of the Lady Isabella his Wife, who was one of the Sisters of the Present Earl of Hainault, but now by exchange it was again reverted to the Earl. The Garrison within this Castle perceiving how these Frenchmen loytred thus behind their fel∣lows

in great Security, and that the Army was now very far off before them, made upon them a sudden and vigorous Sally, wherein they slew the greater part of them, recover'd all their Prey, and without any loss return'd in Triumph to their Castle.

All this g while the Great Battail of the French was still on the Mount Casteres, till now at last, that all their Detachments were return'd from all Parts, thô as we have shew'd, not without loss, they enter'd Consultation how they should proceed farther. In the end it was resolved, that since they were not sufficiently numerous to Storm so Great and Populous a City as Valenciennes, they should content themselves for the pre∣sent with what they had already done, and so return to Cambray. So that Night they reach'd Monchau, and Fontaine au Tertre, and the Abbey pertaining to the Lady Jane of Valois, Countess Dowager of Hainault: There they lodged that Night, keeping good Watch, as being still in the Enemies Country; But the next Morning they de∣camped betimes, some of those in the Rear upon their departure setting fire on Mon∣chau, and Fontaine, together with the foresaid Abbey, thô it belonged to the said La∣dy Jane, Sister to King Philip of France. This when Duke John her Nephew under∣stood, he was so displeased, that he commanded those who began the Fire to be hang'd up immediately. After this they burnt the Town and Castle of Tryche, (so lately re∣scued to no purpose) and beat down the Mills; also they set fire on Prony, Romeny, Thyaulx, and all the plain Country between Valenciennes and Cambray. Then the Duke proceeded to Escandure, a strong Frontier Castle of the Earl of Hainalts, stand∣ing on the River Skell; the Garrison whereof had been a great Plague to the City of Cambray; Sr. Gerard van Sanctius being the Captain. But when the Duke of Nor∣mandy had lain before the Place six days, it was deliver'd up unto him; not without the Admiration of all who knew its strength, and therefore vehemently suspected the Cap∣tain Sr. Gerard, and an Esquire of his, named Robert of Marmeaulx, to have play'd the Traytors in this Matter. However, shortly after they both suffer'd a shamefull Death upon this account at Mons in Hainalt: But the Garrison of Cambray rased the Castle to the ground, conveying the Stones and Timber thereof into their own Town to help them in their Necessary Reparations.

IX. After h this Desolation of Escandure, Duke John return'd to Cambray, where for the present he disbanded some of his Men, and others he sent to reinforce the Garri∣sons of Doway, Lille, and other places. As soon as these fresh Aids came to Doway, the Garrison was so encouraged, that they sent forth together with them of Lille 300 Spears, whose Leaders were the Lord Lewis of Savoy, Amè Earl of Geneva, the Earl of Villers, Sr. Galeas of Bausine, the Lord of Vaurain, and the Lord of Vasiers. All these overran with fire and sword, the fruitfull Country of Ostervandt in Hainault, so that they left nothing untouch'd, but the strong Castles. At this the Three Brethren, Captains of Bouchain, were extreamly concerned; as those who daily saw the fire and smoak, and other ill effects of the Enemies Rage, but were not strong enough to op∣pose it. Wherefore they sent to Valenciennes, to tell the Governour, that if in the Night he would send forth 600 Spears to joyn him, they would most certainly take a Notable Revenge upon the Frenchmen, who lay scatter'd abroad without any Retiring place, or shelter in the plain Country: But whatever they alledged, those of Valenci∣ennes durst not stir out of the Town, because the Earl had strictly enjoyn'd the con∣trary; during his absence. Wherefore the French meeting with no Opposition, took great Booties, and fired the Town of Nyche, Descoux, Escaudan, Hery, Monteney, Se∣nain, Verlain, Vargny, Ambreticourt, Lourge, Salx, Ruette, Neville, Lieu, St. A∣mand, and all the Villages of that Country, from whence they brought off much plun∣der. But as soon as they were return'd into Garrison, those of the Garrison of Bouchain, went forth and burnt a Moiety of Descon, which was French, and the Town of Desquer∣chine, and all the Villages that held with France, as far as to the Gates of Doway. Thus on both sides were the Garrisons furnished with Men of War, and daily mutual Advantages and Losses were exchanged between both Parties.

