A Collection of Accounts
of Formal Deeds of Arms of the Fourteenth Century
edited by Steven Muhlberger
Deeds of Arms Index -- Historical Materials on Knighthood and Chivalry -- KCT Library
De duello domini Johannis Carrouget contra Jacobum le Gris.
Quam reprehensibile sit, more frondium quibuscunque flatibus flexibilium, incertis cicius auditum accommodare, ut inde quis progrediatur ad vindictam, monomachia domini Johannis Carrouget in Jacobum dictum le Gris commissa ob violatam uxorem posteris tradere potest evidens argumentum.
Multi enim prodicionem iniquam agravantes, cum ambo ex Normania oriundi, in curia comitis de Alenconio minstrantes et a juventute hucusque artissima amicicia juncti essent, Jacobum victum juste subcubuisse astruebant, pudicicie amisse compacientes domine, nisi postmodum constitisset quemdam alterum armigerum actorem sceleris extitisse. Is proditor in absenscia mariti sub ficto nomine amici scelus nephandissimum agressus, cogente inique libidinis flamma, domum, velut fur, spectates casteitatis, quasi visitandi gracia, subintravit; ubi, celebrata cena, cum ab ignara iniquitatis concepte, ut familiarissimus, hinc illinc more nobilium usque ad hospitale cubiculum ductus esset, sevi pectoris vulnus celare nequivit. Nam extemplo fateri amorem, orare, miscere cum precibus dona ac versare in omnes partes muliebrem animum cepit; ac ubi constantem mentem mulieris pavide vidit, audacem fecit improbus amor, et sinistra manu pectore oppresso, castitatis erupit cellulam, fitque victrix libido; quam tamen tam viliter prostituta non actori sceleris imputavit. Nam in adventu mariti cum mestis singultibus oboriuntur lacrime; querentique viro satin' salve? "Minime, inquit; quid enim salvi est muleri, amissa pudicicia? Vestiga viri alieni, amantissime domini mi, in lecto sunt tuo; sicque Jacobus le Gris ex fido hostis factus est. Ceterum, quamvis animus insons sit, quod tantum corpus sit violatum mors testis erit, ni des dexteram fidemque non impune adultero fore."
Movet virum sceleste facinus, et convocatis propinquis, consolatur egram animo, avertendo noxam a coacta in auctorem delicti: mentem peccare, non corpus, et unde consensus abfuerit, culpam abesse concludit. Sed frustra id persuadet. Nam die noctuque reiterate querele flectunt virilem animum ad justiciam instantissime postulandam contra reum. Cum autem in presencia regis et baronum constitutus fuisset, et enormitatem delicti absque erubescencie velo serietenus narrando reiteratis vicibus et importune conclusisset: "Si dilectissimam deceptam et violencia circumventam neget iniquus proditor, non recuso pugnam committere singularem," tandem militi rex assenciit, dum tamen in parlamento suo id justum reputaretur. Ibi pro utraque parte ab oratoribus electis racionibus allegatis, cum deformitatis veritas testibus elucidari non posset, ut alterutrius oppinionis integritas nosci posset per humanum judicium, mandata est exequcioni dari regalis sentencia, et hoc die sancti Thome decembris ... die.
Stante igitur corona vulgi innumerabilis, rege quoque et principibus de more circumlocatis, liteque contestata coram ipsis, locum futuro certamine deputatum juxta muros sancti Martini de Campis ambo ingressi, martem dubium experituri; moxque mutue invasionis a marescallo signo dato, equos abigerunt, et infestis demissis gladiis, lento gressu procedentes, tam animose quam audacter se impingunt. Ad istum primum impetum domini Johannis femur alter gladio perforavit; et hic ictus sibi multum profuisset, si in vulnus domini illum tenuisset; sed statim extracto, fit sanguis cunctis spectaculo; qui tamen vulnerato non stuporem sed audaciam augmentavit. Abhinc horror ingens diu spectantes perstrinxit; et neutro inclinata spe, torbebat vox spiritusque, cum Johannes colligens in vires animum, propiusque accedens et exclamans: "Nostrarum licium dies iste senenciam fert, " sinistra manu summitatem galee apprehendit, Jacobum ad se traxit, atque inde paululum retrocedens, ipsum armis onustum gravibus solo dejecti prostratum. Quo peracto, ensem traxit, et hostem, quia per totum armis cooperatus erat, cum difficultate magna interfecit. Et quamvis sic victus subjacens et de veritate fatenda pluries interrogatu a victore, casum penitus denegasset, at patibulum tamen, secundum consuetudinem duellorum, adjudicatur trahendus. Sic mater erroris, noverca consilii, repentina credulitas injustissimum duellum excitavit. Quod postmodum omnibus notum fuit, eo per judicium ad moretem condempnato, qui adulterium nephandum commiserat. Quod attendens prefata domna, et culpam animo revolvens, inde post mortem mariti reclusa effecta, vot se perpetue continencie obligavit.
