CHAP. LXI.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY LAYS HEAVY TAXES ON HIS ESTATES, TO DEFRAY HIS EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TURKS.
Five days after the arrival of the duke in Arras, and when the feasts of his coming were over, he assembled the three estates of Artois, and declared to them the vow he had made of undertaking a war against the Turks, and of marching thither in person with his whole force, provided the king his lord would promise to keep and guard for him his estates during his absence. To accomplish this vow, he said, that it would be necessary for him to call for the aid of his good vassals and subjects; and he required that they would grant him supplies, amounting, in the whole, to the sum of fifty-six thousand francs, royal money.
The three estates having consulted together, agreed to grant him three aides, instead of four, which he had demanded, amounting to forty-two thousand francs,—but on condition, that if this expedition was not undertaken, they should not be paid. The good duke replied, that in truth, if the expedition failed, he should not want any thing.
The duke then visited Flanders, Hainault, and Brabant, where he made similar requests; and those countries granted him very great supplies to carry on the war against the infidels.