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 TENTH.

The CONTENTS.

I. King John of France comes over into England. II. King Edward gives him an honourable Reception. III. An Alderman of London entertains Five Kings at one Time. IV. The King of Cyprus returns into France, and visits the Black-Prince, then Prince of Aquitam; by whom he is received with great Honour. V. King John sickens and dies in England. VI. The King of Navarre on News thereof breaking out again, the Duke of Normandy sends for Sr. Bertram of Clequin to oppose him: A Story of Sr. Bertrams Original. VII. Sr. Bertram by Stratagem takes Mante and Meulan from the Navarrois. VIII. The King of Navarre makes the Captal of Busche his General, who prepares to ride against Sr. Bertram of Clequin. IX. Sr. Bertram reinforced; the Lord Beaumont de la Val taken Prisoner by Sr. Guy of Granville a Navarrois. X. King John's Funeral Rites performed in England, his Body buri∣ed in France; a Day appointed for the Coronation of the Duke of Normandy. XI. The Particulars of the famous Battle of Cocherel, between the Captal of Busche and Sr. Bertram of Clequin, wherein the Captals Forces are overthrown, and himself taken Prisoner. XII. Sr. Guy of Granville saves the Life of his Father the Lord Gran∣ville, and redeems him by Exchange for the Lord Beaumont de la Val. XIII. Charles Duke of Normandy, Crown'd King of France at Rheims, and makes his Brother Phi∣lip Duke of Burgundy. XIV. Sr. Bertram buyes the Castle of Rolebois; the Duke of Burgundy sent with an Army to reduce the rest. The Army dividing into three Bodies acts separately under the Duke, Sr. Bertram and the Lord de la Riviere. XV. Prince Lewis of Navarre grows strong about Bourbonnois; a Party of his takes la Charité by Surprise. XVI. The Duke of Burgundy wins Marcheville and besie∣ges Cameroles: The Lord de la Riviere takes Aquigny by Composition; Cameroles

won and demolished; Connay besieged. XVII. Prince Lewis and his Garrison of la Charité do their Pleasure: The Earl of Monbelliard invading Burgundy, King Charles remands the Duke thither, who yet takes Connay first, and then goes and chaces away the Earl of Monbelliard and wasts his Lands. XVIII. The Constable of France lays Siege to la Charité, and is enforced by the Duke of Burgundy. XIX. The Place taken by Composition.

I. KING John of France, who had all this while made vast Preparations for the Holy War, which he had so solemnly undertaken, a was now at the City of Amiens in Picardy with all the Lords of his Council, before whom he seriously declared,

That he had a Mind to cross the Seas, and pay a Visit to his Brother of England, and the Queen his Sister, for which cause he had assembled them to let them know his Resolution.

All his Council for the main were against this, so rash Attempt, as they thought it, of their Kings, and several of their Prelates and Barons told him plainly,

That it would not be either for his Honour or Advantage, so easily to put himself into the power of a Reconciled Enemy. Messteurs, said King John, let me believe my own Judgment: I have found by Ex∣perience so much Faith and Honour in the King of England my Brother, and in the Queen and their Children, that I can never commend them too highly: Wherefore as to that Point I am confident they will embrace me with all Sincerity and Friend∣ship. I desire also to confer Personally with King Edward about this Croisade, which we have undertaken; and besides I intend to excuse my Son the Duke of Anjou, who like an indiscreet Young Man, by his Unlicensed Return into France, has en∣trenched upon my Honour.

To these Words none durst make a Rejoinder, for they saw he was absolutely determin'd as to that Matter. Then the King appointed his Son Charles the Dauphin, to be again his Lieutenant and Regent of the Realm, during his Absence, and he promised the Lord Philip his youngest Son, to make him at his Re∣turn Duke of Burgundy, and Inheritor of that Dutchy. And so Order being given to provide all things necessary for the Voyage at Boulogne, he rode from Amiens to Hesdin, where he solemnised the Festival of our Lords Nativity, together with Earl Lewis of Flanders, who came thither to meet him, and tarried with him four Days. On St. Innocents Day he left Hesdin and went to Boulogne, where he took up his Lodgings in the Abbey, expecting till the Wind might serve, having in his Company the Earl of Eu, the Earl of Dampmartin, the Grand Prior of France, the Lord Bouc••∣quault, Sr. Tristram de Magnilieu, Sr. Peter and Sr. John Villers, Sr. John de Aune∣ville, Sr. Nicolas de Bracquemont and divers other Lords, Knights and Esquires.

Many of our Writers seem too indiscreetly to surmise, as if one Occasion of King John's coming to England at this time was for Love of the Countess of Salisbury, which Opi∣nion the Noble Lord of b Orrery hath lately authorised with his excellent Pen. But it is to be consider'd, that my Lord wrote a Poem for Delight, and not an History for the Establishment of Truth; wherefore he is not to be accused: And yet Sr. Richard Ba∣ker, and others of his Character, are by no means to be pardoned, who so lightly make such unwarrantable Roflections without weighing the Matter. If they mean by the Countess of Salisbury, the First Earl Montagu's Lady, that was Madam Catharine, Daughter of the Lord Grandison, and she was dead c above 12 Years before this time. If they refer to the Fair Lady of Kent so much talk'd of, we have shewn how she was two Years since married to Prince Edward, and it appears that she was now with him in Aquitain, of which King John could not be ignorant: And if they shall be forced to own the Lady Elizabeth, Daughter to the Lord Mohun of Dunstor, d who only was at this time Countess of Salisbury, and Wife to the Second Earl Montagu; let them bring the least shadow of Authority, or shew that ever they themselves thought upon that Person before, and I yield. But otherwise I must profess, that I cannot without Resentment see the Honour, not only of a Noble Lady, but also of two Kings, John and Edward, who are both said to have been in Love with her, thus shamefully tradu∣ced by Men of either no Industry or no Honesty: But to proceed.

King John of France, when all things were ready for his Voyage, and the Mariners told him the Wind stood fair for England, e went on Board, and set sail from Boulogne with his Guard and other Attendants, about the hour of Midnight, and arrived safely at Dover about Ten the next Morning, being the Day before the Vigil of the Epi∣phany, or the Fourth of January, f which was a Thursday, in the Year of our Lord MCCCLXIV.

II. King Edward was at that time with his Queen and the whole Court at Eltham

in Kent, about 8 Miles from London; to which Place News was brought him of King Johns Arrival. Hereupon he presently sent forth certain Honourable Knights of his Court to bid him Welcome, and to conduct him forward on his way; as the Lord Bartholomew Burwash, Sr. Alan Boxhull, Sr. Richard Pemburge and Others; who rode Post to Dover, where they found King John, and in their Masters Name gave him Welcome, saying,

How the King of England was extreamly satisfied with the obli∣ging Honour of that Royal Visit.

King John replied, he never doubted of a Wel∣come from his Dear Brother of England. The next Day they all mounted their Horses and rode to Canterbury, where having din'd, King John would needs visit the Cathe∣dral, where he offer'd a Rich Jewel at the Shrine of St. Thomas; and there they tarri∣ed the remainder of that Day. On the Sunday Morning they set forth all together toward Eltham, where the King of England was, with a great Number of his Nobi∣lity, ready to receive his Dear Brother of France. On Sunday after Dinner King John came thither, where he was highly caressed and embraced by the King and Queen of England, and between that and Supper-time there was nothing but Princely Diversions, of Dancing, Singing and Carolling. But especially the young Lord Ingel∣ram of Coucy set himself forth to entertain the two Kings, and danced so pleasantly, and sang so sweetly, that he extreamly satisfied the Whole Presence, and wan the Com∣mendations both of the French and English Nobility, who were all delighted to be∣hold and hear him; for all that ever he did became him wonderfully. At this time the Lady Isabella, Eldest Daughter to King Edward, began to cast her Affections upon that Gallant Lord, and became so serious therein, that shortly we shall find it a Match. Soon after the Court removed from Eltham toward London, but in the way the Lord Mayor and Aldermen with an Honourable Retinue met the two Kings on Black-Heath, and so conducted them over the Bridge thrô the City with Sounding of Trumpets.

III. King John was conducted to the Savoy in great Honour, where he was lodg∣ed with those Hostages that were of his Blood, as the Duke of Orleans, the Duke of Berry and the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Alenson, the Lord Guy of Blois, the Earl of St. Paul, and divers Others. He was well entertain'd among these his Relations, with whom he constantly conversed, at the same time making and receiving frequent Visits to and from King Edward of England, King David of Scotland, King Peter of Cyprus, King Waldemar of Denmark, Albert Duke of Bavaria, Lionel Duke of Clarence, John Duke of Lancaster, and Edmund Earl of Cambridge; many Sumptuous and Princely Sports and Banquets passing among them. And the City of London was at that time so flourishing, that not only the Lord Mayor, but most of the Aldermen in their Turns, had the Generosity and Ability to invite and entertain all these Great Kings and Po∣tentates singly, and together, as Occasion served. Particularly Sr. Henry Picard, g a Merchant Vintner of Gascogne, who some Years before had been Lord Mayor of Lon∣don, one Day made a Splendid Feast at his own House, now called the Vintry, over a∣gainst St. Martins Church; at which Entertainment were present the Kings of England, Scotland, France, Denmark and Cyprus, the Duke of Bavaria, the Chief Hostages of France, and King Edwards Sons (excepting the Black-Prince then in Aquitain) and ma∣ny of the Chief Nobility of England. And after Dinner he kept his Hall for all Co∣mers, that were willing to play at Dice and Hazard; his Lady Margaret at the same time keeping her Chamber for the Entertainment of the Princesses and Ladies.

