So, with some hazard, and no great hope to attain that I was sent for, I was taken by the watch; and brought to Monsieur De Guise's tent, where the Duke D'Aumale and many great Estates were in presence.
My message being said, with due reverence made: the Duke told me, that "all our ordnance was dismounted, and that thereby our malice was cut off; and we could not do his camp any annoyance. Wherefore," said he, "this was a stout brag, to seek a capitulation with such advantage upon."
I replied to his Excellency, and told, "We had flankers [guns with a cross fire] and other great pieces, which would not be discovered till the next assault:" declaring likewise, "Our soldiers had sworn rather to die in their [own] defence, than not to march away, like men of war."
The noblemen, on this mine answer, bade me "Return! and with the rest of the Castle, to do the worst they could!"
So I departed, and the Duke of Guise beholding, as he thought, we were resolved to see the uttermost of fortune; called me back again: and fell to questions and arguments with me, such as I liked not [i.e., he tried to bribe Churchyard in some way]; but other answer did I not make, than you have heard before. Wherewith, he called for some meat; and made me to sit down.
After I had a little refreshed myself, I demanded to know his pleasure.
Who straightways told me, "There was no help to be had; but to become all captives and prisoners to the French King."
"Not so, Sir," I answered; "and that should the next assault make trial of."
Then, he went to talk with the Noblemen; and there, they concluded, "That the soldiers should march away with bag and baggage: and the Captains and Officers should remain prisoners:" which I knew would not be liked: and so desired to be sent to my Lord Grey.
But when I came into the Castle, and the soldiers had gotten word that they might march away at their will: they came to me, and threatened me with great words, commanding me, "To make despatch, and yield up the fort!" For they said, "Since the matter is in talk, and likely to be brought to a good purpose; they would cut my throat, if I made not, hastily, an end of the case." And thereupon had they made a great hole in a wall; and so they thrust me out among the Almains, who rudely handled me.