At the same time there was a Garrison of Germans in the Fortress of Mal-Maison, which was but two Leagues from the Castle of Cambresis on the Selle, being placed there by the Bishop of Cambray, who held with France. This Fortress on the side to∣ward Hainault look'd directly upon Landrecy, whereof the Lord of Poitrel was Cap∣tain; for thô the Earl of Blois own'd it once, yet on certain considerations he had late∣ly parted with it to the Earl of Hainault, before the Earl had broke with France. These Germans of Mal-Maison aforesaid came one day to the Barriers of Landrecy, and in sight of the Town began to drive away a great Booty of Cattle, that grased there∣about. The Lord of Poitrel understanding thus much, Arm'd himself and all his Com∣pany,

and rode forth to the Rescue in the Head of his Men, with his Spear in his Rest, still crying after the Enemy, "Sirs, it is a shame to fly away. Now the Germans of the French side had among them an Hardy and Couragious Esquire of Almain, named Albert of Colen, who not enduring those biting Words, immediately turn'd his Horse, couched his Spear, and ran furiously against the Lord of Poitrel, giving him such a stroak on the Target, that the Spear flew all to pieces, but having presently recover'd another, he redoubled his stroak with so much Fury, that the Spear enter'd quite thrô his Armour into his Body just to the Heart; so that the Lord Poitrel fell dead from his Horse. But his Companions, the Lord of Bausiers, Sr. Gerard Mastin, and Sr. John his Brother, with their Troops renew'd the Chace against the Frenchmen so briskly, that most of them were slain, all the Prey rescued, and their own Prisoners recover'd, but a very few having the Good Fortune to escape. So the Hainalders return'd a∣gain to Landrecy, bringing along with them, as a Qualification of their Victory, the Dead Body of their Captain, the Lord of Poitrel, in whose place succeeded the Lord of Floron.

Thus various were the Rencounters between the Hainalders and French; but the Country of Hainault was grievously wasted and afflicted with this War; and still the Duke of Normandy lay on the Frontiers, no man knowing whither he would turn his Fury next: But the Greatest Concern of all was, they could hear no tidings of the Earl of Hainault, their Lord. He for his part, as we shew'd before, had taken a Voyage into England; where he was well received by the King and his Barons, and there was made between the King and the Earl his Brother-in-Law, a mutual Alliance, Offensive and Defensive. From England the Earl went into Germany to the Emperour Lewis of Bavaria, who had Married his Eldest Sister the Lady Margaret, as King Edward had Married the Youngest, and with him also he made an Alliance, Offensive and Defen∣sive: And these were the Occasions that kept the Earl so long abroad. Besides this the Lord John of Hainault his Uncle, having as well as he could, supply'd all Places of Strength, and given necessary Orders, since he had received peremptory Command absolutely to decline coming to Battle, till the Earl's Return, was also gone now into Brabant, and other parts of Flanders, where he shew'd to the Duke of Brabant, and to Jacob van Arteveld, the Desolation of his Country of Hainault, desiring of them their Advice and Assistance, They answer'd,

How They were sure, that shortly the Earl him∣self would return Home, and then they promised to be ready to go with him whither he would please to lead them.

X. Now i while the Duke of Normandy remaind'd at Cambray, the Bishop and the Burges∣ses of the City told him, how the English and Hainalders had gotten by Surprise the strong Castle of Thine l'Evesque, desiring him for the Common good to endeavour its Re∣covery: Because the Garrison that lay there was so prejudicial to all their Country. Upon this the Duke began again his Musters out of Artois and Vermandois, and ha∣ving compleated a sufficient Army went forth of Cambray, and came before Thine on the River k Sambre, and sat down before it, pitching his Tents in the fair plain Mea∣dows toward Ostrevandt. The Duke had brought with him from Cambray and Doway several great Engines, but especially six of extraordinary size, all which he reared up against the Fortress, casting from them night and day mighty Stones, wherewith he beat down the Roofs of their Chambers, Halls, Towers and Houses: So that the Besieged were fain to lie in Vaults and Cellars for their better Security against these Engines; the Captains of the Fortress at that time were Sr. Richard Limesi, an English Man of honourable Extract, and two valiant Esquires of Hainalt, John and Thierry, Brethren to the Lord Walter Manny, and to the Earl of Namur: These three Captains, thô infinitely molested by these Engines, would often say to hearten their Company:

Surely Fellow-Souldiers, one of these Days the Earl of Hainalt will come against these Frenchmen and deliver us with Honour, and fully acquit us of our present Danger: Nor will he then fail to give us both great Rewards and Thanks for having so truly defended this Place so long.

