HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 BAYARD 
 
Digitized by 
 
 tlie Internet Arcliive 
 
 
 
 in 2014 
 
 
 
 littps://arcliive.org/details/liistoryofbayardgOOmail 
 
HISTORY 
 
 BAYARD 
 
 THE GOOD CHEVALIER SANS PEUR ET SANS REPROCHE 
 
 COMPILED 
 
 BY THE LOYAL SERVITEUR 
 
 ^ranslatcb into (English from the Jfccnch of 
 LOREDAN LARCHEY 
 
 WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 LONDON 
 
 CHAPMAN 
 
 1883 
 
 & HALL, Limited 
 
LONDON : 
 
 I'RINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, 
 STAMFORD STUEET AND CHAUING CROSS. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 I'AGE 
 
 •Introduction xv 
 
 Prologue by the Author xxvii 
 
 BOOK THE FIRST. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Of how the Lord of Bayard, father of the good Chevaher sans peur et sans 
 reproche, desired to know the wishes of his children as to their future hfe . . i 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Of how the father of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche sent unto his 
 brother-in-law, the Bishop of Grenoble, to speak with him, for that he himself 
 could not leave his dwelling .......... 5 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of how the Bishop of Grenoble presented his nephew, the good Chevalier sans peur 
 et sans reproche, to Duke Charles of Savoy, who received him cordially . . 15 
 
 a 
 
vi 
 
 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Of how the Duke of Savoy quitted Chambery to pay respects to Charles VIII., 
 King of Fiance, in his town of Lyons, taking with him the good Chevaher sans 
 peur et sans reproche, then his page . . . . . . . .18 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Of how the Duke of Savoy went to pay his reverence to the King of France at his 
 own dwelling, and of the warm and cordial greeting accorded unto him . . 23 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Of how a gentleman of Burgundy, named Messir Claude de Vaudrey, came unto 
 Lyons, by the desire of the King of France, to do feats of arms, as well on horse - 
 back as on foot, and bring his shields, that all who touched the same should be 
 received in combat. And of how the good Chevalier, three days after he ceased 
 to be a page, touched all the shields ........ 30 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of how the Abbot of Ainay handed unto the good Chevalier one hundred crowns 
 to buy two horses, and wrote a letter unto a merchant of Lyons, desiring him to 
 provide him with all that was necessary ........ 39 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche and his companion mounted 
 their steeds in full equipment, and of how the said good Chevalier behaved 
 himself creditably, considering his strength, against Messir Claude de Vaudrey . 45 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 How Lord de Ligny sent the good Chevalier to join a garrison in Picardy, 
 where at that time was his company, of how he lodged in the picturesque town of 
 Aire, and on his arrival of how his companions went forth to meet him . . 50 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 How the good Chevalier had heralded throughout Aire that a tournament was to be 
 held for love of ladies, at which the victor's prize would be a golden bracelet and 
 a fine diamond to present to his ladylove ........ 56 
 
Contents. vii 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 How Charles VIII. of France made preparation for the conquest of the kingdom 
 of Naples, the which he gained, by reason of his valour and bravery, without 
 bloodshed ............. 63 
 
 BOOK THE SECOND. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 How Louis, Duke of Orleans, ascended the throne of France, as next in suc- 
 cession, and assumed the name of Louis XII. . . . . . . -71 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 How, after the conquest of Milan, the, good Chevalier dwelt in Italy, and how he 
 proclaimed a tournament in the town of Carignan in Piedmont, at which he gave 
 the prizes ............. 75 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of how Lord Ludovic Sforce returned to Germany with a strong force of lans- 
 quenets, and retook the town of Milan from the French . . . . .82 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Of how Lord Ludovic desired to see the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, 
 and of how, after conversing with him, he liberated him, giving him back his 
 horse and arms ............ 86 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Of how Lord Ludovic retired into Novara, fearing the French, who were entering 
 into Milan by the citadel, and of how he was made prisoner .... 90 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Of how Lord de Ligny visited Voghera, Tortona, and other places in the duchy of 
 Milan, which the King had presented to him, and of a noble tour made by the 
 good Chevalier ............ 96 
 
 a 2 
 
viii 
 
 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Of how the King of France sent a large army to Naples, where he appointed as 
 
 his Lieutenant, General Lord Ambigny ........ lOO 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche made a sortie from his 
 garrison of Minervino. Of how he encountered the Spaniards in the field, 
 and of what befell him ........... 105 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Of how Alonzo de Sotomaiore made his escape with an Albanian, who tended 
 the horses ; but, being captured on the road, was locked up in a strong prison . 109 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Of how Signor Don Alonzo complained of the treatment he had received from the 
 good Chevaher, and how they came to fight . . . . . . .US 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche fought against Don Alonzo 
 and vanquished him . . . . . . . . . . .117 
 
 CHAPTER Xll. 
 
 Of a Tournament held in the kingdom of Naples, between thirteen Frenchmen and 
 thirteen Spaniards, in the which the good Chevalier made such feats of arms that 
 
 he carried off the prize over all . . . . . . . . .124 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier captured the Treasurer and his servant, who were 
 carrying fifteen thousand ducats to the great Captain Gonsalve Fernand, and of 
 what he did with it . . .129 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier defended the bridge across the Garigliano alone for 
 the space of half-an-hour against two hundred Spaniards . . . . • I33 
 
Contents. 
 
 IX 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Of divers events that came to pass in the space of two years both in France, 
 Italy, and Spain ............ 141 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Of how the Genoese revolted, and the King of France crossed the Alps and brought 
 them to reason ............ 145 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Of how the Emperor Maximilian made war against the Venetians, and of the King 
 of France sending Lord Jean-Jacques with a large force to his assistance . . 150 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Of how Louis XII., King of France, marched his army into Italy against the 
 
 Venetians and of the victory he won . . . . . . . . 154 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Of how Louis XII., King of France, captured all the towns and stations of the 
 Venetians, as far as Peschiera . . . . . . . . .160 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Of how the King of France sent Lord de La Palisse to the aid of the Emperor, 
 with five hundred men-at-arms, and many captains, amongst whom was the good 
 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche . . . . . . . .164 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Of how the Emperor Maximilian put siege to Padua, and of what happened the 
 while 167 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Of how the Emperor Maximilian commenced the siege of Padua, and the gallant 
 approach made by the French gentlemen, and of the extreme bravery shown by 
 the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche . . . . . • • ^73 
 
X 
 
 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Of the severe fighting that took place before Padua, and of the breach that was 
 made I77 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 How the good Chevaher sans peur et sans reproche, during the siege of Padua, 
 made saUies with his companions which brought him much honour . . .183 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Telling of another feat of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, in which 
 he took prisoners sixty Albanians and thirty crossbowmen . . . .188 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Of how the Emperor determined to assault Padua, and the reason why he tarried . 194 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Ot how the Emperor retired from the Camp before Padua, upon learning that the 
 Germans refused to assault the same 199 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, being at Venice, made a 
 raid on the Venetians, in the which they were taken and retaken twice in one 
 day, and what was the end thereof . . . 203 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 How the good Chevalier took thought against betrayal by a spy who had promised 
 the Captain Jean- Paul Manfrone to put him into his hands, and that which 
 came of it. How Legnano was taken by siege, and of the cruel fortune of the 
 people of Longaro ; and how Monselice was also taken by siege 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 How the men of the garrison of Legnano made an excursion against the Venetians, 
 on the information of certain spies who betrayed them. Wherefore they were 
 defeated ............. 226 
 
Contents. 
 
 xi 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 How Pope Julius came in person to the Duchy of Ferrara, and how he laid siege 
 
 to Mirandola 233 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 How the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche thought to capture the Pope 
 between San Felice and Mirandola, and how it resulted ..... 237 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 How the Pope sent a body of seven or eight thousand men against a fortress of the 
 Duke of Ferrara, named Bastida, and how they were defeated by the advice of 
 the good ChevaHer sans peur et sans reproche ....... 242 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Of the death of the Lord of Montoison, and of the many stratagems devised by 
 Pope Juhus and the Duke of Ferrara against each other, wherein the good 
 Chevalier showed his virtue .......... 253 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Concerning many events which took place in Italy during two years . . . 260 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 How two Spaniards fought to the death in the town of Ferrara. How, the good 
 Lord of Chaumont having died, the noble Duke of Nemours took the command 
 of the army. How a famous astrologer was consulted, and concerning an 
 
 adventure of the Captain Jacquin ......... 264 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 How Messer Andrea Gritti, Proveditore of the Seigniorie of Venice, with the aid of 
 the Count Louis Avogador, retook the town of Brescia ..... 278 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 Of the great diligence shown by the noble Duke of Nemours in order to recapture 
 Brescia, and how he defeated the Captain-General of the Venetians and five or 
 six thousand men on the road . . 282 
 
xii 
 
 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 How the Duke of Nemours recaptured the town of Brescia from the Venetians, 
 wherein the good Chevaher sans peur et sans reproche gained great honour, and 
 how he was wounded ahnost to death ........ 286 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 How the good Chevaher sans pear et sans reproche departed from Brescia to go 
 after the Duke of Nemours and the army of the King of France. Of the great 
 courtesy he did to his hostess on his departure, and how he arrived before the 
 town of Ravenna 3oo 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 How the siege was laid before Ravenna by the noble Duke of Nemours, and how 
 several assaults were made upon the place on Good Friday, wherein the 
 French were repulsed 3^8 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 Of a marvellous skirmish which took place between the French and the Spanish 
 the day before the battle of Ravenna, wherein the good Chevalier did wondrous 
 feats 314 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 Of the bloody and fierce battle of Ravenna, wherein the Spanish and Neapolitans 
 were discomfited, and of the death of the noble Duke of Nemours . . . 318 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 Concerning the noble men who died in the bloody battle of Ravenna, as well on the 
 side of the French as on that of the Spanish, and concerning the prisoners. The 
 capture of the town of Ravenna. How two months afterwards, in the year 
 fifteen hundred and twelve, the French were driven out of Italy. Concerning the 
 grievous sickness of the good Chevalier. Of the expedition to the kingdom of 
 Navarre, and of all that happened in the year aforesaid ..... 333 
 
 CHAPTER XLV. 
 
 How, while they laid siege to the town of Pampeluna, the good Chevalier took a 
 castle by assault in the kingdom, of Navarre, wherein he performed a feat worthy 
 of a wise and distinguished knight 341 
 
Contents. 
 
 xiu 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI. 
 
 I'AGE 
 
 How King Henry of England invaded France, and how he laid siege to Therouanne. 
 Concerning a battle called the Day of Spurs, wherein the good Chevalier did 
 marvellous feats and great service to France ....... 348 
 
 CHAPTER XLVII. 
 
 Of the death of the magnanimous and virtuous Princess Anne, Queen of France, 
 and Duchess of Brittany. Of the marriage of King Louis XI 1. with Mary of 
 England, and of the death of the said King Louis 3^3 
 
 BOOK THE THIRD. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 How the King of France, Francis, first of this name, passed over the mountains, and 
 how he sent before him the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche. And con- 
 cerning the capture of the Lord Prospero Colonna by his cunning . . -371 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Of the battle which the King of France, Francis, first of this name, fought against 
 the Swiss, in the conquest of his Duchy of Milan, wherein he remained victorious. 
 And how, after the battle was won, he desired to be made knight by the hand of 
 the good Chevaher sans peur et sans reproche ....... 380 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 Of many incidents which happened in France, Italy, and Spain, during three or 
 four years ............. 3^9 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 How Messer Robert de La Marck made divers forays upon the country of the 
 Emperor elect, who raised a huge army, and of that which happened therein . 393 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 How the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche held the town of Mczieres 
 against the might of the Emperor, wherein he acquired great honour . . . 399 
 
xiv 
 
 Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 How the L;ood Chevalier sans peur ct sans reproche, during a retreat he made in 
 Italy, was slain by a cannon-shot ......... 409 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of the great mourning which was raised for the decease of the good Chevalier sans 
 peur ct sans reproche . . . . . . . . . . .417 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of the virtues possessed by the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche . . 425 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Why the Loyal Serviteur will always be in vogue. — How that Bayard is no ordinary hero. — ■ 
 The pains taken with the present edition. — Our predecessors. — The Author's true name. 
 — The Portraits, Statues, and the Castle of Bayard. 
 
 OUT iasse, tout passe! says the old proverb, which is 
 confirmed sadly enough by experience. But the pro- 
 verb is incorrect as concerns the ' Life of Bayard/ 
 whereof the letterpress omits nothing, of which the 
 success will never pass away ; and that for the best 
 of reasons. 
 
 The more one knows this Loyal Serviteur, the more 
 He is so natural, so true, so brilliant ; he so frankly 
 values that which appears to him just, intrepid, or generous ; he is so 
 good a Frenchman at a time when patriotism was a thing unknown. 
 In truth, such a master merited such a serving-man, I ought to say 
 such a biographer, for he is in truth a biographer, and of a good 
 school. Like all those who are content with what is seen, without another 
 thought but that of truth, the Loyal Serviteur becomes with his first 
 stroke a writer. 
 
 His work has the value of being a study of military manners of the 
 first order. We found in it camp life in all its ruggedness, its simplicity 
 
 one likes him. 
 
XVI 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 and its drollery, and also with the sentiment of confraternity which 
 imposes itself in a life of common dangers. 
 
 I know of no writings that tell us more of our first bands of 
 Infantry and our free companies ; the Author knows how to speak of 
 battles as a man that has worn a cuirass, and raises opportunely the 
 visor of these plumed casques which symbolise chivalry in our eyes ; 
 making us finally assist in the death agony of this old heroic world in 
 the person of Bayard, the worthiest and the last of its supporters.. 
 The present history might also pass as a great warlike drama, in which 
 there is neither wanting tableaux nor effects, nor comical episodes, 
 nor delicate emotions, nor phrases that remain with us ... as this 
 one, where the superiority of commandership is described in two lines, 
 worthy of meditation : Mieux vatit armee de cerfs commandee par tui lion 
 qit'armee de lions commandee par nn cerf. 
 
 The truth is, that in the time of Bayard we were less fortunate than 
 brave ; and so frequent was insubordination, that they knew well that 
 valour in combat was not alone sufficient to ensure victory. But this train 
 of reverses has placed only in greater relief the immovable soul of our hero, 
 and, we do not fear to add, his good temper, a quality perhaps still rarer to 
 be met with than the heroism of those evil days. When a man unites at 
 this point all that is conciliatory, the smile, sympathy, and admiration, and 
 when in him is recognised the marvellous gift de changer en braves 
 les plus couards," can one be astonished that his life has, almost 
 throughout four centuries, the privilege of having been well received } 
 
 This is why the editions of the Loyal Serviteur are so numerous 
 and so varied ; complete editions and mutilated ones, scholarly editions 
 and Gallicised ones, editions for veterans and those for children. It is a 
 progressive movement which does honour to the instinct of the crowd, 
 whose great good-sense does not mistake in making certain choices. 
 
 One ought all the more to appreciate this one, in that our book 
 recommends itself for other things than mighty thrusts of lance or of 
 sword. We cannot too often repeat that in it is found patriotism and 
 humanity explained with an energy that astonishes us. 
 
 This favourite axiom of Bayard's, " Sans justice, tons royanmes sont 
 for its pleines de brigands,'' shows us at once what he suffered and what 
 he himself would have done had his career been an unfettered one. For 
 he was not one of those feeble ones who dared not fight against evil 
 and exalt good. 
 
 Mistaking boastfulness for adulation, seeing in money but a means of 
 
Introduction. 
 
 xvii 
 
 solacing others, he hated bad actions as he honoured good ones, boldly 
 and in the face of all. His life is also to us a grand example of 
 what duty and religion can do. Without it, how could a sickly 
 tempe^'ament and continual fever not have prevented his being always 
 leader in the attack, the last to retreat, ready to expose himself in any 
 post of danger to save the life of his companions ? And when he found 
 himself uselessly, often cruelly, endangered by one of the Court Generals 
 who was incapable of serving as his lieutenant, why did he show the 
 whole army an example of passive obedience, a much more touching 
 sight than the sacrifice of his self-esteem and of his military convictions 
 leading on to a certain failure, and a useless danger It was because 
 his thoughts rose higher. This is proved by the testimony of the Loyal 
 Serviteur, who writes, " Toitjours disait qii'il moiirrait poiLV soutenir le bien 
 public de ses paysT 
 
 And the profound love of public welfare, of the i^es publica, confirms 
 also the nobleness that we have seen in him, alone in an army, employ- 
 ing all that he gained to help the necessitous, refusing to partake of 
 the pillage which at that time made the fortune of soldiers, protecting 
 the honour of his hostesses, taking nothing without paying for it, and 
 leaving last of all the houses where they had encamped, in order to 
 prevent their being burnt by our German allies, or devastated by pillage. 
 
 His patriotism is as pure as his disinterestedness is great. For a 
 forgetful King, who did not give him even the command of forces, there 
 were three others who offered them. The King of England and the 
 Emperor of Germany sought to entice him away ; and the Pope was 
 even anxious to make him Captain-General of the Church. He thanked 
 all with his usual modesty. This good Catholic fought resolutely 
 against the Pontifical army, this good captain allowed himself to be 
 commanded by people he could not respect, . . . because it was a 
 question of his country, and his country went before everything. 
 
 Also the day when, forgetful of his duties, a prince of the blood 
 that he loved and respected, a constable, took arms against France, 
 Bayard resisted him, sword in hand, until he succumbed, with the 
 regret, loudly expressed,, of not having been able to wrestle to the end 
 for his country. 
 
 I press this earnestly on you that you may the better understand 
 the exceptional merits and value of this man, in his time as in ours, an 
 " eternelle coiironne de laurierT 
 
 It was the Loyal Serviteur who naively said this, and, as I quote his 
 
xviii 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 text, I ought to say that I did not without hesitation accept the 
 mission of rendering it into more modern form. Our old documents 
 lose always by these modernisings, which reminds us of the scrapings 
 of old monuments, condemned with so much warmth and reason by 
 Charles Garnier. The difficulty is doubled : if you do not Gallicise, you 
 risk being unintelligible ; if you Gallicise too much, you take away from 
 the character of the work. You are too complete or not complete enough. 
 One must love our ancient language to understand the delicacies of 
 such a weeding, which of necessity entails grievous sacrifices. 
 
 On this occasion, the rule seems to have been until now, to 
 modernise at the same time both the form and the root, the word and 
 the turning of the phrase. I am restricted to half this programme in 
 conforming with the writing ; but I am not permitted to change the 
 order in which the words present themselves to me, persuaded that by 
 keeping the ancient turning of the phrases entirely depends the flavour 
 of the recital, contenting myself by explaining the words of which the 
 meanings have changed ; and placing a note, when the clearness of the 
 phrase exacts it. And this, taken respectively, results in a whole with 
 which from the first one familiarises oneself, but that the least lettered 
 can quickly understand and prefer, with reason, to a piece written in 
 the most correct style. One cannot believe how one ends by the taste 
 for this language somewhat infantine, where the pronoun disappears 
 often before the verb, and where the inversions give it as easy a 
 rhythm as in poetic language. By increasing the stops, and making the 
 phrases as short as possible, in calling parentheses to our aid, when the 
 incidences lead to noxious complications at the quick intelligence of a 
 passage, we have had great recourse to punctuation to clear our text 
 w^ithout altering it. And let us add that, without any pretension 
 to pure science, we believe that we have explained for the first time 
 certain words and passages until now imperfectly understood. Without 
 doubt an edition such as ours is not compiled for philologists ; but they 
 are indirectly interested in its good execution, for it addresses itself to 
 a public much more numerous, whom we would gradually rally to their 
 cause. 
 
 In ceding to this idea of vulgarisation, we have in the Life of Bayard, 
 that which we owe to certain classics, the usage of which has consecrated 
 their true merits. To the most favourable typographical conditions we 
 have added, for the first time, the combined attractions of drawings, of 
 engraving, and of chromo-lithography. Whilst special artists have 
 accepted the work of interpreting the most picturesque scenes, we 
 
Introduction. 
 
 xix 
 
 have revived the individual types and the towns of other days by the 
 process of photography, which ensures the exact reproduction of the old 
 engravings. The chosen epoch suits admirably such reproductions, for 
 she is cotemporary with the commencement of the Renaissance, where 
 the new art permitted the choice betwixt admired monuments, 
 exquisite illuminations, delicately chased armour, portraits of masters, 
 sculptures and medals in a wonderful relief ; and the engravings of such 
 as those of Albert Durer, of Jost Amnion, of Titien Vecelli, observant 
 geniuses who have caused such a strong reaction amongst the people 
 of their time. 
 
 It here becomes us to mention some of our predecessors. 
 
 The Life of Bayard has been published by Champier,^ before it had 
 been told by the Loyal Serviteur, to which it is inferior in all respects. 
 But when Champier gives an interesting variety or a useful compliment, 
 we have scrupulously quoted it. He in reality knew Bayard, was in a 
 way related to him, and saw him at Lyons, at Nancy, and at Grenoble. 
 He was more of a savant, a doctor, which unhappily has not left its mark. 
 On the contrary, his ill-directed science is felt at each step. He can 
 relate nothing simply and honestly like the Loyal Serviteur ; he always 
 puts in numerous comparisons greatly strained for, from Greek or Roman 
 antiquity. And again, imitating the classics has made him, like them, 
 lard his recital with discourses clearly invented and full of pathos. In 
 these heavy reminiscences, are as almost lost three or four of Bayard's 
 sallies which one recognises at once, so much does their complete 
 frankness contrast with the rest. 
 
 I have stated that erudite editions of the Loyal Serviteur are not 
 wanting. It would be unfair to forget that the collection Petitot claims 
 the first honour of having conformed to the text of the original edition 
 printed in Paris in 1527. Well that he had not edited the text. M. de 
 Terrebasse ought here to be mentioned for his excellent history of 
 Bayard, a true mosaic of documents compiled with rare conscientiousness 
 and perfect taste. After Terrebasse, we may say that M. Roman, charged 
 to compile a new edition by the Societe de I'histoire de France, has done 
 much to clear the text from a geographical and biographical point 
 of view. 
 
 The more interesting a book is, the more one desires to know who 
 ^ " Les gestcs, ensemble la vie du preulx chevalier Bayard." Lyon, 1525, petit, in-4°. 
 
XX 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 wrote it. It is now almost a certainty that the name of the Loyal 
 Serviteiir was Jacques de Mailles. In 1719, the P. Lelong said that 
 the author of the Life of Bayard was his secretary, and that certain 
 liberties of appreciation had prevented him naming himself In 1750, 
 Ladvocat incidentally named Jacques de Mailles, without appearing to 
 attach much importance to it, but as a fact generally known by the 
 writers of his time. In 1828, M. de Terrebasse declares that he found 
 this same name in the note of an old writing, "apposee sur le titre d'un 
 exemplaire de I'edition originale." Without stating the century of this 
 writing, nor where he met with this edition, he adds that after this note, 
 " Jacques de Mailles had been a Gresivaudan (Bayard's country), who, 
 after having served in the career of arms, had taken to the profession 
 of a notary, and had received in this capacity the marriage contract of 
 Bayard's daughter with the Sieur of Bocsozel." Lastly, towards 1877, 
 M. de Roman found two mentions of him in a Catalogue of the Bibliotheque 
 Mazarine, which confirms the statement of Ladvocat and Terrebasse. 
 But, inasmuch as they concern one and the same example, they present 
 differences which somewhat embarrass the author of this discovery. The 
 first mention, inscribed in the Alphabetical Catalogue, is thus written : 
 Histoire du chevalier Bayard, par Jacques de Mailles. Paris in-4° 
 parch., n'^. 175 15 A. The second, inscribed in the Methodical Catalogue, 
 is : U Histoire recreative d?c chevalier Bayard, par Jacques de Mailles, 
 gentilhomme. Paris, 1514, in-4°, parch., n°. 175 15 A. 
 
 In reproducing these two titles, M. Roman asks himself : Firstly, If 
 the edition of 1527 is the most ancient; secondly, if 1514 had not been 
 put by mistake in place of 1524; thirdly, if the name of Jacques de 
 Mailles, given in the Catalogue, is due to some manuscript annotation ; 
 fourthly, if we may not surmise that there was an edition in 1524 
 (which has entirely disappeared) which bore the author's name, which 
 was omitted in the later editions. 
 
 The investigation of the exemplar of the Mazarine Library simplifies 
 this question, but has been unfortunately lost for a number of years. 
 Nevertheless, the library owns, besides these two Catalogues above 
 mentioned, a Catalogue between boards which had not before been 
 thought of, and which allowed of our making another step. The board 
 of the No. 175 1 5 A, written during the last century,^ writes this: La 
 
 ^ If one does not see the same number cited in these three mentions, making us suppose 
 that there might be three different editions, for explanation, we must mention that the 
 title of his work is very long. Three librarians of the Mazarine abridged the inscrip- 
 tion of it, each in his own manner. 
 
Introduction. 
 
 XXI 
 
 trh joyense hystoh'e du Chevalier sans paour, le gentil seigneur de Bay art 
 {par J acq. de Mailles). Paris, gothiq. imparf. 
 
 The author's name may be remarked between parentheses ; this 
 means, in the language of Hbraries, that the name was not printed on 
 the volume. The mention imparf. signifies equally that the volume is 
 incomplete, and that the last pages, on which would be found the date 
 of 1527, are wanting. The writer of the Catalogue quoted by M. Roman 
 would probably have wished to supplement the date at all hazards, giving 
 the incorrect one of 15 14, which was perhaps that of some deed 
 recounted in the latter pages of this fragment, but which ought to be 
 considered as an error. 
 
 We believe that the edition of 1527 to be the original one, and that 
 there were no others in the year 15 14 nor 1524, and that of the name 
 of Jacques de Mailles, revealed by the manuscript note, was never 
 printed, it being publicly known, in the last century, that the Loyal 
 Serviteur and he were one and the same person. 
 
 An unexceptionable fact has come to light to give the necessary 
 confirmation to the person of Jacques de Mailles. M. de Terrebasse 
 had published an extract from the nominal role of the company of a 
 hundred lances commanded by Bayard in 1523. In giving in extenso 
 the same document, M. Roman has had the good fortune to find 
 amongst them the name of Jacques de Mailles, borne by an archer of 
 this company. This need not have prevented his being Bayard's 
 secretary, thus as we now-a-days see regiments in which the secretary 
 of a Colonel or a Major, is not placed in the register as such. Besides, 
 the profession of notary, held two years later by our archer, proves 
 that he had the capacities of a good secretary. Jacques de Mailles 
 must have written the description given by Bayard to his uncle after 
 the battle of Ravenna, for this latter has in it much concerning his 
 relations with him. 
 
 After having sought the author's true name, we shall make researches 
 for the same reason, as to what Bayard's appearance really was. His 
 portraits are everywhere to be met with, but they are as false as 
 certain of his autographs. There was a time when art, but little 
 scrupulous, satisfied public curiosity without taking the trouble of making 
 the smallest researches, and this lack of conscientiousness was the more 
 to be regretted as it flourished at a time when means of enquiry 
 abounded. It was thus that Godefroy, towards the middle of the 
 seventeenth century, had engraved, at the beginning of his book a 
 
 b 
 
xxIi 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 conventional Bayard, ornamented with a beard, a thing he had never 
 worn. Later, they invented for him other types which still less 
 resembled the beardless, nervous, thin and pale-faced, with the bright- 
 eyed man of which our text speaks. We must also bear in mind 
 that the busts and statues do not recommend themselves to us with 
 greater sincerity. One cannot have great confidence in the memorial 
 monument raised, one hundred years after Bayard's death, by 
 the piety of a fellow-countryman who did the act of an excellent 
 citizen. It is the bust of a personage of the seventeenth century, 
 with much more appearance of the time of Louis XIII. than to 
 Louis XII. Must we add that even his nose is the conventional 
 nose. Was this appendix re-done in the year IX. of our First 
 Republic ? 
 
 Let us now pass to the investigation of the three portraits which 
 recommend themselves to us with the greatest guarantee of truth, and 
 one of which appears to be remarkable. We shall say nothing of the 
 first, except that it forms one of the Colbert Collection, and that is, 
 under this title, in the Museum of Versailles. Bayard kneeling before 
 a Prie-dieu in armour. He is in the same dress in the two portraits 
 which seem to us most worthy of attention ; but in his fat white face, 
 in his naive look, one does not recognise the bronzed veteran of fifty 
 years of warfare, as was Bayard at the time when he received the 
 Collar of St. Michael, shown in this same portrait. Another portrait, 
 which is probably of more ancient date, perhaps about the end of the 
 seventeenth century, is to be found in the Chateau d'Uriage ; it 
 represents Bayard's full face, without beard, with long hair cut across 
 his forehead, clothed in the same furred robe, over which is worn the 
 Collar of St. Michael. A copy of this portrait has been done for the 
 Library of Grenoble. Then M. Gariel, his conservitor, was fortunate 
 enough to find in Paris a crayon drawirig in red and black, said to be 
 by Dumonstier. Beneath it is written Bayard's name in a running, long, 
 angular hand, telling of the first years of the seventeenth century. 
 This crayon portrait represents a complete analogy with the painted 
 portrait, except as regards the hair, which does not fall over the fore- 
 head, and in the furred robe, which seems to be thrown loosely over 
 the shoulders. Nevertheless it is very superior as regards its execution ; 
 the expression has more intelligence, the modelling better composed. The 
 eye is full of life ; the whole responds well to the idea given of Bayard 
 in the book. 
 
 After having seen the good Chevalier, we made a pilgrimage to his 
 
Introduction. 
 
 xxiii 
 
 cradle. On a smiling day of Pentecost, we took our road to the 
 Castle of Bayard, as it is called in that country. Leaving behind us 
 meadows planted by mulberry-trees which surround the town of Pont- 
 charra, we passed along the shady road leading to the old manor-house. 
 At the end of an avenue running betwixt high vines, appeared a 
 straight pile of building flanked by two low turrets, which can only 
 represent a part much reduced and transformed of the original fagade. 
 The only original portion still preserved is a vaulted hall forming the 
 rez-de-chaussee of the turret on the right. Behind this unpretending 
 facade, flowers and fruits of a medium-sized kitchen-garden now grow 
 in the court where Bayard as a child so well bestrode his prancing 
 steed before his assembled family. The enclosure of the castle has 
 disappeared, but one sees to where it reached, by the ruins of a 
 pavilion and a turret, which are at its opposite extremities. Of the turret 
 there remain but two walls, desolate obelisks, seeming to point towards 
 heaven to demand justice of man's avidity, for it is not time that has 
 made these walls fall, but the shameful desire to find stones already 
 hewn for the buildings about. All around the ground descends sharply, 
 and is planted with vines which produce the wine of Chateau-Bayard. 
 " It is renowned in our country, but loses its value when cultivated," 
 says a respectable divine, the same who saved the ancient vaulted hall 
 by making it his chosen dwelling-place. One thing that the spread of 
 vine-growing cannot happily take from us is the splendid view which 
 extends itself over a rich and picturesque valley. 
 
 In that which concerns the person of Bayard, contemporary art has 
 placed itself far below nature. On the parapet of the bridge of Pont- 
 charra, under the double protection of a grating and a tri-coloured 
 drapery, stands an equestrian statue in miniature, which is almost 
 hidden to the honour of the inhabitants and of the warriors it pretends 
 to recall to them. At Grenoble, on the Place St. Andre, one sees with 
 surprise another statue, which also is no better, nor does it respect the 
 historic tradition that it pretends to evoke. 
 
 When Bayard, struck by his death-blow, made the sign of a cross 
 with his sword, he was still on horseback, and not in this ridiculous 
 position. The town of Grenoble, which has already done such great 
 things, and also modern French sculpture, which is a still better way, 
 ought to think proper to erect a more worthy statue. 
 
 In pleading for the research of truth in monuments, we are obedient 
 to the thought which makes us respect the character of ancient text. 
 
XXIV 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 Thus we are better able to understand the necessity of knowing the 
 original documents of national history. In a time such as ours, when 
 the healthy critic has never been more honoured, but when never, also, 
 the present has more invoked the past, it is right that all should have 
 access to the great arsenal where all go in search of arms. They thus 
 will gain a clearer judgment, and overcome a tendency to pessimism. 
 If we hold in mind in Bayard's time the presence of the English in 
 Boulogne and the Germans before Mezieres, we see that each epoch has 
 had its crises, and that these crises teach us not to despair as to the 
 future. 
 
 Finally, is it not a lesson to us that the only announcement of this 
 edition has come after so many others ? This fresh homage to a hero 
 always esteemed, does it not show us on what side we ought to look for * 
 true glory and true popularity ? 
 
cXatteOoiimfepIaifiiittef 
 
 ttctcatlae $\ipmcompofu path fo^of fcrutteur/beefii^/ac^ 
 ffe6/fritm^)5e6 efpioneffee boBof) d^euaftet fatte|)aouret 
 fanstquaucge fegenfu fctgneur be :!^(art, boitt 
 maimefouenseefbnf^fpattSued parfoutefacQte^ 
 fitettf e. ]SDe prufkuts mttrce done/ ^aiffcm tt 
 Scrfueup coppifainee qui ont effe be foij 
 tenip8.iSnfem6fefc69mm8/ 6atoi£^ 
 fee/tcncoitfres c< offatifj) (juf be 
 fm %imnt font fumenuce/ 
 tmtct}fxamt/&{fai 
 gneqae^ofte. 
 
 4LC)i) fedfieiti) iff fa stantfafTebu^araiemiptf mter 
 ItOilcr CI) ta6o\xtia{nc be (6a(BQt btt)itefi6:mre ture 
 oe (mtftterf^fe be pone. 
 
 FACSIMILE OF THE TITLE OF THE ORIGINAL EDITION OF THE LOYAL SERVITEUi 
 
 (After the copy preserved in the Bibliotheque I'arsenal.) 
 
PROLOGUE BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 OR that it is most difficult, without the grace of God 
 in this mortal state, to please all men (and that it 
 is customary for men to write histories and chronicles 
 making readily their address to some great personage), 
 I, without further naming myself, have undertaken 
 to put forward the deeds and actions of the good 
 Chevalier, sans peur et sans reproche, the Lord of 
 Bayard, and amongst his excellent works, to make mention of many 
 other virtuous personages. I am advised, that for the future there 
 may be made no murmurings against me in not having well and 
 justly done my duty in favouring one and leaving out another, to 
 attribute their more rough history to the three States of the very 
 excellent, very powerful and very renowned kingdom of France. For, 
 to truly amplify the perfections of a man, I could not do otherwise, 
 considering that, without grace infused by the Holy Spirit, since the 
 incarnation and redemption of our Saviour Jesus Christ, is nowhere to 
 be found in chronicle or history, prince, gentleman, nor other, in any 
 condition whatever he has been, who was more furious towards the 
 cruel, more gentle towards the humble, nor more humane towards the 
 
XXVIU 
 
 Prologue by the Author. 
 
 poor has ever lived, than was the good Chevalier of whom this present 
 history is begun. 
 
 And forasmuch as from all time in this pleasant country of France 
 the grace of our Lord has spread itself so widely that little is wanting 
 for the necessities of the body, the which is a manna as regards this 
 worldly life, another stumbling-block comes at this time upon us ; 
 which is the great ease which great, middle and small now hold, causing 
 much idleness, and making them unable to contain themselves from 
 the sin of envy, in blaming, oftentimes wrongly and without cause, the 
 innocent, and keeping hidden the merits, prowess, and honours of the 
 virtuous. But few are to be found who know or would have said any- 
 thing against the honour of this good Chevalier, or have said aught to 
 his discredit. For in these three Estates which are so virtuously governed 
 he will have from God His grace, from the world a verdant and 
 immortal crown of laurels ; as regards the Church, it never has found any 
 more obedient to it ; as regarding the State of nobility one more fit to 
 uphold it ; and for the State of labour, one more compassionate or 
 helpful towards it. 
 
BOOK THE FIRST. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Of how the Lord of Bayaid/ father of the good Chevaher sans peur et sans reprochc, 
 desired to know the wishes of his children as to their future Hfe. 
 
 N the Pi-ovince of Dauphiny, which now belongcth to 
 the King of France (as it hath to his predecessors for 
 one hundred and forty to one hundred and fifty years, 
 when the last Dauphin, Humbert by name, made them 
 a gift thereof),^ there are many great and noble 
 families, from which have sprung many virtuous and 
 noble knights, whose fame has been noised throughout 
 all Christendom. So much so that, as scarlet surpasses 
 all other colours in brilliancy, the Dauphinois, without 
 detriment to the nobles of other provinces, are called by those known 
 
 ^ See Appendix. 
 
 - Humbert II., Viennese Dauphin, sold his Dauphiny to the younger son of PhiHppe 
 of Valois for one hundred thousand gold tlorins, on condition that the eldest sons of 
 
 ^ B 
 
2 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 unto them, rccarlate des gentilshommes de France} Amongst these 
 famihes is that of Bayard, of ancient and noble extraction ; the which 
 nobihty showed itself in their descendants.^ For, at the battle of 
 Poitiers, the great-great-grandfather of the good Chevalier sans peur 
 et sans reproche died at the feet of his sovereign John of France. 
 At the battle of Agincoiirt, his great-grandfather, and at the battle of 
 Montlhery, his grandfather, were on the battlefield ; his grandfather 
 with six mortal wounds, besides many others. And at the battle of 
 Guinegate, his father was so sorely wounded that never after was he 
 able to quit his dwelling, in which he died at the age of over eighty 
 years. 
 
 A few days before his death, considering that by nature he could not 
 make much longer sojourn in this mortal life, he called unto him his 
 four children, in presence of his wife, a most godly and devout 
 dame, the which was sister to the Bishop of Grenoble (of the house of 
 Allemans).^ Then to his children who had gathered round him, he 
 bid the eldest, who was betwixt the ages of eighteen and twenty years, 
 tell him what he desired to be. The which replied that he desired 
 never to leave his home, but to serve his father to the end of his 
 days. 
 
 " Ah well ! " said the father ; George, since thou lovest home thou 
 shalt remain to combat with our daily life." 
 
 When the second, who was the good Chevalier sans peur et sans 
 reproche, was enquired of what he would wish to be — the same was at 
 that time about the age of thirteen or rather more — sparkling as an 
 emerald, with smiling countenance, replied like one of fifty years : 
 
 " My lord and father, although by your paternal love I feel myself 
 
 the Kings of France should bear the title of Dauphin. A deed dated August 7th, 1342, 
 relating to the cession of Dauphiny, is preserved amongst the national Archives under 
 the side J. 279, No. 8. We here give, on page 3, a facsimile of the seal annexed 
 to this document. 
 
 ^ Considered to be the most beautiful of all the shades of red, scarlet had hitherto 
 been reserved for royal robes. Thus this flattering similitude for the Dauphinois 
 nobility ; but the last editor of the Loyal Serviteur, M. Roman, states that he 
 finds no anterior mention of it. 
 
 ^ See Appendix. 
 
 3 The family of Allemans was one of the most distinguished in Graisivaudan. 
 During the latter half of the fifteenth century, it gave two bishops to Cahors, both 
 named Antoine, and two to Grenoble, both also called Laurent. The name of Bayard's 
 mother was Helene des Allemans ; she was small, but " pleine de coeur et de noble 
 courage," says Champier. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 3 
 
 so greatly bound that I ought to be forgetful of all else, and serve 
 but you till your life's end, nevertheless, the recital of the great and 
 noble deeds that oftentimes you have told to us of noble knights in 
 bygone times, even of some of our own house, has taken such root in 
 mine heart, that I will be, if it may please you, of the same estate 
 in which you and your ancestors have been, and follow the pursuit 
 
 Seal of Dauphin Humbert II.* 
 
 of arms. For it is the one thing in this world that I the most desire ; 
 and I trust, by God's help, to bring you no dishonour." 
 
 Then replied the good old man tearfully : " My child, may God give 
 thee His grace ! Thou bearest much resemblance in face and figure to 
 thy grandfather, who was in his time one of the most accomplished 
 knights in Christendom. I will forthwith endeavour to further thy 
 desires." 
 
 ^ National Archives. 
 
4 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The third, when asked as to his wishes, repHed that he would follow 
 the calling- of his uncle the Monseigneur of Ainay, an abbot near to 
 Lyons. His father granting this, sent him thither, by a kinsman, to his 
 said uncle, who made a monk of him. And later he became, through the 
 interest of the good Chevalier his brother, Abbot of Josaphat in the 
 outskirts of Chartres. 
 
 The last replied in like manner that he would be as his uncle the 
 Monseigneur of Grenoble, to whom he was in like manner given, and who 
 shortly after became Chanoine of the Church of Notre Dame ; and later, 
 by the same interest as his brother the monk, became Abbot and 
 Bishop of Glandeves, in Provence. 
 
 Here we shall bid farewell to the other brothers, and return to the 
 history of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, and of how 
 his father furthered his interests. 
 
 Arms of Laurent Alleman, Bishop of Grenoble. 
 After the Statuta synodalia nova Episcopatus Gratiatwpolis, 
 piibhshed in 1494 by Laurent Alleman. 
 
View of the Chateau Bayard and the ruins of the Grande- Chartreuse. 
 From a photograph. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Of how the father of the good Chcvaher sans pcur ct sans reprochc sent unto his brother- 
 in-law, the Bishop of Grenoble, to speak with him, for that he himself could not leave 
 his dwelling. 
 
 leagues.^ Which bidding the good Bishop, who never in his life was 
 tardy to give pleasure unto others, obeyed right willingly. He set 
 forth speedily on receiving the letter, and with despatch arrived at 
 the house of Bayard, there to find his brother-in-law seated by the 
 
 ^ This was Gallia Christiana, a bishop of extreme piety, a friend of St. Francois de 
 Paul, and worthy to be compared to first Fathers of the Church. 
 2 Sec Appendix. 
 
 FTER the converse held by the father of the good 
 Chevalier with his four children, and because that he 
 could no longer himself ride forth, he sent one of his 
 serving-men, on the morrow, unto Grenoble, to the Bishop, 
 his brother-in-law,^ to entreat of him to come at his good 
 pleasure (for many things he had to say to him) unto 
 his house of Bayard, distant from Grenoble five or six 
 
6 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 fireside, as those of his age are wont to do. Saluting one another, they 
 made that night good cheer together, and with them several other 
 gentlemen of Dauphiny who were there assembled. 
 
 Then, when the hour arrived, each one repaired him to his chamber, 
 there to repose at ease until the morrow's morn, when they arose to 
 hear the mass which the said Bishop of Grenoble chanted ; for each 
 day willingly he held the mass, if he were not ill in person, praying 
 unto our Lord that the prelates of the present time might prove as 
 faithful followers of God, and be as charitable to the poor as he had in 
 his time been !^ 
 
 The mass concluded, they forthwith washed their hands and placed 
 themselves at table, where all were much refreshed and made good 
 cheer ; being served by the good Chevalier with such carefulness and 
 diligence that all remarked thereon.^ Dinner over, and after grace 
 being said, the good old Lord of Bayard commenced in these words to 
 speak to all the company : " My lords and gentlemen, the reason why 
 I have bidden you all hither it is now time to declare ; for all here are 
 my kinsfolk and my friends, and must perceive that I am so oppressed by 
 the feebleness of old age, that it were well-nigh impossible for me to 
 live for two years longer. God has given unto me four sons ; of each 
 one have I enquired what he would wish to be. And amongst them 
 my son Pierre has told me that he will follow the career of arms ; the 
 which has given me strange pleasure, inasmuch as he much resembles 
 my grandfather, your kinsman. And if in service he also resembles him, 
 'twere impossible that he be not, if he lives, a great and goodly man, 
 at the which I trust that all here, my kinsfolk and friends, will feel 
 contentment. It is needful for me, as a beginning, to place him in the 
 household of some prince or lord, that he may learn to behave himself 
 with courtesy ; and that where, when more advanced in years, he may 
 learn the use of arms. I therefore do entreat each one of you to give 
 me council in his behalf as to with whom I may best place him." 
 
 Then said one of the most advanced in years amongst them, " He 
 must be sent unto the King of France." 
 
 Another said that he would do well with the house of Bourbon. And 
 thus one and another each in turn proffered advice. But the Bishop of 
 
 ^ This was written under the Renaissance, at a time when there was a laxity of 
 ecclesiastical discipline. 
 
 ^ It was a custom observed by the sons of the most noble houses. Terrebass 
 relates, after Froissart, that Gaston de Foix served at the table of Count Phoebus, 
 his father. 
 
CEREMONY OF PUTTING ON THE ARMOUR OF A KNIGHT. 
 
 (Fragment of an ancient tapestry from the Chateau de Bayard. 
 Collection of the late M. Jubinal.) 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 9 
 
 Grenoble spoke and said, " My brother, you know that bonds of amity 
 exist 'twixt us and Duke Charles of Savoy, and that we count ourselves 
 amongst his faithful followers. I believe that right willingly he will 
 consent to take this boy as page. He is at Chambery : it is not far 
 from here. If it seem good to you and to the company, I will conduct 
 him there at morn to-morrow, after having well equipped him with a 
 good and serviceable horse, the which -I purchased but a few days 
 since from the Lord of Uriage." ^ 
 
 View ot the Chateau d' Uriage. From a photograph. 
 
 The counsel of the Bishop of Grenoble was held to be good by all the 
 company, above all by the said Lord of Bayard, who delivered unto 
 him his son, saying : " Here, my lord, and I pray to God the boy may 
 do you honour throughout his life." 
 
 Then forthwith the said Bishop sent messengers unto the town to 
 summon his tailor, bidding him bring with him velvet, satin, and other 
 fabrics necessary for the equipment of the good Chevalier. He came, 
 
 ^ This Lord of Uriage was a relative ; he was called Guiguc Alleman, and had a 
 son named Soffrey, who plays a part in this history under the name of Captain du 
 Molart. 
 
10 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 and worked throughout the night, so that on the morrow all was in 
 readiness. 
 
 And, after having breakfasted, mounted on his palfrey he presented 
 himself to all the company who were in the castle's inner court, just as 
 he would present himself unto the Duke of Savoy.^ When the horse 
 felt so light a load upon him, added to which the child wore spurs 
 which pricked him, he made four or five plunges, at which the 
 company much feared he would unseat the boy. But, in place of as 
 they dreamt his crying for aid on feeling the horse bounding beneath 
 him, fearless of heart, bold as a lion, he spurred it several times, com- 
 pelling it to circle round the said court, in the end bringing the horse 
 to reason, as if he had been thirty years of age. 
 
 There was no concealing the old father's joy, as smilingly he enquired 
 of his son if he felt no fear, for it was but fifteen days since he had 
 quitted school.^ The which replied, with much assurance, " My lord, I 
 hope that, with God's help, before six years are over, to be able to 
 guide this or another in more dangerous places ; for here I am in the 
 midst of friends, and I may then be amongst enemies of the master 
 I shall be serving." 
 
 " Now, come, come ! " said the good Bishop of Grenoble, who was 
 ready to depart ; " my friend and nephew, dismount not, but take thus 
 farewell of all the company." 
 
 Then the youth, with joyful countenance, addressed himself to his 
 father, to whom he said : My lord and father, I pray to God that He 
 may grant to you a long and happy life, and to me the happiness 
 that, before leaving this world, you may have good tidings of me." 
 
 "My friend," said the father, "I also pray that it so be." And then 
 bestowed on him his blessing. After the which, he took his leave of 
 all the gentlemen there present, each one in turn, who saw with much 
 contentment his happy countenance. 
 
 His poor lady mother was in a tower of the castle tenderly weeping ; 
 for, although she felt joyful as regarded the future of her son, her 
 mother's love caused her to weep. Nevertheless, when they came 
 to her saying : " If thou wouldst see thy son, he is already mounted 
 and ready for departure," the good lady quitted the tower from behind, 
 her son advancing towards her, to whom she said these words : " Pierre, 
 my child, you are going into the service of a noble prince ; and inasmuch 
 
 ^ This Duke of Savoy was Charles I. ; he was son of a niece of Louis XL 
 ^ See Appendix. 
 
HE BROUGHT HIS HORSE TO REASON— AS IF HE WERE THIRTY YEARS 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 13 
 
 as a mother can command her child, I command three things of thee, 
 to do which I entreat of thee, and if thou doest them, be assured that 
 thou wilt live triumphantly in this world. The first is, that above all 
 things thou shalt love and fear God's service. Neither offend Him, if it 
 be possible ; for it is He that created us all, it is He that makes us 
 live, it is He that saves us, and without Him and His grace we are 
 unable to do one good thing in this world. Each night and each 
 morning recommend thyself to Him, and He will assist thee. The 
 second is, that thou be gentle and courteous unto all men ; keeping 
 
 Ruined Tower of the Castle of Bayard. From a photograph. 
 
 thyself from all pride. Be humble and useful to all men. Be neither a 
 liar nor a slanderer. Be sober both in eating and in drinking. Fly 
 from envy, for it is an ugly vice. Be neither a flatterer nor a tale- 
 bearer, for such men do not attain to great perfection. Be loyal in 
 word and in deed. Be a man of your word. Help poor widows and 
 orphans, and God will reward you. And thirdly, that, with the goods 
 that God gives unto thee, be charitable to the poor and needy ; for 
 giving to God's honour impoverishes no man ; and believe me, my child, 
 that such charities will profit you much both in body and in soul. 
 There, that is all wherewith I charge you. I much think that your 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 father and I will not live long time further. May God give us at 
 least the happiness, whilst we still live, of always hearing good tidings 
 of you ! " 
 
 Then the good Chevalier, though of such tender years, replied : 
 "Madam, my mother, for your good teaching, as humbly as is 
 possible, I thank you, and hope so faithfully to follow it (by the grace 
 of Him to whom you recommend me) as to content you. And lastly, 
 after recommending myself most humbly to your good graces, I must 
 bid farewell of thee." 
 
 Then the good dame drew from out her sleeve a tiny purse, the 
 which contained but six crowns in gold and one in silver, which she 
 presented unto her son. And calling to her one of the Bishop of 
 Grenoble's (her brother) serving-men, to whom she handed a small 
 box, in the which was sundry linen for the necessities of her son, praying 
 him that, when he should be presented to my Lord of Savoy, he would 
 ask the servitor of the esquire under whom he should be placed to 
 take the charge thereof, until such time as when he should be older 
 — and handed him two crowns to give to him. At this moment the 
 Bishop of Grenoble took leave of all the company and called his 
 nephew, who, finding himself again upon his noble steed, believed 
 himself in Paradise. They took the straight road into Chambery, where 
 at that time tarried the Duke Charles of Savoy. 
 
 Golden Crown of Charles VI 11 (Cabinet de France) 
 
LA VILLE KT CHASTKxVV DE CHAMBERY PARLEMEMT JEIA .SAVQYE 
 
 Ancient View of Chambery.* 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of how the Bishop of Grenoble presented his nephew, the good Chevaher sans peur et 
 sans reproche, to Duke Charles of Savoy, who received him cordially. 
 
 N his departure from the castle of Bayard, which was 
 one Saturday after midday, rode forth the said Bishop 
 of Grenoble, arriving that same evening at the town 
 of Chambery, into the which his clergy preceded 
 him, for the said town has from all time been of the 
 bishopric of Grenoble,^ and had its own court and 
 officials. He lodged himself with a notable citizen. 
 The Duke had repaired to his own house, with a 
 goodly number of lords and gentlemen, both of Savoy and Piedmont. 
 That evening, remained the said Bishop of Grenoble in his apartments, 
 not showing himself at Court ; nevertheless the Duke had been informed 
 that he was in the town, which gave him pleasure, because that the 
 said Bishop was (if thus they can be called in this world) one of the 
 
 ^ National Library ; Topographie de la FraJice. 
 
 ^ It did not become episcopal until the eighteenth century. 
 
i6 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 most saintly and devout personages known unto him. The next day, 
 which was Sunday, he arose betimes, to go and pay his reverence to 
 the Duke of Savoy, who received him smiHngly, making him well to 
 understand that his coming pleased him greatly. He conversed with 
 him all the length of road betwixt his dwelling and the church, where 
 he went to hear the mass, at the which he served the said Duke, in 
 manner which belongeth to such princes, giving unto him to kiss the 
 gospels and the wafer. When mass was over, the Duke led him by 
 hand to dine with him, where, during the said dinner, was his nephew 
 the good Chevalier, who served to him the drink with great good 
 order, and behaved himself discreetly. The Duke, attracted much by 
 his extreme youth, at length enquired of the Bishop : Monseigneur of 
 Grenoble, who is the young child who serves unto you the drink ? " 
 
 " My lord," replied he, " he is a man-at-arms that I have come to 
 make you present of, but he is not yet in fit state to present to you. 
 After dinner, if it be your pleasure, you shall see him." 
 
 " Truly," said the Duke, who had already taken much fancy unto 
 him, " it would be strange if such a present were refused." 
 
 Now the good Chevalier, who had been listening to his uncle while 
 attending on him, cared not at all for the morsels after dinner, but betook 
 himself unto his lodgment, where having saddled his palfrey, on the 
 which, after having set himself in order, he mounted, and went at a 
 slow pace into the courtyard of the house of the said Duke of Savoy, 
 who had already left his hall, and lent over one of his galleries. He 
 saw the young child enter, who made his horse caracole in manner as if 
 he were a man of thirty years who all his life had been used to warfare. 
 He then addressed himself unto the Bishop of Grenoble, to whom 
 he said : " Monseigneur of Grenoble, I believe this to be your protege 
 who so well bestrides that horse." 
 
 The Bishop replied : " My lord, it is my nephew. He comes of 
 goodly race, from which have sprung many valiant knights. His father, 
 who, from his wounds received in divers wars and battles at the which 
 he was, is much enfeebled and much aged, and thus is quite unable to 
 come to you. He recommends himself most humbly to your kind 
 graciousness, and presents this boy to you." 
 
 " In truth," replied the Duke, I accept him willingly. The present 
 is a good and honest one. May God make a brave man of him ! " 
 
 Then commanded he one his esquires of the stable, whom he much 
 trusted, to take charge of the young Bayard, Vvho, to his thinking, 
 would turn out a good man. After this, the Bishop of Grenoble tarried 
 
tliSTORY OF Bayard. 
 
 17 
 
 no longer at Grenoble, after having humbly thanked the Duke of Savoy, 
 and taking leave of him, returned him to his house. Whilst the said 
 Duke tarried some time further at Chambery, when he determined him 
 to go and see the King of France, Charles VI I L, who was then in his 
 town of Lyons, where he was holding good times with jousts, tourna- 
 ments, and other pastimes. 
 
 Ancient Seal of the Town of Lyons. 
 
 C 
 
The Duke of Savoy and his Council.^ 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Of how the Duke of Savoy quitted Chambery to pay respects to Cliarles VIII., King of 
 f^rance, in his town of Lyons, taking with him the good Chevaher sans peur et sans 
 reproche, then his page. 
 
 HE good Chevalier remained as page unto the Duke 
 of Savoy for about the space of half a year, when he 
 made himself beloved by great and small, as never so 
 young a child had been before. He was of use to 
 lords and ladies to a marvellous degree. In all 
 things there was neither page nor lord who could 
 "X/^ compare with him, for he jumped, wrestled, threw the 
 
 bar,^ for his size, and amongst other things bestrode a horse as well as 
 it were possible, thus making his good master bear such love towards 
 him as if he were his son. 
 
 One day, the Duke of Savoy being at Chambery, making much 
 
 ' National Library, Ms. fr., No. 7140. 
 The throwing of stones, bars and pieces of iron was a military exercise, and is 
 mentioned several times in La Petit Jchaii dc Saintrr. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 19 
 
 pageant, determined to go unto the King of France at Lyons, where 
 at that time he was surrounded by his princes and gentlemen, leading 
 a merry life, and daily holding jousts and tournaments, and in the 
 evenings dances and revellings with ladies of the place, who were 
 comely and had much grace. And, the truth to tell, this good King 
 
 Seal of Charles VIII.' 
 
 Charles was one of those good princes, both liberal and courteous to 
 a fault. He loved and feared God, and made no oaths excepting such 
 as par la foi de moii co?ys ! or some such protestation. It was to be 
 lamented when death took him so soon, as at the age of eight-and- 
 twenty years, for whilst he lived he had achieved great things. 
 
 ' National Archives. 
 
 C 2 
 
20 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The said King Charles knew how the Duke of Savoy was coming to 
 pay respects to him, and that he was already at Verpilliere, and 
 would that night be at, Lyons. Sent out to meet him a noble prince 
 
 ' He found himself to be at the same time related to both the King and the Duke, 
 for his mother was Mane of Savoy, aunt of Charles VIII., and his father was the 
 constable of Saint-Pol. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 21 
 
 two leagues or thereabouts from Lyons, where there were cordial 
 greetings 'twixt the said Duke and Lord de Ligny, both distinguished 
 men. They conversed long together, and then the Lord de Ligny's 
 eye fell on the young Bayard, the which was on his steed, who trotted 
 boldly out, and formed a goodly spectacle. The Lord de Ligny said 
 unto the Duke of Savoy : " My lord, there you have a page who rides 
 a goodly steed, and, what is more, he rides it prettily." 
 
 " On my faith ! " said the Duke, " it is scarce six months since the 
 Bishop of Grenoble made me a present of him. He had but quitted 
 school, but I have never seen a youth disport himself, at his age, more 
 bravely both on horseback and on foot, and with greater grace. And I 
 do advise you, my lord and cousin, that he comes from a race of brave 
 and bold gentlemen, whom I believe he will resemble." 
 
 He then said to the good Chevalier : " Bayard, spur ! Give your 
 horse a gallop ! " 
 
 The which the young child, desiring nothing better, did instantly, and 
 well he knew how to do it. The gallop over, he made his horse 
 caracole, the which, full of high courage, gave three or four wonderful 
 bounds, delighting the whole company. 
 
 " Upon my word, my lord ! " exclaimed the Lord de Ligny, " there 
 is indeed a youth who, to my thinking, will make a noble gallant if 
 he lives. And I advise of you to give both horse and page as present 
 to the King, for he will be much pleased thereat, the horse being strong 
 and handsome, and the page, to my thinking, still better." 
 
 " On my soul ! " said the Duke, " as thou counsellest me, so will I do. 
 The young child, for the future, could learn in no better school than 
 that of France, where from all time honour has made her sojourn 
 longer than in all other princely houses." 
 
 They then proceeded along the road before them into Lyons, where 
 the streets were full of people, with fair ladies at the windows to see 
 them pass. For, in all truth, this Duke of Savoy was a both good and 
 handsome prince, and well escorted ; in looking at him one felt he 
 was the prince of a great house. 
 
 He went for that night, which was one Wednesday, straight to his 
 lodgment, and kept with him the Lord de Ligny and another, named 
 the Lord de Avenes (son of Sire Albret and brother to the King of 
 Navarre, who was both a brave and accomplished lord), to sup with him, 
 and several other lords and gentlemen ; and during the repast they were 
 enlivened by the players and minstrels of the King. That night the 
 
22 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Duke of Savoy quitted not his lodgment, but joined in several games 
 and pastimes, and then they brought round wines and spices, the which 
 partaken of, each one retired him to his separate dwelling until the 
 morrow. 
 
 Seal of Duke of Savoy. 
 
Marshall Gie as a man-at-arms.' 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Of how the Duke of Savoy went to pay his reverence to the King of France at his own 
 dwelling, and of the warm and cordial greeting accorded unto hini. 
 
 N Thursday morning arose the Duke of Savoy, and, 
 after putting himself in order, wished to go and seek 
 the King ; but ere his departure from his lodgings, the 
 aforesaid Lords of De Ligny and Avenes, together 
 with the Marshal Gie, who at that time was much 
 esteemed in France, came to him, to whom he bid 
 good-morrow. And after marching to the dwelling 
 of the King, who already was about to start to hear mass at 
 the Convent of Cordeliers, the which he had had built at the request 
 of a devout monk called Brother John Bourgeois, at one end of 
 that environ of Lyons called V'aise. And he had given unto this said 
 
 This Marshall Gie was a Rohan, who conceived the fancy of having himself 
 represented on a tapestry, together with his different ranks, such as : man-at-arms, 
 standard-bearer, ensign, captain, marshal. A copy of this composition exists in the 
 Gagnieres Collection, and was used by us as a model for the engravings that we give 
 here and on page 25. 
 
24 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 monk much, as also later did his good and royal spouse, Ann, 
 Duchess of Bretagne. The Duke of Savoy found the King about to 
 quit his room, to whom he made the reverence such as was due to so 
 high and noble a prince. But the good King, full of humility, raised 
 and embraced him, saying — 
 
 " My friend and cousin, you are indeed most welcome ! I am rejoiced 
 to see you, and in truth you have done well ; for had you not come 
 unto me, I had determined to visit you in your own province, where I 
 should have caused thee still further expenditure." 
 
 To which the good Duke replied : " My Lord, it were difficult to my 
 thinking to spend too much on your reception. My regret alone would 
 have been that on your arrival in my province, which is your own, our 
 inability to receive you as befitted so mighty and magnanimous . a 
 prince as you are. But I pray you be assured that my heart, my 
 body, and my experience, if there be a God, are at your service as 
 much as the least of your subjects." 
 
 Then the King, reddening a little, thanked him. And mounting on 
 their mules they proceeded together through the town to the said 
 Convent of the Cordeliers, where they devoutly went to attend mass ; 
 and when the time of the offering arrived, was handed by the Duke of 
 Savoy to the King the crown to give unto our Lord, as has always 
 been the custom of the Kings of France, as to the Prince whom he 
 would honour most. 
 
 Mass over, they remounted their mules to return them to their dwellings, 
 when the King retained the Duke of Savoy to dine with him, and also 
 the aforementioned Lords of de Ligny and of Avenes. During the 
 dinner, they held converse on divers matters, such as of dogs, birds, 
 arms and loves; and amongst other things the Lord de Ligny said 
 unto the King: "Sire, I do declare to you that my Lord of Savoy 
 wishes to present to you a page who bestrides a strong palfrey most 
 prettily — as well as any boy that I have ever seen — though I believe 
 he be not more than fourteen years of age ; but he manages his horse 
 as one of thirty years. If it may please you to go to vespers at Ainay, 
 you can there see him." 
 
 ''By my faith!" replied the King, ''that I will do." Then looking 
 towards the Duke of Savoy, he said to him: "My cousin, who gave 
 unto you this goodly page of whom our Cousin de Ligny speaks ? " 
 
 To which the Duke replied: "My Lord, he is one of your subjects, 
 and belongs to a house in your province of Dauphiny, from which have 
 come many gallant gentlemen. His uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble, 
 
MARSHAL DE GIE IN COSTUMES OF STANDARD-BEARER, ENSIGN, GENERAL, AND MARSHAL. 
 
 (Recueil de Gatgnieres.) 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 27 
 
 half a year since, made present of him to me. My lord and cousin 
 has set eyes on him, and declares that he is pleased with him ; you 
 at your good pleasure can see both horse and page upon the meadows 
 of Ainay," 
 
 The good Chevalier was not then present ; but being told of how the 
 King desired to see him on horseback, and believe that had he taken 
 the city of Lyons, he could not have been better pleased. He went 
 him forthwith unto the Duke of Savoy's master-stableman, by name 
 Pizou de Chenas, to whom he said : " Sir ! my friend, I understand 
 that the King has desired my lord to see my palfrey, dinner over, with 
 me thereon. I do entreat of thee, as much as I am able, that thou put 
 him in good order, and I will most willingly give unto thee my short 
 dagger." 
 
 The master groom, seeing the eagerness of the young boy, said unto 
 him : Bayard, my friend, retain thy dagger, I wish not for it ; go 
 thou only to wash and dress thyself, and thy horse will be in readiness 
 for thee. And may it please God at this hour that you find grace in 
 the King's eyes ! For he has power to bring thee much advancement, that 
 some day, by God's help, you may be as great a lord as I desire 
 for you." 
 
 By my good faith. Sir," said the good Chevalier, " I never will 
 forget the courtesy that thou hast shown to me since such time as I 
 have been of my lord's household ; and if God ever gives unto me 
 advancement, thou shalt perceive the same." 
 
 Instantly ascending to the chamber of his esquire, he brushed 
 his garments, and with care accoutred himself as well as it were 
 possible, awaiting the summons which retarded not. For, 'twixt the 
 hours of two and three, came unto them the Duke of Savoy's master 
 of the horse, the which took charge of Bayard, who came to summon 
 him, and found him ready. 
 
 Said unto him quite vexedly ; " Bayard, my friend, I see well that I 
 am to have you no longer, for I do hear that my lord has already 
 given you as present unto the King, who desires to see you upon your 
 steed upon the meadows of Ainay. I am not vexed at your advance- 
 ment, but, on my soul ! I much regret to part from you." 
 
 To which replied the young Bayard : " My lord and esquire, may God 
 give me strength to hold to those virtues which thou hast shown to me 
 since that my lord has placed me in thy keeping ! If I am able, by 
 reason of your help, never to feel ashamed of such things that I do, 
 and if in future time it be within my power to do thee service, thou 
 
28 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 wilt then be able to know how much I hold myself indebted to 
 thee." 
 
 After having said these words, they delayed no longer, for the 
 appointed hour drew near. The esquire mounted his horse, also the 
 good Chevalier mounted himself upon his stallion, the which was so 
 well-groomed and accoutred that nothing was left to be desired. They 
 went to the meadows of Ainay, there to await the King and all his 
 retinue, for the Prince had gone by water down the Saone. 
 
 On alighting from the boat, he went on to the meadow to see the 
 
 Page oil horseback.' 
 
 young Bayard upon his stallion, together with his esquire, and com- 
 menced to cry to him : " Page, my friend, put spurs into thy horse ! " 
 
 The which he did at once, and he seemed, seeing him depart, that 
 all his life he had been given up to such as this. The gallop over, 
 making his horse to bound and finish with the two or three great leaps, 
 then, saying nothing, reined his horse round and stood before the King, 
 stopping short before him, in such a manner that not alone the King 
 but all the company were greatly pleased. Then said the King unto 
 my Lord of Savoy : 
 
 " My cousin, it were impossible better to guide a horse." 
 
 ^ Bibliotheque Nationale. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 29 
 
 Then calling to the page, he said to him : Pique, Pique encore un 
 coup ! " 
 
 After these words the pages cried to him : " Piquez, Piquez," in such 
 a manner that for ever after he was surnamed Picqiict. 
 
 " Truly again," said the King unto the Duke, " I see before mine eyes 
 that which my Cousin de Ligny told to me at dinner ; not waiting for 
 you to give to me both page and horse, I now demand them of you." 
 
 " My lord," replied the Duke of Savoy, the master is yours, and 
 therefore what is his must also be, and by God's grace may he do you 
 good service ! " 
 
 By my good faith ! " replied the King, " it were impossible for him 
 not to become a worthy man. Cousin de Ligny, I give into your 
 keeping this page ; but I wish that he should not lose his horse, the 
 which is to remain in your own stable." 
 
 Then the said Lord de Ligny, thanking the King humbly, felt himself 
 well satisfied to have received this present ; for he with justice thought that 
 he would grow to be a man to do him much credit, the which did later 
 come to pass. For three years only was the good Chevalier page in the 
 house of the Lord de Ligny, after which time, at the age of seventeen, 
 he appointed him into his company, at the same time retaining him 
 as one of the gentlemen of his household. 
 
 Arms of Ligny. 
 
View of Lyons, from an engraving of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Of how a gentleman of Burgundy, named Messir Claude de Vaudrey, came unto 
 Lyons, by the desire of the King of France, to do feats of arms, as well on horseback 
 as on foot, and bring his shields, that all who touched the same should be received in 
 combat. And of how the good Chevalier, three days after he ceased to be a page, 
 touched all the shields. 
 
 j-jHE Duke of Savoy remained at Lyons still some time 
 longer, where they all held good cheer, together with 
 the King and other princes and French nobles. Being- 
 advised that it was time to return to his own province, 
 he demanded leave to do so, which was with regret 
 granted unto him — and the good company he had to 
 leave. 
 
 The King gave unto him many goodly gifts, he being most generous. 
 Thus retui-ned the good Duke Charles of Savoy unto his own kingdom. 
 The King of France went, two or three years, to visit him in his 
 kingdom, and found himself in the said town of Lyons, ^ where there had 
 
 ^ lliis second visit was in the month of April 149S. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 31 
 
 arrived a gentleman of Burgundy, named Messir Claude de Vaudrey, 
 an expert man at arms, and who desired much to follow the same. 
 He made request unto the King that, to guard against the idleness of 
 all young gentlemen, he would permit of him to hold an assault, for 
 those on horseback as well as those on foot, for thrusts of lance and 
 blows of axe. The which was granted him, for the good King desired 
 not, after God's service, of which he was most careful, but happy 
 pastimes. 
 
 Then the said Messir Claude de Vaudrey prepared his courts as 
 best he could, and hung his shields in place where all such gentlemen 
 as had desire could see them coming, and touching them, could write 
 their names down with the king-at-arms, who had the charge thereof 
 One day, passing in front the shields, the good Chevalier, who 
 already, from the name given him by the King at Ainay, was called 
 Picquet by all, thought to himself: "Alas! my God! If I but knew 
 how to equip myself, how willingly would I touch these shields to 
 know and learn the use of arms ! " 
 
 And on this he halted and remained in meditation. 
 
 Along with him was one of his companions who had been also in 
 the house of Lord de Ligny, by name Bellabre,^ who said to him : 
 " Of what dreamest thou, my friend ? Thou seemest to me quite 
 dazed." 
 
 " On my faith, friend," he replied, " I am so, and I will explain to 
 you the reason thereof presently. 
 
 " My lord has seen fit to raise me from a page ; and by his kindness, 
 has accoutred me and placed me amongst the order of gentlemen. It 
 seems to me it would be honourable to touch these shields of Messir 
 Claude de Vaudrey, but I know not, when it has been done, who will 
 furnish me with the equipment and the horses." 
 
 Then replied Bellabre, who was older than him, and a bold youth 
 (one thing I would advise all reading this history, that from the care 
 of this noble Lord de Ligny have quitted fifty gentlemen, of which 
 thirty have been most valiant and virtuous captains in their life) : " My 
 friend, thou thinkest of that ? Have you not your uncle, this great 
 Abbot of Ainay. I vow to God that we shall go to him, and if he 
 will not furnish what is needful, we shall take his staff and mitre ; but I 
 believe that when he knows your good desires, he will assist you 
 willingly." 
 
 ' Pierre de Pocqiiiercs, Lord of Bellabre and of la Marche (Roman). 
 
32 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 And, on these words he touched the shields. Montjoie, king-at-arms, 
 who being there to write the names, began to say to him : 
 
 " Hallo ! Picquet, my friend, you will not have a beard these three 
 years, and you undertake to fight against Messir Claude, who is one of 
 the boldest knights now known ? " 
 
 The which replied to him: Montjoie, my friend, that which I do is 
 from no pride or over-confidence, but only from desire to learn the use 
 of arms, little by little, with those who can show me ; and God, if it may 
 
 King-at-arms and Judges at a Tournau.ent.^ 
 
 please Him, may grant me by His grace that I may learn to do that 
 which will please fair ladies." 
 
 At which Montjoie laughed to himself and was much amused. 
 
 The news spread at once throughout all Lyons that Picquet having 
 touched the shields of Messir Claude, came at the end into the hearing 
 of the said Lord de Ligny, who would not have had it so for ten 
 thousand crowns. He went straightway to tell the King thereof, who 
 was well pleased, and said : " By my soul ! Cousin de Ligny, I have 
 presentiment that your late charge will do you much credit." 
 
 " We shall see if it be so," replied the Lord de Ligny ; "he is still too 
 young to withstand the thrusts of Messir Claude." 
 
 Bibliothcquc Nationalc. 
 
D 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 35 
 
 It was bold enough in the good Chevalier to have touched the 
 shields of Messir Claude, but how to find tlie money to furnish him 
 with horses and accoutrements? His friend Bellabre came unto him, to 
 whom he said : 
 
 " Companion, and friend, I pray you be the mediator with mine 
 uncle, Monseigneur of Ainay, that he may give me money. I well 
 know that if my good uncle, Monseigneur of Grenoble, was here, he 
 would let me want for nothing ; but he is at his abbey of Saint-Sernin, 
 at Toulouse. It is far distant ; never could man go there and return 
 in time." 
 
 "Do not distress yourself ! " answered Bellabre; "we shall, you and I, 
 
 View of Lyons, the Guillioiiere Quarter. From an Engraving of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 go to-morrow morn to speak with him, and I trust well shall make 
 good our case." 
 
 This reassured somewhat the good Chevalier ; nevertheless he could 
 not rest that night. Bellabre and he slept in one chamber. They next 
 day rose and placed themselves in one of those small boats of Lyons, 
 to take them unto Ainay. There descending, the first man that they 
 met upon the meadow was the Abbot, saying his prayers, in company 
 with one of his monks. 
 
 They went forward and saluted both the gentlemen ; but he, having 
 already heard mention that his nephew had touched the shields of Messir 
 Claude de Vaudrey, did not grant them much favour, but accosting 
 
 I) 2 
 
36 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 thus his nephew, said to him : " Ho ! master boastful, from whence got 
 you this temerity to touch the shields of Messir Claude de Vaudrey ? 
 It is but three days since you were a page, and have not now lived 
 
 Saint-Sernin. From a Photograph. 
 
 more than seventeen years : you are of an age still to be whipped, 
 and you to show so great a conceit ! " 
 
 To which the good Chevalier replied, Monseigneur, I do assure you 
 by my faith that from no pride I did it ; but my desire and wish to 
 come by virtuous deeds, to the same honour that my forefathers and 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 37 
 
 yours have come, has given me this boldness. I therefore do entreat of 
 you, my lord, as much as I am able, seeing that I have neither kinsman 
 nor friend here to whom I can at present have recourse, except 
 yourself, that it be your good pleasure to grant me aid of what is 
 needful to obtain that which is necessary for me." 
 
 " By my faith ! " replied the Abbot, you can elsewhere seek for 
 
 Man-at-arms in 1488. From the Mer des ilistoires 
 
 one to lend you money. That which was given by the founders of 
 this abbey was given for God's service, not to dispense in jousts and 
 tournaments." 
 
 The which words of the Abbot were taken up by the Lord of 
 Bellabre, who answered him : " Monseigneur, without the virtue and 
 prowess of your ancestors, thou wouldst not have become Abbot of 
 Ainay, for through this means and none other it came about. Thou 
 must bear in mind the benefits received from the past, and hope for 
 some remuneration from feats now done. Your nephew, my com- 
 
38 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 panion, comes of a goodly race, much loved by the King and my lord, 
 our master. He has aspirations for the future, you should be well 
 pleased thereat ; and he much wishes you to render him assistance ; for it 
 will but cost you two hundred crowns to put him in good order, and 
 he may bring you honour worth more than ten thousand." 
 
 They were replied to by the Abbot in divers other strains, but in the 
 end he gave consent to help the aforesaid good Chevalier. 
 
The Abbot taking out his Purse. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of how the Abbot of Ainay handed unto the good Chevaher one hundred crowns to buy 
 two horses, and wrote a letter unto a merchant of Lyons, desiring him to provide him 
 with all that was necessary. 
 
 HERE was long converse held betwixt the Abbot and 
 the two young gentlemen. But in the end he led them 
 to his dwelling, and there opened a small cupboard, 
 where, from a purse that lay therein, he drew one 
 hundred crowns, the which he handed to Bellabre, and 
 said to him : " Young gentleman, there are one hundred 
 crowns the which I give to you to buy two horses for 
 this valiant soldier, for he is still too young in years to act himself; I 
 shall also write one line unto Laurencin to furnish him with habiliments 
 and all that will be needful." 
 
 " It is well done, my lord," answered Bellabre, " and I assure you 
 that, when all men know it, you will be much praised for it. 
 
 He called at once for ink and paper to write unto Laurencin, whom 
 he did order to hand unto his nephew all that would be necessary for 
 accoutrement at this tournament, imagining to himself that it would be 
 
40 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 about the value of one hundred francs of merchandise ; but it proved 
 otherwise, as you shall after learn. 
 
 As soon as the gentlemen had had their letter given unto them, after 
 having taken leave of the Abbot, and the good Chevalier having most 
 humbly thanked him for the courtesy that he had done him, they 
 returned them to their little boat to return to Lyons, quite joyful at their 
 good success. Bellabre was first to speak, and said : " Do you know that 
 which has come to us, my friend. When God sends men good fortune 
 they must make the best of it. That which is taken from the monks 
 is holy bread. Here we have a letter to Laurencin, to give to you all 
 that you may require : go quickly to his dwelling, before your Abbot 
 can think of what he has done ; for he has placed no limit in his said 
 letter as to how much money is to be spent on your accoutrements. 
 And by my faith ! you shall be accoutred for the tournament, and 
 for a whole year besides, for after this you will receive naught else 
 from him." 
 
 The good Chevalier, desiring nothing better, laughed to himself and 
 said : " By my faith ! friend, it is well ; but I pray you let us hasten. 
 For greatly do I fear that, perceiving that which he has done, he will 
 instantly despatch one of his serving-men to say how much money he 
 intends to spend on mine equipment." 
 
 Most right was their conception, as you shall hear. They urged the 
 boatman to hasten, who brought them to in front the Exchange, where 
 they did land, and instantly went straight unto the dwelling of Laurencin, 
 who was at the time in his shop, and they saluted him. And he, who 
 was an honest and good merchant, saluted them likewise. Bellabre 
 commenced to speak and said : " By my faith ! good Laurencin, my 
 companion and I have come from seeing an honest abbot, who is 
 Monseigneur of Ainay." 
 
 " I well believe you, I also say the same," said Laurencin : he is a right 
 good man, and I hold myself to be one of his faithful followers. I 
 have had in my life dealings with him to twenty thousand francs ; and 
 never have I come across more honourable a man." 
 
