On this subject their opinions were divided; 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 and esquires, 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 company with 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.
CHAP. XXXII.
SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG ASSEMBLES A LARGE BODY OF MEN AT ARMS, AND LEADS THEM BEFORE ROYE.—OTHER OCCURRENCES THAT HAPPENED AT THIS PERIOD.
In conformity to the treaty with the English, the duke of Burgundy commenced his operations by assembling men at arms in Artois, Flanders and elsewhere, which he sent with different captains to be under the general command of sir John de Luxembourg, near to Peronne, who was to muster them, and lead them to lay siege to the castle of Muyn, which was strongly garrisoned by the Dauphinois, who had sorely oppressed the country round Amiens and Corbie.
Several of the nobility joined sir John de Luxembourg, at Peronne, such as, the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, the vidame of Amiens, Anthony lord of Croy, le borgne de Fosseux knight, John de Fosseux his brother, the lord de Longueval, Hector and Philip de Saveuses, the lord de Humbercourt, sir John de Luquerque, the lord de Cohen, with many other notable knights and esquires, who marched from Peronne to Lyhons in Santerre, and to the adjacent villages, intending to besiege the castle of Muyn, but their intentions were soon changed.
During the time that these men at arms were at Lyhons, and on the night of the 10th of December, sir Karados de Quesnes, Charles de Flavy, the bastard de Tournemine, and one called Harbonniers, made a sally from Compiegne, with about five hundred combatants, to the town of Roye in the Vermandois, which they attacked, and, from neglect of the guard, great part of them entered the place. They assembled in the market-place, shouting out, 'Town won! Long live the king and dauphin!' The inhabitants were awakened by these shouts; and, seeing they could not make any resistance, the greater part escaped over the walls, and fled.