THE TOWNS AND CASTLES OF MONTARGIS AND CHEVREUSE SUBMIT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF KING CHARLES OF FRANCE.
While these things were passing, the towns and castles of Montargis and Chevreuse, held by the English, submitted to king Charles. On the other hand, the garrisons of Meaux in Brie, of Creil, Pontois and Gisors, greatly harrassed the country of France, more particularly parts of Santois, Vermandois, Amiennois, Beauvoisis, and other dependances. In like manner, those garrisons which had been posted against the English did great damages, so that the poor people were every way grievously vexed and worn down.
In regard to sir John de Luxembourg, he kept neuter, and joined neither party,—but filled his towns and strong places with men, artillery and provisions, to defend himself against such as should attempt to injure his country.
He had been several times admonished and summoned to take the oaths to king Charles of France, but had never complied, and was waiting the issue of events, to see what might happen. He was in the possession of sealed engagements from the king of England, the duke of York, and several english lords, promising him, on their faith and honour, that should the French attempt to make war upon him, they would come to his relief with so powerful a force that he should be delivered from his enemies, notwithstanding any other business they should have in hand, the which should be laid aside. Sir John de Luxembourg put great faith in these promises.
CHAP. XXI.
A QUARREL ARISES BETWEEN POPE EUGENIUS AND THE COUNCIL OF BASIL.—OTHER MATTERS.
In this year, ambassadors were sent to the king of France, the duke of Burgundy, and other princes of the blood royal, from our holy father pope Eugenius and from the council at Basil, who were quarrelling with each other. Each ambassador, when discoursing on the subjects in dispute before the king, most grossly abused his adverse party.
This dissention lasted a considerable time; but the king inclined more to the council of Basil, while the duke of Burgundy strongly supported the cause of the pope, as did also the king of England.
The duke of Burgundy at this time sent a solemn embassy to the pope, consisting of master Quentin Mayart, provost of St Omer, the prior of Lihons in Santerre, sir Simon de Lalain, Guillaume le Jeune, brother to the cardinal of Therouenne, with other noble personages. They were most graciously received by the holy father, and obtained the greater part of the object of their mission.