 " But you do not know his generosity as regards his nephew, my 
 companion here," said Bellabre. Learning that he had touched the 
 shields of Messir Claude de Vaudrey, and that he was wishful to 
 acquire like honours to his ancestors, and knowing that we dwelt 
 together, he sent for both of us this morning. And after we had had 
 good breakfast, gave to his nephew thcee hundred fine crowns to 
 purchase horses, besides his accoutrements ; so that there will be no 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 41 
 
 man in the company better equipped than he. He also handed to us a 
 letter addressed to you, advising you to furnish him with all that will be 
 necessary." Showed him the letter ; he saw at once in it the writing 
 of my lord the Abbot. 
 
 " I do assure you, gentlemen," said Laurencin, " that there is nothing 
 here that is not at your service, nor at that of my lord who writes to 
 me, only make mention you of that which you desire." 
 
 Then were shown to them fabrics of gold, silver, satins, brocades, 
 velvets, and other silks, from which they chose for the Chevalier up to 
 the value of seven to eight hundred francs. And then took leave of 
 him to go unto their dwelling ; and instantly sent out for tailors to do 
 their bidding. 
 
 Now we return for a while to the Abbot, who was well pleased to 
 see his nephew go. Ordered that dinner should be brought, at which 
 he had some guests ; and amongst other converse, commenced to tell 
 aloud : " I have had a terrible gift to make this day ; this boy, my 
 nephew Bayard, has been so fool-hardy as to touch the shields of 
 Messir Claude, and to equip himself has come this morning to ask 
 money of me. I gave to him one hundred crowns ; but still that is 
 not all, for I have also written to Laurencin to hand to him all that 
 he shall ask for to equip himself with casaque and other things."^ 
 
 To which replied the sacristan of the place : " By my faith ! Mon- 
 seigneur, you have well done ; he is wishful to follow the prowess of my 
 lord your grandfather, who was a valiant man, as were all his kinsmen. 
 I see no harm in this but the one thing ; he is but young and wilful. 
 You have written to Laurencin to furnish him with all that he shall 
 ask for ; I am assured that he will do it, and that it will be the 
 matter of two thousand crowns ; I much fear that he will take more 
 than you did intend to give." 
 
 The Abbot instantly thought thereon and answered : " By Saint 
 Jacques ! thou speakest truth ; for I gave to him no limit." Then said 
 he, Call unto me my steward " (who came at once). This instant, 
 Nicolas," said the Abbot, " another will serve in your stead ; go into 
 the town unto Laurencin, and tell him that I wrote to him this morning, 
 to furnish habiliments unto my nephew Bayard for the said tournament of 
 Messir Claude de Vaudrey. That he shall give to him the value of 
 one hundred or one hundred and twenty francs, not more, and do but 
 go and hasten back again." 
 
 ^ A robe was then worn above the cuirass. 
 
42 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The said steward soon started, but it was then late. When he 
 arrived at Laurencin's, he was at table, but because an intimate, he 
 ascended at once and hailed the company there assembled. 
 
 " My good sir," said Laurencin, " you come in good time ; wash 
 thine hands and come and sup with us." 
 
 " I thank you," he replied ; " it is not that that brings me. My lord 
 has sent me here, because he wrote to you this day to furnish his 
 nephew with some accoutrements." 
 
 Laurencin not knowing why he said this, said, " My good sir, this 
 
 Tailor of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 is already done. I lost no time in doing so. He is a very comely 
 youth ; my lord did well in thus assisting him." 
 
 " And for how much was the order given you } " enquired the steward. 
 
 " I do not know, upon my word," said he, " if I look not to my 
 papers and receipts which are put down upon the back of my lord's 
 letter, but I should think about eight hundred francs." 
 
 "Ah! By our lady! you have spoilt all." 
 
 " Wherefore } " enquired Laurencin. 
 
 "Because of this," replied the steward, "that my lord has sent me 
 
 ^ After Jost Amnion. 
 
History of Bayard. 43 
 
 unto you to tell you to hand to him but for one hundred or one 
 hundred and twenty francs." 
 
 " His letter says not so," replied Laurencin-; " and since he ordered 
 more, he more has had ; for thus he ordered, my good sir." 
 
 " Nor is there now a remedy," remarked the steward ; " to God I 
 commend you." 
 
 He returned to Ainay and found there still the company which he 
 had left. 
 
 When the Abbot saw his steward, he said to him : " Well, Nicolas, 
 have you told that unto Laurencin ? " 
 
 Old Houses at Lyons. 
 
 "Well yes, my lord, but I arrived too late. Your nephew had 
 already reaped his harvest, and has only taken his worth of eight 
 hundred francs." 
 
 "Eight hundred francs! Holy Mary!" exclaimed the Abbot; "there 
 is a graceless good-for-nothing. Go instantly, you know his dwelling ; 
 find him, and tell him that if he does not instantly give back Laurencin 
 that which he has taken, he will never receive from me one other 
 farthing." 
 
 The steward did as my lord commanded him, and went to Lyons, 
 thinking to find his man, who had bethought himself of this disclosure 
 and had told his serving-man : " If any man from my Lord of Ainay 
 
44 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 comes to enquire for me, make what excuse you will, I will not speak 
 with him." And this was told to all those in the dwelling. 
 
 When the steward came to ask for him, they made reply to him 
 that he was at my Lord de Ligny's ; he went thither, and found him 
 not. Returned unto the dwelling : they told him he had gone to try 
 some horses down by the Rhone. In short, he made ten trials, but 
 could not meet with him. He then went home, for he saw well it was 
 a mockery. Arrived at Ainay, he told Monseigneur 'twere but lost 
 time to seek his nephew, for he had been more than ten times to his 
 house without finding him, the doors being shut to him. Then said 
 the Abbot, By mine honour ! he is a bad boy ; but he will repent 
 thereof" 
 
 His anger passed as best it might, but he did nothing more. Let 
 us cease to speak of him and return us to the good Chevalier and his 
 companion, and tell of how they prospered with their doings. 
 
Knights prepared for the Joust. After Jost Amnion. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of how the good Chevaher, sans peiir et sans reproche, and his companion mounted their 
 steeds in full equipment, and of how the said good Chevaher behaved himself creditably, 
 considering his strength, against Messir Claude de Vaudrey. 
 
 T may easily be understood, that as when the good 
 Chevalier and his companion had obtained from Laii- 
 rencin such things as they desired, they did not 
 tarry longer in his dwelling. Dreading what might 
 come to pass, but chose all things needful with much 
 despatch. 
 
 Returning to their dwelling, they forthwith sent for 
 tailors to make for each of them their casaques, to 
 wear above their armour ; for it was the good Chevalier's wish that 
 his companion should be dressed as he himself was ; for that they had 
 all things in common. After that they had given orders as to their 
 habiliments, Bellabre said, " Friend, we now must go and seek for 
 horses. I know a gentleman of Piedmont ; lodging now at Grenette 
 who has a strong horse, well-shaped, and a goodi mover ; the which 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 I think will do for you ; and I much think that he also has a small 
 bay charger, which is well-looking. I have been told that he desires 
 to part with them, for reason, that but eight days since, whilst riding, 
 he broke a leg ; let us go and enquire about them." 
 It is well advised," replied the good Chevalier. 
 They went by water till reaching Notre-Dame-de-Comfort, where 
 they sought the lodgment of the said Piedmontese gentleman, whom 
 they found in his chamber suffering much with his leg. They saluted 
 him, and he did likewise, as befitted a courteous knight. Bellabre was 
 spokesman, saying : " My good sir, my companion here desires to 
 purchase two of your horses, it having been told us that you wish to 
 sell them, for reason of this accident that has happened you, for which 
 we are much grieved." 
 
 On my faith ! sirs," replied the gentleman, " it is the case, and is 
 grievous to me, for these horses are good and well-looking ! But since 
 it is God's will, it seems, that I shall be still three months longer in 
 this town. Living is dear ; and horses in the stable will cost me their 
 full value. You seem to me to be brave and honest gentlemen. And 
 I should like far better that my horses should fall into your hands than 
 into those of strangers. Mount them, anci try them outside the town 
 with one of mine own men ; and on your return, if they do please 
 you, we shall speak of terms." 
 
 They found the proposal to be an honest one, and forthwith were 
 the horses saddled, on which the Chevalier and his friend mounted, and 
 proceeded to the meadow near La Guillotiere, where after both galloping 
 and trotting they were much pleased with them. 
 
 Returning to the dwelling of the gentleman to come to terms, they 
 enquired of him the price that he demanded for them. 
 
 " By my faith ! " said he, " if I were well, there is not one man on this 
 earth, if I did not wish to make to him a present, who would have 
 had them for two hundred crowns ; but, by my regard for you, I shall 
 be content to let you have the horse for sixty crowns, and the charger 
 for fifty ; making in all one hundred and ten crowns, and less I will 
 not take." 
 
 Seeing at once that in this he was most reasonable, they said naught 
 else but : " Good sir, this you shall have, and henceforth, for all our 
 lives, you will have two gentlemen at your service ; " for which he 
 thanked them. They then drew from out the purse and handed to 
 him one hundred and ten crowns, and two besides, for wine to give 
 unto the serving-men. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 47 
 
 The horses then were led by the young men unto the stables, where 
 they had them well tended to, for it wanted but three days to the 
 commencement of the tournament, heralded by Messir Claude de 
 Vaudrey, where each knight was to disport himself according to his 
 strength. 
 
 It opened with the Messir Claude striding forth according to custom, 
 
 Armour of the Seneschal Galliot. 
 
 and making known the permission he had himself received from the 
 King of France. And on one Monday there were placed upon the 
 ranks or against him essayed several good and valiant gentleman 
 belonging to the household of the good King Charles, such as the 
 
48 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Seneschal Galliot/ at that time accounted a brave and expert man at 
 arms, the young Bonneval, Sandricourt,^ Chatillon, who were amongst 
 the King's most esteemed friends, and many others; where each, as one 
 may fancy, did his best endeavour. Now, it was the custom that, when 
 each knight had finished he was led along the lists, with face un- 
 covered, to the end that all might see the faces of those that had done 
 well or ill. 
 
 Knight. Afier Jost Ammon. 
 
 The good Chevalier, in the eighteenth year of his age, which was 
 extreme youth (for that he was still growing, and was of nature both 
 lean and colourless), entered the ranks, to try as did the others, and 
 then making his first essay which was somewhat rudely dealt ; for had 
 
 ^ He afterwards became Grand Master of Artillery. His armour, here given, is still 
 to be seen in the Musee Artillerie under the No. G. 28. 
 
 ^ This Lord of Sandricourt was so enthusiastic about tourr.aments that he ruined 
 himself about this time with one that he gave which is celebrated still and known 
 by the name of the pas d\innes de ^LVidricourt. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 49 
 
 he not to meet him one of the most expert and finished knights at that 
 time in this world ? 
 
 At any rate, I know not how it came about, or if it were that God 
 wished to succour him, or if it were that Messir Claude de Vaudrey 
 took a strange pleasure in him, but he was found to be the first man 
 in all the combat, as well on horseback as on foot, and that none other 
 had done better nor so well as he. And for this cause all the fair 
 dames of Lyons gave him praise ; for, as has already here been said 
 before, he was obliged, his duties over, to ride along the lists, with face 
 uncovered. For which cause, when they perceived it was the good 
 Chevalier somewhat abashed, the ladies in their Lyonnaise tongue 
 accorded him honours, crying : " Vey vo cistoiL malotrit ! il a mieux fay 
 que tons les autres!' 
 
 And all the rest there present accorded him such praise, that the 
 good King Charles declared at supper, to further honour him : " By 
 mine own honour ! Picquet has made a beginning which to my thinking 
 will lead to a good end." And then remarked to Lord de Ligny : 
 " My cousin, I never made you in my life so good a present as when 
 I gave you him." 
 
 To which the said lord replied : " Sire, if he grows to be a great man, 
 it were more to your honour than to mine ; for it is due to the kind 
 praise accorded by you that he undertakes all this. God grant that he 
 may so go on ! But his uncle, the Abbe of Ainay, takes not much 
 pleasure in it, for he has been provided with both shields and 
 accoutrements at his expense." The which the King having been 
 already informed thereof ; laughed heartily with all the company. 
 
 E 
 
The good Chevalier bidding farewell to Lord de Ligny. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 How Lord de Ligny sent the good Chevalier to join a garrison in Picardy, where at that 
 time was his company, of how he lodged in the picturesque town of Aire, and on his 
 arrival of how his companions went forth to meet him. 
 
 UT a few days after the conclusion of the tournament, one 
 morning Lord de Ligny called unto him the good Chevalier 
 sans peur et sans reproche, to whom he said : " Picquet, my 
 friend, you have begun life with much good fortune, but the 
 fortunes of arms requires still more of you. I shall still retain 
 you as one of my household, at three hundred francs each 
 year, providing thee with three horses and all thy re- 
 quirements,^ and have placed you in my company. 
 " I desire that you do join the garrison and mix with these companions, 
 assuring you that amongst them are some as valiant men-at-arms as 
 to be found in Christendom, and who often make exercise of arms by 
 holding jousts and tournaments, both to gain honour and for the love 
 
 ^ Men-at-arms of this time served at two, three, and four horses ; besides this, 
 every requisite was furnished them. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 51 
 
 of ladies. There seems to me also to be some talk of war, which for 
 you would be most fortunate." 
 
 The good Chevalier desiring nothing better replied : " My lord, I pray 
 you receive my most humble thanks for all the many kindnesses you 
 have already done me, and do do me daily, and pray to our good God 
 to reward you. But at this time is my greatest desire to go and join 
 this company of whom you speak (and I have heard). It were im- 
 possible to remain here all my life. If it be your good pleasure, I shall 
 depart to-morrow." 
 
 The Lord de Ligny said, " That I do agree to, but, firstly, you must 
 go to and bid farewell unto the King, to whom I shall conduct you 
 after dinner;" which doing, they found the King just rising from his 
 table : to whom the Lord de Ligny said : Sire, here is your servant 
 Picquet, who is about to leave us to join his company in Picardy ; he 
 comes to take farewell of you." 
 
 The Chevalier, with composed air, knelt, and the King smilingly 
 looked upon, saying : Picquet, my friend, may you by God's help 
 continue as you have begun, and you will then in time become truly a 
 prudhomme.^ You go into a province where are many fair ladies, 
 endeavour to find favour in their sight. Adieu, my friend." 
 
 " Sire, accept my thanks," replied the good Chevalier. Then being 
 embraced by all the princes and nobles, he bid farewell to several 
 gentlemen, who much bemoaned his thus leaving the court. But not so 
 with him. He had delayed too long, to his thinking, for he fain would 
 have been already on his road, having long wished to go whither he 
 was now going. 
 
 The King called to him one of his varlets who had charge of his 
 coffers, and commanded him to give unto the Chevalier three hundred 
 crowns, likewise presenting him with a fine courser from his own stable ; 
 giving at the same time the varlet thirty crowns, and ten for freight of 
 the said courser. All those who knew thereof praised this generosity 
 much. 
 
 The Lord de Ligny returned with him to his abode ; spoke to the 
 Chevalier that night as would a father, admonishing him above all 
 things to esteem his honour ; which admonition the Chevalier kept until 
 his death. 
 
 When the hour of rest arrived, the Lord de Ligny said to him : 
 " Picquet, my friend, you will be leaving to-morrow betimes, and I may 
 
 ^ A prudhomme at this time meant a man both wise and valiant. 
 
 E 2 
 
52 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 not see you. May God be with you." He then embraced him with 
 tearful countenance, and the good Chevalier on one knee bid him farewell, 
 returning to his lodgment escorted by many of his companions, who 
 also took a warm farewell of him. On going to his chamber he found 
 there the tailor of the said Lord de Ligny, who brought two complete 
 
 French Ladies ia the reign of Louis XiL' 
 
 habiliments for him, a gift from his master, to whom he said : My 
 friend, had I known of this goodly present, I should have thanked my 
 lord, who has already heaped so many favours on me who so little 
 merits them. I beg of you to thank him on my behalf" Taking out 
 his purse he presented him with twenty crowns. 
 
 ^ Bibliolheque Nationale. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 53 
 
 One of his serving-men entered and said to him : " Sir, William the 
 ostler has brought into your stable the great horse belonging to Lord 
 de Ligny, whom he says presents it unto you ; but he has returned 
 home, intending to speak again with thee on the morrow " 
 
 " He will not find me here," said Bayard, " as at daybreak I shall be 
 in the saddle." Then handing the tailor ten crowns, he said to him : 
 " My friend, I beg of you to give this unto William the ostler, on my 
 behalf, at the same time saluting all in that goodly house from me." The 
 which the tailor did. 
 
 Whom quitting the room, the good Chevalier having put all in readiness 
 
 View of Aire.* 
 
 for his departure, retired to rest, it being then almost midnight. Rising 
 betimes, he saw depart his great horses, of which he had in all six, 
 together with his baggage. He himself following with six fine coursers, 
 after having taken leave of his host and hostess, who were well pleased 
 to have had him in their house. His friend Bellabre accompanied him 
 as far as*Arbresle, where they dined. There they took leave of one 
 another, the which was not a serious matter, as three or four days later 
 Bellabre followed his friend, having only waited for the arrival of two 
 great horses which came to him from Spain. 
 
 The good Chevalier travelled by easy stages, as he was taking with 
 him great horses, but at length arrived within three leagues of the town 
 
 ^ Biblioihcquc Nationalc. 
 
54 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 of Aire, into which he sent a servant to find lodgment for him. When 
 the gentlemen of the company heard that Picquet was so near, all 
 mounted their horses, or nearly all, and went forth to meet him, so 
 greatly did they desire to see one, of whose virtues they had heard so 
 much. There were in all one hundred and twenty youthful gentlemen, 
 who met their companion half a league out of the town. It were 
 needless to tell that they greeted him warmly, making great cheer. They 
 proceeded gaily to the town, discussing sundry topics on their way ; the 
 windows were all filled with ladies, all of whom had already heard of the 
 nobleness of heart of the good Chevalier Picquet. All desired to know 
 him ; they saw him, but not so well as they did later. This good Chevalier 
 was then escorted by his friends unto his lodgment, where supper was 
 in readiness ; the servant whom he had sent on before having ordered 
 it. Inviting some of these said companions to it, they had a jovial time, 
 he being asked many questions concerning himself, as to his feelings in 
 having, still so young, done so well against Messir Claude de Vaudrey, 
 praising him to the skies. 
 
 But the good Chevalier not openly showing his delight, answered them 
 courteously thus : " Friends, gentlemen ; the praise accorded to me is 
 undeserved ; and I am still unworthy of it, but I trust that it may please 
 God, with your help, that I may yet become one of the many great 
 men." 
 
 They then let this converse drop, and spoke of other matters. Then 
 one of the company, Tardieu by name, who was both merry and facetious, 
 spoke thus to the good Chevalier : " Friend and companion, I think it 
 right to tell you that in all Picardy there are no more beautiful women 
 than those belonging to this town, of whom your hostess, whom you have 
 not yet seen, is one. She has gone to the marriage of one of her nieces ; 
 but returns to-morrow ; when you shall see her. It is impossible 
 that you have joined this garrison without crowns ; and must, on your 
 arrival, something do in order to be well spoken of, and by such 
 well-doing you may obtain the favour of the ladies of this province ! 
 It is long since a prize has been given in this town ; and I pray you 
 therefore to give one before eight days are over. Grant this, I do 
 entreat of you, it being my first request." 
 
 The good Chevalier replied : " By my faith ! my Lord de Tardieu. Hadst 
 thou asked of me a far greater thing I should willingly have granted 
 it, but in granting this, does it gives me or you the greatest pleasure ? 
 And if to-morrow you will send round the trumpeter, and get the 
 Captain to grant us leave, we shall make every preparation." 
 
History of Bayakd. 
 
 55 
 
 Tardieu replied : " Do not let the permission trouble you, our Captain 
 Louis d'Ars always grants it, when it is for harmless purposes. He is 
 not here at present, but will be in four days' time, and if he does not 
 approve thereof, I will bear the blame." 
 
 "In that case," said the Chevalier, to-morrow your wishes will be 
 carried out." 
 
 The company remained in converse until the clock struck midnight, 
 then taking leave of each other till the next day, when, the said 
 Tardieu was not forgetful to come unto the lodging of the good 
 Chevalier, his new companion, bringing with him the trumpeter of the 
 troop. His first morning's greeting being : " Friend, excuse yourself no 
 further ; here is your man ! " 
 
 Trumpeter. After Jost AimnoH,. 
 
Knights tiltin;^. After Jost Ammon. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 How the good Chevalier had heralded throughotit Aire that a tournament was to be held 
 for love of ladies, at which the victor's prize would be a golden bracelet and a fine 
 diamond to present to his ladylove. 
 
 trumpeter, he found already written out all directions for the said 
 tournament, which ran as follows, that : " Pierre de Bayard, young- 
 gentleman and beginner in the use of arms, native of Dauphiny, 
 
 ^ It is here to be remarked that the Loyal Serviteur never allows his master to 
 sleep peacefully under exciting circumstances. Is it to be the more impressed by his 
 recital ? The frequent mention of it leads us to think so ; but it is also probable that 
 like all active men, Bayard slept but little. 
 
 1 
 
 LTHOUGH in sore need of rest, the good Chevalier sans 
 peur et sans reproche, for of the much work of his 
 mind, relating to the proposals made by his friend De 
 Tardieu, slept not overmuch that night.^ Considering as 
 to the arrangement of his tournament and of how^ he 
 should execute the same, as you shall hear. For when 
 Tardieu arrived next morning, bringing with him the 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 57 
 
 one of the household of the King of France, under the charge and 
 guidance of the great and powerful noble my Lord de Ligny, 
 hereby proclaims a tournament, to be held on the outskirts of 
 the town of Aire adjoining to the walls, open to all comers, on the 
 twentieth day of July, for three lance-thrusts, with unsheathed and 
 blunted lances, armed cap-a-pied, and twelve sword-thrusts, whilst on 
 horseback. The victor to receive as prize a golden bracelet enamelled 
 with his colours, of thirty crowns weight. The next day will be for 
 encounters on foot, for lance-thrusts from behind a barrier to the height 
 of waist, and after lances broken, for blows of axes, at the discretion of 
 the judges and the keepers of the said camp. The prize to be a 
 diamond, the cost of which was forty crowns." 
 
 When Tardieu saw the proclamation, he exclaimed : " Of a surety, 
 friend, never did Tristan, Launcelot, or Gauvain ^ do better. Trumpeter, 
 herald this throughout the town ; then go to all garrisons that are 
 within three days' journey to proclaim it to all our friends ! " 
 
 You must understand that at this time in Picardy there were between 
 seven and eight hundred men-at-arms, comprised in the companies of 
 Marshal d'Esquerdes, those of the Scotch, of Lord de la Palesse, a 
 virtuous and lucky captain, and several others, all of whom heard the 
 proclamation of the trumpeter. Those that would compete got them- 
 selves in readiness without delay, as it was to take place in eight or ten 
 days' time ; and in the end they mustered a goodly number, being in all 
 forty or fifty men in the ranks. 
 
 In the midst of all, whilst awaiting the important day, came back the 
 noble knight, Captain Louis d'Ars, the which was right glad to arrive in 
 time to share this pastime. Bayard, hearing of his coming, hastened to 
 pay him reverence, being most cordial one to another. Whilst also to 
 add to the festivities, Bellabre arrived on the next day, much to the 
 pleasure of all. 
 
 Each day they disported themselves by essaying horses and entertain- 
 ing fair ladies, to whom the Chevalier along with the others paid his 
 respects, so much so that the ladies of this neighbourhood, as well as 
 those more distant who had arrived for the tournament, accorded him 
 the highest praise, yet without spoiling him. At last the day of the 
 said tournament arrived, when all competitors joined the lists. Amongst 
 the judges were Captain Louis D'Ars,^ the Lord Saint-Quentin, a 
 
 ^ Three of the heroes of the chivalric legend of the Round Table. 
 
 ^ The family of Louis d'Ars was a native of Berry, not of Dauphiny, as commen- 
 
58 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Scotchman, and others. There were all forty-six in number, who fairly 
 divided into two sides with twenty-three on each. All being ready to 
 commence, the trumpet sounded and the tournament pronounced begun. 
 Instantly the young Chevalier entered the list, and was challenged by a 
 gentleman of Dauphiny, Tartarin^ by name, who was a right bold man- 
 at-arms. They commenced charging one another. Tartarin broke about 
 a foot off his lance ; whilst the good Chevalier, striking hom-e just above 
 the guard arm, broke his lance into five or six pieces, when at once 
 the trumpets sounded.^ It was in truth a splendid sight. Then after 
 having finished their first charge,^ prepared they for their second, and so 
 venturesome was Tartarin, that with his lance he bent the vambrace of 
 the good Chevalier to the brassarts' right,^ to all appearance having 
 pierced his arm. Bayard thereupon with goodly thrust pierced his visor, 
 carrying away his plume from off his casque on the end of his lance.^ 
 
 The third lance was as gallantly if more rudely broken than the 
 other two. 
 
 Their combat finished, Bellabre came forward, and against him a 
 Scotch man-at-arms. Captain David de Fougas by name, who likewise 
 brake three lances, as well as it were possible for man to do. And thus 
 two by two they jousted, until each one had tried his skill. 
 
 This being over, they combated with swords, as by the proclamation. 
 The good Chevalier at his third thrust broke his sword in two pieces, 
 afterwards executing the remaining number of thrusts as well as could 
 be done. The others followed in their due order. And it was thought 
 by all the judges as well as all those present that no better tilting with 
 
 tators believe. They confuse it with the name of Arces, a Dauphinese family. M. de 
 Terrebasse was the first to rectify this error. 
 
 ^ Ttiis name of Tartarin is that of a Valentinian family who owned lands in 
 Viennois. Nevertheless, to glorify the President de Boissieu, who had accepted the 
 dedication of his Nobiliaire du Dauphine (167 1), the genealogist Guy Allard has 
 confused the name of Tartarin, which was a surname of war, with that of an 
 ancestor of the President. 
 
 ^ The same as still the trumpet sounds in our military exercises when the end has 
 been attained by a warrior. 
 
 ^ After the conclusion of their first charge, they again took the field for the second. 
 
 ^ They called canon the brassart in front of the arm ; it was connected with the 
 brassart of the under-part of the arm by the garde-bras or vambrace, which allowed 
 of the bending of the arm. These canons are to be seen in the Mus^e d'Artillerie 
 under the Nos. G. 268 and 271. 
 
 ^ A small hat surrounded by a crest. The casques worn at tilting were always 
 surmounted by some emblematical figure : such as the head of a man, woman or 
 animal, which had always a place in the heraldic attributes of the combatants. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 59 
 
 lance nor clashing of sword had been ever seen. And though all had 
 done well, those that were accounted best were the good Chevalier, 
 Bellabre, Tartarin, Captain David, one of the company of my Lord of 
 Esquerdes,^ by name the Bastard de Chimay, and Tardieu. 
 
 When evening approached, and all had finished their duties, they 
 retired unto the dwelling of the good Chevalier, who had had dressed a 
 triumphal supper, the which was graced by many ladies fair; for 
 
 Jousting with Sword'^ ^ 
 
 throughout Picardy from ten leagues around all had come to see this 
 goodly tournament, and had held great cheer. 
 
 After supper they had dancing and sundry other pastimes, till it grew 
 late, all regretful to leave, till the clock struck the early hours of 
 morning. Then they one by one departed, escorting the ladies to their 
 respective dwellings. 
 
 It was late next day when they awoke ; and there was not one who 
 did not go and thank the good Chevalier much, as much for the jousts 
 as for his great kindness, for no more gracious or courteous gentleman 
 than he existed. Then to complete the whole, the soldiers repaired unto 
 the dwelling of their Captain Louis d'Ars, whither the good Chevalier 
 
 ^ Elected Marshal of France in 1492, the Baron d'Esquerdes died at Lyons, two 
 years later, when passing into Italy with the army of Charles VIII. 
 ^ After Jost Ammon. 
 
6o 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 also was begging his Captain to come and dine with him and Lord 
 St. Quentin, in company with the ladies of the preceding evening, the 
 which he agreed to do. They all repaired to hear mass, after which 
 were to be seen young gentlemen taking the ladies round the 
 waists thus leading them, speaking of love and such like matters, 
 till reaching the abode of the good Chevalier, where they had had such 
 feasting on the previous night, they partook them of a dinner which was 
 still better. And not long did they remain there dinner over, for 
 at about two o'clock each who had been at the tournament had to place 
 himself in the ranks to commence the second day's programme, when 
 all who thought that they had missed the first day's prize, hoped 
 afresh to gain one. 
 
 The judges, knights and ladies having arrived, the good Chevalier 
 commenced proceedings in the accustomed manner, and against him 
 appeared a much esteemed knight from Hainault, Hanotin de Sucker 
 by name. From behind the barriers they thrust their lances, dealing 
 mighty blows until they were in pieces. Then taking in hand their axes 
 that each had by him, dealt such blows that it seemed like mortal 
 combat. 
 
 At last the good Chevalier giving his adversary a blow to the right 
 side of his ear, making him stagger and fall on his knees, rushed from 
 behind the barrier, making him kiss the earth whether he would or no. 
 Seeing which, the judges called out: ''Hollo! Hollo! it is enough; let 
 him withdraw." 
 
 After these two, came . Bellabre and Arnaulton de Pierreforade 
 forward (the latter a gentleman of Gascony), the which did marvels 
 with their lances, which were soon broken ; then came to axes, with 
 which they dealt great heavy blows ; but Bellabre breaking his, the 
 judges called on them to stop. After these two came on Tardieu with 
 David the Scotchman, both knew their work well. 
 
 Thus each coming on in turn, it was seven hours ere it was at length 
 completed, and for so small a tournament all said that it were as 
 good a one as they had ever seen. 
 
 When all was over, each one retired him to his lodgment to 
 dismantle. Then all repaired unto the house of the good Chevalier, 
 where a banquet was prepared for them at which already were the two 
 judges, together with the Lords of Ars and of St. Quentin with all the 
 ladies. They had much to talk of the two days, each one present 
 giving his opinion. 
 
 Nevertheless, after supper the judges came to resolution now to 
 
History of Bayard. 6i 
 
 give the prizes. They asked of several gentlemen experienced in arms, 
 on their good faith, to tell their mind ; and afterwards the ladies on 
 their honour, without favour or impartiality to one another. At length 
 it was declared as much by gentlemen as by ladies that, although that 
 many had done marvellously well, nevertheless, that in their judgment, 
 on both days the good Chevalier had done the best of all. 
 
 By which returned they to him, he having gained both, his own two 
 prizes, to give to whom he should think fit. 
 
 There was much discussion, amongst the judges, as to whom should 
 give the sentence ; but the good Captain Louis d'Ars entreated so of 
 
 Toust of Lances.' 
 
 Lord St. Quentin so to do, that he at last consented. And the trumpet 
 sounding, there was a silence, when Lord St. Quentin rose and said : To 
 all gentlemen here assembled, and those who have been present at the 
 tournament just held, at which the Lord Pierre de Bayard has given both 
 the prizes for the two days. My Lord of Ars and I myself, who have 
 been chosen judges to give sentence as to whom are to be given the 
 said prizes, beg to acquaint you that having duly enquired of all 
 virtuous and able gentlemen who were there present to see your 
 exploits, as also of the noble ladies who were present, have found 
 that all have done well, but above all the common voice declares that 
 Lord de Bayard, without detriment to others, has done the best on both 
 
 ^ After Jost Amnion. 
 
62 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 the days. For which both lords and ladies confer on him the honour of 
 bestowing the prizes on whom he thinkest fit." 
 
 And addressing himself to the good Chevalier, he said : " Lord de 
 Bayard, give word to whom they are to be presented." 
 
 Appearing quite abashed. Bayard remained for a few moments wrapt in 
 thought, then said : 
 
 " My lord, I cannot tell by whose favour this honour is done me ; 
 and feel myself to be quite unworthy of it ; but as the knights and 
 ladies are good enough to appoint me to be judge, entreating all my 
 lords and companions who have done better than myself to pardon me, 
 I give the prize of the first day unto my Lord of Bellabre, and of the 
 second to Captain David the Scotchman." 
 
 The prizes were at once presented, no one present murmuring. 
 Dancing and games commenced. The ladies were never tired of 
 praising the good Chevalier, who was so beloved throughout Picardy, 
 that no one has ever there been thought of, to compare with him. 
 
 He tarried there still two years, during which time several tournaments 
 and sham fights were held, at which he mostly carried off the palm- 
 But the great reason of his being such a favourite was, that he was 
 very gracious and most liberal. None of his companions ever fell 
 without his helping them to right themselves ; and what he had, he 
 always shared with others. Although so young, his first thought each 
 day was the service of his God. He also gave much alms, and during 
 his. whole life never refused he help to those by whom it w^as required, 
 and when it was in his power to aid them. 
 
 At the end of two years, Charles, the youthful King of France, 
 undertook his travel into Naples, where the Lord de Ligny also went, 
 who, not forgetful of the good Chevalier, sent for him, holding him in 
 high esteem for of his many virtues, and being desirous of not leaving 
 him behind. 
 
 Seal of Louis d'Ars. 
 
Ancient View of Naples.' 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 How Charles VIII. of France made preparation for the conquest of the kingdom of 
 Naples, the which he gained by reason of his valour and bravery, without bloodshed. 
 
 WO years afterwards, or thereabouts, the good King- 
 Charles first thought of conquering the kingdom of 
 Naples. His ways and means of doing so are already 
 so well known through other histories and chronicles, 
 for which to give a long recital of them here would but 
 fatigue the readers and be lost time. Nevertheless, as 
 some may not have clearly read and understood that 
 the good King Charles entered into the undertaking with intentions 
 the most strictly honourable. Planting his standard in Rome, he 
 brought the Pope to reason, and gained the whole kingdom of 
 Naples, leaving there as his Lieutenant-general and Viceroy the Lord 
 de Montpensier.^ Then returning into France, knowing of no im- 
 
 ^ Bibliotheque Nationale. 
 
 ^ Gilbert de Bourbon, Count of Montpensier, Dauphin of Auvergne, "bon chevalier, 
 mais se levant a midi," say his biographers. This idleness cost him his Vice-royalty. 
 
64 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 pediment, until reaching the town of Fornoue, where he was met by 
 an enemy, sixty thousand in number, all Italians,^ with several 
 potentates, amongst them the Pope, also Venetians, the Duke of 
 Milan, and other nobles, whose intention it was to stop the good King's 
 return and make him their prisoner, being of opinion that he had 
 
 Round Shield of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 retained some power over the kingdom just conquered. He had with 
 him only ten thousand men. 
 
 Nevertheless this goodly prince, possessed of lion's heart, sure of 
 being followed faithfully, although his troops were few in number, 
 considered, waited for, and fought them ; in the which undertaking 
 
 ^ These numbers are exaggerated. It is now known that there were forty thousand 
 Italians in presence of fifteen thousand French. We shall here give a quotation from 
 the second volume of the Mer dcs Histoires (Lyon. Daoust, ed. goth., sans date), a 
 curious account of this battle. It is well known with what courage the French repulsed 
 the Italians at Fornoue. It is one of these episodes that the engraving evidently repre- 
 sents. " Un carre de piquiers, avec des coulevriniers suisses aux ailesj tient en echec 
 la cavalerie venitienne. Quatre pieces flanquent un cote de ce carre ; deux autres 
 sont en batterie a I'aile gauche, car I'artillerie en effet joua des le debut de cette 
 journee. Le desordre des cavahers ennemis et le nombre des lances eparses sur le 
 terrain temoignent de la resistance victorieuse qui leur est opposde. Au fond, la 
 riviere du Taro et le camp venitien situe sur la rive droite. C'est, en effet, sur la rive 
 gauche que les Frangais opererent leur mouvement sur San-Donnino. Legende : La 
 journee de Fornoue^ 6 juillet I495-" — The bas-reliefs represent the battle of Marignan 
 (1515), which has until now supposed to have been the most ancient representation 
 of a battle in which artillery took part. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 67 
 
 he was assisted from above, inflicting on his enemies fearful losses 
 and great disgrace, and bringing to himself much glory, for he lost but 
 seven hundred of his men, whilst his enemies' losses were from eight 
 to ten thousand ; amongst others, some of the flower of their army, 
 together with the most distinguished officers of the Venetian nobility, 
 and several of the noble house of Gonzague, of whom the chief was the 
 Marquis of Mantua, also present at the engagement. But his spurs 
 came to his aid, and the good horse on the which he was mounted. 
 And had it not been for a small river that had risen immensely, their 
 
 The Castle of Amboise. From a Photograph. 
 
 loss had been more disastrous still. In the first charge, the good 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche carried all before him, with the 
 company of his good master the Lord de Ligny, and had two horses 
 killed from under him that day. The King, on being informed thereof, 
 presented unto him five hundred crowns. In return for which the good 
 Chevalier brouo-ht unto him the standard of a mounted force which he 
 had captured whilst pursuing them. 
 
 From thence the King proceeded by stages unto Verceil, where he 
 found a fine troop of Swiss, who had come down to assist him, if it 
 
 F 2 
 
68 
 
 HiSTORY OF Bayard. 
 
 were necessary. He remained there some days with his camp, for he 
 was wishful to succour his brother-in-law, the Duke of Orleans, whom the 
 
 millllllllllllllllllllllllSBKini llllll'IIIIIIIIIIMIIINMiiw 
 
 HIMIMIIW 
 
 ■ ■■■ !l 
 
 
 
 Iran '^^3 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 11 
 
 ^ ^^^^ 
 
 m 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 ml 
 
 
 II 
 
 Charles VIIL lying in State.^ 
 
 Duke of Milan, Ludovic Sforce, and other Venetians, held besieged in 
 Novara. Many messengers were sent to and fro to arrange a peace, 
 
 ^ Bibotheque nationale. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 69 
 
 and at length terms were arranged upon. Whereupon the king 
 returned by slow stages unto Lyons, where he was met by the good 
 Queen, his loyal spouse, in company with her sister, the Duchess of 
 Bourbon. There were many gentlemen who returned from this voyage 
 to Naples with but few worldly goods. The good King of France, 
 leaving Lyons, went straight unto St. Denis, the patron saint of France, 
 where many of his ancestors were buried, and spent the next two or 
 three years going about his kingdom, administering justice to all, and 
 
 Church of Amboi: 
 
 leading a saintly life, giving satisfaction to all his subjects. For he 
 himself twice weekly sat in the seat of justice, listening to the 
 complaints and griefs of each, and assisting those that were in want.^ 
 He had tidings of how the Neapolitans had revolted in favour of 
 Ferdinand, son of King Alphonso, also of the death of his lieutenant- 
 general, the Count Montpensier, and of the return to France of all his 
 captains. And considered much as to the desirability of himself returning 
 
 ^ To poor as well as rich. 
 
70 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 there, should a fit opportunity occur ; in the meantime, Hving a domestic 
 life at home, his wife bore him three children, but all three died. 
 
 In the month of September, 1497, the good prince started for Tours 
 to proceed to Lyons and thence to Naples ; but this determination 
 was suddenly altered, I know not wherefore, and he returned him 
 to Amboise on the seventh day of April in the same year, and in a 
 gallery from where he was watching the game of tennis, was seized with 
 sudden faintness, in the which he died, being an irreparable loss to his 
 kingdom. For no being had ever possessed a better disposition, more 
 gracious, more gentle, more clement, or more pitiful, than he. I believe 
 that God has taken him to dwell among the blessed, for this good 
 prince possessed neither blemish nor any single vice. I have purposely 
 not spoken much of his life, the which has been so often written of 
 elsewhere. 
 
Louis XII. and Ann of Brittany. After a Medal of the period. 
 
 BOOK THE SECOND. 
 
 REIGN OF LOUIS XII. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 How Louis, Duke of Orleans, ascended the throne of France, as next in succession, 
 and assumed the name of Louis XIL 
 
 Y the death of the good King Charles, without male heir, 
 Louis, Duke of Orleans, as next heir to the crown, suc- 
 ceeded to his kingdom, and was crowned at Reims on the 
 twenty-seventh day of May, 1498, taking his crown to St. 
 Denis on the first day of the following July. He had already 
 married Madame Jeanne of France, sister of the late King, 
 but— her children being unable to succeed to the throne, he 
 declared that he had been forced to marry her fearing the 
 ancrer of Kin^" Louis the Eleventh, his father — summoned her before a 
 
72 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 court of justice.^ And the Pope delegated judges for the occasion to 
 conduct the case, who finally adjudged that she was not his lawful wife. 
 So allowing her to retain her duchy of Berry, he espoused the Queen- 
 duchess of Brittany, widow of the late King Charles. If this were right 
 or wrong, God alone knows. The good Duchess de Berry, Jeanne of 
 France, had lived always a most holy life ; and some affirm that after 
 her demise God worked miracles for love of her. On his accession, 
 Louis XII. wished to sell all the royal offices which were not connected 
 with the Judicature, and thus realise a goodly revenue, he being most 
 anxious not to overburden his people with taxation or other subsidies. 
 
 Seal of Charles, Duke of Gueldre. 
 
 He had always desired above everything to recover his duchy of 
 Milan, the which came to him through his grandmother, Madame 
 Valentine,^ now held by one Ludovic Sforce,^ as it had before been by 
 his father. But those of the house of Orleans had never considered of 
 it, by means of the wars which had lasted for so many years betwixt 
 France and England, and also of the quarrel concerning the deaths of 
 the Dukes of Orleans and Burgundy.* 
 
 ^ Louis XII. had taken such precautions after the marriage in at once making secret 
 protestations. 
 
 ^ Valentine, daughter of Duke Jean Galeas Visconti, called in France Valentine of 
 Milan. 
 
 ^ Fran9ois Sforce, who, after having placed his military talents at the service of the 
 Visconti, afterwards dispossessed them and seized the duchy of Milan. 
 ^ It is now known that both these dukes were assassinated. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 73 
 
 Now, finding himself in a position to demand an explanation of his 
 enemy, he made his entry into Lyons on the tenth of July, 1499, 
 marching his army into Aosta,^ under the command of Lord Jean Jacques 
 Trivulce,^ and the Lord of Aubigny, both wise and brave commanders, 
 who marched into, destroyed and sacked two small towns, by name 
 Annona and Rocca Arrezzo, afterwards besieging Alessandria, the which 
 was gallantly defended by Lord Ludovic, but ultimately surrendered. 
 Those of Pavia only escaped by swearing allegiance to the King of 
 France. Thus seeing part of his subjects fail in this allegiance, the 
 said Lord Ludovic abandoned Milan and entered into Germany into 
 
 the kingdom of Maximilian, where he was joyfully welcomed, there 
 having always existed a strong amity between them. Soon after his 
 departure, the inhabitants of Milan surrendered to the French, on 
 hearing which the King of France hastened to make his entry into 
 that town, and a few days afterwards it was found to be expedient, by 
 bribes and other promises, to take possession of the citadel from those 
 who were there guarding it for Lord Ludovic ; the same were traitors 
 and double-faced towards their master, who had always trusted that, by 
 
 The country of Asti. 
 
 ^ Trivulce was also a son of one of the Visconti, and was in consequence devoted to 
 the family dispossessed by Louis Sforce. Louis XI L created him Marshal of France, 
 and gave him the right of coining money. 
 
 Seal of Jean, Duke di Juliers. 
 
74 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 thus retaining Milan, to recover his duchy. Sundry other places, on 
 hearing that the citadel had surrendered, lost hope, and swore allegiance 
 to the King of France, even to the town of Genoa, in the which he 
 placed the Lord de Ravenstein,^ his nearest kinsman on his mother's 
 side, as governor. 
 
 On the fourteenth day of October, in the selfsame year, the Queen 
 of France was safely delivered of a daughter, who was named Claude. 
 The King remained not in his duchy of Milan, but returned him into 
 Lyons, leaving as governor of that place Lord Jean Jacques, and the 
 care of the citadel to Lord d'Espy, and Roquette to a Scotch gentleman, 
 near kinsman of Lord d'Aubigny's. He did so well for the said duchy 
 that before he quitted it he diminished the taxes thereof by one-third, 
 which pleased the people greatly, and made many hearts attach them- 
 selves to his cause. 
 
 The said lord tarried not at Lyons, but marched throughout his 
 kingdom until he reached Orleans, where he settled divers differences 
 betwixt the Dukes of Gueldre and Juliers concerning their coats of arms, 
 and brought them to amicable bearing. 
 
 ^ Philip of Cleves, nephew of Duke Jean I. 
 
Scene at a Tournament. From an Engraving of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 How, after the conquest of Milan, the good Chevaher dwelt in Italy, and how he proclaimed 
 a tournament in the town of Carignan in Piedmont, at which he gave the prizes. 
 
 OUIS XII. of France, on his joyful return from Italy 
 (after his conquest of the duchy of Milan and the 
 flight of his enemy Ludovic Sforce into Germany, 
 seeking succour from the king of that country), retained 
 several French garrisons in Lombardy, where they 
 amused themselves with jousts, tournaments, and other 
 pastimes. The good Chevalier, who had spent part 
 of his youth in Savoy, went to see a mighty worthy 
 and virtuous dame who had now mariied his first master, the Duke 
 Charles of Savoy.^ By name Blanche, she dwelt in Piedn:iont in one 
 of her dower towns called Carignan, and she being full of courtesy^ 
 received him right royally, treating him as one of the family. It 
 
 ^ This Duchess of Savoy was daughter of Guillaume, Marquis of Montserrat, and her 
 grandfather was Francois Sforze, Duke of Milan. Aged but twenty-three years on the death 
 of her husband, she governed Savoy with discretion during her son's minority. The 
 historians of that time accord her much praise for her treatment of the good Chevalier. 
 
76 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 has been said of her that there was no princely house in France, 
 Italy, or elsewhere, where knights were more cordially received or 
 magnificently entertained. She had still with her a lady who had 
 been kind to him in boyhood, named Madame de Fruzasco,^ who 
 was now married, and whose husband was the chamberlain in the said 
 duchess's household. 
 
 You must needs know that when the good Chevalier was given as a 
 page unto Duke Charles of Savoy, this Madame de Fruzasco was a 
 young lady of his wife's household.^ And thus in youth they had been 
 constantly together, being in love with one another ; indeed, so much so, 
 that had they been allowed to do as they desired, without considering 
 the future, they would certainly have married. But you have before 
 heard of how Duke Charles went unto Lyons to see the French King 
 Charles VIII., and to him gave the good Chevalier as page, for 
 which cause the youthful lovers lost sight of one another for a space of 
 time, because that during his voyage unto Naples, and other circum- 
 stances, for three or four years' time they had no tidings one of another 
 except by letter. 
 
 During the while, the young lady wedded the Lord of Fruzasco, a 
 baron of great wealth, who chose her for her many graces, albeit she 
 was portionless. But, as a virtuous woman, she was wishful that the good 
 Chevalier should know that the honest love that she had had for him 
 in youth was still alive, and on his coming unto Carignan paid him 
 every gracious courtesy that it were possible, conversing with him by 
 the hour together of their past youthful days and many other matters. 
 This gracious Lady of Fruzasco was as accomplished as she was beautiful, 
 and as gracious and gentle as it was possible for dame to be. In her 
 converse she praised the good Chevalier as much as it were possible to do. 
 Narrating his great deeds, of how he had essayed himself against Messer 
 Claude de Vaudrey, of his successes at the tournament at Aire, in 
 Picardy, the special fame that he had gained in the combat of Fornova, 
 at which the King had noticed him, the which had caused excitement 
 throughout the whole of France and Italy ; and she did say so much in 
 his behalf that the poor man reddened with confusion. After which she 
 said, " My Lord of Bayard, my friend, behold the house where thou wert 
 nurtured, and it will greatly be to thy discredit if thou dost now not make 
 
 ^ This lady's name has been written in many ways. The Loyal Serviteur has written 
 it Flaxas ; Terbasse writes it Fruzasque. On the parchment of Bayard's company it is 
 inscribed Frussas ; M. Homan writes it thus : Fruzasco. 
 
 ^ Her maiden name was, it is said, Terrebasse, Marie Loregna. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 77 
 
 use of it as much as thou wert wont in former times." The good Chevaher 
 repHed, "Madame, thou knowest well that from my youth thou hast been 
 loved, prized, and honoured by me, who thought thee to be wise and 
 clever, and wishing good to all, I did so more especially to thee. Tell 
 me, I beg of thee, what can I do to give pleasure to Madame our good 
 hostess, to thee above all, and to the whole of the good company 
 here assembled." Madame de Fruzasco replied, To my thinking, M. de 
 Bayard (if it be not distasteful to thee), it would give vast pleasure 
 wert thou to hold a tournament in this town, in honour of Madame, 
 who has shown thee so much grace. Thou wilt have many competitors 
 amongst both the French garrisons and the nobles of this place, who 
 would all hear of it with pleasure." 
 
 " Truly," said the good Chevalier, " as thou so thinkest, it shall be 
 done. Thou art the first woman who enslaved my heart by means of 
 thy many graces, and I entreat the favour of thee to give to me one of 
 thy sleeves, the which I covet much for certain reasons." ^ The lady, 
 unaware for what purpose he so wished it, gave it unto him, the which 
 he silently drew up over the sleeve of his doublet. 
 
 Supper being ready, each one made good cheer, and after it com- 
 menced the dances, where each one did his best. My Lady Blanche 
 conversed for long with her old friend the good Chevalier, until at 
 length, midnight striking, all broke up. But he slept not much that 
 night, thinking of what he had to do, and drawing up a programme of 
 the day's proceedings. When morning dawned he sent a trumpeter to 
 all the neighbouring towns where there were garrisons, proclaiming to 
 all gentlemen who would appear that on the fourth day from thence, 
 which would be Sunday, that in the town of Carignan there would be 
 held a tournament for knights and squires in full habiliment of men-at- 
 arms ; at which the prize would be his lady's sleeve, from which would 
 be suspended a ruby worth one hundred ducats ; to be gained by winner 
 of three courses with the lance without a barrier,^ and twelve sweeps of 
 the sword. 
 
 The herald did his duty, and returned with fifteen written promises 
 from knights all willing to appear. This coming to the knowledge of the 
 Lady Blanche, she was much pleased thereat, and ordered forthwith her 
 tribune to be erected and decorated on the tilt-yard, where the sports 
 would take place. 
 
 ^ The sleeve here meant was a kind of gauntlet worn to the elbow. 
 
 ^ At Brunnes, the spot on which the camp of yore stood, is still called Les Lices. 
 
78 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The day appointed, about an hour past midday, the ChevaHer, 
 together with three or four of his companions, such as my Lord 
 de Bouvans, the Lord Montdragon, and sundry others, who were even 
 now on the ground armed cap-a-pie, where none could enter save those 
 who were about to enter into combat. 
 
 Firstly came forward the good Chevalier, and against him strode the 
 Lord de Rouastre, a valiant gentleman, who bore the ensign of Duke 
 Philibert of Savoy, a brave and expert knight, who gave a mighty thrust, 
 shivering his lance in divers pieces. But the good Chevalier dealt in return 
 so great a blow upon his helm ^ that he disarmed him, making him see 
 
 A Tournament. After a Print of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 the day, whilst his lance flew in shivers. The said Lord de Rouastre, 
 straightening his helm, prepared him for his second lance-course, at 
 which he did disport himself with still more skill than at his first ; 
 but the good Chevalier with such violence assailed the vizard of this 
 lord, that crest and plumage were carried away upon his lance-point, 
 causing him to reel in the saddle without unseating him. At the third 
 lance the Lord of Rouastre ^ raised his adroitly, whilst that of Bayard 
 
 ^ The part of the casque which protected the face was called buffe ; in the Latin buffa. 
 Jean de Saintrc the younger received a wound similar to the one received by Loyselench. 
 That is to say, his lance crossed that of Rouastre without touching it. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 79 
 
 was broken into many pieces, the which was greeted with much 
 applause. . After him there came Montdragon and the Lord de Chevron, 
 who right well ran their course, and were admired of all. Two others 
 followed, and so on each in turn, all doing so well as greatly to please 
 all present. 
 
 The encounters with the lances over, those with the swords began. 
 But the good Chevalier Bayard, at the second, sent that of his adversary 
 flying ; breaking at the same time his own. Successively the others took 
 their turn. All were declared to have done nobly, and the tournament 
 closed with the day. 
 
 The Duchess then, through the Lord de Fruzasco, invited all the 
 gentlemen to sup with her within the castle, and as she was magnificent 
 in everything she undertook, the reception was worthy both of her 
 and of her guests. After supper the clamour of trumpets and hautboys 
 announced to all that the prizes were to be given to those who had 
 gained them. The Lords de Grammont and Fruzasco, as umpires of the 
 field, having first entertained the vote of the Princess, proceeded succes- 
 sively to collect those of the ladies and gentlemen there present, even 
 the competitors themselves, the which were found to be unanimous 
 for the good Chevalier, so it was to him that the judges came and 
 presented it. 
 
 But blushingly he refused it, saying that it was through an error 
 that they attributed this honour unto him ; it being due alone to the 
 Lady de Fruzasco, wkio had condescended to lend to him her sleeve, 
 and it was for her now to present it to whoever she thought fit. 
 
 The Lord de Fruzasco understanding well the honour and virtue of the 
 good Chevalier, nor entertaining any feeling of jealousy, came towards 
 his wife, together with* the Lord de Grammont, who thus addressed her : 
 " Madame, present your spouse unto my Lord of Bayard, to whom, unani- 
 mously, the prize of this tournament has been adjudged, and who 
 avows that it is you only that are entitled to the sleeve ; for that 
 it was through the virtue of it that he was enabled to acquire it. And 
 so, madame, he adds, it is for you to dispose of it ; for which end I now 
 present it to you." 
 
 The lady accepted this gallantly, with her accustomed grace, and 
 thanked the good Chevalier for all the honour he had done her. " Since 
 you tell me my Lord of Bayard says it is through my poor sleeve that 
 he has won, I will, for his sake and as a testimony of the love I 
 bear him, treasure it unto my dying day. But as to the ruby, seeing 
 that he will not accept of it, I think it should be given to the L(^rcl 
 
8o 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Montdragon, who after him numbered most votes." The ruby was then 
 thus given, and the decision generally approved, and Lady Blanche felt 
 pleasure in having helped in the nurture of one so generally highly 
 esteemed as was the good Chevalier.^ The prizes given, dancing com- 
 menced, which lasted until after midnight, when the festivities were 
 
 Head of harnessed Mule. From an old Engraving. 
 
 brought unto a close. Out of compliment to the presence of the French 
 nobility, the fetes were kept up for five or six days more. These over, each 
 returned him to his garrison. Bayard took also leave of his good hostess, 
 to whom he said that next tg the prince, whose servant he was, there 
 was no one in this world who should command him before herself ; and 
 that to his dying day he would be willing and prepared to do her will. 
 Then thanking her most cordially, he repaired to the apartment of his 
 
 ^ See page 32. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 8i 
 
 first love, the Lady de Fruzasco, of whom he took his last farewell ; the 
 lady dissolved herself in tears, and he himself took leave with a sad 
 heart Nor was this generous attachment ^ ever interrupted between these 
 two until death for ever separated them, and- yearly it was their practice 
 to send to one another some trifling gift. 
 
 In the town of Carignan and at the Court of the Princess, for many 
 days, naught else was talked about but of the virtues of the knight 
 Bayard, and of his noble qualities. Two striking marks of gratitude, in 
 him a master passion, he had left behind him. One in the case of Pizou 
 de Chenas, who had been the chief groom to the Duke of Savoy, his 
 master, and of yore kind to him, and whom he wished to remember, 
 alter taking to his garrison, treating well, presented with a noble horse, 
 of value at least one hundred crowns, for which the good man cordially 
 thanked him. Inquiring of him what had become of the squire that had 
 been in the Duke's household whilst he was there, on being told that 
 he had gone to Moncalieri, where he had married and was settled. Bayard, 
 not unmindful of the many kindnesses that he had once done unto him, 
 sent him by Pizou a beautiful mule. Thus showing that he was in no 
 ways forgetful of the kindnesses shown to him in youth. 
 
 ^ These mystic liaisons were then in vogue in Italy as well as in France. Louis XII., 
 who conquered Genoa, there made the object of his platonic declarations a beautiful and 
 gifted Genoese lady, with whom he kept up a close correspondence to the time of his 
 death. She was known by the name of the xiaine intendio (with intelligence) of the 
 French king, and his biographers accord her this title in writing of the merits of his life. 
 Her reputation of virtue lost nothing, and the interest of her country gained much, by it, 
 they say. 
 
Lansquenet and Lansquenette. From a Venetian Engraving of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of how Lord Ludovic Sforce returned to Germany with a strong force of lansquenets, 
 and retook the town of Milan from the French. 
 
 OU have already heard of how Lord Ludovic retreated 
 into Germany unto the King of Romania. And you 
 must also learn that he did not go there without 
 funds, for, to undertake that which he desired, he 
 had much necessity thereof As can be seen ; for, 
 but a short time after his expulsion, he returned into 
 Lombardy with a strong force of lansquenets and 
 some Swiss, together with some Burgundian men- 
 at-arms and a force of German horsemen. And on the third day of 
 January,^ as some say, retook the city of Milan, from which he 
 cleared the French so effectually that for ever since the citadel has 
 remained the king's. Following the example of Milan, several other 
 
 ^ The 3rd of February, in the year 1500, not the 3rd of January. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 83 
 
 towns belonging to this duchy rose in revolt, amongst them all those 
 on the high road to Genoa, such as Tortona, Voghera, and other 
 strongholds. 
 
 When the King of France learnt of the troubles in his duchy, like 
 a magnanimous and energetic prince, he collected a large army to send 
 thither, of which he made leaders the Lords de Ligny and Saint 
 Jacques,^ who, assembling their forces in the province of Asti, com- 
 menced their march. 
 
 Now, of during the time that Lord Ludovic was within Milan, and 
 after that he had retaken it, I must give thee some account of the 
 good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche. He had remained, by 
 permission of his master, in Italy, when his king returned to France, 
 because his desire, above all things, was warfare ; and imagining rightly 
 that it would not be long ere Lord Ludovic, who had retired into 
 Germany to crave assistance, would return with forces. And for this 
 cause there would be fighting, for at the first conquest of the duchy 
 there were not great feats of arms. 
 
 He was in garrison twenty miles distant from Milan, with other 
 gentlemen, each day jousting one against another, with much suc- 
 cess. One day the said good Chevalier was informed that within 
 Binasco there were three hundred horsemen who might easily be put 
 to flight. 
 
 He begged of his companions that it might be their pleasure to bear 
 him company to go and surprise them. He was so much beloved by 
 all of them that speedily was his request granted him. Waiting till 
 early morn, they started, in number 'twixt forty and fifty men-at-arms, 
 determining to do their best endeavour. 
 
 The captain who was within Binasco was a most noble knight, wise 
 and well used to warfare, by name the Messer Jean Bernardin Cazache. 
 He had good spies, through whom he knew of how the French had 
 ridden forth to find him. He would not tarry to be taken in the 
 nest, but putting his men in order, led them without the barrier the 
 distance of two or three bow-shots. There awaited he his enemies 
 with much satisfaction, for, to his thinking, but few in number though 
 they were, he thought that they could acquit themselves with 
 honour. 
 
 They advanced the one against the other, crying, France I France/ 
 
 ^ They called him Jean Jacques Trivulce, to distin.i^uish hini from his brother Tlieodore, 
 w ho was also one of the marshals of France. 
 
84 History of Bayard. 
 
 More! More I ^ with a mighty charge; for on either side were many 
 brought to ground, who remounted with much difficulty. Could the 
 good Chevalier have been here seen doing deeds of arms, hewing 
 open heads, gashing arms and legs, he would rather have been 
 likened unto a furious lion then to a gentle lover. But, to be brief, 
 this combat lasted a full hour, during which time none knew which 
 side would be successful, which much angered the good Chevalier, 
 who called to his companions, saying : " Ho ! my lords, shall we 
 be held here all the live-long day by these few men } If those 
 who are within Milan shall be apprised thereof, none of us can 
 survive. To hand ! be of good courage, I beseech of you ; throw 
 them to earth ! " 
 
 At the Chevalier's words, his comrades, exerting themselves afresh, 
 and crying with one voice, France! France ! rushed with one strong and 
 marvellous assault upon the Lombards, v/ho, commencing to lose ground, 
 retired a little, still defending themselves manfully. They then retreated 
 four or five miles, going towards Milan, which, when they found them- 
 selves so near, turning their horses' heads and galloping, they fled at 
 rapid pace towards that town. The French pursued them until quite 
 close to it ; then some of the more experienced of them, and the most 
 used to warfare, called aloud, Totirne, tourne ! Jiommes d' amies! which 
 all heard and listened to, except the good Chevalier, who, all 
 aroused, continued to give chase to his enemies ; ending by galloping 
 pell-mell amongst them, entering Milan, and following them unto the 
 palace where lodged Lord Ludovic. And for that on his raiment was 
 a white cross, all cried after him, Pille ! Pille ! 
 
 He was surrounded on all sides and taken prisoner by the Lord 
 St. Jean-Bernardin Cazache, who led him to his quarters and disarmed 
 him. Finding him to be quite a young man, of age not more than 
 twenty-two or twenty-three years, the which astonished him, as also how 
 one of such a tender age possessed as great prowess as he had ever seen. 
 Lord Ludovic, who had heard the noise, inquired as to the cause 
 thereof; some, who had heard of the afi*air, told it to him, and of how 
 the Lord Jean-Bernardin being in Binasco, had been assailed by the 
 French, who finally had driven him back into Milan; and how of those 
 
 ^ As is believed, the cry of Le More! stood for Ludovic le More. It was not a 
 surname given on account of the darkness of his skin, but le murier (in ItaHan, Moro), 
 which Ludovic Sforce carried on his shield. At least, this is what the historian Paul 
 loni affirms. The cry of Pille/ Pille/ which is found above, is an expression still 
 in vogue, used to excite dogs when it is desired that they should fall on anything to 
 devour it. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 85 
 
 who had retired pell-mell was one of the said French, who to their 
 thinking was a wondrous valiant and bold gentleman, although so 
 young. He then commanded that they should go and bring him unto 
 him, the which they did at once. 
 
 Arms of Ludovic the Moor. 
 
lAidovic the Moor. After an Italian Miniature of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Of how Lord Ludovic desired to see the good Chevaliar sans peur et sans reproche, and 
 of how, after conversing with him, he hberatcd him, giving him back his horse 
 
 of gentleman. He came, and pi-esented him unto the Lord, who mar- 
 velled to himself when he saw him to be so young, and still to be 
 accorded so great praise. At the same time addressing himself to him 
 he said, " Come hither, good sir ; who was it who brought you to this 
 town ? " 
 
 The good Chevalier, in no ways abashed, replied to him : " By my 
 
 and arms. 
 
 EY went forthwith into the quarters, the Lord Jean 
 Bernardin to seek his prisoner and take him before 
 Lord Ludovic, who desired to see him. The Lord 
 Jean-Benardin feared that, in his anger, the said Lord 
 Ludovic would treat him with some indignity ; and 
 like a courteous and gracious gentleman, desired 
 himself to take him, after arraying him in one of 
 his own robes, which befitted his state as that 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 87 
 
 good faith, my lord, I did not believe myself to come alone, but 
 thought that I was followed by my comrades, who are better ac- 
 quainted with the usages of warfare than myself; for had they also 
 done as I have, they would now be prisoners, as I am. Nevertheless, 
 notwithstanding my misadventure, I am much thankful for my good 
 fortune in having fallen into the hands of so good a master as that 
 of he who took me, for he is a valiant and a trusty knight." 
 
 After this the Lord Ludovic inquired of him upon his oath con- 
 cerning the numbers of the army of the King of France. 
 
 "Upon my soul, my lord," replied he, "from that which I do learn, 
 in it there are 'twixt fourteen and fifteen hundred men-at-arms, and 
 sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot ; but they are all chosen 
 men, who are resolved so well to disport themselves this time, as to 
 assuredly conquer the state of Milan for our master. It seems to me, 
 my lord, that you yourself would be in greater safety in Germany than 
 here, for your men are not able to combat us." 
 
 With so much assurance did the good Chevalier speak, that the 
 Lord Ludovic was much pleased with him. Nevertheless his speech 
 somewhat astonished him ; but to let it be seen that he heeded not 
 much the return of the French, he said, as if in jest, " Upon my faith, 
 young gentleman, I much desire that the army of the King of France 
 and mine do meet together, to this end, that by such battle we may 
 learn to which belongs by right this heritage ; and I perceive there is 
 no other means." 
 
 " My lord, upon mine honour," said the good Chevalier, " I would that 
 it were now to-morrow, provided that I were free from prison." 
 
 " In truth, think not of that," replied the lord, " for I will presently 
 send you forth to go unto your master ;^ but firstly ask me for what 
 thou wishest, and I will give it thee." 
 
 The good Chevalier, who on one knee thanked the lord for the 
 offers that he made him, for which he had good reason, said to him, 
 " My lord, I ask for naught, save of thy courtesy if it will so extend 
 itself to return to me my horse and arms that I brought with me into 
 this town, and allow me to return unto my garrison, twenty miles from 
 
 ^ According to the testimony of the Milanese author, Alciat, the permission to depart 
 was preceded by one of those single-handed encounters in which Bayard so much 
 excelled. His antagonist, a Milanese gentleman named Hyacinthe Simonetta, had been 
 vanquished and killed by him. All accorded praise to the courage of their fellow- 
 countryman, but he was much enfeebled by his military affectation of elegance (Simonetta 
 wore his armour too tight). Alciat affirms that his fall was a bad presage for the 
 fortunes of Ludovic. The family of Simonetta was one of the first in Milan. 
 
88 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 this, thus doing me a service which for all my life I shall feel myself 
 obliged to you ; and beyond my sei-vices unto the King my master, 
 keeping mine honour unsullied, I will remember it in all things that 
 thou mayst command of me." 
 
 " Of a truth," said the Lord Ludovic, " that which thou desirest will be 
 granted thee ; " and said to the Captain Jean Bernardin, " At once, 
 Captain, let his horse be returned unto him, with arms, and all that 
 pertains to him." 
 
 " My lord ! " replied the Captain, " they are easily found, all being at 
 my quarters." 
 
 He sent there instantly two or three serving men, who brought his 
 arms and led his horse, making him equip himself before Lord Ludovic. 
 When fully accoutred, he mounted on his horse without putting foot 
 in stirrup, then calling for his lance, the which was handed to him, 
 raising his vizor, said to the Lord, " My lord, I thank thee much for 
 the great courtesy that thou hast shown to me. God will reward thee 
 for it." 
 
 He was in a large open court. He began to spur his horse, the 
 which made four or five great bounds, and it were impossible to sit 
 him better. 
 
 And then he made a small detour, during the which he broke his 
 lance against the ground in many pieces, at which the Lord Ludovic, 
 not overjoyed, exclaimed aloud, " If all the men-at-arms of France are 
 such as he, it will fare ill with me." 
 
 Notwithstanding this, he was conducted by a trumpeter to his 
 garrison ; but had not to go all the way there, because that the French 
 army had advanced to within twelve miles of Milan, who were all 
 amazed at that which the Chevalier had done, and at his boldness ; 
 although there were some young amongst them. 
 
 When arrived within the camp, he went at once to his good master, 
 the Lord de Ligny, who laughingly said unto him, " Hallo ! Picquet, 
 who brought you out of prison ? Have you paid your ransom ? Truly 
 I was about to send one of my trumpeters to search for you and 
 pay it." 
 
 " My lord," said the good Chevalier, " I humbly thank thee for thy 
 good intentions. Lord Ludovic liberated me of his great courtesy." 
 
 He related to them, bit by bit, of all that had happened unto him, 
 both of his capture and of his deliverance. All his companions gathered 
 around to see him, making with him good cheer. The Lord Saint 
 Jacques inquired of him if he had hoped to see the face of the Lord 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 89 
 
 Ludovic, and had he heard if he would fight with them. To the which 
 he replied, " He did not discuss with me of his affairs, or such like. 
 Nevertheless by his appearance he is a man who by small things it 
 were not easy to astonish. We shall see what he can do in a few 
 days. Of him I cannot complain, for he acted towards me a kind 
 and honest part." Most of his men are within Novara ; he has 
 determined to bring them to Milan, or go to them." 
 
 Italian Sword of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
View of Novara.' 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Of how Lord Liidovic retired into Novara, fearing the French, who were entering into 
 Milan by the citadel, and of how he was made prisoner. 
 
 HEN Lord Ludovic knew that the army of the King 
 of France was so near unto Milan, and that he had 
 lost the citadel, fearing lest he should be surprised 
 within the town, stole away during night with what 
 men he had, except a few left with his brother the 
 Cardinal Ascanio, and went to join his army then 
 within Novara. When this was known in the camp 
 of the King of France, where a few days since had 
 arrived the Lord de Tremoille,^ his lieutenant forthwith determined 
 to assault the said town of Novara. Lord Ludovic had a large number 
 of men, but being of different nations, such as Burgundian lansquenets 
 and Swiss, and for this cause somewhat difficult to manage, who, as 
 
 ^ National Library, Topographic dTtalia. 
 
 ^ It was Louis de la Tremouille, who ought to share with Bayard the honour of being 
 called, by his brother men-at-arms, the Chevalier sans reproche. 
 
AMONGST THEM LORD LUDOVIC WAS RECOGNISED. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 93 
 
 things turned out a few days later, surrendered the town of Novara into 
 the hands of the lieutenant of the said King of France. And because 
 of this they spread a rumour that Lord Ludovic was not within the 
 town, but had a second time retreated into Germany, for which cause it 
 was commanded that the people should pass by singly, to be better 
 seen, when amongst them the unfortunate Lord Ludovic was recognised, 
 who surrendered, when he found himself thus compelled, to the Lord 
 de Ligny.^ I know not who denounced him, but it was an evil deed. 
 
 Drawings by Ludovic the Moor on the Walls of his Prison at Loches. 
 From an exact Tracing. 
 
 This was on the Friday before Palm Sunday, it is said, in the year 
 one thousand five hundred. The remainder of his army, with their 
 baggage, were saved. 
 
 I fully believe that his army received payment, although it was 
 reported that the Swiss with the Lord Ludovic had mutinied for want 
 of it. But since then I have heard otherwise, and that the Bailiff of 
 Dijon, who had great influence over them, had gained them over; joined 
 unto which, the army of the French King being much more numerous 
 
 ^ M. de Terrebasse states that the man who denounced him was a varlet belonging to 
 the canton of Uri. Ludovic was disguised as a Swiss soldier. 
 
94 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 that the one within Novara, they, on that account, decHned to fight. 
 The same thing has occurred several times, much to the discredit of 
 France. 
 
 Be this as it may. Lord Ludovic remained a prisoner, and being taken 
 to France, was sent straight to Lyons, and thence to Lys-St.-Georges,^ 
 and finally to the castle of Loches,^ where he ended his days. 
 
 Fortress of Loches. 
 
 This was a mighty error, in that he in his time had been a victorious 
 prince ; but ill fortune overcame him at last in all its rigour. His 
 brother, the Cardinal Ascanio, who dwelt in Milan, on learning the sad 
 
 ^ A castle in the department of Indre. It was not exactly Lyons, but the castle of 
 Pierre- Seise, which was then used as Ludovic's prison. 
 
 ^ They still show at Loches the room used as the prison of Ludovic Sforce. The 
 drawings and inscriptions made by him on the walls were copied with care, about 1S63, 
 by Mahiet de la Chcsneraye, and sent by him to King Victor Emmanuel, and it is from 
 his first manuscript that we give the copy on page 93. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 95 
 
 news, saved his two nephews, the infant children of the said Lord 
 Ludovic, by sending them to Germany to the King of Romania 
 whilst he himself fled, with but a rough escort of from four to five 
 hundred horsemen, towards Bologna, but was taken prisoner on the road 
 by a Venetian Captain, by name Susino de Gonzague,^ and by him 
 given at once to the French ; but he did not give up his personal chattels 
 or his chariot, estimated at the value of two hundred thousand ducats.^ 
 Not remaining there long after, when those in the duchy of Milan 
 heard that their lord was taken (I hear those that revolted on his 
 return), would not return unto the French, fearing greatly pillage and 
 sacrilege ; but they found only gentleness and friendship, for they had 
 to deal with a good prince and a kindly captain. 
 
 ^ It is more correct to say that this captain, who was nevertheless a relation of 
 Ludovic's, was bribed by a gentleman to whom the cardinal had been a benefactor, and 
 from whom he had asked hospitahty. Sent to France, he was shut up in the tower of 
 Bourges, from which he was liberated on promising his vote for the conclave to Cardinal 
 Amboise, a minister of Louis XII., and one of the candidates for the Papacy. His 
 promise was broken. 
 
 ^ He gave up, however, the sword belonging to Charles VIII., taken in the French 
 camp at the Battle of Fornova. A menace of war was made by the Venetians for the 
 remainder. 
 
Silver Vessels of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Of how Lord de Ligny visited Voghcra, Tortona, and other places in the duchy of Milan, 
 which the King had presented to him, and of a noble tour made by the good 
 Chevalier. 
 
 OU must understand that, when the King of France 
 had first made conquest of the duchy of Milan, he 
 was most anxious to reward his good followers by 
 bestowing on them lands and titles in the said 
 duchy. Unto Lord de Ligny he gave Tortona, 
 Voghera, and several other places which had revolted 
 when Lord Ludovic returned from Germany, the 
 which had much annoyed the said [^Lord de Ligny. 
 Resolving to go and see them, he took in his company the virtuous Captain 
 Louis d'Ars, his lieutenant, the good Chevalier sans peur et sans 
 reproche, at that time his standard-bearer, and several other noblemen. 
 
 Arriving at Alessandria, he had it noised abroad that he would sack 
 both Tortona and Voghera, although he had no such intention, being of 
 too kindly a nature. When his subjects knew of his approach, and 
 heard the news of their coming destruction, they were, not without 
 cause, much amazed. Holding council together, they sent forth to meet 
 their lord, with the utmost humility, to implore of him to show them 
 mercy. Whilst twenty of the most distinguished of them repaired them 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 97 
 
 two miles from Voghera, to pay their respects unto him and entreat for 
 pardon. But although they endeavoured to be seen of Lord de Ligny, 
 who knew well of their presence, yet he appeared unconscious of them, 
 proceeding towards the town and straightway going to the hotel 
 prepared for him. 
 
 The unfortunate people who had thus gone forth were much astonished 
 at this their strange reception. They came them back unto their town with 
 much quietness, finding means of parleying with the Captain Louis d'Ars, 
 and asked of him to make an appointment with their lord, the which 
 he promised if possible to do, for never had any one a kinder nature. 
 He appointed for them to come on the morrow ; going afterwards to 
 speak with Lord de Ligny, imploring him to grant unto them an 
 audience ; the which finally he agreed to do. 
 
 And on the next day, after the hour of dinner, fifty of the most 
 important of the citizens repaired to his hotel, where with uncovered 
 heads they threw themselves upon their knees before him, imploring 
 him for mercy. 
 
 Then one of their number, in Italian most eloquent spoke these words, 
 or almost these : " My lord, your most humble and obedient servants 
 in this unhappy town recommend themselves most humbly to your 
 clemency, praying that of your gentleness you will pardon their past 
 offences for having risen in revolt against the King of France and 
 against you. And in your heart to consider the weakness of this town 
 against such a mighty power, and that, whatever their action may have 
 been, in heart they have always remained loyal to the French ; and if, 
 by ignorance, they have committed this grave fault, that you will of 
 your great goodness forgive it, assuring your highness that will never 
 this occur again. And (in the case) if they were, as God-abandoned 
 creatures, again to commit the same foul crime, to put themselves, their 
 wives and children, with all that belongeth unto them, to be done with 
 as you think fit. And as a sign of this their true allegiance towards 
 you, as I now say, they in all humility pray your acceptance of a 
 trifling gift, given according to their means, in the shape of some silver 
 vessels, of value three hundred marks, the which they beg of you to 
 keep as token that your anger against them has ceased." 
 
 He then held his peace, and brought forward two tables on which 
 were basins, cups, and goblets, and various other silver vessels, at which 
 the said Lord de Ligny did not deign to look, but in a wrathful and 
 proud tone exclaimed : " How have you, worthless, good-for-nothing 
 creatures, the boldness to come into my presence, who, through want of 
 
 H 
 
98 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 courage, without any just cause, have revolted? What further faith can 
 I have in you ? If we had come to your town and laid siege to it by 
 cannonading and assaulting the same, it would have been a different 
 matter, but as enemies we have never shown ourselves towards you ; 
 thus it was of your own free will that you sided with the usurper of 
 this duchy. If I did my duty I should strangle and hang you all from 
 out your window casements, as traitors and disloyal subjects. Go ! fly 
 from before me, and never let me see your faces more ! " 
 
 Whilst speaking these words, the unfortunate citizens remained kneeling. 
 Then, the brave and clement Captain Louis d'Ars, taking his hat 
 from off his head, and kneeling on the ground, said : "My lord, for the 
 honour of our God and by His Passion, on my behalf I do entreat of 
 you to grant a pardon to these your subjects. For I promised that it 
 would be so, and they will lose confidence in me if it be refused to 
 them. And I fervently believe, my lord, that henceforth you will ever 
 find them good and loyal subjects." 
 
 Whereupon the unfortunate citizens, without awaiting for reply, com- 
 menced with one accord to cry : " My lord, it will indeed be as the 
 Captain says, by your lordship's good pleasure." 
 
