A truce having been finally agreed upon between England and France, it was determined in the English Council, in the year 1394, that the opportunity should not be lost of making an attempt to completely subdue the Irish, which the King’s grandfather, Edward III., with all his military energy had not been able to effect, partly in consequence of the numerous wars in other quarters, in which he was engaged at the same time. Richard II. carried over an army of 4,000 men-at-arms and 30,000 archers, such a force as had never been seen in Ireland; and, with the assistance of his Uncles, who accompanied him, and the Earl of Ormond, who held large estates in that part of the country under English dominion, succeeded in subduing four kings or chiefs, who acknowledged his supremacy, and came to reside at Dublin. But it appears by Froissart’s description that they were little more than savages. It seems, however, that our chronicler shared the common prejudices that existed then, and, unfortunately, exist still against poor Ireland; for he says, among other things, in treating of their mode of warfare, that “they have pointed knives, with broad blades, sharp on both sides, with which they kill their enemies; but they never consider them as dead until they have out their throats like sheep, and opened them and taken out their hearts, which they carry off with them; and some say, who are well acquainted with their manners, that they devour them as delicious morsels.”[10]
The Illumination is peculiarly spirited, both in execution and arrangement, and the costumes are made out with sufficient accuracy to render them highly valuable as authorities. The picture represents the King at the head of his army, just issuing, apparently, from one of the ancient gates of London.[Pg 98][Pg 97]
The vision of Robert l’Ermite.
PLATE XXII.
THE VISION OF ROBERT L’ERMITE.
Robert Mennot, a squire of the country of Caux, in Normandy, a man whom Froissart describes as “of religious and holy life,” caused, about this time, much discussion upon the subject of a vision which he declared he had seen during a storm at sea, on his return from Syria. He described the vision as like a figure as bright as crystal, which said, “Robert, thou shalt escape from this peril, as well as thy companions for thy sake, for God has favourably heard thy prayers: he orders thee by me to return to France as speedily as thou canst, and instantly on thy arrival to wait on the king, and relate what has befallen thee. Thou wilt tell him to listen to peace with his adversary the King of England, for their wars have lasted too long. Do thou interfere boldly when conferences shall be holden to treat of peace between King Charles and King Richard, for thou shalt be heard; and all those who shall in any way oppose or prevent peace from taking effect, shall dearly pay for their wickedness in their lifetime.”
He had several interviews upon the subject of his vision with the King of France and his Council, and was present at a conference to treat of peace, where he spoke eloquently in its favour; but the Duke of Gloucester and some others were sceptical, and declared the whole a cheat. Nevertheless, his influence was considerable; and, by order of the King of France, he passed over to England, where he was well received by the Court of Richard II. He had many private interviews with the King, and his uncles the Dukes of York, Lancaster, and Gloucester; but the latter still continued incredulous. Robert the Hermit returned to France, laden with presents, after a month’s sojourn at the English Court.