But after that the Engines cast in upon them dead Horses and Dogs, and other stinking Carcasses, which annoyed them much more than any other thing; for it being about the time of Midsummer, thrô the heat of the Air the stink became so abominable, that they saw at this rate they should never be able to hold out any longer. So by good Advice they concluded to desire a Truce for 15 Days, in which time to send and inform the Lord John of Hai∣nalt (who was Governour of the Country in the Earls absence) of their State and Condition; and if he should not afford them any Succour in that space, then they would yield up the Fortress to the Duke. This Treaty being agreed to by the Duke,

the Three Captains sent forth an Esquire of Hainalt, named Estrelart de Sommain, to John of Beaumont, to whom the Esquire, finding him at Mons, related the whole Message, not forgetting to aggravate the ill Condition of his Friends at Thyne. Sr. John thereupon shew'd him the Letters he had newly received from his Nephew the Earl, wherein he wrote,

That he was coming homeward into his own Country, and that he had been with the Emperour and King of England, and with several Lords of the Empire, with all whom he had made a strict Alliance.

And, says he, go and tell our Friends at Thyne, that they be of good Courage; for the Earl will be here within a Day or two, and without doubt they shall be relieved effectually upon his Return.

During this term of Truce the Earl returned home accordingly; at which time the Lord of Beaumont his Uncle, gave him an exact Account of all publique Transactions during his Absence; how the Duke of Normandy had lain on the Frontiers, and how he had burnt and wasted his Country. The Earl answer'd,

that it should be dearly paid for, adding, how the Realm of France was rich, and large enough to make ample Satisfaction for all their Trespasses done against him:

But for the present, he resolv'd to address himself immediately to the Assistance of those who were besieged in Thyne, since they had hitherto defended themselves in such Difficulties with so much Honour. Whereupon he straight sends out his Summons to all his Friends and Allies in Germa∣ny, Brabant and Flanders, and thrô all his own Country, himself went to Valenciennes, where he made his General Rendezvous, and presently he had a gallant Army. This done, he marched from Valenciennes in great Array with many Carriages, Tents and Pavilions, and other Necessaries, following the Army, and went and encamped by Sar on the Plain along by the River Sambre. He had in his Company these Lords Hai∣nalders, John Lord of Beaumont his Uncle, the Lord of Engien, the Lord Verchin Se∣neschall of Hainalt, the Lord Dantoing, the Lord Barbancon, the Lord of Lens, the Lord William Bailleul, the Lord Havereth, the Chastelain of Mons, the Lord Mon∣tecuculi, the Lord Barbais, Sr. Thierry of Walcourt Marshall of Hainalt, the Lord Dalmed, the Lord Gomeygnes, the Lord Brisuell, the Lord Roisin, the Lord Trisa∣gines, the Lord Lalain, the Lord Mastin, the Lord Sars, the Lord Vargny, the Lord of Beaurien and many Others, all ready with their Men to serve their Lord the Earl. Beside of his Allies there came thither to his Aid, the Earl of Namur with 200 Spears, after whom came the Duke of Brabant with 600 Spears, and the Duke of Guerle with 400, William Marquess of Juliers was now in England with King Edward; but there was the Earl of Mons, the Lord of Valkenberg, Sr. Arnold of Ba∣quehen, and divers other Lords and Captains of Almain, Westphalia and Flanders. All these with their several Troops were encamped along by the River Sambre, over a∣gainst the French Host, and Plenty of Victuals and other Provision was daily brought to them out of Hainalt.

When the Duke of Normandy, who lay on the other side of the River with a goodly Army, saw how these Lords his Enemies were thus lodged between Sars and Ausne, he sent Word to the King his Father, letting him know how great the Earl of Hainalts Forces were, and how they still encreased daily. King Philip being then at Perone, sent presently 1200 Spears to the Reinforcement of his Son, and he himself soon after went to the Army, but Incognito and like a private Souldier; for he was un∣der an Obligation, made by Oath to the Emperour, never to come against any Lords of the Empire, or those that held thereof, without the Imputation of flat Perjury: Which by this pittifull Salvo he thought now to avoid. Wherefore the Duke of Normandy, his Son, was still look'd upon and named the Chief General of the whole Army; thô all the while he did nothing, but by the Advice and at the Command of the King his Father.