The duel of Lord Jean de Carrouges with Jacques le Gris
The single combat of Jean de Carrouges with Jacques le Gris, accused of the rape of Jean’s wife, gives plain proof to posterity how blameworthy it is to follow rumor in uncertain matters, in the way that leafy branches are bent by every breeze, so that one goes from rumor to vengeance.
This wicked treason seemed all the worse because both men were of Norman origin, serving in the household of the Count of Alençon, and had been joined since youth with the closest bonds of friendship. Many, feeling pity for the lady who had lost her chastity, asserted that Jacques justly was defeated, but afterwards it was established that some other squire was the author of the crime.
This traitor, in the absence of the husband, impelled by the fires of evil desire, undertook this most abominable crime under the false name of the friend. In the guise of a visitor he entered the home like a thief aiming at her chastity. After dinner had been concluded, the lady, unaware of his evil design, had led him about like a good friend here and there and taken him to the guest chamber. Then he was unable to conceal his savage intention. For immediately he began to confess his love, and to implore, and to mix gifts with prayers and to harass the woman’s spirit in every way. And when he fearfully saw her constant spirit, improper love made him bold, and throwing her down with his left arm he robbed the storeroom of her chastity and gave the victory to desire. Nevertheless the woman so vilely treated did not accuse the author of the crime.
On the return of the husband, however, tears and sobs of mourning appeared. When he asked if she were all right, she replied, “No, of course not, for how can a woman be well when she has lost her chastity? There is the mark of another man in your bed, beloved husband of mine, and thus Jacques le Gris has turned from a faithful friend into an enemy. Yet although my soul is innocent, death will testify that my body has been so greatly violated, unless you give your right hand and word that the rapist will not go unpunished.”
The evil crime shook up the man, who called together his relatives and reassured the troubled woman, removing the guilt from the one who had been forced to the author of the crime. He argued that it is the mind that sins, not the body, and where consent is absent, so is guilt. But he was unable to convince her.
Repeated complaints by day and night persuaded the husband to demand most vehemently justice against the guilty man. When he had presented himself before the king and his barons and had reported the enormity of the crime in order repeatedly and importunately, he finished by saying, “If this wicked traitor denies he used deceit and violence against my most beloved wife, I cannot refuse to engage him in single combat.”
At length the king granted his assent, as long as the knight’s demand was judged by his parliament to be a just one. Once the advocates for either side had made their arguments, it was decided that since the truth could not be known because of the problems with witnesses, so that human judgment could not ascertain the good faith of either side, the royal sentence should be put into execution, on the day of St. Thomas, the twenty-first of December.
It was decided that the coming combat would be located next to the walls of St. Martin-des-Champs. It was held in the presence of the king and the princes according to custom, and a huge crowd of common people assembled. Both men entered the lists ready for the uncertain trial of combat. And when the marshal gave the signal for the attack, they drove their horses forward, let their lances of war drop, and proceeding at a gentle pace, they dashed against each other courageously and with spirit. In this first rush the other man pierced Lord Jean’s thigh with his lance; and this blow would have done him much good if he had held the lance in that wound. But when he immediately drew it out, it was covered in blood, and the sight, rather than stunning the wounded man, made him bolder. Meanwhile, great horror paralyzed the spectators for a long time, and no one spoke or breathed, held as they were between hope and fear, until Jean gathered his strength, and advancing, shouted “This day will decide our quarrel.” With his left hand he seized the top of his opponent’s helmet, and drew Jacques toward him and then pulling back a little, threw Jacques to the ground where he lay weighed down by his armor. Jean then drew his sword and killed his enemy, though with great difficulty, because he was fully armored.
Although the victor many times asked the defeated man
while he was lying there to confess to the truth, the vanquished completely
denied the event; but after all he was condemned, according to the custom
of the duel, to be hanged from a gibbet. Thus the mother of
errors, the stepmother of good counsel, rash cruelty occasioned this unjust
duel. Afterwards everyone found out who had committed the foul rape,
when someone else confessed while being condemned to death.
The aforesaid lady took note of this, and thinking over the fault in her
mind, after the death of her husband became a recluse and took an oath
of perpetual continence.
Chronicorum Karoli Sexti Lib. X, cap. II. (pp. 594, 596, 598)
De hastiludiis militaribus peractis.