IV. King John went h as often as he pleased, privately by Water to visit King Ed∣ward at his Palace of Westminster, and both the Kings, when upon their Communica∣tion they were put in mind of the Lord James of Bourbon, who was slain two Years before at the Battle of Brignais near Lyons, greatly bewailed his Loss, as who was a Person of a most agreeable Conversation in all Noble Company. The French King had brought with him into England, a i Moiety of one Million of the Three he was enga∣ged to pay for his Ransom, and desired that some of the Hostages might be deliver'd; but that King Edward would not grant. However King John tarried still in England disporting himself, and taking his Pleasure in and about London and Westminster, his chief Residence being at the Savoy, at that time k one of the Faitest Mansions in Eng∣land belonging to the Duke of Lancaster: And the late Duke Henry had bestowed no less than 52000 Marks thereon. King David of Scotland came also to pay some part of his Ransome, and hoped to prevail with King Edward to acquit him of the Remainder; but he could not obtain that Point. The King of Cyprus, having purchased a Choice Band of English Gentlemen Volunteers, and received many large Presents from King Edward, l repassed the Seas with King Waldemar of Denmark in his Company,

and went to Boulogne, and thence to Amiens, where he found the Duke of Normandy and his Council, by whom he was hugely caressed, and related unto them his Success in England, and how he had left King John in Health, whereat they were all pleased. Having been here a while he said,

That for all this he thought he had neither done nor seen any thing of Moment, untill he should have seen the Prince of Wales, adding, that by the Grace of God he would go and visit him and the Lords of Poictou and of Aquitain.

The Regent approved of his Resolution, but desired him at his Return to come thrô France and visit his Father, whom by that time they expected from England. King Peter promised to do thus much, and so took his leave and rode toward Beauvais, and passed the River of Seyne, and so thrô Perche and Tourain over the Loire, till he came to Poictiers, where he was informed how the Black-Prince was at his City of Angoulesme. The Prince was then busie in providing a Solemn Feast, Justs and Tourneaments, which he design'd to hold with Fourty Knights and as many Esquires, for the Love of his Beautifull Princess, who was just then brought to Bed of an Hopefull Son called Edward, after his Fathers Name. When Prince Edward heard how the King of Cyprus was coming to visit him, he sent forth the Lord John Chandos with a great Number of Knights and Esquires of his Court to meet and conduct him forward, which they did accordingly. And so King Peter was honourably convey'd to Angoulesme, where he was received by the Prince with all the Demonstrations of Joy and Respect imaginable. He found himself also extream Welcome to all the Lords of England, and of Poictou and Sainctogne, such as were then at the Princes Court, na∣mely to Sr. John Chandos, to Sr. Thomas Felton and his Brother Sr. William Felton, Sr. Thomas Beauchamp, Sr. Simon Burley, Sr. Neal Loring, Sr. Roger Delaware, Sr. Richard Pountchardon, Sr. Baldwin Frevile Seneschal of Saintogne and many more, besides the Lords of Aquitain, as the Vicount of Thoüars, the young Lord of Pons, the Lord of Par∣tenay, Sr. Guischard D'Angle and Others. The King of Cyprus was highly feasted and cares∣sed by the Prince, and the Lords of his Court, and when he had tarried there about a Month, the Lord John Chandos rode with him thrô the Country to divert his Mind, and shew him what was Curious and worth Observation. He was Nobly entertain'd at Rochelle, and other Places by the English Governors there, and having visited the Country all about in the most Remarkable Places, he returned again to Angoulesme, at what time the Prince held the foresaid Solemnity in Honour of his Princess with great Pomp and Splendour, and a Glorious Retinue of Men of Arms. The sight of these Mens valiant Justings, made the King desire to have some of their Company along with him against the Infidels: And so after the Solemnity of the Feast was over, he accosted the Prince and the Lords of his Court, shewing unto them distinctly the Prin∣cipal Reason of his Coming thither, namely,

How he had taken upon him the Red Cross which he wore, and how the Pope had by his Authority confirmed it, and what Honour and Privileges remain'd for those, who should joyn with him in this Expedi∣tion, and how the French King, and the Lord Talayrand the Cardinal, and divers other Great Lords and Princes had devoutly sworn to embarque in the same Enterprise.

Then the Prince and his Knights answer'd him kindly and said,

How truly it was an Expedi∣tion well worthy the Consideration of all Men of Honour, and that by the Grace of God, when once the Matter was enter'd upon, and the Passage laid open, he should not be alone; but should find among them those that would be glad at any Rate, together with Religion, to advance their Honours.

With these Words the King of Cyprus was well pleased, and so being laden with Gifts from the Prince and Princess, he took his leave, the Lord Chandos at the Princes Command, waiting upon him to the Bounds of the Principality. But the Lord m Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, the Lord Thomas n Roos, and divers o other Stout Barons of England and Gascogne, went quite thrô with design to aid him in the Wars in the Holy Land: Being no less than 300 Select Horse. Knights and Esquires, besides Archers and others their Friends and Servants, who at the request of the Pope hand Letters of Safe-conduct from the Go∣vernour of Dauphiné and le Viennois, to pass without any molestation or interruption through those Parts; Sr. James de Arteville being appointed with Ten Officers in his Company, to guide and conduct them to the Limits of Piedmont.

V. The mean while King Peter having sent them before, returned to Paris, where he thought to have found the French King, but he mist of his Expectation: For that Prince was not returned out of England, but lay dangerously sick at his Lodgings in the Savoy at London, and every day grew worse and worse to the infinite Regret of King Edward and his Queen: For all the Physicians agreed, that his sickness was Mor∣tal. All this was not unknown to the Duke of Normandy, who was at Paris, being

Regent in his Fathers Absence; for the Lord Bouciquault was return'd from England to inform the Dauphin in what a Desperate Condition the King lay. The King of Na∣varre also was fully acquainted with the News, but was very little concerned at it; for he hoped to make War more easily in France, if King John should die; and it is to be noted, that this unquiet Prince p pretended a Right to the Dutchy of Burgundy, which King John had already seised into his Hands, but because the Inhabitants so ear∣nestly desired a Duke of their own, he designed to give it to his youngest Son Philip at his return out of England; for he lov'd him the best of all his Children, because he stuck so close to him at the Battle of Poictiers. Being therefore desirous to take hold of the Opportunity of King Johns Sickness, he sent his Letters to the Lord John Gre∣illy Captal of Buche his Cousin, who was at that time with the Earl of Foix, desiring him to come unto him in Normandy; for that he design'd to make him Generalissimo of all his Forces. Whereupon the Captal presently set forward toward Normandy, and gather'd up as he went along several Knights and Esquires, English, Gascogners and o∣thers, who were willing to partake with so Renowned a Captain in his Adventures: But they were not over many.

This mean while on the VI q of the Ides, aliàs on the 8 Day of April, King John of France departed this Life at the Savoy in London, whereat King Edward, and the Queen and their Children were exceeding sorry, because of the great Love and Friend∣ship, that was between them ever since the Peace of Bretigny. One says, r that upon his Death-bed, having one time sent for King Edward, he began very earnestly to beg his Pardon, confessing unto him,

That from his first Coming into England, he had Confederates in London and other Places, who secretly collected the Finest Gold of the Kingdom, and made it into Plates, and put it up in Barrels hooped with Iron to send into France; and how they had bought up to the Number of 1000 Bows and Arrows, and a great Quantity of other Arms to the same Purpose: All which he now confessed to the King, and in whose Hands the said Things now were; and al∣so that he had illegally and unjustly withheld from him the Crown of France untill the Peace made at Bretigny: For all which he now most heartily beg'd his Pardon.

And King Edward forgave him with much Tenderness, but caused all the Gold and Arms asoresaid to be seised on, and severely punished those English Men, whom he found offending in the Premises; among whom were s many Lombard Merchants, who being discovered by some of their Fellows, were clapt up in the Tower, till they had com∣pounded as the King pleased.

VI. Immediately upon King Johns Death, t the Duke of Orleans his Brother, and the Duke of Berry his Son, who were still in England among the Hostages, and wonder∣fully dejected at his Departure, wrote Word thereof to the Duke of Normandy, where∣at he was extreamly troubled. But knowing that there was now no Remedy, and that Himself was the next Heir to the Crown of France; and that the King of Navarre was preparing to give him a Baffle at his first setting forth, he thought it high time to rouse and put on the Spirit of a King, and endeavour to establish his Affairs on all hands.

At that time there flourished a gallant Captain in Bretagne a Valiant and Hardy Knight, named Sr. Bertram de Clequin, of whose Name and Original it w••ll not be amiss for us to enquire a little; thô only for the great Renown he afterwards arrived to, and the many Noble Deeds of Arms which he performed, as we shall see in the Process of this History. About the Year of our Lord 800, u Charlemain being then King of France, there reigned in Bougie in Barbary a King called Aquin, in whose time the said Charlemain was taken up in his Spanish Wars, which lasted him in all for a∣bout Nine Years: For the Kingdom of Spain is a large and great Country, whose Beginning was reckon'd heretofore at St. Jean Pied de Port, and so it went along including the Realms of Biscay, Navarre, Aragon and Portugal, of Conimbria and Lisbon, of Sevile, Toledo, Corduba, Castille and Leon, up as far as the Streights of Gibralter, where is the shortest Passage into Barbary. In this Country was that Great French Monarch, when the foresaid Aquin an African King, whose Dominions lay directly over Spain, undertook to divert him from pursuing his Victories among the Saracens, and went into Bretagne, and landed at the Port of Vannes with a Mighty Army, his Wife and Children being also in his Company. On the Sea side hard by Vannes he built a great and strong Tower called by him Glay, which in the Phoenician Tongue signifies a Castle, and there he made his chief Residence; but daily he sent forth his Captains, and conquer'd about in Bretagne at his pleasure. Charlemain heard in Spain how King Aquin proceeded without Opposition; however he would not re∣turn

back to make Head against him, but said,

Let him alone in Bretagne for a while, we shall easily rid the Country of him, when once we have throughly esta∣blished the Christian Faith in these Parts.