 The good Lord de Ligny heard them cry, and, moved with pity, 
 tears in his eyes, talked unto them of the two ways, the one of amity, 
 the other of rebellion, showing unto them how grievously they had 
 erred. Then to one of them he said, Go ! For the sake of my 
 Captain Louis d'Ars, who has done me so many and great services, I 
 would grant him far greater favours than this. I pardon you — return 
 no more ! But, as regards your gift, I would not deign to touch it, for 
 it would have no value in my eyes." 
 
 And then looking around he espied the good Chevalier, to whom he said : 
 " Picquet, take all these vessels ; I present them to you for your kitchen.'' 
 
 The which instantly replied : " My lord, I thank you humbly for your 
 consideration ; but for God's sake I pray of you not to make me take 
 into mine house that which has belonged to these wretched people. They 
 would bring unto me misfortune." 
 
 Then taking the vessels, he presented them piece by piece to each 
 one present, without retaining one unto himself, to the great astonish- 
 ment of all, as at that time he had not in the world ten crowns.^ 
 
 1 At Mineivino, Brescia, and elsewhere, we hear of fresh instances of the perfect 
 disinterestedness of Bayard, which gave him much pleasure. And at a time when all 
 struggled in the hope of obtaining pillage, and when the right of pillage seemed perfectly 
 legitimate to men-at-arms, this complete indifference to riches was more remarkable even 
 than it would be in our day. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 99 
 
 But to be brief. After presenting all of them he retired, as also did 
 the deputation. When the Lord de Ligny remarked to those remaining : 
 ''What say you, gentlemen? Have you marked Picquet's good heart 
 and his liberality? Did not God make an error in not making him 
 king of some powerful realm ? He would have subdued the whole 
 world by his goodness. Believe me, he will some day be in character 
 one of the most perfect men alive." 
 
 With one accord they all gave praise to the good Chevalier. When 
 Lord de Ligny, thinking over the events of the day, and remembering 
 that of his gift to him he had kept nothing for himself, next day when 
 he rose he sen^t the good Chevalier a superb crimson velvet robe, lined 
 with satin brocade, a goodly charger, together with three hundred 
 crowns within a purse, which did not last for ever, as he shared it all 
 with his companions. 
 
 Lord de Ligny tarried for a few days only, returning to Milan, where 
 Cardinal Amboise, the King's Lieutenant-General, had arrived, and from 
 thence went into France. 
 
 Arms of Cardinal Amboise. From a Bas-relief in the Castle of Chaumont. 
 
 II 2 
 
View of the Caslle ot Naples. After Israel Silvestre. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of how the King of France sent a large army to Naples, where he appointed as his 
 Lieutenant, (General Lord Ambigny. 
 
 OU have already heard of how, upon the death of 
 Lord Montpensier, the NeapoHtans revolted, and all 
 the French returned to France, at which King 
 Charles VI 11. was much displeased, and would 
 have avenged himself thereof had he lived, but death 
 overtook him. On the accession of Louis XII. to 
 the throne, his first thought was the conquest of his 
 duchy of Milan, for which cause the affairs of the 
 said kingdom of Naples remained a long time in abeyance. Ferdinand, 
 Alphonso's son, was now dead, and his uncle Frederic reigned over the 
 said kingdom. One thing I must tell you, the which is that when 
 King Charles conquered this kingdom he married his Cousin de Ligny 
 to a noble lady of that land, by name the Princess d'Altamura. But he 
 did not live there, as on the King's return to France he took with him 
 
rORTRAIT OF GONZALVE OF CORDOVA. 
 
 fter a Woodcut of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 103 
 
 the said Lord de Ligny, whilst shortly after, as the story goes, the said 
 lady died of grief. 
 
 By her will, and also by a gift which the said King Charles had 
 made him, Lord de Ligny came into vast possessions in this said 
 country, amongst them Puglia, Venosa, Canosa, Minervino, Biseglia, 
 and several other places. 
 
 It becoming the wish of King Louis XII. to go and re-conquer his 
 kingdom of Naples, he determined to send De Ligny thither ; but twice 
 the journey was suddenly abandoned, though they but little guessed 
 that the .disappointment was killing him. Lord d'Aubigny was sent there 
 as Lieutenant-General, a brave and honourable captain,^ accompanied by 
 a goodly number of men, both horse and foot : amongst them was the 
 company of Lord de Ligny, who took with him his trusty lieutenant, 
 Captain Louis d'Ars. They had left the good Chevalier behind, he 
 having asked leave of his master, who granted it with regret, holding 
 him in high esteem, and never after did they see each other more. 
 
 Then marched this valiant Captain, the Lord d'Aubigny, straight to 
 the said kingdom, which he did with much despatch, and found 
 Frederic but badly supported and at much variance with his troops, so 
 that he was constrained to abandon the said kingdom. He made a 
 composition with Lord d'Aubigny, who sent him, together with his wife 
 and children, into France, where he was well received by the King, who 
 presented him with the duchy of Anjou and other lands, granted to 
 him by the said composition, and which he enjoyed up to the time 
 of his death. And after which time his wife was not well dealt by,^ 
 which seems to me but ill done, and for a king's wife afterwards was in 
 much necessity. The kingdom ^of Naples taken. Lord d'Aubigny placed 
 the garrisons by companies, that of Lord de Ligny on his own territory. 
 Then the Captain Louis d'Ars placed the control of some of them in 
 the hands of the good Chevalier, who fulfilled his duty well. There 
 was for a time peace. The King of Aragon claimed certain rights, and 
 the King of France allowed him to retain some. And this same year 
 peace was likewise proclaimed at Lyons, between France, Spain, and 
 the King of Romania, by means of the Archduke of Austria, who 
 had espoused the eldest daughter of the house of Spain ; and, returning 
 with her, came by Lyons, that she might visit her sister, the Duchess 
 
 ^ Berault Stuart, chief of the ancient Scotch Guards of Louis XI. 
 
 2 She was, as also was De Ligny's wife, the daughter of an ancient provincial house ; 
 by name Eleonore, daughter of Prince Altamura. After her husband's death, she 
 retired, according to M. Roman, to the Couit of Ferrara. 
 
I04 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 of Savoy. But this was but a false peace, for at the same time the 
 King- of Aragon was sending large reinforcements to assist Gonsalve 
 Fernand/ who was holding his kingdom through the power of Pope 
 Alexander, who himself took possession of the town of Naples, and the 
 greater portion of the kingdom had revolted ; Lord d'Aubigny did what 
 he could, but finally was constrained to retire into Puglia. 
 
 It is not my intention to speak further of that which occurred in the 
 said kingdom of Naples during the next three years,^ nor of the battles 
 of Cerignole, De Groca, Carigiiano, and many others, some of which the 
 French gained, whilst they lost others (as is sufficiently written about 
 elsewhere). Finally, whether through a want of discipline or skill in 
 warfare, the French were driven back on every side, never again to 
 return. This occurred in the year 1504. I do not know if such was 
 the wish of God, but neither those who put them to flight, nor those 
 who hold it now, have any right to it, except the right of force, which 
 right all princes endeavour in the end to attain. 
 
 My only desire being to relate the fortunes of the good Chevalier 
 sans peur et sans reproche during the wars which waged 'twixt France 
 and Spain, firstly telling you of a fortune that came unto him. 
 
 ^ Fernand Gonsalve of Cordova, says the Grand Captain. Furious, by reason of the 
 treason of the King of Spain, his relation, who had sent Gonsalve and his men to take 
 possession of these places under pretext of lending him assistance, the King of Naples 
 had ceded all his rights to the King of France in exchange for the Province of Maine, 
 the which was struggled for by both the allies. Before passing into matters mentioned 
 in the next chapter, M. de Terrebasse has given us some interesthig details concerning 
 the battles of Canosa and of Bisegna, which arc to be found in the Appendix. 
 
 ^ The years 1502, 1503. 
 
 Medal of ro]ie Alexander VI. From an EngravhiLj; of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
Bayard taking Sotomaiore prisoner. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Of how the good ChevaHer sans pciir ct sans reproche made a sortie from his garrison 
 of Minervino. Of how he encountered the Spaniards in the field, and of what 
 befell him. 
 
 falling out of the use of the exercises of arms, we shall become 
 effeminate ; the other, that our enemies may think we fear them, 
 and that because of faintheartedness we remain in our fort. For 
 which causes I have resolved to-morrow to sally forth and to march 
 from here to Andria or Barletto ; perhaps too we shall be able to 
 
 HE good Chevalier being in garrison at Minervino, where 
 his valiant Captain Louis d'Ars had placed him, together 
 with several comrades, tired of the long confinement 
 without being able even to see the fields, said to them 
 one evening : " Sirs, to my thinking we have remained 
 long enough stagnant in this place without going forth 
 to see our enemies. And by remaining here too long 
 two things may happen unto us : the one is that by 
 
io6 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 find some on their side willing, which would delight me much ; as then 
 we should get into close combat, when God would give the honour to 
 he who should deserve it!" 
 
 These words were greeted by the reply of "At your pleasure." 
 
 That evening those that were to go 
 forth looked well unto their horses and 
 saw that all was in readiness for the 
 morrow's enterprise. Rising betimes, 
 there mustered in the field about thirty 
 horses, on the which were gentlemen 
 all of resolute courage, who, as they 
 galloped towards the enemies' garrison, 
 looked forward to some good encounter. 
 
 The same day had sallied forth 
 from the town of Andria, for a 
 like raid upon the French, a Spanish 
 noble, near kinsman to Gonsalve Fer- 
 nand, by name Don Alonzo de Soto- 
 maiore, a brave knight and an expert 
 warrior, with his company of forty or 
 fifty Spanish horses, on which were 
 mounted gentlemen, the picked men 
 of their army. 
 
 And by a strange chance these two 
 captains, owing to the undulating ground, 
 saw not one another till within a 
 cannon's shot. I cannot say which of 
 the two was most delighted, more 
 especially when they perceived that the 
 strength of each party was so nearly 
 balanced. As soon as the good Che- 
 valier was fully certain that he saw 
 the red crosses,-^ he said to his men : 
 " My friends, the moment for combat 
 Royal Sword of Gonsalve of Cordova. j^^^ ^rviV^d. I pray each of you tO 
 
 be mindful of his honour, and if to- 
 day you see me fail in any duty, consider me a worthless miscreant 
 all my life." 
 
 ^ The Spaniards wore on their cassocks a red cross ; the French had a white cross. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 All replied, " Onward, Captain, let us at them ! do not wait to give 
 them the honour of commencing." 
 
 Then lowering their visors with the cry of Finance! France! they 
 brilliantly charged their enemies, who with fixed lances resisted them 
 with determined mien, crying, Espagne ! Saint lago ! 
 
 In this first encounter many on both sides were put to ground, who 
 were remounted by their companions with much difficulty. The combat 
 lasted half an hour, during this which time neither had got the best of 
 it ; and as each side fervently desired to win, they combated each 
 other with all heart, as if still fresh ; a truly perilous assault. 
 
 But, as we all have learnt, in such matters of necessity one side must be 
 the victors. So it happened that the good Chevalier, owing to his skill and 
 the great courage with which he had filled his men, on the final assault 
 overthrew the Spaniards, leaving on the field seven of their number 
 dead, whilst many others were taken prisoners.^ The remainder took to 
 flight, and amongst them was the Don Alonzo, closely pursued by the 
 good Chevalier, who repeatedly called out to him : " Turn, man-at-arms ! 
 much shame wilt be thine dying in flight." 
 
 Choosing rather an honest death than an ignominious flight, like a 
 lion at bay he turned and roughly assaulted the Chevalier, without 
 giving the required fifty sweeps of the sword. 
 
 All this while the other Spaniards were continuing their flight, having 
 abandoned their Captain. Who, though thus left alone, nevertheless 
 fought so bravely, that if all his men had done like him I cannot say 
 what the result had been. In short, after a prolonged struggle betvveen 
 the two knights, Don Alonzo's horse refused to move forward. Seeing 
 which, the good Chevalier called out : " Surrender, man-at-arms, or thou 
 art a dead man ! " 
 
 To which he replied : To whom do I surrender } " 
 
 " To the Captain Bayard," said the good Chevalier. 
 
 Thereupon Don Alonzo, who had already heard of his many virtues, 
 and knowing well there was no escape, being on all sides surrounded, 
 surrendered himself, giving up his sword, the which was received with 
 much delight. Then the company returned towards their garrison, well 
 pleased with the good fortune that heaven had that day sent unto 
 them, not having lost a single man ; although five or six were sorely 
 wounded and two horses killed, but they had those of the prisoners to 
 
 ^ According to Champier, tout abattre et foudroyer by Bayard, with the exception of 
 Sotomaiore, who cried : "Captain Bayard, I will parley with thee." But the recital is so 
 visibly exaggerated, it docs not merit the confidence of the above. • 
 
io8 
 
 HiST(3RY OF Bayard. 
 
 replace them. Having arrived in garrison, the good Chevaher, in truth 
 a son of Dame Courtesy, who ah'eady on the road had considered 
 where he could most fitly place Signor Don Alonzo, lodged him in one 
 of the best rooms of the castle, giving unto him one of his robes, with 
 these words : " Signor Alonzo, I am informed by the other prisoners that 
 we have taken that you come . from a great and goodly house, and 
 that which is better, that you are yourself renowned for your prowess ; 
 for which causes I am resolved if possible not to treat you as a 
 prisoner. And if you on your word will promise not to quit this castle 
 without my leave, I will put you under no surveillance. It is large ; 
 you can take your pleasure along with us, until your ransom be agreed 
 upon and paid, in the which matter I shall endeavour to be all that is 
 most gracious." 
 
 " Captain," replied Don Alonzo, I thank you for your courtesy, 
 assuring you on my most honoured word that I will not quit this place 
 without your sanction." 
 
 But he held not to his promise, unhappily for himself, as you will 
 hereafter learn. Holding counsel together one day, they fixed Don 
 Alonzo's ransom at one thousand crowns. 
 
 Arms of Sotomaiore. 
 
Flight of Sotomaiore. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Of how Alonzo de Sotomaiore made his escape with an Albanian, who tended the 
 horses ; but, being captured on the road, was locked up in a strong prison. - 
 
 clared that he had meant no wrong, but excused himself on the plea 
 that none of his people had come nigh to him, and said that he had 
 himself gone to obtain his ransom of one thousand crowns for the 
 good Chevalier. Nevertheless the case was such ; Don Alonzo going 
 and coming at pleasure, got weary thereof, one day consulted with an 
 Albanian, one of the castle's garrison. He said to him : Come hither, 
 
 OR full fifteen to twenty days did Don Alonzo remain 
 with Captain Bayard, the good Chevalier and his 
 friends the while making good cheer, during which 
 season he went and came throughout the castle as 
 he did choose ; for, being on his oath, they little 
 dreamt that he would ever break it. 
 
 He acted otherwise, although he afterwards de- 
 
I lO 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Theode ! If thou wilt do me a good turn, it will be well for thee, and 
 I promise on my faith that, as long as I do live, thou shalt want for 
 nothing. It wearies me longer to remain here, all the more so hearing 
 nothing of my people. If thou wilt provision me with a good steed 
 (considering that I am in this place without restraint), I wish to make 
 escape to-morrow morning. It is but fifteen or twenty miles to the 
 garrison of my people, I would do that in four hours, and thou wilt 
 come with me. I will see thee well provided for and give thee 
 fifty ducats." 
 
 The Albanian, who was avaricious, promised this ; however, first he 
 said : Sir, I have heard that you are in the castle on your parole ; you 
 will displease our Captain much." 
 
 I will not break my faith," said Don Alonzo ; " he has fixed my ransom 
 at one thousand ducats, that will I send him ; and further than this 
 I am not bound." 
 
 " Well then ! " said Theode the Albanian, " to-morrow's morn at day- 
 break I will without fail on horseback be at the gate of the castle ; 
 when it opens, make semblance of amusing thyself, and you will find 
 yours waiting." 
 
 This being arranged between them, it was carried into execution the 
 following day, as it had been proposed ; they found all so easy that, 
 the porter hardly appearing to notice him (because, as has before been 
 said, he was on his parole, and free to go and come), Don Alonzo 
 mounted on his horse and went off as hard as well he could.^ 
 
 Shortly afterward the good Chevalier, who was vigilant, entering the 
 
 ^ According to the account given by Champier, the facts are not similar, and more 
 in favour of Sotomaiore ; but it is sufficient to compare his text with that of the Loyal 
 Serviteur, to see that the author has been less well-informed. " After a time," he says, 
 " Lord Alonzo, not having had tidings from Spain or from his friends, said to Captain 
 Bayard : ' I am here as your prisoner, and at your expense, which profits httle to you or 
 me. I pray of you let me go, and on my faith I will do that which in a short time will 
 bring me the money from Spain, with which to pay my promised ransom, and you may 
 rest assured, that I should sooner die than break my faith.' Then rephed the Lord of 
 Bayard : ' I am content with what you say, for I know the house from whence you come, 
 your parents and your line, the which is famous throughout Spain ; also I know of your 
 prowess, and of the name you have gained in your camp. For these causes I let you 
 depart on your faith ; and if shortly you cannot send me your ransom, you must return 
 and surrender yourself unto me as prisoner then.' At this reply the Lord Alonzo bade 
 farewell to Captain Bayard." As I have said, it is only necessary to compare the text, to 
 observe that Champier is not so well-informed. In his text I see but vague words ; in 
 that of the Loyal Serviteur, on the contrary, are given facts precise and exact ; and he 
 places on the scene a certain number of subordinate personages, such as the Albanian, 
 Le Basque and the porter. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 minor courtyard of the castle, inquired about his prisoner ; they had 
 amused themselves each morning together, but no one could inform him 
 of his whereabouts. Amazed, he came to the porter, of whom he 
 inquired whether he had seen him. He replied: "Yes, at daybreak, 
 close to the gate." The sentinel was inquired of concerning him, but 
 he was nowhere to be found, neither the said Theode the Albanian. 
 
 Who was sorely grieved ? It was the good Chevalier. Ordering one 
 of his soldiers, Le Basco ^ by name, he said to him : " This instant 
 mount your horse, along with nine others, and ride straight towards 
 Andria, try to find our prisoner ; and, if you find him, bring him back 
 alive or dead. And if perchance the miscreant Albanian is with him, 
 bring him also hither ; for he shall be hung from these battlements, an 
 example to those who another time would play the traitor as he 
 has done." 
 
 Le Basque made no more delay, but instantly mounting his horse, 
 and spurring it forward, without considering who followed him (never- 
 theless he was well followed), took the road to Andria, two miles from 
 which he made up to Alonzo unnoticed, buckling up one of his horse's 
 straps, the which had broken. Who, when he perceived that he was 
 being followed, tried to remount, but could not, was caught, recaptured, 
 and set again on horseback. Theode was wiser than to allow himself to 
 be recaptured, knowing well that he went for his life ; saved himself in 
 Andria, whilst Don Alonzo was escorted back to Minervino, where, 
 when the good Chevalier saw him, he said : " How comes it, Signor Don 
 Alonzo you gave unto me your promise not to depart from thence 
 without my leave, the which you now have done ! I will trust you no 
 further ; for it was not honourable in any gentleman to a leave a place, 
 being there upon his honour." 
 
 Don Alonzo replied : " I had not it in mind to wrong you ; you fixed 
 my ransom at one thousand crowns, which you would have in two days' 
 time received. My reason for thus going was owing to the disappoint- 
 ment I endured, having received no tidings of my people." 
 
 The good Chevalier, still most wrathful, would not accept of his 
 excuses, but had him placed within a tower, in which he was kept for 
 the space of fifteen days, without being placed in irons, or receiving 
 further indignities. He was well treated as regards food and drink, and 
 thus had reason for contentment. 
 
 1 This soldier was later known as Bayard's esquire. His name was Pierre de Tardes, 
 his surname Le Basco or La Basque. 
 
1 I 2 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 At the end of fifteen days came a trumpeter demanding safe conduct 
 for one of his people wishing to bring the ransom money : he was 
 detained, and then the money was brought two days later. For which 
 cause Signor Don Alonzo was at once liberated. Took leave of the good 
 Chevalier and all the company in a sufficiently courteous manner, after- 
 wards returning to Andria. But previous to his departure he witnessed 
 how the said good Chevalier divided the whole of the ransom amongst 
 his men, not retaining for himself one farthing. 
 
 Spanish Coin. (Ferdinand and Isabella.) 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 Of how Signor Don Alonzo complained of the treatment he had received from the good 
 Chevalier, and how they came to fight. 
 
 HEN Signor Don Alonzo had arrived in Andria, all his 
 friends and companions greeted him warmly ; for, the 
 truth to tell, thei-e was no man in all the Spanish 
 armies more esteemed than he, nor who loved feats 
 of arms more. They comforted him as well as they 
 could, showing him that he need not be so down- 
 hearted at having been taken prisoner, for it was the 
 fortune of war to lose at one time and gain at 
 another, and it was sufficient that God had restored him safe and 
 sound unto his friends. After much converse, he was questioned 
 as to the manner in which the good Chevalier lived, what kind ot 
 man he was, and how, during his imprisonment, he had been treated 
 by him ? 
 
 I 
 
114 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 To which repHed Don Alonzo : 
 On my word, I do assure you, gentlemen, that, as regards the 
 person of Bayard, I believe that nowhere in the world is there more 
 bold a gentlemen, or less of an idler ; for if he be not at war, he of 
 necessity does something in its stead with his soldiers, be it wrestling, 
 jumping, throwing the bar, or other honest pastimes known to gentlemen 
 wherewith to exercise themselves. In liberality he has no equal ; as I 
 saw by several of his actions, even when he received the thousand 
 ducats for my ransom ; before me he divided it amongst his soldiers, 
 not retaining for himself one single ducat. In short, the truth to tell, 
 if he lives long, it is to become great things. But as you inquire of 
 me concerning his treatment of me, I cannot praise it much ; I do not 
 know if it were by his orders, but his people did not treat me as 
 became a gentleman, but far more harshly than they ought to have. 
 And my living did not content me." 
 
 Some marvelled at his words, considering the uprightness always 
 attributed to the good Chevalier ; others said that " one never finds 
 beautiful prisons ;" no one blamed him. But there was so much talk 
 concerning it, that a prisoner of the garrison of Minervino, on his 
 return, fully informed the good Chevalier of how Don Alonzo com- 
 plained continuously of the bad treatment he said he had received, with 
 other talk still less truthful, at which he had marvelled greatly. 
 And straightway calling his people to him, he said : 
 " My lords, here is Don Alonzo complaining amongst the Spaniards 
 of the treatment he has received at my hands, which he says could 
 not have been worse. You ail know how it was. It appears to me 
 that it would have been impossible to treat a prisoner better than we 
 did him before he made his flight, and since, although he has been 
 more confined, we have done naught unto him whereof he should com- 
 plain. And, by my troth ! if I thought that we had done wrong towards 
 him, I would make amends. For which I entreat you to tell me if 
 any of you perceived aught of which I have heard nothing." 
 
 To the which all replied : " Captain, had he been Spain's greatest 
 prince, you could not have better treated him. He does wrong and 
 sins in thus complaining ; but the Spaniards make so much of this 
 gallant, and are so vainglorious, that this is pure devilry." 
 
 " By my word ! " said the good Chevalier, " I will write and caution 
 him, how I am of wrathful temperament, and that if he say that I 
 ill-treated him I will prove otherwise by personal encounter, either on 
 foot or on horseback, whichever may please him." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 115 
 
 Calling forthwith for a clerk, he wrote a letter to this effect : 
 
 " SiGNOR Alonzo, 
 
 I have learnt that, after your return from my prison, you have 
 made complaints amongst your people that I did not treat you as 
 befitted a gentleman. You well know that such is not the case ; but, 
 in that were it true, would do me much dishonour, I have been wishful 
 to write unto you this letter, by which I entreat of you to repair the 
 injustice of these words in presence of those who have heard them, by 
 confessing, as is the truth, the good and straightforward treatment you 
 met wdth at my hands. And doing this will both increase your honour 
 and repair mine, which by injustice you have sullied. And in the 
 event of your refusing to do so, I hereby declare that I am resolved 
 to make you retract all by mortal combat 'twixt your person and mine, 
 be it on horseback or on foot, and with what arms you may choose. 
 And adieu. 
 
 " At Minervino, this tenth day of July." 
 
 By a trumpeter, none other than the brave and noble Lord de La 
 Palisse, surnamed La Lune, this letter was sent to Signor Don Alonzo, 
 in the town of Andria, who, when he had read it, without asking 
 counsel of any, sent reply by the same trumpeter, in a letter containing 
 these words : 
 
 My Lord of Bayard, 
 
 " I have seen your letter which the bearer placed in my hands, and 
 amongst other things mentioned therein is that of my having circulated 
 amongst those of my nation that I have not been treated by you as 
 befitted a gentleman, being your prisoner, and that on my not refuting 
 it, you are resolved to combat me. I hereby declare that I will not 
 retract one word of what I said, not being a man to retract. As 
 regards the combat you propose betwixt us, I accept it between this 
 day and twelve to fifteen days hence, to take place two miles from out 
 this town of Andria, or elsewhere as you may think fit." 
 
 La Lune gave this reply to the good Chevalier, who would sooner 
 have received it than ten thousand crowns, ill though he was. He told 
 him that he accepted the challenge, likewise the day of assignation. 
 
 I 2 
 
ii6 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Thus, the matter fixed upon, the good ChevaHer instantly informed 
 Lord de La PaHsse of the same, who being a man well versed in such 
 matters. Bayard took him, after God and his old friend Bellabre, as his 
 guide. 
 
 The day of the combat drew nigh, which was such as you will 
 hear of. 
 
 Coins of the time of Louis XII. 
 Spiked Crown, Crown of the Sun. 
 
Bayard striking to earth Alonzo de Sotomaiore. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche fought against Don Alonzo 
 
 and vanquished him. 
 
 HEN the day arrived assigned for the combat, the 
 Lord de La Palisse, accompanied by two hundred 
 men-at-arms, (which each of the combatants accorded 
 to the other), escorted his champion to the field, who 
 was mounted on a goodly charger, and dressed com- 
 pletely in white, emblem of humility. The Lord 
 Alonzo had not as yet arrived. 
 
 La Lune went to hasten him, of whom he inquired 
 as in what way the Lord de Bayard was prepared to fight. Being told 
 that he was on horseback, and dressed in complete armour, he exclaimed : 
 " How is this ? It is for me to select the weapons, and him the ground. 
 Trumpeter, go tell him that I will this day fight on foot ! " ^ 
 
 ^ At this point the two combatants would have exchanged letters, of which Champier 
 gives us the substance. " When the Lord Alonzo," he says, " knew that Bayard had 
 already repaired to the place of combat, he was much displeased, and to evade and put 
 off the fight, wrote an epistle, the which I myself found in a purse that once belonged to 
 the mother of the noble Bayard, which had been taken to her son, written in Spanish, as 
 
ii8 History of Bayard. 
 
 Notwithstanding the boldness shown by Signor Alonzo, he would 
 willingly not have been brought thus forward, having never realised, 
 owing to the disease from which the good Chevalier was now suffering, 
 that he would consent to fight on foot. But when he saw that all was 
 in readiness to commence, thought he had done well in fighting him 
 thus for many reasons : one was that, on horseback, in all the world, 
 no more adroit gentleman was to be found than the good Chevalier ; 
 the other that, owing to the disease from which he was suffering, he 
 would of necessity be feeble, and that filled him with the hope of being 
 able to vanquish him. La Lune advanced towards the good Chevalier, 
 to whom he said : " Captain, here is some news for you ; your adversary 
 says now that he will meet you but on foot, and that to him is left the 
 choice of weapons." 
 
 This was indeed the truth ; nevertheless it had been previously 
 concluded that the combat was to take place on horseback in full 
 accoutrement of men-at-arms ; but now it appeared that Signor 
 Alonzo was wishful to avoid the tilting. 
 
 When the good Chevalier had heard the trumpet, he remained for one 
 moment pensive, for, even on that day, he had had fever. Nevertheless 
 with leonine courage he replied : My friend, La Lune, go hasten him ; 
 nothing will this day prevent me repairing mine honour, by God's help ; 
 and if combat on foot be not pleasing to him, I will do otherwise as he 
 may think fit." 
 
 Meanwhile the good Chevalier prepared his camp, which consisted of 
 large stones alongside one another, and had just placed himself at one 
 end thereof, in company with several good, bold, and valiant captains, 
 such as the Lords de La Palisse, d'Oroze, d'Himbercourt, de Fontrailles, 
 
 follows : ' Seigneur Petrou de Bayardo yo he sentido como siti venuto a lo locho donde ery 
 stato deputado de farce fate d'armas de la mia persona a la vestra y delque me plaze e 
 vogiio che si alcuno de la gente nostra de Andre ny de la vestra fasse donate impacho nes 
 lino e que alse vulga cautelo que voy ve rendate prizonero mio come si fusseti stato vencido 
 per forza d'armas e voy non vogiio altra cautela. Scripto in Andre stado 26 novembrio 
 1503. Par mi Petrou de Cordova scripta. Don Alonce de Sotomaiore.' When the said 
 Bayard had received the above from Don Alonzo, he replied as follows : ' Seigneur 
 Alonzo, ai vu ce que m'avez ecrit, et suis content s'll y a aucun Fran^ais ni autre qui donne 
 empechement a vous, que je sois votre prisonnier. Aussi, en semblable si les votrcs me 
 donnent empechement, serez mon prisonnier, car ne veux que defendre mon honneur de 
 ce que dites et avez public que je ne vous ai pas bien traite quand etiez mon prisonnier ni 
 en gentilhomme.' The incorrect text of the Spanish document does not appear to M. Roman 
 to appear to be authentic. M. de Terrebasse accepts it more willingly, having found it in 
 the Trophcxum Gallorum, published at Lyons by Symphorien Champier in 1507, who 
 was a cotemporary of Bayard's." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 119 
 
 the Baron de Bearn, and many others, all of whom prayed to God that 
 he would aid their champion. 
 
 When La Lune returned to Signor Alonzo, who now knew that there 
 was no further help, and for his honour he must come to combat, he 
 advanced, well supported by the Marquis de Licite, the Don Diego de 
 Quinonez, Lieutenant of the great Captain Gonsalve Fernand,^ Don Pedro 
 de Haldez, Don Francesco d'Altamesa, and many others, who accompanied 
 him as far as the camp, where, having arrived, he sent the weapons to the 
 Chevalier to choose from, the which were a long rapier and a dagger ; 
 they were armed with gorgets and steel coifs. He did not take long to 
 choose ; but, when he. saw what he had to do, delayed no longer, taking 
 his stand at one end of the camp by his friend Bellabre, whom he had 
 chosen as his second ; the Lord de La Palisse kept the ground of 
 the camp on his side. The Signor Don Alonzo entered by the other 
 end, having for his second Don Diego de Quinonez, and as keeper of the 
 ground, Don Francesco d'Altamesa. 
 
 When both had entered, the good Chevalier, falling on both knees, 
 made humble supplication to God ; then, stretching himself on the 
 ground, he kissed the earth, and in rising made the sign of the cross 
 (he always did the same at home). Then marching straight towards his 
 enemy, with as assured a gait as he had been in a palace, dancing 
 amongst fair ladies. 
 
 Don Alonzo did not show either that he in any way felt fear ; coming 
 straight up to the good Chevalier, he said these words : " Senor de 
 Bayardo, que me quereis ? " 
 
 Who replied in his native tongue : " I will defend mine honour." 
 
 And without further words they approached each other, each dealing 
 his adversary a mighty rapier thrust, that of the good Chevalier slightly 
 wounding Signor Alonzo on the face, causing blood to flow. Believe 
 me that each had swift step and ready eye, and wished that not a 
 single thrust should be lost. If ever were seen in camp two champions 
 better exemplifying prtidhommes than they, believe it not ! Several 
 thrusts were dealt, one after the other, still without result. The good 
 Chevalier, who saw from the first his enemy's manoeuvres, on seeing the 
 thrusts made, covered his face, consequently could not have it injured, 
 and had recourse to strategy, by which, when Don Alonzo raised his 
 arm to administer a thrust, the good Chevalier raised his also, but kept 
 
 ^ It appears that Gonsalve of Cordova, as the General, and at the same time a near 
 relative of Sotomaiore, reprimanded him, ordering that he should not longer delay the 
 combat. 
 
I20 History of Bayard. 
 
 his rapier in the air without dealing the thrust, and with coolness, his 
 enemy's thrust over, choosing his moment, dealt him a tremendous 
 sweep upon the throat that, notwithstanding the protection of the gorget,^ 
 the rapier entered therein fully four nails deep, and the same could not 
 be withdrawn. Don Alonzo, feeling this to be his deathblow, let drop 
 his rapier, seizing the good Chevalier by the body, who also grasped 
 him as in the manner of wrestling, and so evenly were they balanced 
 that they fell to earth together side by side. The good Chevalier 
 promptly took his dagger and thrust it into his enemy's nostril, crying : 
 " Surrender, Signor Alonzo, or you. are a dead man ! " 
 
 But his speech was useless, as already had his spirit fled. Then his 
 second, Don Diego de Quinonez, called out, " Senor Bayardo, ya es 
 muerto ; vencido habeis." ^ 
 
 Which was, alas! too true, as he never moved hand or foot more. 
 
 But the most discomforted amongst them was the good Chevalier ; as, 
 had he possessed one thousand crowns, he would cheerfully have given 
 them, could he have vanquished him alive. Nevertheless, recognising 
 God's grace towards himself, he knelt, thanking Him humbly ; then 
 
 ^ The gorget covered the neck, and was most frequently composed of a certain number 
 of iron plates linked together, which divided itself into two parts ; the upper part was 
 flexible, with a chin-piece, which opened to put on the helmet, to which it was attached 
 by hooks. There were also, as is here seen, gorgets of armour. 
 
 ^ " Lord de Bayard, he is now dead ; you have conquered." Further on, Diego adds : 
 " Over much, my Lord of Bayard, for the honour of Spain ! " All the celebrated historians 
 of the time tell of this celebrated combat. Champier, whose version is somewhat different 
 to this one, but to our mind not v/orthy of so much confidence, and wanting in amplifica- 
 tion. Jean d'Anton alone relates it with its details as worthy of notice. We here give a 
 quotation from his work, where it appears to us to have been given in all honesty : 
 
 " Chacun d'eux cotoyait son ennemi et approchait de la longueur du glaive pour se 
 trouver k decouvert et donner dedans. Et, h. une fois, Bayard, au rabattre I'un des coups 
 de l Espagnol, I'approcha de tant, que, en croyant donner de toute puissance de I'estoc 
 travers du visage, comme cet Espagnol flechit la tete en arriere, le coup fut assene en la 
 au gorgerette, de telle fagon que, au travers des mailles, lui entra en la gorge de plus 
 de quatre doigts. Lorsqu'il retira I'estoc, grand abondance de sang commenga h ruisseler 
 sur I'armure jusqu'a terre. Dont cet Espagnol, comme forcend, k toute force, se voulut 
 revenger, et, pour ce faire, s'approcha tant de son homme, que chacun pensait qu'il le 
 voulut saisir au collet. Et Ik s'essaya souvent de lui en rendre autant, mais tant perdait 
 son sang que la terre en etait enrougie, et moult s'affaibHssait ; toutefois ne reculait pas 
 d'un seul pas, mais plus que devant se tenait entre le Frangais, tant qu'a la fin se joignit 
 klui. 
 
 " Et ainsi, a belle pointe d'estoc, se taterent longuement I'un I'autre, et d'aussi pr^s que 
 de la main au visage se pouvaient toucher. Bayard, avisant son coup, lui rua soudaine- 
 ment de toute sa force le poignard qu'il tenait de la main gauche centre le visage, Et 
 entre I'oeil gauche et le bout du nez, lui mit jusqu'a la poignee, tant que dedans le cerveau 
 lui entra. Dont cet Espagnol tomba k la renverse, atteint par I'angoisse de la mort, et 
 Bayard tomba sur lui, sans lui tirer le glaive de la tete." 
 
ARMOUR OF GONSALVE OF CORDOVA. 
 
 (Arineria Real, Madrid.) 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 123 
 
 kissing the earth thrice, he took his enemy's body from out the camp, 
 saying to his second, " Signor Don Diego, have I done enough ? " 
 
 Who piteously answered, " Troppo, Senor Bayardo, pour la honra 
 d'Espana." 
 
 " You well know," said the good Chevalier, " that it is for me to do 
 with the body what I think fit ; nevertheless I give it back to you ; 
 and truly I wish, with mine honour saved, that it had been otherwise." 
 
 To be brief, the Spaniards carried away their champion's body 'midst 
 grievous lamentation, the French leading theirs 'midst the sound of 
 trumpets and clarionets until reaching the garrison of the good Lord de 
 La Palisse, where, before doing aught else, the good Chevalier repaired 
 to the church, there to offer oblations to the Almighty, later making 
 all possible rejoicings. None of these French gentlemen could tire of 
 giving praise unto the good Chevalier, so much so that, throughout the 
 kingdom, not only amongst French but also amongst Spaniards, he 
 was held to be one of the most finished gentlemen that could anywhere 
 be found. 
 
 Seal of La Palisse. 
 
Bayard and Oroze meeting the Spaniards. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Of a Tournament held in the kingdom of Naples, between thirteen Frenchmen and 
 thirteen Spaniards, in the which the good Chevalier made such feats of arms that he 
 carried off the prize over all. 
 
 E know that, amongst other nations, the Spaniards are a 
 people who of themselves will not condemn them- 
 selves, and are always somewhat vainglorious. And 
 inasmuch as they are a brave nation, and are possessed 
 together with both prowess and a good manner, there 
 are no people in the world that can hold out against 
 them. They had heard how the good Chevalier chal- 
 lenged Don Alonzo de Sotomaiore, whom the Spaniards 
 at heart mourned deeply, and they sought each day for means to 
 avenge themselves. There had been agreed upon 'twixt the French 
 and they, a few days after the death of Signor Don Alonzo, a truce of 
 two months ; the reason thereof I know not. Now it happened that 
 during the truce the Spaniards went to amuse themselves nigh to the 
 French garrisons, and about these places they sometimes fell in with 
 Frenchmen who likewise were amusing themselves. These had often 
 words together, but always the said Spaniards sought for some cause 
 of disagreement. 
 
COMBAT OF THE THIRTEEN. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 127 
 
 One day, amongst others, a band of thirteen Spaniards, all men-at- 
 arms, and well mounted, went to disport themselves close by to the 
 garrison of the good Chevalier, who, together with the Lord of Oroze, of 
 the house of Urfe, a very noble captain, had taken two companions, and 
 sallied forth to breathe the air about half a league distant, where they 
 encountered the said Spaniards, whom they saluted ; they returned the 
 greeting. They entered into converse concerning divers matters, and 
 amongst other words, a Spaniard bold and courageous, by name Diego 
 de Bisegna, the which had been one of the firing company of Signor 
 Don Alonzo de Sotomaiore (still holding his death in remembrance), said : 
 Gentlemen and Frenchmen, I do not know if this truce wearies you ; 
 for, although it has only been as yet of eight days' duration, it wearies 
 us exceedingly. If, nevertheless, while it lasts there be a band of you, 
 ten 'against ten, twenty against twenty (either more or less), who would 
 meet us in combat upon the quarrel of our masters, my side can 
 easily be numbered. And those who shall be vanquished shall remain 
 the other's prisoners." 
 
 At these words the Lord of Oroze looked at the good Chevalier, who 
 said : " My Lord of Oroze, what thinkest thou of these words ? " 
 
 He also said : " It seems to me that this gentleman talks honestly. 
 I could willingly answer him, but I pray of you that you reply to him 
 according to your judgment." 
 
 " Since it pleases you," replied the good Chevalier, " I will tell him my 
 opinion. 
 
 " Sir, my friend and I have heard your words, and do understand 
 that you would meet us at an encounter of arms, number against 
 number. You are here thirteen men-at-arms ; if it suit your wishes, 
 eight days from this come two miles from hence, armed and mounted ; 
 my companion and I will meet you there with the same number. And 
 he who has a good heart will show it ! " 
 
 Thereupon all the Spaniards in their own tongue replied, " We do 
 wish it." 
 
 They then returned, as did the Lord of Oroze and the good Chevalier, 
 to within Minervino ; where they selected their men, and on the day 
 named found themselves at the place agreed upon with the Spaniards, 
 who likewise were on the spot. Of each nation there were many others 
 who had come there as spectators. They fixed their camp, making con- 
 dition that those who should pass beyond the same should be held as 
 prisoners and unable to. compete more that day ; likewise that those un- 
 horsed must cease to fight. And that in case till nightfall one party had 
 
128 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 not vanquished the other, and there remained but one on horseback, the 
 joust should be considered over, and that he should carry away all his 
 companions free and discharged, with permission to leave the camp. 
 
 To end our story : the French ranged themselves on one side and the 
 Spaniards on the other. All, with lances in rest, spurred their horses ; 
 but the said Spaniards endeavoured not to hit the men, but to kill the 
 horses, which they did to the number of eleven. There remaining on 
 horseback alone the Lord of Oroze and the good Chevalier. But this 
 trickery was not of much service to the Spaniards, for afterwards their 
 horses refused to move forward, however sorely they were spurred. And 
 the said Lord of Oroze and the good Chevalier rushed upon them in 
 sharp assault. And, when the larger side in their turn desired to charge, 
 they retreated behind the dead horses of their companions, which served 
 them as a rampart. 
 
 And, to conclude, the Spaniards were mightily provoked, and though 
 they numbered thirteen horsemen against two, were still unable to take 
 the camp ; night came on, but still they had gained nothing. When 
 being brought to a close, according to the agreement made, all gave the 
 honour of the combat to the French ; who had fought so bravely, two 
 against thirteen, for four hours without being defeated. The good 
 Chevalier had made such feats of arms that it was much noised abroad, 
 and added greatly to his renown. 
 
 Mace of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
The Treasurers flying with their Sacks. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Of how the good Chevalier captured the Treasurer and his servant, who were carrying 
 fifteen thousand ducats to the great Captain Gonsalve Fernand, and of what he 
 did with it. 
 
 BOUT one month after this combat, the truce being 
 over, the good Chevaher was informed by his spies 
 that there had come to Naples a treasurer, who 
 changed money into gold, to take the same to the 
 great Captain Gonsalve Fernand, and who would per- 
 force have to pass within three or four miles of the 
 garrison. He had slept none since he had heard 
 thereof, and had placed sentries, who at last came 
 to tell him that the treasurer had arrived at a village held by the 
 Spaniards, which was but fifteen miles from Minervino, and that on 
 the morrow, with an escort of light horse,^ had prepared to proceed on 
 towards the great Captain. 
 
 The good Chevalier had much desire to seize this money, not for 
 
 ^ Soldiers of the light cavalry, who fought with shields and lances, riding jennets {d la 
 genetd) that is to say, with very short stirrups, as do the Moors J they were mounted on 
 bob-tailed horses {giitete). 
 
 K 
 
I30 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 himself, but to distribute amongst his soldiers ; so, rising two hours 
 before dawn, went and lay in ambush between two small hills, accom- 
 panied only by twenty horsemen, and sent round to the other side his 
 friend Tardieu, with twenty-five Albanians, so that if not caught on 
 one side he must be on the other. 
 
 Now it happened as here follows, that at about the hour of seven 
 that morning, the scouts of the good Chevalier, hearing the tramp of 
 horses, came to apprise him of the same. The Chevalier and his men 
 were so well concealed between two rocks that they could have with 
 ease been passed by unobserved. The Spaniards advanced towards 
 them, and in their centre the treasurer and his servant, carrying the 
 bags of money ^ behind them on their horses. When they had just 
 passed, without further delay the Chevalier and his men raised the cry 
 of France! Finance! A viort ! A mort ! when the said Spaniards, 
 finding themselves thus charged, and taken unawares, believing that 
 there were a far greater number of men than in truth there were, took 
 to flight in the direction of Barletto. They were pursued, but not far, 
 for the poor treasurer alone was wanted, who, being captured with his 
 servant, was conducted under escort to Minervino. Arriving there, they 
 were despoiled of their money-bags, the which were full of sparkling 
 ducats. The good Chevalier wished to count the same, but the treasurer 
 said to him in Spanish : " Non conteis, senor, son quince mil ducados." 
 
 Much rejoiced were they with this their prize. 
 
 Meanwhile Tardieu returned, who, when he beheld all this money, 
 felt much discomforted that he had not captured it, saying at the same 
 time to his good Chevalier, " I also shall have my share of this, as I 
 was engaged in the undertaking." 
 
 " That is true," quoth the good Chevalier ; " but you had no hand in 
 the capturing thereof" And for the fun of it, continued, "And even 
 had you been there, being under my orders, I can give thee but what 
 I think fit." 
 
 Upon this Tardieu waxed wrathful, swearing in God's name that he 
 would learn the reason thereof ; and straightway made complaint of it to 
 the Lieutenant-General of the army of France, who sent for the good 
 Chevalier, who instantly came unto him, and, in his presence, each one 
 told his tale ; the which, having listened to, the said Lieutenant-General 
 
 ^ The money was carried in bags of a certain dimension called les bougcs, from 
 whence came the word bougctte, or small travelling-bag. The expression, " // a bicii 
 rcmpli scs boitgcs " became proverbial to describe a man who had become rich. 
 
 2 " Do not count them, my lord ; there are tifteen thousand ducats." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 inquired the opinion of all the captains present. The decision being 
 (after having heard all), that Tardieu was entitled to no part of the 
 spoil, at which he was sorely disappointed. But being by nature of a 
 jovial mind, he at once exclaimed, " By the blood of St. George, I am 
 indeed unfortunate ! " He then addressed the good Chevalier, saying, 
 " But, by heavens ! it is all one, since you have to provide me with all 
 things needful for me while in this country." Bayard at this laughed 
 heartily, and straightway they returned together to Minervino, where, 
 
 when they had arrived, the good Chevalier before Tardieu, still further 
 to tantalise him, had the ducats placed before him on a table, and then 
 said, " Friend, how seems it to you } are not these fine sugar-plums ? " 
 
 " Indeed, by all the devils ! that they are," replied he ; " but I 
 have nothing of it. I would that I were hung, by the blood of God ! 
 For had I only half of what is there, I would have riches, and be a 
 prosperous man my life-long." 
 
 How so ? My friend," said the the good Chevalier, " thinkest thou 
 that being possessed of this would influence your whole life in this 
 
 Albanian. From a Woodcut of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 K 2 
 
132 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 world ? And now, I tell you that of that which you have tried to seize 
 by force, I give to thee, of my own free will, the half" And instantly 
 counting it, gave over unto him seven thousand five hundred ducats. 
 
 Tardieu, who had until now thought that he spoke but in jest, when 
 he saw that it was true, seized it, throwing himself on both knees, and 
 with tears of joy in his eyes, said, "Alas! my master, my friend, how 
 can I ever sufficiently thank you for your goodness ? Greater liberality 
 than even that of Alexander ! " 
 
 " Hush, friend ! if it lay in my power I would do far more for thee." 
 
 After this, all his life long, Tardieu was rich ; for by means of these 
 moneys, after that they had returned from Naples into France, he, in his 
 province, espoused an heiress, daughter of a Lord de Saint-Martin, who 
 had as dot three thousand pounds of rentes. 
 
 You must now learn what became of the other seven thousand five 
 hundred ducats. The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, whose 
 heart was as a pearl, called unto him all those of his garrison, and to 
 each, according to his rank, he distributed it, without reserving for 
 himself one farthing. Then said he to the treasurer, "My friend, I 
 know full well that, if I would, I could demand a goodly ransom for 
 thee, but I hold myself content with what I have already had. When 
 you and your man so desire, I will give unto you safe conduct to any 
 place you may desire ; nothing further will be taken from you, nor will 
 you be searched." 
 
 They had about them, in personalties and money, five hundred ducats 
 or more. 
 
 Who felt happy } It was the unfortunate treasurer, who, by a trum- 
 peter of the good Chevalier's, to whom he gave three crowns, was 
 escorted as far as Barletta, together with his man, right well, seeing 
 his fortune had been to have fallen into such good hands. 
 
 Spanish Ducats of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella. 
 
Pedro de Paz crossing the Gargliaiuo. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Of how the good ChevaHer defended the bridge across the Garighano alone for the 
 space of half-an-hoiir against two hundred Spaniards. 
 
 NOUGH is seen in other histories of how it fared with 
 the kingdom of Naples, and of how, towards the close 
 of the war between France and Spain, the army of the 
 said French was encamped on one bank of the river 
 called the Garigliano, whilst that of the Spaniards was 
 on the opposite bank. You must understand that if 
 on the side of the French were to be found many 
 brave and valiant knights, the like v/ere also to be 
 met with among the Spaniards. Amongst others, the great and re- 
 nowned Captain Gonsalve Fernand, a man both wise and vigilant, and 
 another, by name Pedro de Paz, the same not being two cubits in 
 height. But a braver could nowhere be found. He was so much 
 hump-backed and so small that, when mounted, his head alone was to 
 be seen above the saddle. One morning the said Pedro de Paz resolved 
 to alarm the French, and he, together with one hundred to one hundred 
 and twenty horsemen resolved to cross the river Garigliano at a certain 
 
134 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 place, the ford of which he knew. He placed a man on foot behind 
 each horse, armed with an arquebuse ; and thus he hoped to alarm the 
 French and make them fly, abandoning the bridge which they had 
 gained. 
 
 He carried out his enterprise well, giving the French camp a sharp 
 and warm alarm, into the which they all retreated, thinking that the 
 entire Spanish army were advancing ; but such was not the case. 
 
 The good Chevalier, who wished always to be near the scene of 
 action, was hard by the bridge, and with him a bold gentleman, the 
 Squire Le Basco by name. Master of the Horse to King Louis XH. of 
 France. They commenced to arm themselves on hearing the noise, and 
 were soon in readiness mounted on their horses, and, one need not 
 say, went straightway to where the affray was going on. 
 
 But the good Chevalier, on looking beyond the river, saw well nigh 
 two hundred Spaniards advancing straight to the bridge to take it, the 
 which they would have done with but faint resistance, and that meant 
 the total destruction of the French army. He began by saying to his 
 friend, " Sir Squire, my friend, hasten thee to warn our people to defend 
 yonder bridge, or we are all lost. In the meanwhile I shall amuse 
 them till you arrive ; but hasten thee ! " which he did, and the good 
 Chevalier, with lance in hand, went himself to the end of the said 
 bridge, where at the other end were the Spaniards ready to pass over 
 it. But, as a furious lion, putting his lance in rest, he rushed upon the 
 troop who were already on the bridge, making two or three to stagger, 
 of which two fell over into the water, from which they never rose more, 
 for the river was both wide and deep. That over, he did many great 
 feats, though sorely assailed, and had it not been for his expert horse- 
 manship, could not have resisted them. But as an angry lion stood 
 holding the bridge, which he prevented their crossing, whilst with his 
 sword he defended himself in a way that made the Spaniards think that 
 he was not a man, but a devil. ^ 
 
 In short, he held it bravely till the Squire Le Basco, his comrade, 
 came to his aid with two hundred men-at-arms, who, when they arrived, 
 
 ^ These three words, viais un ennemi, have seemed insufficient to many editors of our 
 text. But we must hold in mind that the word ennemi was a long time synonymous with 
 demon. Long after this Pascal writes in his Provinciales, " S'il arrivait qu'k la mort, 
 Vetmemi eut quelques pretentions sur vous." I do not know if our legend of Bayard has 
 made Spain jealous, but they still preserve in the Armeria Real the armour of a Spanish 
 knight, who, according to the catalogue, killed by his own hand more than four hundred 
 Frenchmen in the fight of GarigHano. The catalogue mentions, it is true, that this man- 
 killer had some companions, but their numbers he has forgotten to mention. 
 
BAYARD DEFENDING THE BRIDGE OF GARIGLIANO. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 137 
 
 compelled the said Spaniards to abandon the bridge, chasing them a 
 full mile from it. And would have gone farther, but perceived a large 
 number of Spaniards, numbering seven or eight hundred horsemen, 
 coming to assist their people. The good Chevalier on seeing this called 
 to his men, saying, " Sirs, this day we have done enough in saving our 
 bridge ; let us retreat in good order." His counsel being held wise, they 
 commenced the retreat, Bayard always remaining last, and sustaining 
 the whole brunt of the charge, or the greater part of it. In the end, 
 finding himself sorely pressed, his horse being completely exhausted, 
 having carried him through the entire day, when suddenly the enemy 
 poured down on them in a mass, bringing many of the French to 
 ground^ the horse of the Chevalier being backed well nigh into a 
 ditch, where he was surrounded by twenty or thirty men, who called out, 
 " Rende ! rende ! senor ! " ^ He, fighting still, could but reply, " Sirs, I of 
 needs must surrender, seeing that alone I cannot fight against all of you." 
 
 He had already got far separated from his companions, who had 
 retreated straight towards the bridge, thinking all the while that the 
 Chevalier was still amongst them. And when they got some distance 
 off, one amongst them, by name the Chevalier Guiffrey, a gentleman of 
 Dauphiny,^ and his neighbour, suddenly remarked, Ho ! sirs, we have 
 lost all ! The good Captain Bayard is dead or taken prisoner, for he 
 is not amongst us. Can it be otherwise ? and only this day he led us 
 so valiantly, and deserved so much honour ! I vow to God that if I 
 alone go, I will return, and, whether he be alive or dead, shall get 
 tidings of him ! " 
 
 I cannot say which of the troop was the most sorely grieved on 
 learning that the Chevalier Guiffrey spoke not in jest. All dismounted 
 to readjust their horse-furniture ; then remounted, with inconceivable 
 courage pursued the Spaniards at full speed, who were taking with 
 them the flower and e7ite of all that was noble, alone through the fault 
 of his horse, which, had it been capable of like endurance to him, he 
 would never have been captured. 
 
 One must understand that when the Spaniards retreated, taking with 
 them the good Chevalier (because of their great number) did not deign 
 to disarm him, neither to take from him his sword, which hung by his 
 side ; neither despoiled they him of his hatchet,^ which he had in hand. 
 
 ^ " Surrender ! Surrender, my lord ! " 
 
 '■^ According to Tcrrebasse, it was not Guiffrey, but Bellabre, who had thus spoken. 
 ^ One finds this battle-axe in the picture of Bayard on horseback, that we have here 
 given after Champier, and which is the most ancient engraving known (1527). 
 
138 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Whilst marching they continually inquired as to who he was. He, 
 knowing well that if they knew his rightful name he never would 
 escape with life, because the Spaniards were more suspicious as a 
 nation than the French, and knew better than exchange him, replied 
 only that he was a gentleman. 
 
 Meanwhile the French came up, his comrades shouting, " France, France ! 
 Turn, turn, Spaniards ! you carry not off thus our guidon ! " At which 
 the Spaniards, although so many in number, were much astonished. 
 
 Portrait of Bayard on Horseback. From an Engraving of 1527. 
 
 Nevertheless with bold front they received the heavy charge of the 
 French troops, but it fared hardly with some amongst them, and those 
 the best mounted, many of whom were thrown to ground. 
 
 Seeing which, the good Chevalier, who was still fully armed, and 
 wanted but a fresh horse, his being weary, dismounted, and without 
 putting foot in stirrup, vaulted on a bob-tailed horse, which had 
 been cast to earth by the hand of the Squire Le Basco, when he over- 
 threw the brave knight, Salvador de Borgia, Lieutenant of the Marquis 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 39 
 
 de la Palude's division. Finding himself once more well mounted, he 
 did some marvellous feats of arms, crying " France ! France ! Bayard ! 
 Bayard ! He whom you have thus let go ! " 
 
 When the Spaniards heard his name, and knew the error they had 
 made in allowing him to retain his arms, being a prisoner, without his 
 having said recours oil non ^ (for once having given his faith he would 
 have kept it), the hearts of all failed them, and they said amongst 
 themselves, " Let us away to our own camp ; we shall do no further 
 good this day." 
 
 Saying which they broke into a gallop, and the French, seeing the 
 shadows of night approaching, happy at having recovered their true 
 leader, returned joyfully to camp, where during eight days they ceased 
 
 not to speak of their glorious adventure, and at the same time the 
 prowess of the good Chevalier. 
 
 In this same year sent King Louis XII. of France, to capture the 
 province of Rousillon, a number of men, under command of Lord 
 de Dunois. But they returned without having done things to further 
 their glory ; and there died a great French knight, by name the Lord 
 of Rochepot. 
 
 After that, I cannot say through whose fault, the French did not 
 longer remain in this kingdom of Naples, but returned to their own 
 land, the greater number of them in but sorry state. As they journeyed 
 
 Medal of Julius IF. 
 From a Print of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 ^ 1 hat is to say, without having sworn to fight no more, if succour came or not — 
 recours here means deliverance. 
 
140 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 through Rome the Pope Juhus paid them much courtesy, but after- 
 wards cheated them most thoroughly. The vaHant Captain Louis d'Ars, 
 who still held several places in Puglia (and of his division was the 
 good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche), after the return of the 
 French army, remained still in this said kingdom, despite the Spanish 
 power, for the space of one year, during which time some brilliant 
 reconnoitres were made, and heavy skirmishes, in the greater part of 
 which they had success ; and further, would have held their own, but 
 were summoned home by the King their master, to their great regret, 
 in the year 1504. And all were honourably welcomed, as well they 
 deserved, even by the King their master, who, being wise and prudent, 
 accepted the fortune of war as sent by God (in whom was his chiefest 
 strength). 
 
 I will now cease speaking of warfare, and tell of the fortunes that 
 came unto France and the surrounding countries for the next two 
 years. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Of divers events that came to pass in the space of two years both in France, 
 
 Italy, and Spain. 
 
 FTER the completion of these events/ there was a 
 cessation of war twixt France and Spain, the which was 
 but ill advised, inasmuch as one party had what they 
 desired, and the other had not. 
 
 In the year one thousand one hundred and five 
 died Jeanne of France, Duchess of Berry, who had 
 been espoused to King Louis XII. ; who also this 
 same year, in his city of Blois, was so grievously sick, 
 that they no longer hoped for life, physicians having lost hope, and 
 human remedies proving of no avail. But (as I beHeve, in answer to 
 
 ^ Contrary to his custom, the Loyal Serviteur omits in all these events past, certain 
 important facts in the military career of Bayard, at the time when he abandoned Puglia. 
 M. de Terrebasse has found them mentioned in Jean d'Anton, and has given them to 
 us in the Appendix. 
 
142 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 the fervent prayers of his people, for he was much loved by reason of 
 his clemency towards them, never having oppressed them with tithes 
 and taxes) that the Almighty prolonged his days. In the said year 
 died Don Frederick of Aragon at Plessis-les-Tours, once King of 
 Naples, the last of the race of Pierre of Aragon, who, without justice 
 or reason, had usurped the said kingdom of Naples, and whose descen- 
 dants held it, and do still under other titles. 
 
 In the year one thousand five hundred and four, one of the most 
 triumphant and victorious dames that for a thousand years has lived 
 
 Jeanne of France. 
 
 on this earth, departed this life. This was the Queen Isabella of 
 Castille, who helped, herself armed, in the conquest of Granada over 
 the Moors, took prisoners the children of the King Chico,^ who reigned 
 over the said kingdom, the which she had baptised. And I would 
 assure the readers of this present history, that her life was such that 
 she well merited a crown of laurels after death. This same year died 
 also the person who on her decease had succeeded her and been her 
 heir, Philip, King of Spain, who was, by right of his wife, Archduke of 
 
 ^ Chico (in Sp3.nish.pa/01s) was the surname of the Moorish king, Boabdil. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 143 
 
 Austria and Count of Flanders. France was no loser by his death ;- for 
 he had sown a seed that could have profited her little. 
 
 Pope Julius, by the aid of the King of France, as also of his 
 Lieutenant-General of the duchy of Milan (the Lord of Chaumont, 
 Sir Charles d'Amboise, a good and virtuous man), conquered Bologna 
 under Sir Jean de Bentivoglio, in the said year, and as recompense 
 thereof France received many indulgences. 
 
 I do not know through whose counsel, but from this time the French 
 never held the same footing in Italy, because that the said Pope, not 
 over good a Frenchman, fortified this side of the Alps adjoining the 
 lands held by the King of France in Lombardy. 
 
 I here recall the events that followed. Many at this time made 
 profit to themselves ; and many of the captains who were governed 
 by the Lord de Chaumont made unto themselves gains. Nor were the 
 men of letters forgetful to take unto themselves benefices.^ 
 
 In short, it was a system of avarice preceding honour, the same 
 which has always existed more in France than elsewhere. If the same 
 
 ^ That is to say, many traded on their influence over the Lord of Chaumont ; those who 
 were captains received money, and those who were clerks (men of letters) were given 
 benefices (it is understood by the Pope). According to Champier, Julius II. tried even to 
 raise Bayard's position, offering him the title of Captain-General ; but Bayard replied that 
 he knew but two masters, the God in heaven, and the King of France on earth. 
 
144 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 is tlie most excellent country in Europe ; but good ground does not of 
 necessity bring forth good fruit, be it as it may. I myself hold with 
 he who wrote the Roman de la Rose, by name Master Jean de Meung ; 
 the same says that beattx dons donnent gloire aux donneurs, mais ils 
 empirent les preneurs. 
 
 The King of Aragon, widowed by the death of Isabella his wife, 
 espoused the same year Germaine de Foix, niece to the King of France, 
 and was escorted with much triumph into Spain, taking with her the 
 Count of Cifuentes and also a Jacobin bishop. After awhile she was 
 desirous that to the French should be given all preferment, which was 
 not held with ; and by all who knew her she was counted an unworthy 
 daughter of France. 
 
View of Genoa. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Of how the Genoese revolted, and the King of France crossed the Alps and 
 brought them to reason. 
 
 and sinister means caused the Genoese population to rise in revolt 
 against their nobles, driving them from their city, and electing for them- 
 selves a duke, named Sir Paul de Novi, a working mechanic, and by 
 trade a dyer. 
 
 A Genoese gentleman, named Sir Jean Louis de Flisco, the same 
 being a good Frenchman, the Lord de Las, who held the Castle, and 
 many others, remained faithful to the King of France. And for this 
 
 DO not say that all good Christians must be followers 
 of the Catholic Church, nor that it must be obeyed, 
 neither do I say that all its ministers must of necessity 
 be godly men. And to prove this, I can bring 
 forward as an example Pope Julius II., who (as a 
 recompense for the assistance rendered him by King 
 Louis, who had also bestowed on him Bologna) com- 
 menced to drive the French out of Italy, and by subtle 
 
 L 
 
146 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 cause the wise Prince, somewhat a judge in such matters, seeing well 
 that if it were not speedily repaired grave inconveniences might arise, 
 determined to cross the Alps with a strong force, the which he did with 
 all dispatch, the situation requiring the same for divers reasons. 
 
 The good Chevalier was at this time ill at Lyons, with quartan fever, 
 which clung to him for upwards of seven years. As also with an arm 
 which troubled him, caused by a pike-thrust received long since, the which 
 had been so badly dressed that an ulcer had followed, Vihich was not as 
 yet at all healed.^ 
 
 On his return from the kingdom of Naples, the King his master kept 
 him as one of his squires of his stable, until such time arrived that the 
 command of a company of men-at-arms was vacant, the which he could 
 give him. Thinking in his own mind, that notwithstanding his indis- 
 position, he would indeed be most faint-hearted not to follow his 
 prince, and regarding as naught the inconveniences, resolved to march 
 with him. 
 
 In two or three days he gave the needful orders, and commenced the 
 passage across the Alps with the others ; and with such rapidity did the 
 army march, that on his approaching the town of Genoa the inhabitants 
 were much astonished, as they had hoped that in the space of a few 
 days great assistance would have been sent them by the Pope, and 
 also from Romania, together with seven or eight thousand men, called 
 in Italy bresignels, who are accounted the best Italian foot-soldiers, and 
 
 ^ The ulcer was bad and also cavernous, according to Champier, who himself, knowing 
 of medical matters, had on this account a curious knowledge of our hero. " One day," 
 he says, " I gave a supper in my house to the Captain Bayard and his cousin Annie 
 Magdalene Terrail, wife of the noble Claude de Varey, at that time the Queen's pantler. 
 Now one night at supper it was that I said to him : ' My lord captain, I wonder that 
 you who are so ill with the fever, besides having on your right arm a dangerous ulcer, 
 wish to go to Genoa with the King amongst these Pennine mountains, and expose your- 
 self to the danger of war.' He answered me : ' Truly you speak the truth ; but in times of 
 necessity for nothing should one leave one's prince ; it were better to die for him than die 
 of shame.' Then said I to him : ' My lord captain, at least until your arm be cured, 
 and to avoid a crowd being with him, follow in company with Cardinal Amboise to 
 Geneva ; for betwixt now and then you may be cured of your arm, as also of your fever.' 
 ' Of a truth, my friend/ said he, ' you say well ; but one thing I most fear, which is that 
 many officers of the papal court will follow the legate, who will be mounted on Spanish 
 mules, the which kick much. I have but tender legs, for which reason I fear much the 
 heels of mules, to which I am unaccustomed, and prefer being between horses, who 
 know me, and I them.' Then he replied : ' Sir, you are forgiven, for to jest is your 
 custom.' * Of a truth,' said Bayard, ' I say it not in pleasantry, but as I have heard.' At 
 the request of the said lord captain all those present laughed heartily, for he said much 
 in this speech which it were impossible here to write." I have here given the entire 
 passage, because it appears to me to be truthful, and agrees with the other incidents 
 told of Bayard. Champier does not always appear so truthful. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 147 
 
 very hardy in warfare. They nevertheless unflinchingly did their duty, 
 and at the top of the mountain, under which the French had to pass 
 in order to enter the town, had raised a strong bastion, held by good 
 men and artillery, which caused great wonderment amongst the whole 
 army. Then the King assembled his captains, and inquired of them 
 what was to be done. There were divers opinions : some said that from 
 their position their army might be totally destroyed, and that on the 
 heights above there might be still great numbers not visible, who would 
 
 Seal of Louis XII. 
 
 repulse them at their weak points, and bring them to shame. Others 
 said that it was but the mob, who would lack endurance. 
 
 The King, looking towards the good Chevalier, said to him, " Bayard, 
 what thinkest thou ^ " " On my faith, sire," said he, " I am unable to 
 advise you. One had need go and see what they are doing up there ; 
 and, for my part, if it may please you to give me permission, before an 
 hour is over, if I am not killed or taken prisoner, you will have the 
 information wanted," 
 
148 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 " I beg of you to go," said the King, " as you are weli versed in 
 such matters." 
 
 Without more delay, the good ChevaHer, who had but to sound the 
 alarm, was joined by several of his friends and companions. Amongst 
 them the Viscount de Rhodes, Captain Maugiron, Lord de Beaudinar, 
 the Bastard de Luppe, and several others, in all numbering one hundred 
 or one hundred and twenty. Amongst them were two of the noble 
 house of La Foix, Lords of Barbazan and Lesparre, sons of Lord de 
 Lautrec. And having assembled, he giving them a good lead, com- 
 menced to ascend the mountain. 
 
 Seeing him in front, they endeavoured but to follow him, the which 
 they did with difficulty ; the summit reached, they stopped but to 
 take breath, then marched straight on towards the bastion ; on the 
 road to which they met with much resistance,^ and had somewhat sharp 
 fighting ; but ultimately the Genoese turned and took to flight, the 
 French desiring to pursue them. But the good Chevalier called out, 
 
 No, sirs ! straight to the bastion. Possibly there are some left within, 
 who might surround us ; this we must see to first at any rate." 
 
 In this all were agreed, and marched onwards, when what he had 
 surmised came to pass, as still within it were two or three hundred 
 men, who defended it, but in rude manner, finally quitting it, and flying 
 like the wind down the mountaifi-side in order to reach their town. 
 Thus was the bastion taken. 
 
 And after this the Genoese did not great deeds, but surrendered 
 themselves to the mercy of the King, who, entering the town, obliged 
 the inhabitants to defray the expenses of his army, and at their own 
 expense to build a strong castle near by the city, the which he called 
 Godefa. He caused their doge to be decapitated, and also another, by 
 name Giustiniani. In short, sufficiently chastised them at one time. 
 
 ^ Champier makes Bayard speak thus on this occasion : " Sir, I am of opinion that 
 we ought to at once ascend this mountain, and beat these peasants and townsfolk from 
 off the bastion. And I, with this fever, which I would were at present elsewhere, and 
 my useless arm, will lead the way." Then afterwards saying to Captain Maugiron, who 
 later was killed before Ravenna : " Captain Maugiron, come with me ; we are from the 
 same province, and have long known one another. Follow me, and if the arm is weak it 
 shall be tried this day. As to the legs, they are active and hthc to chmb." At Bayard's 
 words all the young gentlemen took courage, and said together, " Let us follow Bayard ! 
 We have nothing to fear in following him ! " And thus all the ycnmg gentlemen followed 
 first after Bayard, with the irregulars and Gascons after them, all proudly. All wondered 
 much at Bayard, who, notwithstanding his fever, ascended the mountain with much activity, 
 reaching first the summit with half-lance in hand. And as soon as they had all reached 
 the summit of the mountain before the bastion, Bayard cried, " France ! France ! " 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 149 
 
 Shortly after this, the King of France and the King of Aragon, who 
 was returning- from Naples into Spain, met at Savona Germaine de 
 Foix ; the same was possessed of much audacity. She paid but little 
 heed to all the French, even to her brother, the goodly Duke of 
 Nemours, of whom this history will later make mention. 
 
 The King of France feasted right well the great Captain, Gonsalve 
 Fernand, whilst the King of Aragon paid much honour to the Captain 
 Louis d'Ars, and to the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, 
 saying to the King of France these words : " My lord and brother, 
 happy is that prince who has belonging to him two such knights ! " 
 
 The two princes, after spending several days in company, took leave 
 of one another ; the one going into Spain, and the other returning to 
 his duchy of Milan. 
 
 Genoese Costumes. 
 
A Great Banquet. 
 
 / 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Of how the Emperor Maximihan made war against the Venetians, and of the King of 
 France sending Lord Jean-Jacques with a large force to his assistance. 
 
 dainties, masquerades, comedies, and all other sorts of pastimes. 
 
 After which the King returned to his kingdom of France, where the 
 following year he was apprised by the Venetians, who were his allies, 
 of how the Emperor Maximilian was marching into their country, and 
 anxious to commence war ; for this cause, by their ambassador, who was 
 hear by him, Sir Antonio Gondelmare, he was supplicated to assist 
 
 FTER the retaking of Genoa and the meeting of the 
 two kings at Savona, that of France returned through 
 the city of Milan, where Lord Jean-Jacques gave one 
 of the most gorgeous banquets, not given by royalty, on 
 record. For when all the guests were bidden, they num- 
 bered five hundred places, without the dames, who 
 were one hundred to one hundred and twenty ; and 
 they were right well served with meats, small dishes of 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 them, the which he did wilHngly, commanding Lord Jean-Jacques to 
 proceed to their aid with six hundred men-at-arms and six thousand 
 men on foot. The which he obeyed, and, joining the forces of the said 
 Venetians at a place called Pedro, where the Emperor's army had already 
 arrived, would have made farther march, had not it been for the 
 
 arrival of the said Lord Jean-Jacques, who stopped him ; and from this 
 time the Emperor's army did not great things. 
 
 The Venetians, who are subtle and cunning, being of a mind that it 
 were wiser to come to terms than continue the war, sought for means 
 to do so, and found them. I believe that they had to supply some money, 
 
 ^ National Archives. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 which was the one thing in this world of which the Emperor Maximilian 
 had need, being most destitute of it. He then withdrew his army. The 
 Lord Jean-Jacques, who had not been consulted in this matter, was some- 
 what displeased, telling the proveditor of the Seigniorie that he would 
 inform his master thereof, who, in his opinion, would find the matters 
 strange enough to cause him displeasure. 
 
 But the matters lay suspended for a while, for at this time the King 
 of France, Louis XIL, was about to make his triumphant entry into 
 Rouen in company with his wife, who was likewise most triumphant. 
 For if the knights of that place had done their duty, the people of 
 the town had done as much. They held jousts and tournaments there, 
 which continued for the space of eight days. 
 
 Meanwhile a treaty was made up between the Pope, the Emperor, and 
 
 Medallion of J. -J. Trivulce. 
 From an Engraving of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 the Kings of France and Spain, when, to put an end to it, was by them 
 or their ambassadors concluded and agreed upon that they should all 
 meet on an appointed day in the city of Cambray. The King of France 
 was represented there by the Cardinal of Amboise, legate of the said 
 kingdom ; his nephew the Grand Master of France, Lord de Chaumont, 
 and Chief-at-arms of the house of Amboise ; and several others. And 
 many of the other princes and ambassadors were invested with 
 much power. At what conclusion they arrived at is not so certain, but 
 it was their endeavour to overthrow the Seigniorie of Venice, which, with 
 much pomp and little fear of God, lived in much luxury and opulence, 
 having but little regard to other princes of Christendom ; which, as it 
 seemed, brought down displeasure from above, for before the ambassadors 
 quitted the said town of Cambray, they joined an alliance, friends of 
 friends and enemies of enemies, for their masters. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 153 
 
 And it was there arranged that the King of France in person should, 
 Easter over, spend the following year in Italy, entering the country of 
 the Venetians forty days before any other of the allies should be in the 
 field. I do not know to what end such terms were imposed, unless 
 they were much on the alert, and perhaps otherwise it might have been 
 worse for the King of France, for instead of going to see the Venetians, 
 they might have come to him. For there existed not much cordiality 
 between the houses of France and Austria ; as likewise the Pope and 
 the King of France did but ill agree. In short, it seems to me, the 
 truth to tell, that the French desired to play the game which children 
 play at school, " S'il est bon, je le prend, et s'il est mauvais, je le laisse." 
 
 Nevertheless, all went well, and the good King Louis completed his 
 undertaking, to his great honour and to the profit of his allies, as you 
 will hear. 
 
A Camp of Irregulars. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Of how Louis XII., King of France, marched his army into Italy against the Venetians, 
 
 and of the victory he won. 
 
 T the end of the year one thousand five hundred and 
 eifjht, towards the month of March/ the King; of France 
 marched his forces into his duchy of Milan, and 
 likewise his French irregulars,^ who were fourteen to 
 fifteen thousand in number. The same were led and 
 commanded by bold and honourable captains, such as 
 the Lords du Mt)lard, de Richemont, La Crotte, the 
 Count de Roussillon, the Lord de Vendenesse, the 
 Captain Odet, Duras the younger, and several others, the endeavour 
 of each of whom was to have the best company. 
 
 ^ March, 1509, according to the Gregorian calendar. 
 
 ^ These adventurers formed the nucleus of our southern infantry ; later they were called 
 les bandes of Piedmont. They only became regulars under Francis I. ; before, their 
 appearance justified their name. Brantome thus writes of them : " Habilles a la pendarde, 
 portant des chemises a longues manches commes Bohemes et Mores, qui leur duraient 
 vetues plus de deux ou trois mois sans changer ; montrant leurs poitrines velues toutes 
 decouvcrtcs, les chausses bigarrees, dechiquetees, et balafrees. D'autres plus propres 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 155 
 
 The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche was at this time 
 summoned to interview the King, who said unto him, " Bayard, thou 
 knowest that I am about to cross the Alps, for reason of the Venetians, 
 who most unjustly hold the Provinces of Cremona, la Ghiara d'Adda, 
 and others ; I desire that in this undertaking (although I have already 
 given you the company of Captain Chatelart, lately deceased, to my 
 great regret) you raise for me some men on foot. Your lieutenant 
 Pierrepont, who is a goodly knight, will escort your men-at-arms." 
 " Sire," replied the good Chevalier, I willingly do your pleasure ; but 
 what numbers of these men on foot do you wish me to escort ? " One 
 thousand," said the King ; " no man has ever more." 
 
 " Sire," said the good Chevalier, " the number is large, considering 
 mine experience. Therefore I beg that I may have but five hundred ; 
 and I give you my faith, sire, that I will with care choose such as may 
 do you good service. It seems to me that for one man alone this is a 
 great charge, should he do his duty well." 
 
 " Well," said the King, " go, then, with despatch to Dauphiny, and be 
 in my duchy of Milan by the end of March, without fail." 
 
 Of all the captains, there were none who chose his men so well as he ; 
 and by the end of March or beginning of April he had them all lodged 
 in garrison in the duchy of Milan. 
 
 avaient du taffetas en si grande quantite, quails le doublaient et appelaient chausscs bouf- 
 f antes. Mais il fallait que la plupart montrassent la jainbe nue, une ou deux, et portaient 
 leurs has dechausses pendants a la ceinture. C'etaient la phipart gens de sacs et de 
 corde, mechants garnements qui cachaient les oreilles par longs cheveux herisses et barbes 
 horribles, autant pour qu'on ne les vit point essorilles que pour se montrer effroyables k 
 leurs ennemis." They were divided into companies, and to command them, instead of 
 doubtful coiidottieri, were placed French gentlemen of unattached companies. Louis XII. 
 raised the moral tone of these infantry, and got from them the best of services, as 
 is seen in our text, which is exemplified in the manner in which they assaulted the 
 bastion of Geneva. From that date all poor gentlemen were pressed to join them, and 
 forty years later the ruffians described by Brantome had become more than civilised. 
 " On ne voyait rien de si brave ni de si bien en point," writes Carloix, who was secretary 
 to the Marechal de Vieilleville. " Quant a leurs armes, elles etaient la plupart dorees et 
 gravees. Pour les accoutrements, ce n'etait que tout sole d'ordinaire, J'ai oui dire que 
 pour venir en Guyenne on vit pour un coup au capitaine La Chasse, gentilhomme provengal, 
 cinquante soldats qui tous avaient le bonnet rouge de velours, ferre, dore, avec la chaine 
 au col fiiisant deux tours, avec le fourreau et I'escarpe (soulier) de velours. J'ai ou'i dire 
 que, pour le premier jour de mai, un caporal de la (compagnie) colonelle de M. de 
 Bonnivet, nomme Albret, comparut le matin a la messe habille tout de satin vert, et ses 
 bandes de chausses tcutes rattachees de doubles ducats . . . jusques a ses souliers." The 
 order royal for raising these troops of infantry is dated January 12, 1508, the original 
 of which is to be found in the National Library, (vol. Ixxxv. in the Dupuy Collection, page 
 26), and here we give a facsimile of something still more precious, which is the contract 
 and acceptation of Bayard, with his autograph signature. 
 