Die lune igitur subsequente, circa diei horam nonam, sicut condictum fuerat, rex duobus et viginti electis militibus spectate strenuitatis indici jussit hastiludiorum spectaculum, et cum quanto apparatu possent et scirent, illud redderent gloriosum. Quod et peragere maturarunt. Nam mox in equis cristatis, auro quoque fulgentibus armis, scutis quoque viridibus signo regis .... insignitis, quos eciam sequebantur qui lanceas et galeas solemniter vectitarent, ad regem in prima curia abbacie pervenerunt, et ibidem ut in priscorum dissolucionis lasciviam lacius evagarent, insignem catervam dominarum, que ipsorum ductrices existerent, dignum duxerunt aliquandiu prestolari. Hee siquidem jussu regis ad numerum militum preelecte, vestimentis similibus, videlicet ex viridi valde fusco, cum sertis eciam aureis ac gemmatis, et in electo cultu regio faleratis insedentes, ad eius presenciam adducuntur; quarum si pulcritudinem et gestus simplicitatem attendisses, olim fictum dearum contubernium et ritum dixisses procul dubio renovatum.
Cum rege summe auctoritatis milites merito nominandi de Turonia et de Borbonio duces, dominique sequentes, Petrus de Navarra, conestabularius Francie, Henricus de Baro, Reginaldus de Trya, Reginaldus de Nantoullet, primum ordinem tenebant. Quibus domine sequentes, longe ante alias genere clariores, scilicet comitissa Sancti Pauli soror regis Anglie, domine de Couciaco, de Pulchro Saltu, de Bris, de Ripparia, de Britolio, de Hesseville, de la Choletiere, sicut instructe fuerant, de sinu suo funiculos sericos extrahentes, dulciter predictis militibus porrexerunt, et eorum sinistris lateribus adheserunt, donec ad campum agonistarum pervenerunt. Quos prius censui nominandos, domini de Yvriaco, de Ruppe, de Savosiaco, de Sampiaco, de Chambrillac, Robertus de Boschen, domini iterum Perceval de Vesual, Reginaldus de Raya, de Rieryo, de Pulchro Raverio, de Crodonio, de Trya, de Bossay, et dominus Harpedanne Brito cum pompa simili sequebantur,. Nam eosdem eciam domine insignes de Ferreriis, de Pratellis, de Bordis, de Barris, de Saumont, de Quitry, de Milliaco, de Boulleyo, de Pressiaco, de Bris, de Chivre, vicecomitissa Meldensis, de sancta Symeone, de sancto Loco, mimorum multitudine stipate cum lituis et instrumentis musicis non sine canore inestimabilis suavitatis modulancium usque ad gymnasium militare milites deduxerunt.
Ardor inde marcius discurrencium militum animos incitavit, ut repeticione ictuum lancearum laudis et probitatis titulos mercarentur usque ad solis occasum. Cenaque peracta, domine et domicelle, quarum ex arbitrio sentencia bravii dependebat, duos ex extraneis et domesticis nominarunt, quos honorandos et premiandos singulariter censuerunt. Summe auctoritatis dominarum sentenciam gratanter rex audiens, et ipsam munificencia solita cupiens adimplere, prefatos viros egregios pro qualitate meritorum donis dotavit ingentibus; et inde, cena peracta, quod reliquum noctis fuit, cum mimis tripudiando transactum est. Militari tirocinio peracto, sequens dies ad similia exercenda duobus et viginti electis scutiferis assignatur; et quia serviciis hesternorum militum familiarius adheserant, eorumdem sumpserunt equos et arma, et pari pompa ut prius, a totidem domicellis in campum ducti fuerunt, ubi alternatis ictibus mutuo usque ad noctem conflixerunt. Cenaque laute regio more peracta, cum domine nominassent quos super ceteros elegerant premiandos, quia exercicium illud militare rex per triduum statuerat exerceri, die sequenti, priore tamen ordine non servato, indifferenter milites com scutiferis ludum laudabiliter peregerunt, et, ut prius, virtutis premia receperunt qui judicio dominarum se habuerunt forcius.
Sic nox quarta finem dedit choreis et lasciviosis gestibus,
que revera pocius essent tragedorum declamanda boatibus quam hystorice
veritatis ordine contexenda, nisi circumspecti viri in hoc plurimi convenissent,
quod pretereunda sub silencio nonn erant que posteri sequi poeterant vel
vitare. Et hoc ultimum consulo. Nam, ut verum ipsis fatear,
dum noctes in diem convertebant, et dapibus nimia pocula miscerentur, tantus
a Libero patre processit intemperancie gradus, quod multi passim absque
erubescencie velo domum regiam ac religiosam feantes, ad inconcessam venerem
et adulteria nephanda prolapsi sunt. Verumptamen ut transacta lasciviosa
pompa dulcius ac diucisu in memoria haberetur, sequenti die regia refectione
percepta, rex pro cujuscunque merito milites et armigeros laudavit non
sine fluxu munerum, munificencieque regalis manum porrigens liberalem,
dominas et domicellas armillis et muneribus aureis et argenteis olosericisque
donavit, insignioribusque cum pacis osculo valedixit, et consessit licenciam
redeundi.