Accordingly when he had finished his Af∣fairs there, he returned into Bretagne, and there one Day gave Battle to King Aquin, and overthrew him with a mighty Slaughter, so that he fled to his Castle of Glay, where he found a good Ship ready for him at the Foot of the Tower, into which he enter'd with his Wife and Children, and a few of his Servants, and escaped away: But in such a Hurry, that he forgot a young Son of his scarce a Year old, who then lay a∣sleep in the Tower. This Child was found and brought to Charlemain, who received him gladly, and caused him to be baptized, Rowland and Oliver, two Heroick Princes of those Days, being his Godfathers, who named him Oliver, and the King gave unto him all the Lands that his Father Aquin had conquer'd in those Parts. The same in process of Time became a most Valiant Knight, and was called Sr. Oliver de Glay Aquin, be∣cause he was found in the Tower of Glay and was Son to King Aquin. This Original, whether true or false was afterwards assigned to Sr. Bertram de Clequin, when he came to the height of his Honour, but at this time he was not greatly taken Notice of, ex∣cept among the Knights of Bretagne that were of his Retinue, with all whom he was highly esteemed and well beloved, still making War in the Behalf of the Lord Charles of Blois, by whom he was recommended to the Duke of Normandy; and he had a lit∣tle before employed him in those Parts.

VII. Now when the x Duke of Normandy heard of his Fathers Death, and of the Preparations of the King of Navarre against France, he said to his Marshal the Lord Bouciquault,

I would have you forthwith ride with your Troops into Normandy, where you shall find a Valiant Knight, a True and Loyal Frenchman, called Sr. Bertram of Clequin, and look that you and he together make up a sufficient Power of Good Souldiers to resist the King of Navarre, and to guard the Passages of the River Seyne:

And therewithall he gave him some secret Orders how to proceed. Sr. Bouciquault pro∣mised to do his Devoir, and soon after went with a competent Number of Knights and Esquires, and took his way toward Normandy by St. Germain, having declared to his Men tho feignedly, how he design'd to go to the Castle of Rolebois, wherein was a Garrison of those Villanous Companions, who did so much Mischief thrô most Parts of Christendom. Rolebois was a strong Fortress on the River of Seyne about a League from Mante, at that time full of the said Companions, who made War indifferently both a∣gainst the French King and the King of Navarre; their Captain was one Vantair Au∣start an expert Man at Arms, Bold and Hardy, a Native of Brussels, who kept them at limited Wages, and on such and such Conditions under his Obedience. Whereby he rob'd and held in awe all the Country about him; so that none hardly durst go between Paris and Mante, towards Roüen or to Pont-Oyse, whether they were French or Navarrois, it was all one to them. But especially they constrained those of Mante, which was then Garrison'd by the Navarrois, more grievously, because of their Neighbourhood to them. Now therefore when the Lord Bouciquault left Paris, he gave it out openly, that he in∣tended to go against Rolebois, to revenge himself of the Companions there. But before he came thither he made an Halt, waiting for Sr. Bertram of Clequin, who had secret Knowledge of all beforehand. However as Sr. Bertram marched forth to meet Sr. Bou∣ciquault, he attempted by fair Words to obtain the Castle of Eureux, but being an∣swer'd with Stones, he left them, and soon after came to the Place where Sr. Bouci∣quault expected him, not far from Rolebois. At their joyning they made up 500 Men of Arms; and then the two Captains laid their Heads together about putting their Design into Execution, which was indeed to get the City of Mante by any means. The Result was that Sr. Bouciquault with an Hundred in his Company should ride in great haste toward Mante, as if they were in doubt of their Lives, pretending to be cha∣sed by those of the Garrison of Rolebois, and so should beg of them for God-sake to open their Gates, and let them in for safeguard of their Lives. Which Point being once obtain'd, then the Gates were to be secur'd, at what time Sr. Bertram with his whole Company should be ready at hand to back them, and so they thought to enter the Town and do what they pleased: But if they should fail this way, they knew of no other how to succeed. This Method therefore being resolved on, the Captains kept the Determination private in their own Breasts, without the least intimation in the world to any of their Men. Sr. Bouciquault early one Morning rode toward Mante with his hundred Men, and Sr. Bertram with the other 400 wheel'd about another way, and went and laid himself in Ambush near the said Town, only Sr. Bertrams part was first acted. As S•• Bouciquault began to come in sight of the Town, his Compa∣ny

at his Command fell into Disorder, like Men utterly routed, and fled toward Mante upon the Spur; but so that Sr. Bouciquault came first thither with but Ten Men about him, the rest following at some distance one after another. Sr. Bouciquault like a Man in great fear, call'd aloud at the Barriers,

Ah! Ye good People of Mante for God∣sake open your Gate and save our Lives; for here come after us these villanous Mur∣derers and Theeves of Rolebois, who have routed us and now pursue us to Death.

Then the Watchman demanding who they were, he continued

I am the Lord Bouci∣quault Marshal to the Duke of Normandy, and sent by him to fight with those of Rolebois: But the Rogues have prevailed and discomfited us, so that I am forced to fly against my Will; and here they will take me and those few of my Men who are left, unless you will please to open your Gate and allow us Sanctuary.

Those upon the Watch believing all he said, replied,

Sir, we know well, that the Gar∣rison of Rolebois are our Enemies as well as yours; for they care not upon whom they make War: But on the other hand the Duke of Normandy, to whom you are Mar∣shall, hateth us, because of our Lord the King of Navarre, so that we may well be afraid of a Trepan, if we should let in any of his Servants.

Sirs, said he, by my Faith you shall have no harm of me; I am not come hither into this Country, but only a∣gainst the Theeves of Rolebois, and we are not passing threescore of us left alive; and they are all dead without you have pitty upon us speedily.

Upon these words they open'd the Gates and let Sr. Bouciquault in, and always by little and little the rest of his Men followed; so that between the hindmost of his Men, and the foremost of Sr. Bertrams, who had now left their Ambush, the Men of Mante had no leisure to shut their Gates again. Yet Sr. Bouciquault as a Man wholly innocent, withdrew to an Inn and unarm'd himself, the better to blind them of the Town, that they should not too much mistrust him. But at that instant Sr. Bertram with his 400 Men came on upon the Spur, galloping furiously into the Town and crying, "St. Yves, a Clequin! To the Death of all the Navarrois; and so enter'd and flew in the Town and Houses, and robbed and took Prisoners at their pleasure. At that same time, and by the same Directions another Company of Bretons was dispatched away to Meulan, about three Leagues from Mante, and lying on the Seyne also, which Place they likewise took by Stratagem;

For say they, we are Men of Arms sent hither by the Lord William of Granville, who is now at Mante with as many more.

Now the Men of Meulan could not suspect any Falshood in this; because they came the way from Mante, and knew well they could come no other way, nor pass the River of Seyne but at the Bridge of Mante; wherefore they easily believed them and set open their Barriers and Gates, at which time these Bretons enter'd, but presently set themselves in an Hostile Posture and cried St. Yves, a Clequin! And so slew all manner of People down before them, none being able to resist, but flying away in Despair, when they saw themselves so suddenly betrayed. Thus were the strong Cities of Mante and Meulan taken at one time to the great satisfaction of the Duke of Normandy, but to the no less regret of the King of Navarre, who by these two Places had found an easie Entrance in∣to the Isle of France at his Pleasure; both which were now cut off from him.

VIII. Wherefore in all other his Towns and Castles he began to set more discreet Captains, and gave more strict Orders concerning Opening their Gates; and that same Week the Captal of Busche came to him to Cherburgh with 400 Men of Arms, which was a very seasonable and agreeable Refreshment to the exulcerated Mind of the King of Navarre, who made him very welcome; but complain'd of his Loss of Mante and Meulan bitterly.

Well Sir said the Captal, if it please God we shall take the Field shortly, and I hope to succeed so well as to recover those Places again with interest. It is said, how the Duke of Normandy is going to Rheims to be Crowned; but per∣haps we shall a little disturb the Solemnity.

The King of Navarre for his part was so glad that he had the Captal with him (who was one of the most Renowned and Hardy Captains in the World, and as we have shewn before, one of the Knights, Founders of the most Honourable Order of the Garter) that he declared, how he would forthwith make an Inroad into the French Pale; and thereupon he sent forth his Summons, and sent for Souldiers into all Parts, where he thought to get any for Love or Money. Among others there was at that time an English Knight in Nor∣mandy named Sr. John Jones, a right Valiant and Expert Man of War, who was Cap∣tain of three hundred Chosen Men, and had before that drawn his Sword in the King of Navarre's Quarrel: No•• again therefore he is invited to the same Service, which be readily embraces and comes accordingly.

IX. When the Duke of Normandy (for so we beg leave to call him for distinction

sake, till we shall see him Crown'd) understood of these hot Preparations of the King of Navarre, and that the Captal of Busche was to be his General, he wrote to Sr. Ber∣tram Clequin, desiring him and his Bretons to keep Frontier War upon the King of Navarre; on which account he engaged to supply him with sufficient Forces to dis∣pute with his whole Power, and he commanded the Lord Bouciquault at the same time to stay with his Troops and keep Mante and Meulan. According to these Orders Sr. Bertram went with his Troops of Bretons to Vernon, whither shortly after the Duke of Normandy sent unto him the Earl of Auxerre, the Vicount Beaumont, the Lord of Beaujeu, and divers other Knights and Esquires, with a competent Number of choice Souldiers. Besides, at that time several Lords and Knights of Gascogne, Subjects to the Prince of Wales and Aquitain, went into France to offer their Service to the Duke of Normandy; as the Lord of Albret, the Lord Edmund of Pamiers, Sr. Arnold of Cer∣voles the Arch Priest, Sr. Petition Courton or Coutras, the Soldiche of Estarrac and o∣thers, to whom the Duke gave many thanks, and order'd them to go into Normandy and joyn Sr. Bertram; but the Lord of Albret only sent his Men, himself tarrying be∣hind with the Duke. At the same time there lay on the Frontiers of Bretagne towards Normandy, a Breton Knight of the French Interest, named Sr. Beaumont de la Val, who was Captain of fourty Spears besides Others, all of his own Country. This Knight rode one day and came before Eureux, where he did much harm to the Out-houses, and alarum'd the whole City and Castle also; the Captain of which latter was Sr. Guy of Granville, Son to the Lord William Granville, who had so subtilly taken the Castle of Eureux by stratagem some Years before, as we have related. When he heard the first Noise of the Fray, he presently armed himself, and commanded certain of his Men to do the like, and so mounted his Horse and took the Field; by which time Sr. Beau∣mont de la Val, having accomplished what he had designed, was now marching off a∣gain. But Sr. Guy rode after him in the Head of his Men, crying aloud,

Beaumont, you shall not go off thus, you must first speak with them of Eureux, that they may know you better against another thime.

