On the morrow, in conformity to these regulations, the earl of Huntingdon marched six hundred English to join sir John de Luxembourg in order of battle between Royaulieu and the adjoining forest, near which they expected the enemy would advance. The remainder of the army posted themselves at the different quarters ready to defend them should they be attempted.
The French in Verberie took the field at break of day; and, by orders from the marshal de Bousac and other captains, a detachment of about one hundred men were sent toward Choisy, with provision to throw into the town, and exhort the garrison to make a strong sally against the enemy's fort.
On the other hand, Poton de Saintrailles, with two or three hundred combatants, advanced by the high road toward Pierrefons, to attack that fort, while the marshal, the count de Vendôme, and the other leaders, marched across the Oise, when, having passed the forest, they drew up in array about a bow-shot and a half distant from the Burgundians: they were all on horseback, with the reserve of some guisarmes and inferior people.
The English and Burgundians were on foot, excepting a few that had been ordered to remain on horseback. Sir John de Luxembourg then created some new knights, such as Andrew lord de Humieres, Ferry de Mailly, L'Aigle de Sains, Gilles de Saucourt and others. With sir John de Luxembourg were Hugh de Launoy lord de Xaintes, the lord de Saveuses, sir Daviod de Poix, sir John de Fosseux and many nobles impatient for the combat,—which could not well take place, for the French were on horseback and themselves on foot, and besides it was necessary that they should be in readiness to succour their forts if attacked.
There were nevertheless many skirmishes in the course of the day; in one of them, the count de Vendôme was repulsed, but no great damage was done on either side. However a valiant man at arms attached to the marshal de Bousac, having charged the picard archers, thinking that he was followed by his men, was instantly pulled off his horse by these archers, and cruelly put to death.
In the mean time the detachment that had been sent to Choisy announced the arrival and plans of their friends to the besieged, who, rejoiced at the news, and with a fervour of courage arising therefrom, as well as from hatred to those who had caused them such distress, made a numerous sally from the town, with scaling ladders and other warlike instruments, to attack the grand fort, in which were the marshal, sir James de Brimeu, and the lord de Crequi. They made a gallant defence and repulsed them into the town, but, fresh men rushing out, recommenced the assault, which lasted a long time,—but, as in the former one, they were again driven out of the ditches which were not deep nor wide, for, as I have said, the works had not been completed.
At this moment, Poton de Saintrailles advanced with his men from the forest and, near the high road leading to Pierrefons, joined those from the town and, thus united, made a fresh attack on this fort. William de Flavy was very active himself, and encouraged his men to do their duty; and even the women assisted greatly, no way sparing themselves to annoy their adversaries.
Notwithstanding the courage of the Burgundians, the fort was stormed in spite of their defence, and upward of eight score warriors were slain, the principal of whom were the lord de Ligniers, knight, Archambault de Brimeu, Guillaume de Poilly, Druot de Sonis, Lyonnel de Touleville and many other gentlemen. Those made prisoners were instantly carried into Compiègne, namely, sir James de Brimeu marshal of the duke's household, the lord de Crequi, sir Florimon de Brimeu, sir Valerian de Beauval, Arnoul de Crequi, Colart de Bertanecourt, lord de Rolepot, Regnauit de Saincts, Thierry de Mazingien de Reteslay, the bastard de Remy and other noblemen, who, after some time obtained their liberties by paying great ransoms.