[51] James professed himself the knight of Anne of Bretagne, queen of France, who wrote him an heroic letter to claim his assistance, sending him, at the same time, a ring off her finger and 14,000 francs.
Andrews.
[52] The celebrated battle of Flodden,—of late well known from Mr. W. Scott's beautiful poem of Marmion.
THE TOWNS OF THEROUENNE AND TOURNAY SURRENDER TO THE ENGLISH ON CAPITULATION.
To return to the wars of the English in Picardy:—they were long encamped before Therouenne, and made several attacks on it; but those within the town showed good courage, and defended it valiantly: at length provision again failed them, and they were forced to capitulate for its surrender. The enemy entered Therouenne, but did not keep the promises they had made; for they had no sooner gained admission than they began to ill-treat and plunder the poor inhabitants, insomuch that they were obliged to seek out another place for a habitation, which was great pity; but this did not satisfy the enemy, for they burnt part of the town, and threw down the walls to the ground.
We must not be astonished that the English so boldly invaded France, particularly Picardy, considering the evident good understanding that subsisted between them and the Flemings, who at this day raise their hands and tell those of Tournay that they have never changed sides, notwithstanding they had settled the chapter de Venditionibus, before the English would embark. This was not handsomely done in them, considering they had a resident lord,—and they have derogated shamefully from their former engagements: should they, therefore, find themselves the worse for it, they have only themselves to thank.
Shortly after the English had gained Therouenne by capitulation, they advanced before Tournay, which was surrendered to them by the principal inhabitants, according to an agreement among themselves, without striking a blow[53].