Sr. Beaumont hearing this, faced about like a Couragious Gentleman, and setting his Spear in his Rest, came roughly against Sr. Guy, who sat ready to receive him on the Point of his Spear. The two Knights met fully and performed their Course so gallantly, that both their Spears shiver'd to pieces, yet neither of them fell, or was so much as moved. Now as they had passed this first Course, and were returning again with their Swords drawn, both their Companies joyn'd in Fight, at which Meeting many on both sides were overthrown. The Bretons fought as well as was possible, but Sr. Guy's Men fought so too; and besides he was back'd with continual Assistance from the Town, so that they were every Man either slain or taken. Sr. Beaumont de la Val was taken by the hands of Sr. Guy himself, who led him as his Prisoner into the Castle of Eureux together with the rest, who remained alive. For this Adventure Sr. Guy was greatly commended, and grew much in Fa∣vour with the King of Navarre and the Men of Eureux, whom he had so notably revenged.

X. We shewed before how King Peter of Cyprus, after his Departure from the Black-Prince, returned to Paris to the Duke of Normandy, whom he found there with his Bre∣thren, the Duke of Anjou, and the Lord Philip afterwards Duke of Burgundy, all in Mour∣ning, and expecting the Body of the King their Father out of England. Now King Edward having a pious Regard to the late Love and Good-will between King John of France and Himself, attended his Death with due Sorrow, and having y caused his Bowels to be buried in the Cathedral of St Pauls, and z appointed for him solemn Obsequies in divers Places of the Land, he conducted his Body to the Sea-side with a Royal Magni∣ficence, and at his own Charges sent it over the Seas into France, to be by his Sons deliver'd to the Sepulchre of his Ancestors. The mean while the King of Cyprus was extreamly cast down at the News of King Johns Death, especially because thereby his intended Expedition against the Infidels was in a manner wholly quash'd, and so he put himself into Mourning also. But a when he heard of the Herse's Arrival, he went from Paris with most Part of the Clergy of that City on Foot, and a little beyond St. Den∣nis met with the Royal Body, which was attended thither out of England by the Earl of Artois, the Earl of Dampmartin, the Grand Prior of France and Others; all who had been lately joyn'd with the Duke of Normandy and his Brethren. And so in the Church of St. Dennis he was interred with great Solemnity on the Seventh of May being a Tuesday, the Archbishop of Sens saying the Mass 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Funeral; after which succeeded a Magnificent Supper, and the next Day all the Princes, Lords and Prelates return'd to Paris, where a Parliament was held by the Duke of Normandy, to advise

about Settling the Kingdom. Here it was concluded, that on Trinity-Sunday following, b being the 19 of May, the Duke of Normandy, who hitherto had used no greater Ti∣tle, should be solemnly Crowned in the Cathedral of Rheims, to which Coronation the Duke invited his Uncle Wenceslaus, Duke of Brabant and of Luxemburgh, and Son to Charles the Emperour; together with Lewis Earl of Flanders, and other Princes his Re∣lations and Allies.

XI. But while these things were in Agitation, the Frenchmen and Navarrois were draw∣ing near each other toward the obtaining of a Battle, to which they came, about two o•• three Days before the Coronation. Now c the Captal of Busche had made his Rendez∣vous in and about the City of Eureux in Normandy, and being fully provided, and ha∣ving left Sr. Michael Dorgery Captain of the Place, instead of Sr. Guy of Granville, whom he had sent to Conches to keep Frontier War there, he began his Murch from Eureax with an Army of 700 Spears, 300 English Archers on Horseback, and 500 other Chosen Men of War, Archers and Footmen. For he was sully informed, how the Frenchmen were abroad near those Parts, thô at that time he knew not exactly where they were, but resolved to find them out. In this small but well compacted Body of Men were several Valiant Knights and Esquires, particularly a Banneret of the Realm of Na∣varre, called the Lord of Salses, an expert Man at Arms, also the Lord Peter of Sam∣ville, the Lord William of Granville, the Lord Bertram de la Franque; Sr. Bascels of Mareville, Sr. Geoffry of Roussillon and many Others: But Sr. John Jones an English Knight lead the greatest Number of Archers and Men of Arms of any Gentleman there; and all of them were very desirous to meet Sr. Bertram de Clequin, and to give him Battle.

On Monday in Whitsun-week the Captal began his March from Eureux towards Pas∣sy, and Pont de l'Arche, for he thought the Frenchmen would pass the River of Seyne either at Vernon, or Pont de l'Arche, if they had not passed already. But on the Tuesday as he rode forth of a Wood, he accidentally met with an English He∣rald called Faulcon, who but that same Morning had passed by and seen the French Ar∣my. The Captal knew him at the first sight, both by his Face and Ensigns of his Of∣fice, and began to make much of him for the King of England his Masters Sake. He demanded whence he came, he said from Paris; then the Captal asked him, if he could tell any News of the Frenchmen who were abroad.

Sir said he, in the Name of God, I should know pretty well where they be, for I came from them but this Mor∣ning, and they seem as desirous to find you, as you are to find them.

Where are they, said the Captal, beyond Pont de l'Arche, or on this side?

They passed the River, replied Faulcon, at Vernon, and I believe by this time they are got as far as Passy. What Number do you judge them to be, said the Captal, and who are their Prime Leaders? Pray Sir, let me know that. Sir said Faulcon, I judge them to be at least 1500 Fighting Men, and their Chief Captains are Sr. Bertram de Clequin, who commands the greatest Number, his Troops consisting mostly of Bretons: Then there is the Earl of Auxerre, the Vicount de Beaumont, the Lord Lewis de Châlons, the Lord of Beaujeu, the Master of the Crossbows, the Lord Edward de Renty, and of your Gascogners, there is Arnold de Cervoles the Arch-Priest, the Lord Edmund de Pa∣miers, the Lord Soldiche de l'Estarrac; and the Lord Albrets Men were there.

When the Captal heard these Gascogners named, he was much surprised, and blush∣ing for Displeasure said,

Faulcon, is this true that you say? Are these Lords of Gas∣cogne there and the Lord of Albrets Men? Yes Sir, answered the Herald, most cer∣tainly. And where then is the Lord of Albret himself said the Captal? Sir, replied Faulcon, I left him at Paris with the New King there, who is now preparing to go to Rheims; for they say, that on Sunday next he is to be Crown'd there.

Then said the Captal, laying his hand on his own Head in great displeasure,

By St. Anthonies Cap, Gascogne against Gascogne!

Sir, said Faulcon, Hard by there tarries for me an Herald sent from the Arch-Priest, who earnestly desires to speak with You.

Say ye so, said the Captal, you may e'n tell the French Herald, that he need not trou∣ble himself any further; but let him return and tell the Arch-Priest, since he ap∣pears in the Field against me, I'll have nothing to do with him. At this Sr. John Jones stept forth saying,

Sir, why will you not vouchsafe to speak with him? Perhaps he may have some Proposal or secret Advice for our Advantage. Nay said the Cap∣tal, 'Ill warrant you, there is little Good intended for us; for the Arch-Priest is so contentious a Person; that if he comes hither, hee'l do nothing but brawl and bran∣gle, and all the while observe our Strength; Order and Number, which may prove of ill Consequence to us: And for that reason I desire not to speak with him now.

And with that the Herald Faulcon was dismissed back to the French Herald, who tar∣ried for an Answer under an Hedge hard by, and excused the Captal unto him so discreetly, that he went away satisfied, and told the Arch-Priest what he had heard from Faulcon.

Thus Both Parties were informed of each other, but the Captal, having understood the Number of his Enemies, and doubting by the Greatness of their Leaders, that they were yet far more than Report made them, dispatch'd away immediately a Light Horse∣man to the Captain of Eureux, desiring him presently to send unto him all manner of Companions, or Souldiers of Fortune and Others, whom he could spare, well armed and mounted, and who should all find him at la Croix St. Leoffroy; for thereabout he thought to meet the French, and he said he would most surely fight them where're he found them. Sr. Michael Dorgery the Captain of Eureux, sent him accordingly a∣bove Sixscore lusty young Men, Natives of the Town, besides Others. So all that Tuesday the Captal lodged on a Mountain, and the Frenchmen the mean while marched forward to find him, till they came to a River which led toward Eureux, but had its Rise near Conches, and there they took up their Quarters near to Aquigny for the re∣mainder of that Tuesday, in a fair Meadow along by the Rivers side. The next Morning both Parties sent out their Currours to see, if they could bring any fresh Tidings of each other; and then it appeared, that they were not above two Leagues asunder. At that time the Captal rode by the Guidance of Faulcon towards the French that same way, by which he had travelled from them, and about Noon he came into the way to la Croix St. Leoffroy and passed the River Eure; when they might plainly see the French before them ordering their Battails; but there were with them so many Ensigns and Streamers, that they seem'd to be double the Number they really were. Wherefore the Captal rested his Men a while near a little Wood that was there, and the mean while called his Captains together, and gave Directions how he would have them or∣der their Men. All the Carriages and Pages he sent into the Wood for their Securi∣ty, and so ranged his Troops into three Battalions all on Foot in most decent Order. In the Front stood Sr. John Jones, with his 300 Men of Arms and Archers of England, and his Friend d Sr. James Planchine with 200 more, both Archers and Men of Arms; and these were all Chosen and Resolute Men. The Second Battail he led himself with 600 Fighting Men, and with him was the Lord of Salses, a lusty young Knight of Navarre, the Lord William of Granville, and the Lord Peter of Samville. The Third he com∣mitted to the Lord Geoffry of Roussillon, the Lord Bertram de la Franque, and Sr. Bascels of Mareville; and that Battail also consisted of 600 Men. Being thus or∣der'd, he took the Advantage of a little Hill hard by on the Right hand, between the place where he order'd his Men, and the Wood. And on the Brow of the Hill he stood in Battle Array directly before his Enemies, with his Banner raised high on a Bush of Thorn, about which stood sixty Chosen Men of Arms for its safeguard: To the in∣tent, that if his Men should be scatter'd, they might repair thither and rally again, and so he determin'd not to descend from the Mountain for any Cause whatsoever, but to let his Enemies come to him, if they intended to fight him. The Captals Banner war Or, Five Escalopes Argent on a Cross Sable, which Arms were richly depicted on his Shield; and on the Crest of his Helmet was a dreadfull e Medusa's Head Sable, the Snakes Argent.