Hastiludes are performed.
The following Monday, around the ninth hour, just as had been announced, the king ordered the performance of hastiludes by twenty-two knights of proven vigor, who since they were skilled and able with such gear would make the occasion glorious. And they hastened to carry through this project.
Riding plumed horses and wearing golden gleaming armor and green shields blazoned with the badge of the king, and followed by squires who ceremoniously carried their lances and helms, the knights approached the king in the first court of the abbey, and since they had lately strayed far afield in the wantoness of dissolute conduct, as men did in ancient times, they thought it good to dally for some time with the brilliant throng of ladies who were there to lead them into the lists. These ladies by royal order were of the same number as the knights, and dressed similarly in very dark green, with festoons of gold and gems, and mounted on horses adorned in the appointed royal manner, were led into the king's presence. And if you had seen their beauty and simplicity of bearing, you would have said that the false concubinage and rites of the goddesses of long ago had beyond doubt been restored.
Of the knights named by the king, those of the first rank were the dukes of Touraine and Bourbon, and the following lords: Peter of Navarre, constable of France, Henri de Bar, Reginald de Trye and Reginald de Nantoullet. With them were these ladies especially distinguished by the nobility of their families: the countess of St. Pol, sister of the king of England, the ladies de Coucy, de Beausault, de Bris, de la Riviere, de Breteuil, de Hesseville and de la Choletiere. As they had been instructed, they took silk cords from their breasts and sweetly gave them to the aforesaid knights, and rode on their left until they had come to the lists. Following the first group I have named were the lords, and with similar pomp, were the lords d'Ivry, de la Roche, de Savoisy, de Saimpy, de Chambrillac, Robert de Beauchamp, Perceval de Vesual, Reginald de Roye, the lords de Rivery, de Beaurevoir, de Craon, de Trye, de Bossay, and lord Harpedanne the Breton. The noble ladies de Ferrieres, de Preaux, des Bordes, des Barres, de Saumont, de Quitry, de Milly, de Boullay, de Precy, de Bris et de Chivres, and the viscountesses de Meaux, de Saint-Simon and de Saint-Leu led these knights to the lists accompanied by a retinue of many muscisians with trumpets and other musical instruments, playing melodies of inestimable charm.
Then warlike ardor urged on the spirits of the charging knights, and they bought the renown of praise and worth with repeated thrusts of their lances, even to the extent of being knocked to the ground. After dinner, the ladies and damsel, on whose judgement the choosing of champions depended, named from the foreigners and natives two knights whom they thought should be particularly honored and prized. The king heard the decision with pleasure, and desired to add to it with his accustomed generosity. He endowed the aforesaid illustrious men with great gifts in accordance with their merits. And then after dinner, the rest of the night was spent in dancing and performances.
Following the first set of jousts, the second day was devoted to similar combats between twenty-two chosen squires. Because they had devoted themselves so closely to the service of the knights who fought the previous day, the squires assumed their armor and horses and with the same ceremony were led to the field by an equal number of damsels. The squires jousted with each other until nightfall. There was a sumptuous dinner in royal style, during which the ladies named those who sould be prized over the others. And because the king had ordered three days of jousting, on the following day the previous arrangement was not observed, but knights and squires took part together in the games, and as before those whom the ladies thought had carried themselves more valiantly received prizes for valor.
The fourth night ended with dances and licentious exploits, which in fact should more appropriately be recited by the bellowing of tragedians than included in the truthful record of the historian. Many prudent men, however, have agreed that in this case those exploits should not be passed by in silence, but that they should be presented as an example for people of the future to follow or avoid, though I counsel the latter. Thus I will tell the truth of these deeds. When they had changed night into day, and mixed too much drink with the banqueting, Father Bacchus gave rise to so much intemperance that many shamelessly and indiscriminately polluted the royal abbey and indulged in illicit sex and abominable adultery.
Nevertheless, in order that this licentious occasion should be remembered long and sweetly the king, at lunch on the following day, praised the knights and squires, each in according to his merit, and with a great giving of gifts. And with a liberal hand and royal generosity he gave the ladies and damsels bracelets and tokens of gold and silver, and silken material. He said farewell and gave kisses of peace to the more illustrious, and gave them leave to visit again.
