CHAP. LXXIII.
THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY RAISES THIS YEAR AN ARMY AGAINST THE HERETICS OF PRAGUE.—SIMILAR HERESIES ARE DISCOVERED NEAR TO DOUAY.—THE SIEGE OF D'AIRAINES.
THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY RAISES THIS YEAR AN ARMY AGAINST THE HERETICS OF PRAGUE.—SIMILAR HERESIES ARE DISCOVERED NEAR TO DOUAY.—THE SIEGE OF D'AIRAINES.
Inthis year, the emperor of Germany assembled a large body of men at arms from all parts of Christendom, to combat and oppose the false and stinking heretics that had arisen within the city of Prague and in the adjoining country from two tothree days journey around it. This armament was composed of many princes, prelates, knights, esquires, and others, as well on foot as on horseback, from parts of Germany, Liege, Holland, Zealand, Hainault and elsewhere. Their numbers were so great they could scarcely be counted; but the heretics defended themselves courageously in Prague that they could not do much harm to them, except in some skirmishes, when many were put to death. They were firmly united, and the country so strong, that the Christians were forced to retreat for want of provisions; and these accursed people were obstinate in their errors, and not afraid of any punishments which might be inflicted on them: they even armed their women, who were very devils in cruelty,—for several, dressed as men, were found among the slain in different engagements.
Similar heretics of both sexes were also discovered near to Douay, who held their meetings at the village of Sains, and were carried prisoners to the court of the bishop of Arras. Some of them recanted, and were pardoned; but the rest, havingbeen preached to by the bishop and inquisitor, were publicly burnt at Douay, Arras and Valenciennes.
Sir John de Luxembourg returned with his captains and his whole army, on Easter-night, before the two castles of D'airaines, and surrounded them on all sides. He had his artillery pointed against the walls, which made breaches in several places; but the besieged made a good defence with their cannon, and some sallies, by which indeed they did not gain much: however, as they were well supplied with stores and provision, they held out a considerable time, in the expectation of being powerfully succoured according to the promises that had been given them by some of the dauphin's partisans.
FOOTNOTES:[10]Louvroy. In du Cange's MS. notes, it is called Hornox.
[10]Louvroy. In du Cange's MS. notes, it is called Hornox.
[10]Louvroy. In du Cange's MS. notes, it is called Hornox.