His most confidential advisers were sir Actis de Brimeu, knight, the lord de Robais, and the bishop of Tournay, his chancellor. The duke made vast preparations for this siege; but at the end of fifteen days a treaty was concluded for the surrender of the town, on condition, that the garrison should depart in safety with their baggage; but because this was his first campaign, a few were excepted, and sent prisoners to some of the towns under the king's obedience.
On the ratification of this treaty, the garrison marched away, under passports from the duke; but notwithstanding this, many were plundered, to the great indignation of the duke and his ministers, who caused restitution to be made to all who came to complain.
The Dauphinois marched to Soissons, a town belonging to their party, and Crespy was despoiled of every thing that was portable. At the request of the inhabitants of Laon, the fortifications were demolished,—that is to say, its gates and walls, to the great sorrow of the townsmen, and not without cause, for before the war it was abundantly filled with all sorts of merchandize as in a place of safety.
It must not be forgotten, that there was in the company of the duke, during this campaign, the valiant captain Tabary, and his band of robbers, of whom mention has been made in another place,—but who only partook of half of the expedition, and continued his former pursuits, as shall be hereafter noticed.
CHAP. XXXV.
THE CONDUCT OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ON HIS MARCH TO TROYES, AND WHEN THERE.—THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE ENGLISH AMBASSADORS WHO ACCOMPANIED HIM THITHER.
After the surrender of the town of Crespy in the Laonnois, the duke of Burgundy advanced to Laon, where he was most honourably received by the magistrates and inhabitants. He thence continued his march by Rheims to Châlons in Champagne, always accompanied by the English ambassadors, and his escort of about one thousand combatants. From Châlons he advanced in grand array toward Troyes, and encamped near to Vitry in Pertois, which place and some of the adjacent forts were in possession of the Dauphinois.
Sir John de Luxembourg, who had the command of the van guard, passed through the town, and continued his march toward the plains, in which were many deep and boggy springs. Sir Robinet de Mailly, grand butler of France, riding by his side, fell into one of these bogs; and his horse plunged so deep that, not having any mane for the knight to hold by, the latter could not save himself, but died a miserable death, whilst his horse escaped.
The duke of Burgundy and several other lords, particularly sir Robinet's three brothers, who were with the duke, were sorely grieved at his loss. These last, namely, master John de Mailly, afterward bishop of Noyon, Collard, and Ferry de Mailly, lamented it very bitterly: his body was dragged out of the bog, and buried hard by.
As the duke approached Troyes, very many of the French and burgundian nobility came out to meet him, with several of the principal citizens, and shewed him every honour and respect. In company with them, he made his entry into Troyes, the 21st day of March, and was escorted to his hôtel. Wherever he passed, there were great multitudes of people assembled, who sang carols on his arrival. He shortly after waited on the king and queen of France, and the lady Catherine, who received him kindly, and shewed him all manner of affection.