When those, who were besieged in Thine, saw the Earl of Hainalt come to their Aid with such a Mighty Power, they were well refreshed, as well with the Conscience of having held out so gallantly, as with sure Hopes of an easie Deliverance. But all their Friends were not come yet, for on the fourth Day after the Earls Arrival, there came to him a fresh Accession of considerable Forces from Valenciennes, under the Conduct of Sr. John de Bossu Provost of the City. Upon this Reinforcement the Earl of Hai∣nalt began to skirmish with the Frenchmen couragiously: But neither were they wanting to do their Devoir; so that with Arrows, Quarrels and Engines many were slain and hurt on both sides; but the Armies could not as yet joyn Battle, because the River Sambre ran between them. l Only the Skirmishers fought daily together by means of four Bridges that lay over the River; which yet were well kept on both

sides, that neither could pass over to the other without apparent Disadvantage. While thus the two Armies lay by the River Sambre, the French toward France, and the Hainalders towards their own-Country, the Foragers on both sides rode forth daily to fetch in Provision for the Army; but they never encountred one another, because the River parted them. Only a strong Detachment of the French went forth and burnt in the Country of Ostervandt, where it had not been wasted before, as part of the Town m of Quesnoy, and other Villages thereabout; which the Hainalders requited by bur∣ning in like manner in the Country of Cambresis. While n both Armies stood thus confronting each other, there came to the Earl of Hainalts Aid, at the Perswasion and under the Conduct of Jacob van Arteveld 60000 Flemings, well-arm'd and in good Array. Wherefore now that the Earl found himself above an 100000 strong, he sent by his Heralds to the Duke of Normandy, demanding Battle of him; for he said, it could not but prove a shame to that Party of the two who should now decline the fight, when both Armies were so equally great and alike provided. The Duke said, he would ask Counsel of his Lords, but they were so long in Debate, that the Heralds were fain to come back for that time without any Answer at all. The third Day after therefore the Earl, having all this while received no Return to his Message, sent again to the Duke to know his final Resolution. The Duke repli'd,

That he was not sufficiently convinced, that it was necessary to give his Enemies Battle at their pleasure, but at his own rather: That the Earl was too hot and hasty, but might perhaps be cooled some time or other.

The Earl hearing this, took it but for meer Tergiversation and Delay, and so declared to his Chief. Lords and Captains the Summ of his two Messages with the Answer, and that he was resolv'd to fling a Bridge o∣ver, and go and give them Battle in spight of their Teeth, demanding their Opinions thereupon. At this they all began to look on each other, every Man being unwilling to speak First; but by and by the Duke of Brabant spake thus for all:

To make a Bridge and so to go over and fight the French (whatever I should think in other Circumstances) is not my Opinion at this time. For I am most certainly assured, that the King of England will very shortly come over the Sea, and lay his Siege be∣fore Tournay, and you know we have all sworn to aid and succour him to the ut∣most of our Power. If we should now fight the French, and have so ill success as to lose the Field, King Edward would miss of his Purpose, and be wholly dis∣appointed of the help he expecteth of us. And if we should obtain the Victory, he will have but small reason to thank us; since we shall seem to have prefer'd the Gratification of our own Revenge to the care of his Welfare. So that my Opinion is, that by no means, while it is in our choice not to be compell'd, we engage our selves with the whole Power of France, without the Presence of him, who is chiefly con∣cern'd in this War. But when we shall lie before Tournay, with King Edward on our side, and the French King in Person against us, I think it will be next to impos∣sible, that we should then miss of a Battle. Wherefore for this time my Advice is, that we break up and depart, when we have secur'd the Lives of this Garrison here, since our Lying in this place is so excessive chargeable and expensive. For I am certain within these ten Days at farthest, we shall hear, that the King of England is come.

The Major Part of the Lords present approved of this Counsel, as most reasonable, all things considerd; and especially the Brabanders, Citizens of Brussels and Louvain, when they heard of this Advice of their Lord, applauded it extreamly, as being desirous to return home as soon as might be. But the Earl of Hainalt pre∣vail'd with much ado with the Leaders to tarry a little longer: In which time, since he had never before seen himself in the Head of so considerable an Army, as he was very Couragious, he thought to force the Lords, his Allies to an Engagement before their Departure, as Themistocles did the Grecian Confederates at Salamis. Wherefore privately he brake his Mind to the Lord John of Hainalt, saying,

Dear Uncle, I desire you would please to ride down by the River side, and to call over the River to speak with some Body of the French Army: And then desire him to shew unto the French King and his Son from me, that if they will give me three Days Respit and Truce, I will make a Bridge over the Water, and so go over and give him Bat∣tle: Or else let him do the like, and we will by no means hinder the Workmen from making the Bridge.