Chronicorum Karoli Sexti Lib. XI, cap. IV. (pp. 672, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82)
De exercicio militari a Francis laudabiliter peracto.
Cum sub spem pacis inter Francos et Anglicos induciali federe perdurante, et summe auctoritatis nobiles hujus gentis libere curiositatis gracia Franciam perlustrarent, inter eos semper erat de virtute et armorum felicitate verbalis contencio, dum quereretur qui amborum magis honorandi essent. Infortunia domestica consueverant Anglici reticere et successus prosperos in immensum attollere; quod summe displicebat Gallicis et presumpcioni ascribebant.
Unde insignes milites et animosi juvenes Reginaldus de Raya, Johannes dictus le Maingre, alias Boussicaudus, et dominus de Sampiaco, zelo strenuitatis accensi, statuerunt elucidare quid tenendum per exercicium militare alias inauditum et ideo litteris commendandum. Ut enim titulum gallicane milicie commendabilem redderent, et perhennam gloriam regno possent acquirere, juramento mutuo se astrinxerunt quod contra quoscunque alienigenas vires experirentur bellicas; et hoc erga regem vallidis impetraverunt precibus. Et revera non sine difficultate, omnium circumspectorum judicio, ultra vires opus aggredi temptabant, cum de Sampiaco pusillus et tenuis ejusdemque stature Boussicaudus, sed membris sollidioribus compactus existeret, et Reginaldus, mediocribus similis, aliis solum agilitate precelleret; et ideo monuerunt ut resipiscerent ab inceptis. Quod et facere recusarunt, responsis semper addentes: "Et exiguis [674] corporibus constantes animos natura non negavit." Inde annuente rege, finitimis et Anglicis utriusque sexus nobilibus militare spectaculum voce preconia lituisque precinentibus indici statuerunt. Quod procul dubio aures multorum obloquencium offendit, et ad invidiam concitavit asserencium: "Nunc et procul dubio Gallici suam superbiam magnifestant."
Prope sanctum Ydevardum, inter Calesium et Boloniam, in plancicie campestri locus aptus certamine jam constitutus fuerat, et ibi viri venerabiles collocati, qui advenientes milites et armigeros benigne et comi fronte susciperent, et eorum nomina litteris commendarent qui vellent ludis militaribus interesse. Ut eciam cuncta congrue agerentur, sicut insignes Francigene ad id agrediendum amore et audacia movebantur, sic et duplici ordine certamen dignum ducebant offerri, et pro signo duo scuta appendi fecerant in alba spina propinqua, ut per tactum utrorumque videretur quo quis genere armorum uti vellet et concurrere quinquies, si placeret.
Ex Anglia, Hanonia, Lothoringia et remocioribus locis milites et armigeri miserunt, qui scutum hastiludii exercicium jocosum et commune significans contempnentes, aliud quod duellum exercendum notabat cum gladiorum acumine tetigerunt, quod genus pugne pro viribus exequunturum in provocantes Gallicos juraverunt. Eximie probitatis milites et emeriti inde terrerei potuissent, adveniencium corpores venustates, quibus ingentis roboris correspondebant habitus, attendentes. Sed quociens hec refferebantur Gallicis et aggressus adgravaretur difficultas, semper in ore habebant: "Et ardua et difficilia agredi amat virtus, scitisque David juvenem gygantem interfecisse." Verbum istud animosius justo prolatum credebatur, et semper temeritati ac superbie ascribebantur inchoanda; [676] nonnullique circumspecti aspernebantur agenda, merito quidem, ut prima fronte apparebat, nisi fausta sors contemptum in laudem et gloriam convertisset per modum qui sequitur.
Omnibus namque peractis que spectaculum expectatum poterant clarum reddere, cum Gallici ad tentoria regio more ornata, quibus supervenientibus exteris per dies triginta spendida celebranda erant convivia, perrexissent, et triduo avenientibus debitum salutacionis affatum persolvissent, vicesima prima die marcii eisdem se in armis refulgentibus obtulerunt. Tunc monomachiam inchoarunt sequentes milites, dominus Johannes Hollandie comes de Hostindonne, frater regis Anglie, comes Marescallus, domini de Bellomonte, de Cliffort, Petrus de Courtenaco, Johanes Galaffre, Johannes Rousselli, Thomas de Sewinbourne, et isti, nunc claro marte, nunc obscuro ipsa die contenderunt. Dies sequens nominandis, scilicet domino de Muscidan, Nicholao Cliston, Nicholao Saton, Guillelmo Heron, Guillelmo Stadon, Johanni Lencestre, Thome Balquet, Thome Querry, Thome de Cliveto, Thome Taillebot, cappitaneo de Guinis assignatur, qui successive in Francigenas quinquies cum acutissimis gladiis concurrerunt, sed illesi ad tentoria redierunt.