By this time were the Frenchmen also orderly ranged in three Battalia's, besides a Rereguard, or strong Body for a Reserve: The f First was lead by Sr. Bertram of Cle∣quin and all his Bretons, and he was design'd to oppose the Captal: The Second was govern'd by the Earl of Auxerre, with whom were the Vicount Beaumont, and the Lord Baldwin Danequin Master of the Crossbows, and several other Knights of France, Picardy and Normandy, as Sr. Edward of Renty, Sr. Ingelram of Hesdin, Sr. Lewis of Pequescourt and Others: The Third was commanded by the Lord Arnold of Cervo∣les, commonly called the Archpriest, with whom were the Lord of Châlons, the Lord of Beaujeu, the Lord John de Vienne and Others, and in the Rereward were all the o∣ther Gascogners; as the Lord of Pamiers, the Lord Soldiche of Estarrac, Sr. Perdiccas of Albret, with the Lord of Albrets Troops, but he himself was not there; together with the Lord Petition of Courton and several Others. These Gascogners observed par∣ticularly the Behaviour of the Captal, and how his Standard was raised high on a Bush, and the Guard that was set to defend it. Whereupon they agreed, that when the Ar∣mies were hotly joyn'd in Battle, they should themselves endeavour to conquer the Captals Banner, believing if they might gain that Point, to be soon Masters of the Field. And besides they had another Device, which proved that Day very serviceable

to the Lords of France: For while in a Council of War they held a long Debate how to behave themselves, so as morally to secure the Victory; a certain Gascogner Lord let fall a Word, which was very seasonable and well accepted.

Gentlemen, says he, We all know well, that the Captal is as Worthy a Knight as can be found in any Land, and that as long as he is able to endure, he will be very terrible to Us; both by reason of his extraordinary Valour and Conduct: Let us therefore set apart Thir∣ty Chosen Men of Arms on Horseback, and let these Thirty mind nothing else this Day, but to set upon the Captal, at the same time that our Rereguard attempts to win his Standard; and so by the strength of their Horses to break the stress, till they can get to him to take him; immediately upon which to bear him out of the Field: For otherwise I cannot bode any good end of this Battle; the Person of the Captal is that, whereon all his Men do wholly depend: If he is safe, they win all; if we win him, the Victory comes to us of Course.

The Knights of France and Bretagne ap∣proved hugely of this Project, and resolved to put it in Execution; so they selected accordingly Thirty of the most Valiant Men of Arms, and mounted them on Thirty of the best Horses in all the Company, and drew them out on one side of the Field, well informed before-hand what to do, and all the rest of the Army remained on Foot in Bat∣tle Array as they had been ranged. Now as yet there was no one, that pretended to have the Chief Command over all, in the French Army, because there were several Persons of far higher Quality than Sr. Bertram of Clequin: Wherefore in this Council of War they consulted what should be their Word that Day, and to whose Banner they should all repair. At last they all agreed to cry our Lady of Auxerre, and to make the noble young Earl of Auxerre their Captain. But he began with great Modesty to excuse himself saying,

Gentlemen, I most heartily thank you all for the great Ho∣nour you are pleased to confer upon me, but certainly as for my Part, I shall by no means at this time accept thereof. No— I am too Young and Unexpert to sustain so great a Charge; for this is the First Expedition that ever I was concern'd in: Here are many good Captains, as Sr. Bertram of Clequin, Sr. Arnold of Gervoles, the Ma∣ster of the Crossbows, the Lord Lewis of Chalons, the Lord Edmund of Pamiers, Sr. Edward of Renty and the like: These have all been in many great Hazards, and also have held considerable Employs in the Wars, and I am sure understand Milita∣ry Conduct far better than as yet I do. Wherefore Lords, I desire your Pardon at this time. Then the Lords and Captains began to look on one another, and at last said, O Noble Earl of Auxerre, you are the most Eminent among us all, and therefore it is all the Reason in the World You should now be our Head: For Nobility reconciles Authority to a Captain. Certainly Gentlemen, replied the Earl, You say after your Pleasure: But this Day I am resolved to be but as one of your Companions; and till I shall be able to rule, will learn to obey. Come Life, come Death, I promise to share with you in this Adventure; but as to the Chief Rule, You shall never perswade me to that.

Then again the Captains beheld each other, and at last unanimously agreed, that since Sr. Bertram of Clequin was the most practised in War among them all, they would for that Day obey him, and the Word should be our Lady of Clequin. And thus the Tuesday was spent, and both Armies prepared to fight the next Morning.

Early the next Day the Frenchmen being drawn out in Battle-array into the former Field, came and presented themselves before their Enemies; and stood a long while without receiving any offer of Battle. They beheld the Navarrois on the heighth of the Hill, who seemed resolved not to stirr thence, but rather to expect them to at∣tack them there in their Strength, which was very displeasing to the Frenchmen, be∣cause it was apparently disadvantageous to mount the Hill; and the Sun was also very hot, and the best of them began to grow faint and weary: For they were in a man∣ner Fasting, having neither taken Wine nor other Victuals that Morning, because they imagin'd to have Battle presently, but they mistook their Aim; and so the Day was nigh half gone before things were brought to a Resolution. For when the French Lords perceived the Captals humour, they went to Counsel again, to learn what was best to be done, and whether they should go and fight with their Enemies or no. Some were directly for it and said, it would be a great dishonour to do otherwise: But the more sober and best advised maintained the Contrary, saying,

If we go and fight them in that advantageous Post, which now they hold, it will certainly redound to our great Dammage, if not utter Loss; for upon our Ascent of every Fifteen of us, Three are sure to fall, if not more. And when once Men drop fast in an Army, the Terror and Ruine spreads far over all that Side.

Thrô such hazardous Representations given forth by the most experienced Officers, they were withheld back; and the Cap∣tal

in all Probability had succeeded, if not for one small Matter, which however seem'd well done by him, but contributed not a little to his Overthrow. The Captal had with him certain Knights and Esquires, Normans, his Prisoners, whom, when he saw the French ready to come upon him, lest in Battle they might turn against him, he let go now upon Parole. These Men stole privily into the French Host, where being brought before the Lords then in Council, they said,

Gentlemen, con∣sider what you do: For if you let this Day pass without Fighting, your Enemies will be much stronger by to Morrow; it being confidently discoursed among them, that Prince Lewis of Navarre will joyn them by that time with 400 Men of Armes.

These Words greatly animated them to set upon the Navarrois forthwith; but still the Discreeter sort held them back saying,

Gentlemen, let us but wait a little lon∣ger and see what they'll do first: For their Hearts are so bold and presumptuous, that they would as gladly fight with us, as we with them; and since we are so wea∣ry and fasting; and many of our Men chafed by standing thus long in our Armour, surely if after all we attempt the difficult Ascent of that Hill, we are no better than lost. You see it is now Noon, therefore let us withdraw for the present to our Lodgings, and there having refreshed our selves, we may take other Counsel against to Morrow.

These Considerations much shook the Resolution of the stoutest Men there, for they were loth to defer Fighting, till the Enemy might be rendred more strong, and yet they durst not attack him in that Place, because many of their side were faint and weak, and to go up-Hill against an Enemy requires the greatest Vi∣gour that may be. At last Sr. Bertram of Clequin their General, pitch'd upon the Right Counsel; for he said,

Gentlemen, we know well our Enemies are desirous e∣nough to fight with us; and yet we see, that they intend not to leave their Post, unless we draw them thence by the means that I shall shew you. Let us make an Offer, as if we design'd to retreat, and not to give them Battle this Day; and to that end we will send our Valets with our few Carriages and Horses over the Bridge, and pretend all to march back to our Quarters. But still as we go, we must all be ready to return upon Occasion: And so we shall try what they will do. If they are willing to fight us, they'll come down the Hill in pursuit of us: And if once we gain that Point, we shall readily Face about upon them, and deal with them more easily. But if they come not, our own Men will be more encouraged to see them stand in fear of us;

and however we shall be the Fresher for to Morrows Service. This Counsel being approved by all the Chief Captains, they went to their several Ensigns, and caused a Retreat to be sounded, and commanded all their Valets to repass the Ri∣ver before them, and take over their Carriages; and these were followed by some Troops of Men of Arms, who for the greater blind, went over in a careless Manner faintly.

When Sr. John Jones, who was an Experienced Knight (thô now he committed a fatal Errour) and had always a huge desire to give the Frenchmen Battle, saw the manner of their Retreat, he said to the Captal,

Sir, let us immediately pursue them: Don't you see how they fly; they fly by St. George. Ah! said the Captal, Sr. John, Sr. John, never believe that. For what they now do is by Stratagem, only to deceive us to our Ruine.

Sr. John seem'd content with the Captals Opinion; but being come among his Men in the first Battalion, he said aloud,

St. George, they that love me, let them now follow, for I am resolved to go and fight these French∣men, that are stealing away from us.

And with that he grasped his Spear in his hand, and went forth in the Head of his Men before all the Battails, and made such haste, that he had got down the Hill with most of his own Troops, before the Captal knew any thing of the Matter. But when now he understood and saw, that Sr. John Jones was gone down the Hill against the Enemy, without the Consent of his Chief Cap∣tain, he thought it proceeded of Presumption and Contempt of Martial Discipline. However knowing it not a time to chide as then, nor to dishearten his Men by vainly complaining of the Rashness of the Action, he said aloud to those that were about him,

Sr. John Jones shall not fight without me this Day; Courage my Friends, and Banner advance in the Name of God and St. George!

