After this matter had been debated several times, they determined to wait on the duke in a body, and endeavour to bring it to the conclusion they had agreed on. They addressed him at length pointing out the necessity for a reconciliation, more particularly sir Hugh de Launoy lord of Santois, who had the business much at heart, as well as some others.
Nevertheless, at first they found the duke very shy and cold in his replies, for he was indignant at sir John's conduct, more especially respecting the attack on his archers, which seemed to have angered him more than all the rest. The counts de Nevers and d'Estampes were also highly displeased with Jacotin de Bethune for slaying their men, and not indeed without cause.
These lords, however, by persevering, brought the matter to this issue, that no objection would be made to hearing sir John and the others in their defence, in consideration of the proposals made by him. At length, a day was fixed on for bringing the two parties together in the city of Cambray.
Thither came, on the part of the duke of Burgundy, the bishop of Tournay, master Nicholas Raoulin, lord of Authun[44] his chancellor, sir Hugh de Launoy, the lord de Saveuses, and other persons of rank. Sir John de Luxembourg was there, accompanied by many noble persons, as well knights as esquires and counsellors at law,—and even Jacotin de Bethune was there also.
Within a few days after their arrival, the business was entered upon relative to the insults which were said to have been offered to the duke of Burgundy by sir John de Luxembourg, and others of his party. On the charges being declared, sir John made his reply, and exculpated himself from the greater part of them, offering likewise, by himself and council, to make whatever advances should be deemed proper.
After a long discussion, it was agreed to put down in writing such articles as should be thought reasonable to be complied with by each party, for the conclusion of peace. They were shown to sir John de Luxembourg, who corrected some of the articles that displeased him, and were then laid before the chancellor, and the other members of the council, who likewise made alterations. On their being brought back to sir John, he was so indignant thereat that, in his rage, he tore the paper into pieces, and said aloud, that the bishop of Tournay and the chancellor should not manage him at their pleasure. However, through the interference of the other lords on each side, his heat was shortly after calmed, and matters were brought to an amicable conclusion, provided it met the approbation of the duke, to whom they were to carry the treaty.
Among other articles, Jacotin de Bethune was to surrender himself, in one of the public prisons, to the duke's mercy,—but the lords at Cambray, on the part of the duke, promised him to insist with their lord that he should be pardoned, and received into favour. When these matters had been thus concluded, the members of the council were grandly feasted, with the rest of the lords, at the hôtel of sir John de Luxembourg. All the adjoining countries were greatly rejoiced when they heard of this peace being concluded.
Soon afterwards, both parties left Cambray; and the commissioners from the duke of Burgundy laid before him what they had done, with which he was satisfied. Within a certain time, Jacotin de Bethune waited on the duke, in his town of Hèdin, and surrendered himself to his mercy, requesting that, if he bore any anger against him, he would be pleased to pardon him,—but the duke sent him away a prisoner. It was not long, however, before he obtained his liberty, on certain conditions, that were granted him through the pressing intercessions of some lords of high rank, and of great weight in the duke's council.
FOOTNOTES:
[43] Vendeuil,—a village in Picardy, near to Mondidier.