PLATE VI.
TOURNAMENT HELD AT ST. INGLEVERE, NEAR CALAIS, WHEN THREE FRENCH KNIGHTS DEFENDED THE LISTS FOR THIRTY DAYS, AGAINST ALL COMERS FROM ENGLAND AND ELSEWHERE.
Sir John Holland, half brother to king Richard the Second, and many English knights, went over to Calais to accept the challenge of the French knights at this tournament. Three rich vermilion-coloured tents were pitched near to the lists, and in front of which were suspended two targets, for peace or war, emblazoned with the arms of each lord. It was ordered that such as were desirous of performing any deed of arms, should send to or have touched one or both of these targets according to their pleasure, and they would be tilted with according to their request. The following is Froissart’s account of one of the encounters, each of which he describes minutely.
“Sir Henry Beaumont” (an Englishman) “then came forward, and sent to have the target of Sir Boucicaut” (one of the French knights) “touched, who was instantly ready to reply to the call, having not dismounted from the tilts with Lord Clifford. The Lord Beaumont did not manage his lance well, and hit Boucicaut on the side, but Sir Boucicaut struck him so full in the middle of his shield, that it drove him to the ground, and continued his course. Lord Beaumont was raised up by his attendant and remounted. The Lord de Saimpi” (another of the French knights) “then presented himself, and they tilted two courses very handsomely, without hurt to either.”
The king of France was present in disguise at this tournament, and returned each evening after the tilting to an inn at Marquise; the English returned each evening to Calais; while the three French knights and their attendants were lodged at the convent of St. Inglevere.
This illumination shows extremely well the disposition of the lists, &c. &c., and the bearing of the knights in running a course.[Pg 37][Pg 36]
The attack on Sir Oliver de Clisson by the followers of Sir Peter de Craon.