156 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The Venetians, who were already challenged by the herald, Montjoie, 
 considered how best to defend themselves, aware of the strength of the 
 King of France, which was by no means great, for of all kinds he 
 had but thirty thousand men (of whom, amongst his twenty thousand 
 foot, six thousand were Swiss and two thousand men-at-arms), making 
 in all but a small army, whilst they numbered more than two thousand 
 men-at-arms, and upwards of thirty thousand men on foot. 
 
 Their leader was the Count Petigliano, and their Captain-general of 
 men on foot the Lord Bartolomeo d'Alviano, who, besides his other 
 troops, had a goodly band of bresignels, wearing his uniform of white 
 and red, living in good fellowship, brought up in the service of arms. 
 
 I will not discourse at length of their movements, going and coming, 
 but at length the King of France crossed the Alps and reached his 
 town of Milan, where he learnt that the Venetians had recaptured Trevi, 
 a small town on the banks of the Adda, which a short time before his 
 Grand Master, Lord de Chaumont, had taken from them, with the 
 Captains Molarfc, La Crotte, Richemont, and the good Chevalier, who, 
 with their men, had marched on in front. In the which town of Trevi, 
 the Venetians, because that the inhabitants had turned French, put 
 fire to it, taking all the horsemen prisoners, the chief of whom was 
 Captain Fontrailles. Captain de La Porte, Lord Estanson, and two 
 other captains of the men on foot, the Knight Blanc,^ and Captain 
 Imbault^ likewise were taken prisoners. 
 
 When this news was made known to the said lord, he marched 
 straight on Cassano, where he forthwith formed two bridges of boats 
 across the river Adda, one for horsemen, the other for those on foot, 
 whilst he himself, armed cap-a-pie, preserved order. The troops over, 
 next day they took a small town called Rivolta, sacking the same, and 
 two days later a village named Agnadello ; and at another, called 
 Pandino, the two armies of the French and Venetians came in contact. 
 
 And although their commanders, the Count Petigliano and Lord Bar- 
 tolomeo d'Alviano, had expressly injunctioned their nobles not to give 
 battle to the King (but only to guard the town and castle, and weary 
 the French by vexation and loss of time), the same Alviano, more bold 
 than well-advised, desired to risk all, thinking to himself, being too self- 
 confident, that he could have no greater honour, for loss or gain, than to 
 
 ^ They called the " Chevalier Blanc " Antoine of Arces, a Daiiphinese lord, who was 
 always dressed in white, and rode on a white horse. 
 
 ^ M. Roman has recognised, in this Captain Imbault, Humbert of Rivoire, a lord of 
 Romania, also a Daiiphinese. 
 
FACSIMILE OF THE AGREEMENT OF THE CAPTAINS OF THE MEN ON FOOT, WITH 
 
 bayard's SIGNATURE. 
 
 Nous cappitaiiies cy dessoubz nommez, confessons avoir veu et attendu rordonnance 
 qu'il a pleu au Roy faire siir le fait de ses gens de pie. Laquellc cliaciin en notre endroit 
 nous promectons cntrctenir scion la dite ordonnance et Ic voulloir et intention du dit 
 seigneur. En tesmoing de ce, nous avons signc ces presentes de noz mains. Le xv""" 
 jour de Janvier I'an mil cinq cens et huict. Galct d'Aydie, Remond de Daillon, Ph. de 
 Rychemont, Olivier de Silly, Bayart, Uriage. (Bibliothequc Nationale, tome Lxxxv. 
 dc la Collection Dupuy, p. 26.) 
 
History of Bayard 
 
 159 
 
 have fought the King of France, eager to try his fortune, came straight 
 on to combat, when a heavy assault and mortal encounter ensued, 
 where, to tell the truth, from the very commencement was seen the 
 inefficiency of the men of the Seigniorie, In the midst of the combat. 
 Lord Bartolomeo perceived the rear-guard of the French approaching 
 (amongst them the good Chevalier), who, marching with wonderful 
 rapidity over the most rugged ground, were approaching him on the 
 flank. He was much alarmed, as also were his troops, who, notwith- 
 standing the great efforts made by them, were routed and defeated, the 
 reds and whites being victors of the field, whilst the said Alviano, after 
 receiving several wounds, was taken prisoner by the brave little Lord 
 de Vendenesse, who was brought to Lord de La Palisse. 
 
 The Count Petigliano, thus seeing his men on foot defeated, unwilling 
 to tempt fortune further, retired a short distance. He was pursued, but 
 not far, as his infantry were amusing the French, who, after having done 
 their duty, retired each to his standard with but little loss, leaving 
 fourteen or fifteen thousand of their enemies dead on the field. 
 
 Lord Bartolomeo was carried prisoner to the King's camp, who, 
 after dinner, caused a false alarm to be raised, to learn if his men were 
 active if such were to happen. They inquired of Lord Bartolomeo as to 
 what it might be ; he in his native tongue replied, " You must know if 
 you wish to fight one against another, for of our people I can assure 
 you you will see nothing for fifteen days." And thus derisively he 
 spoke, knowing his nation well 
 
 The which battle was fought on the fourteenth day of May, one 
 thousand five hundred and nine. 
 
 Arms of the Seignoirie of Venice. 
 
Hanging. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Of how Louis XII., King of France, captured all the towns and stations of the 
 Venetians, as far as Peschiera. 
 
 HE King of France sojourned for a day or two on the 
 battle-field, during which time the castle of Caravaggio 
 offered some resistance, but in two hours was carried, 
 and in it some irregulars were taken, the same being 
 carried by force to the battlements, where they were 
 hanged by the necks.^ 
 
 This daunted those who were in other towns, 
 the result being that neither town nor fortresses 
 after offered any resistance, excepting the castle of Pischiera. Great 
 disasters came to those who were there, in that they all were killed, 
 and those who tried to escape were taken prisoners. Amongst them was 
 a proveditor of that district, and his son, who were willing to pay for 
 
 ^ Carrying out the atrocious custom of hanging from the battlements the brave 
 defenders of a place. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 i6i 
 
 their deliverance a goodly ransom. But that served them not, for each 
 to a tree was hanged, which to my thinking was great cruelty. A very 
 valiant gentleman, by name Le Lorrain, had received their oath, and 
 spoke angry words unto the Grand Master, the King's Lieutenant, 
 concerning them, but it was of no avail. 
 
 The King of France remained at this said place of Peschiera, after 
 having retaken all the towns and stations disputed by him, as Cremona, 
 Crema, Breschia, Bercrameo and a hundred other small towns, all of 
 which he took in five or six days, except the castle of Cremona, which 
 held out for several days, but at last surrendered. And even more the 
 said Prince accomplished, for, by means of the battle he had won, 
 the following places were given up to Pope Julius : Ravenna, Forli, 
 Imola, Faenza, besides other places that the said Venetians held 
 in Romania ; and to the King of Spain, Brindisi and Otranto. He 
 was presented with the keys of the town of Verona, Vicenza, and 
 Padua ; but gave them to the Emperor, who disputed the right of these 
 cities. Finally, not keeping any, to his disadvantage, as you will 
 hereafter read. 
 
 In the meanwhile, the, remainder of the Venetian army, sorely 
 amazed, retreated towards Treviso and Le Fruili, believing that they 
 would be followed ; but this was not done, much to the Emperor's dis- 
 advantage, who in the small town of Peschiera was daily awaiting the 
 King of France. The same had promised that he should there be found 
 in a vessel, in company with those whom he thought fit, and on the 
 lake which surrounds part of the said town of Peschiera, hold converse 
 together more fully of their affairs. And for this cause the Legate 
 Amboise was sent to him, but, reaching Rovera di Velo, proceeded no 
 further. Who, on his return, took the Bishop of Gurck, the said 
 Emperor's ambassador, before the French King (who was full of excuses 
 for his master) ; the King after this returned by short stages to Milan, 
 in the beginning of July. 
 
 Meanwhile, the town of Padua — to guard which the Emperor had only 
 sent eight hundred lansquenets, and it being six miles in circumference 
 — was retaken by the army of the Seigniprie of Venice, into the 
 which they entered by a strategy, whereof I must tell you. Sir Andre 
 Gritti, with another Captain, by name Messer Lucio Malvezza, and 
 their men. 
 
 The Venetians had received intelligence from within the town, and 
 one thing we must note is that no nobility on this earth were more 
 beloved by their subjects than they had always been, on account of 
 
 M 
 
l62 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 the perfect justice that had always been maintained.^ Now, hearken. 
 In the commencement of July (which in Italy is the time for gathering 
 in the grain a second time) the said Captain Andre Gritti and Messer 
 Lucio Malvezza came and lay in ambush an arrow's throw from the 
 said town (round about which were planted so many trees, that one could 
 in no direction see far) one Tuesday morning, with four hundred men-at- 
 arms and two thousand men on foot. For, into this town of Padua 
 each day was carried much grain, entering in great cartloads, which 
 in passing through the gates did so with much difficulty. 
 
 On the day of their ambush, at break of day, these large carts com- 
 menced to enter the said town. When four had passed, after the fifth 
 came six Venetian men-at-arms ; and behind each of their horses was 
 a man on foot, armed with an arquebuse already^ loaded. Whilst 
 amongst them was a trumpeter to sound his trumpet as soon as they 
 had reached the gates, at the sound of which the force in ambush was 
 to come up. 
 
 The few lansquenets within the city kept good watch thereof, having 
 only two gates open, where at each were thirty men on guard. There 
 was in the said town a gentlcjiian, by name Messer Geraldo Magurin, 
 who had been warned by the Seigniorie of this contemplated und^- 
 taking, and had resolved that, when he saw the affair commence, to be 
 at arms with all those on his side. 
 
 This fifth waggon was passing, and had just entered. The six men- 
 at-arms which followed it cried out, " Marco ! Marco ! " Their archers 
 threw themselves upon the ground, discharging their crossbows ; the 
 result was that each one killed his man, aiming as at a target. 
 
 The unfortunate lansquenets saw this with amazement ; neverthe- 
 less, they put themselves in attitude of defence and sounded the alarm. 
 This availed them little ; for the instant the trumpet had sounded, the 
 immense mass rushed forward, making a wondrous noise, and crying, 
 "Marco! Marco! Italia! Italia!" 
 
 On the other hand, this gentleman, the Messer Geraldo Magurin, had 
 made due preparations within the town, for from out the houses rushed 
 more than two thousand men-at-arms, armed with scimitars and javelins, 
 in a way that lansquenets alone could do, and falling in, they marched 
 unto the market-place, where they placed themselves in battle order. At 
 once they were assailed on all sides, but never did men defend them- 
 selves more bravely, and it was two hours before they were defeated. 
 
 ^ This praise accorded to the Venetian ministry merits remark. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 163 
 
 At last such a force came down upon them that, unable to bear up 
 longer, they were dispersed, defeated, and cut to pieces, without mercy, 
 the same being a grievous wrong. But they sold their lives well, and 
 it is given unto men to die but once. They were in all in number 
 more than fifteen hundred men, as many of whom were townsfolk as 
 soldiers. 
 
 Nevertheless the city of Padua was taken, into the which soon after 
 marched the Count de Petigliano, who with much despatch had it 
 repaired and fortified, justly considering that it might be of good service 
 to the Seigniorie. 
 
 These tidings reaching the ears of the Emperor, he felt despair, and 
 vowed to God that he would be avenged and go in person, the which 
 he did. He wrote a letter to the King of France, who was still within 
 Milan, saying that if, of his good pleasure, he would assist him with 
 five hundred men-at-arms for the space of three months, he would 
 bring the Venetians to reason. The same was granted him, and of the 
 event that followed you shall read. 
 
 Arms of Andrea Gritti. 
 
 M 2 
 
Citadel of Milan. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Of how the King of France sent Lord de La Pahsse to the aid of the Emperor, with 
 five hundred men-at-arms, and many captains, amongst whom was the good Chevaher 
 sans peur et sans reproche. 
 
 HEN the King of France heard that Padua had re- 
 volted, he was very wrathful, the more so it being 
 the fault of the Emperor, who, to guard such a town, 
 had only sent eight hundred lansquenets. Never- 
 theless, at the request of the said Emperor, he 
 commanded Lord de La Palisse to take five hun- 
 dred of the choicest men-at-arms then in Italy, 
 and to proceed to the Emperor's assistance, who 
 was then marching on Padua. 
 
 The said lord, who desired but such errands — for what was his whole 
 life but warfare ? — quickly commenced preparations. And meeting the 
 good Chevalier one day as he was leaving the castle, said to him : 
 **My comrade and friend, will you join company with me?" 
 
 To whom he told the whole tale. Bayard, who wished for nothing 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 165 
 
 better even than to be in his company, graciously repHed that he was 
 at his service to do with him whatsoever he chose. 
 
 In this same undertaking were the Baron de Bearn, who led part of 
 the Duke of Nemours' division ; the Baron de Conti, who had one 
 hundred men-at-arms; Lord Theodore de Trivulce ; Lord Jules de 
 Saint-Severin ; Lord Imbercourt ; Captain le Clayette ; Lord de La 
 Crotte, who was lieutenant of the Marquis of Montferrat, and the good 
 Chevalier. Together with the which five hundred men-at-arms were 
 a company of two hundred gentlemen, amongst them the eldest son 
 of Lord de Bussy, cousin-german of the Grand Master Lord de 
 Chaumont, who presented him with twenty of his men-at-arms, and two 
 venturesome gentlemen, one called Lord de Bonnet, Breton, a renowned 
 knight, and another, the Lord de Mipont, of the duchy of Burgundy, 
 the which the good Chevalier looked upon as brothers, and much 
 honoured for their great prowess. Lord de La Palisse, being in readiness, 
 commenced his march, and with his comrades went straight towards 
 Peschiera. Meanwhile the King of France marched back to his kingdom 
 of France, leaving his duchy and all that he had conquered in peace. 
 
 You must learn that as soon as the Venetians had retaken Padua, 
 they proceeded as far as Vicenza, whose inhabitants forthwith joined 
 them : it was not a town to resist such a force. They then were 
 desirous of reaching Verona, but the good Lord de La Palisse, who had 
 been informed of their designs, started before daybreak with his detach- 
 ment to a spot by name Villafranca, and, presenting himself before the 
 town, caused them fear. And for this cause the said Venetians returned 
 to Vicenza. But had they reached Verona, Lord de La Palisse could 
 have done but little, for in that it is a strong town, and through it 
 flows a rapid river, so much so that, without any force but that of 
 gendarmerie, need not perforce have surrendered. But the same took 
 Lord de La Palisse by his despatch, also that of the Chevalier, who 
 always led the runners. He commanded then but thirty men-at- 
 arms, but twenty-five of those were capable of being captains of one 
 hundred men. 
 
 All this force of gendarmerie entered into Verona, where the Bishop 
 of Trente, who was there for the Emperor, received with joy, for 
 he was mightily afraid. They remained there only two days, feasting 
 the inhabitants thereof, and then hastened towards Vicenza, where 
 instantly those of the Seigniorie who were therein, left and took refuge 
 some in Padua, the rest at Treviso. 
 
 Lord de La Palisse and his company remained within Vicenza five or 
 
1 66 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 six days awaiting news of the Emperor, whom they heard was already 
 in the field. Pending that he did not approach, they quitted Vicenza 
 and repaired to a large village, by name Castelfranco, where they 
 sojourned fifteen days. It was distant ten miles from Padua. 
 
 Meanwhile there arrived in the French camp Lord Du Ru, with some 
 Burgundian men-at-arms and about six thousand lansquenets. These 
 were led by a German noble, a goodly prince both brave and enter- 
 prising, showing it in his life : by name called the Prince Anhalt. 
 
 In the commencement of August, the King arrived at the foot of the 
 mountain, hard by a chapel called Bassano, and all his retinue with 
 him, the which, albeit the mountain was not great, were eight whole 
 days ere they reached the plains. The Emperor saw Lord de La Palisse 
 and his captains, with which he made good cheer. This first sight of 
 them took place at the little town of Este, from which the Dukes of 
 Ferrara take their surname. 
 
 Together they formed as fine an army as had been seen for a 
 century. 
 
 Medallion of Theodore Trivulce. 
 
 From a Woodcut of the Sixteenth Century 
 
Maximilian in the midst of his Artillery. After Albert Diirer. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Of how the Emperor Maximilian put siege to Padua, and of what hanpened 
 
 the while. 
 
 HE Emperor, who was so long expected, annoying thus 
 the French, arrived, as you must learn, with all the 
 pomp of Emperor ; and if his mighty forces had done 
 their duty, might have with them conquered the 
 whole world. For which it is needful to describe in 
 some manner his forces, which were as follows. He 
 had one hundred and five pieces of artillery on 
 trucks, the smallest of which was termed a falcon, 
 and six large bomb-ketches, which could not be fired from off the gun- 
 carriages, but were drawn on powerful waggons and accompanied by 
 cranes,^ and when they wished to fire them they were placed on the 
 ground, and with the crane was raised slightly the mouth of the piece, 
 under which was placed a large piece of wood, and behind them placed 
 
 ^ As these bombs were too large to be moved on a gun-carriage, they placed them on 
 waggons with the help of a machine made to facilitate the undertaking. For taking 
 down and putting up these mouths of fire, they used cranes similar to those now seen. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 a strong buttress ^ to prevent recoil. These pieces fired off bullets of 
 stone, of weight hardly to be lifted,^ and could only be fired at most 
 four times each day. 
 
 His own company was solely composed of dukes, counts, marquises, 
 and other German princes and lords, numbering in all one hundred and 
 twenty, with about twelve thousand horse, and five or six hundred Bur- 
 gundian and Hainaulter men-at-arms. Of men on foot and lansquenets, 
 they were countless, and in all were estimated at more than fifty thousand. 
 
 The Cardinal de Ferrara came in place of the Duke, his brother, to 
 the Emperor's assistance, bringing with him twelve pieces of artillery, 
 five hundred horses, and three thousand foot-men ; and the Cardinal of 
 Mantua also brought a like number or thereabouts. In short, with the 
 French men-at-arms, they counted to have in camp one hundred 
 thousand combatants. 
 
 A great defect was as regarded the artillery, for they had but waggons 
 for half the cannons, and, when marching, were obliged to leave part of 
 their forces to protect the ones left till such time as the first half were 
 placed on the field there to remain. When the waggons returned to fetch 
 the others, this caused much vexatious delay. The said Emperor 
 arose betimes, and straightway marched his men, never willingly halting 
 until two or three hours after noon. This was not, considering the 
 season, refreshing for men-at-arms under their helmets. 
 
 He first encamped hard by the palace of the Queen of Cyprus, 
 about ten miles distant from Padua,^ where they were found by Lorci 
 de Milhau, a young French gentleman, bold and enterprising as a 
 captain, and son of an honourable and wise knight. Lord Alegre, with 
 wellnigh a thousand or twelve hundred French irregulars, all chosen 
 men and skirmishers. 
 
 And in the same camp it was agreed to lay siege unto Padua, a 
 council being called, at which the opinions were divers. For one of the 
 Emperor's Lieutenant-Generals was a Greek by birth, by name the Lord 
 Constantine,* who wished to carry out his own opinions, and afterwards 
 
 ^ Behind these ancient guns they made a wonderfully solid butt to prevent the recoil. 
 Engravings in the poem of ' Nanceide,' printed in 15 18. show these mouths of fire as they 
 were placed for firing ; behind them are placed pieces of rock. 
 
 ^ Owing to the improvements in modern artillery, we no longer have these extreme 
 weights, with machinery to facilitate their moving. At Narbonne are still to be seen old 
 bullets of stone, measuring a metre in diameter. 
 
 ^ M. Roman states that Asolo, near Treviso, was the spot on which the palace stood of 
 Catherine Cornaro, the last Oueen of Cyprus. She ceded all her rights to the Venetians. 
 He was a Paleologuc, as was the Marquis of Montferrat. 
 
EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN ON HORSEBACK. 
 
 After Albert Diirer. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 171 
 
 behaved but ill to his master, as you will learn. Slightly suspected of 
 treason, he wished to call out Lord de La Palisse, but found he would 
 not come to words with him. We shall leave him here till we must 
 needs speak of him again. It was finally arranged at this council to 
 go and lay siege to the said Padua, and that, to approach it, the 
 French men-at-arms were to lead with the Prince of Anhalt and 
 his lansquenets, who were the most distinguished regiment in all 
 Germany ; but firstly it was very necessary to take a small town, called 
 Monselice, the which had a very strong fortress, and was distant six or 
 seven miles from Padua, because the garrison of the Seigniorie that 
 
 were therein had power mightily to annoy the camp and cut off the 
 supplies coming to it. 
 
 The next morning the force departed and encamped about half a 
 mile from this little town, which offered no resistance, for how could it ? 
 But the fortress could have held out for long, had the knaves in it been 
 worth anything, but their hearts failed them at once. The approach 
 completed, after the artillery had made with difficulty a small breach, 
 the alarm was sounded for the assault. 
 
 They had in doing so to go up a steep ascent ; but the French 
 irregulars under Captain Milhau did it without ado, seeming as if they 
 had not eaten for eight days, so active were they. 
 
 Arms of the Duke of Ferrara, 
 
172 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Those within made but a faint resistance, which did not last, for in 
 less than a quarter of an hour it was carried, and they were all cut to 
 pieces. These irregulars gained a goodly booty, amongst other valuables 
 one hundred and fifty or sixty fine horses. The town and fortress were 
 handed over to the Duke of Ferrara, who claimed them ; but he at the 
 same time lent them thirty thousand ducats. 
 
 Two days after the taking of Monselice the army evacuated it, 
 marching straight upon Padua, to which they laid siege. 
 
Bayard clearing away the Barriers, 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Of how the Emperor Maxiniihan commenced the siege of Padua, and the gallant 
 approach made by the French gentlemen, and of the extreme bravery shown by the 
 good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche. 
 
 PON the taking of the town and castle of Monselice, 
 the same having- been delivered into the hands of 
 Cardinal Ferrara, who was there representing his ; 
 they garrisoned the same well. The Duke of Ferrara 
 brother was at the time elsewhere, fighting against 
 the Venetians, and this same year gained a signal 
 victory over them on the banks of the Po, which was 
 not less disastrous to them than the battle in which 
 they were defeated by the King of France. For, whilst the Venetians 
 were still deliberating, he laid waste a district on the Ferrarais, called 
 Polesine de Rovigo, placed on the Po fourteen or fifteen galleys, with 
 three or four thousand men therein, and, leaving Chiozza, came to 
 P^rancolini. But the Duke of Ferrara had raised there two bastions one 
 
174 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 to the right of the way to Lezzola, the other at Papozza, one in front 
 of the other, which were manned by three or four thousand trusty 
 men, and had also four galleys on the Po, well manned and equipped. 
 He knew that his enemies were lying in ambush, and he went out 
 to meet them, defeating them utterly, none escaping. Then with his 
 galleys and other large boats he went forward to fight their galleys, 
 which were already abandoned, of which he sunk two, and took six, 
 with all their equipment of artillery thereon, of which there were 
 thirty good cast-iron pieces, besides haquebuts. It was a signal victory 
 with but little loss, except that of Count Ludovic de la Mirandole, 
 who was killed thereat by a bomb of artillery. The Venetians sustained 
 most heavy losses. 
 
 Now we must return to the Emperor's camp. The army quitted 
 Monselice, and marched straightway to within a mile of Padua ; the 
 same is a strong city and difficult of approach. Within it were Count 
 Petigliano with a thousand men-at-arms, twelve thousand foot-men, and 
 two hundred pieces of artillery, and throughout the siege they never 
 could in any way change the course of the canal or stop it, the which 
 went straight to Venice, and which passed through the city, which was 
 distant from Venice but sixteen miles. When the army had thus 
 approached the town, the Emperor called unto him all his captains, 
 even the Erench, whom he treated with much deference, to consult as 
 at what gate the siege should be carried. Each gave his advice, but 
 in the end it was determined that the chief camp, in the which should 
 be the Emperor, was to be stationed at the gate leading to Vicenza, 
 and that he should have the Erench with him. At another gate 
 higher up was to be Cardinal de Eerrara, the Burgundians and 
 Hainaulters, with ten thousand lansquenets ; and at one lower down 
 the Cardinal of Mantua, the Lord Jean de Mantua his brother, and 
 the Prince of Anhalt's division ; in case of need, either of these 
 could succour the chief camp. This being determined on, they had 
 but to march. 
 
 The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche was ordered to the 
 front, he had in his company the young Lord de Bussy, and the 
 Captains La Clayette and La Crotte. Now, in order to reach this gate 
 of Vicenza, they had to march along a long straight road, across which 
 were four strong barricades, two hundred paces apart, at each of which 
 he had to fight. On either side of the road, as those know who have 
 been in Italy, there were deep ditches, which necessitated the barri- 
 cades being taken from the front. On the walls of the city there was 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 175 
 
 a force of artillery who poured on the road, from behind their people, on 
 the advancing French a constant fire that seemed like hail. 
 
 Notwithstanding this, the good Chevalier and his men commenced 
 to skirmish, and gaily advanced to the first barrier, which they assaulted 
 bravely, amidst a perfect hail of arquebuse. Nevertheless it was gained, 
 and the enemy repulsed to the second. If at the first they fought 
 well, they did better still at this one, at which the young Lord de Bussy 
 was wounded in the arm by the blow of a haquebut, and had his horse 
 killed under him. But, notwithstanding this, it was impossible for him 
 to retire, and believe that no man did better than he that day. 
 Captain Milhau reinforced them at this second barricade with a hundred 
 or hundred and twenty of his irregulars,^ who were all most eager. 
 You must understand that their advance was made about midday, for 
 which cause daylight facilitated the combatants. 
 
 The assault of this second barrier lasted half an hour ; it was at 
 length carried, and so swiftly were those who defended it pursued, that 
 they had not time to remain them at the third, but abandoned it without 
 a struggle, and retreated to the fourth, at which there were one thousand 
 or twelve hundred men, and three or four falconets, the which were 
 fired straight down this long road ; but did little harm, only killing 
 two horses. 
 
 This barrier was but a stone's throw from the boulevard of the city, 
 which inspired the men of the Seigniorie with renewed courage, and 
 they fought well, the assault lasting one hour, a hand-to-hand encounter 
 with pikes and haquebuts. The good Chevalier, seeing that they held 
 out for so long, said to his comrades : " Sirs, these men here amuse us 
 over much. Dismount and force this barrier." 
 
 Between thirty and forty men-at-arms at once dismounted, who with 
 raised visors went straight at this barrier, at point of the lance. The 
 brave Prince Anhalt there joined the good Chevalier, also Lord de 
 Millhau, and two others, one named Jean le Picard the elder, and 
 Captain Maulevrier, also most eager. But the Venetians had continued 
 reinforcements. 
 
 Seeing which, the good Chevalier cried out : " Sirs, we shall remain 
 here in this manner for six years, without doing anything, for they 
 reinforce themselves each hour. Give them a fierce assault, and after- 
 vrards each one of you follow me ! " 
 
 ^ The word rustres is synonymous with the word peasant now or plebeian. They 
 were employed by the men-at-arms, and had the pride and discipline of a troop of 
 regular horsemen, who gave their services to true gentlemen. 
 
176 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The which they promised, he crying out, " Sound the trumpet ! " And 
 then, as a lion robbed of his whelps, dashed forward with his men, 
 making a marvellous onslaught, compelling his enemies to abandon the 
 barrier at the point of the pike. Then shouting, " Forward, comrades ! 
 they are ours ! " he vaulted over the said barrier, followed by thirty 
 or forty others, receiving a warm reception. Whereupon the remaining 
 French, seeing the danger of their companions, all followed them, crying, 
 
 France ! France ! Empire ! Empire ! " made such a charge on their ene- 
 mies that they were compelled to quit the ground. Turning their backs, 
 they abandoned all, and retreated, completely beaten, into the town. 
 
 Thus were the barriers gained before Padua, in full daylight, the 
 which gave the French great glory, as much those on horse as on foot, 
 likewise the good Chevalier, to whom all praise was due. The approach 
 concluded, the artillery was ranged along the edge of the moat, and 
 remained there six weeks without quitting, until the siege was raised, 
 which was such as you shall hereafter read of 
 
 Machine for raising Cannon. 
 
Foragers. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIIL 
 
 Of the severe fighting that took place before Padua, and of the breach 
 
 that was made. 
 
 |HE approaches made before Padua, and the artillery 
 ^ parked, each repaired to his own quarters in three 
 camps, according to the order before named. You 
 must understand that the numbers were so great, that 
 the said camp extended on all sides over more than 
 four miles of country. And it is a wondrous thing, 
 that during the siege, which was of about two months' 
 duration, the foragers had never to go more than 
 six miles from the camp to seize hay, corn, oats, meat, fowls, wine, 
 and other necessaries for man as well as beast. And such abundance 
 had they, that when they raised the siege they burnt one hundred 
 ducats' worth of food, of which they had made provision, believing the 
 siege would have lasted longer. This is an incident ; let us now come 
 to matter. 
 
 N 
 
178 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The day after the approaches, the cannons commenced to do their 
 work. The battle, lasting eight hours, was the most terrible one that 
 had taken place for one hundred years ; for in it the three camps were 
 engaged, and their artillery discharged more than twenty thousand 
 cannon. If the Emperor and his men made much use of their artillery, 
 those in the town did as much, if not more, so for each shot fired, two 
 were returned. In the end the said town was so battered that the 
 three breaches made formed but one. 
 
 At this time one of the Emperor's gunners was taken, whom they 
 found, instead of aiming on the city, was firing on his own people, and 
 said that Lord Constantine had bidden him do this ; and, what was still 
 worse, did so according to instructions received also from Count de 
 Petigliano. I know not if what he said were true, but the gunner was 
 placed on a mortar-piece and blown to pieces into the city. Enough 
 has been said to the discredit of the said Constantine, but they could 
 not prove this against him. He was called an infamous traitor by the 
 Lord of La Palisse, who desired to fight him ; but he replied not to the 
 challenge, and at this time the Emperor was blind to all concerning him. 
 
 The three breaches made formed one opening four or five hundred 
 paces wide : a fair passage through which to lead the assault ; and as 
 regards the moat it was by no means large. But Count Petigliano 
 had within fortified the city so effectually that, had there been five 
 hundred thousand men without, it would have been impossible for them 
 to enter, had those within determined otherwise ; and I shall make 
 known to you how this was. Behind the breach, by which they could 
 enter the city, the same Count Petigliano had caused to be dug a 
 trench or flat-bottomed ditch about twenty feet in depth and the same 
 in width. And this same trench he had filled up with fagots and old 
 wood well dusted with gunpowder, while at intervals of a hundred 
 paces he had raised ramparts of earth, on which artillery were placed, 
 to fire along these trenches. 
 
 After this had been passed, if that had been possible (it could not 
 have been possible without the grace of God), the entire Venetian army 
 were inside the same city ready to do battle on horseback and on foot. 
 For in it was a fine esplanade, of size enough to hold twenty thousand 
 foot-men and horsemen in order of battle. And behind this was a 
 platform, on which were mounted twenty or thirty pieces of artillery, 
 who could fire over their forces, without doing them injury, straight on 
 to the breach. 
 
 The French received timely warning of this terrible danger from 
 
REGIMENT OF GERMAN ARTILLERY. 
 
 After a German Manuscript given by the Town of Nuremberg to that of Strasburg in 1530. 
 
 N 2 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 i8i 
 
 some prisoners who in divers skirmishes were taken, and, after their 
 ransom had been paid, released ; to whom the Count had shown all 
 these things, the which had after represented them to Lord of La 
 Palisse and the French captains. Repeating these words once again 
 on their departure : " I trust, my friends, that, by the help of God, 
 some day the King of France and the Seigneur may return to bonds 
 of amity. And, were it not for the French who are with the Emperor, 
 
 German Master-Gunner wiih his Servant.^ 
 
 I believe that, ere twenty-four hours are over, I should have quitted 
 this town, and ignominiously raised the siege thereof." 
 
 I do not know how this would have been done, with the number of 
 men before him. These sayings were duly repeated to the captain- 
 lords of the French army; but they did not think otherwise, for reason 
 that their master had given them in service to the Emperor to do his 
 bidding. 
 
 ^ From an unpublished manuscript in the Strasburg Library, given in 1530 to the town 
 of Nuremburg. 
 
l82 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 You have already heard of how the breach was made into the city, 
 which was only too large, wide enough for a thousand men two deep 
 to walk abreast, the which the Emperor would surely have had done. 
 He commenced the assault, as you shall hereafter learn ; but firstly I 
 will speak to you of a feat done by the good Chevalier and his 
 companions. 
 
 Breach in the City. 
 P'rom a Wood Engraving of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 How the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, during the siege of Padua, made 
 salhes with his companions which brought him much honour. 
 
 URING the siege of Padua there were constant alarms 
 in the P^mperor's camp, caused by sallies made by those 
 from out the city, as also those of the garrison of Treviso, 
 a strongly fortified town twenty or twenty-five miles 
 distant from Padua. In this latter, amongst other 
 captains, was Messer Lucio Malvezzi, as venturesome a 
 warrior as any to be found. Two or three times each 
 week he surprised the Emperor's camp without sound 
 of trumpet, and, if he saw his chance, did not spare his enemies ; if, on 
 the contrary, he saw his chance was not good, wisely retired, never 
 losing a man. So long continuing these courses, that men spoke of him 
 with wonderment. 
 
 This course of action vexed sorely the good Chevalier, and, without 
 noising it abroad, by means of spies whom he paid liberally, and who 
 would have perished sooner than deceive him, heard much of the 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 comings and goings of the said Malvezzi, finally determined to go out 
 to meet him. 
 
 Coming to those of his fellow men-at-arms who lodged with him, one 
 of whom was Captain La Clayette, and the other Lord de La Crotte/ 
 both brave and valiant knights, he said to them, " Sirs, this Captain 
 Malvezzi causes us much vexation ; not a day passes without his sur- 
 prising us ; and tell they not many other things concerning him ? I am 
 not envious of his great deeds, but am angered that he does not know 
 us otherwise. I have had information concerning his movements. 
 Wilt thou come out to meet him, and thou shalt see a goodly fray ? 
 I trust that we may find him on the morrow's morn, for he has in no 
 ways surprised us these two days." 
 
 " We shall do as thou desirest," replied his comrades. 
 
 ''Then it is done," said the good Chevalier; "at two hours after mid- 
 night, each accompanied by thirty men-at-arms, the bravest that you 
 have ; I shall take my company and the good comrades I have with 
 me, such as Bonnet, Mipont, Cossey, Brezon, and others, who are ex- 
 perienced as myself. And v/ithout trumpet-sound, or call of any kind, 
 we shall mount our steeds, and trust to me we shall have faithful 
 guides." 
 
 As he had said, so it was done ; and betwixt the hours of two and 
 three in the morning, in the month of September, they mounted their 
 horses, their guide in front, who was guarded by four archers. He had 
 been promised good payment if he executed well his duty ; on the other 
 hand, if he played them false, his life was to be the forfeit. Thus the 
 good Chevalier had arranged, because ofttimes spies are double-faced, 
 turning the loss where it best pleases them. But this one did his 
 duty trustily, taking them across the country till daybreak, when they 
 reached a large palace fenced round by a high wall. 
 
 Thereon the spy informed the good Chevalier, saying, " Sir, if this day 
 the Captain Messer Lucio Malvezzi quits Treviso to visit your camp, 
 he must of necessity pass by this. If it may please you to hide here, 
 where no one has lived, for cause of the war, you can see him pass, 
 though he will be unable to see you." 
 
 This being found good by all the captains, they entered forthwith, 
 when, after having tarried for more than two hours, they heard the 
 tramp of horses. 
 
 ^ La Crotte is an ancient word signifying cavern ; later it was called grotte, as crotcsquc 
 was later changed into grotesque. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 185 
 
 The good Chevalier had made an old archer of his troop, by name 
 Mouart (as experienced in warfare as any man alive), ascend into a 
 dovecot, to see all who might pass by, and note their numbers. Seeing 
 Messer Lucio Malvezzi whilst still a great way off, with troops, according 
 to his judgment, numbering from one hundred men-at-arms, helmets on 
 head, and well-nigh two hundred Albanians led by a captain named 
 Scanderbeg, all well mounted, and, judging from their countenances, reso- 
 lute men. They passed but a stone's throw from where the French lay 
 in ambush. 
 
 After that they had passed, Mouart descended joyfully, and gave his 
 information. Who were overjoyed } All were much so. The Chevalier 
 ordered the re-strapping of their horses, for there was neither page or 
 varlet in the troop (such had been enjoined), and said to his comrades, 
 " Sirs, it is ten years since we had a like adventure. If we are but 
 noble gallants ; they have twice our numbers, but that is of no 
 account ; let us follow them." 
 
 " Onward ! onward ! " cried they all, and, remounting their horses, the 
 gate was opened ; they pursued their foe at rapid trot, and had scarce 
 proceeded a mile when they espied them on the high road. At once 
 the Chevalier ordered the trumpeter, crying, " Sound, sound the trumpet ! " 
 the which they forthwith did. 
 
 The Venetian captains, who never dreamed of any one behind them, 
 thought that it was their own men who would hasten forward. Never- 
 theless, at the same time, without farther advance, they halted, long 
 enough to espy that they were in truth followed by enemies. They 
 were somewhat taken aback, thus finding themselves between the 
 Emperor's camp and those they now saw ; they must perforce pass by 
 them or through them. But were comforted to see that they were not 
 many in number. Putting on a bold front, the Captain Messer Lucio 
 Malvezzi entreated his men to do their best, telling them that force was 
 required to defeat or subdue these others. On each side of the roadway 
 were deep trenches, which a man-at-arms, unless well horsed, could 
 not have ventured to cross, for fear of remaining in them ; thus, in a 
 measure, they were compelled to give fight. 
 
 Trumpets sounded on either side, and when they were about an 
 arrow's throw from one another, they rushed forward, some crying, 
 " Empire ! Empire ! France ! France ! " the others, " Marco ! Marco ! " 
 It was right gladsome to hear them. 
 
 In this first charge many were brought to ground ; in the which 
 Bonnet gave one lance-thrust which pierced the man right through the 
 
i86 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 body. Each man did his duty. The Albanians deviated from the high 
 road and separated from their guides in their endeavour to take the 
 French from the rear, seeing which the good ChevaHer remarked to 
 Captain La Crotte : " Friend, look to the rear that we be not surrounded. 
 We shall look to the rest." 
 
 This was done, and when the said Albanians tried to approach, they 
 were met and repulsed, leaving a dozen on the ground ; the others 
 escaped by flight. La Crotte did not pursue them, but returned to the 
 main force ; on his arrival he found the Venetians completely routed, 
 and all were already seeing to their prisoners. 
 
 Messer Lucio Malvezzi, who was mounted to perfection, leaped off the 
 
 high road, and twenty or thirty of the best horsed escaped in the 
 direction of Treviso. They were a short while followed, but with no 
 result, as the fugitive horses went swiftly and with right good will. 
 Abandoning their chase, they returned to their prisoners, of whom they 
 had more in number than they were men. For without error they had 
 taken one hundred and sixty to one hundred and eighty, whom they 
 divested of their swords and maces, and placed them in their centre. 
 
 Thus arriving in camp, they were met by the Emperor, who was 
 walking therein. Who, when he saw this mighty dust, sent to know 
 the cause thereof ; a French gentleman, by name Louis du Pechin, 
 shortly returned to him, saying, " Sir, it is the good Chevalier Bayard, 
 and his Captains La Clayette and La Crotte, who have made the most 
 
 Arms of Maximilian. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 187 
 
 brilliant reconnoitre known for one hundred years. Having taken 
 more prisoners than they are men, and having captured two standards." 
 
 The Emperor was highly pleased ; drew nigh to the French, to whom 
 he wished good day, the French saluting him in return, in a manner 
 fitting so great a prince. Praising each captain in a fitting manner, 
 he then said to the good Chevalier : " My Lord of Bayard, my brother 
 your master is fortunate in having a follower like unto you ; I should 
 willingly give a hundred thousand florins to have a dozen such." 
 
 The good Chevalier replied : " Sire, you say that which pleases you, 
 and for your praises bestowed I most humbly thank you. Of one thing 
 rest assured, that, whilst my master remains your ally, you can have 
 no more faithful follower than myself" 
 
 The Emperor thanked him ; and upon this he and his companions 
 took their leave and returned to their quarters. Never had enterprise 
 made such noise in camp as did this one, of which most of the honour 
 was given to the good Chevalier, who accorded the entire praise to his 
 two companions. There was no more courteous knight than he to be 
 found in Christendom. I will say no more of this matter, but tell you 
 of another adventure undertaken by the Chevalier alone. 
 
Crossbowmen on Horseback. After Jost Ammon. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Telling of another feat of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, in which he 
 took prisoners sixty Albanians and thirty crossbowmen. 
 
 HREE or four days after this exploit undertaken by 
 the Captains La Crotte and La Clayette together with 
 the good Chevalier, he was apprised by one of his 
 spies that in a castle called Bassano were concealed 
 Captain Scanderbeg and his Albanians (with other 
 mounted crossbowmen, under command of Captain 
 Rinaldo Contarini, a Paduan gentleman), and that 
 daily he made raids on those coming into the camp, 
 and on the lansquenets returning to Germany in charge of the 
 cattle taken from the enemy, to such an extent that for several days 
 they had seized two hundred and recovered more than five or six 
 hundred oxen and cows, the which they had taken to this castle of 
 Bassano ; and the spy said that if one morning he would meet him at 
 a certain by-way at the foot of the mountain below the said castle he 
 could not fail to find them. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 189 
 
 The good Chevalier, who had always found the spy trustworthy (the 
 same he had enriched with more than two hundred ducats), determined 
 to repair thither, telling no man ; for he thought most certainly, in that 
 they were, he heard, but two hundred horsemen in all, that he could 
 well meet them with his thirty men, who were all well chosen. 
 
 Besides these he had with him eight or ten gentlemen, the same 
 having joined the Emperor's camp for their own pleasure, only because 
 of the love they bore to the good Chevalier. And they, with his company, 
 were not men to be easily defeated. He told them of his wishes, 
 asking if they would join him. It was their life, and they wished for 
 nothing better. 
 
 Thus, one Saturday, an hour before dawn, in the month of September, 
 they mounted their steeds and went fifteen miles without drawing rein. 
 When they reached the by-way shown them by the spy, so hidden that 
 none could have perceived it, though it was but a cannon's throw 
 distant from the castle, there they lay silently in ambush until they heard 
 the castle trumpet sound "to horse!" which sound rejoiced their hearts. 
 
 The good Chevalier, consulting the spy as to what road they should 
 take, he replied, "Whichever way they go, they must perforce pass by 
 a little bridge of wood, distant a mile from this, which two men can 
 guard from one hundred. When they have crossed this bridge, send 
 some of your men there to guard it (that they return not to the castle), 
 and I will myself lead you by a way behind this mountain of which I 
 knov/, by which without fail you will meet them on the open, between 
 this and the palace of the Queen of Cyprus. 
 
 "It is well-advised," said the good Chevalier. "Who will guard this 
 bridge?" Lord de Bonnet said, "My friend Mipont and myself will 
 guard it, if it please you, and you leave some men with us." 
 
 " I willingly agree," he said. " Petitjean de La Vergne " (and so he 
 chose to the number of six men-at-arms and ten or twelve archers) 
 " will bear you company." 
 
 Whilst directing this point they espied the Albanians and crossbow- 
 men leaving the castle, who looked most gay, dreaming of a like booty 
 as had been obtained for the last two days. But it fared with them 
 far differently, as you shall hear. 
 
 When all had passed. Bonnet went straight to the bridge with his 
 men, whilst the good Chevalier and the rest of the troops went down 
 the by-way shown them by the spy, and so good a guide was he that 
 in less than half an hour they were on the plain, where they could have 
 caught sight of a horseman six miles off. Arriving here, they learnt 
 
igo 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 that by the entrance of a long gully their enemies were keeping the 
 road to Vicenza, where they hoped to fall upon their prey. 
 
 The good Chevalier called unto him the Bastard Du Fay, his 
 standard-bearer, to whom he said, "Captain, go with two of your 
 archers to skirmish yonder men. When they see you are so small a 
 number they will without doubt charge you. Turn and run, make 
 semblance of fear, and lead them hither, where I shall await you by 
 this hill-side. And you shall see fair play." 
 
 He had not to be told twice, knowing well the exigencies of 
 war. Commenced his march till his enemies espied him. Captain 
 Scanderbeg, overjoyed at this encounter, commenced a bold march with 
 his men, when, perceiving the French with their white crosses, charged 
 them with the cry of Marco ! Marco ! " 
 
 The Bastard Du Fay, knowing his lesson well, began by semblance 
 of fear to commence the retreat. He was quickly pursued as if 
 repulsed until the ambuscade of the good Chevalier was reached, who, 
 with his men, helmet on head and sword in hand, as a lion rushed 
 forward with the cry of France ! France ! Empire ! Empire ! " 
 
 In this first charge were upwards of thirty of the enemy brought to 
 ground. The first assault was hard and sharp, but then the Albanians 
 and the crossbowmen fled at full speed, hoping to reach Bassano, to 
 which they knew the road right well. If they did their duty in flying, 
 the French did theirs in pursuit. Nevertheless, the light horses went 
 too swiftly, and the good Chevalier had lost his prey had it not been 
 for the bridge guarded by Bonnet, the which, with his comrade 
 Mipont and his men, defended it from the enemy in such a way that 
 Captain Scanderbeg knew well he must either fight or fly where chance 
 should decide. Which would he elect ? He choose the latter, and 
 took to flight. But though the spurs were brought into requisition, 
 there were taken by the two captains sixty Albanians and thirty 
 crossbowmen ; the remainder escaped by crossing the plains towards 
 Treviso. 
 
 One of the good Chevalier's troop, who had been an archer only six 
 days, was a young Dauphinese noble, by name Guigo Guiffrey, sen of 
 Lord de Boutieres ; the same was only seventeen years old, but came 
 of a good race, and had an ardent wish to follow in the footsteps of 
 his ancestors. During the combat he saw the standard-bearer of 
 Contarini's crossbowmen thrown into a trench, and wished to gain 
 possession of the same. The youth in his endeavour to gain it followed 
 him, and, with half-lance in hand, gave him so heavy a thrust that he was 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 191 
 
 brought to ground and it was broken. Then, with hand on his sword, he 
 cried, " Surrender, or I shall slay thee ! " 
 
 The standard-bearer, unwilling yet to die, handed his sword and his 
 banner to the youth, to whom he surrendered himself, who would rather 
 this than hold ten thousand crowns. Making him remount, he led him 
 straight to the good Chevalier, who sounded the retreat ; he had so 
 many prisoners that he knew not what to do with them. Bonnet, 
 seeing from afar the young Boutieres' approach, remarked, Sir, I beg of 
 you to look ! See, here comes Guigo, who has taken a prisoner and a 
 banner." 
 
 Whilst these words were being spoken he arrived. The good 
 Chevalier, when he knew him, was well pleased (none could be more 
 so), saying, How, Boutieres ! Is it you that have taken this prisoner 
 and this standard ? " 
 
 *'Yes, my lord, so has it pleased God. He made a wise man 
 surrender, else I should have killed him." 
 
 At which all the company laughed, even the good Chevalier, who 
 was both surprised and well content. He said, " Boutieres, my friend, 
 yours is a good beginning, God grant that it may so continue." ^ 
 
 He has since, by his many virtues, been made lieutenant-general of 
 one hundred men-at-arms, presented by the King of France to the good 
 Chevalier, after that he had so gallantly defended the town of Mezieres 
 against the Emperor's troops, the which you will hear of in due time. 
 
 After this converse, the good Chevalier said to Bonnet, to Mipont, 
 Captain Pierrepont,^ then his lieutenant, a brave knight, wise and bold, 
 and others present, " Sirs, we must take this castle, for there is much 
 booty therein, which will be for our men." 
 
 It will be well done," said the others ; " but it is strong, and we 
 have not artillery." 
 
 " Be still," said he. " I know of a manner by which it may be ours 
 in the space of half an hour." 
 
 Calling the Captains Scanderbeg and Rinaldo to him, he said, 
 *'Knowest thou this, my lords? Surrender me this place forthwith; I 
 know right well that you have this power ; or if not, I swear to God 
 that I will behead you before the gate within an hour." 
 
 ^ This comes, says Brantome, in speaking of this incident, of being baptised by a great 
 man. This prophecy fired the soul of Boutieres, who became Lieutenant- General, and 
 later decided the victory of Cerisoles, leading the advance guard. 
 
 - Pierre du Pont, called Pierrepont, also called Pierrepont Daly, was a nephew of 
 Bayai d's ; his mother was a Terrail. 
 
192 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 They replied that they would do so if it were possible ; the which it 
 was, for it was held by a nephew of Captain Scanderbeg's, who instantly 
 surrendered it on his uncle speaking to him. The good Chevalier and- 
 those of his troop entered therein and found more than five hundred 
 oxen and cows, besides other booty, which was equally divided, all 
 being well pleased. The cattle were driven to Vicenza, there to sell. 
 They then fed well their horses, and replaced others also, of which they 
 had captured many. 
 
 The good Chevalier was seated at his table with the two Venetian 
 captains, and, whilst dining, the little Boutieres arrived to see his Captain, 
 bringing with him his prisoner, the same being twice his size and 
 thirty years of age. 
 
 When the good Chevalier saw him he laughed heartily, and said to 
 the two Venetian captains, " My lords, this youth, who was a page but 
 six days since, and will not have beard for three more years, has taken 
 your standard. It is a bad case. I do not know what is your custom, 
 but we French do not willingly resign our standards, unless it be of 
 necessity." 
 
 The Venetian standard-bearer felt shame, and knew his honour 
 lowered, and said in his own tongue, ''By my faith. Captain, I did not 
 surrender myself through any fear of him, for it was not he alone that 
 took me prisoner. I could easily have escaped from his hands, and am 
 a better soldier than he ; but I alone could not fight your troop." 
 
 The good Chevalier looked at Boutieres, to whom he said, " Hearken 
 to what your prisoner says, that you are not the man that captured 
 him." 
 
 The youth was very much incensed, and wrathfully exclaimed, " My 
 lord, I beg of you to grant me one favour." 
 
 Yes, truly," said the good Chevalier ; " what may it be ? " 
 
 " It is," said he, " that I hand back to my prisoner his horse and his 
 arms, and I shall likewise mount mine. We shall repair there below. 
 If I can again vanquish him, most assuredly he shall die, I vow to 
 God ; and were he to escape, I will pay his ransom." 
 
 Never had the good Chevalier been better pleased than at this 
 proposal, saying aloud, " Right willingly I grant you this." 
 
 This was of no avail, as the Venetian would not accept the challenge, 
 for honour he had none, whilst the little Boutieres had much. 
 
 Dinner over, the good Chevalier and the French remounted their 
 horses and returned to camp, to which they led their prisoners. This 
 great capture of prisoners was noised abroad for full eight days, and 
 
History of Bayard. 193 
 
 much praise was given to the good Chevalier by the Emperor and all 
 other Germans, Hainaulters and Burgundians. Even the good Lord of 
 La Palisse was wondrous well pleased when the encounter of the little 
 Boutieres was related unto him, and his proffered offer to his prisoner. 
 As regards amusing all the camp, you must not question. 
 
 Full well did the said Lord of La Palisse know the ancient race from 
 which he was descended, and that all of that house were gallant 
 gentlemen. 
 
 Thus ended this adventure of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans 
 reproche. 
 
 Seal of Guigo de Boutieres. 
 
 (J 
 
A Cannon in the Breach. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Of how the Emperor determined to assault Piidua^ and the reason why he 
 
 tarried. 
 
 OU have already heard of how the artillery of the 
 Emperor, the Duke of Ferrara, and that of the Marquis 
 of Mantua, had made three breaches all broken into 
 one, which was half a mile in length,^ or near unto. 
 One morning the Emperor, accompanied by his 
 princes and German lords, went to see the same. At 
 the which he marvelled, blaming much, considering the 
 numbers of his men, that they had not assaulted it 
 sooner, for for three days the gunners had not even sent a spent stone 
 into the city, although before them all walls had been broken down. 
 For which reason, returning to his tent wdiich was only a stone's throw 
 
 ^ That is to say five hundred geometrical paces, or 2500 feet. The Italian mile was 
 the shortest in Europe ; the German mile was 25,000 feet, the Swiss 26,000 feet, and the 
 Swedish 30,000. 
 
 ^ That is to say spent bullets. The first bullets were of stone, the name of the substance 
 became later that of the projectile. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 195 
 
 distant from that of the Lord of La Palisse, called unto him his French 
 secretary, whom he made indite a letter to the said lord, which was of 
 this substance : 
 
 "My cousin, I have this morning seen the breach of the town, 
 which I find passable for those who would do their duty. I have 
 therefore determined this day to make the assault. And desire that, 
 at the sound of my drum, which will be about midday, you will 
 hold in readiness all the French gentlemen under your command and 
 at my service by the order of my brother, the King of France, to join 
 in the said assault with my footmen. And I trust, with God's help, we 
 may carry it." 
 
 By the self-same secretary that had written the letter, he sent it to 
 the Lord of La Palisse, who found in it but strange manner of procedure. 
 Nevertheless he dissembled. Saying to the secretary : " I am amazed that 
 the Emperor did not summons either my companions or myself unto 
 him to deliberate concerning this matter. Nevertheless I pray you inform 
 him that I will forthwith call them unto me, and on their coming, will 
 show unto them this letter. And doubt not but that they will be obedient 
 to the Emperor's commands." 
 
 The secretary returned, delivering his message ; and the Lord of La 
 Palisse summoned unto him all his French captains, the which repaired 
 unto his tent. Already it had been noised throughout the camp that 
 they were to assault the town at midday, or shortly after. Then 
 followed a wonderful sight ; the priests were retained on all sides for 
 confession, for all would have their souls relieved. Whilst many men-at- 
 arms gave into their safe-keeping their purses and other valuables. 
 
 Of one thing we must inform those reading this history, that 
 for five hundred years no prince had held a camp that could 
 compare in richness to this one. And not a day passed but that 
 they plundered four or five hundred lansquenets, driving oxen and 
 cows into Germany, as also corn and flax, silks for weaving, and other 
 merchandise, and the said Padua alone had loss of two million crowns, 
 in furnitures, together with houses and palaces burnt and destroyed. 
 
 Now we must return to our subject. On the arrival of the French 
 captains at the quarters of the Lord of La Palisse, he said unto them : 
 
 Sirs, you must dine, for I have something of which to tell you, and were 
 I to tell you beforehand, peradventure you will not make good cheer." 
 
 He said these words in jest, well aware that amongst his companions 
 there was not one who would not make another Hector or a Roland, 
 above all the good Chevalier, who never in his life was astonished at 
 
 o 2 
 
196 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 anything he saw or heard. During dinner they made merry one with 
 another. The Lord of La Palisse to the Lord of Imbercourt, who knew 
 right well to answer him in words of friendship and of mirth. I think 
 that I have before named all the French captains here assembled, and 
 believe that throughout all Europe so many of the same standard 
 could not be found. 
 
 Dinner over, all others leaving the room except the captains, to 
 whom Lord of La Palisse communicated the substance of his letter from 
 the Emperor, reading the same twice that it might be the better under- 
 stood. The which heard, each one looked around smiling, seeing who 
 would speak. 
 
 Then said the Lord of Imbercourt: "We must not dream thus," said 
 he to the Lord of La Palisse ; " Go tell the Emperor that we are in 
 readiness. I am already weary of the fields, for the nights are cold, 
 and also that good wines are beginning to fail us." 
 
 At the which all laughed, all the captains speaking except the good 
 Chevalier, all agreeing with the words of the Lord of Imbercourt. The 
 Lord of La Palisse looked at Bayard, who seemed to be picking his 
 teeth, and appeared unaware of his companion's proposals. Calling to 
 him laughingly, he said : " What then ! Hercules of France, thinkest 
 thou ? There is not time for tooth-picking ; we must answer the Emperor 
 with promptitude." 
 
 The good Chevalier, well accustomed to jesting : replied, " If we entirely 
 agree with my Lord of Imbercourt, we have but to go straight for the 
 breach. But in that it is a pastime most wearisome for men-at-arms 
 to go on foot, I would willingly have myself excused. Nevertheless 
 that thou desirest my opinion, I will give it. The Emperor in his letter 
 desires of you to send all your French gentlemen on foot to make the 
 assault with his lansquenets. In that I am concerned, although I 
 possess but little in this world, still I am a gentleman. As to you, my 
 lords, most of you are great lords, and of noble houses ; as also are 
 many of our men-at-arms. Considers the Emperor it to be a just and 
 reasonable matter to peril so much nobleness together with his infantry, 
 of whom one is a shoemaker, another a farrier, another a baker, and 
 such-like mechanics, who hold not their honour as do we gentlemen } 
 It is but poorly advised, I say, with all due respect to his Majesty." 
 
 ''This be my counsel, my lord," said he to the Lord of La Palisse, 
 that you should reply to the Emperor thus : That having summoned 
 all your captains unto you, according to his wishes, who are right 
 willing to do in accordance with the instructions they have received 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 197 
 
 from their master. But that their said master has in his service none 
 but gentlemen/ the whom to mix with men on foot, and those who are 
 but of low estate, would suit them ill. But that he has many counts, 
 lords, and gentlemen of Germany, whom if he sends on foot in company 
 with the men-at-arms from France, they will willingly lead the way- 
 Letting his lansquenets follow, if they know how so to do.' " 
 
 When the good Chevalier had thus given his opinion, none could 
 say one word, all considering his counsel wise and reasonable. On 
 their reply being carried to the Emperor, he found it full of justice. 
 And instantly ordered drums and trumpets to sound, to call together 
 his privy council,^ the which was composed of all princes, lords, and 
 captains, of Germany, Burgundy, and Hainault. To whom, when as- 
 sembled, the Emperor told of how he had resolved in an hour's time 
 to commence the assault on the town. To which he had summoned 
 the French nobles, who were all willing to carry out this duty, but that 
 they had asked that the gentlemen of Germany should go in company 
 with them, volunteering themselves to go first and lead the way, " For 
 which cause, my lords, I do pra)^ of you as earnestly as I miay that you 
 likewise do consent to accompany them, and also go on foot. Trusting, 
 that by God's help, in the first assault to vanquish our enemies." 
 
 When the Emperor had ceased speaking, there arose suddenly a 
 wonderful and strange noise amongst the Germans, v/hich lasted for the 
 space of half an hour ere it was quelled. Then one amongst them, 
 charged to reply for all, said that they were not such as went on foot, 
 nor to go into a breach, their true estate being to fight like gentlemen 
 on horseback. None other reply could the Emperor obtain ; albeit it 
 was against his desires and pleased him not any. He kept silence, 
 saying only : Well then, my lords, you must then advise what can be 
 done for the best." 
 
 Then at once calling unto him one of his gentlemen, by name Rock- 
 andorf, the which went and came amongst the French as an ambas- 
 sador (and, truth to tell, spent the most part of his time amongst them), 
 
 ^ Historians have interpreted this declaration in divers ways, writes M. de Terrebasse. 
 We must not conclude that none could be of this company unless of noble birth, but that 
 the service of this company conferred nobility on those who consecrated themselves 
 thereunto. 
 
 2 In regard to the following recital, I cannot refrain from mentioning a curious 
 coincidence, which is this, that fifty years later Charles-Quint was in a similar manner 
 discomfited. At the siege of Metz, as that at Padua, a wide breach was made, and the 
 garrison, called out by German guns, were ranged behind ramparts improvised out of 
 the debris, but the assault ordered was never made, and the Emperor, much vexed, left 
 shortly after, leaving the siege to be raised without him. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 to whom he said : " Repair thou to the quarters of my good cousin, 
 the Lord of La PaHsse ; recommend me to him, and Hkewise to all 
 the French lords and captains as shall be with him. Telling them that 
 on this day there shall be no assault." 
 
 Rockandorf went and gave his message ; each one, by reason of it, 
 disarmed himself, some well pleased, others wrathful. 
 
 I know not how it happened, nor from whence came the counsel, but, 
 on the night following the said proposals, the Emperor left the camp 
 with a train of camp in length forty miles, and commanded his men 
 to raise the siege. The which was done, as you shall hear. 
 
 German Drummer. After Jost Ammon. 
 
Medallion of Maximilian. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Of how the Emperor retired from the Camp before Padua, upon learning that the 
 Germans refused to assault the same. 
 
 OU must not enquire as to whether the Emperor was 
 wrathful, when he learnt the willingness of the French 
 captains, and that his German people would do 
 nothing for him, of which opinion was not the noble 
 Prince of Anhalt, who asked not other things, but 
 to offer himself to the Emperor. Likewise did he 
 present and excuse himself to the French captains. He 
 had, amongst other captains of his troop, one by name 
 Captain Jacob, who afterwards entered the service of the King of 
 France, and died at the battle of Ravenna, as thou shalt hear. The 
 same daily joined himself unto the French skirmishers, and for boldness 
 and integrity was renowned. But of Germans there were few like unto 
 these. 
 
 The Emperor, inflated with wrath and vexation, on the morrow, two 
 hours before day, without warning, in company with five or six hundred 
 
200 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 horses and his personal staff, left his camp/ and proceeding without a 
 halt for thirty or forty miles, drawing up when in Germany. Directing 
 the Lord of Constantine, his Lieutenant-General, together with the Lord 
 
 Siege of Padua. After a German Print of the period. 
 
 of La Palisse, to move the -camp as creditably as possible. All won- 
 dered much at this mode of action, but had but to obey. 
 
 ^ It is to be remarked that the Loyal Serviteur returns here to a feat already mentioned 
 at the end of the preceding chapter. Such repetitions are not unusual, and lead us to 
 suppose that his recital was not so much intended to be read consecutively as to be taken 
 as separate recitals. It seems thus to renew the broken thread, as in a series of con- 
 ferences, at the point where it had been left off. 
 
History of Bayard. 20 i 
 
 The captains, both French, German and Burgundians, held council 
 together, at which they determined to raise the siege, which had been 
 hard and troublesome, having in all before the town from one hundred 
 and twenty to one hundred and thirty pieces of artillery. They had 
 not camp equipage for half theit number. The French were ordered to 
 hold escort until such time as the artillery were raised. But the goodly 
 Prince of Anhalt, who knew well the turpitude of his nation, with his 
 company, which was composed of eight thousand men, never quitted 
 the said artillery, the which did him m.uch honour. For from early 
 morn till two o'clock next night, he held himself in battle order. And 
 if they did eat, it was not at their ease, for each hour wellnigh were 
 given hot and strong alarms, inasmuch as those within the town made 
 many and great sallies ; also because they had to move the cannons by 
 
 degrees to the camp to which they were moving, there to leave them, 
 and return with the horses and oxen to take others. 
 
 Without loss either to the Emperor or to the French the siege was 
 raised. A great evil being that they put fire to all quarters as they 
 passed by. The good Chevalier, out of feeling, placed seven or eight of 
 his men-at-arms within the handsome quarters he had occupied during 
 the siege, in order to save the same until the said lansquenets had 
 passed beyond them. And be assured that such wanton destruction 
 displeased him sore. 
 
 From camp to camp the army advanced until it reached Vicenza, to 
 which place the Emperor sent gifts to Lord de La Palisse and all the 
 French captains according to their rank. For he was in a manner 
 liberal, and a better prince could nowhere be found, if he had had 
 wherewith to give. One great fault he had, in that he placed con- 
 
202 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 fidence in no one, and kept all his enterprises secret, the which brought 
 him much trouble during his life. 
 
 From Vicenza most of the Germans returned home, one portion 
 remaining in the town to guard it, with Lord Du Ru ; Lord de La 
 Palisse likewise retreated to Toussaint, in the Duchy of Milan, with all 
 his company, except the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, who 
 remained yet some time in garrison at Verona, where he did brave 
 deeds, as you shall hear. 
 
 The Venetians still held a town, called Legnano, in the which they 
 retained a strong garrison, and often making raids against those within 
 Verona. 
 
 1 
 
Church of San-Zeno at Verona. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Of how the good ChevaHer sans peur ct sans reproche, being at Venice, made a raid on 
 the Venetians, in the which they were taken and retaken twice in one day, and what 
 was the end thereof. 
 
 HE good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche was 
 ordered to the garrison of Verona, together with two 
 or three hundred men-at-arms lent by the King of 
 France to the Emperor. Shortly after, those of the 
 Emperor's forces within Vicenza, knowing that the 
 town was not to be held, retired to Verona, because 
 that the Venetians were strong in the field, and 
 marched forward to lay siege unto it. But seeing it 
 thus abandoned, took their army to a village named St. Boniface, distant 
 from Verona fifteen or eighteen miles. This was in the winter time, 
 when it was needful that the soldiers who were within the town should 
 send for forage for their horses, ofttimes from afar, so much so, that 
 often they lost both of horses and men, for want of fitting guides. 
 But not a day passed without meeting their enemies, irritating one 
 another much. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 On the side of the Venetians, there was a certain captain, a truly 
 brave man full of adventure, by name Jean-Paul Manfrone, the 
 which each day made exploits up to the very gates of Verona. And 
 so far he carried them, that he irritated much the good Chevalier, who 
 determined, that on the first day the foragers should issue from the 
 camp, he himself should escort them and make use of some of the 
 subtleties of warfare. But although he arranged all secretly, Captain 
 Manfrone was advised thereof by a spy kept in his quarters. The whom 
 resolved that, when going to the fields, he would with him take such 
 a force, that were he to encounter the good Chevalier, he could do so 
 without trepidation. 
 
 One Thursday's morn, the foragers quitted Verona, and in their train 
 thirty or forty men-at-arms and archers led by the Captain Pierrepont, 
 Lieutenant of the said good Chevalier, who was both wise and wary. 
 Making digression from the high-road to look for houses and get what 
 was needful. The good Chevalier, accompanied by two hundred men- 
 at-arms, who did not dream of being discovered, went straightway to a 
 village on the highway, by name St. Martin, distant from the said 
 Verona six miles. Sending some runners to look out, who were not long 
 gone before they saw their enemies, to about the number of five hundred 
 horsemen, marching direct to those in search of forage. They returned 
 to make their report to the good Chevalier, who was well pleased, and, 
 together with his whole company, instantly mounted their horses, going 
 in search of them. 
 
 The Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone, who by the said spy had been 
 advised of this undertaking, had placed in ambush within a palace hard 
 by five or six hundred men on foot, pikemen, and arquebusiers, to whom 
 he had well sang their lesson, and, amongst other things, that they 
 were not to come out until they saw them retreating, pursued by the 
 French. For he would make semblance of flight,, and by this means 
 surround and defeat the French. The good Chevalier had not proceeded 
 two miles across the open, when he saw his enemies distinctly. He 
 commenced a march straight upon them, with the cry of Empire ! and 
 France desiring to charge them. 
 
 They made semblance of holding their ground ; but seeing him 
 approach, commenced the retreat along the road straight towards their 
 ambush, the which they passed a short distance. Then suddenly halting, 
 with the cry of " Marco ! Marco ! " commenced to defend themselves 
 valiantly. The footmen left their ambush, and came rushing on the 
 French, discharging their arquebuses. One shot of which killed the 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 205 
 
 Chevalier's horse between his legs, the which in falling held one of his legs 
 beneath. His men-at-arms, who would have died sooner than thus leave 
 him, made a vigorous defence, and one dismounting, by name Grantmont, 
 rescued his Captain from his peril. 
 
 But their feat of arms could not avail them, and both were taken 
 prisoners by the footmen, who wished to disarm them. 
 
 Captain Pierrepont, who was with the foragers, hearing the noise, 
 advanced at full speed, arriving at a timely moment, to find his Captain 
 and Grantmont in close quarters ; for already they had been drawn 
 away from the masses to lead them to a place of safety. You need 
 not ask if he were well pleased ; for as a lion rushes on those who 
 hold him, they suddenly abandoned their prize and retired to their 
 troop to fight with them against the remainder of the French furiously. 
 
 The good Chevalier and Grantmont were instantly re-horsed, and 
 straightway returned to the aid of their people, who had endured much, 
 for they were assailed both in front and rear. But the sight once more 
 of the good Chevalier and of Captain Pierrepont filled them with 
 fresh courage. Nevertheless, the play was one-sided, the Venetians 
 numbering four to one, and with their arquebuses doing the French 
 much damage. 
 
 The good Chevalier began by saying to Captain Pierrepont : Captain, 
 if we fail to gain the high road we are lost, but if once there, we can 
 retreat in spite of all without loss, thanks be to God." 
 
 " I hold with that counsel," answered Captain Pierrepont. 
 
 They then commenced to fight their way back to the high road 
 whence they came, but this they could not do without much endurance. 
 Nevertheless, they had as yet lost no men, whilst their enemies had 
 lost betwixt forty and fifty footmen and seven or eight horsemen. 
 
 When the Chevalier and his men had gained the high road leading to 
 Verona, they closed in and retreated slowly. And as they accomplished 
 each two hundred paces, turned afresh upon their enemies, defending 
 themselves right gallantly. But at their wing still were the footmen 
 keeping up a sharp and constant fire of arquebuses, and for this cause 
 in their last charge the good Chevalier had a second horse killed 
 under him, who, feeling it stagger, jumped oft", sword in hand, and 
 thus on foot did marvellous feats of arms. But he was soon sur- 
 rounded, and it would have gone ill with him, but for the Bastard Du 
 Fay, his standard-bearer, who with his archers rushed forward with 
 brilliant charge into the midst of the Venetian troops, recovering his 
 Captain, and did the same remount in spite of them. They then 
 
206 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 closed in with the others. Already night was drawing in ; for w^iich 
 cause the good Chevalier gave orders to charge no more, as it sufficed 
 to retreat, which they did to their great credit, till they reached 
 St. Martin, from whence they had started that morning. There there 
 lay a pool, surrounded by a fence, by the which they halted. 
 
 The Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone, well aware that he could do them 
 no further harm, as now they could receive succour from Verona, 
 sounded his retreat, and returned towards St. Boniface, his footmen 
 going before him. The same were much fatigued by their battle, at 
 which they had fought for four or five hours, and were wishful to 
 remain at a village distant from St. Boniface four or five miles, but 
 their Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone did not hold this opinion, and 
 himself returned with his horsemen, in spite of their long and tiring 
 gallop, to St. Boniface. 
 
 The good Chevalier and his men put up for this night in the village 
 of St. Martin, where they made good cheer with what they had, 
 speaking much of their successful retreat, in the which they had lost 
 but one archer, and had four horses killed ; their enemies in the 
 encounter had sustained heavy losses. 
 
 Meanwhile one of their spies arrived, the which came from the said 
 St. Boniface. He was brought to the presence of the good Chevalier, 
 who enquired of him what the enemy were doing. 
 
 He replied, Nothing further. They have a large troop in St. Boniface, 
 and amongst them runs the tale that soon Verona will be theirs, 
 as they have much intelligence from within. As I was departing, 
 there arrived there the Captain Manfrone, much heated and very 
 wrathful ; for I hear that he says that he came to v/ar, and instead of 
 meeting with men he has had to fight against devils of the infernal 
 regions. And in coming hither I found a village, four or five miles 
 distant, full of their footmen, who had halted there. Seemingly, to look 
 at them, they were much fatigued." 
 
 " In that case," said the good Chevalier, " as I live it must surely be 
 their men-on-foot the which we fought this day, who were unwilling to 
 go as far as St. Boniface. If we will it, they are ours ! The moon is 
 bright ; let us feed our horses, and towards the hours of three or four 
 let us go and arouse them ! " 
 
 This judgment was found wise, and refreshing their horses as best 
 they could, after having placed sentinels, all lay down to rest. But the 
 good Chevalier rested not ; he thought but of his enterprise. About 
 three hours after midnight, noiselessly, he and his men mounted their 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 .207 
 
 horses, going straight to the village, where were billeted tlie Venetian 
 footmen, the whom he found sleeping like unto fine swine, without 
 sentries ; at least, if such there were, they were but bad ones. Having 
 arrived, they at once raised the cry of ^' Empire ! Empire ! France ! 
 France ! a mort ! a mort I " 
 
 By this joyful sound the churls awoke, rushing out of the house one 
 after the other ; they were knocked down as beasts. Their captain, 
 together with two or three hundred men, repaired to the market-place. 
 
 Venetian Captain. After VeceJli. 
 
 the which he hoped to man and fortify, but he was not given time so 
 to do ; for being borne down upon from all directions, he and his men 
 were utterly defeated and discomfited. There remained of them only 
 three alive, of which one was the Captain, and two other gentlemen, 
 who were brothers. These were liberated in exchange for two other 
 French gentlemen, prisoners in the prison of the Seigniorie of Venice. 
 
 When the good Chevalier had accomplished this enterprise so honour- 
 ably, he desired not to remain longer, fearing further complications. So 
 
208 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 retired with all his men to within Verona, where he was received with 
 much joy. 
 
 It was otherwise with the Venetians. On hearing of the loss of their 
 men, they were most wrathful ; and Messer Andrea Gritti, Proveditore of 
 the Seigniorie, accounted much blame to the Captain Jean-Paul Man- 
 frone for that he had left some of his men behind. But the same 
 excused himself well, saying that it had been impossible for him to 
 persuade them to go further than the village in the which they were 
 afterwards defeated. And of their danger he had warned them, but 
 without being able to bring them to reason. Nevertheless within himself 
 thinking to avenge himself shortly ; but it only added to his shame, as 
 you shall hear. 
 
The burning of the Grotto of Longaro. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 How the good Chevalier took thought against betrayal by a spy who had promised the 
 Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone to put him into his hands, and that which came of it. 
 How Legnano was taken by siege, and of the cruel fortune of the people of Longaro ; 
 and how Monselice was also taken by siege. 
 
 EVEN or eight days after this fair foray, the Captain 
 Jean-Paul Manfrone, sore vexed in that he had been 
 so grossly beaten and driven back, and his men slain 
 and undone, while he had wrought no harm, or less 
 than none, upon his enemies, resolved to take his 
 revenge some way or another. Now there was a spy 
 who often went to and fro between Verona and 
 St. Boniface, and served both the captain and the 
 good Chevalier, giving each of them to understand that he strove 
 but to do him service. But these spies ever have their heart 
 inclined more to one side than the other, as this man had towards the 
 Captain Manfrone, who, one day when he had given some little thought 
 
 P 
 
2IO 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 to his affair, said to him, "You must go to Verona, and give the 
 Captain Bayard to understand that the Seigniorie of Venice has written 
 to the proveditore to send me into Legnano for the protection of the 
 place, because they have sent for the captain who is there to dispatch 
 him to the Levant with a number of galleys ; that you know for 
 certain that I shall set forth to-morrow at point of day with three 
 hundred light-horse, and that of footmen I take none. I am confident 
 that, so high is his courage, he will never let me pass without a 
 skirmish, and if he come, I trust he will not return thence save slain 
 or captive ; because I shall take two hundred men-at-arms and two 
 thousand footmen, whom I will place in ambush at Isola della Scala, 
 near which spot, if he visit me, I desire to be encountered ; and be 
 advised, that if you have wit to perform your task well, I pledge you 
 my faith to give you a hundred golden ducats." 
 
 Spies are, as every man knows, created only by Dame Avarice. 
 Moreover, for this merit they have a further value ; for of six that are 
 taken, if one escape, he oweth great praise to God. For the true 
 physic they have for the evil which possesses them, is a halter. 
 
 This worthy then promised the Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone that he 
 would find means to do the business . He came forthwith to Verona 
 to the quarters of the good Chevalier, for there he was well enough 
 known of all the serving men, in that they believed for certain that he 
 was wholly in the service of their master. They brought him to the 
 good Chevalier just as he ended supper; who, as soon as he saw him, 
 gave him an exceeding hearty greeting, and said to him: "Vizentin, 
 welcome ! you come not without cause ; what news have you ? " 
 
 The other answered : " Very good, my lord, God be thanked ! " 
 
 Straightway the good Chevalier arose from table and drew the spy 
 aside to learn the tidings. The latter related the matter point by 
 point, and made it appear to him so good, that no man was more 
 rejoiced. He bade them lead Vizentin to supper and give him fat 
 cheer. Then afterwards he takes aside the Captain Pierrepont, the 
 Captain La Varenne, who carried his ensign, the Bastard Du Fay, and 
 a captain of Burgundy who was supping with him, and who was called 
 my Lord of Sucker.^ To them he related all that the spy had told 
 him, how the Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone would withdraw into Legnano 
 
 ^ Probably the same Hannotin de Sucker who measured swords with Bayard at the 
 tourney of Aire. Then he was styled as of Hainault ; but as Hainault was at that time 
 an appanage of the duchy of Burgundy, that is no contradiction of the term Burgundian 
 used here. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 2 I I 
 
 on the morrow, taking with him but three hundred horse. Wherefore if 
 they were ready to show themselves brave fellows, his journey should 
 not end without blows, and that the matter demanded speedy issue. 
 His words were to the taste of all ; and on the instant it was resolved 
 that they should set forth at break of day, and should take two 
 hundred men-at-arms. They also chose the Lord of Conti to be of the 
 adventure, and informed him thereof, in order that he might hold 
 himself ready like the others ; and indeed he needed but little praying, 
 for he was a right gallant knight. 
 