Istis Johannes Silvestri, Bruiandus de Strapeldon, Guillelmus Macqueri, Jankobasque, dominus Johannes d'Arondelle, Nicholaus Longi, dominus Johannes d'Aubissecourt, Johannes Belcot, Rogerus Longi, dominus Herehause, Janequinus Marescalli, Richardus de Witt, Johannes Claquefort tercio ordine successerunt, et non sine vulneribus agonem peregerunt. Quartum ordinem domini Henricus de Duras, Henricus Goulafre, Johannes Mourlent, Johannes Lucteberry, Johannes Moleton, Robertus Steri, Johannes Hulle tenuerent; quos omnes Regi-[678]naldus de Raya vulneravit graviter vel ad solum dedit precipites; sicque die illa assistencium dominarum et preconum victoriarum judicio bravium reportavit. Inde quatuor diebus in leticia exactis, ut advenientibus advenis honorem debitum persolverent, ad sequens quoque certamen dominos sequentes, scilicet Johannem de Hollandia, comitem Marescalli, Nicholaum Rotlay, Richardum Britonis, Robertum de Gliston, dominum de Ros, Johannem Cormaille, Andream Haque, Hugonem Luterel, Carmelium et Wonetequinum Halle admiserunt. Istorum ictibus fracti Boussicaudus et Reginaldus prefati lectum per novendium tenuerunt; sed cura diligentissima medicorum, quos rex cum aliis ministris aule regie ad eorum deputaverat obsequium, plenam sospitatem sunt adepti. Durante tamen tempore, ne forenses attediati recederent, dominus de Sampiaco Picardus, in se vires recolligens et sociorum vices supplens, Guillermum Casselli, Richardum Sagre, Georgium Daledon, Ricardum Eton, Rogerum Brulle, Johannem Cliffort, Guillelmum Hourselle, Thomam Bouragort, Guillelmum Hostindonne, potentissime excepit; inde Johannem Treveton, Henircum Sestidol, Christophorum Langueton, Hugonem de Dragon, Thomelinum Honneret, Thomelinum Treuvin sequenti eciam die; sicque judicio dominarum, preconum et electorum judicium victor ad consodales precinentibus lituis et mimis modulantibus dulciter reversus est.
Qui cum sequenti die Boemanos, Alemanos et Anglicos honorifice recepissent, certamen cum dominis Niques, Raveneto, Boort de Bolcof, de Boemia oriundis, nec non Yonio de Sizorin, Roberto Fourbi, Johanne de Hanonia, Thomelino Callidi, Thomelino de Hardebi iterum potentissime peregerunt. Cum ergo sequentem diem cum utriusque sexus nobilibus universis in letitcia exegissent, inde periculosiorem con-[680]flictum perfecerunt cum Henrico comite Delby, filio ducis Lencastrie, suis quoque sequacibus, videlicet domino Henrico de Persy, Johanne de Courtenaco, Roberto de Britenaco, Harbelino Alani, Thomelino de Fanteston, Johnanne de Harantonio, Johanne de Belloforti, bastardo Lencastrie, Thoma de Souviforde, Roberto de Quarreriis, et supra ceteros forenses isti adjudicati sunt laude digni.
Congressionem sequentem in absencia domini de Sampiaco duo alii consortes contra dominos Richardum Daldeberry, Petrum Bocqueton, Guillermum Mutonis, Johannem de Castro Novo, Thomelinum de Halsidain, Galterum de Blont, Richardum de Dancastre, Johannem de Chervistennastre, Simonem et Robertum Stavelle, Guillelmum Hinguelingue laudibiliter consummarunt; et istam clarum reddidit dominus Reginaldus in fractione quatuor gladiorum, precipitatione multorum.