And therewithall the other two Battails began to march in good Array down the Hill into the open Field. When the Frenchmen saw all their Demeanor, and how the Enemy voluntarily quitted their Place of Advantage, they were very glad and said one to another,

Lo! now we may see, what we have so much desired all this day.

And with that they all faced about in their appointed Order, and returned to meet their Enemies, being ranged on Foot, except those Thirty Horsemen, who had Orders to seise the Captal. But as soon as Sr.

Arnold of Cervoles the Archpriest, saw that a Battle must needs ensue, he said to his Standard-Bearer and to all his Officers,

I charge you all as you love me, or fear my displeasure to keep the Field, and to do your Devoirs, till the Business of the Day shall be decided. But as for me I must withdraw, and not come among you again during this Fight: For I am under an Oath never to fight nor bear Arms in Person against one certain Knight, who is now in the Field on the other side: And so I would have you say to those, who shall chance to ask for me.

This Oath the Arch∣priest had made to the Captal of Busche, and therefore, before the Battle, endeavour'd to accommodate Affairs by speaking with him, or at least to have warned him of the Frenchmens stratagem against his Person. But the g Captal seeing him now armed in the Field against him contrary to his Oath, was so displeased, as not to vouchsafe him a Conference whereby he lost himself. However the Arch-priest being now mindfull of his Obligation left the Field, with one only Esquire to wait on him, and repassed the River, leaving his Troops not withstanding behind him: Whereupon the rest of the Army never mist him, because they saw his Banner there all the while, and so verily believed him to be Personally present.

In the beginning of the Battle, when Sr. John Jones saw the Frenchmen returning in such good Order upon him, he perceived his Error, and knew well he had too unadvi∣sedly left his former Post; but however, like a Man not used to fear, when he found the Captal and the rest of the Army would not forsake him, he marched toward his Ene∣mies with great Resolution, hoping to extort a Victory by pure Valour. He chanced to be matched with Sr. Bertram of Clequin and his Bretons, all expert and chosen Men of War, who notwithstanding found no Childrens Play from Sr. John and his English Troops. He for his part before he joyned, made an Halt to review and encourage his Men, and then he brought his Archers forward, who before were in the Reer; and so the Archers began the Battle, shooting fiercely against the Frenchmen. But they were so well armed, that they received but little harm thereby; wherefore soon they came to Handy-stroaks on all sides, and the Men of Arms fell on one another with Spears, Swords and Axes; so that the Fight was bloody and furious. The Gascogners especi∣ally, who were on the French Part, came against the Captal and his Gascogners with such fury and animosity, as is usually seen between Countrymen, when they come a∣gainst one another in a civil War or otherwise. Thus were the French and Navarrois hotly engaged on all Hands, and by wrestling and strength of Arms, they wan Spears, Axes and other Weapons from one another, and took Prisoners, and slew and wounded on both Sides with such Courage and Bravery, that it was wonderfull to behold. And truly the Frenchmen had need at that time not to sleep or stand idle, for they dealt with Men of approved Valour and Conduct; wherefore it behoved them all to play the Men, and to defend their Bodies to the utmost of their power, and to take all manner of Advantages; or else most certainly they had lost the Day. And surely the Bretons and Gascogners on the French side behav'd themselves like good Souldiers, and did many Wonders in Arms; as also did the Navarrois, English and Gascogners on their Part. But now while the Battle waxed thus hot, and Victory was gallantly cour∣ted on both Sides, but seem'd as yet inclinable to neither; the Thirty chosen Men of Arms, who were appointed to set upon the Captal, and stood hitherto aloof on Horse∣back, caring for nothing but the execution of their Design, came all together upon the Captal of a sudden, as he was fighting with a massy Ax in his Hand, wherewith he gave such Mortal stroaks, that hitherto none durst abide him. But these Thirty Men breaking the Preass by force of their Barbed Horses, fell all together upon him at once, and so seised his Person and took him Prisoner. At that instant the fury of the Battle waxed much hotter than before, the Frenchmen being animated with so notable a Suc∣cess, and the Captals Men crying out To the Rescue. But all their Endeavours for his Rescue prevailed little, all their Horses being removed far out of the way, and be∣side the Captal was immediatly convey'd out of the Field by those Horsemen that had taken him, who never rested till they had convey'd him as far as Vernon upon the Seyne. Before the Captals taking, it was hard to judge to whom the Victory enclin'd; but now the Matter was presently decided: For at that instant, while the Englishmen and the other Navarrois were labouring to rescue their General, the Gascogners on the French Part, as namely the Troops of the Lord of Albret, and the Lord Edward Pa∣miers, the Lord Soldiche of Estarrac, and Sr Petiton of Courton with their Retinues, divided themselves into two Bodies, the one whereof kept the Field where they fought before, and the other addressed themselves couragiously toward the Captals Standard, which stood high on a bush of Thorn, with sixty Chosen Men of Arms for its Defence.

They came on with a mighty Shout, but were bravely received; for those who guar∣ded the Standard were Chosen Men of War, especially Sr. Bascells of Mareville, and Sr. Geoffry of Roussillon their chief Captains: Wherefore many were taken and rescu∣ed on both Sides, and many wounded, reversed and slain, before the matter was deter∣min'd. But at last the Navarrois that kept the Standard, being far outnumbred were overcome; and the Lord Bascels of Mareville slain, and the Lord Geoffry of Roussil∣lon taken Prisoner, and the Captals Standard was pulled down and torn all to pieces. The mean while the Bretons, Frenchmen, Picards and Burgundians acquitted themselves to their great Commendation, which they had need enough to do, for the Navarrois had once made them give back; at which time they slew the Vicount of Beaumont, which alone was a great Loss on the French Side; for he was a young Valiant Knight, and of fair hopes, whose Body yet his Friends made shift to bear out of the Field. And at that time the Navarrois stood so fair for the winning Cast, that 'tis thought they had notwithstanding obtain'd the Victory, if just then as they were upon the very point of Prevailing, the other Battle, who had won the Captals Standard had not come upon them, and the Rereward also was brought by Sr. Bertrams order, who together wholly turned the Scales on the other Side: However 'tis said by Authors of those Days, how it was hardly ever seen, that two such little Armies should so long main∣tain themselves with such obstinate Valour, all on Foot fighing hand to hand, as they were intermingled together, with Swords, Spears and Axes of Steel, contending for the Day. On the French Part, Sr. Petiton of Courton, and the Lord Soldiche of Estarrac, re∣ceived so many Wounds, that they were carried out of the Field, in a condition almost as hopeless as the Vicount Beaumonts: The Lord Baldwin Danekin, Master of the Cross∣bows of France, was slain, together with Sr. Lewis of Pequescourt and divers others. On the part of the Navarrois Sr. John Jones, who began the Fight, did that day all that was possible for a good Knight to perform; but at last, after he had received many grievous Hurts, he was taken Prisoner by an Esquire of Breton of Sr. Bertram of Cle∣quins Retinue, and by him born out of the Field; but he died of his Wounds before next Morning. With him was slain the Lord of Salses and most of his Men, and as we have shewn the Lord Bascels of Mareville; there were taken the Lord William of Granville, the Lord Peter of Samville, the Lord Geoffry of Roussillon, Sr. Bertram de la Franque, and many Others; and in short, few or none of the Navarrois escaped, being now ranked either among the Prisoners or the Dead. This Battle was fought in Normandy, h near to a Place named Cocherel and la Croix St. Leoffroy, almost exact∣ly between Eureux and Vernon, on the Wednesday before Trinity-Sunday, being the 15 of May, in the Year of our Lord MCCCLXIV.

XII. After this Discomfiture, when all the Dead were spoiled, and the Wounded dressed, and the most part of the French Army had repassed the Bridge to draw to their Quarters, to rest and refresh themselves after this hard Service; there appeared in the Field another Body of Men marching up against them. The Captain of this Company was Sr. Guy of Granville, Son to the Lord William of Granville; who had that morn∣ing left his Garrison of Conches, and with fifty Spears rode with all convenient speed to the Captals aid, if by any means he might come time enough to the Battle. When the Frenchmen saw him they call'd out to their Fellows, that had passed the River, and sent several over to acquaint the whole Army, saying,

Gentlemen, turn hither again; for here is a Fresh Body of our Enemies coming hitherward.

Now Sr. Ber∣tram of Clequin and his Troops were still on this side; but every of them extream weary: However when Sr. Bertram saw this appearance of more Navarrois, he raised his Standard on high upon a Bush; that his Men might all draw thitherward, and sound∣ed his Trumpets, and faced about toward the Enemy, setting his Men in order with great Diligence. But when Sr. Guy of Granville heard them cry our Lady of Clequin, and saw neither the Captal, nor any other of his Friends there; but many Dead Men lying on the Ground, he concluded, that his Party had lost the day, and so return'd back without doing any thing. And surely this Valiant young Gentleman, thô he came not time enough to save his Father from being a Prisoner, did yet make a shift both to save his Life, when he was in Danger of losing his Head, and also to redeem him from Prison afterward. For Charles the King of France, i who not being of that Ho∣nourable Disposition with his Father John, was rather enclin'd to subtlety and unprince∣like Cruelty, shortly after caused the Lord Peter of Samville to lose his Head, and had done the like to the Lord William of Granville, the same who by stratagem won the strong Castle of Eureux in Normandy; thô Prisoners of War and none of his Sub∣jects: But Sr. Guy of Granville sent word to the French King, that if he put his Dear

Father to Death, or to any Bodily loss or pain, he would serve the Lord De la Val, a considerable French Nobleman, then his Prisoner, in the same manner, and also all o∣ther Frenchmen, that should ever after fall into his Hands. By this means the Vali∣ant young Gentleman commendably sav'd his Fathers Life, and shortly after he was de∣liver'd in Exchange for the foresaid Lord of Bretagne. The k Night ensuing the Battle, the Frenchmen lodged in their own Camp on the other side the River, and took good Care of their Prisoners, and then there was much speaking and enquiring after the Arch∣priest, it being now known, that he was not present at the Fight; but his Men ex∣cused him, as he had directed them: However they could not presently clear him from all suspicion of Treachery; for his Courage, no Man there could doubt in the least. The next day the Frenchmen dislodged, and went to Rouën, where they left the greater Part of their Prisoners; but the Captal was convey'd from Vernon to Paris.