 This resolved, every man retired to his quarters to make ready his 
 harness for the morning, among them the Captain Sucker, who was some 
 distance from his lodging. Which was a stroke of fortune, for on his 
 way thither he catches sight of the spy (him who had been to speak 
 with the good Chevalier) coming forth from the house of a gentleman 
 of Verona who was reckoned to be an exceeding bad Imperialist, and 
 on the contrary had Mmxo^ written on his heart. Hence the captain 
 suspected treason. 
 
 He seized the spy by the collar, and demanded of him . whence he 
 came. The man was unable to answer promptly, and changed colour, 
 which caused the captain to suspect more and more. He turned short 
 about, and keeping hold of the spy, returned straight to the house 
 where he had just supped. 
 
 On his arrival, he found the good Chevalier about to get into bed ; 
 but the latter straightway seized a night-robe, and they seated them- 
 selves near the fire, he and the captain together alone ; for meanwhile 
 the spy was placed in safe guard. 
 
 The captain thereupon made known to the good Chevalier the 
 occasion of his sudden return, which was the detection of the spy 
 coming out of the house of Messer Battista Volteggio, who was the 
 greatest marchesco'^ in the world. Wherefore he suspected some 
 mischief: "Because," said he, "when I surprised him, he was 
 wondrously amazed." 
 
 When the good Chevalier had heard this tale, he was not without 
 suspicion, any more than the Captain Sucker. He sent for the spy, and 
 demanded of him what was his business at the house of Battista 
 Volteggio. First he said he had been to see a kinsman there ; later he 
 
 ^ That is Mark, or Saint Mark, the war cry and patron saint of the Republic of 
 Venice. 
 
 ^ That is, a partisan of St. Mark. The original has the Italian word in a Frenchified 
 form, juarquesque. 
 
 r 2 
 
2 12 
 
 History (3f Bayard. 
 
 maintained another tale, and at last was caught out in five or six 
 versions. So manacles were . brought, into which his two thumbs were 
 put, to make him speak in a different fashion. 
 
 The good Chevalier said to him, "Vizentin, speak the truth without 
 concealment, and I promise you, on the faith of a true gentleman, that 
 whatever it may be, I will do you no harm, even though my death be 
 conspired. But on the other hand, if I detect you in a lie, I will have 
 you hanged by the neck at break of day." 
 
 The spy knew that he was caught, and throwing himself on his 
 knees, he begged for mercy, which was assuredly promised him. He 
 began to narrate the plot from end to end, not only how the captain 
 Jean-Paul Manfrone had placed two hundred men-at-arms and two 
 thousand footmen in ambush at Isola della Scalla to defeat the good 
 
 Chevalier, but also that he went to the house of Messer Battista to 
 inform him of the enterprise, and also to advise him how he should 
 find means some night to deliver one of the gates of the town to the 
 Proveditore Messer Andrea Gritti. And many other things did this 
 unworthy spy relate; but he declared that Messer Battista Volteggio 
 had told him that he would never meddle in such mischief, and that 
 since he was under the Emperor, he wished so to live and die. 
 
 When he had ended his fine story, the good Chevalier said to him ; 
 ''Vizentin, I have ill-employed the crowns I have bestowed on you: 
 and within your body lies the heart of a' coward and a scoundrel, 
 although I have ever esteemed you little otherwise. You have well 
 deserved death. But since I have pledged my faith, you shall receive 
 no harm, and I will have you set safely outside the town. But beware 
 
 Manacles. 
 
THE SPY THREW HIMSELF ON HIS KNEES. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 215 
 
 that while I am in the place you be not seen therein, for all the world 
 would not save you from being hanged by me." 
 
 He was led away from their presence and confined in a chamber 
 until he should be wanted. My friend, what shall we do to this 
 Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone, who thinks to take us by craft ? We must 
 give him a dressing, and if you can do what I will tell you, we will 
 bring about one of the finest jests that has happened for a hundred 
 years." 
 
 Sucker answered : " Command, my lord, and you shall be obeyed.'* 
 " Go, then, instantly," said he, to the lodging of the Prince of Anhalt, 
 and commend me humbly to his good favour. Make known to him 
 this affair in full, and make him agree to lend us to-morrow at dawn 
 two thousand of his lansquenets, whom we will take with us at good 
 speed. Them we will leave in ambush at some spot, where, if before 
 the fight is done you do not see some wonder, lay the blame on me." 
 
 The Captain Sucker incontinently set forth, and went straight to the 
 dwelling of the prince, who was now asleep. He had him aroused, 
 and then came to speak with him, and told him all you have heard 
 above. 
 
 The noble prince, who loved nothing so much as war, among all 
 gentlemen had conceived such a love for the good Chevalier on account 
 of his prowess, that the matter would have been strange indeed if he had 
 refused it. He said that he was sore displeased that he had not sooner 
 known of this enterprise, for he would have gone himself; but that as 
 to his men, the good Chevalier could dispose of them better than he 
 could. So he immediately sent his secretary to warn four or five 
 captains thereof, who, to cut the account short, were as ready at dawn 
 as the men-at-arms who had known of the affair in the evening. They 
 presented themselves at the gate at the same time with the men-at- 
 arms, which gave cause for wonder to the Lord of Conti, for nothing of 
 this had been told him over night. He inquired of the good Chevalier 
 what it might mean, and the latter related to him at length all that 
 had arisen. "On my faith," said the Lord of Conti, "if God will, we 
 will do something fine to-day." 
 
 ' The gate was thrown open, and they took the road towards Isola 
 della Scala. Then the good Chevalier said to Sucker, "You and the 
 lansquenets must remain in ambush at Servoda"^ (this was a small 
 village about two miles from Isola). " Do not be anxious, for I will 
 
 ^ M. de Terrebasse reads Zevio, which is probably the real name of Servoda. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 draw the enemy right under your nose ; so that you shall have honour 
 enough to day, if you prove a brave fellow." 
 
 As it was said, so was it done ; for on arriving at the said village, 
 the lansquenets remained in ambush, while the good Chevalier, the Lord 
 of Conti, and their troop w^ent on towards Isola, feigning to know 
 nothing of what was therein. The place looked over a fine plain where 
 on all sides you could see for a considerable distance. At length they 
 catch sight of the Captain Manfrone in company with a few light-horse. 
 The good Chevalier sent forward his guidon, the Bastard Du Fay, with 
 some archers, to skirmish with them a little ; and he himself marched 
 at a quick pace after him with the men-at-arms. 
 
 But he had not gone far, when he saw sally forth from the town of 
 Isola della Scala the foot-soldiers of the Seigniorie and a troop of men- 
 at-arms. He feigned to be somewhat surprised, and bade the trumpet 
 sound recall ; on hearing which, the Bastard Du Fay, according to his 
 instructions, retreated towards the main body. They closed their ranks 
 well, and pretending to be retiring straight to Verona, marched slowly 
 towards the village where their lansquenets were, and whither an archer 
 had already gone to bid the Captain Sucker come forth in battle array. 
 The gendarmerie of the Seigniorie, with this body of foot-soldiers on 
 its wing, charged the French sharply and frequently, making such a 
 noise that you could not have heard God thunder ; for they thought 
 among themselves that the foe they saw could not escape them. The 
 French turned not a step from their route, and kept skirmishing 
 cautiously, so that they were close to Servoda, about an arrow's flight 
 off, when they perceived the lansquenets advancing at a quick march 
 and in close order ; the latter were also discovered by the Venetians, 
 who were exceedingly surprised. Then said the good Chevalier, " My 
 lords, it is time to charge." 
 
 And so everyone did, and they fell upon the Venetians, who showed 
 themselves men of worth ; nevertheless many of them were borne to 
 the ground. Their foot-soldiers could not flee, for they were too far 
 from refuge ; they were in like manner charged by the lansquenets, 
 and, being unable to withstand their weight, were broken and routed, 
 and all cut to pieces, without a prisoner being taken. This took place 
 under the eyes of the Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone, who well performed 
 his devoir ; nevertheless he knew sure enough that if he did not beat 
 a retreat he would be slain or captured. He began to retire at full 
 gallop towards St. Boniface, which was a good stretch. He was well 
 pursued ; but the good Chevalier had the retreat sounded, and accor- 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 dingly everyone returned ; but it was with great gain of prisoners and 
 horses, and the spoil of that day was exceedingly fine. The Venetians 
 suffered severe loss in the fight, for all their two thousand foot and full 
 twenty-five men-at-arms were slain. There were also about sixty 
 prisoners taken, who were brought to Verona, where the French, 
 Burgundians, and lansquenets were received with joy by their comrades, 
 who felt sorely vexed not to have been with them. 
 
 Thus then went it with this fair adventure ; and it was great fortune 
 for the good Chevalier, who received high praise from 'all men generally. 
 On his return to his quarters, he sent for the spy, to whom he said : 
 " Vizentin, according to my promise, you shall go to the Venetians' 
 camp, and you shall ask the Captain Jean-Paul Manfrone if the Captain 
 Bayard is as cunning in war as he ; and say that when he desires a 
 like bargain he will find it in the field." 
 
 He commanded two of his archers to conduct the spy beyond the 
 town ; which they did. The spy then went straight to St. Boniface, 
 where the Lord Jean-Paul Manfrone, perceiving him, had him arrested 
 and hanged by the neck, saying that he had betrayed him ; and no 
 excuse he could think of served him a whit. 
 
 The Venetians still held this town called Legnano, where they had a 
 large garrison, and excursions were often made both by them and by 
 the army at Verona, the one against the other ; and in this state they 
 remained all the winter. 
 
 At the beginning of the year fifteen hundred and ten, and after 
 Easter, the King of France, Louis XII., granted leave of absence to 
 his nephew, the noble Duke of Nemours, of whom, short though his 
 life was, this history will make ample mention, for he well deserves to 
 be chronicled in every way. He passed into Italy, bringing in his 
 company the captain Louis d'Ars, a virtuous and brave knight ; and 
 there on their arrival they were received, each according to his quality, 
 by the Lord of Chaumont, Grand-Master of France and governor of 
 Milan, and by all the captains then in Italy, with such courtesy as 
 could not be surpassed. And above all in this shall mention be made 
 of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, who was so much 
 beloved of the Duke of Nemours and his chief captain, Louis d'Ars. 
 By the command of the King of France there had also come the Lord 
 of Molart with two thousand adventurers, and many other captains. 
 
 The said grand-master, the Lord of Chaumont, went to lay siege to 
 this town of Legnano that the Venetians held ; and in order that it 
 might have no succour of men or provisions, the Lord of Alegre was 
 
2l8 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 sent forward with five hundred men-at-arms and four or five thousand 
 lansquenets that were at Vicenza, under the command of the noble 
 Prince of Anhalt, who had also under him that Captain Jacob who was 
 with the King of France. 
 
 This fortress of Legnano was strongly built ; moreover it had good 
 artillery, including that of the Duke of Ferrara, who, w^ith other cannon, 
 possessed a huge culverin twenty feet in length, which the adventurers 
 named the great devil. At last the town and the castle were taken, 
 and all that were therein, or the most part, were put to death. In 
 this capture the Lord of Molart and his adventurers bore themselves 
 right bravely, and gained great honour, for they had never the patience 
 to wait until the breach was practicable in order to give the assault. 
 The Lord of Chaumont left there to hold the place the Captain La 
 Crotte with a hundred men-at-arms, whom he commanded under the 
 Marquis of Montferrat, and a thousand foot under two captains, the 
 one named L'Herisson and the other Giacomo Corso, a Neapolitan. 
 
 During this siege of Legnano the Lord of Chaumont had news of the 
 death of his uncle, the Legate of Amboise, whereby he suffered a 
 great and grievous loss, for the Legate had been the means of raising 
 him to the honours he then enjoyed. In like manner had the deceased 
 conferred many benefits on all the members of his house, as well those 
 in the church as those without, for he was the whole government of 
 the King of France, Louis XI L, and of his kingdom.^ He had been 
 an exceedingly wise prelate and an honest man in his day ; he never 
 would hold more than one benefice, and at his decease was only 
 Archbishop of Rouen ; yet he might ,have had others in abundance, if 
 he had so willed.^ His sad death the Lord of Chaumont took bitterly to 
 heart, for he survived it but a short time, although before the world 
 he made no great semblance of grief, and did not cease to conduct the 
 affairs of his master well and prudently. 
 
 When he had ordered matters at Legnano, he set forth to join 
 himself with the forces of the Emperor, with a view to march into the 
 territory of the Venetians, and try to bring them to reason. The King 
 of Spain had a few days before despatched to the assistance of the 
 Emperor, under command of the Duke of Termini, four hundred men- 
 at-arms, Spaniards and Neapolitans, whom he made right welcome. 
 
 ^ That is, he was the actual ruler. 
 The author, who treats the house of Amboise with marked favour, refrains from 
 adding that the Cardinal several times sacrificed the interests of France to his desire to 
 obtain the papacy. 
 
PORTRAIT OF CHARLES d'aMBOISE, SEIGNEUR DE ClIAUMONT. 
 
i 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 2 2 1 
 
 But inasmuch as they were worn out with fatigue, they were sent into 
 quarters in Verona. The camp, including both the Emperor's and that 
 of the King of France, marched as far as a place called Santa Croce, 
 where they tarried some time, as it was thought that the Emperor 
 would come down ; ^ but he did not. During this encampment the 
 heat was exceedingly fierce, and for this reason the greater number of 
 those who were there called it the Burning Camp. 
 
 On the march from that place, and near to a large village named 
 Longaro, a most piteous incident occurred. For, as all the inhabitants 
 had taken flight because of the war, there were in retreat in a certain 
 cave which was in the side of a mountain, and which extended a mile 
 or more [in depth], upwards of two thousand souls, both men and 
 women, including some of the most considerable persons of the plain ; 
 and they had abundance of provisions there. They had also carried up 
 some warlike gear and arquebuses to defend the entrance against those 
 who might attack them ; and the place was almost impregnable, for 
 only one man at a time could approach it. 
 
 The adventurers, who are readily wont to seek pillage, in particular 
 those who are worth nothing in war, came up to the entrance of this 
 cave, which in Italian is called the Grotto of Longaro.^ I doubt not 
 they sought to enter within ; but they were gently prayed to desist, 
 inasmuch as they could gain nothing there, because the inmates had 
 left their goods in their houses. 
 
 The rascals refused to accept these prayers in payment and tried to 
 force an entry, but they were prevented, and some arquebuse-shots 
 were fired, which laid low two on the spot. The others went and 
 fetched their comrades, who, more ready for mischief than otherwise, 
 directed their steps thither. 
 
 On their arrival they saw clearly that they would never get in by 
 force. So they conceived a grossly wicked and cow^ardly plan ; for 
 straight in front of the narrow opening they put a quantity of wood, 
 straw, and hay, and fire with it, \vhich in a short time produced so 
 horrible a smoke in the cave, whither no air came except by this 
 entrance, that all within were suffocated and died in torment, without 
 being touched by the fire at all. Many gentlemen and gentlewomen 
 were there, who, after the fire had burnt down and entrance was made, 
 were found lifeless, and who, one would have said, were sleeping. This 
 was a horrible sad deed. 
 
 ^ That is, cross the Alps. 
 
 ^ Now the Grotto of Masaiio. 
 
222 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The said adventurers gained great plunder there ; but the lord the 
 grand-master and all the captains were marvellously displeased thereat, 
 and above all the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, who 
 all day long took pains to discover those who had brought it about. 
 He caught two of them, of whom the one had no ears at all, and the 
 other had but one.^ He made so full an inquisition into their life, that 
 they were led by the provost of the camp before the said grotto, and 
 there by his executioner hanged by the neck ; and the good Chevalier 
 was pleased to be present. 
 
 Now, while they were about this deed, almost as by a miracle there 
 comes out of the cave a youth of fifteen or sixteen years of age, who 
 seemed rather dead than alive, and was all yellow from the smoke. 
 He was brought before the good Chevalier, who inquired of him how 
 he had saved himself He answered that when he saw the smoke so 
 thick, he went right to the farthest end of the cave, where he said 
 there was a cleft from the higher part of the mountain, very small, but 
 by means of it he had obtained air. He told a piteous tale, namely, 
 that several gentlemen and their wives, when they perceived that fire 
 was to be used, wished to sally forth, knowing so well that they were 
 bound to die. But the villeins with them, who were far the stronger, 
 refused to allow it ; and came in front of them with halberds pointed, 
 saying that they should die as well as the others ; and so the poor 
 folk were attacked both by the fire and by their own people. 
 
 From this place of Longaro the camp marched straight to Monselice, 
 which the Venetians had retaken and fortified, and garrisoned with a 
 thousand or twelve hundred men. On the road an encounter took 
 place between the Lord of Alegre and the good Chevalier (in company 
 with the Lord Mercurio ^ and his Albanians, who were at that time on 
 the side of the Emperor) and some light-horse belonging to the forces 
 of the Seigniorie, and called Croats (and who are more Turks than 
 Christians), who had come to see if they could pick up anything about 
 the camp. But they gained an ill booty, for all or the greater part of 
 them remained there, and in a short quarter of an hour were made 
 prisoners. Among them the Lord Mercurio recognised the captain, who, 
 as he said later, was his cousin-german, and who had ousted him from 
 his inheritance in Croatia, which he now held and occupied by force, 
 
 ^ Showing that they had been previously convicted of some crime, and punished. 
 
 2 His name was Mercurio Rona. M. Roman has found in the Bibhotheque Nationale 
 (at Paris) a receipt signed by him as captain of a hundred Albanian horsemen (Ms. Fr. 
 26,1 lo, No. 704.) 
 
HisT(3RY OF Bayard. 
 
 223 
 
 and he was his greatest enemy in this world. So he turned to him to 
 recall all the evil deeds he had done him, and that now it was right 
 for him to take vengeance for them. The other said it was true, but 
 that he had been captured in fair war, and therefore had the right to 
 depart on paying ransom according to his power, and for that he 
 offered ten thousand ducats and six fine and rare Turkish horses. 
 
 " We will speak of that more at leisure," said the Lord Mercurio ; 
 **but on your faith, if you had me in your power as I have you in 
 mine, what would you do with me ? " 
 
 He answered : " Since you press me to pledge my faith, I advise 
 you that if you were at my mercy as I am at yours, all the gold in 
 the world would not save you to prevent me cutting you to pieces." 
 
 " In truth," said the Lord Mercurio, " I will do no worse by you." 
 
 So he gave the order to his Albanians in their own language to 
 make play with their weapons, and they promptly set their scimitars to 
 work. And there was neither captain nor other man who did not 
 receive ten wounds after he was dead ; then they cut off their heads 
 and spiked them on the end of their stradiots,^ asserting that they were 
 not Christians. These men wore a strange head-dress, for it was like a 
 maiden's hood. And in the place where they put the head, it was 
 furnished with five or six thick pieces of paper glued together, so that 
 a sword did no more harm to it than to a secrete.^ 
 
 The siege was laid to Monselice, v/hich was cannonaded for the 
 space of five or six days, and would never have been taken, seeing the 
 fortifications that had been made, had it not been that those within 
 used to sally out, very often as far as a good stone's throw from their 
 fort, to skirmish against the French adventurers, who of their own 
 accord had been to spy what was doing in the place. 
 
 One afternoon, when no one was thinking of the matter, the men of 
 the Captain Molart, together with a gentleman named the Baron of 
 Montfaucon, went out to skirmish with the people of the castle, who 
 also issued forth and achieved marvellous feats, so much so that twice or 
 thrice they repulsed the adventurers with severe loss. But on one occasion, 
 among others, the latter drove their adversaries before them with such 
 
 ^ Stradiotto was the name given, particularly in Italy, to all Greek mercenaries. The 
 name was thence applied to their lances, according to Terrebasse ; to their scimitars, 
 according to M. Roman. The weapon appears, in fact, to have been a sort of javelin 
 shod with iron at both ends, and attaining the length, says Montgomery, of ten or twelve 
 feet. 
 
 ^ A steel cap worn under the helmet ; such as we have seen Bayard had tn his duel 
 with Sotomaiore. 
 
224 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 eagerness and so far, that they entered pell-mell with the enemy into 
 the town. Then the defenders saw that they were lost, and they 
 retreated into a great tower, where they were forthwith besieged ; and 
 fire was laid at the foot of the tower. 
 
 Most of them let themselves be burnt rather than surrender ; the 
 others climbed out by the battlements, and were caught by the 
 adventurers on the points of their pikes. In short, very few escaped 
 with life. On the side of the French, a gentleman named Camican was 
 killed ; and the Baron of Montfaucon was wounded to death ; neverthe- 
 less he escaped it, but with very great difficulty. 
 
 The ramparts were built up and a strong garrison left in the place, 
 as it was intended to go and besiege Padua ; ^ but news came that 
 Pope Julian had taken up arms and was marching against the Duke of 
 Ferrara, who was an ally of the King of France ; and the said duke had 
 written at length to the King asking for assistance. The King was 
 willing to comply with this request, and wrote to the grand-master, 
 his lieutenant-general, to lend him help, which he did. For he sent the 
 Lords of Montoison, of Fontrailles, and du Lude, and the good Chevalier, 
 with three or four thousand French foot-soldiers, and eight hundred 
 Swiss, who like adventurers had brought from their own country a 
 captain named Jacob Zemberg. On their arrival at Ferrara, they were 
 heartily welcomed by the duke and the duchess and all the inhabitants. 
 
 The grand-master with the remainder of his army withdrew to the 
 duchy of Milan, because he was informed that the Swiss, who shortly 
 before had abandoned the alliance of the King, his master, were making 
 a descent there, and were already at the bridge of La Treillina. 
 
 When he arrived, he did not stay at Milan, but with a gendarmerie, 
 his two hundred gentlemen, and a small number of foot, went to await 
 the enemy in the plain of Galeazzo, and had all the machinery of the 
 mills and all provisions removed from their line of march. And what is 
 worse, according to report, he had all the wines poisoned that were in 
 the said district of Galeazzo ; and hither the Swiss came. And they 
 drank their fill of the wine ; but devil a one took any harm by it ! 
 Not long, however, were they in the country, when provisions failed 
 them ; wherefore they determined to return home ; whither they were 
 always closely escorted, to prevent their setting fire to any village. 
 
 ^ To console themselves for this disappointment, four hundred young Frenchmen, 
 riding full gallop, presented themselves at the gates of Padua (so says Terrebasse), and 
 then turned bridle, after having planted there their lances decked with the colours of 
 their ladies. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 225 
 
 There came some French adventurers to the said district of Galeazzo, 
 who would drink of the wine that had been poisoned for the Swiss ; but 
 more than two hundred of them died. One must suppose either that 
 God interposed, or else that the drugs had remained at the bottom of 
 the cask. 
 
 Now I will leave this matter for a little while, and will return to the 
 war between the Pope and the Duke of Ferrara ; but first I will relate 
 a wonderful and perilous adventure, that befell the people of Legnano 
 in the same year. 
 
CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 How the men of the garrison of Legnano made an excursion against the Venetians, on 
 the information of certain spies who betrayed them. Wherefore they were defeated. 
 
 HEN the gentle knight of La Crotte had set himself 
 in order in Legnano, few days passed before he fell 
 sick, and was in great danger of death. Now he 
 had plenty of young men and volunteers, and 
 among others there was a gentleman called Guyon 
 de Cantiers, very brave and more full of courage 
 than of discretion. The Venetians used occasionally 
 to pass right in front of this stronghold of Legnano, 
 
 but those within, being placed there as a garrison, dared not make sorties ; 
 for their only charge was to guard it safely. This Guyon de Cantiers 
 had spies on all sides, and in this way he made acquaintance with one 
 from the town of Montagnana, distant twelve or fifteen miles from 
 Legnano ; and this man often came to see the said Cantiers at his post. 
 And he was ever telling the latter how, if at some time he would sally 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 227 
 
 forth with not too large a number of horse and foot-soldiers, he could 
 not fail to take prisoner the Proveditore of the Seigniorie*of Venice, 
 Messer Andrea Gritti ; because he was often coming to the said 
 Montagnana with two or three hundred light-horse. Further he added 
 that, if the said De Cantiers and his companions were ambushed near 
 the town one morning before day, they could not fail, when the 
 Proveditore came forth, to capture him and the town at the same time, 
 and to pillage it. And the rogue undertook to give notice of the day 
 when there would be a good chance. 
 
 Cantiers, who had a great desire to make excursions, and also to 
 entrap this fine prey, assured him there should be no default, only let 
 him be truly informed. The other gave him promises enough so to do, 
 and then returned to Montagnana, where, on his arrival, he disclosed to 
 him who held charge of the town for the Seigniorie the trick that he 
 had put upon the people of Legnano. And he added that if they [the 
 Venetians] would play their parts well, they could not fail to get into 
 their power the greater part of the garrison, and consequently without 
 difficulty the fortress itself, which was of extreme importance to them. 
 
 The Captain of Montagnana thought very well of this proposal, and 
 he forthwith, by express messenger, sent word thereof to the Proveditore, 
 Messer Andrea Gritti, who brought over three hundred men, eight 
 hundred light-horse, and two thousand foot-soldiers. Of this band, on 
 his arrival two or three miles from Montagnana, he sent into ambush 
 two hundred men-at-arms and a thousand foot-soldiers, who were 
 instructed to allow the force that should come from Legnano to go by, 
 and then to close their passage. They did not forget the charge given 
 them, and right well they played their parts. 
 
 The spy of Montagnana returned to speak with Guyon de Cantiers, 
 who gave him hearty welcome, asking what brought him ; and he with 
 all assurance answered : " Good news for you, if you will ! For this 
 evening Messer Andrea Gritti arrives in our town with two hundred 
 horse only. If you will start an hour or two before day, I will 
 conduct you, and you will not fail to catch him." 
 
 If any man was pleased, it was Cantiers, who went straightway to 
 his comrades, and also to a gentleman who was calleid the young 
 Malherbe, and who carried his ensign, and he related them the affair 
 point by point. Never was anything more welcome, and as far as their 
 will went, it was only a question of starting ; but it was necessary to 
 have leave. 
 
 The Captain La Crotte kept his bed a little during the day, because 
 
 o 2 
 
228 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 he was not too well recovered from his sickness. So the said Lords of 
 Cantiers and Malherbe went to him to beg him give them permission 
 to make a foray whence they should gain great honour and great profit. 
 And they related to him the enterprise from one end to the other. 
 When he had heard their reasons, he answered as a wise and prudent 
 
 Portrait of Andrea Gritti. From a Print of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 knight, and ^aid : My lords, you know that I hold this place on my 
 life and on mine honour, to keep it safe alone. If it happened that 
 you had other than a successful encounter, I should be undone and 
 ruined for ever. Moreover, for the remainder of my days, I should 
 live only in melancholy. Wherefore I am not minded to give you 
 permission." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 229 
 
 They began to make him the most urgent remonstrances in the 
 world, saying there was no danger, and their spy was sure. And so 
 many reasons they gave him of one kind and another, that, half by 
 consent, half by importunity, he gave them leave ; but to tell the 
 truth, it was almost on compulsion. 
 
 That troubled them not a whit, for the brain was boiling in their 
 heads and at whatever risk corn was selling,^ they were ready to try 
 their ill-fortune. They gave notice to all their companions, whom they 
 joined with their party,^ and when they perceived the hour was at hand, 
 they had as many as fifty mounted on horseback, all men-at-arms 
 under the direction of Malherbe, and about three hundred foot-soldiers, 
 whom Guyon de Cantiers led. 
 
 At two hours after midnight they set out from Legnano, accompanied 
 by their double-faced spy, who was conducting them to the shambles. 
 Nothing is so certain as that the party that started from Legnano was 
 all of the flower of chivalry, so far as courage went ; but youth was in 
 company with them. 
 
 They set out together along the high road which led from the said 
 Legnano to Montagnana, the footmen in front and the horsemen on 
 their flank. They journeyed until they came close to the first ambush 
 of the soldiers of the Seigniorie, who lay in a small village. But not 
 suspecting anything, they passed beyond, and pushed on to within a 
 short mile of Montagnana. Then the spy said to them : My lords, 
 let me go on, and do you hold yourselves in all order here. I will 
 find out what is doing in the town, so as to give you notice thereof" 
 
 So they let him go, but far better would it have been for them to 
 cut off his head ; for he was no sooner arrived than he went to the 
 Lord Messer Andrea Gritti, and said to him : " My lord, I have 
 brought you, with cords round their necks, the greater part of the 
 forces of Legnano. And it is not possible for a single man to escape, 
 if you will ; for they have already passed your ambush, and are now a 
 mile hence." 
 
 Messer Andrea Gritti mounted forthwith, and his men likewise made 
 ready, both horse and foot. Then hastening from the town, he sent 
 forward about a hundred horsemen to skirmish ; these soon found the 
 French, who were mightily rejoiced, thinking that all their work was 
 before them, and that the Proveditore was with this troop. The French 
 
 ^ That is, utterly reckless of peril. 
 
 ^ Tirerent a leur cor de lie. Cordelle, the tow-rope pulled by a gang of boat-trackers, 
 whence etre de sa cordelle, to belong to the same gang or party. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 horsemen began to charge, and the others turned their backs, until they 
 came close upon the main body. When the French perceived the 
 latter, they were greatly astounded, and returned to their footmen, to 
 whom they cried : " We are betrayed, for they are three thousand men 
 or more ; we must try to save ourselves." 
 
 They of the Seigniorie pursued them with great fury, shouting : 
 "Marco! Marco! kill! kill!" 
 
 Then they fiercely charged the French, who placed their foot-soldiers 
 in front and their horsemen in the rear to support them. And in effect 
 they retreated without loss as far as the village, where was the first 
 ambush of the Venetians, who at sound of the trumpet, according to 
 their orders, began to issue forth, and threw themselves between 
 Legnano and the French. Thus the latter were shut in and assailed on 
 both sides. ■ ' 
 
 Now you must know that, since God created heaven and earth, 
 considering the number of men, never was there a better day's fighting. 
 For this contest lasted more than four hours, and yet the French, who 
 kept ever retreating, could not be defeated. One thing that was 
 thought of by Messer Andrea Gritti was to hurl against their flanks 
 some mounted crossbow- men, who fell upon the footmen in such sort 
 that they broke one part of their array. Nevertheless the French ever 
 retreated towards their own castle, within four miles of which they 
 approached ; but there they were obliged to halt, for they were charged 
 from so many sides and in such manner that the greater part of the 
 men-at-arms were brought to their feet because their horses were killed. 
 
 When Guyon de Cantiers saw that all was lost, like a lion enraged, 
 he rushes upon the foot-soldiers of the Seigniorie, and there performed 
 marvellous feats, for he slew with his own hand five or six of them, 
 but he had too small a number in comparison with his foes. He was 
 compelled to remain on the field defeated and slain, together with all 
 his three hundred men, not one escaping alive. The Captain Malherbe, 
 with the few horsemen he still had, withdrew into the open, where he 
 fought for the space of a long hour ; but at last he was taken prisoner, 
 and twenty-five of his companions ; the rest were killed. And, in 
 conclusion, not a man escaped with life to carry the news to Legnano. 
 
 When Messer Andrea Gritti saw clearly the victory was his, he 
 bethought him of a stratagem ; this was to have all the French foot- 
 soldiers who were dead stripped of their garments and accoutrements, 
 and with them to clothe a like number of his own men. He takes the 
 apparel of the men-at-arms, their horses and plumes, and distributed 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 231 
 
 them among- his soldiers. Moreover he assigned them a hundred or a 
 hundred and twenty of his men to lead along like prisoners, and he 
 made them take with them three falconets, which the party from 
 Legnano had brought ; then he said to them : " Advance in this 
 manner right up to Legnano, and when you get near, shout France ! 
 France ! victory ! victory ! " Those within will believe it is their men 
 who have been, successful. And to make them think so yet more, 
 besides their ensigns, you shall carry also two or three of ours. I make 
 no doubt that they will open the gate to you ; then do you seize it. 
 I will be an arrow's flight from you, and at sound of the trumpet, will 
 immediately come up. Thus this very day, if you manage to conduct 
 the afl"air well, we shall recapture Legnano, which is of such importance 
 to the Seigniorie, as you know." 
 
 This order was right well executed, and with an appearance of festivity 
 and joy, they approached within an arrow's flight of Legnano, sounding 
 trumpets and clarions. 
 
 Now the Lord of La Crotte had a lieutenant in the fortress, who 
 was called Bernard de Villars, an old and prudent knight, and of great 
 experience. He mounted into the gateway tower to watch the coming 
 of his men, who were showing so much joy, in order to open the gate 
 for them. From a distance he scanned their mien, which caused him 
 wonder, and he said to one who was near him : There are the horses 
 and accoutrements of our folk, but it is my opinion that those who are 
 on them do not ride in our fashion and are not of our party, unless I 
 am deceived. There might be some misfortune on our side, and my 
 heart so judges. I pray you, go down and order the men to lower the 
 foot-plank of the bridge, and then bid them withdraw. If these are our 
 men, you will know them well enough ; if they are enemies, look out 
 to save yourself at the barrier. I have here two pieces loaded ; if 
 there is need, you shall have their succour." 
 
 At the bidding of the Captain Bernard, the companion descended and 
 issued from the fort, as if to meet his friends, demanding of them : 
 " Who goes there ? Where is the Captain Malherbe ? " 
 
 The others answered nothing ; but thinking the bridge was lowered, 
 began to advance at a gallop. 
 
 The said companion with difficulty found safety within the barrier. 
 Then the two pieces of artillery were discharged, and that stopped 
 them. Thus was the fortress of Legnano saved this time ; but the 
 French suffered grievous shame and loss, which many heard of 
 
 When the poor Lord of La Crotte had been told the sad affair, he 
 
232 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 thought to die of grief. The King of France too was exceedingly 
 displeased, and was minded to punish him for it But he was appeased 
 by means of the Lord Jean-Jacques, who was then come to France to 
 stand godfather to the Lady Renee, daughter of King Louis XI L 
 and Anne his wife, Duchess of Britany and who made many 
 remonstrances to the King for the acquittal of the said Lord of La 
 Crotte. 
 
 Now let us leave this matter and return to the Pope, Julius II., who 
 was on the march towards Ferrara. 
 
 Venetian Soldier. 
 
View of Mirandola. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 How Pope Julius came in person to the Duchy of Ferrara, and how he laid 
 
 siege to Mirandola. 
 
 OPE Julius, who earnestly desired to recover the Duchy 
 of Ferrara, which he claimed to be the property of 
 the Church, raised a large army, which he collected in 
 the territory of Bologna, to lead it into the said Duchy. 
 Then advancing by daily marches, he came to lodge in 
 a large village, called San Felice, between Concordia 
 and Mirandola. The Duke of Ferrara and all the 
 French who were with him had taken up a position 
 twelve miles from Ferrara, between two arms of the Po, in a place 
 called Ospitaletto, where he built a bridge of boats, which he kept 
 very strongly guarded, for his enemies were often skirmishing in that 
 direction. The Pope, arrived at San Felice, sent word to the Countess 
 of Mirandola, who was a natural daughter of the Lord Jean-Jacques of 
 Trivulce, and then a widow, that she should surrender her town of 
 Mirandola into his hands, because it was necessary for him for his 
 enterprise against Ferrara. 
 
234 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The Countess, who, following her father's spirit, was wholly French, 
 and knew very well that the King of France was favouring and 
 assisting the Duke of Ferrara. would not have done so for her life. 
 Now she had with her a cousin-german of hers, called the Count 
 Alexander of Trivulce, who joined with her in answering the envoy of 
 the Holy Father. And the answer was, that, when it so pleased him, 
 he might return, and say to his master, that not for anything would the 
 Countess of Mirandola deliver over her town, which was her own, and 
 with God's help she would know how to defend it well against all who 
 sought to take it from her. 
 
 At this answer the Pope was exceeding wroth, and he swore by 
 Saint Peter and Saint Paul that he would have the place by fair means 
 or foul. So he commanded his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, Captain- 
 general of his army, to march on the morrow and besiege it. 
 
 The Count Alexander of Trivulce, who had imagined no less result, 
 sent to the Duke of Ferrara and the French captains, at Ospitaletto, 
 which was only twelve miles away, to beg them, as he felt he was not 
 well furnished with men for the occasion, and was from day to day 
 expecting a siege, to send him as many as a hundred stout companions 
 and two cannoneers. This request was readily granted, for the loss of 
 Mirandola was of great importance to the Duke of Ferrara, who was a 
 gentle prince, wise and vigilant in war, and who knew almost all the 
 seven liberal arts, and many things besides in mechanics, such as the 
 founding of artillery, with which he is as well furnished as any prince 
 his peer in all the world. He knows very well too how to work it, 
 and to make the carriages and the bullets. 
 
 But let us leave these virtues, of which he had and still has enough. 
 By the advice of the French captains, he sent to Mirandola the two 
 cannoneers and the hundred companions that were asked for ; and with 
 them went two young gentlemen, the one from Dauphiny, called 
 Monchenu, nephew of the Lord of Montoison, and the other nephew of 
 the Lord du Lude, by name Chantemerle, from the Province of Beauce. 
 To whom, on their departure, the good Chevalier sans peur et 
 sans reproche said these words : " My children, you are going to 
 the service of dames ; show yourselves gentle companions to gain their 
 favour and make them speak of you. The place where you are going 
 is very well-built and strong ; if the siege comes, you will gain honour 
 in defending it." 
 
 Many other cheerful sayings the good Chevalier addressed to them 
 in order to put them in good heart. Then he himself mounted to horse 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 235 
 
 with his own company, to escort them, and so well he conducted them 
 that they entered into the town, where they were received by the 
 Countess and the Count Alexander right courteously. They were not 
 there three days before the siege was laid, and the artillery was planted 
 
 on the edge of the moat and began to fire hard and quickly. The 
 defenders of the town too showed no sign of dismay, but made a like 
 return to the best of their power. 
 
 The good Chevalier, who never grudged giving money to know what 
 the enemy was doing, had his spies who often brought him news, of the 
 
236 
 
 History ok Bayard. 
 
 camp and also of the Pope, who was still at San Felice, and in 
 particular how the latter intended to depart in a day or two to visit 
 the siege that he had caused to be laid to Mirandola. He sent one of 
 the said spies back again to San Felice, from which they were distant 
 but ten miles, to discover exactly when the Pope was to set forth. The 
 spy made such good enquiry, that he found out for certain, that on the 
 morrow the Pope would go to his army. He came and told his news 
 to the good Chevalier, who was well pleased thereat, for he had in his 
 mind a plan by which he hoped to capture the Pope and all his 
 Cardinals. And that he would have done, had it not been for a 
 mischance that happened, as you shall hear. 
 
 Arms of Pope Julius IT. 
 
Flight of the Pope's escort on the road from Mirandola. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 How the good Chevalier sans peur et saiis reproche thought to capture the Pope between 
 San Felice and Mirandola, and how it resulted. 
 
 HE good Chevalier came to the Duke of Ferrara and 
 the Lord of Montoison, and said to them : " My lords, 
 I am informed that to-morrow -morning the Pope 
 intends to remove from San Felice in order to go 
 to Mirandola. There are six long miles from the 
 one place to the other. I have conceived a plot, if 
 
 tj? you think it good, of which the tale shall be told a 
 
 hundred years hence. 
 '* At two miles from San Felice there are two or three fine mansions, 
 which are abandoned by reason of the war. My resolve is by marching 
 all this night to lodge myself with a hundred men-at-arms, without 
 page or varlet, within one of these houses. Then to-morrow, in the 
 morning, when the Pope shall leave San Felice (I am informed that he 
 
238 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 has only his cardinals, bishops, and protonotaries, together with a 
 hundred horse of his guard), I will issue from my ambush, and it will 
 be no fault of mine if I do not capture him. For the alarm cannot 
 reach the camp so fast as to prevent my escape, seeing that it is but 
 ten miles from here to the spot. And take the case that I am pursued, 
 you, my lord," said he to the Duke of Ferrara, "and my Lord of Mon- 
 toison will cross the bridge in the morning with all the rest of the 
 gendarmery. And you will await me four or five miles hence, so as to 
 receive me, if by chance any mishap befell me." 
 
 Nothing was better approved than the proposal of the good Chevalier. 
 It remained only to execute it, in which there was little delay ; for all 
 the night, after having well fed their horses, he took a hundred men- 
 at-arms, all picked soldiers. And then, when each man was equipped 
 ready to receive attack, he sets forth with his spy, at a brisk pace, 
 straight for this small village. 
 
 Such was his fortune that he found neither man nor woman to cause 
 his discovery, and he occupied his post about an hour before day. The 
 Pope, who was an early riser, was already afoot, and when he saw the 
 dawn, he mounted his litter to be borne straight to his camp. And 
 before him came the protonotaries, clerks, and officers of all sorts, who 
 went to prepare the quarters, and who, without thought of anything, 
 had started on the road. 
 
 When the good Chevalier heard them, he made no delay, but 
 came out of his ambush and charged down upon the clowns, who, 
 terribly frightened at the alarm, turned about, spurring at full speed 
 to the place whence they had set out, and shouting, " To arms ! To 
 arms ! " 
 
 But all that would have served nothing to prevent the Pope, the 
 cardinals, and his bishops, from being taken, but for a mischance that 
 was exceedingly lucky for the Holy Father, but very unfortunate for 
 the good Chevalier ; this was that, just as the Pope had mounted to 
 his litter, and had left the street of San Felice, he was not a cannon- 
 shot off, when there fell from the sky the sharpest and most violent 
 snow-storm that had been seen for a hundred years. Indeed it was of 
 such fury that men could not see one another. 
 
 The Cardinal of Pavia, who was at that time the whole govern- 
 ment of the Pope, said unto him : " Holy Father, it is not possible to 
 travel over this country while this continues. It is more than neces- 
 sary, and it seems to me your duty, to return without proceeding 
 further." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 239 
 
 This was admitted by the Pope, who knew nothing of the ambuscade. 
 And by ill-luck, just as the fugitives were coming back, and the good 
 Chevalier at full speed was chasing them without staying to capture 
 any one (for his courage did not reach so high,^), at the very moment 
 of his arrival at San Felice, the Pope was just entering the castle. The 
 latter on hearing the shouting was so alarmed, that headlong and 
 without assistance he leapt out of his litter, and with his own hands 
 helped to raise the bridge. And therein he acted as a man of good 
 sense, for if he had delayed only the time required to say a Pater-noster, 
 he would have been captured. 
 
 If any one was sorely vexed, it was the good Chevalier ; for, although 
 he knew the castle to be of little strength, and that it could be taken 
 in a quarter of an hour, still he had not a single piece of artillery. 
 Moreover, on the other side, he knew well that his presence would be 
 immediately made known to the army at Mirandola, who would be 
 able to bring him to shame.^ So he set himself to return, after he had 
 taken as many prisoners as he desired, including among others two 
 bishops-errant,^ and a large number of waggon-mules, which his soldiers 
 led off. But no man returned so melancholy as he, for having missed 
 so fair a prize, although it was not by his fault, since never was 
 enterprise better or more skilfully conducted. 
 
 When he had met the Duke of Ferrara, the Lord of Montoison and the 
 rest of their company (whom he found about six miles from their bridge 
 ready to receive and assist him, if need were), and had related to them 
 his ill-fortune, they were exceeding sorry. Nevertheless they consoled 
 him the best they could, representing to him that the fault did not 
 come from him, and that never had man done better. And thus they 
 led him home, continually cheering him with their conversation and 
 consoling him by pointing to their prisoners ; of whom, once on the 
 road, they sent back the greater number on foot. The two bishops 
 paid some light ransom, and then they returned. 
 
 The Pope remained in the castle of San Felice, where, from the fine 
 fright he had undergone, he shook with fever the whole day long. 
 And that night he sent a message to his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, 
 who came to him with four hundred men-at-arms and convoyed him 
 
 ^ Ironical, as ecclesiastics could not defend themselves. 
 ^ That is, inflict on him the shame of a defeat. 
 
 ^ Eveques portatifs^ that is, bishops in partibus, in low \^2d.\n, por tat lies ; because their 
 sees being situate in pagan lands were easy to carry. M. de Terrebasse quotes from the 
 farce of " Pathelin " the phrase avocat portatif^ a briefless barrister. 
 
240 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 to the place of his siege, where he stayed until Mirandola was taken. 1 
 Full three weeks he remained before the town, and never would 
 have had it but for a mischance that came about ; this was that it 
 snowed for full six days and six nights without ceasing, so much that 
 the snow in the camp was the height of a man. After the snow, the 
 frost was so severe that the ditches of Mirandola were frozen more than 
 two full feet thick, and a cannon which fell with its carriage from the 
 brink above did not break the ice. 
 
 The artillery of the Pope had made two fine large breaches. Those 
 within the town had no hope of any one coming from any quarter of 
 
 Buckler of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 the world to raise the siege ; for the Lord of Chaumont, Grand-master of 
 France and Governor of Milan, with the rest of the army of the King 
 his master, remained at Reggio, which he was toiling every day to 
 fortify, fearing that, after the capture of Mirandola, the Pope would 
 march thither. For the latter had a mighty force, inasmuch as the 
 greater part of the army of the King of Spain was with him, and also 
 that of the Venetians, who had now made alliance with him. So the 
 Count Alexander and the Countess decided to surrender the town, if 
 
 ^ M. de Terrebasse states on the authority of contemporaneous writings, that the 
 Pontiff revenged himself for his scare by donning full armour and riding on horseback 
 round his batteries, stirring up the ardour of his artillerymen. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 241 
 
 all lives were spared : but the Pope was resolved to have them com- 
 pletely at his mercy. 
 
 Nevertheless terms were made by means of the Duke of Urbino, 
 whose heart was always French, because the King of France, Louis XII., 
 had brought him up in his youth ; and without his intervention the 
 Pope would not have been so merciful. 
 
 When the news of the capture of Mirandola became known to the 
 camp of the Duke of Ferrara, all the company were exceedingly grieved 
 thereat. The Duke expected that he would soon be besieged at Ferrara ; 
 so he took to pieces his bridge, and withdrew with his whole army 
 into his town, resolving to defend it to the last day of his life. 
 
 The Pope did not condescend to make his entry into the town of 
 Mirandola by the gate ; he had a bridge built over the moat, by which 
 he crossed and entered the place through one of the breaches. He 
 remained there some days, taking counsel the while how by any means 
 in the world he might injure the Duke of Ferrara. 
 
Pope Julius II. holding his Council of War. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 How the Pope sent a body of seven or eight thousand men against a fortress of the Duke 
 of Ferrara, named Bastida, and how they were defeated by the advice of the good 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche. 
 
 y HEN the Pope was in Mirandola, he called together 
 one day his nephew and all the captains, both of 
 horse and foot, and told them how he desired, without 
 attempting anything further, to proceed to lay siege 
 to Ferrara. He wished to have their advice therein, 
 and as to the means by which the matter could 
 be most surely carried through ; for he knew the 
 said town was exceedingly strong, and well-furnished 
 with brave warriors and artillery, and that it would be very difficult, 
 except by famine, for him to get the place without its costing him 
 dearly. On this point (of provisions), however, he could bring them to 
 reason, considering that he had the means to cut off their highway of 
 the Po, so that from above Ferrara nothing could reach them, and they 
 
History of Bayard. 243 
 
 should have no aid from below, as the Venetians also would carefully 
 guard that part. 
 
 Each man gave his opinion in the matter, until the turn to speak 
 came to a captain of the Seigniorie of Venice, who was called Jean 
 Fort ; and he in his own tongue, addressing himself to the Pope, said : 
 "Most Holy Father, I have heard the opinions of all the lords who 
 are here in presence ; and, to hear them, their conclusion is in accord- 
 ance with your proposal, that by taking care that no provisions come 
 into Ferrara by the Po, and that the place is besieged on the side of 
 the island, in a few days it will be starved. Now I know the country ; 
 and the part belonging to the Duke of Ferrara is of great extent and 
 rich. From Argenta will supplies be able to come to him, and in 
 abundance ; but against that we could easily provide. On the other 
 side there lies a country called the Polesine of St. George, which is 
 so full of resources that, although nought besides should come to 
 Ferrara, it is enough to maintain the town for a year. And it is 
 very difficult to prevent them from drawing any thence, unless you 
 capture a fortress distant twenty-five miles from the said Ferrara, 
 which is called Bastida. But if that were taken, I would have the 
 town starved in two months, because of the great number of persons 
 within it." 
 
 Hardly had the Captain Jean Fort finished his speech, when the Pope 
 exclaimed, " Quick, then ! we must have this place. I shall never be at 
 my ease until it is taken." 
 
 Two Spanish captains with two hundred men-at-arms, this Captain 
 Jean Fort with five hundred light-horse, and five or six thousand 
 footmen, were appointed to carry out this enterprise, accompanied by 
 six pieces of large artillery. When they were assembled they took the 
 road, and marched without meeting opposition until they came before 
 the fortress. 
 
 When the captain who had it in keeping saw so great a force, he was 
 dismayed, and not without cause ; for at the moment he was not very 
 well supplied with soldiers. Still he resolved to do his duty, and to 
 send word to the Duke, his master, of his distress. The Pope's men 
 made no delay save, after pitching their camp, to plant the artillery, 
 which then began to batter the place with vigour. 
 
 The captain had secretly dispatched a man, by whom he sent word 
 to the Duke of his need, and that, if he were not succoured within 
 four-and-twenty hours, he saw he would be in evil case, because he 
 had not with him men enough to resist the power opposed to him. 
 
 R 2 
 
244 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The messenger shewed extreme diligence, and arrived at Ferrara about 
 mid-day ; thus he was not six hours on the way. 
 
 Portrait of Pope Julius 11. , after Raphael. 
 
 The good ChevaHer had gone to the games at one of the gates ; by 
 this same gate the messenger entered ; he was asked to whom he 
 belonged, and then brought before the good Chevalier, who demanded 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 245 
 
 of him whence he came ; the other answered boldly, " My lord, I come 
 from Bastida, which is besieged by seven or eight thousand men ; and 
 the captain sends me to tell the Duke that if he is not succoured he 
 will not be able to hold the place through the whole of to-morrow, at 
 least if they deliver an assault." 
 
 " How, my friend ! is the castle so weak ? " 
 
 "No," said the messenger; ''it is one of the strong places of Italy; 
 but there are only five-and-twenty fighting-men in it, which is not 
 enough to defend it against the power of the enemy." 
 
 " Come then, my friend ; I will take you to the Duke." 
 
 The Duke and the Lord of Montoison happened to be on their mules 
 in the square of the town, discussing matters. They saw the good 
 Chevalier approach leading this man, and imagined that it was a spy. 
 So the Lord of Montoison addressed the good Chevalier and said, '* My 
 comrade, you would rather be dead than pass a day without some 
 blows with our enemies. How much is this prisoner to pay you for his 
 ransom ^ " 
 
 "On my faith!" said the good Chevalier, "he is one of our men, 
 and brings us strange news, as he will tell my lord." 
 
 Then the Duke questioned him, and afterwards looked at the letters, 
 which the captain of Bastida had written to him. As he read them 
 every one saw him turn pale and change colour ; and, when he had 
 finished reading, he shrugged his shoulders and said, " If I lose Bastida, 
 I may indeed abandon Ferrara, and I see not well the means by which 
 it can be relieved within the period that the captain mentions. For he 
 demands succour within to-morrow by the close of day, and it is 
 impossible." 
 
 " Why } " answered the Lord of Montoison. 
 
 " Because," said the Duke, " it is twenty-five miles from here to there. 
 Moreover in this weather you have to travel by a road, where, for the 
 space of half-a-mile you must go in single file. And there is another 
 thing, namely, that if our enemies were informed of a certain narrow 
 passage there is, twenty men would prevent ten thousand from passing ; 
 but I believe they do not know of it." 
 
 When the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche saw the Duke 
 so perplexed, and not without cause, he said, "My lord, when it is 
 question of a paltry matter, ill-fortune is easy to endure; but when it 
 concerns a man's destruction, he ought to provide against it by all the 
 means in his power. The enemy are before Bastida, and imagine 
 themselves secure, because, relying on the presence here of the main 
 
246 
 
 « 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 army of the Pope, they think we shall not dare to leave this town to 
 march and raise the siege. I have conceived a plan which will be very 
 easy to execute, and which, if ill-luck is not too much against us, will 
 lead us to honour. 
 
 "You have in this town four or five thousand foot soldiers, brave 
 companions, and men as inured to war as possible. Let us take two 
 thousand of them, with the eight hundred Swiss of the Captain Jacob, 
 and at nightfall make them embark in boats on the water. You are 
 still master of the Po as far as Argenta. They will go and await us 
 at that passage of which you speak. If they are the first there, they 
 will occupy it, and the gendarmerie in this town will march by land all 
 the night. We shall have good guides, and will travel so that we shall 
 be on the spot at break of day, and thus we shall join the two forces. 
 Our enemies will never suspect this enterprise. P'rom the passage you 
 mention it is but three miles, or still less, right up to Bastida. Before 
 they are arranged in order of battle, we will deliver the attack 
 vigorously, and my heart tells me we shall defeat them." 
 
 If anyone had given the Duke a hundred thousand crowns, he would 
 not have been more pleased. He answered with a smile, " By my 
 faith, my Lord of Bayard, to you there is nothing impossible. But I 
 promise you, on my honour, that if my lords here think w^ell of my 
 opinion, I make no doubt that we shall treat our enemies as you say. 
 And for my part, I pray their consent to the best of my power." 
 
 Then he raised his cap from his head. The Lord of Montoison, a 
 bold and virtuous captain, answered, My lord, we have no need of 
 prayer in your concerns ; ^ we will do all that you command, for so are 
 we bidden by the King our master." 
 
 To the same effect spoke the Lord du Lude, and the Captain Font- 
 railles, well resolved to do their duty. They sent for the captains of 
 foot, to whom they explained the matter, which seemed to their minds to 
 lead to paradise.^ The Duke caused a number of boats to be made ready 
 in secret, without any noise, for there were some inhabitants of his 
 town who were very strong Papalists. In the evening, when the boats 
 were ready, the foot -soldiers embarked therein, together with skilled 
 and trusty boatmen. The horsemen, with whom was the Duke in 
 person, set forth at nightfall. They had good guides, and wretched 
 though the weather was, they were safely conducted. Fortune so 
 
 ^ " Nous n'avoiis metier de priere en votre endroit." 
 
 ^ Qui (raffaire) leur fut avis etre en paradis ; seemed to promise a happy termination. 
 
ALPHONSO d'ESTF, DUKE OF FERRARA. 
 
 From a Print of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 ♦ 
 
 249 
 
 favoured them, that half-an-hour before day the said horsemen arrived 
 at the narrow passage, where they found no impediment, whereat they 
 were right well pleased. And there was not a rest of half-an-hour 
 before the barges which brought the foot-soldiers arrived. 
 
 They disembarked and then marched at a quick pace straight for 
 this bad passage, which was a small bridge that only one man-at-arms 
 could cross at a time, and which stretched over a very deep channel 
 between the Po and Bastida. They took a full hour in passing it, so 
 that clear daylight arrived, at which the Duke was annoyed. And as 
 he heard no firing of artillery, he feared his fortress was taken. But 
 just as he was speaking thereof to the French captains, he caught 
 sound of three cannon-shots, all close together, whereat he and his 
 fair and noble company rejoiced exceedingly. 
 
 It was not more than a mile to the enemy. 
 
 Then the good Chevalier began with these words : " My lords, I have 
 always heard tell that he is a fool who does not value his adversary. 
 We are nigh to ours ; they are three against one. If they knew of our 
 enterprise, without any mistake we should have some trouble, and no 
 slight amount, for they possess artillery and we have none. Moreover 
 I have heard that the force before Bastida is all the flower of the 
 Pope's army. We must catch them in such disorder as can be 
 contrived. 
 
 " I am of opinion that the Bastard Du Fay, my standard-bearer, who 
 is a man knowing in such matters, should go and raise the alarm on 
 the side from which the enemy approached, taking with him fifteen or 
 twenty horse. And the Captain Pierrepoint shall be an arrow's flight 
 ofl", with a hundred men-at-arms to aflbrd him escort, if he is repulsed ; 
 we will give him, too, the Captain Jacob Zemberg, with his Swiss. 
 You, my lord," said he to the Duke, " my Lord of Montoison, the lords 
 my companions and myself, we will advance to the siege, whither I 
 will go before to make an alarm. If the alarm of the Bastard Du Fay 
 is the first raised, and if the enemy all march in that direction, we 
 shall shut them in between him and us. While if ours is the first 
 raised, the Captain Piei^repoint and his band of Swiss will do the like 
 on their side. That will surprise them so that they will not know 
 what to do ; for they will think us three times a greater number 
 than we are. . . . And above all, let every trumpet sound for the 
 attack." 
 
 No plan was deemed better ; for all who read this history must 
 know that the good Chevalier was a veritable register of battles, 
 
250 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 wherefore, on account of his great experience, everyone assented to 
 his proposal. 
 
 But let us come to the point. The two bands moved away ; the 
 one went by the road by which the enemy had come, as it had been 
 commanded, while the others went straight to the castle, which they 
 approached without being at all perceived, to within half a cannon-shot.^ 
 
 The Bastard Du Fay raised a fierce and hot alarm, which wonderfully 
 astonished the men in the camp. Nevertheless they began to arm 
 themselves, and to get to horse, and ride straight in the direction of 
 the said alarm. Meanwhile their foot soldiers were getting into battle 
 order, and if they had once been drawn up all together, the contest 
 would have been destructive and full of peril to the Ferrarese, because 
 of the vast number of their foes. But two misfortunes befell the enemy 
 all at once ; this was, that when those troops who were driving back 
 the Bastard Du Fay were two hundred paces distant, they encountered 
 the Captain Pierrepoint, who checked them right well, and set upon 
 them fiercely. The Swiss then began to advance, and they found the 
 enemy's foot already in battle array and in great number, as many as 
 from five to six thousand. Wherefore the said Swiss were severely 
 repulsed, and would have been routed, had not the gendarmerie come 
 to their assistance by charging the enemy from the flanks. 
 
 In the meanwhile the Duke, the Lords of Montoison, du Lude, of 
 Fontrailles, and the good Chevalier, came up with their horsemen and 
 their two thousand foot ; and these proceeded to hurl themselves upon 
 the said enemy from the rear in such sort that every man was thrown 
 to the ground. 
 
 The Captain Fontrailles and the good Chevalier perceived a troop of 
 horsemen, in number from three to four hundred, who were trying to 
 rally together, so they called to their companies and turned in this 
 direction, and shouting, " France ! France ! the Duke ! the Duke ! " charged 
 them in such fashion that the greater part fell to earth. 
 
 The said enemy fought for a good hour, but at last they lost their 
 camp, and all who could flee did so, but these were not many. The 
 Duke and the French made terrible slaughter on that day, for there 
 died more than four or five thousand foot, and more than sixty men-at- 
 arms, while more than three hundred horses were captured, together 
 with all the baggage and artillery, so that there was not a soldier who 
 had not great trouble to carry his booty. 
 
 De la portee d'un canon en butte. 
 
History of Bayard. 251 
 
 I know not how the chroniclers and historians have in other places 
 Spoken of this glorious battle of Bastida, but for a hundred years before 
 there had not been one better fought or at greater risk. Nevertheless 
 it was necessary to venture it, or the Duke and the French had been 
 lost. 
 
 So the latter returned in pride and triumph to the town, where every 
 man gave them praise beyond measure. 
 
 The Castle of Ferrara. 
 
 Above all persons, the good Duchess, who was a pearl in this world, 
 gave them a particular reception, and every day held banquets and 
 feasts in their honour, after the fashion of Italy, with marvellous 
 splendour. 
 
 I make bold to say, that in her days and long before, there was not 
 to be found a more glorious princess, for she was fair, good, sweet, and 
 courteous to all men. She spoke Spanish, Greek, Italian, and French, 
 
252 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 and a little very good Latin, and she composed in all these tongues. 
 And nothing is so certain as that, although her husband was a wise 
 and brave prince, the said lady by her sweet grace hath been the cause 
 of his good and great services. 
 
 Lombard Peasant. 
 
Medal struck by Louis XTT. during the War against Julius II. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Of the death of the Lord of Montoison, and of the many stratagems devised by Pope Julius 
 and the Duke of Ferrara against each other, wherein the good Chevalier showed bis 
 virtue. 
 
 FTER this gallant fight of Bastida, the noble Lord of 
 Montoison lived but a short time, for a continual fever 
 laid hold of him and never left hini until death. This 
 was a great calamity, and France suffered grievous loss 
 thereby. During his life he had been one of the most 
 accomplished gentlemen to be met with, and had done 
 some gallant deeds, as well in Picardy, Britany, and 
 Naples, as in Lombardy. He was a perfect merlin, 
 watching without ceasing, and, when he was at the wars, for ever in 
 the saddle. Wherefore at the time of his decease he was much broken 
 and worn ; but so uprightly and gaily he held himself, that he seemed 
 to be a man of thirty. 
 
 At his sad loss the Duke and Duchess of Ferrara, the good Chevalier, 
 and all the other French captains grieved exceedingly ; but it is a thing 
 one cannot remedy. 
 
 The Pope was still at Mirandola when he heard the news con- 
 
254 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 cerning Bastida and the defeat of his men. He felt heart-broken, and 
 swore to God that he would take his revenge for it, and to that end 
 would not wait a moment before laying siege to Ferrara, concerning 
 which design he forthwith sought counsel. But the captains and 
 warriors that he had with him, and likewise the Duke of Urbino, his 
 nephew (who would willingly have had the King of France and himself 
 at friends), dissuaded him all they could, representing to him that 
 Ferrara, well provided as it was, and with such captains (including the 
 good Chevalier, to whom none was comparable), would not be easily 
 taken, and that if his army should occupy the island with the view to 
 besiege the town, supplies would be brought into camp only with 
 great difficulty. 
 
 This advice the Pope did not approve ; for a hundred times a day 
 he was saying, " Ferrara, Ferrara ! favro, al corpo di Dio ! By God's 
 body, I will have thee ! " 
 
 He bethought him of another plan, and set his mind to win over 
 some gentlemen of the town, by whose means he might take the place, 
 for, one night, they might betray a gate to him by which his men 
 could enter. So he sent several spies to the town, who were commis- 
 sioned to speak with certain gentlemen. But the Duke and the good 
 Chevalier had such close watch kept, that not one came in who was 
 not seized, and six or seven of them were hanged ; nevertheless, the 
 Duke was suspicious of some gentlemen in this town, and he had them 
 made prisoners, perhaps without reason. Among these was the Count 
 Borso Calcagnini, who had lodged in his house the good Chevalier. 
 The latter was annoyed at his host's detention, but inasmuch as matters 
 were exceedingly doubtful, he was not willing to interfere except 
 in season. 
 
 When the Pope saw that he would not come to his end by this 
 means, he conceived a dreadful scheme ; for in order to avenge himself 
 on the French, he applied his mind to seducing the Duke of Ferrara. 
 
 He had in his service a gentleman of Lodi, in the duchy of Milan, 
 who was called Messer Agostino Gherlo, but he was wont to change his 
 name. He was a great intriguer and treason-monger, whereby evil came 
 upon him at last, for the Lord of Aubigny had him executed in Brescia, 
 when he sought to betray him. 
 
 One day this Messer Agostino was summoned before the Pope, who 
 said to him : " Come hither ; you must do me a service. You shall go 
 to Ferrara to the Duke ; you will say to him that if he will dismiss the 
 French and remain my ally, I will give him one of my nieces for his 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 255 
 
 eldest son ; I will hold him quit of all our differences ; and further, I 
 will make him gonfalonier and captain-general of the Church. He need 
 do nothing except to tell the French that he has no further need of 
 them, and they may withdraw. I am confident that they will not be 
 able to get to any spot in the world where I cannot have them at my 
 mercy. And not one shall escape." 
 
 This envoy, who demanded no better commissions, said he would 
 transact the business well, and he proceeded to Ferrara straightway, to 
 address himself to the Duke, who was a wise and subtle prince, and 
 who heard the worthy very patiently, pretending that he listened with 
 pleasure to the Pope's message. But he would rather have died a 
 hundred thousand deaths, for his heart was far too noble and honourable. 
 Indeed, he showed these qualities in this, that, after having ordered 
 Messer Agostino to be well entertained, and having him shut up in a 
 chamber in his palace, of which he took the key, he went with one 
 gentleman alone to the quarters of the good Chevalier, to whom he 
 related the whole matter, point by point ; whereupon the good Chevalier 
 crossed himself several times, and refused to believe that the Pope had 
 so base a desire to accomplish what he had proposed. 
 
 But the Duke told him there was nothing so true, and that if he 
 wished, he would place him in a closet in his palace, where he could 
 hear all the statements the worthy had made to him. Still, he, the 
 Duke, knew that this was no lie, by the very tokens the messenger had 
 given him ; but he would rather be torn to pieces alive by four horses 
 than have even thought of consenting to so dastardly a crime ; and he 
 pointed out how much he was beholden to the house of France, and 
 how in his great need the King had so nobly aided him. 
 
 The good Chevalier said : " My lord, there is no need to excuse 
 yourself of that ; I know you well enough. On my soul ! I hold 
 myself and my companions to be as safe in this your town, as if we 
 were in Paris ; and I have no fear, with God's help, that any misfortune 
 can befall us, at least with your consent." 
 
 " My Lord of Bayard," said the Duke, " suppose we attempt something. 
 The Pope seeks to practise malice in this matter ; we must repay him 
 the like. I am about to speak further with his man, and I will see if 
 I cannot gain him over and seduce him to my side, so that he may do 
 us some good turn." 
 
 " That is well said," answered the good Chevalier. 
 
 So, their talk ended, the Duke returned to his palace, straight to the 
 chamber where he had left Messer Agostino Gherlo ; and he began a 
 
256 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 long way from his object, talking to him of many matters, and in many 
 fashions, in order to come to his point (which he knew right well how 
 to bring into play, when the time came, as you will hear), saying to him : 
 "Messer Agostino, I have thought all this morning of the design the 
 Pope suggests to me, wherein I can find no foundation nor safe method, 
 for two reasons : the one, that I ought never to trust him, for ever so 
 many times he has said that, if he held me in his power, he would 
 have me put to death, and that I was the living man he most hated. 
 Further, I know well there is nothing in this world he doth so much desire 
 as the possession of this town and my other estates. Wherefore I see 
 no arrangement by which I can have warranty of him. The other 
 reason is, that, if I told the Lord of Bayard now, that I have no 
 further need of him or of his companions, what could he think ? He 
 is as strong again in the town as I am. Perchance he will answer me, 
 that he will readily forward my request to the King of France, his 
 master, or to my lord the Grand-Master, his Lieutenant-General on this 
 side the mountains, who sent him here, and according to their answer 
 he will see what he shall have to do," 
 
 " In the meanwhile it will be extremely difficult to prevent them from 
 knowing what I am about. In which case, as would be reasonable, 
 they would abandon me as a villain, and I should remain between two 
 stools ; for which I have no desire. But, Messer Agostino, the Pope is 
 of a terrible disposition, as you know well enough, passionate and vin- 
 dictive in the extreme. And whatever matters he may impart to you 
 of his secret affairs, one of these mornings, he will have you played 
 some ill turn, believe me. Besides, if he dies, what will happen to his 
 servants } Another Pope will arise who will not keep one of them. It 
 is indeed an evil service for a person who hath no desire to join the 
 Church. You know that I have possessions and in plenty, thank our 
 Lord. If you are willing to do me some good service and assist me to 
 rid myself of my enemy, I will give you so fine a present, and allot 
 you such a property that all your life you will be in easy circumstances. 
 And of that you may be confidently assured." 
 
 When the cowardly, base, and greedy scamp had heard the Duke 
 speak, his heart changed immediately ; and almost gained over, he 
 answered : " Upon my soul, my lord, you speak truth ; moreover, for 
 more than six years have I had the desire to be in your service. I am 
 prepared to assure you truly that there is not a man about the person 
 of the Pope who can do that which you ask better than myself ; for 
 night and day I am close to him. And very often he will take his 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 257 
 
 collation ^ from my hand, so that we two are alone when he talks with me 
 of his dealings. If you will treat me well, before eight days are passed, 
 he shall not be living. And I ask for nothing, until I have done what 
 I promise you. So too, my lord, I have no wish to be scouted after- 
 wards." 
 
 "No, no! upon my honour!" said the Duke. 
 
 Before departing thence they agreed upon terms, which were that 
 the Duke should give him two thousand ducats in money, and five 
 hundred ducats in property. That done, Messer Agostino was henceforth 
 well treated, in that the Duke left him in his chamber, while he him- 
 self returned to the good Chevalier, who had gone to divert himself on 
 the ramparts of the town, and was amusing himself by having an 
 embrasure cleaned out. 
 
 He saw the Duke coming, and went to meet him, and they grasped 
 hands. And as they strolled upon the ramparts apart from every one, the 
 Duke began to say : " My Lord of Bayard, never was it otherwise than 
 that deceivers are in the end deceived. You remember the iniquity 
 which the Pope has desired me to undertake against you and the 
 French who are here. And for this purpose he has sent a man to me, 
 as you know. Now I have so fully gained over the latter and changed 
 his design that he will do unto the Pope that which he was ready to do 
 unto you ; for within eight days at the latest, he has assured me the 
 Pope shall not be alive." 
 
 The good Chevalier, who would never have thought of the truth, 
 answered : " How so, my lord ? Has he then spoken with God ? " 
 
 "Do not trouble yourself," said the Duke, "but it will be so." 
 
 Thus they proceeded from point to point of the story, until the Duke 
 told him that Messer Agostino had promised him to poison the Pope. 
 
 At which words the good Chevalier crossed himself more than ten 
 times, and with his eyes on the Duke, said to him : " Ah ! my lord, I 
 would never believe that so noble a prince as you hath consented to so 
 gross a treason, and if I should know it to be true, I swear to you by 
 my soul that, before nightfall, I would inform the Pope thereof, for I 
 believe that God would never pardon so horrible a crime." 
 
 " How so ! " replied the Duke, " he has been quite ready to do as 
 much by you or by me ; and do you know that already we have had 
 seven or eight spies hanged ^ " 
 
 " It matters not to me," said the good Chevalier ; " he is the 
 
 ^ That is, the hght meal between dinner and supper. 
 
 S 
 
258 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 lieutenant of God on earth, and to make him die in such a way, never 
 would I consent to it." 
 
 The Duke shrugged his shoulders, and, spitting on the ground, said 
 these words : " God's body ! my Lord of Bayard, I could wish to have 
 killed all my enemies by this means. But since you do not think well 
 of it, the matter shall rest, although, if God give no relief, you and I 
 will repent it." 
 
 "We will so do, if it please God," quoth the good Chevalier; "but 
 I pray you, my lord, give me the worthy who would contrive this fine 
 master-piece, and if I do not have him hanged within an hour, may I 
 be so in his place ! " 
 
 Arms of the Duke of Urbino. 
 
 " No, my Lord of Bayard," the Duke answered ; " I have assured him 
 of his person, but I intend to send him back again." 
 
 And so he did, as soon as he had returned to his palace. 
 
 I know not what the man did nor what he said, when he came before 
 the Pope ; but he succeeded in none of his undertakings. Thus he 
 remained always about the person of the Pope, who was sore vexed 
 that he could find no means to get the better of his affairs. 
 
 He stayed for some time longer at Mirandola and in the neighbour- 
 hood ; then he retired to Bologna, and quartered his army in garrisons 
 around Modena. About this season, the Duke of Urbino, his nephew, 
 who had always been a good Frenchman, and who was mightily dis- 
 pleased at the war, which the Pope had declared against the King of 
 France, killed the Cardinal of Pavia, Legate at Bologna, who governed 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 259 
 
 the Pope entirely ; the latter was very greatly angered at his death, but 
 he was forced to abate his resentment. 
 
 The occasion of this crime was that it was reported to the said Duke 
 of Urbino that the - Cardinal of Pavia had said to the Pope that the 
 Duke was more a servant of the French than of him, and that every 
 day he gave them information concerning his government. That may 
 well have helped thereto, but the chief cause was that this Cardinal of 
 Pavia had been the first who had advised the Pope to begin the war. 
 He was paid for it in ill coin. 
 
 I will leave this tale and will tell of all that took place during two 
 years in Italy. 
 
Passage of the Piave by the French Army, 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Concerning many events which took place in Italy during two years. 
 
 ^^NASMUCIi as this history is chiefly founded on the 
 virtues and deeds of prowess of the good ChevaHer 
 sans peur et sans reproche, I will leave many events 
 to unravel themselves, because they are not required to 
 be set forth herein. Nevertheless I will relate generally 
 that which took place in Italy during two years, even 
 up to the death of the good Lord of Chaumont, Governor 
 of Milan, to which government succeeded the noble 
 Duke of Nemours, Gaston de Foix. 
 The Emperor again demanded assistance of the King of France for 
 the conquest of Friuli, which the Venetians held. This is a very fair 
 and excellent country, and thereby entrance is made into Germany in 
 two or three places and also from one end into Slavonia. His request 
 was granted, and the said lord wrote to his lieutenant-general, the said 
 Lord of Chaumont, to send the Lord of La Palisse to the said country 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 261 
 
 of Friuli, accompanied by two hundred men-at-arms and eight thousand 
 footmen ; and this was done. So he went there with a great number of 
 noble captains, both of horse and foot. You may beheve he did not 
 leave behind the good Chevalier, his perfect friend. 
 
 They found the army of the Emperor at Verona, and marched with 
 it. At that time, and in this same army, there was a lieutenant of the 
 Emperor, a German gentleman, who was named Messer George of 
 Lichtenstein. They marched forward boldly, and went to besiege Treviso ; 
 but they did nothing there ; moreover, in the approaches was killed 
 a gallant gentleman, the Lord of Lorges, who was then lieutenant of 
 Captain Bonnet, who commanded a thousand foot-soldiers. In his place 
 his young brother was chosen, who has since done some gallant deeds. 
 From that town they journeyed as far as the bank of a river called the 
 Piave, which divideth Friuli from the district of Treviso, and a bridge 
 was made over it on boats. The good Chevalier and the Captain 
 Fontrailles passed to the further side with their troops. 
 
 Now for a short time past, the good Chevalier had held under his 
 charge a hundred men-at-arms, whom the King of France had presented 
 to the noble Duke of Lorraine, on condition that the good Chevalier 
 should lead them as his lieutenant. And indeed the good prince asked 
 nothing more, for in all the world he could not have found a 
 better leader. 
 
 Thus these two valiant captains, with some Germans, came before 
 Grandisca and also before Gorizzia, which lie on the confines of 
 Slavonia ; the Venetians, however, possessed them. These places were 
 taken, and put into the hands of the Emperor. Then they returned to 
 the camp, where they found the Lord of La Palisse who had remained 
 for a long time without doing anything important, by reason of the evil 
 behaviour of the Emperor's men. 
 
 Never did poor soldiers suffer so much misfortune, for they were six 
 days together without eating bread or drinking wine. And other wants 
 enough they had on this unlucky campaign, so that the King of France 
 lost therein more than four thousand foot-soldiers by sickness and mis- 
 chance, and more than a hundred men-at-arms. Among others there 
 were about two thousand five hundred Grisons there, who, when bread 
 failed them, ate a quantity of grapes, for this was the month of Sep- 
 tember. Dysentery seized them, so that they died a hundred a day. 
 And it was a very strange thing that, out of two thousand five hundred 
 men, when they came back to their own country, there were but two. 
 The one made the captain, and the other bore the ensign carried 
 
262 History of Bayard. 
 
 by Serjeants of companies to order their men ; they remained at 
 Friuli. 
 
 In short, of all the men that the Lord of La Palisse had brought 
 with him, he could not have sent into the field in good health, three 
 hundred mounted men-at-arms, nor three thousand foot. When he saw 
 this misfortune, he desired to withdraw ; but the Emperor's people did 
 not approve thereof, and there were high words between them. Never- 
 theless, he went as far as a place called St. Boniface. This is the 
 village where in the preceding year the Venetians had held their 
 camp so long. 
 
 There they sojourned some short time, during which the Lord du Ru, 
 a Burgundian, while he was on his way to visit a castle which the 
 
 Lansquenet Marauding. 
 
 Emperor had given him, was captured by some Albanians belonging to 
 the Seigniorie of Venice. It was said that the Lord Mercurio, who 
 was likewise in the service of the said Emperor, had given him this fall, 
 because he was striving for the place like the other. I do but relate 
 that thus it happened therein. 
 
 The Lord Jean-Jacques, during these two years, with the army of the 
 King of France, reconquered Mirandola, and drove back the army of 
 the Pope as far as Bologna, before which town it was defeated without 
 taking sword in hand. The Pope even thought to be captured therein. 
 Never was seen so great a disaster for the army, for all their baggage 
 was left there, artillery, tents, and pavilions. And there was many a 
 Frenchman who alone brought in as prisoners five or six of the Pope's 
 men-at-arms. Among others a man with a wooden leg, named La 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 263 
 
 Baume, had three tied together. It was a terrible defeat and gallantly 
 executed. The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche gained sur- 
 passing honour that day, for he led the first skirmishers. And the 
 Lord Jean-Jacques paid him this tribute on the evening of the defeat, 
 during supper, to say that, after God, the Lord of Bayard ought to 
 have the honour of the victory. Now there were many valiant captains 
 present when he uttered these words, who were men of such wisdom 
 and virtue that he would not have spoken them if there had not been 
 great reason for it. 
 
