'I am equally desirous with yourself that the matter should be brought to a short and speedy issue; but solely because my fair brother is nearest at hand am satisfied to perform the combat before him, and accept of him as judge of the field. Since you leave the appointment of the day of combat to me, I shall fix on the feast of St George next ensuing for that purpose, or any other day more convenient for my brother, when, with God's favour, I shall be ready prepared to meet you without fail.
'Should my said brother decline the office of judge of the field, I am willing that the combat take place before the very high and potent prince the emperor; and should he in like manner decline it, our brother of Oldeberth[5], or any other indifferent person, may be the judge.
'But, as I am doubtful whether you will abide by the terms under your signet, I summon and require of you, by the bearer of this letter, that you send me other terms sealed with your seal, in like manner as I have done to these presents.
'With regard to the duke of Brabant, if you shall dare to say that his right is superior to mine in this present dispute,—I am ready to attack you body to body, on the day above-mentioned, and prove that I have the better right, with the favour of God, of our lady, and of St George. That these presents may appear fully authentic, and to shew that I am resolved to abide by their contents, I have signed my name to them, and have likewise affixed my seal.
'Written in my town of Soignies, the 16th day of March, in the year 1424.'
FOOTNOTES:
[5] Oldeberth,—probably Oldenbourg.