XIII. This was an auspicious Hansel to King Charles, now upon the entrance of his Reign; and we shall find him hereafter to have frequently such Successes against his Enemies, thô mostly by Fineness and Stratagem, and altogether without his Presence, as this happen'd. On the l Trinity-Sunday following this Success, being the 19 of May, Charles Duke of Normandy, Eldest Son and Heir to John late King of France, was Crowned and anointed King of the said Realm in the Cathedral Church of our La∣dy at Rheims, and together with him his Beautifull Consort, Queen m Jane, Daugh∣ter to Peter Duke of Bourbon, and the Lady Isabella de Valois. The Ceremony was performed by the hands of the Archbishop of the said Place: And it is n remarkable, that the Emperours Son, Wenceslaus of Bohemia, Duke of Luxemburgh and Brabant, John Duke of Lorraine, and Robert Duke of Bar, notwithstanding they were Stran∣gers and Vassals of the Empire (thô indeed related to the King) did at that time per∣form the Office of Peers of France, the first representing the Duke of Normandy, the Second personating the Earl of Champagne, and the Third the Earl of Tholouse. The Duke of Burgundy (which Philip his Brother was now in Title and Designation) and Lewis Earl of Flanders, held their usual Places, and Lewis Duke of Anjou, represented the Duke of Aquitaine. Besides these Great Personages, there were present at this So∣lemnity, o Peter King of Cyprus, Waldemar King of Denmark, the Earls of Eu and of Dampmartin, of Tancarville, and of Vaudemont, with the Chief Prelates of that King∣dom, and many other Lords, all who were Feasted for five days together. On the Fryday following the New King return'd in great Pomp to Paris; where he was received with infinite expressions of Publick Joy and satisfaction. And then he put his younger Bro∣ther Philip into Possession of the Dutchy of Burgundy, p who shortly after rode in∣to those Parts, with a great and splendid Retinue, and took Livery and Seisin of the Country, and received Homage of all the Barons, Knights, Cities, Castles, and good Towns of the said Dutchy, and having settled all things there, return'd to Paris to the King, his Brother. At that time it was, that the Archpriest found himself obliged to make use of all his Friends to excuse him to the King, who was much offended at him; because he was not present in the Battle of Cocherel; but now being admitted into the Presence he made it appear, that he was bound by Oath not to be armed in Person against his Friend, the Captal, who himself, at the request and instance of the Lord of Albret, had been a little before released of his Imprisonment only upon his Parole; and being by this time sufficiently convinced, that he had unjustly suspected the Archpriest's Faith, was now very serviceable in helping to make his excuse to the King; and to those Lords of the Council, that held him in suspicion. Besides all which the Archpriest himself (not to mention the many great Services, he had for∣merly rendred to the Crown of France) had lately near Dijon in Burgundy overthrown 300 Companions, robbers of the Country, whose Captains were Guyot du Pyn, Taille∣bert of Talleboton, and John de Chafour.

About this time the said King Charles of France caused the Lord Peter of Samville, who had been taken in the Battle of Cocherel, to lose his Head in the City of Rouën, and had served the Lord William of Granville in the same manner; had not his Son Sr. Guy of Granville threatned the Lord Beaumont de la Val, then his Prisoner, with the like severity. Whereupon that Lords Kindred and Friends made such earnest suit to the King; that he was content to deliver the Lord Granville in Exchange for the Lord de la Val, as we said before.

XIV. Soon after the foresaid Battle of Cocherel, Sr. Bertram of Clequin bought the strong Castle of Rolebois for the Sum of 3000 Franks, which he paid to Sr. Vantaire Austard, the Captain thereof; whereupon he return'd quietly into Brabant, from whence

he came. Yet there were other Troops of Companions, that held still together in Fortres∣ses in Normandy, le Caulx, Perche, Beausse, and other places, which prov'd very in∣commodious to the Realm of France, some of them making War in the Name of the King of Navarre, others on their own account only to get spoil, and to rob, without Law or Reason. Wherefore King Charles q sent his Brother the Duke of Burgundy, against these Pillagers, commanding him to root them out of the Land; in order where∣to the said Duke made his Rendezvous in the City of Chartres. Soon after he took the Field, his Forces consisting of 5000 Men of Arms, besides Footmen, and others; among whom were Sr. Bertram of Clequin, Sr. Bouciquault Marshal of France, the Earl of Auxerre, the Lord of Beaujeu, Sr. Lewis of Châlons, Sr. Edmund of Pamiers, Sr. Lewis of Ravenal, the Lord of Beague of Vilaine, Sr. Nicolas du Line, New-made Master of the Crossbows, Sr. Edward of Renty, Sr. Ingelram of Hesdin, and many other Emi∣nent Captains. When they found themselves so strong, they thought to divide into Three Bodies; One whereof consisting of a 1000 Men of Arms, Sr. Bertram of Cle∣quin led into Coutantine, even to the Marches of Cherburgh to keep the Frontiers there, that the Navarrois should not pass to endamage the Country of Normandy; and with Sr. Bertram were the Earl of Auxerre, and the Earl of Joigny, the Lord Ar∣nold D'Endreghan, and many Knights and Esquires, both of Bretagne and Normandy. The Second Body was committed to the Lord de la Riviere, with whom were ma∣ny good Knights and Esquires of France and Picardy, as Sr. Hugh de Chastillon, the Lord of Samny, Sr. Matthew of Roye, the Lord of St. Eloy, the Lord of Crespy, the Lord of Campy, Sr. Edward of Renty, Sr. Ingelram of Hesdin, Sr. Monsange, and others, to the Number of 2000 Men of Arms; and these were sent into the Earldom of Eu∣reux; but the Duke himself with the remaining 2000 Men of Arms, and a vast Num∣ber of others went and laid Siege to Marcheville in Chartraine, a strong Castle, held by the Navarrois, against which he carried many Engines from Chartres, which perpetually play'd upon the Castle with huge stones, to the infinite trouble of those within.

XV. While these Three Armies were thus in Beausse and in Normandy, making War against the Navarrois, the King of Navarre was not asleep as to his own Defence. The Lord Philip of Eureux, his Brother, was dead indeed a little before this; but he had another younger Brother, called Lewis of Navarre, of no less towardliness for the War, nor less addicted to his Interest. This Lord Lewis had likewise defy'd King Charles of France, because the War which the King his Brother undertook, did also concern a good part of his Inheritance. After the Battle of Cocherel he made his Musters on all hands; and wan certain notable Captains of the Companions to enter his pay; so that by this he was at least 1200 Spears strong: The Chief Captains of which Troops were Sr. Robert Knolles, and Sr. Robert Cheiny, Knights of England; and Sr. Robert Briquet of Larsuel, but as yet Sr. Robert Knolles had not joyn'd him. However his Forces encreased daily, his Head Quarters being between the Rivers of Loire and Allier; so that he overran a great part of the Country of Bourbonnois, as about Moulins, St. Pi∣erre le Moutier, and St. Pourcain. One day 300 of his Men, having Sr. Bernard de la Salle and Ortingo for their Captains, went, and passed the Loire, hard by les Marches, and rode till they came to la Charité on the River Loire, a Town large and well-enclosed; which they immediately enter'd by Scalado, but stood still together in one place, till the Morning; for doubt of some Ambush laid to entrap them by the Townsmen, whom they heard to be in a perpetual hurry: The mean while the Towns∣men, giving up the Place for lost, only took care to convey all their best Moveables into Boats, which were ready in good Number on the Loire, and so before Morning got off with them, their Wives and Children, and went to Nivers, which was not a∣bove six Leagues from thence. When it was day, the Navarrois, English and Gascog∣ners, that had thus scaled the Town, marched thrô the Streets, where they found all the Houses void: However they determin'd to keep a Garrison there, and make it more defensible; because it stood so opportunely to command the Country on both sides the Loire. Wherefore presently they sent word to Prince Lewis of Navarre, who was then in the Marches of Auvergne, for a Reinforcement; and he furnish'd them with 300 Spears, who were led by Sr. Robert Briquet, and passing thrô the Country without the least Opposition, went over the stone Bridge, and entred la Charité. And now being all together, they thought themselves strong enough to make good the Place, and so began to fortifie apace, and to ravage about to let the Country know, who they were.

XVI. All this while the Duke of Burgundy had held Siege before Marcheville, where∣by

by he so streightned the Garrison, that at last they were content to yield up the Town, their Lives and Goods saved; which Conditions being granted them, they departed. The Duke order'd Sr. Bouciquault Marshal of France, and Sr. John de Vienna Marshal of Burgundy, to take possession of the Town; over which he set an Esquire of his, named William of Chartres, with Fourty Men of Arms, and so departed, and went to Cameroles; to which he laid Siege, because it stood in the plain Country, and had been a very troublesome Neighbour to the Inhabitants of Chartres.

While this Siege lasted, the Lord John de la Riviere, who had the Second Division, consisting of 2000 Spears, laid his Siege to Aquigny, near to Louviers in the County of Eureux; wherein was a Garrison of English, Normans, Frenchmen, and Gascogners, all Navarrois, who had held that place ever since the Battle of Cocherel, and now main∣tain'd it with great Obstinacy; for they had good store of Ammunition and Provision of all sorts; and yet notwithstanding they were at last so streightned, that they were fain to yield up the Castle, their Lives and Goods saved: After which they went with all they had, and were by the Lord de la Riviere's Conduct safely convey'd to Cherburgh; where they remain'd. The Lord de la Riviere, having Garrison'd Aquigny, marched directly toward the City of Eureux, but there he was not able to prevail.