In ultimo gladiatorio ludo quem contra Thomelinum Britonis, Montenatum, Thomelinum de Toti, Johannem Cusat, Johannem Daligringe, Robertum Eleton, captineneum de Marc, Robertum de Rocheforde, Richardum de Salvain, Thomelinum Longi, Richardum de Rechignes, Johannem Ursi exercuerunt potenter judicio et assensu omnium assistencium. Quod indignanter ferens Robertus de Rocheforde, et mox judices adiens, conquestus est quod solum quater gladio conflixisset; sed cum relacioni preconum stare modis omnibus recusaret, ejus animum obstinatum attendens domnus Boussicaudus, et quod nil laudibile ultra socios egisset, ad id perviciendum audacter se obtulit, et de licencia judicum in eum viriliter est invectus, quod parmam et brachium cum gladio transverberavit, et eum cum equo dedit precipitem. Sic miser pro prejurio commisso publicam ignominiam reportans, militare exercicium terminavit. [682] Quod Gallici tres predicti tam laudabiliter peregerunt, ut cum quereretur a judicibus electis quis eorum melius rem gessisset, omnes uniformiter laudaverunt, comparacionibusque non usi questionem indiscussam relinquerunt.
Exacti ergo diebus solemnitati deditis, tanta liberalitate Gallici cum suis invasoribus usi sunt, quod non solum arma que meruerant pro victoria restituerunt et equos, sed eosdem, dicendo vale dulcissimum, jocalibus et donis cumulaverunt uberioribus.
Et hiis quidem extra, sed, ut arbitror, non contra seriem, pro delectatcione lectoris interpositis, ad alia que contingerunt iso anno, stilum verto.
While a truce endured and there was hope of peace between the French and the English, Englishmen of the highest nobility were able to cross France freely for the sake of curiosity. There were always debates between the two groups concerning prowess and success in arms, and they argued about which of the two should be given more honor. The English were accustomed to keep silent about domestic calamities and to extoll their victories unendingly; which extremely displeased the French, who attributed that habit to presumption.
As a result those prominent knights and spirited youths, Reginald de Roye, Jean called le Maingre, alias Boucicaut, and the lord of Saimpy, aflame with zeal and vigor, resolved to settle the matter through an unprecedented deed of arms, which is worthy of being recorded. So that they might restore the worthy renown of the French chivalry and gain everlasting glory for the kingdom, they bound themselves by oath that they should measure their strength against any foreign men at arms; and they begged the king with the strongest entreaties and obtained permission with great difficulty, since in the judgment of all prudent men, they were attempting a task beyond their strength, since Saimpy was puny and thin, Boucicaut of the same stature but with better built limbs, and Reginald, likewise of medium size and superior to the others only in nimbleness. Thus the prudent advised the comrades that they should come to their senses and give up the project. They refused to do so, responding over and over that "Nature doesn't deny constant spirits to the small of stature." After gaining the king's support they had the deed of arms proclaimed to all lords and ladies in neighboring countries and especially in England by heralds accompanied by trumpeters. Without doubt this gave offense to the ears of many critics and incited envious statements: "Now, without doubt, the French are showing their pridefulness."
Near St. Inglevert, between Calais and Boulogne, lists were set up in a level field, and there venerable men were stationed who received arriving knights and squires courteously and with friendly faces and recorded the names of those who wished to take part in the jousts. And so that all should be done agreeably, and since the illustrious Frenchmen were inspired to undertake the deed by love and by courage, they directed that worthy combat should be offered in two forms, and to show this they had two shields hung in a nearby hawthorn, so that when someone touched one of the shields it would be clear what kind of combat he wished to undertake, and if he wished to run five courses.
Knights and squires from England, Hainaut, Lorraine and farther countries came forth, and scorned the shield of the hastilude as representing a common and clownish exercise, touching the other which indicated duel (war) with the point of their lances, swearing in this kind of fight to challenge the Frenchmen to the utmost with all their might. It was enough to frighten knights and veterans of worth, seeing the bodily beauty of the comers, which was matched by their great strength. But as often as this, or the difficulty of the undertaking was mentioned to the Frenchmen, they always replied, "Prowess always loves to attempt hard and difficult things, and you know how young David killed the giant." This saying was considered with some justice to be presumptuous, and the project was constantly attributed to rashness and pride; and some prudent men rejected the plan, quite rightly as it appeared on the face of things. The way things worked out, however, a fortunate fate turned contempt into praise and glory.
Everything had been done so that the anticipated spectacle would win appropriate renown; the Frenchmen proceeded to tents decorated in royal fashion in which banquets were to be celebrated for all foreign visitors over the course of thirty days. They spent three days greeting the first arrivals with due courtesy and then, on the twenty-first day of March they met them in the lists in gleaming armor.
Then the following knights began the single combats: lord Johannes Holland earl of Huntingdon, brother of the king of England, the Earl Marshal, the lords of Bellomonte, of Clifford, Peter de Courtenay, Johannes Galaffre, Johannes Russell, Thomas de Sewinbourne; and these contended that day, with the fortune of battle going first one way then another. The second day was allotted to the lord de Muscidan, Nicholas Cliston, Nicholas Saton, Guillelmo Heron, Guillelmo Stadon, Johanni Lancaster, Thome Balquet, Thome Querry, Thome de Cliveto, Thome Taillebot, captain of Guines, who in succession ran five courses with the sharpest lances against the French, but they returned to the tents unharmed.
