A bitter war now commenced, with fire and sword, throughout Hainault, to the ruin of the poor people, for the duke of Glocester had strongly garrisoned with English all the towns in that country under his obedience; and in like manner had the count de St Pol done to those on the borders, and what remained in Hainault subject to the duke of Brabant. These garrisons made frequent sallies on their enemy's country, and committed every kind of mischief.
THE DUKE OF GLOCESTER SENDS A LETTER TO THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.—A COPY THEREOF.
When the duke of Glocester heard that the duke of Burgundy had issued his summons for men at arms to assemble against him, in support of the duke of Brabant, he was highly displeased, and wrote to the duke of Burgundy a letter, of which the following is an exact copy:
'High and potent prince, very dear and well-beloved cousin,—we have heard that in your lands and territories a proclamation has been made for all able men at arms to assemble and march under the orders of sir John de Luxembourg and others, to the support of my cousin of Brabant, against me, my friends, allies and subjects, and stating, as reasons for the above, many charges contrary to the truth, which I have discovered, in a copy of certain letters said to be written by you, in your town of Dijon, the 21st day of last December.
'These letters, I am convinced, have been written with your knowledge, and by your orders, although you cannot have forgotten all that I have done in times past at your request and solicitation; nor how often I have submitted the whole of my dispute with our cousin of Brabant to the arbitration of my brother the regent and yourself,—what appointments I have made, and what things I offered to relinquish to my prejudice,—and which you know those of the party of the duke of Brabant would not accept nor enter into any treaty, notwithstanding these letters I allude to have given a contrary colour to the business, as will be apparent if you compare the copy I inclose with the originals.
'I know also, that what I have formerly done has not escaped your good memory. You must also feel, that if proximity of lineage is of any avail, you should be more inclined to serve me than my adversary, seeing that my companion and spouse is your cousin-german by two lines, and that my said cousin of Brabant is not so nearly related to you.
'You are likewise bounden to assist me by the treaty of peace solemnly sworn to by us,—which the duke of Brabant has never done, but on the contrary, as you know, made alliances inimical to your interests, which should move you to act against him. The treaty between us has never been infringed by me; and it would have grieved me to have even thought of it,—for I should believe, that had I broken it, nothing fortunate would have ever happened to me. I am also persuaded, that during your life, you will not act contrary to it.
'You must likewise have noticed, that ever since I have been on this side of the sea, I have alway endeavoured so to act as would be most agreeable to you; that I have never, in the smallest degree done, or suffered to be done, any damage to your subjects or your lands, but have acted toward them as if they had been my own proper subjects, as they can truly inform you.