CHAP. XXXI.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ORDERS A FUNERAL SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED IN THE CHURCH OF ST VAAST, AT ARRAS, FOR DUKE JOHN HIS LATE FATHER.—OTHER MATTERS.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ORDERS A FUNERAL SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED IN THE CHURCH OF ST VAAST, AT ARRAS, FOR DUKE JOHN HIS LATE FATHER.—OTHER MATTERS.
Onthe 13th day of this same month of October, the duke of Burgundy had a solemn service celebrated in the church of St Vaast, in Arras, for the salvation of the soul of duke John his father. There were present at it the bishops of Amiens, of Cambray, of Terouenne, of Tournay, and of Arras,—many abbots from Flanders, Artoisand the adjacent countries,—and there were in the whole twenty-four crosiers.
The chief mourner, the duke of Burgundy, was supported by sir John de Luxembourg and sir James de Harcourt. The bishop of Amiens said mass,—during which friar Pierre Floure, doctor in divinity and of the order of preaching friars, delivered the sermon. He was also inquisitor of the faith in the province of Rheims; and he exhorted the duke most strongly in his discourse not to take vengeance into his own hands for the death of his father, but to apply to the laws for reparation of the crime,—and should the laws be insufficient, he should afford them every assistance, and not think of executing justice himself, for that belonged to God alone.
Many of the nobles present were not very well pleased with the preacher for his sermon.
Some days after this service, sir John de Saulx, knight, doctor of laws, and chancellor to duke John, sir Andrieu de Valines, master John d'Orle, advocate in the parliament, John de Caumesnil, with others of the principal citizens of Paris,sent by the count de St Pol and the Parisians, arrived at Arras, and waited on the duke of Burgundy, to know what his future intentions and plans might be. When they had been well entertained by the duke and his ministers, they were told, that within a few days the duke would form an alliance with the king of England, by the consent of the king of France; and that when this was done, he would, with his whole force, seek for reparation and vengeance on the cruel murderers of his father.
On receiving this information, and after having concluded several agreements, the Parisians returned home to carry back the intelligence, and to keep the citizens and inhabitants of the isle de France in good obedience. The duke of Burgundy then assembled some of his most powerful and faithful lords, as well seculars as ecclesiastics, with whom he held many secret councils, to consider how he should conduct himself in the present state of his affairs, more especially respecting the death of his father.
On this subject their opinions weredivided; but at length the majority determined, that since he had permission from the king of France, he should form a strict alliance with the English. In consequence of this resolution, an embassy was again sent to the king of England at Rouen, consisting of the bishop of Arras, sir Actis de Brimeu, sir Roland de Uniquerke, and others, who, on their arrival at Rouen, were kindly received by the king and princes; for he was very desirous of forming a connection with the duke of Burgundy, well knowing that through his means in preference to all others, he could obtain the hand of the lady Catherine of France, which he was so anxious to have.
When the ambassadors had declared the causes of their coming, and exhibited a sketch of their articles for the proposed alliance, the king was tolerably satisfied, and told them, that within a few days he would send ambassadors to the duke, who should declare his final resolutions. With this answer, they returned to Arras.
About St Andrew's day following, the bishop of Rochester, the earls of Warwick and of Kyme, with other knights andesquires, arrived at Arras, as ambassadors from the king of England, to whom the duke gave a most honourable reception. They laid before him the different articles of a treaty which the king wished to conclude with Charles king of France and the duke,—who, in return, gave them other articles, such as he would abide by. In short, the negotiations were carried on so effectually that a treaty was agreed on, provided the king of France and his ministers would consent thereto.
At this time, the king and queen of France, with the lady Catherine their daughter, resided at Troyes in Champagne, and were under the guidance of such as had been posted there purposely, who were strongly attached to the party of Burgundy. In consequence of this treaty, it was ordered, that the men at arms of the king of France and of the duke of Burgundy should discontinue their warfare against the English, who were, on their part, to desist from all offensive operations. The truces were again renewed and confirmed; and it was agreed, that the king of England should send ambassadors, in companywith the duke of Burgundy, to the king of France at Troyes, in Champagne, who intended going thither soon, to put a finishing hand to this treaty of alliance. When these matters had been arranged, and the ambassadors had been greatly feasted and honoured by the duke of Burgundy in Arras, they returned to the king of England at Rouen.
While this treaty was going on, sir James de Harcourt showed himself every way strongly attached to the duke of Burgundy. He was the first called to the private councils of the duke, who paid him more attention and greater honour than to any other person of his court; for he loved him most cordially, in consequence of his having sworn to serve him on the death of duke John. Sir James, in these days, caused the castle of Crotoy, of which he was governor for the king of France, to be strongly repaired, and replenished with all sorts of provision and military stores.