 On the return of the French, the noble Duke of Nemours visited the 
 Duke and Duchess of Ferrara, who received him with great joy. Many 
 banquets were given in his honour according to the custom of the 
 country, for the noble Duchess was passing well acquainted with the 
 fashion thereof. While he was there, a combat took place between 
 two Spaniards, which I will now relate. 
 
 X 
 
"Yield, Santa-Cruz, or you die." 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 How two Spaniards fought to the death in the town of Ferrara. How, the good Lord of 
 Chaumont having died, the noble Duke of Nemours took the command of the army. 
 How a famous astrologer was consulted, and concerning an adventure of the Captain 
 Jacquin. 
 
 N the very day that this noble Duke of Nemours arrived 
 at Ferrara, the Baron of Bearn said to him that, if 
 he pleased, he could have the diversion to witness a 
 mortal combat between two Spaniards, of whom the 
 one called himself the Captain Santa-Cruz, and had 
 been Colonel of the footmen of the Pope, while the 
 other was named the Captain Avezedo, who had 
 also held some command of the said footmen. The 
 cause of their combat was that the said Avezedo declared that the 
 Captain Santa-Cruz had sought to kill him basely and by treachery, 
 and that therefore he would fight him. The other answered that it was 
 a lie, and he was ready to defend himself Wherefore the said Avezedo 
 had come to Ferrara to present himself to the Duke of Nemours, in 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 265 
 
 order to beg the latter to grant him the lists/ which he did, after the 
 Baron of Bearn had informed him of the matter. 
 
 So Avezedo, well pleased to be assured of a meeting, incontinently 
 sent word thereof to his enemy Santa-Cruz, who made no long delay. 
 While his coming was awaited, the lists were raised before the palace ; 
 and after the arrival of Santa-Cruz, who came well attended (for he had 
 a company of full a hundred horse, among whom the most important 
 man, and he who had been chosen to be his second, was Don Pedro 
 d'Acunha, a Knight of Rhodes and Prior of Messina, and beside him, 
 Don Francis of- Beaumont, who shortly before had left the service of 
 the King of France, and others), for two days Santa-Cruz was busy 
 making ready his arms. Then upon a Tuesday, about an hour after 
 noon, they entered the lists. 
 
 First came in the challenger, that is Avezedo, with the Lord Federigo 
 de Bozzolo, of the house of Gonzagues, whom he had chosen for his 
 second. As yet he knew not how his adversary was prepared, nor with 
 what weapons he desired to fight. Nevertheless, as a well-advised 
 knight, he was furnished with all he needed as a man-at-arms, as a 
 light horseman, and on foot,^ in all ways in which he could imagine 
 a man would fight. 
 
 Shortly after his entry, the Prior of Messina comes towards him, 
 bearing two steel caps,^ two fine-edged rapiers, and two poniards, and 
 these he presented to the Lord Avezedo for him to choose therefrom. 
 He took that which he needed ; and this done, Santa-Cruz entered the 
 lists. Then they both fell on their knees to make their prayers 
 to God. 
 
 After this, they were felt over by the seconds, to make sure they 
 had no armour under their clothes. 
 
 That done, every man left the lists, so that there remained no one 
 save the two combatants, their two seconds, and the good Chevalier 
 sans peur et sans reproche, who, at the instance of the Duke of Ferrara, 
 and to do him the greater honour (and also because there was no man 
 in the world of better understanding in such matters), was appointed 
 master and warden of the lists. 
 
 Then the herald began to raise his cry, such as it is the custom to 
 do in such cases : that no man should make any sign, or spit, or 
 
 ^ Atin de lui faire donner le camp. 
 
 ^ En homme d'armes, a la genette et a pied. That is, prepared to fight in any way the 
 defender, who had the choice of arms, might prefer. 
 ^ Secretes. 
 
266 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 cough, or do aught else by which either of the said combatants might 
 receive warning. 
 
 That done, the adversaries advanced against each other. Avezedo 
 took his rapier in his right hand, and in the other his poniard. But 
 Santa-Cruz kept his dagger in its sheath and only grasped his rapier. 
 Now you can imagine that the fight was indeed deadly, for they had 
 no armour on them to protect them. 
 
 Right warily they dealt a number of blows, and each man possessed 
 firm foot and a quick eye ; and gooci need he had of them. Now, 
 after many passes, Santa-Cruz made a dangerous thrust, straight at the 
 face, which Avezedo skilfully warded with his rapier. Then, as the 
 latter came down again, with his sword he slashed Santa-Cruz all the 
 length of his thigh right down to the bone, and straightway the blood 
 spouted forth in great quantity. 
 
 Nevertheless, Santa-Cruz endeavoured to step forward to avenge 
 himself, but he fell. Then Avezedo, seeing him on the ground, full of 
 joy approached his enemy, and said to him in his own language : Yield 
 thee, Santa-Cruz, or I will slay thee ! " 
 
 The other, however, answered nothing ; but sat up, grasping his 
 sword in his hand, and proclaiming his resolution to die rather than 
 surrender. 
 
 Then Avezedo said to him, " Stand up then, Santa-Cruz ; I will 
 never strike you in this position." 
 
 Thereupon he became reckless as a man in despair. With the high 
 courage he possessed, he raised himself and made two steps forward, 
 hoping to pierce his man, who recoiled a little, beating down his blow. 
 Santa-Cruz fell for the second time, almost with face to earth ; and 
 Avezedo had his sword raised to cut off his head, as he could easily 
 have done had he wished, but he held his blow. 
 
 For all that, Santa-Cruz refused to yield. 
 
 The Duchess of Ferrara, with whom was the noble Duke of Nemours, 
 with clasped hands prayed the latter to cause them to be parted.^ He 
 answered : " Madam, I would willingly do so for my love of you ; but 
 honestly I cannot nor ought to make prayer to the victor against 
 reason." 
 
 Santa-Cruz was losing all his blood, and if he had remained there 
 
 ^ This prayer, like many other passages of this history, falsifies the reputation for 
 cruelty which romantic literature has created for Lucretia Borgia, for this Duchess of 
 Ferrara was she. The Uuke of Nemours used to wear a scarf of her colours, as a mark 
 of his admiration. 
 
LUCRETIA BORGIA, DUCHESS OF FERRARA. 
 
 After Guercino. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 269 
 
 a little longer he would have been dead, past all cure. Wherefore the 
 Prior of Messina, who was his second, came to the Captain Avezedo, 
 and said to him : " Lord Avezedo, I know well the courage of the 
 Captain Santa-Cruz, that he would die rather than give in. But, seeing 
 that he has no power in the matter, I surrender on his behalf" 
 
 Thus Avezedo remained victorious ; so he threw himself upon his knees 
 and very humbly thanked our Lord, 
 
 Forthwith a surgeon came, who staunched the wound of Santa-Cruz, 
 and his men took him in their arms and carried him out of the lists, 
 together with his weapons ; Avezedo sent to demand these, but they 
 would not give them up. So he came and complained to the Duke of 
 Ferrara, who told the matter to the good Chevalier, and the latter had 
 the commission to go and say to Santa-Cruz, that if he would not 
 surrender his arms as a defeated man, the Duke would cause him to be 
 carried back to the lists, where his wound should be unsewn, and he 
 should be placed in the state in which his enemy had left him when 
 his second had surrendered on his behalf When he saw that com- 
 pulsion was put upon him, he delivered his arms to the good Chevalier, 
 who, as the law allowed it, gave them to the Lord Avezedo ; and the 
 latter, with trumpets and clarions, was conducted to the abode of the 
 Lord Duke of Nemours. There he was treated with great honour, but 
 afterwards he made the French an evil return, which was gross baseness 
 on his part. 
 
 A short time before this there had been another combat at Parma, 
 between two Spaniards ; the one named the Lord Peralte, who had 
 formerly been in the service of the King of France, and who was killed 
 by a falcon-shot at the camp of La Fosse during the time when the 
 Lord Jean-Jacques was driving back the army of the Pope. The other 
 was the Captain Aldano. 
 
 Their combat was on horseback, after the fashion of light cavalry, the 
 arms being rapier, poniard, and three javelins apiece in the hand, and a 
 buckler. The second of Peralte was a Spaniard, and the noble Captain 
 Molart was the second of Aldano. It had snowed so much that their 
 meeting took place in the square of Parma, where they had the snow 
 banked up, and there were no other barriers save the snow. 
 
 Each of the combatants right well performed his devoir ; and in the 
 end the Lord of Chaumont, who had appointed the lists, made them 
 depart with equal honour to both. 
 
 The Venetians at this time came and laid siege to Verona, where 
 was the Lord du Plessis on behalf of the King of France, who held the 
 
270 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 place in pledge for certain moneys he had lent to the Emperor. How- 
 ever, they achieved nothing, and the Lord of Chaumont, governor of 
 Milan, marched and raised the siege. The army of the Pope and the 
 Spanish also came and besieged Bologna, but that siege was raised in 
 like manner, and the enemy retired into the Romagna. 
 
 Some time afterwards, at a place called Correggio, the good Lord of 
 Chaumont passed from life to death, that noble knight, who, for the 
 space of ten or twelve years, had so safely guarded Lombardy for his 
 master the King of France. 
 
 He was in his lifetime a wise, virtuous, and prudent lord, of great 
 vigilance, and fully understanding his duties. Death seized him some- 
 what early, for, at the time of his decease, he was but thirty-eight 
 years of age, and he was not twenty-five when he was given the 
 government of the Duchy of Milan. May God of His grace grant him 
 pardon, for he was an honest man all his life ! ^ 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the King of France sent into Italy the Lord of 
 Longueville, his Lieutenant-General, who took a new oath of fealty from 
 all those who held the towns and strong places of the Duchy of Milan, 
 to the King his master and his eldest daughter the Lady Claude of 
 France. He stayed there some days and then returned ; and after that 
 there was but brief delay before the noble Duke of Nemours was made 
 Lieutenant-General in like manner as the said late Lord of Chaumont 
 had been. He remained not long in this dignity, for death seized him, 
 which was a great loss to all nobility. 
 
 Near the end of the year 151 1, towards Christmas, a large body of 
 Swiss made an incursion, and were opposed by the said Duke of 
 Nemours and a certain number of men. But he was not in sufficient 
 power to meet them in the field, because the greater part of his 
 soldiers were in threatened garrisons, such as Verona, Bologna, and 
 others. 
 
 Every day skirmishes took place. Nevertheless the French were 
 driven back within Milan, and the same day the Lord of Conti, captain 
 of a hundred men-at-arms, made a foray, in which he did not get the 
 better, for he lost eight or ten men-at-arms, and was himself severely 
 wounded, so much so that when carried into the town of Milan he died. 
 
 The next day the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, who 
 
 ^ The praises so complacently bestowed by the Loyal Serviteur upon De Chaumont 
 cannot be assented to. His relationship with the Cardinal d'Amboise had raised him to 
 the highest rank ; his prodigality, his bad administration, and his incapacity in war showed 
 that this favouritism was little deserved. 
 
History of 
 
 Bayard. 
 
 had been his great comrade and friend, avenged him well, for he took 
 the field and defeated five hundred Swiss at the very place where the 
 said Lord of Conti had received his death-wound. 
 
 The Swiss remained before Milan for a few days, but supplies failed 
 them, wherefore they were constrained to come to some truce and to 
 withdraw from the place. 
 
 The said truce was made by their Captain-General who had led them 
 down, and who was named the Baron de Saxe, with the Duke of 
 Nemours at a place near Milan called Sant Angelo. So the said Swiss 
 returned home, but this incursion did great damage in the Duchy, for 
 they burned fifteen or twenty large villages. 
 
 Shortly afterwards the said Duke of Nemours, having heard that the 
 army of Spain was approaching Bologna to besiege it, marched to a 
 village near to Ferrara, named Finale, where he assembled the whole 
 army, and took up his position in the neighbourhood. 
 
 While the said army was marching straight for this Finale, the noble 
 Duke of Nemours passed by a small town, called Carpi, in company 
 with the greater number of his captains, including those in whom he 
 had most trust and whom he loved best. He sojourned there two days, 
 and, together with his companions, was exceeding well received by the 
 lord of the said town, who was esteemed to be a man of great know- 
 ledge as well both in Greek as in Latin literature. He was cousin- 
 german to Pic of Mirandola, and called himself Albert of Mirandola, 
 Count of Carpi. 
 
 On the -evening of the arrival of the said Duke of Nemours, the 
 Count supped with him and the French captains ; and at the supper 
 there was much discourse, and, among other things, concerning a certain 
 astrologer, whom some persons called a seer, and who lived in this 
 town of Carpi. In truth it was marvellous what he said concerning 
 things past without ever having had knowledge thereof ; and moreover, 
 what was more difficult, he spake of things to come. 
 
 There is naught so certain as that all true Christians ought to hold 
 that God only can know things future. But this astrologer of Carpi 
 hath uttered so many sayings, and to divers sorts of men, which have 
 since happened, that he hath set many persons a-thinking. 
 
 When the noble Duke of Nemours had heard speak of him, just as 
 all young men long to see novelties, he begged the Count to send for 
 him ; which he did. The astrologer came forthwith ; he might be of 
 the age of sixty or thereabouts, a spare man of moderate stature. 
 
 The Duke of Nemours offered him his hand, and asked him in 
 
272 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Italian how he fared, and the other answered very civilly. Divers 
 matters were touched upon, and among others he was asked by the 
 Lord of Nemours if the Viceroy of Naples and the Spanish would 
 await battle. He said yes, and that, on his life, it would take place on 
 Good Friday or Easter-Day, and would be very bloody. 
 The question was asked him, who would gain it ? 
 
 He answered these very words : " The field will remain in possession 
 of the French, and the Spanish will sustain the heaviest and most 
 grievous loss that they have suffered for a hundred years past. The 
 French, however, will gain but little, for they will lose many men of 
 worth and honour, wherein will be great disadvantage." 
 
 He spake marvels. Then the Lord of La Palisse asked him whether 
 he should fall in this battle. The other answered no, that he would 
 live twelve years more at least, but would be killed in another battle. 
 He gave the like answer to the Lord of Imbercourt, while he told the 
 Captain Richebourg that he would stand in peril of death by lightning. 
 In short, there were but few men in the company who did not enquire 
 concerning their destiny. 
 
 The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche was standing by and 
 laughing at the affair, when the noble Duke of Nemours said to him : 
 ''My dear Lord of Bayard, I pray you ask our master here a little 
 concerning your future." 
 
 " By no means ought I to ask it," he answered, " for I am assured it 
 will never be anything great ; but since you are so pleased, I am ready 
 to do so." 
 
 So he began to say to the astrologer : " Our good master, tell me, I 
 pray you, if I shall some day be a very rich man } " 
 
 He answered : " Thou wilt be rich in honour and in virtue as much 
 as captain ever was in France, but of the gifts of fortune thou shalt 
 have but little ; therefore seek them not. Moreover, I would apprise 
 thee that thou shalt serve another King of France, after him who now 
 reigneth and whom thou servest, and he shall love thee and esteem 
 thee highly. But the envious will stand in thy way so that he will 
 never give thee great benefits, or raise thee to the honours thou wilt 
 have deserved. Nevertheless, be assured that the fault will not proceed 
 from him." ^ 
 
 ^ This was the second attempt to read Bayard's future, for Champier has preserved his 
 horoscope, which is here given in all its obscurity. " The nativity of the noble Bayard, 
 according as the learned astrologer Julius Firmicus has described it, and according to 
 his complexion as I have known it, can be thus described. In the ascendant Aquarius, 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 273 
 
 " And concerning this battle which you say will be so bloody, shall I 
 escape therefrom ? " 
 
 Yes," said he ; but thou wilt die in war, within twelve years at the 
 latest, and thou shalt be slain by artillery ; for in no other way shalt 
 thou end thy days, because thou art too well beloved of those who are 
 under thy charge, who for their life would not leave thee in peril." 
 
 In short, it was a veritable farcement of questions that each man put 
 to him. He observed, that among all the captains the Duke of 
 Nemours showed great friendship to the Lord of La Palisse and the 
 good Chevalier. So he drew these two aside, and said to them in his 
 own language, " My Lords, I see that you have a great love for this 
 noble prince here, who is your leader ; and well doth he deserve it, for 
 his face marvellously showeth his noble nature. Take good care of him 
 on the day of the battle, for he is in peril of falling there. If he 
 escape then, he will be one of the greatest and most eminent persons 
 who ever came out of France ; but I find great difficulty for him to 
 escape. Wherefore give good heed thereto, for I am willing that you 
 should cut off my head if ever man was in so great hazard of death as 
 he will be." 
 
 Ah ! cursed be the hour which he foretold so truly ! 
 
 The good Prince of Nemours asked with laughter, " What doth he 
 tell you, my lords ^ " 
 
 The good Chevalier made answer as he changed the discourse : " My 
 lord, it is my Lord of La Palisse who hath put him a question, seeking 
 to know if he is as much beloved of Refuge^ as Viverols is. The seer 
 sayeth no ; wherewith he is not well pleased." 
 
 At this merry speech my Lord of Nemours began to laugh, and 
 thought no more of the matter 
 
 In the meanwhile an adventurer among the company came up, one 
 
 Mars, Mercury, Venus. In the second house, Sol in Pisces. In the fifth, Luna in Gemini. 
 In the seventh, Jupiter in Leo. In the ninth, Saturn in Libra. This nativity Julius 
 Firmicus declareth to mean : A man of fair and pleasant speech, of an exceeding fine 
 talent, one who is capable to do all things. And to him nothing is impossible which is 
 within human power." At the head of this horoscope are found some details concerning 
 Bayard's parents. " The father, Nayme Terrail, of very large stature and well-formed 
 in his limbs ; the mother, Helene des Allemans, small, simple of heart, and of 
 noble courage. The grandfather, Pierre Terrail, had under Charles VI. and 
 Charles VII. done such feats of arms, that he had been called the Terrail sword (I'epee 
 Terrail)." 
 
 ^ Unknown. Perhaps a woman, but probably a man, as one of that name will be found 
 among the slain at Ravenna. [Not so ; but the family du Refuge is mentioned on 
 page 398.] 
 
 T 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 who was said to be a brave soldier, but somewhat dissolute, and who 
 was called Jacquin Caumont ; he carried some ensign in the bands of 
 the Captain Molart. He sought to have entertainment like the others, 
 and coming to the astrologer, he drew him aside and began with these 
 words : " Come here, you villain ! tell me my good fortune." 
 
 The other felt insulted, and answered in anger : " Avaunt ! I will tell 
 thee nothing, and thou hast lied in that which thou didst call me." 
 
 There were many gentlemen in his presence, and they said to Jacquin, 
 " Captain, you are wrong ; you would fain draw some diversion from 
 him, and you insult him." 
 
 Then, little by little, the captain came back, and spoke much more 
 softly, saying to him, My good master, if I have spoken some foolish 
 word, I pray thee pardon me." And he said so much that he appeased 
 him again, and then showed him his hand, for the said astrologer 
 judged by the face and the hands. When he had seen Jacquin's hand, 
 he said to him in his own tongue, " I pray thee ask me nothing, for 
 I will not tell thee aught of value." 
 
 All the company that was there set themselves a-laughing, and 
 Jacquin, sorely vexed at the laughter of the others, said again to the 
 astrologer, It is all one ; tell me what it is." 
 
 When the latter found himself so pressed, he asked, " Dost thou 
 desire to know concerning thy fate ? " 
 
 " Yes," said Jacquin. 
 
 " Then take thought for thy soul in good time," said the astrologer, 
 " for ere three months be past, thou shalt be hanged by the neck." 
 
 Whereupon his listeners laughed most merrily, and would never have 
 imagined that the case would happen ; for there was no appearance 
 thereof, because the captain was in good credit among the foot-soldiers, 
 and also they thought the master had spoken thus because Jacquin 
 had insulted him at the beginning. But there was nothing so true, 
 and, as it is said in a common proverb, He who is to hang cannot 
 be drowned," I will tell you of an adventure that befell him. 
 
 Two or three days after this, the Duke of Nemours arrived at Finale, 
 which is a large village, through the middle whereof passeth a good 
 deep canal, which falleth into the Po ; and there was a wooden bridge 
 for crossing from the one side to the other. Every day more than a 
 hundred barges arrived in this canal, having come from Ferrara, and 
 bringing all manner of provisions for the French. 
 
 It happened one day, when Jacquin had supped exceeding well, that 
 about nine o'clock at night, he came, accompanied by a number of 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 275 
 
 torches and Swiss drums, to the quarters of my Lord of Molart, his 
 captain. He was clad in full armour, and mounted upon a very fine 
 courser, in fashion like a Saint George. For by means of his pay and 
 pillage he was right well clothed, and possessed three or four excellent 
 horses, as he hoped, after the war was over, to be enrolled among the 
 Free Companies. When my Lord of Molart saw him in this state, and 
 perceived what hour it was, he began to laugh, knowing well that the 
 malmesey had somewhat confused his brain. So he said, " How now, 
 Captain Jacquin ! do you intend to abandon the pike " ^ 
 
 " Not so, my lord," quoth he ; " but, I pray you, lead me to the 
 lodging of my Lord of Nemours, and let him see me in his presence 
 break this lance I carry, so that he may know whether a bush-leaper 
 will not ride a course as well as a jade-straddler." ^ 
 
 The Captain Molart saw well that the matter was worth carrying 
 through to the end, and that the Lord Duke of Nemours and all the 
 company could get some diversion therefrom. So he conducted Jacquin, 
 who passed proudly on horseback - over the^ wooden bridge that crossed 
 the canal, for the foot-men were lodged on one side and the horsemen 
 on the other. 
 
 Now, when he had come in front of the quarters of the Prince, the 
 Duke of Nemours, being already apprised of the affair, had descended 
 from his apartment, together with the company that was with him, in 
 order to take their diversion therein. When they reached the street, 
 Jacquin, who was better furnished with wine than with aught else (there 
 were plenty of torches, so that one saw as at full midday), set his lance 
 in rest. 
 
 Then the Duke of Nemours called out to him, " Captain Jacquin, is 
 it for love of your lady, or for love of me, that you would break 
 this lance ? " 
 
 He answered, using the name of God after the fashion of the adven- 
 turers, that it was for love of him, and that he (Jacquin) was a man to 
 serve the King both on foot and horseback. Then he lowered his visor, 
 and made his charge indifferently well, but he had not skill enough to 
 break his lance ; again he ran a course, but with a like success, and 
 then a third and fourth time. When it was seen that he did nothing, 
 he w^earied the company and they left him there. 
 
 Well or ill as he had acquitted himself, he set off to return to his 
 
 ^ That is, leave the infantry for the cavahy. 
 
 ^ Si un sautc-buissoiL ne courra pas un bois aussi bien quune haridcllc ; saute-buisson 
 and haridelle (a jade) being- mutual nicknames for a foot and horse-soldier. 
 
 T 2 
 
276 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 quarters at a good pace. He had chafed his horse exceedingly, and so 
 that the animal was continually curvetting as he went ; added to which 
 he did not ride him well, using the spur without cause, in such way 
 that when he was on this wooden bridge, he kept ever tickling him. 
 There had been a light shower, so that, the horse making a little leap, 
 his four feet slipped from under him. Thereupon man and horse fell 
 into the canal, where there was at the least half a spear's length of 
 water. Those who were in his company shouted " Help ! help ! " 
 
 From above no one could give him aid, for this canal was built like 
 a ditch with a vat-shaped bottom, and, save for the great number of 
 barges that were there, one could not have seen hand or foot. The 
 horse freed himself from his rider, and swam for more than a half- 
 quarter of an hour before he could find means to escape. At last he 
 found himself at a. place which had been made low for the purpose of 
 watering horses, and he saved himself The Captain Jacquin, the 
 valiant man-at-arms, floundered about in the water for a long time, but 
 at last, as if by a miracle, he was rescued and fished out by the men 
 on the barges, but more dead than alive. 
 
 He was straightway stripped of his armour and hanged up by the 
 feet, in which position he in a short time vomited from the mouth two 
 or three bucketsful of water, and he remained more than six hours 
 without speaking. However, the physicians of my Lord of Nemours 
 came to see him, and he was so well treated that, within two days, he 
 was as full of health and gay as ever. 
 
 There is no need to ask if he was laughed -at in double peals by his 
 fellow-adventurers, for one said to him, Ho, Captain Jacquin ! will 
 you remember some other time to ride a tilt at nine o'clock at flight 
 in winter } " 
 
 Another said, It is still far better to be a bush-leaper than a jade- 
 straddler ; 'tis not so far to fall." 
 
 In short, he was twitted as he deserved ; but that causeth me not so 
 much wonder as that he was rescued from the canal, although he was 
 fully armed. And it is this that hath made me set down the incident 
 in this history in connection with the astrologer of Carpi, who had told 
 him he would be hanged by the neck, as he was on the Tuesday 
 after Easter following, which had been the fierce day of Ravenna, as 
 you will hear. 
 
 While the noble Duke of Nemours was at Finale, ever awaiting some 
 news of the enemy, one day among others he set forth and made a 
 visit to the Duke and Duchess of Ferrara in their town, who, if they 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 277 
 
 had shown him good cheer in the past, showed him still better now. 
 He abode there five or six days, with joyous and virtuous diversion, and 
 on .his return he wore the colours of the Duchess, which were grey and 
 black. Then he came back to his camp, where he received certain 
 news that, unless relieved, the town of Bologna and those within it were 
 lost. Wherefore he assembled all his captains to consult. It was 
 determined to march and raise the siege. It was far from good riding, 
 as it is wont to be at the end of January ; nevertheless he set out from 
 Finale, and took his route straight for Bologna. 
 
 During his expedition a . great misfortune happened, for the town of 
 Brescia was retaken by the Venetians, as you shall hear. 
 
 The Captain Jacquin fallen into the Water. 
 
View of Brescia. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIL 
 
 How Messer Andrea Gritti, Prcveditore of the Seigniorie of Venice, with the aid of the 
 Count Louis Avogador, retook the town of Brescia. 
 
 join at the said town ; of these one cometh from Germany, and the two 
 others from between the country of Friuli and Venice. They are called 
 the Camonica valley, the Tropi valley, and the Zobi valley ; and by 
 any one of these three can relief be thrown into the town, which was 
 then held by the soldiers of the King of France. At that time the 
 Lord dii Lude was the governor thereof, and the captain of the castle 
 w'iis a gentleman of the Basque country, named Herigay. 
 
 HE Venetians were striving day by day, among other 
 things, to find means to place once more into the 
 hands of the Seigniorie the town of Brescia, which is 
 one of the fairest cities of Europe, and one of the 
 strongest, being supplied with all provisions one could 
 desire to sustain nature. Within it so many fair fountains 
 spring, that it is a true terrestrial paradise. There 
 are three valleys which, running between the mountains. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 279 
 
 The great desire the Venetians had to retake Brescia was not without 
 a foundation of reason, for by that means they cut off the suppHes of 
 the force in. Verona, and laughed at the attempts of those who sought 
 to come from Milan and revictual the place. They were unable, how- 
 ever, to find means to regain the town, or even to surprise its defenders, 
 without having communication with some person of importance within 
 the walls. But although the inhabitants were attached to Saint Mark 
 no man dared venture his person, because the late Lord of Conti and 
 the good Chevalier, in punishment for a surprise that had been plotted 
 against them a short time before, had beheaded a man who was one of 
 the most notable men of the town, and of the highest family, named 
 the Count Jean-Marie de Martinengo, who was the head of the con- 
 spiracy, while many other persons were imprisoned in France. Never- 
 theless, the devil, foe to all human repose, determined to make use of 
 his science, and proceeded to sow a dissension in the said town between 
 two great houses, the one the house of Gambro, the other Avogador ; 
 the former, however, was in much higher favour with the French. 
 
 One day a quarrel arose between two of the sons of the Count 
 Gambro and the Count Louis Avogador, in such sort that the son of 
 Gambro, who had many retainers with him, outrageously wounded the 
 other. The said Count Louis Avogador could not have found means of 
 revenge, for might was not on his side in the town. So he had 
 betaken himself to Milan, and for some time had audience of the Duke 
 of Nemours, in order to get justice and reparation in the matter. The 
 good Prince acceded to his request, and ordered commissions to take 
 information of the affair, with a view to give each side its deserts. I 
 know not how the matter went, but in the end nothing further was 
 done ; whereupon, like a man unjustly outraged without power to right 
 the affair, he grew desperate, and resolved to return to his natural lord. 
 So, under pretence of making a visit of eight or ten days to an estate 
 of his, he comes right to Venice, into the presence of the Doge and the 
 Seigniorie, to incite them to recapture and get into their hands again 
 the good town of Brescia. For which purpose he set forth the means 
 that they should use, and which for the time came to a successful 
 issue. 
 
 No need to ask if he was welcomed, for the said town of Brescia was 
 the darling daughter of Saint Mark.^ For three or four days he was 
 feasted like a king, during which time they came to a conclusion in 
 
 ^ La hgliuola dc San-Marco. 
 
28o 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 their business. Then a promise was made him that, upon a day chosen 
 and appointed by them, without fail Messer Andrea Gritti would present 
 himself before the town with seven or eight thousand soldiers, without 
 reckoning the villeins of the hills,^ v/ho would come down, and that in 
 the meanwhile he should gain over persons in the town and make his 
 preparations. So he went and secretly gained over and won to his 
 party the greater part of the inhabitants. 
 
 The Lord du Lude had not too much confidence in them, and kept 
 good watch every day ; but he was very ill provided with men to 
 defend himself against the people, if they had been ill-disposed, as in 
 fact all or the greater number were. 
 
 For, live or six days afterwards, one morning at dawn, the Venetians 
 came to one of the gates, which they found lined with men ready to 
 defend it ; and these sounded the alarm. The Lord du Lude forthwith 
 drew up his men for an attack in that direction (as he believed). But, 
 while they amused the French at the gate, a part of the enemy broke 
 through a certain iron grating, by which the filth of the town escaped, 
 and began to enter in, shouting " Marco ! Marco ! " At the same time 
 the Count Louis Avogador showed himself, with all those of his faction, 
 so that the whole town might have been seen in arms. 
 
 When the poor Lord du Lude perceived he was betrayed, he sounded 
 the retreat for his men, and, in the best way he could, withdrew with 
 them to the castle ; but all the horses, harness, and apparel were left 
 behind. The Countess Gambro, who was French, and all those who 
 belonged to the party of the King of France, also sought refuge there. 
 
 Meanwhile the gates were opened, and the Lord Messer Andrea Gritti 
 admitted. Then a great calamity happened, for all the French who 
 were found in the place were cut to pieces, without a single one being 
 granted quarter ; however, they made amends for it afterwards, as you 
 will see. 
 
 The first thing the Count Louis Avogador caused to be done, when 
 he saw his powder, was to go to the houses of the Gambro family, which 
 he caused to be all wrecked and destroyed. The Proveditore, Messer 
 Andrea Gritti, knew well that it was not the strongest position to have 
 possession of the town, if he had not the castle ; for from the latter 
 the other could be easily retaken. He sent by a trumpeter to demand 
 surrender forthwith, but he lost his trouble, for it was too well furnished 
 with gallant chivalry. Nevertheless, the provisions could not have lasted 
 
 • ^ Les vilains des montagnes ; the labourers on the estates on the hills. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 281 
 
 long for the numbers that had gone in. Besides, the Proveditore had 
 battered the place soundly, and a great breach would have been made 
 therein. Moreover, he promptly had two machines built, like a crane, so 
 as to draw near to the stronghold, and these carried each a hundred men 
 abreast. In short, they did all it was possible to do to take the castle. 
 
 The Lord du Lude and the Captain Herigay, sore dismayed at this 
 treason, despatched a man to the Duke of Nemours, who was gone with 
 all his power to Bologna, to inform him of their unhappy condition, and 
 also that, if they received no aid within eight days, they were lost. 
 
 Although all the ways were guarded, the messenger slipped through, 
 and made so good speed that he arrived before Bologna the very day 
 that the noble Duke had raised the siege and relieved the town with 
 men and provisions. The letters were presented to him, and the good 
 Prince opened and read them. He was astounded indeed when he 
 learned the peril of Brescia, for, after the castle of Milan, it was the 
 most important stronghold that the French had in Italy. 
 
 So the captains were assembled, and they resolved with one accord, 
 that they ought to return with all speed and recapture the town, if 
 possible ; nor was that difficult to execute, provided the castle had not 
 fallen. This decision taken, there was no more ado, but every man 
 girded up his armour and set forth upon the road. 
 
 Man-at-Arms. 
 
Doge and Captain-General of Venice. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 Of ihc great diligence, shown by the noble Duke of Nemours in order to recapture Brescia, 
 and how he defeated the Captain-General of the Venetians and five or six thousand 
 men on the road. 
 
 and also powerful enough to fight in the open, he would be in danger 
 of defeat\ he wrote a letter to the Seigniorie and despatched it at the 
 utmost speed. Therein he gave them to understand that, in order to 
 retain the town of Brescia, which he had taken, it was more than 
 necessary that they should send support of such strength as to be able 
 to defend itself, and, in case of need, to give battle to the French 
 army, and that by means of Brescia they might recover all their 
 territories. 
 
 HEN Messer Andrea Gritti was lord and master of 
 the town of Brescia and had laid siege to the 
 castle, as you have heard, he did not rest satisfied 
 with that much. But inasmuch as he knew well that, 
 as soon as the Duke of Nemours, who had gone to 
 raise the siege of Bologna, was informed of the state 
 of affairs, he would promptly return (whereby, unless 
 the Proveditore found himself in strength in the town 
 
History 
 
 OF 
 
 Bayard. 
 
 28 
 
 His demand was thought reasonable and of great importance. Orders 
 were forthwith sent to Messer Jean-Paul Baglione, then the Captain- 
 General of this Seigniorie of Venice, bidding him march day and night 
 with four hundred men-at-arms and four thousand foot, and to throw 
 himself into Brescia. 
 
 As soon as he had heard the desire of the Seigniorie, he set about his 
 duty and his journey with what speed he could. On the other side, 
 the Duke of Nemours marched so rapidly that a rider upon a hundred- 
 crown curtail hack could not cover more country in a day than he did 
 with all his army. 
 
 He used such speed that he arrived at a castle called Vallegio, which 
 held out for the King of France, and which the Captain Jean-Paul 
 Baglione thought to capture in passing. But that which he promised 
 himself as an amusement brought him great loss ; for the Duke of 
 Nemours was informed of his design, and upon that day, in the 
 extreme depth of winter, as it is in mid- February, he made his army 
 traverse thirty miles of country, so that he found himself nearer to 
 Brescia than the said Captain Baglione, who was encountered by the 
 French in a pass. The Captain Baglione had five or six pieces of 
 artillery, which he discharged, and one of them killed the standard- 
 bearer of the Lord of Theligny, a captain of great merit, who, with the 
 good Chevalier, was leading the first skirmishers. 
 
 All the night the good Chevalier had suffered from fever, and he was 
 not armed at all, but was clad in a riding robe of black velvet. 
 However, when he saw they had to fight, he borrowed a light cuirass^ 
 from an adventurer, and put it on over his said robe, and leaped upon 
 a gallant courser. Then, with his companions, the Lord of Theligny, he 
 marched straight against the enemy. 
 
 The main body of the French vanguard was still at some distance ; 
 however, they did not delay their charge. Whereupon there arose a 
 hard and sharp encounter, which lasted, with continual fighting, for a 
 quarter of an hour. 
 
 In the meantime news of the affair reached the main army ; and the 
 French received supports ; but when the captain of the Seigniorie saw 
 them approach, he turned his back and retreated in the direction 
 whence he had come. He was pursued a long way, but could never 
 be taken prisoner. His foot-men remained on the field, together with 
 his artillery and the greater part of his horsemen. 
 
 ^ Halccrct, a cuirass used by infantry. 
 
284 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 This was a glorious defeat and advantageous to the French ; for if 
 this force had entered Brescia, the town would never have been 
 retaken. The Duke of Nemours was both vexed and glad at this 
 successful encounter, glad in that he was victorious, and vexed because 
 he had not been present himself. 
 
 These news were incontinently known in the castle of Brescia, where 
 they made bonfires in five or six places, because they thereby felt 
 confident of being relieved within two days. But if they were filled 
 with joy in the castle, they were quite as full of melancholy in the 
 town, as they knew that it meant their destruction. The inhabitants 
 
 Arms of Giston de Foix, Duke of Nemours. 
 
 would willingly have returned, and they came to Messer Andrea Gritti 
 with prayers that he would retreat ; but he refused to do anything of 
 the kind, wherefore disaster came upon him. 
 
 After the defeat of Jean-Paul Baglione, the noble Duke of Nemours 
 came and encamped twenty miles from Brescia, and on the following 
 day at the foot of the castle. On his march he found a certain 
 number of villeins gathered together in a small village, which they 
 boldly tried to hold, but in the end they were all cut to pieces. 
 
 When the French army had arrived, some captains immediately 
 ascended into the castle, in order to encourage the Lords du Lude and 
 Captain Herigay and all those who were within it. A large supply of 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 285 
 
 provisions also was carried up, and for joy thereat they fired eighteen 
 or twenty cannon-shot into the town. Such rejoicing the inhabitants 
 would gladly have spared. 
 
 On the next day the Duke of Nemours ascended to the castle, as 
 also did the captains and all the army ; and there it was determined to 
 deliver the assault on the town, and so it was done, with fierceness and 
 pertinacity, and great slaughter. 
 
 Matron of Brescia. 
 
Bayard, wounded, being carried by his Archers. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 How the Duke of Nemours recaptured the town of Brescia from the Venetians, wherein 
 the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche gained great honour, and how he was 
 wounded ahnost to death. 
 
 HE Duke of Nemours, who did not dream over his 
 affairs, as soon as he had ascended to the castle 
 called together all his captains to determine what 
 was to be done. For inside the town there was a 
 huge number of men, to wit, eight thousand soldiers 
 and twelve or fourteen thousand villeins of the district 
 who had joined themselves with them ; the town, too, 
 was exceeding strong. One advantage was that the 
 path descended from the castle into the citadel without meeting any 
 ditch to cause impediment ; the besieged, however, had built a strong 
 rampart. 
 
 Now in the whole army of the King of France there was not at that 
 time more than twelve thousand fighting-men, for a large portion liad 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 287 
 
 remained at Bologna. However, with the small number that was 
 present there was no fault to be found, because it was all the flower of 
 chivalry. Indeed, I believe that for a hundred years past there had not 
 been seen, for their number, a more gallant company, considering also 
 the ready will each man had to serve his good master, the King of 
 France. This noble Duke of Nemours had so gained the heart of these 
 gentlemen and adventurers that they would have died for him. When 
 they were assembled in council, all the captains were asked by the said 
 lord for their opinion, which each man gave to the best of his 
 knowledge; and in the end it was ordained that they should deliver the 
 assault about eight or nine o'clock on the morning following. 
 
 The order was this : that the Lord of Mclart, with his footmen, should 
 lead the first attack. But before him the Captain Herigay and his men 
 should go as skirmishers. After him, in one body, should march that 
 Captain Jacob whom the Emperor Maximilian had in his service before 
 Padua in the regiment of the Prince of Anhalt (but by some means 
 he had been won over to the service of the King of France, and at 
 this time commanded two thousand lansquenets), and with him the 
 Captains Bonnet, Maugiron, the Bastard of Cleves, and others to the 
 number of seven thousand men. Then, at their flanks, the Duke of 
 Nemours, the gentlemen whom the Grand Seneschal of Normandy led, 
 together with the principal strength of the gendarmerie should march on 
 foot, helmet on head and harness on back. Meanwhile my Lord of 
 Alegre should mount and wait at the gate of St. John, which was 
 the only gate kept open by the enemy, as they had walled up the 
 others, taking with him three hundred men-at-arms to prevent any one 
 getting out. The virtuous Lord of La Palisse was not present at the 
 assault, for, the evening before he had been wounded in the head by a 
 splinter, caused by a cannon-shot that had been fired from the town 
 against the castle. 
 
 This order being appointed, every man approved thereof save the 
 good Chevalier, who, after the Duke of Nemours, according to his rank, 
 had called upon him, said : My lord, save your reverence and that of 
 all my lords, it seemeth to me we ought to do one thing which we 
 have not mentioned." 
 
 He was asked by the said Lord of Nemours what that was. 
 
 *' It is," said he, that you send my Lord of Molart to make the 
 first attack. As to him, I am more than confident that he will not 
 give way, nor will many of the men he hath with him. But if the 
 enemy have any men of mettle and skilled in war among them, as I 
 
288 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 believe they have, be assured that they will place them at the point of 
 attack, and with them their arquebusiers. Now in such affairs one 
 must never give way a step, if possible. So if by chance they repulsed 
 our said foot-soldiers, and the latter were not supported by men-at-arms, 
 there might be great confusion. Wherefore I am of opinion that along 
 with my said Lord of Molart we should send a hundred or a hundred 
 and fifty men-at-arms, who will be able to sustain the burden of the 
 attack far better than the foot-men, who are not so fully armed." 
 
 Then said the Duke of Nemours : You speak truly, my Lord of 
 Bayard ; but who is the captain w^ho will put himself at the mercy of 
 their arquebuses ? " 
 
 " That will I, if it please you, my lord," answered the good 
 Chevalier ; " and trust me that the company under my charge will 
 to-day do honour to the King and to you, and will accomplish such 
 service as you shall take note of" 
 
 When he had spoken, there was not a captain but looked in his 
 neighbour's face, for without any doubt the undertaking was exceeding 
 dangerous. Nevertheless he asked for the duty, and it was left to him. 
 
 When everything was determined, the Duke of Nemours again spoke 
 and said : " My lords, to please God we ought to think of one matter ; 
 you see clearly that, if this town be taken by assault, it will be 
 destroyed and pillaged, and all therein killed, which will be a sad 
 calamity. We ought once more to ask them before they tempt their 
 fortune, if they will not surrender." ^ 
 
 That was approved, and in the morning one of the trumpeters was 
 sent, who sounded as soon as he left the castle, and marched as far as 
 the first rampart of the enemy, where was the Proveditore Messer 
 Andrea Gritti and all the captains. 
 
 When the trumpeter arrived, he demanded to enter the town ; but he 
 was told he could not come in, but he might say what he would, and 
 they had power to make him an answer. Then he gave his ^^message 
 such as you have heard above, and that, if they would surrender the 
 town, they should be let go with their lives spared ; and if not, that 
 when it was taken by assault, they might be all assured of death. 
 
 It was answered him that he might certainly return, and that the 
 town was the property of the Seigniorie, that it should so remain, and 
 that moreover they would take good care that never a Frenchman 
 should set foot therein. Alas ! the poor inhabitants would willingly 
 have surrendered themselves, but they were not the masters. 
 
 The trumpeter returned and gave his answer ; which heard, there was 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 289 
 
 no further delay ; but the noble Duke of Nemours, who already had his 
 men arrayed, began to say : " Well, my lords, naught remains but to do 
 good deeds and show ourselves brave companions, March, in the name 
 of God and of our Lord Saint-Denis ! " 
 
 The words were no sooner uttered than drums, trumpets, and 
 clarions sounded the assault and to arms so impetuously, that the hair 
 of all cowards stood upright on their heads, and the courage of the 
 bold swelled in their breast.^ 
 
 The enemy, hearing this noise, discharged several cannon-shot, whereof 
 one, among others, fell right into the very middle of the troop of the 
 Duke of Nemours, without killing or wounding any one, which was an 
 almost miraculous thing, considering in what close order they marched. 
 Then the Lord of Molart and the Captain Herigay began to go forward 
 with their men. And on their flank, at the same time, came the 
 good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, on foot, with all his 
 company, who were picked men ; for the greater part of his men-at-arms 
 had been captains in their time, but they loved better to be of his 
 company at a half less recompense, than in any other company, so 
 greatly had he made himself beloved by his virtues. 
 
 They drew near to the first rampart, behind which were the enemy, 
 who began to discharge artillery and their arquebuses as thick as flies. 
 
 It had rained a little ; the castle was upon a hill, and the descent to 
 the town was somewhat slippery. But the Duke of Nemours, to show 
 that he would not remain among the hindermost, took ofl" his shoes 
 and marched in socks.^ Many others followed his example ; for, to tell 
 the truth, they maintained their footing better. 
 
 The good Chevalier and the Lord of Molart attacked this rampart 
 furiously ; so also was it marvellously well defended. The French 
 shouted, " France, France ! " They of the company of the good 
 Chevalier cried, " Bayard, Bayard ! " The enemy shouted, " Marco, 
 Marco ! " In short, they made so great a noise that the hackbuts could 
 not be heard. 
 
 Messer Andrea Gritti gave wonderful courage to his men, and in their 
 own Italian tongue said to them, " Hold fast, my friends ! the French 
 will soon be weary, they have only the first point. And if this Bayard 
 be defeated, the others would never come near us." 
 
 He was indeed deluded ; for if he had a great resolve to defend the 
 
 ^ Aux hardis le coeur Ipiir croissait au ventre. 
 
 2 En escarpin de chausses. Socks worn over the long hose to prevent the shoes fraying 
 them. Escarpin = Italian scappino. 
 
 U 
 
290 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 place, the French had one a hundred times greater to enter it. So 
 they deHvered a terrible assault, by which they drove back the Vene- 
 tians a little way. Seeing which, the good Chevalier began to cry, " In, 
 in, comrades ! they are ours. Forward, all is won ! " He himself entered 
 the first and passed the rampart, and after him more than a thousand 
 men ; in such sort that they gained the first fort, which was not done 
 without severe fighting. Men fell there on all sides, though but few of 
 the French. 
 
 The good Chevalier received a blow from a pike in the upper part 
 of the thigh, and the point entered so far that the end broke off. Thus 
 the iron and one end of the shaft remained in the wound.^ From the 
 pain that he felt he verily believed he was stricken unto death ; he 
 began to say to the Lord of Molart, " Comrade, make your men 
 advance, the town is won. As for me, I can go no farther, for I am 
 slain." 
 
 His blood poured forth in abundance. He was compelled either to 
 die without confession, or to withdraw outside of the crowd with two of 
 his archers, who staunched his wound to the best of their power with 
 their shirts, which they destroyed and tore to pieces for this purpose. 
 
 The poor Lord of Molart, who bitterly lamented the loss of his 
 friend and neighbour (for they were both of Fccarlate des gentilshomnies), 
 like an enraged lion intent upon avenging him, began to press the 
 assault furiously. The good Duke of Nemours, too, with his troop 
 following him, who heard in passing that the first fort had been cap- 
 tured by the good Chevalier, but that he had been wounded unto 
 death, could not have felt more grief if he himself had received the 
 thrust. He began to say, " Ha ! my dear lords, shall we not take 
 vengeance on these churls for the death of the most accomplished 
 Chevalier there was in the world } I pray you, let each man take heed 
 to do great feats." 
 
 Upon his arrival the Venetians were hardly treated, and hastened 
 from the citadel, making pretence of seeking to withdraw towards the 
 town and to raise the bridge, for by this means the French would have 
 had too much to do. But they were pursued so eagerly, that they 
 passed the palace and entered pell-mell into the great square. In that 
 
 ^ According to Champier, Bayard struck the pike with his sword and cut through the 
 shaft. The same authority says that Gritti, as soon as he heard Bayard's name pro- 
 nounced, kept pointing him out for his men to attack him, shouting : " In God's name ! 
 shall this Bayard always reign 1 I believe they grow Bayards in France like mushrooms. 
 In all the battles no one but Bayard is mentioned. Now, my friends, strive all of you 
 against this Bayard. If you can overthrow him, all is overthrown." 
 
l1 
 
 bayard's ARM(3UR. 
 
 U 2 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 293 
 
 place was their whole force assembled, the gendarmerie and light-horse- 
 men all mounted, with the foot-men drawn up in array of battle 
 according to their rank. 
 
 The lansquenets and French adventurers there proved themselves 
 brave soldiers. The Captain Bonnet performed great feats of arms, 
 and coming out a pike's length in front of his troop, he marched 
 straight upon the foe ; and he was also right well followed. 
 
 The contest lasted half an hour or more. The citizens and towns- 
 women cast from the windows huge stones and flints, with boiling- 
 water, which caused more harm to the French than did the men of 
 war. Notwithstanding this, in the end the Venetians were defeated, 
 and there remained of them in this great square seven or eight thou- 
 sand so sound asleep that they will not awake for a hundred years. 
 
 The others, seeing that matters were not too safe, sought their escape 
 from street to street, but everywhere, to their misfortune, found men of 
 war, who slew them like swine. Messer Andrea Gritti, the Count Louis 
 Avogador, and other captains, were on horseback, and when they saw 
 the rout entirely overwhelming them, determined to attempt a means 
 of escape, and betook themselves ^ straight to the said gate of Saint 
 John, thinking to get out. They had the bridge lowered, and shouted 
 " Marco, Marco ! Italy, Italy ! " But it was with the voice of men sorely 
 affrighted. 
 
 The bridge was never so quickly lowered, but that the Lord of 
 Alegre, brave and watchful captain, rushed into the town along with 
 the gendarmerie he had with him. Shouting " France, France ! " he 
 charged upon the Venetians, of whom he bore all or the greater part to 
 the ground, among others the Count Louis Avogador, who was 
 mounted upon a swift mare, able to go fifty miles without baiting. 
 
 The Proveditore, Messer Andrea Gritti, saw well that he was lost 
 without remedy, if he waited longer. Wherefore, after having run from 
 street to street to escape their rage, he dismounted from his horse, and, 
 with one of his men only, threw himself into a house, where he 
 stood on his defence for some short time. But fearing a greater 
 disaster, he in the end threw open the abode and was therein taken 
 prisoner. 
 
 In short, there escaped not a man who was not killed or captured 
 and it was one of the most bloody assaults that has ever been seen. 
 For the number of dead, as well of the soldiers of the Seigniorie as of 
 townspeople, was more than twenty thousand ; while the French never 
 lost fifty, which was great good fortune. 
 
294 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Now, when there were none left to fight against, every man took to 
 pillage throughout the houses, and some sad enormities took place. 
 For, as you can understand, in such affairs there are always found 
 some wicked men, and these broke into monasteries and committed 
 many profligacies ; for they pillaged and stole in many ways, so that 
 the plunder of the town was valued at three million crowns. 
 
 There is nothing so certain as that the capture of Brescia was the 
 ruin of the French in Italy ; for they had taken so much in this town 
 of Brescia, that the greater number returned home and abandoned the 
 war. And these would have done good service on the day of Ravenna, 
 which you will hear of hereinafter. 
 
 You must be told what became of the good Chevalier sans peur et 
 sans reproche, after that he had won the first fort, and had been so 
 grievously wounded that he was constrained, to his great regret, to 
 remain behind with two of his archers. When they saw the citadel was 
 taken, at the first house they c^me to they unhinged a door, upon which 
 they laid him. Then, as gently as they could, with whatever help they 
 found, they bore him into a house, the most notable they saw in that 
 quarter. It was the dwelling of a very wealthy gentleman ; but he had 
 fled to a monastery, while his wife remained in the house under the 
 safeguard of Our Lord, together with two fair daughters that she had, 
 who were concealed in a loft under some hay. 
 
 When the men knocked at the door, as one confidently awaiting the 
 mercy of God she cometh to open it. She saw the good Chevalier, 
 whom his men were carrying, so grievously wounded, and who straight- 
 way ordered the bolts to be closed and set two archers at the door, to 
 whom he said, " On your life keep ward that no man enter herein, save 
 of my own people. I am confident that when it is known that this is 
 my abode, no one will attempt to enter. And although, in order to 
 help me, I cause you to lose some gain, do not be troubled ; you shall 
 lose nothing thereby." 
 
 The archers did his bidding, and he was carried into a very fine 
 chamber, to which the lady of the house herself conducted him, and then 
 throwing herself on her knees, she spake in this manner, interpreting 
 her language in French, " Noble lord, I present to you this house and 
 all that is therein, for I know well that it is yours, by the right of war. 
 But may it be your pleasure to save my honour and my life, and also 
 that of two young daughters that my husband and I have, and who 
 are of age to marry." 
 
 The good Chevalier, who never had a thought of wickedness, said to 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 295 
 
 her, Madam, I know not if I shall be able to escape from the wound 
 that I have ; but, so long as I shall live, neither to you nor to your 
 daughters shall any offence be done, any more than to my own person. 
 Only keep them safe in your chambers, so that they be not seen, and 
 I assure you there is not a man in my house who would thrust himself 
 into a place where you would not have him ; and, moreover, I assure 
 you that you have here a gentleman who will not plunder you in the 
 least, but I will do you all the courtesy that I can." 
 
 When the good lady heard him speak so virtuously, she was alto- 
 gether assured. Afterwards he prayed her to send word to some good 
 surgeon, one who could come speedily and dress him ; which she did, 
 and went herself to seek him with one of the archers, for it was only 
 two houses distant from her own. On his arrival he inspected the 
 wound of the good Chevalier, which was large and deep ; nevertheless 
 he assured him there was no danger of death. On the second dressing, 
 the surgeon of the Duke of Nemours, called Master Claude, came to 
 see him, and thenceforth he dressed it, and therein did his duty right 
 well, in such sort that in less than a month he was ready to mount 
 his horse.^ 
 
 The good Chevalier, when bound up, asked his hostess where her 
 husband was. The poor lady, all in tears, said to him, " On my 
 faith, my lord, I know not if he be dead or alive. I surmise indeed 
 that, if he is living, he will be in a monastery where he has much 
 acquaintance." 
 
 "Have him sought for, lady," said the good Chevalier, "and I will 
 send to fetch him, in order that he may have no harm." 
 
 She made inquiry where he was, and found him ; then he was fetched 
 by the steward of the good Chevalier and two archers, who brought 
 him in safety. On his arrival, the good Chevalier had merry cheer 
 of his host, for he told him that he was in no way to give himself up 
 to melancholy, and that he was but lodging some of his friends. 
 
 ^ Champier, as a physician, gives more circumstantial details of the treatment. Bayard, 
 who already had at hand his barber " to dress his bandages," and his surgeon " of great 
 skill," in addition asked for the best in the town. " Then came a surgeon, old and very 
 learned. The hose was torn and laid open. The iron and the end of the pike were still 
 inside. The noble Bayard said to the surgeons, * Draw out this iron.' The Brescian, 
 who shook with fear, made answer : ' Lord, I have great fear lest in drawing out the iron 
 you swoon.' * I will not do so,' said Bayard ; ' ere this I have known what it is to draw 
 an iron point from human flesh. Pull boldly ! ' Then the two masters drew out the iron, 
 which was very deep in the thigh, whereby the noble knight suffered an exceeding pain. 
 But when he wa-e told that there was not an artery or a large vein hurt, he was full of 
 joy." 
 
296 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 After the fair and glorious capture of the town of Brescia by the 
 French, and after the fury was past, the victorious Duke of Nemours, 
 who was not the effigy of the god Mars, but the god himself, went to 
 his quarters. Before drinking or eating, he assembled his council, at 
 which all the captains were present, in order to direct what was neces- 
 sary to be done. In the first place he sent and hunted out all sorts of 
 soldiers who were in the convents and churches. Then he caused the 
 ladies to return to their houses, with their husbands if these were not 
 prisoners, and little by little he reassured them. It was expedient 
 speedily to empty the dead bodies out of the town, for fear of infection, 
 and they found upwards of twenty-two thousand thereof. He gave the 
 offices that were vacant to men whom he thought able to perform them 
 well. He brought to trial the Count Louis Avogador, who had been 
 the cause of the treason for the recapture of Brescia. He was 
 beheaded, and was afterwards quartered, along with two others of his 
 faction, of whom the one was called Tomaso del Duque, and the other 
 Geronimo di Ripa. 
 
 For seven or eight days was the noble Duke of Nemours at Brescia, 
 and once a day at the least he visited the good Chevalier, whom he 
 comforted to the best of his power. And often he said to him : " Ah ! 
 my dear Lord of Bayard, give heed to your cure, for I know well that 
 we must give battle to the Spanish between now and a month hence. 
 And if it should be so, I would wish rather to have lost all my good 
 worth, than that you should not have been there, so great trust have I 
 in you." 
 
 The good Chevalier answered, " Believe me, my lord, that if it be so 
 that a battle shall take place, as well for the service of the King my 
 master as for love of you, and for my honour, which goes before all, I 
 would rather have myself borne there in a litter than not be present." 
 
 The Duke of Nemours gave him many presents, according to his 
 power, and one day he sent him five hundred crowns, which the good 
 Chevalier gave to the two archers who had remained with him when he 
 was wounded. 
 
 When the King of France, Louis the Twelfth, was informed of the 
 taking of Brescia, and of the noble victory of his nephew, you may 
 believe he was exceeding glad. Nevertheless, he knew well enough 
 that while these Spanish should be prowling round about Lombardy, his 
 state of Milan would never be safe. On this matter he wrote every 
 day to his said nephew, the noble Duke of Nemours, praying him 
 as affi^ctionately as was possible to abandon the war in Lombardy 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 297 
 
 to him, and to devote his toil to driving away the Spanish. For 
 it burdened him to sustain the expense it was necessary to incur for 
 the foot-men that he had ; and he could endure it no longer without 
 pressing too hard upon his people, which was the thing in the world 
 that he did with most regret. More- 
 over, he wrote, he knew well that the 
 King of England was brewing a 
 mess^ for him with a view to make 
 a descent upon France, and the 
 Swiss were doing likewise ; and if 
 that happened, he should need to 
 summon to his own aid some of his 
 men of war that he had in Italy. 
 In fine, of all his letters the burden 
 was to give battle to the Spanish, 
 or to drive them so far from his 
 bounds that they would return no 
 more. 
 
 The said Duke of Nemours had so 
 great love for the King his uncle, 
 that his desire in all things was to 
 forbear to anger him. Moreover, he 
 knew for certain that these letters 
 did not come to him without great 
 reason. He fully determined of his 
 own accord to accomplish the com- 
 mand that had been laid upon him, 
 touching the putting end to the war. 
 He assembled all his captains, both 
 of horse and foot, and by easy 
 stages marched straight to Bologna, 
 near to which place the Duke of 
 Ferrara arrived in his camp, and 
 to him he gave the vanguard to 
 
 lead, along with the Lord of La Palisse. Thus he advanced until he 
 found the army of the King of Spain and the Pope at fifteen miles 
 from Bologna, at a place called Castel San Pietro. It was one of the 
 finest armies, and the best equipped, considering the number they were, 
 
 A Spanish Sword-hilt. 
 
 ^ Lui brassait un brouet ; was concocting some plot. 
 
298 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 that has ever been seen. Don Ramon de Cardone, Viceroy of Naples, 
 was the chief captain thereof, and he had in his company twelve or 
 fourteen hundred men-at-arms, of whom eight hundred had their horses 
 barded. This was in or and azure alone, and they were the best 
 mounted men of war in respect of coursers and Spanish steeds that 
 could be seen. Moreover, for two years had they done nothing but 
 
 Italian Light-horseman. 
 PVom a Print of the Sixteenth Cenlury. 
 
 range over this Romagna, which is a fine and flat country, and where 
 they found their provisions at will. There were twelve thousand foot- 
 men alone ; two thousand Italians under the command of a Captain 
 Ramasso, and ten thousand Spanish, Biscayans and Navarrese, whom 
 the Count Pedro Navarro led ; and he was captain-general of the whole 
 body of foot-men.^ He had formerly led his men into Barbary, against 
 
 ^ He was among the prisoners taken on the day of battle. Disgusted that the King of 
 Spain would not pay his ransom, he straightway passed into the service of France. He 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 299 
 
 the Moors, and with them had gained two or three battles. In short, 
 they were all men hardened to war, and of marvellous experience in 
 arms. 
 
 When the noble Duke of Nemours had drawn near to them, the 
 Spanish began continually to retreat along the side of the mountain, while 
 the French held the plain. They were for full three weeks or a month 
 at a distance of six or seven miles from each other, but the Spanish ever 
 wisely encamped in a strong place. They often skirmished together, in 
 such sort that prisoners were taken on one side or the other almost every 
 day. Thus it was that all the French prisoners reported that it was a 
 splendid sight to see the army of the Spanish. Nevertheless, the noble 
 Duke of Nemours and all his captains and men of war desired nothing 
 else than to fight them, if they could only catch them in a place 
 whither one could advance. But such cunning had they that they 
 always kept themselves in a strong position, and even on the day 
 of the battle of Ravenna it was necessary to seek them out, as you 
 will hear. 
 
 But in the first place I will tell how the good Chevalier sans peur et 
 sans reproche departed from Brescia to go after the Duke of Nemours, 
 and of the great courtesy he showed to his hostess. 
 
 is celebrated in military history as ihe first to discover how to ensure firing the chambers 
 of a mine. His two campaigns of 1509 and 15 10 in Italy were very honourable. Later 
 he was captured by the Spanish and put to death in the Chateau de I'CEuf, which he had 
 conquered for them in 1503. He had been a sailor before he became an engineer, and 
 his glorious services had earned him the title of Count of Alvetto. 
 
Bayard being dressed by a Surgeon. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 How the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche departed from Brescia to go after the 
 Duke of Nemours and the army of the King of France. Of the great courtesy he did 
 to his hostess on his departure, and how he arrived before the town of Ravenna. 
 
 OR about a month or five weeks was the good 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche sick of his 
 ra*^^^W>B^-|llill wound, in the town of Brescia, without leaving his 
 DIH^^^P^^IP whereof he was exceeding weary. For every 
 
 day he had news from the camp of the French, 
 how they were approaching the Spanish, and were 
 from day to day hoping for the battle, which, to his 
 great regret, would have been given without him. 
 One day he resolved to rise, and he walked about the chamber to 
 discover if he could hold himself up. He found himself a little weak, 
 but the high courage he had did not give him the leisure to dream 
 there long. He sent for the surgeon who then attended him, and said 
 to him, " My friend, I pray you tell me if there is any danger in my 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 301 
 
 taking the road. It seems to me that I am cured, or but little from it, 
 and I give you my word that, in my judgment, further rest might do 
 me more harm than profit, for I fret myself terribly." The serving-men 
 of the good Chevalier had already mentioned to the surgeon the great 
 desire he had to be present at the battle, and that every day he 
 regretted nothing else. Wherefore, knowing this, and also knowing his 
 temperament, he said to him in his own tongue, My lord, your 
 wound is not yet closed ; nevertheless, inside it is entirely healed. Your 
 barber shall see you dressed this time, so that every day, at morning 
 and at evening, he can put on the place a small bandage ^ and a salve 
 for which I will give him the ointment. It will not fret you, and there 
 is no danger, for the main evil of the wound is above, and will not 
 touch the saddle of your horse." 
 
 If any one had given ten thousand crowns to the good Chevalier, he 
 would not have been so pleased. His surgeon was made more than 
 content. And he resolved to set out within two days, giving orders to 
 his men that within that time they should get in order all their 
 accoutrements. 
 
 The lady of his house, who always held herself to be his prisoner 
 together with her husband and children, and that the household goods 
 she had were his (for so had the French treated the other houses, as 
 she knew well), had many imaginings. Considering within herself that 
 if her host desired to treat her and her husband with rigour, he 
 would take from them ten or twelve thousand crowns, for they had an 
 income of two thousand, she resolved to make him some handsome 
 present. She had known him as a man so honest and of so noble 
 a heart, that, in her opinion, he would graciously be satisfied. 
 
 The morning of the day on which, after dinner, the good Chevalier 
 was to depart, his hostess, with one of her serving-men carrying a small 
 box of steel, came into his chamber, where she found that he was 
 reposing in a chair, after having walked about for some time, in order 
 little by little continually to try his leg. 
 
 She threw herself on her knees, but straightway he raised her up, 
 and would never suffer her to speak a word until in the first place she 
 was seated near to him. Then she began her discourse in this manner : 
 My lord, the grace which God shewed me, on the taking of this 
 town, in directing you to this your house, was not less to me than that 
 of having saved the life of my husband, myself, and my two daughters, 
 
 ^ Tente, a lint bandage. Ambroise Pard, however, speaks of " tentes d'or et d'argent a 
 mettre en certaines plaies ; " so it may mean a kind of plate as a protection. 
 
302 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 as well as their honour, which they should hold still more dear. More- 
 over, since you arrived here, there hath not been done to me, nor to 
 the least of my people, a single injury, but all courtesy. And of the 
 goods which your men have found here, they have not taken the value 
 of a quattrino without payment. My lord, I am well aware that my 
 husband, myself, and my children, and all the people of the house, are 
 your prisoners, to treat them and dispose of them at your good 
 pleasure, together with the goods that are herein. But knowing the 
 nobleness of your heart, to which none other can attain, I am come to 
 pray you very humbly that you may be pleased to have pity upon us, 
 in enlarging your accustomed generosity. Here is a small present 
 which we offer you ; will you please to accept it with good will ? " 
 
 Then she took the box which the serving-man held, and opened it 
 before the good Chevalier, who saw it was full of fair ducats. 
 
 The noble Lord, who never in his life valued money, began to 
 laugh, and then said, " Madam, how many ducats are there in this 
 box.?" 
 
 The poor woman was afraid that he was angered to have so few 
 thereof, and said to him, " My lord, there are but two thousand five 
 hundred ducats ; but if you be not content, we will provide more 
 abundantly." 
 
 Then said he, By my faith, madam, though you should give me a 
 hundred thousand crowns, you would not have done me so much good 
 as by the good cheer that I have had here, and by the kind visitation 
 you have made me, and I assure you that in whatever place I find 
 myself, so long as God shall give me life, you will have a gentleman 
 at your command. As for your ducats, I will not have them, though I 
 thank you ; take them back. All my life have I loved men far more 
 than crowns ; and do not in the least think that I do not depart as 
 content with you as if this town had been at your disposition and you 
 had given it to me." 
 
 The good lady was astonished indeed to find herself denied. She fell 
 again to her knees, but the good Chevalier did not leave her there a 
 moment. Then when she was raised up again, she said, "My lord, I 
 shall ever feel the most unhappy woman in the world, if you do not 
 carry away the so small present that I offer you, and which is nothing 
 beside the courtesy which you have done me heretofore, and which you 
 again do now by your great goodness." 
 
 When the good Chevalier saw her so firm, and that she made the 
 i:)resent with so fearless a spirit, he said to her, " Well, then, madam, I 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 accept it for love of you ; but fetch me your two daughters, for I 
 would bid them adieu/' 
 
 The poor woman, who thought herself in paradise because her present 
 had at last been accepted, went to seek her daughters, who were 
 exceedingly handsome, and good and well instructed, and had given 
 much diversion to the good Chevalier during his sickness, because they 
 knew how to sing very w^ell, and to play upon the lute and the spinet, 
 and to work with great skill at the needle. 
 
 They were brought before the good Chevalier, who, while they were 
 dressing themselves, caused the ducats to be divided into three portions, 
 in two a thousand ducats each, and in the other five hundred. When 
 they arrived, they threw themselves upon their knees ; but they were 
 straightway raised again ; then the elder of the two began with these 
 words : " My lord, these two poor maids, to whom you have done so 
 great honour as to defend them from all harm, come to take leave of 
 you with very humble thanks to your lordship for the favour they 
 have received, for which, because they have no other power, they will 
 be holden ever to pray to God for you." 
 
 The good Chevalier, almost in tears at seeing so great sweetness and 
 humility in these two fair damsels, answered, " Ladies, you are doing 
 that which I ought to do, that is, to thank you for the good company 
 you have made me, for which I am greatly beholden and obliged. You 
 know that men of war are not wont to be laden with fair works to 
 present to ladies. For my part, it vexes me exceedingly that I am not 
 better furnished therewith to make you a present according to my 
 obligation. But the lady your mother has given me two thousand five 
 hundred ducats, which you see upon this table ; thereof I give you each 
 a thousand to help you to marry. And for my recompense, you shall, 
 if you please, pray to God for me ; I ask of you nothing further." 
 
 He placed the ducats in their aprons, whether they would or not ; 
 then he addressed himself to his hostess, to whom he said, " Madam, I 
 will take these five hundred ducats for my own profit, to distribute 
 them among the poor convents of ladies who have been plundered, and 
 thereof I give you the charge ; for you will understand better than 
 any other person where the need is. And with that, I take leave 
 of you." 
 
 He touched them all in the hand, after the fashion of Italy, while 
 they fell upon their knees, weeping so plenteously that it seemed as if 
 they were about to be led forth to death. 
 
 The lady cried, " O flower of chivalry, with whom no man can com- 
 
304 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 pare, may the blessed Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, who suffered 
 death and passion for all sinners, reward you for your bounty in this 
 world and in the other." 
 
 After this, they withdrew to their apartments. 
 
 It was now time to dine. The good Chevalier summoned his steward, 
 whom he bade have all ready to mount to horse at noon. The gentle- 
 man of the house, who had already heard from his wife of the great 
 courtesy of his guest, came to his chamber, and, knee to earth, thanked 
 him a hundred thousand times, while he offered him his person and all 
 his goods, of which he told him he could dispose as his own, at his 
 will and pleasure, for which the good Chevalier thanked him and made 
 
 Filagree Necklace. 
 
 him dine with him. Then after dinner he rested but little before he 
 called for the horses, for now it irked him much that he was not with 
 the company so longed for by him, as he had great fear that the battle 
 would take place before he could be there. 
 
 As he left his apartment to mount to horse, the two fair daughters 
 of the house came down and made him each a present that they had 
 worked during his sickness. The one was a pair of pretty and elegant 
 bracelets, made of fine hairs of gold and silver thread, with wonderful 
 neatness ; the other was a purse upon crimson satin, very cunningly 
 embroidered. He thanked them nobly, and said that the gift came 
 from so good a hand that he valued it at ten thousand crowns. Then, 
 
•* FOR MY RECOMPENSE, YOU SHALL PRAY TO GOD FOR ME.'^ 
 
 X 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 307 
 
 to honour them the more, he placed the bracelets on his arms, and put 
 the purse -in his sleeve, assuring them that, so long as the presents should 
 last, he would wear thexH for love of the damsels. 
 
 With these words the good Chevalier mounted to horse, and he was 
 accompanied by his great comrade and perfect friend, the Lord of 
 Aubigny, whom the Duke of Nemours had left to guard the town, and 
 by many other gentlemen, for a distance of two or three miles. Then 
 they said adieu ; one party returned to Brescia, and the others went to 
 the camp of the French, where the good Chevalier arrived on the 
 Wednesday before Easter, the seventh of April, in the evening. There 
 is no need to ask if he was welcomed by the Lord of Nemours, and 
 by all the captains as well. Both men-at-arms and adventurers shewed 
 such joy thereat, that it seemed as if by his arrival the army were 
 strengthened by ten thousand men. 
 
 Upon this evening the army had arrived before Ravenna, and the 
 enemy were six miles away ; but on the following day, which was 
 Holy Thursday, they approached within two miles of each other. 
 
 X 2 
 
The Duke of Nemours assembling his Captains before Ravenna. 
 
 CHAPTER XLL 
 
 How the siege was laid before Ravenna by the noble Duke of Nemours, and how several 
 assaults were made upon the place on Good Friday, wherein the French were 
 repulsed. 
 
 border of the Romagna, in such sort that the adventurers were forced 
 of necessity to eat flesh and cheese. Besides this, there was also a 
 great difficulty, of which neither the Duke of Nemours nor any of his 
 captains was aware, which was that the Emperor had sent word to the 
 captains of lansquenets that upon their lives they were to withdraw 
 
 HEN the noble Duke of Nemours had arrived before 
 Ravenna, he called together all the captains, in order 
 to determine what he was to do, for the camp of 
 the French was beginning to suffer exceedingly for 
 want of provisions, which came in with great diffi- 
 culty. Indeed, there was already a failure of bread 
 and wine, because the Venetians had cut off the supplies 
 on one side, while the army of the Spanish held all the 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 309 
 
 forthwith upon sight of his letter, and that they were not to fight 
 against the Spanish. Now among other German captains there were 
 two of mark. The one was called Philip of Fribourg, and the other 
 Jacob, he who was so gallant a soldier ; and indeed both of them were 
 valiant men and skilled in arms. 
 
 This letter of the Emperor had fallen into the hands of the Captain 
 Jacob. He had visited the King of France in his kingdom, since he 
 had been in his service, and there some present had been given him, so 
 that his heart was wholly French. In like manner this Duke of Nemours 
 had so won over all men, that those whom he had with him would 
 have died at his bidding. 
 
 Among all the French captains there was not one whom the Captain 
 Jacob loved so much as he did the good Chevalier. And this love 
 began from the first expedition of the Emperor before Padua, in the 
 year 1509, when the King of France sent him a support of five or six 
 hundred men-at-arms. When he had seen the letter, and had heard of 
 the arrival of the good Chevalier, he came to visit him at his quarters, 
 bringing his interpreter, for all that he knew of French was, " Bonjour, 
 monseigneur." 
 
 They gave each other a hearty greeting, as reason willed, and because 
 every man seeketh his like, and they talked of many matters, without 
 any one being present to hear them. At last the Captain Jacob made 
 known to the good Chevalier the message the Emperor had sent them, 
 and how he still had the letters, which no one had seen save himself. 
 Moreover, he did not desire to show them to any of his companions, 
 for he knew well that, if their lansquenets were informed thereof, the 
 greater part would refuse to fight and would withdraw ; but for himself, 
 he had taken the oath to the King of France, and received his pay, 
 and, to die a hundred thousand deaths, he would not do this baseness, 
 to wit, refuse to fight ; but they must needs be diligent. 
 
 For it was impossible but that the Emperor would soon send other 
 letters, which might come to the knowledge of his fellow-soldiers, and 
 by that means the French might suffer fatal injury, for the said 
 lansquenets w^ere the third part of their force, considering they were 
 about five thousand. 
 
 The good Chevalier, who knew well the noble heart of the Captain 
 Jacob, praised him exceedingly, and said to him by the mouth of his 
 interpreter, " My dear comrade, never has your heart conceived a base 
 deed. You have told me ere now that in Germany you have no great 
 possessions. Our master is rich and puissant, as well you know, and in 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 one day he can advance you, so that you will be rich and opulent all 
 your life ; for he loveth you greatly, and I know it well. His love, 
 moreover, will increase, when he shall be informed of the honourable 
 service you now do him, and he shall know it, by God's help, even 
 though I should myself tell it him. Look you, now ! my Lord of 
 Nemours, our leader, hath summoned to his quarters all the captains 
 for a council ; let us go there, you and I, and we will reveal to him 
 aside all that you have told me." " 'Tis well advised," said the Captain 
 Jacob; ''let us go there." 
 
 When they reached the quarters of the Duke of Nemours, they joined 
 in the council, which lasted a long time. There were, moreover, divers 
 opinions ; for some did not at all advise fighting, and they had some 
 good reasons, for they said that if they lost this battle, all Italy was 
 lost to the King their master, while of themselves not one would escape, 
 because they had three or four rivers to pass ; that all the world was 
 against them. Pope, King of Spain, Venetians, and Swiss, and that of 
 the Emperor they did not feel too well assured. Wherefore it would 
 be better to temporise than to venture in this manner. 
 
 Others said it was necessary to fight or to die of hunger like knaves 
 and cowards, and that they were now too far advanced to retreat, 
 save in disgrace and disorder. In short, every man spake his opinion 
 therein. 
 
 The good Duke of Nemours, who had already spoken with the good 
 Chevalier and the Captain Jacob, had heard at full length the message 
 sent by the Emperor, and knew well that he was forced to fight, and 
 also that there came not a post by which the King of France his uncle 
 did not urge him to give battle, and that he (the King) was expecting 
 hourly to be assailed in his kingdom from two or three quarters. 
 Nevertheless, he asked again for the opinion of the good Chevalier, who 
 said, " My Lord, you know that I came but at this hour yesterday. I 
 know nothing of the state of the enemy ; the lords my companions 
 have seen them and skirmished with them daily ; so they have better 
 knowledge than I. I have heard some of them commend a battle, and 
 the others disapprove it ; and since it pleaseth you to ask my opinion 
 in the matter, save your reverence and that of my lords who are here 
 present, I will tell it you. That it may be true that all battles are 
 perilous, that is so, and that one ought to look well at matters before 
 coming to this point, that is without doubt. But to take cognisance at 
 present of the state of the enemy and ourselves, it seems, so to speak, 
 difficult for us to depart without battle. The reason is, that you have 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 now made your approaches before this town of Ravenna, which to- 
 morrow morning you intend to batter, and, when the breach is made, 
 to give the assauh. Already are you informed that the Lord Marc 
 Antonio Colonna, who has been inside for eight or ten days past, 
 entered the town under the promise and sworn faith of Don Ramon de 
 Cardone, the Viceroy of Naples, and head of the army of our enemy, 
 of his uncle the Lord Fabricio Colonna, and also of the Count Pedro 
 Navarro and all the captains, that, if he can hold out until to-morrow, 
 or at the latest until Easter-day, they will come to his relief. Now the 
 said enemy prove that clearly, for they are already on the outskirts of 
 our army. 
 
 " On the other side, the longer you wait, in the worse condition shall 
 we become ; for our men have no provisions, and our horses have to 
 live on the buds that the willows are now shooting forth. Moreover, 
 you see the King our master every day doth write unto you to give 
 battle, and saith that not only in your hands reposeth the safety of his 
 duchy of Milan, but also of his whole state of France, in view of the 
 enemies he hath this day. Wherefore, as for me, I am of opinion that 
 we ought to give battle, and to proceed prudently, for we have to do 
 with men of craft and good fighters. That it is full of danger is true ; 
 but one thing tendeth to comfort me. The Spanish have been in this 
 Romagna for a year past, always fed like a fish in the water, and they 
 are fat and corpulent. Our men have had and still have great want of 
 victuals, wherefore they have the longer breath, and we need nought 
 else. For he who shall fight the longest, with him will the field 
 remain." 
 