The Lord of Beaumont according to his Nephews De∣sire, rode presently down along the River side with Thirteen Knights in his Company, and his Banner before him to let the Enemy know who he was. At last he perceived on the other side a Knight of Normandy, whom he knew by his Arms, and so called unto him, naming him by his Name,

Sr. Maubousson, I pray let me speak with you a

little. Then the Knight drew near to the Bank side and said, Sir, what is it you would have with me? Sr. John repli'd, Only that you will be so kind, as to go to the French King and his Council, and tell them how the Earl of Hainault has sent me hither to ask a Truce only, while he may lay a Bridge over this River, and that then he will go over and give you Battle without fail: Of this if you will please to bring an Answer, I'll tarry here till your Return. The Lord Maubousson, having made signs of yielding to his Request, immediately set spurs to his Horse and rode directly toward the Kings Tent, with whom at that time were the Duke of Normandy, and many other Lords and Peers of France.

Before all whom having declared his Message, he received a short Answer, being commanded to tell him that sent him thither,

That as the Duke of Normandy had held the Earl of Hainault all this while, so he resolv'd to do, untill it should please him to do otherwise: And so to put him to Charges, till he should be forced to sell all his Lands, which yet should be either few or none, and what should be left worth but little: For he would make hot War upon him on all sides. And (says King Philip) when We see Oc∣casion, we'll come over the River and invade Hainault with an Army Royal; till we have utterly consumed all his Country.

This Answer was brought by Sr. Maubous∣son to the Lord of Beaumont, who thanking him for his pains, return'd to the Earl whom he found playing at Chess with the Earl of Namur. But when the Earl saw his Uncle, he rose up hastily and went aside, and heard distinctly what the King of France had answer'd him; at which, thô outwardly he took little notice, he was ex∣treamly displeased in his Mind, saying only this,

Well, well, but I hope things will not fall out as he imagins.

While thus the Castle of Thine was batter'd on one side by the French, and could not be effectually relieved by the Hainalders without a Battle, which it seems the French declin'd, as we have shewn, the o Three Captains of the Castle by sec••et ad∣vice from the Earl of Hainalt, having provided a good Ship and other Barks, into which they put all their Men and Provision, first set the Castle all of a light fire, and then immediatly departed to the Army of their Friends, by whom they were received with much joy. The French perceiving by the Fire, how the matter went, ran in all hast, and climb'd the Court Walls to quench the Fire, which at last with much labour they did, but the Castle was much endammaged thereby.

But before these things happen'd, King Edward had won a great Victory at Sea, and was arrived at Gaunt in Flanders, of all which we shall now take leave to discourse; only first we think it requisit to shew what Preparations he had made in England all this while, in order to those great Affairs, which then he was about to undertake.

Notes

• a

  Frois. c. 46. fol. 26.
• b

  Walsingh hist. p. 133. Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 104. & Odoric. Rainald. ad An. 1339. n. 15.
• c

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 48.
• d

  Knighton p. 2575. n. 60.
• e

  Stow p. 236.
• f

  Knighton p. 2573. n. 50.
• g

  Frois. c. 44. &c. 50. Astincle p. 651.
• h

  Qu. Videme. i.e. Viced••••was.
• i

  Frois. c. 44.
• k

  C. 13. §. 3. p. 135.
• l

  Frois. ibid.
• m

  Frois. c. 110.
• n

  Id. c. 49.
• o

  Frois. c. 44.
• p

  C. 10. §. 6. p. 114.
• q

  Vid. c. 11. §. 5. p. 125.
• r

  Frois. c. 45.
• s

  Hu••us cap. §. 3. p. 164.
• t

  Frois. c. 46. fol. 26.
• u

  Neque Multi∣tudo ne{que} Prin∣ceps Pepuli sunt excommunican∣di. August. in Glossa ad Mat∣th••. c. 13.
• x

  Charles Al∣l••yne in C••efty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p. 7.
• y

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 48. b.
• z

  〈…〉〈…〉 4 Vol. p. 244.
• a

  Walsingh 〈◊〉〈◊〉. p. 133. St••n 236
• b

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 64•• b.
• c

  St•••• p. 236.
• d

  Walsingh. hist. p. 134.
• P••sch. 16 A∣pril Dom. Lit. B. A.
• c

  Frois. c. 47.
• s

  Ibid.
• g

  Frois. c. 47. fol. 28.
• h

  Frois. c. 48.
• i

  Fro••s. c. 19.
• k

  Mezeray p. 16.
• l

  Fabian p. 269.
• m

  Fabian ibid.
• n

  Frois. c. 49. fol. 29.
• o

  Fabi•••• p. 269