And now the Duke of Burgundy had constrained the Garrison of Cameroles to yield up to his pleasure; which done all the Souldiers Strangers he took to Mercy; but as for those Frenchmen, whom he found among them, because they had been Renegado's, Robbers, and Enemies to their King and Country, he hanged them up every Mothers Son. And then certain of the Chief Burgesses of Chartres came unto the Duke, hum∣bly desiring that of his Goodness, and as a reward for the Engines of Battery, which they had lent him, he would please to grant unto them the sole Disposal of the For∣tress of Cameroles, which had formerly been so troublesome to them. To this re∣quest the Duke readily agreed, and then the Burgesses immediately set Labourers at Work, who rased the Castle down to the ground. After this the Duke went to the Castle of Dreux on the River Blaise, in the plain Country of Beausse, which was a Nest of the Companions likewise; all whom, having carried the Place by fine force, he caused to be put to the Sword. Thence he marched to Preux, and invested it round, and gave many vigorous Assaults, before he could obtain any advantage; at last the Besieged thought best to yield, their Lives only saved, but as for their Goods they all fell to the Conquerour; with whom also the Frenchmen found therein, were detained Prisoners. When the Duke had taken possession of this place, he commit∣ted it to the Custody of Sr. Peter du Bois, a Knight of Beausse, whom he order'd to repair the Fortifications, and defend the Place. After this he went to Chartres, where he tarried five days to refresh himself and his Men; and then he laid his Siege to Connay, a Castle, that had been troublesom to the whole Country; and caused six great Engines of Battery to be raised up against it.

XVII. But while he did these things, his Enemies gave him sundry Diversions: For the Lord Lewis of Navarre overran all the Low-Country of Auvergne, and brought those Parts into much Distress; for thô he kept the Field, there was none to oppose him. Those also of the Garrison of la Charité did what they pleas'd round about them. And the Earl of Monbelliard likewise with his Allies of Almain, was entred into the Dutchy of Burgundy by the way of Bezancon, where he began to ravage over all the Country, in revenge, that his Pretences to the said Dukedom were not al∣lowed; but another was brought in over his Head. Upon News of these unexpected Commotions in Burgundy, the King sent to the Duke, commanding him immediately to raise his Siege from before Connay, and come back to Paris in order to march into Burgundy against the new Invaders. The Duke, however his own Dominions were in danger, was not a little concerned at this Message; because he had made a solemn Vow not to rise from before Connay, till he should be Master of the Place. But now those of his Council told him;

That since the King sent for him, he might lawfully de∣part notwithstanding his Vow, for that no Vow could cancell that previous Duty, wherein he was bound to his Prince:

Hereupon he resolved to quit the Siege, but making as yet no shew thereof, he sent his Marshal to demand of the Besieged, whe∣ther they would yield up absolutely to the Dukes Pleasure or no? They returned Answer,

No, they would not do that; but however on Condition they might have their Lives and Goods saved, they were now content to yield.

The Offer was glad∣ly accepted, and they permitted to depart with Bag and Baggage: After which, the Duke having deliver'd the Castle to a Knight of Beausse, called Sr. Philip of Artenay,

with Order to repair the Fortifications, went from thence to Chartres, where he left the greater Part of his Forces under the Care of the Earl of Auxerre, the Lord Bouci∣quault, and Sr. Lewis of Sancerre, and so rode forth to Paris with Sr. Lewis of Alen∣son, the Lord of Beaujeu, the Lord John de Vienna, and all the Burgundians in his Company, and went thence to the King his Brother, whom he found at Meaux in Brie; and there he tarried but one Day. On the Morrow he rode on till he came to Troyes in Champaigne: Thence he went to Langres, and still as he proceeded he en∣forced himself with Men of War. At Langres he was met by a considerable Body of Burgundians, who to their Power had maintained themselves hitherto against their Enemies, and were now extream glad of their Lord, the Dukes so seasonable coming a∣mong them. The Chief Captains of these Troops were the Arch-priest, the Lord of Chasteau Villain, the Lord of Grancy, the Lord of Vergny, the Lord of Sobournon, the Lord of Rugemont, Sr. Hugh de Vienna, the Bishop of Langres, and a Wealthy Man called John of Boulogne, with others. Being thus enforced he marched against his Enemies, who made at least 1500 Spears, and yet durst not abide him, but reti∣red beyond the Rhine: Notwithstanding he followed them beyond Monbelliard, burn∣ing and destroying the Earls Lands as he went; and so having sufficiently reven∣ged his Wrongs for that time, he returned with most of his Troops to Paris.

XVIII. This mean while King Charles, his Brother, had sent the Lord Moreau de Fi∣ennes his Constable, and his two Marshals, Sr. Bouciquault and Sr. Moron de Branville, with a goodly Number of Men of Arms, to go and lay Siege to la Charité on the River of Loire, which they did, and skirmished almost every Day with the Besieged: But as yet prevailed not. Wherefore now the King sent the Duke of Burgundy with a 1000 Spears more to reinforce the Siege; so that now they made up in all 3000 Men of Arms besides Others. These held frequent Skirmishes with the Besieged, wherein both Parties suffer'd considerably; but especially those of the Garrison, who were not in all a Thousand Men. And the Duke of Burgundy to encourage his Men the more, at one Sally of the Navarrois made many Knights Bannerets, who at that time raised their Banners, as Robert of Alenson, Son to Charles Earl of Alenson, who being King Philips Brother, was slain at the Battle of Cressy, about 18 Years before; the same Honour had Sr. Lewis of Auxerre, Son to the Earl of Auxerre, who died at the same time, and younger Brother to the present Earl. Thus the Siege continued to the great Ter∣ror of that Garrison, who were so mightily streightned therewith, that they would willingly have yielded up the Fortress upon Composition; but that the Duke refu∣sed them so much Grace.

I'll have them yield up absolutely to my Pleasure, says he, I have already taken away from them the use of the River, so that they must expect no more Provision that way: Let them stand out longer at their utmost peril.

XIX. Now Prince Lewis of Navarre knew of all these Difficulties his Friends were in, and having ravaged a while at his Pleasure in the Marches of Auvergne, he ardent∣ly desired to raise the Siege before la Charité. He had already 2000 Fighting Men, but not thinking them sufficient to cope with the Duke, he sent into Bretagne to Sr. Robert Knolles, Sr. Walter Hewet, Sr. Matthew Gournay, and other Valiant Knights and E∣squires of England, then in those Parts, to come and serve him in this Action. These Knights would all very willingly have come to his Aid, but they were already engaged in the Siege before Auray, a Town of Lesser Bretagne, about 3 Leagues from Vannes Westward, towards Blavet. For now the two Pretenders to the Dutchy of Bretagne, having rejected all terms and Methods of Reconciliation, flew out into open Hostili∣ty; the Lord Charles of Blois making his Musters at Nantes, and the Lord John of Monford laying Siege at the same time to Auray. So that when the Lord Lewis of Navarre saw, that he could not obtain the Service of those English Knights, who now assisted the Earl of Monford in the said Siege, he returned by Command of the King, his Brother, to Cherburgh, leaving la Charité to her Fortune. But however this Garrison had the good Luck to escape by the same Occasion, which had hindred their Relief: For immediately after Prince Lewis was retired into Normandy, because Sr. Charles of Blois might be more powerfully aided, the King of France sent to the Duke of Burgundy, commanding him to receive the Garrison of la Charité, their Lives sa∣ved, on condition they would swear not to bear Arms on the King of Navarre's Be∣half for three Years to come. Thus the Garrison had their Lives saved, but were fain to leave all their Goods behind, and so being secur'd by the Dukes Safe Conduct, went away on foot thrô the Realm of France. And then the old Inhabitants, whom they had before frighted away to the City of Nivers, came back again to their former Habitati∣ons, and the Duke returned with Honour to Paris.

Notes

• AN. DOM. 1364. An. Regni Angliae XXXVIII.
• a

  Frois. c. 218. fol. 114.
• b

  In hi•• Play 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the black-Prince.
• c

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 647.
• d

  Dugd. ibid. p. 648.
• e

  Frois. c. 219. f. 114.
• f

  G F. Lit. Dom.
• g

  Stows Survey of London p. 87. & 255. d & b.
• h

  Frois. c. 219. f. 114. b.
• i

  Knighton p. 2627. n. 20.
• k

  Knighton p. 2627. n. 10.
• l

  Frois. c. 218.
• m

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 232.
• n

  I••••reton N••t∣tingh. p. 116 ubi John male pro Tho••••as.
• o

  Walsing. hist. p. 174.
• p

  Mezeray p. 62
• q

  Labbei Chron. Techn. ad hanc annam.
• r

  Knighton p. 2627. n. 60.
• s

  Walsingh. Hyp. p. 128. n. 40.
• t

  Frois. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 219. f. 115 a.
• u

  Frois. l. ult. c. 90. f. 103.
• x

  Frois. c. 219. f. 115.
• y

  John Harding c. 184.
• z

  Ex vet. Cod. de Epis. & Pri∣crib. Dunelm. Eccles. & Wal∣sing. hist. p. 173. & Ashmole p. 665. Speed. &c.
• a

  Frois. c. 220. fol. 116.
• b

  Pascha 24 Ma••••••, ••••t. D••••. GF.
• c

  Frois. c. 220. f. 116. vid. in Veta Captal de B••••che apud Lib••dict. True Use of Armo••y in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 C••ion.
• d

  Tr•••• Use of Armory p. 120
• e

  True Use of Armory p. 110 p. 147. u•••• ta∣men ma•••• legi∣tur Midas Head: Vid. Ashmoles Garter. Plate 5.
• f

  Frois. c. 221. f. 117.
• g

  True Use of Armory p. 122 in Vitâ Captal de Busche id. p. 128.
• h

  Mezeray Chr. Abridg. T••m. 3. Part. 2. p. 70.
• i

  True Use of Armory in the Life of the Captal of Busche p. 129.
• k

  Frois. c. 222.
• l

  Frois. c. 223. Labbe Chron. Techn. ad hunc ann. & Mezeray p. 69.
• m

  Mezer. p. 106
• n

  Mezeray p. 69
• o

  Frois. c. 223.
• p

  Paradin An∣nal. de B••ur∣gegne l. 3 p. 3••2
• q

  Frois. c. 223. & Guil. Paradin Annal. de B••ur∣g••gne l. 3 p. 252