 Every one began to laugh at his words ; for it came to him so 
 happily to say what he desired, that all men took pleasure therein. 
 The Lords of Lautrec, of La Palisse, the Grand Seneschal of Normandy, 
 the Lord of Crussol, and all or the greater part of the captains, held to 
 the opinion of the good Chevalier, that was, to give battle. And forth- 
 with all the captains of horsemen and of foot were apprised thereof. 
 
 On the morning of the morrow, which was Good Friday, the town of 
 Ravenna was cannonaded very fiercely, in such sort that the enemy, 
 from their camp, clearly heard the sound of the cannon. They resolved, 
 according to the promise they had made, to succour the Lord Marc 
 Antonio Colonna before the close of Easter-day. 
 
 During the cannonade, two gallant French captains, the one the Lord 
 of Espy, master of the artillery, and the other the Lord of Chatillon, 
 Provost of Paris, were wounded by shots of a hackbut, one in the arm, 
 
HisT(3RY OF Bayard. 
 
 the other in the thigh, of which wounds they afterwards died at Ferrara, 
 and that was an exceeding great loss. 
 
 When the breach was made in the town, the men who had been 
 appointed for the assault, and who were two hundred men-at-arms and 
 three thousand foot-men, approached. The rest of the army set itself 
 in fair and splendid order for battle ; which indeed they awaited with 
 longing. For a thousand years there had not been men more resolute 
 than they were, and from their behaviour it seemed as if they were 
 going to a marriage-feast. They kept escort, for three or four long 
 hours, for their men appointed for the attack, who delivered against the 
 town sundry severe assaults. Therein the Viscount of Etoges, then 
 lieutenant of Messer Robert de La Marck, and the Lord Frederick of 
 Bozzolo, did their duty exceedingly well ; for many times they were 
 thrown from the top of the ditch to the bottom. 
 
 If the assailants did their duty well, they of the town did not hold 
 back ; and there in person was the Lord Marc Antonio Colonna, who 
 said to his men, " My lords, hold fast ! We shall be relieved within 
 to-morrow or Sunday, I assure you thereof upon my honour. The breach 
 is very small ; if we are taken, it will turn to our great dishonour, and, 
 moreover, it is all over with us." 
 
 So well did this Lord Marc Antonio cheer them, that their courage 
 waxed more and more, and, to tell the truth too, the breach was not 
 very practicable. 
 
 When the French had delivered five or six assaults, and saw that 
 they would not carry the town in that way, they sounded the retreat. 
 And therein did God aid them well, for, if they had taken the town, 
 never would the adventurers have withdrawn from it, by reason of the 
 pillage, which would perchance have been the cause of their losing the 
 battle. 
 
 When the Duke of Nemours knew that his men were retreating from 
 the assault, he made his army retreat likewise for the evening, in order 
 to rest them ; for from hour to hour was the fight expected, their 
 enemy being two miles or thereabouts from them. 
 
 In the evening, after supper, many captains were at the quarters of 
 the Duke of Nemours, discoursing of sundry matters, and among others 
 the battle. The said Duke of Nemours addressed his speech to the 
 good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, and said to him, "My Lord 
 of Bayard, before your coming, the Spanish continually inquired from 
 our men whom they had taken prisoners, if you were not in this camp, 
 and from what I have understood therein, they set great value upon 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 your person. Now I venture the opinion, if it seem good to you (for 
 now from long past you know their manner of action), that to-morrow at 
 morning they should be skirmished somewhat by you, in such sort that 
 you force them to form their array and you may see their mien." 
 
 The good Chevalier, who demanded nothing better, answered, " My 
 lord, I promise you my faith that, with the help of God, before it be 
 noon to-morrow I will view them so closely that I will bring you back 
 some news of them." 
 
 There was present there the Baron of Beam, lieutenant of the Duke 
 of Nemours, who was an adventurous knight, and always ready for the 
 skirmish. He thought to himself that the good Chevalier would be 
 risen early indeed, if he raised the skirmish sooner than he himself; and 
 he called together some of his most privy friends, to whom he revealed 
 his desire, in order that they might hold themselves ready at point of 
 day. You shall hear what came of it. 
 
 Captain of Lansquenets. 
 
Cannoneer laying a Piece. From an unpublished Drawing of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 Of a marvellous skirmish which took place between the French and the Spanish the day 
 before the battle of Ravenna, wherein the good Chevalier did wondrous feats. 
 
 CCORDING to the pi'omise which the good Chevalier had 
 made to the Duke of Nemours, on his arrival at his 
 quarters, he summoned his lieutenant, the Captain Pierre- 
 point, his ensign, his guidon, and several others of the 
 company, to whom he said, My lords, I have promised 
 my lord to go to-morrow and view the enemy, and to 
 bring him news of them according to the truth. We must 
 advise how we shall act in order that Vv'e may have 
 honour therein. I am resolved to take all the company to-morrow, to 
 display the ensigns of my Lord of Lorraine, which have not yet been 
 seen ; I hope that they will bring us good fortune ; for they will make 
 more cheer than the cornets.^ You, Bastard Du Fay," said he to his 
 
 ^ That is, being larger they will make a better show. The cornet was, as the name 
 implies, a small flag cut to the shape of a horn, that is, pointed ; while the ensign was a 
 square flag, more decorated and much larger ; indeed the name for a long time remained 
 in use in the cloth trade as the equivalent of three ells. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 315 
 
 guidon, "will take fifty archers and cross the canal below the artillery 
 of the Spanish, and will advance to raise the alarm in their camp, as 
 far forward as you can. And when you see it is time for you to retire 
 without risking anything, you will do so until you find the Captain 
 Pierrepont, who will be at your heels with thirty men-at-arms and the 
 rest of the archers. And if you are both pressed hard, I shall be 
 behind you with all the remainder of the company to succour you. 
 And if the affair is conducted as I intend it, I assure you, on my faith, 
 that we shall have honour therein." 
 
 Every man well understood what he had to do, for not only the 
 captains of the company [were worthy to command], but there was not 
 a man-at-arms therein who did not well deserve to have a charge [of 
 men-at-arms] under him. They all betook themselves to rest, until they 
 heard the trumpet which roused them at break of day, when each man 
 armed himself and got into order, as if to carry out such enterprise as 
 they had conceived. The ensigns of the noble Duke of Lorraine were 
 displayed and shaken to the wind, a sight right fair to see, 
 and which rejoiced the hearts of the gentlemen of the company, who 
 began to march, as had been appointed the evening preceding, in three 
 bands, at three bow-casts from one another. 
 
 The good Chevalier knew nothing of the enterprise of the Baron of 
 Beam, who had already taken the field, and had raised a hot alarm in 
 the camp of the enemy, so much that he had almost brought them all 
 to arms. And therein the said Baron performed his devoir right well ; 
 but at last on the side of the enemy they discharged two or three 
 cannon-shot into his troop, by one of which the right arm of an ex- 
 ceeding gallant gentleman, called Bazillac, was carried away, and by 
 another was slain the horse of the Lord of Bersac, a gallant man-at- 
 arms, both of them being of the company of the Duke of Nemours, 
 who was sorely vexed at the mishap of Bazillac, for he greatly 
 loved him. 
 
 After these artillery-shots, a hundred or a hundred and twenty men- 
 at-arms, Spanish and Neapolitan, all in one mass, came charging upon 
 the Baron, who was constrained to recoil a pace, proceeding from a 
 walk to a trot and from the trot to the gallop, so that the first-comers 
 came and cast themselves upon the Bastard Du Fay, who thereupon 
 stopped his march, and sent word thereof to the good Chevalier, and 
 the latter bade him forthwith join the troop of the Captain Pierrepont, 
 while he himself advanced until he had brought all his company 
 together. He saw the Baron of Bearn and his men retreat all but dis- 
 
3i6 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 comfited, while the Spanish and Neapolitans pursued them boldly and 
 fiercely, and re-passed the canal after the Baron. 
 
 When the good Chevalier beheld them upon his side, he would not 
 have taken a hundred thousand crowns for it He began to shout, 
 " Forward, companions ! Let us help our men ! " And to those who 
 were flying he said, " Stay, stay, men-at-arms ! You have good 
 support." 
 
 He gallantly threw himself the first upon a troop of the enemy, of a 
 hundred or a hundred and twenty men-at-arms ; he was greatly loved 
 and was well followed. At the first charge five or six were borne to 
 earth : nevertheless the others set themselves upon their defence right 
 gallantly ; but in the end they turned their backs and set off at full 
 gallop straight for the canal, which they re-passed at great speed. 
 
 The alarm had already reached their camp, so that all were in battle- 
 array, both footmen and horsemen. Notwithstanding this, the good 
 Chevalier drove them on, thrashing and pursuing them far into their 
 said camp, where he and the men of his company did marvels of arms ; 
 for they threw down tents and pavilions, and beat to earth whatever 
 they met. 
 
 The good Chevalier, who always had an eye upon the wood,^ became 
 aware of two or three hundred men-at-arms, who were coming at full 
 trot in the close order of men-of-war. He said to the Captain Pierre- 
 pont, " Let us retreat, for hither cometh too great a force." 
 
 The trumpet sounded the retreat, which was made without losing a 
 man, and they re-passed the canal, marching straight for their camp. 
 When the Spanish saw that they had re-passed and that it was labour 
 lost to pursue, they returned. However, five or six came over and de- 
 manded to break a lance ; but the good Chevalier would never allow a 
 man to turn back, although many of his companions asked often enough 
 to do so. But he feared that thereby a fresh skirmish would arise, and 
 his men had toiled enough for that day. 
 
 The good Duke of Nemours was already informed how all the affair 
 had gone, before the good Chevalier arrived. When he perceived him, 
 although he was exceeding grieved at the misadventure of Bazillac, he 
 came and embraced him, and said to him, " It is you and those like 
 you, my dear Lord of Bayard, who ought to go to skirmishes, for right 
 wisely you know how to go and how to retreat." 
 
 All those who were in this stubborn skirmish said that never had 
 
 ^ Qui avait toujours I'aeil au bois. Proverbial. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 317 
 
 they seen a man do such feats, or who better understood war, than 
 the good Chevalier. On the morrow there was one far more fierce and 
 bloody, and of which both French and Spanish cursed the day all 
 their life. 
 
 The Trumpet sounded the Retreat. 
 
Meeting of the Dul<e of Nemours and Do" Pedro de Paz. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 Of the bloody and fierce battle of Ravenna, wherein the Spanish and Neapolitans were 
 discomfited, and of the death of the noble Duke of Nemours. 
 
 N the return from this hot skirmish made by the good 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, and after dinner, 
 all the captains, as well of horse as of foot, were 
 assembled at the quarters of the virtuous Duke of 
 Nemours, the prince of chivalry above all ^ who had 
 been for two thousand years ; for you will nowhere 
 read in chronicle or history of any emperor, king, 
 prince, or other lord, who in so short a time hath done so many 
 glorious deeds as he. But cruel death seized him at the age of twenty- 
 four years, which was a humiliation and damage irreparable to all 
 nobility. 
 
 Now, when the captains were assembled, the noble Duke of Nemours 
 began his speech, and said unto them : My lords, you see the country 
 
 ^ Le passe-preux de tous ceux qui, etc. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 wherein we lie, and how provisions fail us. And the longer we remain 
 in this state, the more shall we pine. This great town of Ravenna doth 
 beard us on one side ; the enemy are at a cannon-shot from us ; the 
 Venetians and Swiss, according as the Lord Jean- Jacques doth write unto 
 me, make a show to descend upon the duchy of Milan, where you 
 know we have left no men, save very few. Moreover, the King, my 
 uncle, presseth me daily to give battle, and I believe he would urge 
 me still more, if he knew how we are pressed for provisions. Where- 
 fore, having regard to all these things, it seemeth to me that, for the 
 advantage of our master and our own, we ought no longer to make 
 delay. But, with the aid of God, who can do all, let us seek out our 
 enemy. If fortune favour us, we will therefore praise and thank Him ; 
 if she be against us. His will be done. For my part and in my desire, 
 you can well believe that I desire the gain to be ours, but I would 
 rather die on the field than that it should be lost. And if God will so 
 far to forget me that I lose the battle, the enemy wall be dastards 
 indeed if they leave me alive, for I will give them no occasion so to 
 do. I have assembled you all here in order to take a decision thereon." 
 
 The Lord of La Palisse said that there was nought more certain than 
 that they must give battle, and they would be the sooner freed from 
 peril. Of the same opinion were the Lord of Lautrec, the Grand 
 Seneschal of Normandy, the Master of the Horse of France, the Lord of 
 Crussol, the Captain Louis d'Ars, and many others, and they determined 
 that on the morrow, which was Easter-day, they would go and seek 
 out their foes. 
 
 A bridge of boats was built over a small canal that lay between the 
 two armies to pass over the artillery and the infantry ; for as for the 
 horsemen, they passed the canal at their ease, because ways had been 
 made on the two banks. 
 
 The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche said, in the presence 
 of all the company, that it would be well to appoint the order of battle 
 forthwith, so that each man might know where he ought to be; and 
 that he had heard from many of the prisoners who had been in the 
 camp of the Spanish, that they made but one troop of all their footmen 
 and two of their horsemen, and upon that fashion must they themselves 
 be ranged. 
 
 The most eminent of the company said that it was right well spoken, 
 and they ought to give the word forthwith. And so it was done in 
 this sort, namely, that the lansquenets and footmen of the Captains 
 Molart, Bonnet, Maugiron, Baron of Grandmont, Bardassan, and other 
 
320 History of Bayard. 
 
 captains, to the number of ten thousand men, should march all in one 
 body, with the two thousand Gascons of the Captain Odet and the 
 younger Duras upon their flank. These were to go all together and 
 lodge themselves at a cannon-shot from the enemy, and in front of them 
 should the artillery be placed. Then they should fire with the cannon 
 one against the other, upon whomsoever should first issue from his fort ; 
 for the Spanish always lodged themselves in a place of vantage, as you 
 will see well. 
 
 Adjoining the footmen should come the Duke of Kerrara, and the 
 Lord of La Palisse, leaders of the van-guard, with their companions, and 
 along with them the gentlemen, under the Grand Seneschal of 
 Normandy, the Master of the Horse, the Lord of Imbercourt, La Crotte 
 the Lord Theodore of Trivulce, and other captains, to the number of 
 eight hundred men-at-arms. Then a little above, and face to face with 
 them, there would be the Duke of Nemours, with his company, the Lord 
 of Lautrec, his cousin, who did wondrous feats that day, the Lord of 
 Alegre, the Captain Louis d'Ars, the good Chevalier and others, to the 
 number of from four to five hundred men-at-arms. Meanwhile the 
 Italian foot-soldiers, of whom there were four thousand or thereabouts, 
 under the charge of two brothers, gentlemen of Plaisance, the Counts 
 Nicholas and Francis Scot, of the Marquis Malaspina and other Italian 
 captains, were to remain on this side of the canal, in order to give 
 protection to the baggage, for fear lest the garrison of Ravenna should 
 sally forth. And they appointed chief of all the guidons,^ the Bastard Du 
 Fay, who was to pass the bridge and give good heed to the charge 
 appointed him. 
 
 Matters being thus ordered, and the following morning having arrived, 
 the lansquenets began first to pass over. Seeing which, the noble Lord 
 of Molart said to his clowns : " How now, comrades ! Shall we suffer 
 the reproach that the lansquenets are passed to the bank of the enemy 
 sooner than we ? For my part, I would rather have lost an eye." 
 
 As the lansquenets occupied the bridge, he began, all booted and 
 clothed, to wade through the water, and his men after him. And you 
 must know that the water was not so very shallow ; however they made 
 such good speed that they were on the other side sooner than the said 
 lansquenets. This done, all the artillery was passed over and placed in 
 front of the said foot-soldiers, who soon set themselves in order. After 
 
 ^ The guidon was a subaltern officer who carried a lance with a banderol, which he 
 used to mark the line for his company. Du Fay, therefore, had to post all the guidons so 
 as to mark out the line of battle. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 321 
 
 this, the van-guard of the men-at-arms crossed, and then the main 
 array. Meanwhile I must relate you an incident. 
 
 The noble Duke of Nemours left his quarters in good time, armed at 
 all points, except the helmet. He had a very rich embroidered coat, 
 with the arms of Navarre and Foix, but it was exceeding heavy. As 
 he issued from his said quarters, he looked upon the sun, which was 
 now risen and was very red. He began to say to the company around 
 him, " Look, my lords, how red the sun is ! " 
 
 There was present a gentleman whom he loved exceedingly, a very 
 brave soldier, who was called Haubourdin, and he answered him : 
 " Know you, my lord, what that doth mean There will die to-day 
 some prince or great captain ; it must be you or the Viceroy." 
 
 The Duke of Nemours began to laugh at these words, for he took in 
 jest all the sayings of the said Haubourdin. He went as far as the 
 bridge to see the passage accomplished by his army, which showed 
 marvellous diligence. Meanwhile the good Chevalier sought him out 
 and said to him, " My lord, let us go along this canal and divert 
 ourselves awhile until they have all passed." 
 
 To which the Duke of Nemours agreed, and he took in his company 
 the Lord of Lautrec, the Lord of Alegre, and several others, to the 
 number of twenty horse. In the camp of the Spanish the tumult was 
 great, as of men who expected to have the battle that day ; and they 
 were setting themselves in order as if to receive their mortal enemies. 
 The Duke of Nemours, while he thus took his pleasure, began to say 
 to the good Chevalier : " My Lord of Bayard, we make a right good 
 butt here. If there were any hackbutters concealed on the farther side, 
 they could harry us at their ease." 
 
 Even as he spake, they became aware of a troop of twenty or thirty 
 Spanish gentlemen, among whom was the Captain Pedro de Paz, head 
 of all their light-horse. The said gentlemen were all mounted. 
 
 The good Chevalier advanced twenty or thirty paces, and saluted 
 them as he said, " My lords, you take your pleasure as we do ours, 
 awaiting the beginning of the noble game. I pray you let no hackbuts 
 be discharged from your side, and no one shall shoot at you from ours." 
 
 The Captain Pedro de Paz asked him who he was, and he named 
 himself by his name. When he heard that it was the Captain Bayard, 
 who had gained so great renown in the kingdom of Naples, he was 
 exceeding glad, and said to him in his own tongue, " On my faith, my 
 Lord of Bayard, although I am fully assured that we have gained 
 nothing by your arrival, but on the contrary I hold your camp to be 
 
 Y 
 
322 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 thereby strengthened by two thousand men, I am well pleased to see 
 you. And would to God there were good peace between your master 
 and mine, in order that we could converse a while together ; for all 
 the days of my life have I loved you for your great prowess." 
 
 The good Chevalier, who was so courteous that no man surpassed 
 him, gave him back double change. Pedro de Paz saw that every one 
 paid honour to the Duke of Nemours ; so he asked, Lord of Bayard, 
 who is this lord so high in rank, to whom your folk give so much 
 honour " 
 
 The good Chevalier answered him, " It is our leader, the Duke of 
 Nemours, nephew of our Prince and brother to your Queen." 
 
 Hardly had he ended his sentence when the Captain Pedro de Paz 
 and all those who were with him leapt to earth, and addressing their 
 words to the noble prince, began to say, " Lord, save the honour and 
 service of the King our master, we declare to you that we are and will 
 be and remain for ever your servants." 
 
 The Duke of Nemours, in manner full of courtesy, thanked them, and 
 then said to them, " My lords, I see well that within this day we shall 
 know with whom the field will remain, with you or with us. But hardly will 
 this affair unravel without great effusion of blood. If your Viceroy were 
 willing to decide this difference by his person against mine, I would 
 make sure that all my friends and companions who are with me will 
 consent. And if I be vanquished, they will return into the duchy of 
 Milan, and leave you at peace on this side. In like manner, if he be 
 vanquished, do all of you return to the kingdom of Naples." 
 
 When he had ended his speech, answer was straightway made him 
 by one called the Marquis of La Padula : " Lord, I believe that your 
 noble heart would make you willingly do that which you say ; but in 
 my opinion our Viceroy will not have such confidence in his person that 
 he would accept your proposition." 
 
 " Well, then, adieu, my lords," said the noble prince ; " I am about 
 to pass over the water, and I promise God not to repass it alive until 
 the field be yours or ours." 
 
 Thus the Duke of Nemours separated from the Spanish. 
 
 The enemy were clearly seen, as they went to and fro and set them- 
 selves in array ; in like manner their van-guard of horsemen, of whom 
 the ,Lord Fabricio Colonna was leader, shewed themselves in full view 
 and in no wise concealed. The Lord of Alegre and the good Chevalier 
 spake thereon to the Duke of Nemours, and said to him, " My lord, 
 see you well this troop of horsemen } " 
 
GASTON DE FOIX, DUKE OF NEMOURS. 
 
 After Giorgione. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 325 
 
 "Yes," said he, "they are in clear view." 
 
 " By my faith," said the Lord of Alegre, " if a man were to bring 
 here but two pieces of artillery, he would do them a wondrous hurt." 
 
 That was right well approved ; so he himself went, and caused a 
 cannon and a long culverin to be brought. The Spanish had already 
 begun to draw from their camp, which was exceeding strong, for they 
 had a good ditch in front of them. Behind them were all their foot-men, 
 lying upon their bellies for fear of fhe artillery of the French. In front 
 of them was all their artillery, in number twenty pieces, as well cannon 
 as long culverins, and about two hundred hackbuts on rests. Moreover 
 between every two hackbuts they had, set upon small wheeled carts, 
 huge pieces of iron pointed and edged like a reaping-hook to roll among 
 the foot-men when they sought to come among them. Upon their wing 
 was their van-guard, which the Lord Fabricio Colonna led, and wherein 
 there were about eight hundred men-at-arms. Then a little higher was 
 the main array, wherein were more than four hundred men-at-arms, 
 whom the Viceroy, Don Ramon de Cardone, led ; while adjoining hmi 
 there were but two thousand Italians, led by Ramasso. But as for the 
 gendarmerie, one has never heard speak of any better ordered or better 
 mounted. 
 
 The Duke of Nemours, when he had passed the river, commanded 
 every one to advance. The Spanish shot into the body of French foot 
 as at a butt, and, before they came to fighting, slew more than two 
 thousand of them. They killed also two famous men-at-arms, one called 
 Jasses and the other Lherisson. There fell also at the same time, by 
 the same cannon-shot, those two valiant captains, the Lord of Molart 
 and Philip of Fribourg, which was a terrible loss and great disadvantage 
 to the French, for they were two eminent and beloved captains ; above 
 all the Lord of Molart, for all his men would have died for him. 
 
 It must be understood that, notwithstanding all the artillery discharged 
 by the Spanish, the French were continually advancing. 
 
 The two pieces which the Lord of Alegre and the good Chevalier had 
 made return to this side of the canal, were discharged incessantly upon 
 the troop of the Lord Fabricio, and wrought him damage beyond belief; 
 for he had three hundred men-at-arms killed. And he said afterwards, 
 when he was a prisoner at Ferrara, that by one cannon-shot he had had 
 thirty-three men-at-arms carried off. 
 
 This vexed the Spanish greatly, for they saw themselves slain, and 
 knew not by whom. But the Captain Pedro Navarro in their council 
 had so certainly thus determined, that it was ordered that they should 
 
326 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 not issue at all from the fort, until the French had come to assail 
 them therein, and that they (the French) would fall back of their own 
 accord. There was nothing so true ; but it was no longer possible 
 for the Lord Fabricio to hold his men, who said in their own tongue : 
 " By God's body ! we are slain from heaven ; let us go and fight 
 the men." ^ Then to avoid the artillery-shots, they began to issue from 
 their fort and to enter upon a fair plain in order to fight. They did 
 not take their way straight for the van-guard, but they marked the main 
 array where that virtuous prince, the Duke of Nemours, was with a small 
 troop of gendarmerie, and they went in that direction. 
 
 The French of the main body, rejoiced to have the first conflict, 
 lowered visors, and with fearless courage marched straight upon their 
 foes, who divided into two troops, in order by this means to surround 
 this small array. The good Chevalier clearly perceived this artifice, and 
 said to the Duke of Nemours : " My lord, let us divide into two 
 parties, until we have passed the ditch, for they seek to surround us." 
 
 That was straightway done and they separated. The Spanish, as they 
 charged, raised an uproar and terrible shout of " Spain, Spain ! Sant I ago ! 
 Slay the horses, slay the horses ! " 
 
 Furiously they came on, but more furiously were they received by the 
 French, who also shouted France, France ! The horses, the horses ! " For 
 the Spanish tried nought else, save, upon the first attack, to kill the 
 horses, inasmuch as they have a proverb which saith, " If the steed be 
 slain, the knight is lost." ^ 
 
 Since God created heaven and earth, there has not been seen a more 
 bloody or stubborn onset than that which the French and Spanish 
 delivered against each other. More than a full half hour this conflict 
 lasted. Face to face with each other they rested to regain their breath ; 
 then they lowered their visors, and began again most nobly, shouting 
 " France " and " Spain," with the utmost vehemence in the world. 
 
 The Spanish were a half more in number than the French. So the 
 Lord of Alegre ran straight to his van-guard, and from a distance called 
 to the band of Messer Robert de La March, who carried a device of 
 white and black. To them he shouted, " Advance, white and black, 
 advance ! And you also, archers of the guard ! " 
 
 The Duke of Ferrara and the Lord of La Palisse thought indeed that 
 without great need the Lord of Alegre had not come to fetch them. 
 They forthwith left their position, and, at full speed, came to the 
 
 ^ " Cuerpo de Dios ! Somos matados del cielo ; vamos combater los hombrcs." 
 - Muerto el caballo, perdido Pel hombre d'armes. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 succour of the Duke of Nemours and his band, who, although they 
 were few in number, were ever Httle by Httle driving back the Spanish. 
 
 Armour of a Captain of Lansquenets. 
 
 On the arrival of this fresh band, there arose a terrible tumult, for 
 the Spanish were eagerly assailed. 
 
328 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The archers of the guard carried small axes, which they used to build 
 their huts, and which were hung at their horses' saddle-bow. They set 
 these to work and dealt hard and fierce blows upon the head-pieces of 
 these Spanish, which wondrously dismayed them. 
 
 Never was so furious a combat seen ; but at last the Spanish were 
 forced to abandon the field, on which, and between the two ditches, 
 three or four hundred men-at-arms were slain. Some princes of the 
 kingdom of Naples, whose lives were spared, were taken prisoners. 
 Every one desired to begin the pursuit ; but the good Chevalier sans 
 peur et sans reproche said to the valiant Duke of Nemours, who was all 
 covered with blood and brains from one of his men-at-arms who had 
 been slain by a shot from a piece of artillery, " My lord, are you 
 wounded } " 
 
 " No, thank God ! " said he ; " but I have well wounded others." 
 
 " Then God be praised," said the good Chevalier ; " you have gained 
 the battle, and remain to-day the most honoured prince in the world. 
 But go no farther forward, and call your gendarmerie together to this 
 place. Let no man yet take to pillage, for it is not time. The Captain 
 Louis d'Ars and I will go after these fugitives, in order that they may 
 not retreat behind their foot-men. And for the sake of a living man, do 
 not depart hence until the said Captain d'Ars and I come and summon 
 you." 
 
 He promised so to do ; but he held not thereto, wherefore evil befell him. 
 
 You have heard how the foot-men of the Spanish were lying on their 
 bellies in a fort right well built and dangerous to assault, because they 
 could not be seen. Order was given that the two thousand Gascons 
 should go the flank and discharge their bolts, which would cause the 
 enemy to get up. Now the French foot-soldiers were not two pikes' 
 lengths off ; but the fort was too difficult, for not seeing their enemy, 
 they knew not where they should try to enter. The Captain Odet and 
 the younger Duras said that they were all ready to go and make the 
 Spanish show themselves, but that they ought to have some pikemen 
 lent them, in order that, after their men had shot, they might have 
 support in case any ensigns ^ should make a sally upon them. That 
 was reasonable ; so there went with them the Lord of Moncavre, who 
 had a thousand Picards. The Gascons shot their bolts with skill, and 
 wounded many Spanish, who were little pleased thereat, as they showed, 
 for all on a sudden they rose to their feet in excellent order of battle, 
 
 ^ That is here the troop belonging to an ensign, the name being applied to the flag, to 
 the officer who bore it, and to the men who followed him. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 329 
 
 while from the rear sallied forth two ensigns of a thousand or twelve 
 hundred men, who rushed upon these Gascons. 
 
 I know not whose was the fault, whether theirs or that of the Picards, 
 but they were routed by the Spanish, and the Lord of Moncavre, the 
 knight des Bories, lieutenant of the Captain Odet, the lieutenant of the 
 younger Duras, and many others were killed. If any were ill-pleased 
 therewith, it was their friends ; but the Spanish made a great outcry 
 thereat, as if they had wholly gained the battle. Nevertheless, they 
 knew well that it was lost to them. So those two ensigns, who had 
 routed the Gascons, did not try to return to the rear, but resolved to 
 attempt to gain Ravenna, and they started upon the causeway along the 
 canal, where they marched three or four abreast. 
 
 I will leave their story for awhile, and will return to the main mass 
 of the French and Spanish foot-men. It happened that when the said 
 Spanish were made to rise, they showed themselves upon the edge of 
 their ditch, upon which the French delivered a fierce, hard, and keen 
 assault ; but the others were right well served by hackbuts, so that 
 many were killed. In like manner the noble Captain Jacob received 
 a shot through his body, whereby he was thrown to earth ; but forthwith 
 he raised himself, and called to his men in German : " My lords, let us 
 serve the King of France this day as well as he hath treated us." 
 
 The good gentleman spake not again, for straightway he fell dead. 
 He had a captain under him named Fabian, one of the finest and tallest 
 men that was ever seen, and he, when he perceived the death of his 
 good master, desired to live no longer, but performed in truth one of 
 the boldest deeds that ever man could do. For, inasmuch as the Spanish 
 kept a huge impediment of crossed pikes upon the border of their ditch, 
 which prevented the French from making an entry, this Captain Fabian, 
 wishing to die rather than not to avenge the death of his noble captain, 
 seized his pike cross-wise (he was exceedingly tall) and holding it thus, 
 placed it over those of the Spanish which were lowered, and, by his 
 great strength, pressed their points to the earth. 
 
 Seeing which, the French pushed on eagerly, and came within the 
 ditch ; but to pass it there was exceeding great slaughter, for never did 
 men make better defence than the Spanish, who, even when they no 
 longer had arm or leg left whole, bit at their foes. 
 
 During this entry many French captains were slain, such as the Baron 
 of Grandmont, the Captain Maugiron, who did all that was possible in 
 arms, and the Lord of Bardassan. The Captain Bonnet received a 
 thrust of a pike in his foreheaci, whereof the iron remained in his head. 
 
330 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 In short, the French received great damage therein, but the Spanish 
 greater ; for the gendarmerie of the French van-guard fell upon them on 
 the flank and broke them entirely. And they were all slain and cut to 
 pieces, except the Count Pedro Navarro, who was a prisoner, and some 
 other captains. 
 
 I must return to those two ensigns who fled, thinking to gain Ravenna, 
 but on the road they met the Bastard Du Fay, and the guidons and 
 archers, who made them turn back their faces along the causeway. The 
 Bastard Du Fay pursued them not far, but returned to the main affair, 
 where he served marvellously well. 
 
 You should understand that when these two ensigns sallied forth from 
 the troop, and had routed the Gascons, many (of the latter) fled, 
 and some came even to the place where was the victorious Duke of 
 Nemours, who, coming in front of them, demanded what it was. A clown 
 answered, " It is the Spanish who have routed us." 
 
 The poor prince, thinking that this was the troop of his foot-men, was 
 in despair, and without looking who followed him, threw himself upon 
 this causeway, by which those two ensigns were retreating, who thus 
 meet him in their way, him and about fourteen or fifteen men-at-arms. 
 They had again reloaded some hackbuts, which they discharged, and 
 then advanced with pikes pointed upon that noble Duke of Nemours 
 and those who were with him, who could not well avoid them, for the 
 causeway was narrow. On one side was the canal whither they could 
 not descend, on the other a great ditch which could not be passed. 
 
 In short, all those who were with the Duke of Nemours were thrown 
 into the water or fell into the ditch. The good Duke had his horse 
 houghed. Sword in hand, he leapt to his feet, and never did Roland 
 at Roncesvalles achieve such feats as he did there, and, no less, his 
 cousin the Lord of Lautrec. The latter saw well the great danger 
 wherein he was, and cried as loud as he could to the Spanish, " Kill 
 him not, it is our Viceroy, the brother of your Queen." 
 
 However this might be, the poor lord fell there, after having received 
 many wounds, for from the chin up to his forehead he had fourteen or 
 fifteen, and thereby the noble prince proved truly that he had not 
 turned his back. 
 
 The son of the Lord of Alegre, named Viverols, was drowned in the 
 canal, and his father was slain in the defeat of the foot-men. The Lord 
 of Lautrec was there left for dead, as well as many others. 
 
 The said two ensigns fled along the causeway, which ran for more 
 than ten miles, and when they were five or six miles from the field, 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 they met the good ChevaUer, who was coming from the pursuit with 
 about thirty or forty men-at-arms, exceeding tired and weary. Never- 
 theless he resolved to charge the foes ; but a captain came out from 
 the troop, and began to say in his own language, Lord, what would 
 you do? You know well you are not in force to defeat us. You have 
 won the battle and killed all our men. Let the honour you have gained 
 suffice you, and grant us to depart with our lives, for by the will of God 
 have we escaped," 
 
 The good Chevalier knew well that the Spaniard spake truly ; more- 
 over he had not a horse that could stand up. However he demanded 
 their ensigns, which were given him ; and then they opened, and he 
 passed through them, and let them go. Alas ! he knew not that the 
 good Duke of Nemours was dead, or that these were the men who had 
 
 Blazon of Cardone. 
 
 killed him, for he would have died ten thousand deaths before he would 
 not have avenged him, if he had known it. 
 
 During the battle, and before the total defeat, Don Ramon de Cardone, 
 the Viceroy of Naples, took to flight with about three hundred men-at- 
 arms, and the Captain Ramasso with his foot- men did likewise. The 
 remainder were slain or captured. The good Chevalier and all the 
 French returned from the pursuit about four hours after noon, and the 
 battl'e had begun about eight o'clock in the morning. 
 
 Every one was apprised of the death of that virtuous and noble prince, 
 the gentle Duke of Nemours, for whom a mourning began in the camp 
 of the French, so exceeding great, that I believe that if there had 
 arrived two thousand fresh foot-men and two hundred men-at-arms, the 
 French would have been wholly defeated, as well from the toil and 
 fatigue which all the day long the French had endured, for no man was 
 
332 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 exempt from fighting if he wished, as also from the great and extreme 
 grief which they bore in their heart for the death of their leader. He 
 was carried to his quarters by his gentlemen amid deep weeping and 
 lamentations. 
 
 There have been many battles, since God created heaven and earth, 
 but never was one seen, for the number of men there, so bloody, so 
 furious, or better fought on both sides, than the battle of Ravenna. 
 
Soldiers destroying their shirts to bind up Bayard's Wound. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 Concerning the noble men who died in the bloody battle of Ravenna, as well on the side 
 of the French as on that of the wSpanish, and concerning the prisoners. The capture 
 of the town of Ravenna. How two months afterwards, in the year fifteen hundred 
 and. twelve, the French were driven out of Italy. Concerning the grievous sickness 
 of the good Chevalier. Of the expedition to the kingdom of Navarre, and of all that 
 happened in the year aforesaid. 
 
 N this cruel battle the kingdom of France suffered 
 grievous loss, for there died the man who, for his age, 
 had not his equal in prowess on earth.-^ This was the 
 noble Duke of Nemours, whose memory will remain as 
 long as the world shall last. There was some secret 
 understanding to make him King of Naples, if he had 
 lived, and Pope Julius would have found therein an ill 
 bargain. But it pleased God to keep him alive no 
 longer. I believe that the Nine Worthies asked this boon ; for had he 
 lived an equal number of years, he would have surpassed them all. 
 
 ^ His adversary, Ramon de Cardone, fled, as we have seen in the preceding chapter. 
 According to Champier : " He wished to descend from his horse and get upon another 
 
334 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The noble Lord of Alegre, and his son, the Lord of Viverols, there 
 ended their days. And so did the Captain La Crotte, the lieutenant of 
 the Lord of Imbercourt, the Captains Molart, Jacob, Philip of Fribourg, 
 Maugiron, Baron of Grandmont, Bardassan, and many other captains ; 
 of foot-soldiers, there died about three thousand men, and eighty men- 
 at-arms of the companies of the King of France, with seven of his 
 gentlemen, and nine archers of his guard ; while of the remainder the 
 greater number were wounded. 
 
 The Spanish suffered there such damage as they will not recover in 
 a hundred years ; for they lost twenty captains of foot, two thousand 
 men, or but little less, and their Captain-general, the Count Pedro 
 Navarro,^ was made prisoner. Of knights, there were killed Don 
 Menaldo cle Cardone, Don Pedro d'Acunha, Prior of Messina, Don 
 Diego de Ouinonez, the Captain Alvarado, the Captain Alonzo d'Estella, 
 and more than thirty captains or chiefs of ensigns, and as many as 
 eight hundred men-at-arms, without the prisoners. These were Don 
 Juan de Cardone, who died in prison, the Marquis of Bitonto, the 
 Marquis of Liceta, the Marquis of La Padula, the Marquis of Pescara, 
 the Duke of Trajetto, the Count of Concho, the Count of Populo, and 
 a hundred other great lords and captains, along with the Cardinal de 
 Medicis, the papal legate in their camp. They lost all their artillery, 
 hackbuts, and waggons. In short, of full twenty thousand men of horse 
 and foot, there escaped not four thousand that were not slain or 
 captive. The following day the French adventurers and lansquenets 
 pillaged the town of Ravenna, while the Lord Marc Antonio Colonna 
 retreated into the ■ citadel, which was safe and strong. The Captain 
 Jacquin, he who had the merry discourse with the astrologer of Carpi, 
 was the first, in spite of the prohibition that had been made ; ''^ w here- 
 upon the Lord of La Palisse had him hanged by the neck. 
 
 very handsome one, But the noble Bayard pursued him so closely, that he had not time 
 to mount, and took to flight. And Bayard captured the horse he sought to mount, the 
 which he afterwards gave to my Lord of Lorraine. I have many times seen the horse at 
 Nancy, and it was the finest and most spirited horse and the best caparisoned I have 
 ever beheld, and was afterwards placed by my lord in his stud." Apart from this 
 matter, Champier's account of this campaign is full of stupid inaccuracies. In the 
 Appendix is a letter written by Bayard to his uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble. It only 
 confirms in other terms the story of the Loyal Serviteur, who no doubt on this occasion 
 held the pen for his master. 
 
 ^ For an account of his future career see note to p. 298. 
 
 ^ That is, began the pillage, in spite of the general prohibition, which, however, has 
 not been mentioned by our author. This is the notorious Jacquin. whose hanging the 
 astrologer of Carpi had predicted. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 It was fully intended to advance farther, if the good Duke of 
 Nemours had remained alive, but by his death everything was stayed, 
 although Pietro Morgante and the Lord Roberto Orsini would right well 
 have fulfilled their promise.^ Moreover the Lord Jean-Jacques kept 
 writing every day that the Venetians and Swiss were assembling to 
 make a descent on the duchy of Milan, and the Emperor Maximilian 
 was even now beginning secretly to fall away. Wherefore the army of 
 the French set forth to return towards the said duchy of Milan, where 
 all the captains met in the town, and they interred the noble Duke of 
 Nemours in the Cathedral with greater pomp than ever prince had been 
 buried with. For there were more than two thousand mourners, for 
 the most part on horseback ; forty ensigns taken from the enemy were 
 borne before his corpse, trailing on the ground, while his own ensigns 
 and guidon came after, and near to his person, to shew that it was 
 these that had brought low the pride of the others. At these mournful 
 obsequies there was great weeping and lamentation. 
 
 After his death all the captains had chosen for their leader the Lord 
 of La Palisse, as being a very virtuous knight ; and also because the 
 Lord of Lautrec had received a deadly wound and had been taken to 
 Ferrara to be cured ; where he met with such kind and courteous 
 treatment from the Duke and Duchess, that he returned in good 
 health. 
 
 Pope Julius, seeking always to continue in his charitable design, 
 made the Emperor declare war against the French ; and he commanded 
 the small number of lansquenets, who, after the day of Ravenna, still 
 remained with the French, to withdraw. Their principal captain was 
 the brother of the Captain Jacob, and he at his bidding returned and 
 took them all with him, except seven or eight hundred, who were re- 
 tained by a young adventurer-captain who had nothing to gain in 
 Germany. 
 
 During this season, just as the French were minded to bring the 
 Cardinal de Medicis into France, he was rescued at Pietra di Qua, 
 which was a stroke of fortune for him ; and he owed it to Messer 
 Matteo di Beccaria, of Pavia, who performed the exploit ; for later he 
 became Pope.^ 
 
 ^ The author nowhere mentions this promise. It appears that Orsini and Morgante, 
 (called Mazarini in the Italian records), being secretly won over to France, had tried to 
 raise Rome against Pope Julius II. Morgante afterwards made his peace with the Pope, 
 for we find him a prisoner of Bayard at the end of the first campaign of Francis I. 
 Under the name of Leo X. 
 
336 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 A little afterwards the army of the Venetians, the Swiss, and the 
 partisans of the Pope, came down in great force, and found the French 
 army discomfited and broken. And although they stood against them 
 at several passages, nevertheless at last they were constrained to retreat 
 to Pavia, which they resolved to hold. So the captains at the gates 
 were ordered each to fortify his quarter, which they began right well to 
 do ; but little rest had they, for the enemy were there two days later. 
 
 The French had made a bridge of boats, although there was one of 
 stone at the said Pavia ; but this was, that in case any trouble should 
 come upon them, they might have a better retreat. And so it soon 
 happened ; for one day, I know not by what means, the Swiss entered 
 the town by the castle, and came as far as the square, where already, 
 at sound of the alarm, the foot-soldiers and several horsemen had 
 assembled together, with the Captain Louis d'Ars, who was then 
 governor, and who there did wondrous deeds. So did the Lord of La 
 Palisse, and the noble Lord of Imbercourt ; but, above all, the good 
 Chevalier achieved feats incredible ; for with twenty or thirty of his 
 men-at-arms he kept back the Swiss more than two hours, fighting all 
 the while ; and during that time he had two horses killed between his 
 legs. 
 
 In the meantime the artillery withdrew in order to pass over the 
 bridge ; and while this was doing, the captain Pierrepont, who had been 
 watching the enemy on both sides, came and said to the company that 
 was fighting in the square, " Retreat, my lords, for above our wooden 
 bridge the Swiss are passing by tens in a number of small boats, and 
 if once they pass over in sufficient force, they will gain the end of our 
 bridge, and we shall be shut up in this town, and all cut to pieces." 
 
 He was a wise and valiant captain ; wherefore at his word, but 
 always fighting, the French retreated straight to their bridge, where as 
 they were eagerly pursued, there was a severe and stubborn skirmish. 
 However the horsemen passed over, and there remained behind about 
 three hundred lansquenets to guard the foot of the said bridge. But a 
 great misfortune then happened, for just as they had accomplished the 
 passage of the last piece of artillery, which was a long culverin called 
 Madame de Forli (and had been retaken from the Spanish at Ravenna), 
 it sank the first boat. Wherefore the poor lansquenets, seeing that they 
 were lost, sought safety as best they could ; nevertheless there were a 
 number killed, and others were drowned in the Ticino. 
 
 When the French had passed the bridge, they broke it, so that they 
 were pursued no farther. But a great misfortune befell the good 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 337 
 
 Chevalier, which was that, as he was defending the end of the bridge, 
 a falcon-shot was discharged from the town, and grazed him between 
 
 Column of the French at Ravenna. 
 
 the shoulder and the neck, so that all the flesh was carried away even 
 to the bone. 
 
 z 
 
338 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Those who saw the blow believed for certain that he was slain ; but 
 he, who was never affrighted at anything that he saw, although he felt 
 himself grievously wounded, and because he knew well that it was not 
 then a time to betray alarm, said to his companions, *' My lords, 
 it is nothing." 
 
 Haste was made to staunch the wound as well as one could, with 
 moss taken from the trees, and linen which some of his soldiers tore 
 from their shirts ; for there was no surgeon there on the occasion of 
 the misfortune. 
 
 Thus the army of the French retreated as far as Alessandria, whither 
 the Lord Jean-Jacques had gone before to cause a bridge to be made 
 for them. Nor did they rest there long ; but they resolved to abandon 
 Lombardy altogether, except the castles of Milan and of Cremona, 
 Lugano, Locarno, the town and castle of Brescia, where the Lord of 
 Aubigny remained, and a few other places in the Valteline. 
 
 So the French recrossed the mountains,^ and were lodged for some 
 time in the garrisons that had been appointed them. The good 
 Chevalier returned straight to Grenoble, to visit the bishop, his good 
 uncle, whom he had not seen for a long time. He was a prelate of as 
 virtuous and goodly a life as any then on earth. He received his 
 nephew with rare kindness, and made him lodge in his own palace, 
 where every day he was cared for like a stone set in gold.^ There 
 came also to see him the ladies of the neighbourhood of Grenoble, and 
 likewise those of the town, who altogether could never tire of praising 
 him, which caused him much shame. 
 
 Now during this period, I know not whether because of the great 
 toil which the good Chevalier had undergone for many years, or 
 whether it was from the falcon-shot which he received on the retreat 
 from Pavia, but a severe continual fever laid hold of him, and lasted 
 for seventeen days, so that they despaired of his life. 
 
 The poor gentleman, seeing himself so cast down by sickness, made 
 the most piteous complaints ever heard ; and in listening to his voice, 
 hard indeed must be his heart from whose eyes no tears had fallen. 
 
 " Alas ! my God," said he, " since it was thy good pleasure to take 
 me from this world so soon, why didst thou not grant this favour to 
 let me die in the company of that gentle prince, the Duke of Nemours, 
 and with my other comrades, on the day of Ravenna ; or why did it 
 
 1 That is, the Alps. 
 
 2 That is, as a precious gem. The author has already spoken of the heart of Bayard 
 as " fair as a pearl," 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 not please thee to allow me to end my life at the assault of Brescia, 
 where I was so grievously wounded ? Alas ! with far more joy should 
 I then have died ; for at least I should have followed in the steps of 
 my good ancestors, who have ever remained on the field of battle. My 
 God ! to think that I have passed through so many great perils of 
 artillery in battles, in assaults, and in encounters, from which thou hast 
 vouchsafed me to escape, and now must I die in my bed like a maid. 
 Nevertheless, however much I would have it otherwise, thy holy will be 
 done ! I am a great sinner, but I have hope of thy infinite mercy. 
 Alas ! my Creator, in the past have I grievously offended thee ; but if 
 I had lived longer, I had good hope, with thy grace, soon to amend 
 my wicked life." 
 
 Thus did the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche make his regrets ; 
 and then, because he burned with heat from the great fever that pos- 
 sessed him, he addressed our Lord St. Anthony with these words : 
 " Ah ! Saint Anthony, glorious confessor and true friend of God, all my 
 life I have so loved thee and had such trust in thee ; yet thou leavest 
 me here to burn in such extreme heat, that I desire nothing further than 
 that speedy death may take me. Alas ! hast thou even forgotten, how, 
 during the war against the Pope in Italy, when I was lodged at Rovera 
 in one of thy houses,^ I saved it from burning, and how, without me, 
 fire would have been laid thereto ! But in remembrance of thy holy name, 
 I made my abode therein, although it was beyond the fortress and in 
 peril from the enemy, who night and day could come upon me, without 
 finding anything able to keep them off. And yet I loved better to 
 dwell a month in this fashion than that thy house should be destroyed. 
 At least I pray thee to relieve me from this terrible heat, and to make 
 request to God for me, either that He may soon take me from this 
 miserable world, or that He may give me health." 
 
 So piteously did the good Chevalier bewail himself, that there was no 
 person about him not dissolved in tears, and among them his good uncle 
 the bishop, who was without ceasing in prayer for him. And not only 
 he, but all the nobles, citizens, merchants, and religious orders, both men 
 and women, day and night kept making prayers and orisons for him ; 
 and it is not possible that among so many there should not be some 
 
 ^ The head house of the Antonists, or order of St. Anthony, was in Dauphiny, near 
 Vienne, which explains the particular devotion of Bayard. His appeal is further justified 
 by a legend of Dauphiny, which attributes to the prayers of the saint the cure of a 
 gentleman attacked by a very painful eruption, to which the name of St. Anthony's fire 
 was given in the middle ages. Hospitals dedicated to the treatment of like affections 
 were placed under the patronage of this saint. 
 
340 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 good person whom Our Lord would be willing to hear ; as, indeed, was 
 clear enough. For his fever left him little by little, and he began to 
 rest and to have a taste for food ; so that in fifteen days or three weeks, 
 with good treatment, he was entirely cured, and as blithe as ever. So 
 he gave himself to pastimes in the neighbourhood, visiting his friends 
 and the ladies from house to house, and giving them many banquets 
 for diversion. 
 
 The good Chevalier remained for some while afterwards in Dauphiny, 
 making great cheer, until the time when the King of France, his master, 
 sent an army into Guyenne, under the charge of the Duke of Longue- 
 ville, with intent to recover the kingdom of Navarre, which shortly 
 before the King of Arragon had usurped by violence from him who 
 held it by just title ; neither did he ^ allege any pretext therein, save 
 that the other was an ally of the King of France. 
 
 I know not how it went with this fair expedition, but after having 
 been there a long while without accomplishing anything, the main army 
 returned ; and a part thereof was sent across the Pyrenees, having for 
 its leader the Lord of La Palisse. Then, some time after, the good 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, was sent as a succour, and he took 
 with him several pieces of huge artillery. With them the King of 
 Navarre was driven out. 
 
 They captured some small forts, and then went to lay siege to Pam- 
 peluna. Meanwhile the good Chevalier set forth to take a castle, wherein 
 he gained great honour, as you shall hear. 
 
 ^ That is, the King of Arragon, Ferdinand the Cathohc. 
 
 Oudet de Foix, Seigneur de Lautrec. 
 
CHAPTER XLV. 
 
 How, while they laid siege to the town of Pampeluna, the good Chevalier took a castle 
 by assault in the kingdom of Navarre, wherein he performed a feat worthy of a wise 
 and distinguished knight. 
 
 HILE the noble Lord of La Palisse, with the King 
 of Navarre, was planting the siege before the town 
 of Pampeluna, he was advised that it would be well 
 to capture a castle about four leagues thence, which 
 wrought exceeding mischief to the French camp. I 
 am confident there could not be any great force in 
 the place. Nevertheless, because it was suspected that 
 in a small town near at hand, called Pont-la-Reine,^ 
 there might be some soldiers who might perchance seek to relieve it» 
 he thought it well that a fairly strong body of horse and foot should 
 be taken. 
 
 The King of Navarre and the Lord of La Palisse asked the good 
 
 ^ Pucnte la Reyna. 
 
342 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Chevalier to take this enterprise in hand, and he, never loath for any 
 work that could be given him, straightway undertook it. He took his 
 own company, and that of the Captain Bonneval, a brave knight, a 
 certain number of adventurers, and two ensigns of lansquenets, contain- 
 ing each four hundred men, and thus marched in full light of day before 
 this place. 
 
 He sent a trumpet to summon those within to place themselves in 
 the hands of their sovereign, the King of Navarre, that he would grant 
 them pardon, and let them go safe with their lives and property ; other- 
 wise if they were taken by assault, they should be cut to pieces. 
 
 The men in the fortress were soldiers, whom the Duke of Najera and 
 the Alcalde of Las Donzellas, lieutenant in the said kingdom for the 
 King of Spain, had put therein ; and they were all good and loyal 
 servants of their master. They made answer that they would never 
 surrender the place, and themselves still less. The trumpeter came and 
 made his report ; on hearing which the good Chevalier made no further 
 delay, except to plant four large pieces of artillery which he had, and 
 to cannonade the place well and soundly. The garrison, which was about 
 a hundred men, had a number of hackbuts on rests, and two falconets, 
 which did their duty right well in shooting at their foes. But they 
 could not play their part so well, but that in less than an hour there 
 was a breach in their place, large enough, but not easy to climb. But 
 in such matters one must take other than one's desire. The good 
 Chevalier bade the assault be sounded, and came to the lansquenets, 
 exhorting them to advance. Their interpreter spoke for them, and said 
 that it was their ordinance that whenever a place was taken by assault, 
 they should receive double pay, and that if that were promised them, 
 they would advance to the said assault, but otherwise not. 
 
 The good Chevalier knew nothing of these ordinances ; still he replied 
 that without default, if they took the place, they should have what they 
 demanded, and he answered for it, because he had no desire to wait 
 there long. 
 
 It was very well to promise, but devil a lansquenet ever mounted 
 the breach. 
 
 The adventurers advanced briskly, but they were heavily repulsed 
 twice or thrice, and, of a truth, the defenders shewed clearly that they 
 were men of war. 
 
 When the good Chevalier discerned their courage, he saw well that 
 he should never capture them luT this contest. He ordered the retreat 
 to be sounded ; after which, he had ten or twelve cannon shot off. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 343 
 
 making pretence that he wished to increase the breach. But he had 
 something else in his mind ; for while the artillery was being discharged, 
 he came to one of his men-at-arms, a right brave fellow named Petit- 
 Jehan de la Vergne, to whom he said : " La Vergne, if you will, do a 
 good service, and you shall be rewarded. Look you well at that great 
 tower at the corner of this castle. When you shall see me recommence 
 the assault, take two or three ladders, and with thirty or forty men try 
 to mount into that tower, for, on my life, you will find no one there 
 to defend it ; and if you do not enter the place that way, then speak 
 ill of me ! " 
 
 The other right well understood the order. He rested but until the 
 assault was re -commenced more fiercely than before, when all the men 
 of the place ran to defend the breach, and had no eyes elsewhere, for 
 they had never thought of an entry by any other quarter. Wherefore 
 they were deceived ; for La Vergne performed his task right well, and 
 without being perceived by the enemy, raised his ladders, by the help 
 whereof he climbed into this tower, and more than fifty companions 
 with him, who were never discovered by the enemy until they were 
 within the fortress, when they shouted " France ! France ! Navarre ! 
 Navarre ! " Then they rushed from the rear upon the men who stood to 
 defend the breach, and who, being surprised, were utterly amazed. 
 
 Nevertheless they prepared to defend themselves, and did their devoir 
 as brave warriors ; but their prowess served them little, for the assail- 
 ants got in, and all, or nearly all, were put to the sword, and the 
 whole place was overrun and pillaged. This done, the good Chevalier 
 left therein one of the gentlemen of the King of Navarre, with some 
 companions, and then began his return to the camp. 
 
 As he was about to start, two or three captains of his lansquenets 
 came towards him, and, through their interpreter, said that he had 
 promised to give them double pay, and that the place had been taken. 
 
 At this proposition the good Chevalier was exceeding wroth, and 
 angrily replied to the interpreter, " Tell your scoundrels of lansquenets 
 that I will rather give them each a halter to hang themselves. Rascals 
 that they are, who never would try the assault, and now demand double 
 pay ! I will speak thereof to my Lord of La Palisse, and to my Lord of 
 Suffolk, their captain-general, but it will be to have them cashiered ! " 
 
 The interpreter repeated his words, and forthwith arose a prodigious 
 uproar. But the good Chevalier had the assembly sounded, and got 
 together his men-at-arms and adventurers in such fashion, that if the 
 others had made a show of doing anything, he was prepared to cut 
 
344 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 them to pieces. They became cahn by degrees, and marched into the 
 camp before Pampeluna, in order like the others. 
 I must relate a short story to amuse you. 
 
 When the good Chevalier arrived, he had great cheer from the King 
 of Navarre, the Lord of La Palisse, the Duke of Suffolk, and from all 
 the captains, to whom he narrated the behaviour of the lansquenets, 
 whereat there was laughter enough. In the evening he gave a supper 
 to a large number of captains, and among others the Duke of Suffolk 
 was there, the captain-general of all the lansquenets in camp, of whom 
 he had six or seven thousand. 
 
 As they were finishing their supper, there arrived a lansquenet who 
 had drunk pretty deeply ; and when he entered, he did not know what 
 he had to say, save that he sought the Captain Bayard to kill him 
 because he would not give them any money. He spake but little 
 French, and that ill enough. The Captain Pierrepont heard him, and 
 said laughingly to the good Chevalier, " My lord, here is a lansquenet 
 who seeketh you to kill you." 
 
 Then the good Chevalier shewed himself the most merry and re- 
 creative person that could be found. He arose from table, sword in 
 hand, and addressed himself to the lansquenet in these words: "Is it 
 you who would kill the Captain Bayard ? Here he is ! defend yourself" 
 
 The poor lansquenet, somewhat drunk though he was, was greatly 
 frightened, and answered in very ill French : It is not I who want to 
 kill the Captain Bayard all alone, but it is all the lansquenets." 
 
 " Ah ! by my soul," said the good Chevalier, who was faint with 
 laughter. I give in ; I have not the courage to fight seven thousand 
 lansquenets. Truce, comrade, for the love of God ! " 
 
 All the company set to laughing immoderately at these words. Then 
 the lansquenet was seated at table, facing the good Chevalier, who made 
 him complete his bouzing as he had begun, in such manner that before 
 he departed thence, he vowed that, while he had life, he would defend 
 the Captain Bayard against the world ; and he swore that he was an 
 honest man and kept good wine. 
 
 The Kinor of Navarre and the Lord of La Palisse heard the tale that 
 
 o 
 
 evening, and laughed thereat like the rest. 
 
 On the day after the good Chevalier's arrival, the artillery began to 
 shoot against the town of Pampeluna, which was very strongly built. 
 Then it was determined to give the assault, and an attempt was made, 
 but the garrison defended themselves so w^ell, that it was abandoned, 
 and the French suffered great loss therein. He who held the place 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 345 
 
 was that noble Spanish knight who was called the Alcalde of Las 
 Donzellas. 
 
 This was a very disastrous expedition ; for the French, on their entry 
 into Navarre, destroyed and consumed all property, broke down the 
 mills, and did many other things, whereby they suffered much distress 
 afterwards. For the famine was so severe there, that many men died 
 thereof, and never in any army was there so great want of shoes, for a 
 sorry pair for a lacquey ^ cost a crown. In short, all these misfortunes 
 coming together, and added thereto the arrival of the Duke of Najera 
 at Pont-la-Reine, near to Pampeluna, with a relief of eight or ten thou- 
 sand men, the King of Navarre was advised by the Lord of La Palisse 
 and all the captains to withdraw until another season. 
 
 So the siege was raised, in full day, from before Pampeluna, and the 
 artillery started on the road ; but it was taken but few stages, for the 
 mountains it had to cross were too wild. The French were constrained, 
 after that by force of men and of money they had brought it three 
 days' march, to abandon it at the foot of a mountain, where they broke 
 it up, or at least treated it so that their enemies could not avail them- 
 selves thereof. 
 
 It must be known that at the repassing of the Pyrenees there were 
 great sufferings from the failure of victuals, and there was not an hour 
 of the day free from sudden and fierce alarms. 
 
 The Duke of Suffolk, called the White Rose,^ captain-general of the 
 lansquenets, who had a great and perfect friendship with the good 
 Chevalier, accompanied them. One day, when he had toiled till he 
 could do no more, for he had not eaten or drunk the whole day (they 
 were just retiring from a skirmish late in the evening), he sought out 
 the good Chevalier, and said to him, " Captain Bayard, my friend, I am 
 dying of hunger ; I pray you, give me some supper to-day, for my men 
 have told me that there is nothing in my quarters." 
 
 The good Chevalier, who was never surprised at anything, answered, 
 " Yes, certainly, my lord ; and you shall be well treated." 
 
 ^ The name at that time for a crossbowman. 
 
 ^ Because in the wars of the Roses he had be:n a Yorkist. He had two brothers, of 
 whom the elder, having taken refuge in Flanders, was basely sold by Philip, son of 
 Maximilian, and was executed by order of Henry VIII. The younger, eight years old, 
 was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he died. He himself took refuge at the 
 court of Francis I., who always refused to surrender him. To save appearajices, Suffolk 
 kept on the frontier (he lived for some time at Mctz), and came and took service with the 
 French army on the frequent occasions when there was war with England. He was 
 killed at the battle of Pavia. 
 
346 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Then he called before him his steward, to whom he said, "My Lord 
 of Mylieu, go you before and hasten the supper, and see that we fare 
 as well as in Paris." 
 
 At which words the Duke of Suffolk laughed for a quarter of an 
 hour, because for two days past they had eaten but millet-bread. 
 
 However, I assure you that, losing no men save by famine, the 
 French made as good a retreat as soldiers ever made.^ And above all 
 the good Chevalier gained surprising honour, inasmuch as he remained 
 ever with the rear-guard, until the danger was passed. F'or readily 
 hath he been ever granted this honour in war, that in going forward he 
 hath ever been among the first, and in retreats among the last. 
 
 Glad indeed were the French when, by their marches, they had 
 reached Bayonne, for they found food in plenty ; but many foot-soldiers, 
 who were famished, ate so much, that some died thereof This was a 
 very disastrous expedition. 
 
 In this year (15 13) died Pope Julius, that good Frenchman, and in 
 his place was chosen the Cardinal de Medicis, Pope Leo by name. 
 There appeared also upon the coast of Britany an army of the 
 
 ^ The fault lay somewhat with the dethroned king, Jean d'Albret, who, having been 
 too long a refugee at the court of France, had raised vain hopes of a general insurrection 
 of his Navarrese. But not answering his expectations, they caused the failure of the ex- 
 pedition, which had been undertaken with weak forces. The Duke of Alva was enabled 
 to throw himself into Pampeluna and organise resistance, while the dwindling army 
 amused itself with the siege of a few small castles, and awaited the promised revolt. 
 
 Medal of Leo X. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 347 
 
 English, who did nothing great. One day, among others, a great ship 
 of England, called La Regente, and a vessel of the Queen of France, 
 named La Cordelikre, came in sight of each other and approached 
 to fight. During the combat some one threw fire into one of the 
 vessels, but in the end both of them were burnt. The English suffered 
 thereby a great and grievous loss ; for aboard the said Regente were a 
 large number of gentlemen, who perished without their being able to 
 find means of escape. 
 
Ancient View of Tlierouanne, in Artois. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI. 
 
 How King Henry of England invaded France, and how he laid siege to Therouanne. 
 Concerning a battle called the Day of Spurs, wherein the good Chevalier did marvel- 
 lous feats and great service to France. 
 
 N the year 15 13, towards the beginning, the King of 
 France again sent an army into Italy under the charge 
 of La Tremoille. Already had the treaty been made 
 between the King of France and the Venetians, to the 
 profit of the latter.^ Nevertheless, fortune went ill 
 enough for the French, as they lost a day against the 
 Swiss.'-^ In that battle the sons of Messer Robert de 
 La Marck, who were in charg e of some lansquenets, 
 were almost left for dead, and their father went and found them in a 
 
 ^ This treaty was concluded at Blois by the Proveditore Andrea Gritti, who, like an 
 able politician, turned his captivity to account. 
 
 The battle of Novaia, June 6, 1513, when two thousand Swiss, " ayant bu chacun 
 un coup," as Du Ilcliay says, plundered the French camp. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 349 
 
 ditch. The French were again forced to abandon Lombardy for this 
 year.^ 
 
 On their return, the King of France was informed how Henry, King 
 of England, as ally of the Emperor Maximilian, had made a descent 
 at Calais, with a mighty host, to march into his province of Picardy ; 
 whither, to resist the foe, he sent a large force, and appointed as his 
 lieutenant-general the Lord of Piennes, governor of the said province. 
 
 The English, having entered on the campaign, as soon as they 
 arrived proceeded to lay siege to Therouanne, which was well-built 
 and strong, and whither, to hold the same, were sent two exceeding 
 brave and gallant gentlemen, the one the Lord of Theligny, seneschal 
 of Rouergue, a prudent and safe captain, and another from the same 
 country, called the Lord of Pontdormi, along with their companies, 
 certain French adventurers, and some lansquenets under the charge of 
 a Captain Brandeck. They were all men of war and capable to defend 
 the town a long time, if they had had provisions. But ordinarily, 
 in France, provisions are not readily found either in season or in 
 reason. 
 
 The siege being laid by the English before the said town of Therou- 
 anne, they began to bombard it. As yet the King of England was 
 not there in person ; for his lieutenants, he had there the Duke of 
 Suffolk, Sir Charles Brandon, and the Captain Talbot. But a few 
 days later he arrived, albeit it was not without having a great fright 
 between Calais and his siege of Therouanne, near a village called 
 Tournehem ; for he fully thought to be attacked there by the French, who 
 numbered twelve hundred men-at-arms, all resolute warriors. But 
 with them at the time were none of their foot-men, which was a great 
 misfortune for them. The King, on the contrary, had no horsemen, but 
 about twelve thousand foot, of which number four thousand were lans- 
 quenets. These two armies approached within a cannon-shot of one 
 another. Seeing this, the King of England feared to be betrayed ; so 
 he dismounted, and placed himself in the midst of the lansquenets. 
 The French desired to attack, and in particular the good Chevalier, 
 who again and again said to the Lord of Piennes, Let us charge 
 them, my lord ! No harm can come to us, or very little ; for if at the 
 first charge we break their line, they are routed. If they drive us 
 
 ^ Bayard appears not to have made this campaign. Perhaps one should insert here 
 the episode related by Champier of the Chevalier's journey to Spain, when, starting hy 
 sea from La Rochelle, he went disguised as a pilgrim to Santiago in Galicia, then visited 
 all the country round as far as San Salvador, and eventually returned by sea. 
 
350 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 back, we shall always be able to retire ; for they are on foot, and we 
 are mounted." 
 
 Almost all the French were of this opinion ; but the Lord of Piennes 
 said, " My lords, I am charged, on my life, by the King our master, 
 to risk nothing, but only to guard his country. Do you what shall 
 seem good to you, but for my part, I will never consent thereto." 
 
 Thus then the matter rested, and the King of England and his band 
 passed by under the nose of the French. The good Chevalier, who 
 against his will had let the matter go in this fashion, made a charge 
 on their rear-guard with his company, and harried them so well that they 
 were forced to abandon a piece of artillery, called Saint John ; and 
 the King of England had eleven others of the same make, and he 
 called them his twelve apostles. This piece was captured and brought 
 into the French camp. 
 
 When the King of England had arrived at the siege of Therouanne, 
 you need not ask if there was joy in abundance, for he was a gallant 
 prince and right bountiful. 
 
 Three or four days afterwards the Emperor Maximilian arrived, with 
 a certain number of Hainaulters and Burgundians. The princes made 
 great cheer each for the other. After this, the approaches were made 
 before the town, and the same was bombarded furiously. The garrison 
 answered in the like manner, and built up their ramparts as best they 
 could, but without doubt they had great want of provisions. 
 
 The King of France had marched as far as Amiens, and every day 
 sent word to his lieutenant-general, the Lord of Piennes, that at what- 
 ever peril Therouanne should be re-victualled. That could not be done 
 without great hazard, because it was altogether surrounded by enemies. 
 Nevertheless, to satisfy his master, it was determined that they should 
 march with all the gendarmerie to raise an alarm at the camp, and 
 that in the mean time -some men, appointed to carry sides of bacon to 
 pass into the town, should go and throw them into the ditches, and 
 afterwards the men of the garrison would take them out again. The 
 day was named to carry out this enterprise, whereof the King of 
 England and the Emperor were informed, as you can understand, by 
 certain spies, whereof there are enough to be found among armies. 
 And there were some, moreover, double-faced, who feigned to be good 
 Frenchmen, but were of the opposite party. 
 
 The day thus appointed to re-victual the town of Therouanne showed 
 the captains of the King of France all mounted, together with their 
 men-at-arms. From the break of day, the King of England, who knew 
 
HENRY VIII. 
 
 After Holbein 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 353 
 
 of this enterprise, had placed upon the summit of a hill ten or twelve 
 thousand English archers, and four or five thousand lansquenets, with 
 eight or ten pieces of artillery, in order that, when the French had 
 passed beyond, they might come down and cut off their road ; and at 
 the front he had drawn up all the horsemen, as well the English as 
 those of Burgundy and Hainault to assail them. One thing must be 
 understood, which few persons have known, even those who have laid 
 blame for this day on the gentlemen of France, very wrongly ; it is 
 that all the French captains proclaimed to their men-at-arms that this 
 expedition they were about was solely for the relief of the garrison of 
 Therouanne, and they did not at all desire to fight, — so that, if they 
 should meet the enemy in great force, they wished their men to 
 retreat at a walk, and if they were pressed, to go from the walk to a 
 trot, and from the trot to a gallop ; for they would run no risk. 
 
 Thus then the French began their march, and approached the town of 
 Therouanne a league near or more, when the skirmish commenced 
 hard and fierce. And right well the gendarmerie of France performed 
 their devoir, until they discovered upon the hill that strong troop of 
 foot-men in two bands, which had advanced further forward than they 
 were, and intended to descend so as to surround them. Seeing which, 
 the retreat was sounded by the trumpets of the French. The men-at- 
 arms, who had received their lesson from their captains, began to turn 
 back at a quick walk. They were pressed, and went at a trot, and 
 then at full gallop, in such manner that the first men hurled themselves 
 upon the Lord of La Palisse (who accompanied the main array together 
 with the Duke of Longueville) with so great fury, that they threw all 
 into disorder. The pursuers, who followed their design exceeding well, 
 seeing such sorry behaviour, pushed ever onwards, in such wise that 
 they made the French altogether turn their backs. 
 
 The Lord of La Palisse and many others there did more than their 
 devoir, and shouted aloud : " Turn, man-at-arms, turn ; this is nothing." 
 But that was of no service, and every man tried to gain the camp, 
 where the artillery had remained with the foot-men. In this vast 
 disorder the Duke of Longueville was taken prisoner, and many others, 
 among them the Lord of La Palisse, only he escaped from the hands 
 of those who had taken him. 
 
 The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche retreated with great 
 regret, and ever turned upon his foes again and again, with fourteen or 
 fifteen men-at-arms who had remained near him. In his retreat, he 
 chanced upon a small bridge, where but two mounted men could pass 
 
 2 A 
 
354 
 
 HiST(3RY OF Bayard. 
 
 abreast ; there was also there a huge ditch full of water, which came 
 from more than half a league distant, and went a full half-quarter of a 
 league further down to turn a mill. When he was on this bridge, he 
 said to them who were with him : " Let us stay here, my lords ; for 
 cur enemy will not gain this bridge of us in an hour." 
 
 Then he called one of his archers, to whom he said : " Hasten to our 
 camp and tell the Lord of La Palisse that I have stayed the enemy, 
 for at least half an hour hence, and in the meantime bid him set 
 every man in order of battle, and let them not be afraid. Tell him 
 I think he ought to march hither gently ; for if the men who are so 
 routed pushed on as far as his men, the latter would find themselves 
 undone." 
 
 The archer went straight to the camp, and left the good Chevalier 
 with the few men he had, holding this small bridge, where he achieved 
 the greatest exploits possible. The Burgundians and Hainaulters came 
 up ; but they found they had to fight, for plainly they could not pass 
 over at their ease ; and the delay that was made there gave time to 
 the French who had returned to their camp to set themselves in order 
 and ready for defence, if need were. 
 
 When the Burgundians saw that so few men were bearding them, 
 they began to cry out to have some archers fetched forthwith, and some 
 of them went to hasten them. In the meanwhile more than two hundred 
 horse rode alongside the brook and came to the mill, where they passed 
 over. Thus the good Chevalier was shut in on both sides ; so he said 
 to his men : " My lords, let us surrender to these gentlemen, for our 
 prowess would serve us nothing. Our horses are foundered, they are 
 ten against one, our own people are three leagues hence ; and if we 
 wait but a little longer, and the English archers arrive, they will cut 
 us to pieces." 
 
 As he spake, the said Burgundians and Hainaulters begin to come 
 up, shouting " Burgundy ! Burgundy ! " and they made a fierce assault 
 upon the French, who, as they had no means of further defence, 
 surrendered themselves, some here and some there, to the most 
 distinguished of their foes. 
 
 While every man was striving to secure his prisoner, the good Chevalier 
 perceived, under some small trees, a gentleman high in rank, who, because 
 of the great and extreme heat from which he suffered so that he could 
 do no more, had taken off his helmet, and was so drooping and weary, 
 that he did not deign to amuse himself with the prisoners. He spurred 
 his horse straight at this gentleman, grasping his sword which he held 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 355 
 
 to the other's throat, while he exclaimed : " Surrender, man-at-arms, or 
 you are dead ! " 
 
 Who was then dismayed, if not the gentleman ? for he thought indeed 
 that all were captured. Nevertheless he was in fear of death, and said : 
 " I yield then, since I am caught in this way. Who are you " 
 
 Seal of Henry VIII., King of England. 
 
 " I," said the good Chevalier, " am the Captain Bayard, who yield 
 myself to you. So take my sword, and I pray you that it be your 
 pleasure to lead me with you. But one courtesy shall you do me ; if 
 we find any English on the road who would kill us, you shall return 
 it to me." 
 
356 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 And so the gentleman promised, and held thereto ; for as they drew 
 near the camp, they both were compelled to use their weapons against 
 some English who sought to kill the prisoners, but they gained nothing 
 thereby. 
 
 So the good Chevalier was brought into the camp of the King of 
 England, to the tent of this gentleman, who made him right good cheer 
 for three or four days. On the fifth, the good Chevalier said to him : 
 Sir, I should be exceeding glad if you would have me conducted safely 
 to the camp of the King, my master, for I am already wearied to be 
 here." 
 
 How so ! " said the other ; " as yet we have not considered con- 
 cerning your ransom." 
 
 " My ransom ? " cried the good Chevalier ; " nay, have you spoken to 
 me of yours ? For you are my prisoner ; and if, since I had your word, 
 I have yielded myself unto you, that hath been to save my life, not 
 otherwise." 
 
 If any one was amazed, it was the gentleman ; for further the good 
 Chevalier added : Thus it was, sir. Should you not keep promise with 
 me, I am confident that in some way or other I shall escape ; but be 
 assured that afterwards I shall have the combat of you." ^ 
 
 The gentleman knew not what to answer ; for he had heard enough 
 spoken of the Captain Bayard, and for a combat he had no desire. 
 However he was a right courteous knight, and at last said: "My 'Lord 
 of Bayard, I seek to treat you only with reason. I will be ruled by 
 the captains." 
 
 It must be understood that it was not possible to conceal the good 
 Chevalier so entirely but that his presence was known throughout the 
 camp, and, to hear the talk of the enemy, they seemed to think that 
 they had gained a battle. The Emperor sent for him, and when he 
 was brought to his quarters, gave him a grand and noble welcome, and 
 addressed him thus : Captain Bayard, my friend, I have very great 
 pleasure in seeing you. Would to God I had many such men as you 
 are ! I doubt not that in a short time I should find means to take 
 full revenge for the fine tricks the King, your master, and the French 
 have played me in the past." 
 
 Further, he said to him with a laugh : " Methinks, my Lord of Bayard, 
 that in former days we have been at war together, and I fancy they 
 said at that time that Bayard never fled." 
 
 ^ That is, I shall challenge you to single combat. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 357 
 
 To which the good ChevaHer answered : " Sire, if I had fled, I should 
 not be here." 
 
 Meanwhile the King of England arrived, to whom the Emperor made 
 known the good Chevalier, and the King gave him hearty greeting. 
 And then the good Chevalier did him reverence, as was due to such a 
 prince. They began to talk of this retreat, and the King of England 
 said that never had he seen men run so well and in such numbers as 
 the French, who were put to flight by but four or five hundred horse ; 
 and the Emperor and he spoke poorly enough of them. 
 
 " On my soul," said the good Chevalier, " the gendarmerie of France 
 ought not to be blamed at all ; for they had express command from their 
 captains not to fight, because it was thought that if you came to blows, 
 you would bring forth all your power, as you did do, while we had 
 neither foot-men nor artillery. And you know already, high and puissant 
 lords, that the nobility of France is renowned throughout the world ; I 
 say not that I deserve to be of their number." 
 
 " Of a truth," quoth the King of England, " if all were like you, my 
 Lord of Bayard, the siege I have laid before this town would soon be 
 raised. But, however that may be; you are a prisoner." 
 
 ^* Sire," said the good Chevalier, I do not confess it, and I fain would 
 submit the matter to the Emperor and you." 
 
 Now the gentleman was present who had brought him in, and to 
 whom he had yielded himself after he had received the other's w^ord. 
 So the good Chevalier related the whole matter just as it is told above, 
 and the gentleman contradicted it in no point, but said: "It is just as 
 the Lord of Bayard states." 
 
 The Emperor and the King of England looked at one another ; and 
 then the Emperor began to speak, and said that in his opinion the 
 Captain Bayard was no prisoner, but rather the gentleman should be 
 his. Nevertheless, in consideration of the courtesy the latter had shown 
 him, they should remain quit of their pledges, each to each, and the 
 good Chevalier should be at liberty to depart when it should seem good 
 to the King of England. And the King said that he was assuredly of 
 the same opinion, and that if the good Chevalier would give his word 
 to rest six weeks without bearing arms, aftej" that time he would grant 
 him leave to return, and that in the meanwhile he might visit the towns 
 of Flanders. For this gracious treatment the good Chevalier gave his 
 very humble thanks to the Emperor and the King of England, and 
 then set forth to divert himself in the country until the day that he 
 had promised. 
 
358 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 During this time the King of England made attempts to gain him 
 over to be in his service, ofifering him many advantages. But it was 
 labour lost, for his heart was wholly French. 
 