These were followed by the third group, Johannes Silvestri, Bruiandus de Strapeldon, Guillelmus Macqueri, Jankobasque, lord Johannes d'Arondelle, Nicholas Long, lord Johannes d'Aubissecourt, Johannes Belcot, Roger Long, lord Herehause, Janequinus Marescalli, Richardus de Witt, Johannes Claquefort who all were wounded in their combats. The lords Henry de Duras, Henry Goulafre, Johannes Mourlent, Johannes Lucteberry, Johannes Moleton, Robert Steri, Johannes Hulle held the fourth place, all of whom Reginald de Roye gravely wounded or knocked to the ground; and so he won the victory by the judgment of the attending ladies and heralds.
Four days were devoted to pleasant pastimes, so that they could give due honor to those who were arriving. Then they admitted to the next series of combats the following lords, namely Johannem de Holland, the Earl Marshal, Nicholas Rotlay, Richard Britonis, Robert de Gliston, lord de Ros, Johannem Cormaille, Andreas Haque, Hugh Luterel, Carmelium et Wonetequin Halle. Their blows so bruised Boucicaut and Reginald that they had to keep to their beds for nine days, but thanks to the diligent care of the medical men whom the king had supplied them along with other servants from the royal palace, they regained full health. During that time, however, lest the foreigners should become bored and leave, the Picard lord of Saimpy, gathering up his strength and taking the turns of his comrades, powerfully withstood Guillermum Casselli, Richard Sagre, George Daledon, Richard Eton, Roger Brulle, Johannem Cliffort, Guillelmum Hourselle, Thomas Bouragort, Guillelmum Huntingdon. Then, on the next day Johannem Treveton, Henry Sestidol, Christopher Langueton, Hugh de Dragon, Thomelinum Honneret, Thomelinum Treuvin; and thus, by the judgment of the ladies, heralds and appointed judges he returned victorious to his comrades, to the sound of trumpets and singing.
On the next day these Frenchmen honorably received the Bohemians, the Germans, and the English, and again powerfully fought with the lords Niques, Raveneto, Boort de Bolcof, who came from Bohemia, as well as Yonio de Sizorin, Roberto Fourbi, Johanne de Hanonia, Thomelino Callidi, Thomelino de Hardebi. The day after was spent in enjoyment with all the noble lords and ladies, and after that they performed very dangerous combats with Henry earl of Derby, son of the duke of Lancaster, and with his retinue, namely lord Henry de Percy, Johanne de Courtenay, Robert de Britenaco, Harbelino Alani, Thomelino de Fanteston, Johnanne de Harantonio, Johanne de Belloforti, the bastard of Lancaster, Thoma de Souviforde, Robert de Quarreriis; and these were judged the most praiseworthy of all the foreigners..
In the absence of the lord of Saimpy the other two comrades laudably completed the next contest, against lords Richard Daldeberry, Peter Bocqueton, Guillermum Mutonis, Johannem de Castro Novo, Thomelinum de Halsidain, Galterum de Blont, Richard de Dancastre, Johannem de Chervistennastre, Simon et Robert Stavelle, Guillelmum Hinguelingue. Lord Reginald made this combat memorable by breaking four lances and overthrowing many opponents.
In the last deed of arms, in which they met Thomelinum Britonis, Montenatum, Thomelinum de Toti, Johannem Cusat, Johannem Daligringe, Robert Eleton, captain of Marc, Robert de Rocheford, Richard de Salvain, Thomelinum Longi, Richard de Rechignes, Johannem Ursi, allthose present judged that the French had performed mightily. But Robert de Rocheford was angry and hurried before the judges to complain that he had only fought four times with the lance, and refused to agree with the report given by the heralds. Boucicaut, seeing that obstinant spirit, and because he himself had done nothing more worthy than his companions had, boldly offered to make up the difference. Having gained the permission of the judges, Boucicaut rode into Rocheford so manfully that his lance pierced Rocheford's buckler and arm, and struck him and his horse to the ground. That unhappy man gained public infamy for perjury, and the deed of arms came to an end. The three Frenchmen had done so well that when the appointed judges were asked who had done the best, they praised them all equally and refused to make such comparisons.
Now that the time of jousting was finished, the Frenchmen treated their opponents with such generosity that they not only returned the arms and horses which they were entitled to on account of their victories, but, while saying their courteous farewells, loaded them with favors and very rich gifts.