 Now you must know one thing, that, although the good Chevalier 
 had not great possessions, in his time there is not to be found any man 
 who kept a better house than he ; and all the while he was in the 
 country of the Emperor, he entertained the Hainaulters and Burgundians 
 munificently. And although the wine there was exceedingly dear, they 
 wanted of nothing when they retired to bed,^ and the day was when he 
 hath spent twenty crowns on wine. . Many would have been very glad 
 if he had never left them ; nevertheless when he had fulfilled his term, 
 he returned to France, and he was conducted and accompanied right 
 gallantly to within three leagues of his master's country.^ 
 
 For some days the Emperor and the King of England remained 
 before Therouanne, which at last surrendered for want of provisions. 
 And the composition was that the captains and men of war should 
 depart with their lives and property spared, and that no hurt should be 
 done to the inhabitants of the town nor the place destroyed. 
 
 The promise made to the men of war was well kept, but not that 
 made to the inhabitants, for the King of England caused the walls to 
 be thrown down and fire kindled at several points, which was a gross 
 shame. Afterwards, however, the French restored it to its former state 
 and in greater strength than ever. So from that place the Emperor 
 and the King of England raised their siege and went and planted it 
 before the town of Tournay, which would have been well enough 
 defended, if the inhabitants had consented to accept the aid of the 
 French which was ofi*ered them, but they said they could make a good 
 defence by themselves. Wherefore evil came upon them, for their town 
 was taken and delivered into the hands of the King of England, who 
 fortified it very strongly. The winter was now advanced ; wherefore the 
 army was disbanded, and the King of England retired to his kingdom, 
 and the Emperor into Germany. In like manner the camp of the King 
 of France was broken up, and the men were quartered among the 
 garrisons on the frontiers of Picardy. ^ 
 
 ^ That is, there was as much as they could drink and to spare. 
 
 ^ According to Champier, he returned by way of Lorraine, where great honour was 
 paid to his renown, and also to his position as captain of the company of ordnance under 
 the ensign of the Duke. Champier says : " I beheld him highly esteemed of all the nobles 
 of the province of Bar and of Lorraine. My Lord of Lorraine gave him some horses, 
 exceedingly handsome and strong, and made him many fine presents besides ; and he 
 presented and had made for him at Nancy a beautiful silver vessel." 
 
History of Bayarix 
 
 361 
 
 You ought to be told of one event which is worthy to be set down 
 in writing ; it is this, that, during the encampment of the King of 
 England and the Emperor in Picardy, the Swiss, who were then at 
 enmity with the King of France, the Lord of Vergy and many 
 lansquenets, to the number of full thirty thousand men of war, made a 
 descent into Burgundy, of which the Governor was the virtuous Lord of 
 La Tremoille, who at the time was in the country. As he had not 
 power enough to fight them in the open, he was constrained to retire 
 into Dijon, before which town he hoped to check this huge army, which 
 soon afterwards came and laid siege to it in two places, and, having 
 done so, bombarded it furiously. 
 
 The good Lord of La Tremoille did his devoir in every way possible, 
 and was himself day and night on the ramparts. But when he saw the 
 breaches made and how ill-furnished with men of war he was, he knew 
 at a glance that the town was on the point of being lost, and in 
 consequence the kingdom of France was in great danger ; for if Dijon 
 had been taken, the enemy would have gone even as far as Paris. So 
 he secretly entered into treaty with the Swiss, and made many fair 
 representations of the benefits and honours they had received from the 
 house of France, and how he hoped that in a short time they would again 
 be greater friends than ever ; and that if they rightly understood their in- 
 terests, the ruin of the house of France would be to their great detriment. 
 
 They listened to this proposition, and further agreed that, under safe- 
 conduct, he should come and speak with them : which he did. And he 
 managed them so well, and with such fair words, and also by the aid 
 of a certain large sum of money which he promised them (as a surety 
 for which he gave them as hostages his nephew, the Lord of Mczieres, 
 the Lord of Rochefort, the son of the Chancellor of France, and some 
 burgesses of the town), that they returned home. 
 
 For this composition the said Lord of La Tremoille was blamed by 
 many, but very wrongly ; for never did any man so great service in 
 France in one day as when he caused the Swiss to withdraw from before 
 Dijon. Since that too he hath well distinguished himself in many ways. 
 
 The good King Louis XII., in this year fifteen hundred and 
 thirteen, suffered dire disasters, and his allies as well, of which one of 
 the most conspicuous was the King of Scotland, who, intending to 
 invade England, was defeated in a battle by the Duke of Norfolk, 
 lieutenant of the King of England, and was himself slain.^ 
 
 ^ Flodden Field, August 18, 1513. 
 
362 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 'J But whatever happened, the King of France was so beloved of his 
 subjects that, at their request, God gave him help. So that although 
 the greater part of the Princes of Europe had sworn his ruin, and in 
 particular all his neighbours, he kept his realm in safety. From the 
 department of Picardy he returned by short stages to his town of Blois, 
 which he loved exceedingly, for there he had been born ; but he abode 
 there but a short time before a great and irreparable misfortune befell 
 him, as you shall hear. 
 
 Medal of Henry VIII. 
 
Claude and Renee of France. From two Medals. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVIL 
 
 Of the death of the magnanimous and virtuous Princess Anne, Queen of France, and 
 Duchess of Britany. Of the marriage of the King Louis XII. with Mary of England, 
 and of the death of the said King Louis. 
 
 HE good King of France, Louis XH., after that he had 
 passed through all these misfortunes in this same 
 year fifteen hundred and thirteen, and had settled 
 his garrisons in Picardy, returned to his town of Blois, 
 where he desired to recreate himself awhile. But the 
 pleasure he thought to take turned to his great grief 
 and sadness ; for, about the beginning of January, 
 his good wife and consort Anne, Queen of France 
 and Duchess of Britany, fell very grievously sick. For despite of the 
 physicians, whom the King her husband or she had to aid her to 
 recover health, in less than eight days she gave up her soul to God, 
 which was a calamity without equal for the Kingdom of France and 
 everlasting mourning for the Bretons. The nobility of the two countries^ 
 
 ^ That is, France and Britany. 
 
3^4 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 thereby suffered inestimable loss ; for a more magnanimous, more 
 virtuous, more prudent, more generous, or more accomplished princess 
 had not worn crown in France, since the title of queen hath been. 
 
 Gate of the Castle of Blois. 
 
 Not only did the French and Bretons lament her decease, but in 
 
 Germany, the Spains, England, Scotland, and throughout the rest of 
 Europe there was wailing and weeping. 
 
 The King her husband was not wont to make gifts of large sums of 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 365 
 
 money, for fear of galling his people ; but this worthy lady did enough 
 in that matter ; and there were few men of virtue in her two countries, 
 to whom she had not once in her life given some present. Not thirty- 
 eight years had the noble Princess accomplished when cruel death 
 through her wrought so great injury to all nobility. And if any man 
 would describe her virtues and her life according to her deserts, then 
 must God resuscitate Cicero for the Latin tongue and Master Jean de 
 Meung for the French, because the moderns could never attain thereto. 
 
 By this so lamentable and exceeding piteous decease the good King 
 Louis was so cast down, that, for the space of eight days, he did but 
 weep, praying every hour that it might be our Lord's pleasure that he 
 might depart and hold her company. All the comfort which remained 
 to him was that there was issue living of him and the good deceased 
 two good and fair Princesses, Claude, and Renee, who was about three 
 years of age. The Queen was brought to St. Denis and there 
 buried ; and the service for her was performed, as well at the said 
 Blois as at the said place of St. Denis, with the utmost possible 
 solemnity. For more than three entire months, throughout all the 
 Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Britany, you could have heard 
 speak of naught else but this mournful decease. Nay, I certainly 
 believe that it doth still abide in the memory of many persons, for the 
 great gifts, the sweet reception, and gracious speech she gave to every 
 one, will render her immortal. 
 
 About the month of May ensuing, that is to say fifteen hundred and 
 fourteen, my Lord Francis, Duke of Valois and Angouleme, next heir 
 to the crown, married the Lady Claude, eldest daughter of France and 
 Duchess of Britany, at the place of Saint Germain-en-Laye. 
 
 In the said year, and about the month of October, under the conduct 
 of the Lord of Longueville, who, being himself a prisoner, had made 
 treaty in England for the marriage between King Louis and the Lady 
 Mary, sister of the aforesaid King of England, the said lady was 
 brought to Abbeville, where the said lord espoused her. The King 
 had no great need to be married, for many reasons ; moreover he had 
 no great desire thereunto. But because he saw himself engaged on all 
 sides in war which he could not maintain without pressing heavily on 
 his people, he likened himself to the pelican.^ 
 
 For after the Queen Mary had made her entry into Paris, which she 
 did with great pomp, and after that the many jousts and tourneys, 
 
 ^ That is, sacrificed himself for his people. 
 
366 History of Bayard. 
 
 lasting for more than six weeks, had come to an end, the good King, 
 who on account of his wife had changed his whole manner of living 
 (for, whereas he had been wont to dine at eight o'clock, he had to dine 
 at noon ; and whereas he was accustomed to retire at six in the 
 evening, he often went to bed at midnight), at the end of the month of 
 December fell sick. From which sickness every human remedy was of 
 no avail to preserve him from yielding his soul to Gcd on the first of 
 January following, after midnight. 
 
 He was in his lifetime a good prince and wise and virtuous, who 
 maintained his people in peace without oppressing them in any way, 
 save of necessity. He had in his time both good and bad fortune in 
 
 Medal of Francis I. 
 
 plenty, wherefore he gained ample knowledge of the world. He 
 obtained many victories over his enemies, but, towards the end of his 
 days, Fortune somewhat turned to him her affrighted countenance,^ 
 The good Prince was lamented and mourned by all his subjects and 
 not without reason ; for he had kept them in peace and in great justice, 
 in such wise that, after his death and all eulogies spoken of him, he 
 was called the Father of the People. This title was given him for 
 good reason. He was not yet fifty-six years of age when he paid the 
 tribute of nature. He was borne to his grave at St. Denis alongside of 
 his good predecessors, in the midst of great weeping and lamentation 
 and to the deep regret of his subjects. 
 
 ^ In other words, frowned upon him or turned her back on him. 
 
TOMB OF LOUIS XH. AND ANNE OF BRITANY. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 369 
 
 After him, Francis, the first of his name, succeeded to the crown, at 
 the age of twenty, as handsome a prince as there was in the world ; 
 who had espoused the Lady Claude of France, elder daughter of the 
 King his predecessor, and Duchess of Britany. Never had there been 
 seen a King in France with whom the nobility was so well pleased. 
 He was brought to Rheims to be consecrated, accompanied by all the 
 princes, gentlemen, and officers, of whom there was so great a number 
 that it is a matter almost surpassing belief. And it must be said that 
 the houses were crowded, for there was not a great or mean or poor 
 man but desired to be present at the festivity. 
 
 2 p 
 
J' .i'T\ 
 
 Ancient View of Pigneiol. 
 
 BOOK THE THIRD 
 
 REIGN OF FRANCIS I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 How the King of France, Francis, first of this name, passed over the mountains, 
 and how he sent before him the good Chevaher sans peur et sans reproche. And 
 concerning the capture of the Lord Prospero Colonna by his cunning. 
 
 FTER the consecration of the King Francis, the first of this 
 name, and his coronation at St. Denis, he returned to 
 make his entry into Paris, and that was the most splendid 
 and glorious entry that has ever been seen in France ; for 
 of princes, dukes, counts, and gentlemen at arms, there 
 were more than a thousand or twelve hundred. The entry 
 was followed by many jousts and tourneys in the street of 
 St. Anthony, wherein every man did the utmost he could. 
 The said lord remained until after Easter at Paris, where in the 
 
 2 B 2 
 
372 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 meantime the treaty was made between him and the Archduke, the 
 Count of Flanders, touching the marriage of the latter and the Lady 
 Renee of France, sister-in-law of the King. Some other marriages 
 were also made, such as that of Mary of England, then widow of 
 the late King Louis XIL and dowager of France, with the Duke 
 of Suffolk (Sir Charles Brandon, who was greatly beloved of the King 
 of England his master), and that of the Count of Nassau to the sister 
 of the Prince of Orange. The Duke of Bourbon was made Constable 
 of France. Then about the month of May, in the year fifteen hundred 
 and fifteen, they set forth from Paris, and came by easy stages to 
 Amboise, where the noble Duke of Lorraine espoused the own sister of 
 the said Duke of Bourbon. 
 
 During all these matters, the King of France was busy secretly 
 preparing his expedition for the conquest of his Duchy of Milan. And 
 little by little he despatched his army towards the Lyonnais and 
 Dauphiny, whither already had come the good Chevalier, then his 
 lieutenant in that district, by the people whereof he was as much 
 beloved as if he had been their natural lord. Now, as you have heard 
 before in several passages, in advancing against the enemy the good 
 Chevalier according to his desire was ever placed with the vanguard, 
 and in the retreat in the rear, and so again it happened on this 
 expedition. For he was sent with his company and three or four 
 thousand foot-men to the confines of Dauphiny and the territories of the 
 Marquis of Saluzzo, whereof the latter had lost all save a castle called 
 Revello, a very strong place. 
 
 In the strong places of the Marquis of Saluzzo a large number of 
 Swiss were garrisoned, and there also the Lord Prospero Colonna, who 
 was at that time Lieutenant-General of the Pope, had taken up his 
 abode ; and he held all the country at his mercy, and dealt therewith 
 according to his pleasure. Right well was he accompanied, for he had 
 with liim three hundred men-at-arms, all picked soldiers and mounted 
 like St George, and also some light-horse. The good Chevalier 
 secretly discovered through his spies to which place this Lord Prospero 
 the most often repaired ; and he made so good enquiry that he knew 
 for a truth, that if he had equal strength with his enemy in respect 
 of men-at-arms, he would bear the said lord ill company. 
 
 He sent word thereof to the Duke of Bourbon, who was at Briangon 
 in Dauphiny, and he made the same known to the King, who had 
 already come to Grenoble to accomplish his expedition. Whereupon, 
 according to the demand of the good Chevalier, three splendid captains 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 373 
 
 were forthwith sent with their bands, to wit, the Lords of La Palisse, of 
 Imbercourt and of Aubigny. 
 
 Now certain good news were brought to the good Chevalier,^ by 
 reason whereof he passed over the mountains at a place called Dronero, 
 
 The Duke of Bourbon. From a Print of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 and descended into the plain of Piedmont ; whereof the Lord Prospero 
 was informed. But because he understood that the good Chevalier had 
 but his own company with him, he recked lightly thereof, and often said 
 
 ^ By a Piedmontese chamois-hunter, who offered to guide them by a path known only 
 to him, and which, according to M. Terrebasse, is the modern Pas de la Dragonniere. 
 
374 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 in his own language : " Questo Bayardo a passato gly monte ynanee 
 poco de lauro como uno pipione in la gabia."^ 
 
 The good Chevalier was well informed of all these sayings, and also 
 knew for certain that the good captains were advancing to accomplish 
 the undertaking. Now the Lord of Moretto, of the house of the Solieri, 
 and a Piedmontese cousin of his, busied themselves with a fine strata- 
 gem, and right well did their devoir therein, in such sort that it was 
 determined to go and catch the Lord Prospero within the town of 
 Carmagnola, which they should enter at night by way of the castle, 
 with which they had communication. 
 
 Now when the French captains, who did not linger by the way, had 
 arrived, they all assembled in the plain of Piedmont, at a small town 
 called Savigliano. Therein they found the good Chevalier, who 
 welcomed them to the best of his power. But he said to them : 
 My lords, we must not rest here ; for if the Lord Prospero discover 
 your arrival, our enterprise falleth to pieces, for he will retreat, or 
 perchance he will call to his aid the Swiss, of whom he has a goodly 
 number at Pignerol and at Saluzzo. I am of opinion that we should 
 bait our horses well to night, and then at break of day we will achieve 
 our design. There is a wide stream to cross, but the Lord of Moretto^ 
 here present knoweth a ford whither he will conduct us without 
 danger." 
 
 Thus was the matter determined, and every man retired for a little 
 rest ; but care was first taken to see that the steeds wanted for nothing. 
 Then when it came to two or three hours after midnight, they all 
 mounted to horse without much noise. 
 
 The Lord Prospero was in Carmagnola, and had been certainly in- 
 
 ^ We give the Italian as it stands in the original text. The wordiS ynanee poco de lauro 
 being untranslatable, Terrebasse substitutes lo prendero. The present editor prefers to 
 read in vane e poco de lanro (or lavro for lavoro, in accordance with another's suggestion) ; 
 and he translates thus : " This Bayard has crossed the mountains without profit and with 
 little glory (or with little toil), as a pigeon passes into a cage." He admits, however, that 
 the reading of M. de Terrebasse (" This Bayard has crossed the mountains ; I shall 
 catch him like a pigeon in a cage ") receives support from the author's subsequent 
 reference to the phrase on p. 379 ; although he does not think the insertion of prendero 
 necessary to make sense of the words. 
 
 2 According to Champier, it was the brother of the Lord of Moretto : " They mounted 
 to horse four hundred men-at-arms. Then said the marshal : ' How shall we pass the river 
 Po, which is so impetuous and broad ? ' Here, my lord,' said Bayard, ' is the brother of 
 the Lord of Moretto, who knoweth the ford, and he shall pass over it the first and I after him.' 
 So they passed this great river, which is very dangerous, and impossible to pass without 
 knowing the ford. But, like daring and courageous men, they went so that they passed 
 over the river without losing a soul." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 375 
 
 formed by his spies that the French were in the country. He was, 
 however, little alarmed, for he did not think any company was in the 
 plain save that of the good Chevalier. So he had not intended to re- 
 move from Carmagnola until the evening, while the French thought to 
 come upon him in the morning. He had, however, received some news 
 which determined him to withdraw to Pignerol, in order to look after 
 affairs, as it was known of a truth that the French were in the [mountain] 
 passes. So not very early in the morning he left his quarters and took 
 the road, in very good order, intending to dine at a small town about 
 seven or eight miles thence, called Villafranca. 
 
 When the French had arrived before the castle of Carmagnola, they 
 spake with the governor, who told them how it was only a quarter of an 
 hour since the Lord Prospero and his men had set out ; whereat they 
 were exceedingly annoyed beyond belief, and they took counsel as to 
 what they ought to do. Some wished to go after them ; others doubted ; 
 but when each had spoken, the good Chevalier said : My lords, since 
 we have come so far, I am of opinion that we should pursue. If we 
 meet them in the open country, it will be a fine cry if we do not 
 make some of them rest there." 
 
 "By God!" said the Lord of Imbercourt, "man never spake better." 
 
 The Lords of La Palisse and of Aubigny did not run counter thereto ; 
 and they began to march ; but they sent beforehand the Lord of 
 Moretto in disguise, to learn in what state their enemies were. He 
 made so good speed, that he discovered for certain that the Lord 
 Prospero and his band were dining at Villafranca. The French were 
 well pleased, and resolved to carry out their design in this way : that 
 the Lord of Imbercourt should march in front with a hundred archers, 
 and, an arrow's flight behind, the good Chevalier should follow him 
 with a hundred men-at-arms, while the Lords of La Palisse and of 
 Aubigny should come after with all the rest of their men. Now hear 
 what happened. 
 
 The Lord Prospero had good spies, and he was informed, as he went 
 to mass in this small town of Villafranca, that the French were in the 
 field in great number. He made answer in his own tongue that he 
 knew well there was but the Captain Bayard and his band, unless the 
 others had flown over the mountains. Then, as he returned from mass, 
 again came other spies, who said to him : " My lord, I warn you that 
 I have left near at hand more than a thousand horse of the French, 
 and they are about to seek you here." 
 
 He was a little surprised ; he looked at a gentleman of his company, 
 
376 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 to whom he said, " Take twenty horse and go along the road to Car- 
 magnola, as far as two or three miles hence ; and look out if you see 
 
 aught that can cause annoyance." 
 
 In the meantime he commanded 
 the quartermaster of his troops to 
 have the trumpet sounded and 
 to go and prepare the quarters 
 at Pignerol, whither he would 
 follow him, as soon as he had 
 eaten a morsel. The other in- 
 stantly did his command. The 
 French kept continually advancing 
 according to the disposition afore- 
 said, and approached within about 
 a mile and a half of Villafranca, 
 where on issuing from a small 
 coppice, they come face to face 
 with the men whom the Lord 
 Prospero sent to discover them. 
 These, when they became aware 
 of them, began to turn their 
 backs, and at full gallop to return 
 towards Villafranca. The noble 
 Lord of Imbercourt gave chase 
 to them at his best speed, and 
 sent word by an archer to the 
 good Chevalier to hasten forward. 
 It was not necessary to tell him 
 twice. Before the men of the 
 Lord Prospero had gained Villa- 
 franca, or at the very least just 
 as they sought to enter the gate, 
 the Lord of Imbercourt over- 
 took them, and began to shout 
 *' France ! " " France ! " 
 They tried to close the gate, but he prevented them as well as he 
 could, and did all that was possible in arms, without being wounded 
 save a little in the face. 
 
 In the meanwhile the good Chevalier came up, and made a mar- 
 vellous clamour, in such sort that they gained possession of the gate- 
 
 Sword of Francis I. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 377 
 
 The said quartermaster, who was ah-eady mounted to horse with some 
 men-at-arms, and intended to depart for Pignerol, heard the tumult, and 
 threw himself into the square and sought to stand upon his defence ; 
 but all his force was borne to earth and a portion thereof slain. The 
 Lords of Aubigny and La Palisse arrived, and setting a guard over 
 the first gate went to guard another, in order that no one should 
 escape, for there were but these two gates in the town. But it was not 
 possible to watch them so well but that there escaped across the small 
 foot-plank which is adjoining the draw-bridge two Albanians, who ran, 
 as if all the devils were carrying them, to tell a troop of four thousand 
 Swiss, who were but three miles off, of the mischance that had 
 happened to the Lord Prospero. 
 
 The said lord in the meantime was attacked in his abode, where he 
 was dining, and he was prepared to defend himself like a man of war 
 as he was. But when he perceived that his effort would avail him 
 little, and heard the names of the captains who were there assembled, 
 he yielded, with the greatest regret in the world, cursing his fortune to 
 have been so surprised and that God had not done him this favour to 
 have found the French in the open country.^ 
 
 The good Chevalier, hearing these words, recomforted him the best 
 he could, saying to him : " Lord Prospero, it is the fortune of war ; at 
 one time to lose, at another to gain." But always brought he in some 
 joyous word, and he added : " Lord Prospero, you wish to have found 
 us in the open ; I pledge you my faith that you ought not so to wish 
 for the half of your wealth, for with the rage and talent for good fighting 
 which possessed our men, it would have been very difficult for you or 
 any of yours to have escaped alive." 
 
 The Lord Prospero answered coldly : " I should have been right glad, 
 if it had pleased our Lord, to undertake the adventure upon that risk." 
 
 Along with the Lord Prospero were captured the Count of Policastro, 
 Pietro Morgante, and Carlo Cadamosto, who were captains of the men 
 of war there, who were also prisoners. Afterwards every man took to 
 
 ^ Champier gives a few more details : " Bayard found before the house of the Lord 
 Prospero his guard of archers. He straightway cried : ' Yield, and utter not a sound. 
 Otherwise you die.' Some put themselves on their defence, but were soon overthrown. 
 The others ran to the Lord Prospero, who was at table and dining ; they cried 
 'Arise, lord ; here are the French in a huge band.' Then the lord cried : ' My children, 
 guard this door a short time until we be accoutred to defend ourselves.' . . . But the noble 
 Bayard on one side made his men attack the door, and with the others scaled the 
 windows and entered within well-armed, and himself the first. . . . When the Lord Prospero 
 saw that the house was filled, he called out : ' Lords of France, who is your captain ? ' " 
 
378 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 pillage, and the plunder was exceedingly great for so small a company ; 
 for if it had been all brought away they would have drawn a hundred and 
 fifty thousand ducats therefrom. Among other things, there was a treasure 
 in the horses which were captured, for there were six or seven hundred, 
 whereof four hundred were of value, all coursers or horses of Spain. 
 Indeed I have since heard tell of the Lord Prospero that this capture 
 cost him fifty thousand crowns, as well in vessels of gold and silver, 
 and in money, as in other goods. 
 
 The French had not leisure to carry off all ; for news came that the 
 
 Colonna's Blazon. 
 
 Swiss, to whom those two Albanians had gone, were marching at full 
 trot and were already close at hand. They determined among them- 
 selves to set out upon their return, and sounded the trumpet to that end. 
 Each man seized the best of his booty ; they sent on their prisoners 
 before them and then began their return. And as they went out by 
 one gate, the Swiss entered by the other ; but the latter were on foot 
 and the others mounted, and therefore they cared little. 
 
 This was one of the fairest enterprises that had been made for two 
 hundred years past. Moreover the Lord Prospero, who boasted that he 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 379 
 
 would catch the good ChevaHer hke a pigeon in a cage, suffered the 
 contrary himself, and all by the vigilance of this good Chevalier. 
 
 The King of France was already among the mountains, where never 
 had army passed, and at the mountain of St. Paul he received the 
 news of this fine defeat, whereat he was exceeding joyous ; as was all 
 his company. Indeed nothing is so certain as that the capture of 
 Prospero Colonna did great service to the French ; for without that he 
 would have been present at the battle which took place some time 
 afterwards. Through him also there would have been present all the 
 Spanish and the rest of the army of the Pope, who, if they had 
 assembled, would have numbered a thousand men-at-arms, but they had 
 to spend their days in weariness and vexation, wherewith one was well 
 content. 
 
Francis I. knighted by Bayard. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Of the battle which the King of France, Francis, first of this name, fought against the 
 Swiss, in the conquest of his Duchy of Milan, wherein he remained victorious. And 
 how, after the battle was won, he desired to be made knight by the hand of the good 
 Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche. 
 
 Milan, whither they were ever pursued. Some talk of a truce arose? 
 and it was thought to be almost concluded. Wherefore the Duke of 
 Gueldres, ally and always loyal servant of the house of France, who 
 had brought a troop of ten thousand lansquenets for the service of the 
 King, returned to his own country. But he left his men with his 
 nephew, the Lord of Guise, the brother of that noble prince, the Duke 
 
 HE King of France, who was exceedingly rejoiced at 
 the capture of the Lord Prospero (and indeed he had 
 reason), marched with his army as swiftly as he could, 
 and came through Piedmont to Turin, where the Duke 
 of Savoy, his uncle, received him with courtesy. The 
 Swiss, who had lodged themselves in the passes, when 
 they knew of the capture of the Lord Prospero and the 
 rout of his band, abandoned them and retreated towards 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 of Lorraine, and with a lieutenant of his who was called the Captain 
 Miguel. 
 
 This talk, that the truce would come about, continued always, until 
 the army of the King approached within twelve or fifteen miles of 
 Milan, whither the Swiss had withdrawn, along with that good prophet, 
 the Cardinal of Sion, who all his life had been a mortal enemy of the 
 French, as he well proved again this time. For, notwithstanding that 
 the Lord of Lautrec had gone to bear the money to Galera in order to 
 carry out the proposed truce, one Thursday at even, the Cardinal so 
 well lectured his Swiss, and made them so many remonstrances, that, 
 like desperate men, they sallied forth from Milan, and came and hurled 
 themselves upon the camp of the King of France. 
 
 The Constable, the Duke of Bourbon, who led the vanguard, 
 straightway set himself in order, and sent word to the King, who was 
 about to sit down to his supper ;^ but he left it there, and went 
 straight against his foes, who were already joined in the skirmish, which 
 lasted a long while before they came to the main action. The King 
 of France had a large number of lansquenets, and they attempted the 
 daring feat to pass over a ditch in order to seek out the Swiss, who 
 let pass seven or eight ranks of them and then beat you them back in 
 such sort that every man who had passed over was thrown into the 
 ditch. Thereupon the said lansquenets were exceedingly dismayed. 
 And had it not been for the Lord of Guise (who made a marvellous 
 resistance and was at last left for dead),^ the Duke of Bourbon, the 
 Constable, the noble Count of St. Paul, the good Chevalier, and 
 several others, who charged through this band of Swiss, they would 
 have caused great trouble, for it was now night, and night hath no 
 shame.^ 
 
 This body of Swiss was routed by the gendarmerie of the vanguard 
 in the evening. A party of about two thousand passed face to face 
 with the King, who gallantly charged them, and a stubborn conflict 
 
 1 " My lord the Duke of Lorraine, who was about to place himself at table for supper, 
 heard the shout, leaped to horse supperless, and we also after him, for there was no longer 
 time to sup and one had to think of other things. Bayard, who was the Duke's lieu- 
 tenant, laid vigorously about him, shouting : ' Traitor Swiss and cursed churls, go home 
 and eat cheese among your mountains if you can. Cry to God for mercy on your 
 treason.' " — Champier. 
 
 2 " He received," says Champier, "the thrust of a pike in the upper part of the thigh, 
 which entered three fingers deep, and he was thrown down as if dead ; but a German, a 
 drummer of my Lord of Lorraine, recognised him, his soldiers raised him up, and he was 
 borne to the tent of my Lord of Lorraine, where I dressed him." 
 
 ^ That is, one can lice without detection. 
 
382 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 took place, in such sort that he was in great danger of his person, for 
 his beevor was pierced by the blow of a pike. 
 
 It was now so late that men could not see one another ; and they 
 were constrained to retire for this evening, the Swiss on one side and 
 the French on another. And they rested as they could, but I verily 
 believe that no man reposed at his ease. Wherein Fortune showed as 
 
 Seal of Francis T. 
 
 much favour to the King of France as to the least of his soldiers, for 
 he remained mounted all night like the others. 
 
 You must hear one adv^enture of the good Chevalier sans peur et 
 sans reproche, which was strange indeed and very perilous for him. At 
 the last charge that was made upon the Swiss in the evening, he was 
 mounted upon a gallant steed, which was the second, for at the first 
 charge he had one killed between his legs. As he was about to 
 charge, he was all surrounded with pikes, in such manner that his said 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 horse was unbridled. When the horse felt himself without a rein, he 
 set to a gallop, and despite all the Swiss and their ranks, passed right 
 through them. And he was bearing the good Chevalier straight upon 
 another troop of Swiss, had it not been that in a field he came upon 
 some vines, stretching from tree to tree, where, perforce, he stopped. 
 
 The good Chevalier was much alarmed, not without cause ; for he 
 was dead, beyond remedy, if he had fallen into the hands of the 
 enemy. 
 
 He in no way lost his wits, but gently dismounted and threw oft' his 
 helmet and thigh-pieces, and then along the ditches, on hands and feet, 
 retired, according to his judgment, towards the camp of the French, and 
 where he heard them shouting " France." 
 
 God granted him the favour to arrive without danger, and more- 
 over, what was better for him, it happened that the first man he met 
 
 was the noble Duke of Lorraine, one of his masters, who was astonished 
 indeed to see him thus on foot. The said Duke straightway lent 
 him a gallant steed named Le Carman, whereof he himself had 
 formerly made the Duke a present, and which was captured at the 
 taking of Brescia. Moreover on the day of Ravenna [this horse] was 
 left as dead, and the good Chevalier dismounted from him, because he 
 had two pike-thrusts in his flanks, and on the head more than twenty 
 sword-cuts. However, on the morrow some person found him as he 
 was grazing and he began to neigh, wherefore he was brought in to 
 the quarters of the good Chevalier, who caused him to be cured. But 
 his behaviour was a thing beyond belief ; for, like a man, he let them 
 put him to bed and place bandages on his wounds, without stirring at 
 all. And afterwards, whenever he saw a sword, he rushed- to grasp it 
 in his strong teeth ; and never was seen a more courageous horse, 
 though it were Bucephalus, the horse of Alexander. 
 
 However this might be, the good Chevalier was right glad to find 
 
 Swiss Trumpet. 
 
386 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 himself escaped from so great danger, and remounted on so good a 
 steed. But it vexed him that he had no headpiece ; for, in such 
 affairs, it is exceeding dangerous to have the head bare. He perceived 
 a gentleman, a great friend of his, who had his page carrying his, and 
 he said to him : I fear to take cold because I am a-s\veat from 
 
 Bas-relief of the Battle of Marignan. 
 
 having been so long on foot. I pray you, lend me your helmet that 
 your man carries, for an hour or two." 
 
 The gentleman, who gave no thought to that which the good 
 Chevalier meant, lent him the helmet, wherewith he was well pleased ; 
 
 Bas-relief of the Battle of Marignan. 
 
 for he did not lay it aside afterwards until the battle was ended, which 
 was on the Friday, about ten or eleven o'clock. For, from the break 
 of day, the Swiss were ready to begin again, and came straight 
 against the artillery of the French,^ by which they were well treated- 
 
 ^ Champier, who was present at this battle, relates how from the morning of the 
 morrow Bayard had conceived the idea of employing the artillery to advantage. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 Nevertheless, never men fought better, and the affair lasted for three or 
 four hours. At last they were broken and defeated, and ten or twelve 
 thousand of them died on the field. The remainder, in good order 
 enough, retreated along a great road to Milan, whither they were 
 escorted by sword-blows, as well by the French as by the Captain- 
 General of the Seigniorie of Venice, Messer Bartolomeo Alviano, who 
 a little before had arrived with the succour of Venetians, and there, in 
 a charge which he made, he lost two or three captains, among whom 
 was the son of the Count Petigliano. The French suffered great loss 
 there ; for, on the Thursday or the Friday, there were slain my Lord 
 Francis of Bourbon, the noble Captain Imbercourt, the Count of Sancerre, 
 and the Lord of Mouy ; while the Prince of Talmont and the Lord 
 of Bucy received wounds, whereof they afterwards died. 
 
 The King took counsel to see if they should pursue the Swiss or not. 
 Many were of divers opinions ; at last it w?.s determined to be the 
 best to let them go, for it might be possible to make use of them in 
 time to come. The day that the Swiss left their camp, they remained 
 at Milan, and on the morrow they departed thence, withdrawing to 
 their own country. They were pursued by some few men, but not to 
 the extremity ; for if the King had willed it, there would not have 
 escaped one. 
 
 On the evening of the Friday on which the battle ended to the 
 honour of the King of France, there was joy exceeding through the 
 camp, and men talked thereof in many ways ; and some were con- 
 sidered better doers than the others. But above all it was considered 
 that the good Chevalier, on the whole two days, had shown himself 
 such as he had been wont in other places where he had been in like 
 case. The King was pleased to honour him greatly, for from his hand 
 he took the rank of knighthood ; and he had good reason, for from a 
 better hand he could not have received it. 
 
 The Lord Maximilian Sforza, who held the duchy, as his father the 
 Lord Ludovico had done formerly, remained in the castle of Milan, 
 
 " Bayard came to the master of artillery and said to him : " My lord, you must 
 shoot upon this quarter, on the right hand. The main body of the Swiss is there, but I 
 pray you discharge seven or eight pieces all together to awake them better, for they are 
 over full of sleep." At these words, the master of artillery bade them charge eight huge 
 pieces, and discharged them all upon the Swiss. And so great slaughter was made that 
 the Swiss all abandoned this side. Then the battle began." This fragment shows the 
 humour of the good Chevalier. None the less, however, the Swiss attacked in the direc- 
 tion of the artillery, as is proved by our text, and by the bas-relief on the tomb of Francis 
 I., which represents this phase of the conflict. 
 
 2 C 2 
 
388 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 to which siege was laid ; but he waited not long before he yielded 
 himself. A composition was made with him, wherewith he was satisfied, 
 and those who were within departed with their property. 
 
 I will omit to speak of all that which happened during two months ; 
 but in the month of December the King of France went to visit the 
 Pope in the city of Bologna, who gave him great welcome. They held 
 converse together of many matters, wherewith I will in no wise en- 
 cumber this history. 
 
 Buckler of Francis I. 
 From the Royal x\rmoury at Madrid. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of many incidents which happened in France, Italy, and Spain, during three 
 
 or four years. 
 
 N his retui'n from Bologna, the King of France came to 
 Milan,^ whence, after having left the Duke of Bourbon, 
 Constable of France, as his lieutenant-general, he re- 
 turned to his own country, and went straight into 
 Provence, where he found his good and loyal wife and 
 the lad}' his mother, whom at his departure he had 
 left regent in his realm. About this season died 
 Ferdinand, King of Arragon, who in his life had won 
 some fine and great victories. He was vigilant, wary, and cunning, and 
 
 ^ The end of the preceding chapter shewed us Francis being dubbed knight by Bayard. 
 This celebrated episode is related by Champier with a few more details. After having 
 protested against so great an honour, and having undertaken the ceremony only upon the 
 king's repeated injunction, Bayard raised his sword, with the flat of which, according to 
 the rite, he struck the royal shoulders thrice. Then he exclaimed joyously : " Right 
 happy art thou to-day to have given so noble and puissant a king the order of knight- 
 hood. Certes, my good sword, you shall be right well guarded like a relic, and honoured 
 above all others. And never will I bear you, save against Turks, Saracens, or Moors." 
 
390 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 you find but few histories which make mention that he had been 
 deceived in his life ; but during the same he marvellously augmented 
 the estates of his successor. The Lord Giuglio de Medicis also, who 
 was called Duke of Modena, brother of Pope Leo, passed from life to 
 death ; he had espoused the Duchess of Nemours, daughter of Savoy 
 and aunt of the King of France. 
 
 The Emperor Maximilian, ill-pleased with the fair victory which the 
 King of France had gained over the Swiss, and that he had conquered 
 his duchy of Milan, assembled a great number of lansquenets and some 
 Swiss of the Canton of Zurich and the League of the Grisons.^ More- 
 over he came in person to the said duchy of Milan, where, because of 
 the great power which he had, the Constable was counselled not to 
 
 await him in the field, and he retired with his army into the town of 
 Milan, where, a few days after, there came to him a succour of eight or 
 ten thousand Swiss. Seeing which, the Emperor, who was the most 
 suspicious man in the world, retired into his own country; he had no 
 great honour in his enterprise, but the Constable acquired high renown 
 therein. The good Chevalier made many forays upon the Germans, and 
 
 This legendary weapon is said to be still preserved in England. This much is certain, 
 that the sword of the grandfather of Bayard was preserved, and that it was of great 
 weight. "Thou wilt find even in our time " (1527), says Symphorien Champier, ''in the 
 house of the noble Gaspard Terrail two swords, which the grandsire of the said Gaspard 
 and of the said Bayard bore ; and they are of a marvellous make and of great price, 
 and few men are found who can use them by reason of the weight of the same." 
 
 ^ La Ligue Grise, the Grey League, composed of three small confederations, which 
 together constituted the Canton of the Grisons. 
 
 Seal of the Duke of Bourbon. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 39^ 
 
 therein captured many prisoners ; but he never took from them but 
 their pike and dagger.^ 
 
 The following year John, King of Navarre, who had been despoiled 
 of his realm by Ferdinand, King of Arragon, passed from life to death. 
 In the said year, about the month of July, a certain treaty was made 
 between the King of France and the King of Castile, Charles, hereto- 
 fore Archduke of Austria, touching his marriage with Louise, eldest 
 daughter of France. It was concluded in the town of Noyon, but it 
 lasted not long. I will not discourse of the said treaty, for enough 
 is written thereof elsewhere. 
 
 About the month of October the indulgence of the crusade was given 
 throughout France by Pope Leo, whence there arose many scandals and 
 
 Spanish Rapier. From the Royal Armoury at Madrid. 
 
 mockeries by reason of the preachers, who said much more than the bull 
 contained. 
 
 On the last day of February, fifteen hundred and seventeen, the good, 
 prudent, and right perfect Queen of France, Claude, was delivered of 
 her first son, Francis, Dauphin of Viennois, in the town of Amboise, 
 which caused great rejoicing through all the realm of France. And among 
 other towns, that of Orleans did marvels ; for, during an entire day, 
 there were before the town-hall two fountains which poured forth claret 
 and white wine, while from a small pipe issued hippocras, to which 
 many men, after they had tasted thereof, held fast. 
 
 The Dauphin was baptised in the said town of Amboise, and the 
 sponsors were Pope Leo (but his nephew, the magnificent Lorenzo de 
 
 ^ Some commentators take this to be an allusion to the generosity of Bayard ; the 
 editor sees rather an allusion to the poverty of the German lansquenets, who, having no 
 valuables beside their pikes and daggers, were too poor to pay ransom. Bayard always 
 without exception exacted ransom ; only he generously distributed the money among those 
 around him. 
 
39-^ 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 Medicis, held it for him), and the Duke of Lorraine, and Madam the 
 Duciiess of Alengon was the godmother. There was exceeding great 
 cheer made. This Lord Lorenzo de Medicis during this time espoused one 
 of the daughters of Boulogne and took her into Italy. However, she 
 lived not long, nor he after her ; nevertheless one daughter issue of them 
 survived. 
 
 In the year fifteen hundred and nineteen the Emperor Maximilian 
 passed from life to death, which caused sorrow to many. In his life- 
 time he had been of a good disposition, liberal as ever prince was, and 
 if he had been mighty in wealth, he would have achieved many things ; 
 but he was poor after his heart. The son of his son, Charles, King of 
 the Spains, was chosen Emperor after him. 
 
MOVSOX 
 
 xVncient View of Mouzon. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 How Messcr Robert de La Marck made divers forays upon the countries of the Emperor 
 elect, who raised a huge army, and of that which happened therein. 
 
 1 . 
 
 SHORT while afterwards, I know not who counselled him 
 thereto, the Lord of Sedan, who was named Robert de La 
 Marck, and who at that time was in the service of the 
 King of France, made sundry forays upon the country of 
 the Emperor elect, who began to raise a huge army, and 
 such that he was master and lord of the field. 
 
 The chiefs of his army were the Count of Nassau, and 
 another captain named Frantz,^ a gallant man in war, who 
 had good repute among the companions. They were in number, both 
 of horse and of foot, full forty thousand men or more. 
 
 During this affair, the King of France and the said Emperor elect 
 were at peace, and had no demands against each other; wherefore the 
 army of the Germans marched straight against the strongholds of the 
 
 ^ This is the famous Frantz von Sickingen, of whom Albert Diirer'a well-known Knight 
 of Death has been said to be the portrait. 
 
394 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 said Lord of Sedan, and some of them were besieged and well defended. 
 Nevertheless at last he lost four, to wit, Fleurange, Bouillon, Logne, 
 and Messaincourt, and but few men escaped alive from the said 
 places. 
 
 The said Lord of Sedan was in his stronghold of Sedan, which is 
 
 Seal ot Charles V. 
 
 almost impregnable ; wherefore he was free from siege, and likewise those 
 who were within one of his other places, called Jametz. 
 
 The King of France, duly informed of this great army which was 
 coasting his county of Champagne, had fear that they would play him 
 some trick. He sent his brother-in-law, the Duke of Alen^on, with a 
 
CHARLES V. 
 
 After Titian. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 397 
 
 number of men to the frontier, and himself went to Rheims. The 
 Germans practised a subtlety to come to their ends, for they 
 took nothing in the country of the King of France without good 
 payment. And the Count of Nassau caused it to be spread through- 
 out his camp that the Emperor his master had thus charged him, 
 being resolute to abide ever in the friendship which he had with 
 France. 
 
 This notwithstanding, without otherwise making proclamation of war, 
 he came and planted his siege before a small town called Mouzon, 
 whereof the governor and captain on behalf of the King of France was 
 the Lord of Montmoreau, Master of the Horse of Britany. He had 
 some foot-men with his company in the town, which was far from well 
 provided with artillery or with victuals. And what is worse, the 
 companies that were within were not found to be of one mind with 
 their captain and governor, who purposed to hold the town even to 
 death. And whatever remonstrances he could make to the foot-men, he 
 found himself in danger both within and without ; wherefore, to avoid a 
 greater misfortune^ he surrendered the town, their lives being spared. 
 Whereat murmurs arose in many ways, and some said that the captain 
 had not borne himself well ; but all men of honour and virtue knew 
 well that he could not do otherwise, and that it was not the fault of 
 the said Lord of Montmoreau that he did not die in the breach. For if 
 all those who were with him had been of the same heart, the Germans 
 would have marched no farther. 
 
 Now the town of Mouzon having been so quickly surrendered caused 
 some little astonishment to the French, who never thought that the 
 Emperor would have sought to break the truce. In such matters, how- 
 ever, the sovereign remedy is prompt provision. It was seen that 
 Mezieres was the nearest town after Mouzon, and that they must take 
 thought to guard and defend it ; for, if that were lost, Champagne was 
 in evil case. The King of France was informed thereof, and he forth- 
 w^ith gave word to send the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche 
 into the said town of Mezieres, saying that he knew no man in his 
 realm in whom he had more trust ; and further, that his hope was that 
 he would guard it so well and so long that his host would be come 
 together to resist the deceptions that the Emperor wished to put upon 
 him. 
 
 This command the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche was 
 more willing to receive than a hundred thousand crowns, for all his 
 desire was to do service to his master and to acquire honour. He set 
 
3Q8 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 forth to throw himself into Mezieres, with the young Lord of Mont- 
 morency and sundry other young gentlemen, who of their own will accom- 
 panied him, and with a number of foot-men, under the charge of two 
 young gentlemen, the one named the Captain Boncal, of the house du 
 Refuge, and the other the Lord of Montmoreau. 
 
 Coffer of Franz von Sickingen. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 How the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche held the town of M^zieres against the 
 might of the Emperor, wherein he acquired great honour. 
 
 HEN the good Chevalier had entered into Mezieres, he 
 found the town in very ill order to withstand a siege, 
 the which he expected to have from one day to the 
 next. He forthwith shewed such diligence as in this 
 great need passeth all human understanding, and 
 began day and night to raise the ramparts. And 
 there was not a man-at-arms or a foot-soldier, whom 
 he did not set to work. He himself also often laboured there,^ in order 
 to give them courage, and said to his companions in war, " How now, 
 gentlemen ! shall we suffer reproach that the town is lost by our fault. 
 
 ^ Champier, who never loses the chance of a pun, says that in carrying and having 
 carried the earth (terre), Bayard proved himself worthy of his name of Terrail. Rivail 
 adds that Bayard expended out of his own pocket in this matter three thousand crowns, 
 and that with ready jest he said, " If victuals fail us, we will then eat our steeds, and 
 after them our servina;-men." 
 
400 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 seeing that we are so few a company met together and of such worthy 
 men ? Methinks, if we were in a field and had before us a ditch four 
 feet in breadth, we should still fight a whole day without being undone. 
 Now, God be praised ! we have ditch, wall, and rampart, and before our 
 foes set foot thereon, many of their companies, I trust, will sleep." 
 
 In short, such courage he gave his men that they all thought they 
 were in the best and strongest fortress of the world. 
 
 Two days afterwards, the siege was set before Mezieres in two places, 
 the one on this side the water, and the other on the farther side.- One 
 of the sieges the Lord Frantz commanded, having with him fourteen or 
 fifteen thousand men. On the morrow of the siege, the said Count of 
 Nassau and the Lord Frantz sent a herald to the good Chevalier, to 
 represent to him that he ought to surrender the town of Mezieres, which 
 could not be held against their power, and that, for the great and 
 praiseworthy chivalry that was in him, they would be sore displeased if 
 he were taken by assault (for his honour would greatly diminish thereby, 
 and peradventure it might cost him his life), and that it was wrong that 
 any misfortune in this world should come to a man to make one forget 
 all the glorious deeds that he had brought to an end in his life-time ; 
 and that if he would listen to reason, they would give him so good a 
 composition that he ought to be content. 
 
 Many other fine propositions they made him by this herald. After 
 having heard and well listened to him, the good Chevalier began to 
 laugh, and sought not counsel of any man living for his answer, but all 
 suddenly he said, " My friend, I marvel at the kindness which my 
 Lord of Nassau and the Lord Frantz do and offer unto me, considering 
 that never had I dealing or great acquaintance with them, and they 
 have so great fear of my person. My good herald, you shall return and 
 tell them that the King my master had many other able men in his 
 realm beside me to send to hold this town which now opposeth you. 
 But since he hath done me this honour to trust himself to me, I have 
 hope, with the help of our Lord, to preserve him the town so long that 
 it will weary your masters far more to be at the siege than me to be 
 besieged ; say also that I am no more a child to be affrighted with 
 words." ^ 
 
 ^ According to Champier, the summons was repeated a fortnight later, and that must 
 have been the occasion of Bayard's uttering the play of words so often related since : 
 
 " Bayard of France feareth no runt nor fat paunch of Germany Think you that it be 
 
 some village boutefeu such as you are wont to deal with If we had been at Mouzon, 
 
 you would have soon returned to plunder your neighbours in Germany." Bayard de France 
 lie crabit pas rossin ni grosse pause d''AUei}iagne, etc. Here Bayard means a bay steed 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 He bade his men feast the herald right well and conduct him beyond 
 the town. 
 
 The herald returned to the camp, and reported the answer of the 
 good Chevalier, which was little pleasing to the lords. In their presence 
 was a captain, named Grandjean, a Picard, who all his life had been in 
 the service of the kings of France in Italy (and likewise at the time 
 when the good Chevalier had held a charge), who, addressing his words 
 to the Count of Nassau and the Lord Frantz, spake aloud thus : My 
 lords, do not think, so long as my Lord of Bayard shall live, to enter 
 into Mezieres. I know him, and many a time hath he led me to 
 war ; and he is of such quality that, if he had the most cowardly men 
 of the world in his company, he would make them valiant. Be assured 
 also that all those who are with him will die in the breach, and he the 
 first, before we set our foot in the town. As for me, I would rather 
 that there were two thousand men-of-war more and that his person 
 were not there." 
 
 The Count of Nassau answered, " Captain Grandjean, the Lord of 
 Bayard is not made of iron or steel, any more than another man. If 
 he be a brave soldier, let him shew it. For, before four days be passed, 
 I will have him given so many cannon-shot that he will not know to 
 which side to turn." 
 
 " Well, we shall see what will happen," quoth the Captain Grandjean ; 
 "but you will not take him as you think." 
 
 Their converse ceased, and the Count of Nassau and the Lord Frantz 
 set in order their batteries, each on his side, and bade them make all the 
 efforts they could to take the town. This was done, and in less than 
 four days there were discharged more than five thousand cannon-shot. 
 
 The men of the town made right good answer, according to the 
 artillery which they had ; but from the camp of the Lord Frantz great 
 damage was done to the town, because he was lodged on a height, and 
 hit with far more ease than did the Count of Nassau. 
 
 The good Chevalier, albeit he was held one of the most valiant men 
 of the world, had also in him another quality as worthy of praise ; 
 inasmuch as he was one of the most vigilant and cunning warriors that 
 
 and rossin, or roiissin, a short thick-set horse ; as seen elsewhere, and note i of the Appen- 
 dix. Frantz had a reputation for faithlessness, and at this very moment was a pensioner 
 of France. Champier even accuses him of having often endeavoured to draw Bayard into 
 a trap, under pretext of a single combat between six champions ; but the commandant of 
 Mezieres was too much imbued with the responsibility of his charge to accept a 
 challenge. 
 
 2 D 
 
402 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 could be found. He considered within himself how he might find 
 means to cause the Lord Frantz to repass the river, for he was greatly 
 damaged from his camp. He wrote a letter to Messer Robert de La 
 Marck, who was in Sedan, whereof this was the substance : 
 
 ''My Lord Captain, 
 
 " I deem that you are well informed how that I am besieged 
 in this town from two quarters ; for on one side is the Count of Nassau, 
 and on the hither side of the river is the Lord Frantz. Methinks that 
 for a half-year past you have told me that you fain would find means 
 to bring him into the service of the King our master, and that he was 
 your ally. In that he hath the reputation to be a right gallant knight, 
 I would earnestly desire the same. But if you know that this can 
 come about, you will do well to inquire thereof from him, but rather 
 to-day than to-morrow. If he have the desire, I shall be well pleased 
 thereat, and if he will otherwise, I advise you that ere four-and-twenty 
 hours shall pass, he and all his camp will be cut to pieces. For at 
 three short leagues hence, twelve thousand Swiss and eight hundred 
 men-at-arms are lying ; and to-morrow, at point of day, they ought to 
 fall upon his camp. I also will make a sortie from this town by one 
 of his flanks, in such fashion that he will be a right able man if he 
 escape. I have desired indeed to send you word thereof; but I pray 
 you that the matter be kept secret." 
 
 When the letter was written, he found a peasant, to whom he gave a 
 crown, and said, " Go to Sedan (it is but three leagues hence), and 
 bear this letter to Messer Robert, and tell him that it is the Captain 
 Bayard who sendeth to him." 
 
 The good man straightway set forth. Now the good Chevalier knew 
 well that it would be impossible for him to pass without being taken 
 by the men of the Lord Frantz, as indeed he was before he had gone 
 two bow-casts from the town. He was forthwith brought before the 
 said Lord Frantz, who demanded of him whither he was going. The 
 poor man was in great fear of death ; and in truth he was in great 
 danger. He said, " My lord, the great captain who is in our town 
 sent me to Sedan to bear a letter to Messer Robert," which the honest 
 fellow drew from a little pouch wherein he had laid it. 
 
 When the Lord Frantz got this letter, he opened it and began to 
 read, and was greatly astonished when he had seen the contents. He 
 began to have suspicion that through envy the Count of Nassau had 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 403 
 
 made him pass the water, to the end that he might be defeated ; for 
 formerly there had been some Httle quarrel between them, because the 
 said Lord Frantz would not readily obey the Count. 
 
 Scarcely had he ended reading the letter than he began to exclaim 
 aloud, " I know well that at this moment my Lord of Nassau strives 
 to ruin me ; but, by the blood of God, it shall not be so." 
 
 He called five or six of his greatest friends, and revealed to them 
 the contents of the letter, and they were as amazed as he. He asked 
 not for advice, but bade the drum sound and call to the standard and 
 all the baggage be loaded, and set himself to pass to the farther side 
 of the water. 
 
 When the Count of Nassau heard the noise, he was greatly surprised, 
 and sent to learn what it was by a gentleman, who, when he arrived, 
 found the camp of the Lord Frantz in arms. He inquired what it was, 
 and he was told that he was about to pass over to the bank of the 
 Count of Nassau. The gentleman . went and told him this, whereat he 
 was much astonished ; for in this way the siege was raised from before 
 the town. He sent one of his most particular friends to tell the Lord 
 Frantz not to move his camp before, in the first place, they had spoken 
 together, and that, if he did otherwise, he would not be doing good 
 service to his master. 
 
 The messenger went and spake his message ; but Frantz, full of wrath 
 and anger," answered him : " Return and say to the Count of Nassau 
 that I will do nought thereof, and that at his desire I will not abide at 
 the shambles. And if he would forbid me to lodge near to him, we 
 will see by fighting with whom the field shall rest, with him or with 
 me." 
 
 The gentleman of the Count of Nassau returned and told him all that 
 he had heard from the mouth of the Lord Frantz. Never was man so 
 astonished as he was ; nevertheless, so as not to be surprised, he drew 
 up all his men in order of battle. In the meanwhile the men of the 
 Lord Frantz passed over, and when they had gone over, set themselves 
 likewise in array. And to see them, it seemed as if they would fight 
 one against the other, and the drums sounded furiously. ^ 
 
 ^ It is remarkable that contemporary documents make no mention of this secret 
 cause of the raising of the siege. Nevertheless it cannot be called in question, when we 
 find the following passage in a letter written from Rethel on September 26 by M. de 
 Chastillon to Francis I. " Yesterday, about nine o'clock of the morning, the two bands, 
 that is to say the Count of Nassau and Frantz, placed themselves in the field in order of 
 battle, and parleyed together, the said Count of Nassau mingling high words and re- 
 proaches, in such sort that the Count of Horn and the Count of Felix were forced to 
 
 2 D 2 
 
404 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The poor man who had borne the letter, by reason whereof this 
 tumult had arisen, I know not how God so willed, escaped. And he 
 returned, sore amazed, as a man who thought to be escaped from 
 death, into Mezieres, to the presence of the good Chevalier, to whom he 
 began to make his excuses, saying that he had not been able to go to 
 Sedan, and that he had been taken on the road and brought before the 
 Lord Frantz, who had seen his letter, and that forthwith he had moved 
 his camp. 
 
 The good Chevalier began to laugh heartily, and knew well that his letter 
 had put it into his mind. He betook himself to the rampart with some 
 gentlemen, and saw these two armies arranged, the one facing the other. 
 
 " By my faith," said he, " since they will not begin to fight, I will 
 myself begin." 
 
 He caused five or six cannons to be shot off among the enemy, who, 
 by the means of men who went from one side and then from the 
 other, abated their quarrel and retired to their quarters. 
 
 On the morrow they packed off and raised the siege, without even 
 venturing to deliver an assault, and all by fear of the good Chevalier. 
 Peace was not made so speedily between the Count of Nassau and the 
 Lord Frantz ; for more than eight days were they without joining forces. 
 Thus Frantz departed towards Picardy, by way of Guise, setting fire 
 everywhere, while the Count of Nassau marched higher up ; but shortly 
 afterwards they were appeased and became friends. 
 
 throw themselves between the two, otherwise they would fall upon each other ; and they 
 both said that never would they be in the Emperor's service together." Thus it remains 
 certain that the misunderstanding between the besiegers caused the failure of their attack, 
 and that it was not thought opportune to divulge the ruse employed to increase their differ- 
 ence. It must also be noted that Francis I., in an order issued on September 28, announcing 
 the raising of the siege, seems to attribute it to the news of his approach alone, without 
 paying the least homage to the defenders of the town. He does not even mention the names 
 of Bayard and Anne de Montmorency, who however both signed the official despatches. 
 The only captain named by the King is the Lord of Lorges, whom he boasts to have made 
 enter Mezieres "a la barbe de I'ennemi," with a thousand foot-men. Perhaps we can here 
 see the birth of that distrust which seems henceforth to keep Bayard from the posts 
 where he could best serve his country. Champier, although no carper, is strong upon 
 this point. After having declared that the King was prevented by his courtiers from 
 taking Valenciennes as Bayard had desired, he adds, " Some captains were displeased 
 in that Bayard was so loved and praised of every man, and that more good was spoken 
 of Bayard than of the others, and some henceforth conceived a great hatred against him. 
 Bayard held no great charge or trust, and afterwards was not chief in any place of war. 
 Whereby hath been great hurt to many who thus thought, and to theirs also. For of more 
 worth is an army of deer ruled by a lion, than an army of lions ruled by a stag." It is 
 probable, too, that the courtiers hostile to Bayard employed to discredit him his intimacy 
 with the Constable de Bourbon. 
 
CJ).(aoutzwdlei' 
 
 ARMOUR OF FRANCIS I. 
 
 (Musee d'Artillerie.) 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 407 
 
 Thus in the manner you have heard above was the siege raised from 
 before Mezieres, whereby the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche 
 gained a crown of laurel. For although they delivered no assault, he 
 held the enemy at bay for three weeks, during which time the King of 
 France raised a mighty army of power enough to fight the enemy. 
 And he came himself in person to his camp, whither the good 
 
 Goblet said to be Bayard's. Preserved at Mezieres. 
 
 Chevalier went to do him reverence, and in passing retook the town of 
 Mouzon. 
 
 The King his master gave him an exceeding kind reception, and 
 could never weary of praising him before all the world. He desired honour- 
 ably to recompense him for the great and commendable service which 
 he had freshly done him. He made him a knight of his order, and 
 
4o8 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 gave him the right to command a hundred men-at-arms.^ Then he 
 marched after his foes, whom he drove out of his country and pursued 
 them right into Valenciennes, where the good Chevalier demeaned him- 
 self as he w^as ever wont to do. The Germans did much harm in 
 Picardy by fire ; but the French were in no wise ungrateful, and doubly 
 repaid it them in Hainault. 
 
 On his return the King went to Compiegne, where he had some 
 news from Genoa, and found there was need to send there some 
 prudent and valiant and wise knight. Wherefore the said lord, know- 
 ing the good disposition of the good Chevalier sans peur et sans 
 reproche, and how he never tired of doing service, offered him this com- 
 mission, praying him earnestly that for love of him he would make this 
 journey, for he had great trust in his person. He accepted it with as 
 good heart as it was offered him ; then he passed the mountains, and 
 was right w^ell received at Genoa, as well by the governor and the 
 gentlemen as by all the inhabitants, and while he remained there he 
 was honoured and prized by all men. 
 
 Many things happened in Italy, whereof I will make no mention to 
 you for many reasons ; but I will proceed to relate to you the death of 
 the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, which was an irreparable 
 loss. Alas ! a mournful and unhappy day for all the nobility of France ! 
 
 ^ It was on this occasion that his brothers received one a bishopric, the other a fine 
 abbey. 
 
Bayard mortally Wounded. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Hew the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, during a rttreat he made in Italy, 
 
 was slain by a cannon-shot. 
 
 T the beginning of the year fifteen hundred and twenty- 
 four/ the King of France had a mighty army in Italy 
 under the orders of his admiral, the Lord of Bonnivet, to 
 whom he had given the command, for he wished ex- 
 ceedingly well toward him. He had in his company many 
 excellent captains ; likewise there had lately come there a 
 young prince, a son of the house of Lorraine, named the 
 Count of Vaudemont, who desired greatly to learn arms 
 and by virtuous works to walk after his ancestors. 
 
 ^ Both the historians of Bayard, Champier and the Loyal Serviteiir, declare their 
 intention not to speak of the events of the preceding years. We will give an epitome of 
 them. After having set right the trouble caused at Genoa by an attempt at sedition, 
 Bayard took part in the disastrous fight of the Bicocca, and, being posted at Sisteron with 
 a small troop, prevented the victorious enemy from crossing the French frontier. In 1523 
 
History 
 
 OF 
 
 Bayard. 
 
 Now the army of the King of France abode at that time in a little 
 town named Biagrasso, and while they were there the commander of 
 the army, that was the admiral, one day summoned the good 
 Chevalier, and said to him, "My Lord of Bayard, it is needful for you 
 to go and occupy Robecco, with two hundred men-at-arms and the 
 foot-men of Lorges ; for by this means we shall marvellously trouble 
 those men in Milan, both on account of provisions, and also in order to 
 have better knowledge of their affairs." 
 
 It must be known that, albeit the good Chevalier never murmured 
 at any commission that was given him, he could not honestly be content 
 with that one, because he knew it to be dangerous and doubtful. So 
 he made answer as to his king's lieutenant : " My lord, I know not 
 how you mean the matter ; for, to hold Robecco, seeing the position 
 wherein it lieth, one half of the men who are in our camp would be 
 necessary. I know our enemies ; they are watchful, and I am assured 
 that it is, so to speak, difficult not to suffer shame therein. For it is 
 my certain opinion that, if any number of our foes were there, I could 
 go some night and rouse them to their disadvantage. Wherefore, my 
 lord, I pray you to think well whither you desire to send me." 
 
 The admiral held much discourse with him, and said that he need 
 not be troubled, for not a mouse would depart from Milan but he 
 would be informed thereof And so many reasons he spake to him 
 of one sort and another, that the good Chevalier, with great vexation, 
 betook himself with the men that had been given him into Robecco. 
 However, he took there but two good steeds ; for his mules and all the 
 rest of his train he sent to Novara, as if foreseeing the loss of all that 
 he kept with him. 
 
 When they were come to this village of Robecco, they took counsel 
 how they should fortify it. They found no means save to make 
 barriers at the approaches ; but it was possible to enter the place from 
 all sides. The good Chevalier wrote many times to the admiral that 
 he was in a very dangerous position, and that, if he wished him to 
 maintain himself there long, he should send him succour ; but he 
 received no answer.^ 
 
 he is found at Grenoble taking care of those sick of the plague, hunting down the troops 
 of brigands who were devastating the Viennois, and asking for some command from 
 Francis L, who answered him w^th abundant compliments, but entrusted the command to 
 the incapable Bonnivet. Which, however, did not prevent Bayard from capturing Trevi 
 and Lodi, and from once again receiving a wound. 
 
 ^ According to Champier, Bonnivet had promised a considerable reinforcement within 
 three days, but did not keep his word. 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 411 
 
 The enemy, who were in Milan to the number of fourteen or fifteen 
 thousand men, were informed by their spies that the good Chevalier 
 was in Robecco, with a small company, whereat they were exceeding 
 glad. They resolved one night to surprise and defeat him ; and 
 pursuant to this desire, they took the field about midnight, in number 
 from six to seven thousand foot-men and four to five hundred men-at- 
 arms ; they were guided by men who knew the village and the houses 
 of the chief persons. 
 
 The good Chevalier, who was ever mistrustful, almost every night set 
 the half of his men on watch and guard, and he himself passed two or 
 three nights thus, so that he fell sick, as much of melancholy as of 
 cold, far more than he made appear. Nevertheless he was constrained 
 to keep his chamber this day.-^ When it came to the evening, he 
 ordered certain captains, who were with him, to go on watch and to 
 look well on all sides that they were not surprised. They went, or 
 made semblance of going ; but because it rained a little, all those who 
 were on guard retired to their quarters, save three or four poor archers. 
 
 The Spanish marched onwards, each man, to be the better known in 
 the night, having a shirt girded over his harness. When they 
 approached within an arrow's flight of the village, they were greatly 
 astonished to find no man there, and they thought that the good 
 Chevalier had been advised of their enterprise, and had withdrawn to 
 Biagrasso. Nevertheless they marched on, and were not a hundred 
 paces distant when they found those few archers who had remained on 
 guard, and without a cry, they began to charge. The poor men made 
 no resistance, but took to flight, shouting, " To arms, to arms ! " 
 
 But they were so eagerly pursued that the enemy were at the 
 barriers as soon as they. The good Chevalier, who in such danger 
 never slept save clothed, arrayed in his armlets and thigh-pieces, and 
 with his hauberk near him, straightway arose, and bridled a steed 
 which was already saddled, on the which he mounted. Then he came, with 
 five or six of his men-at-arms, straight to the barrier, whither forthwith 
 arrived the Captain Lorges, and a certain number of his foot-men, who 
 demeaned themselves right well. 
 
 The enemy were going about the village, seeking the lodging of the 
 good Chevalier ; ^ for if they had taken him, the remainder mattered 
 
 ^ Champier says that Bayard had on this day taken medicine, and that it was the 
 knowledge of his sickness that determined the Spanish to try a night attack. 
 
 ^ They could not find it, by reason of the ditches that Bayard had dug round about, and 
 which enabled him to sustain the first onset. He was forewarned by the private watch 
 
V 
 
 412 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 little to them ; but yet they caught him not. The shouting was loud 
 and the alarm hot. During this contest at the barrier, the good 
 Chevalier heard the drums of the foot-men of the enemy, which were 
 sounding to arms with exceeding vigour. Thereupon he said to the 
 Captain Lorges, " Lorges, my friend, here is a game ill set. If they 
 pass this barrier, we are undone. I pray you, withdraw your men, and 
 close up as best you can. March straight to Biagrasso ; for, with the 
 horsemen that I have, I will remain at the rear. We must leave our 
 baggage to the enemy, there is no help for it. Save our persons if it 
 be possible." 
 
 So soon as the good Chevalier had spoken, the Captain Lorges did 
 his bidding and retreated, while they made this resistance at the barrier. 
 The greater part of the French mounted to horse, and retired as fortune 
 favoured them, fighting right gallantly, and they did not lose ten men. 
 The enemy had for the most part dismounted, and among the houses 
 and on all sides were seeking the good Chevalier. But he was already 
 at Biagrasso, where, on his arrival, he had some strong words with the 
 admiral. However, I will make no mention thereof, but if both of them 
 had lived longer than they did, they would perchance have gone 
 further.^ 
 
 The good Chevalier thought to die of sorrow for the misfortune that 
 had befallen him, none the less because it was not by his fault 
 But in war there is fortune and misfortune more than in all other 
 affairs. 
 
 Some short time after this retreat from Robecco, the lord admiral, 
 perceiving his army lessened day by day as well by want of provisions 
 as by sickness, which was rife among his men, took counsel with his 
 captains, among whom the best opinion was that they should retreat. 
 Therefore he marshalled his battalions, with whose rear-guard, as was 
 ever his custom in retreats, the good Chevalier remained. 
 
 The Spanish followed them from day to day, and marched in fair 
 array after the French. Often, too, they ventured to skirmish, but, when 
 they came to charge, they found themselves ever bearded by the good 
 Chevalier with a certain number of men-at-arms, and he showed them so 
 bold a countenance, that he made them rest quiet, and many a time 
 
 he had posted at his own door. He arose forthwith and summoned his cousin Gaspard 
 Terrail, who brought the horses. During this time all he could do was to arm himself 
 entirely, except the legs. — Champier. 
 
 ^ He means that after the campaign Bayard would probably have demanded satisfaction 
 from Bonnivet for leaving him in a trap, as Bayard considered he had done. 
 
ARMOUR OF CHARLES V. 
 
 (Armeria Reale, Madrid.) 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 415 
 
 and often drove them back upon their main troop. They threw out upon 
 the two flanks of a certain highway many hackbutters and arquebusiers, 
 who cast bullets^ large enough for a hackbut with a rest, whereof they 
 discharged many. By one of them was the noble Lord of Vendenesse 
 struck, and some time after he died of the hurt, which was a great loss 
 
 Arquehusier, 
 
 for France. He was of slender body, but for loftiness of spirit and valour 
 no man surpassed him. 
 
 That young Lord of Vaudemont, who had of late begun the pursuit 
 of war, bore himself with wondrous gallantry, and made many fine 
 
 ^ Pierres, the common name at that time for all projectiles, although made of lead or 
 iron. The difference between the hackbut and the arquebuse appears here, the former 
 being a heavier weapon, mounted on a carriage or trestle, and weighing about fifty 
 pounds, while the <pther was a portable arm, although the author here notes some of 
 exceptional size. 
 
4i6 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 charges, so much so that it seemed as if he had never done aught 
 else. 
 
 In the meanwhile, the good Chevalier, as confident as if he had been 
 in his own house, caused the men-at-arms to march on, and retired at 
 a good pace, having his face ever straight towards the foe ; and, sword 
 in hand, he caused them more fear than a hundred others. But, as God 
 so willed, an arquebuse was discharged, whereof the bullet struck him 
 across the loins, and broke the great bone of his spine. When he felt 
 the blow, he cried, "Jesus!" 
 
 Then he said, "Ah! my God, I am killed ! " 
 
 He took his sword by the hilt, and kissed the guard, in token of the 
 cross, saying aloud the while, "Miserere mei, Deus, secundum magnam 
 misericordiam tuam ! " 
 
 Forthwith he became all pale, as if he had given up the ghost, and 
 he thought to fall. But he had still the courage to grasp the bow of 
 his saddle, and he remained thus until a young gentleman, his steward, 
 helped him to dismount and laid him under a tree. 
 
 It was not long ere it was known among both friends and foes that the 
 Captain Bayard had been slain by an artillery-shot, whereat all those 
 who heard the news thereof were exceeding grieved. 
 
 Arms of Bayard. 
 
J3ayard visited by the Spanish. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Of the great mourning which was raised for the decease of the good Chevaher sans peur 
 
 ei sans reproche. 
 
 /Al^^^iMp^^ HEN the news was spread abroad through the two 
 }uff mm ill If armies that the good Chevalier had been killed, or 
 at least wounded to death (even in the camp of 
 the Spanish, although he was the one man in the 
 world of whom they had the greatest fear^), all men, 
 both gentlemen and soldiers, were exceeding grieved 
 thereat for many reasons. For whenever during his 
 life he made forays and took any prisoners therein, 
 he treated them with wondrous humanity, and so gently in regard of 
 ransom, that every man was contented with him. They knew that by 
 
 ^ This is shewn by the following passage in a letter, which Adrien de Croy wrote to 
 Charles V. from the camp in the valley of Perugia, dated 5th of May, 1524 : "Sire, 
 Although the said Lord Bayard was the servant of your enemy, there is great loss by his 
 death, for he was a gentle knight, well beloved of all men, and one who had lived so good a 
 life as never did man in his station. And of a truth, he shewed it well in his end, for 
 that was the most noble that I ever heard speak of." 
 
 2 E 
 
4i8 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 his death nobility was greatly weakened ; for, without blame to others, 
 he had been a perfect Chevalier in this world ; and by serving along 
 with him, their young gentlemen formed themselves. 
 
 Thus, one of their principal captains, named the Marquis of Pescara, 
 who came to see him before he gave up the ghost, uttered a lofty 
 speech in his praise, which in his own language was such as this : 
 " Would to God, noble Lord of Bayard, though it had cost me a quart 
 of my blood without meeting death, that I were not to eat flesh for 
 two years, and could hold you my prisoner in good health. For by 
 the treatment I would give you, you would know at what rate I 
 have esteemed the high prowess that was in you. The great praise 
 which my nation gave to you, when they said, Miichos grisones 
 y pocos Bayardos} was not granted you wrongly ; for since I have 
 had knowledge of arms, I have not seen nor heard speak of a 
 knight who hath approached you in all virtues. And although I 
 ought to be well pleased to see you thus (being assured that the 
 Emperor my master in his wars had not a greater or more stubborn 
 foe), nevertheless, when I consider the great loss which all chivalry 
 doth suffer this day, may God never bear me aid if I would not have 
 given the half of my worth, so that it were otherwise. But since 
 against death there is no remedy, I pray Him who hath created us all 
 in His likeness that He will take your soul to His close keeping." 
 
 Such piteous and sorrowful regrets did the noble Marquis of Pescara 
 and many other captains make over the body of the good Chevalier sans 
 peur et sans reproche. And I believe that there were not six men of 
 all the army of the Spanish, who did not come to look upon him one 
 after another.^ 
 
 ^ " Many grays and few bays ; " with a play upon the further use of the vjoxAs grisones 
 and bayardos for asses and steeds respectively. (See note to p. 400.) 
 
 2 Here perhaps we may insert the visit of the Constable de Bourbon, which the Loyal 
 Serviteur, no doubt intentionally, has passed over in silence. Champier has narrated 
 the incident, but without rendering it as the severe and patriotic lesson for which it has 
 been so often told. The moral is, as it were, gilded. " When the Lord of Bourbon, who 
 at that time was in command of the enemy, heard that Bayard was wounded to death, he 
 came to him and said, ' Bayard, my friend, I am sorry for your mishap ; you must have 
 patience. Do not give yourself to melancholy. I will send for the best physicians of 
 this country, and, with the aid of God, you will soon be cured.' When Bayard had 
 heard these words, and had recognised him, he said to him : ' My lord, it is not the 
 time for me to seek the physicians of the body, but those of the soul ; I know that I am 
 wounded unto death and beyond cure. But I pray God to give me grace to know Him at 
 the end of my life ; .... for all my life I have followed war, and have done many wicked and 
 
 sinful things I have no displeasure or regret to die, save that I can do no service in 
 
 the future for the kingpiy sovereign, and I must leave him, whereat I am exceeding grieved 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 419 
 
 Now since it is thus that the enemy so mightily bewailed his death, 
 can one rightly measure the great sorrow which arose on account 
 thereof through all the camp of the French, as well the captains and 
 men-at-arms as the foot-men ? ^ For by every man, in his condition, had 
 he made himself marvellously beloved. You would have said that there 
 was not a person who had not lost his father or mother ; in like 
 manner the poor gentlemen of his company made lament beyond 
 measure. 
 
 " Alas ! perfidious Fury," cried they, addressing Death, " what harm 
 had this so perfect and virtuous Chevalier done unto thee ? Thou hast 
 not avenged thyself upon him alone, but all of us hast thou cast into 
 grief, until thou shalt have wrought thy last stroke upon us as upon 
 him. Under what shepherd shall we henceforth go to the field ? What 
 guide can God hereafter give us, with whom we could be in such safety 
 as when we were with him ? For there was not a man who was not as 
 confident in his presence as in the strongest fortress of the world. 
 Where in the future shall we find a captain to redeem us when we 
 shall be prisoners, to re-mount us when we shall be dismounted, and to 
 cherish us as he did ? It is impossible. Ah, cruel Death ! it is ever 
 thy fashion, that the more perfect a man is, the more dost thou take 
 thy recreation in destroying and undoing him. But thou couldst not 
 play so well but that, in despite of thee, although thou hast deprived 
 him of life in this world, renown and glory undying shall abide with 
 him so long as that world shall last. For so virtuous hath been his 
 life, that it will leave a memorial to all the gallant and virtuous 
 knights who shall come after him." 
 
 So piteous was the demeanour of these poor gentlemen, that if the 
 hardest heart in the world had been present, they would have 
 constrained him to take part in their mourning. His poor domestic 
 serving-men were all benumbed with grief, among whom was his poor 
 
 and mournful. I pray to God the Sovereign, that after my death he may have such 
 servants as I would be.' Again, after many words, he said to him, ' My lord, I beg of 
 you, leave me to pray to God my Redeemer, and to bewail and lament my sins, for 1 am 
 ready to yield to Him my soul.' Whereupon the said lord departed with tears in his 
 eyes." Du Bellay is far more outspoken than Champier, for he makes Bayard answer to 
 the tokens of interest shewn by the Constable : " My lord, there is no need of pity for 
 me, for I die as an honest man ; but I have pity for you, to see you serve against your 
 prince and your country and your oath." The testimony of Du Bellay ought apparently 
 to outweigh that of Champier, and yet it is not probable that Bayard would have been 
 so stern in the presence of a prince whom he loved. 
 ^ See Appendix. 
 
 2 E 2 
 
420 
 
 History of BaYxVRD. 
 
 steward, who never left him. To him the good Chevalier confessed 
 himself, for want of a priest. 
 
 The poor gentleman burst into tears when he saw his master so mortally 
 wounded that there was no cure in life. But so gently did the good 
 Chevalier encourage him, saying to him, Jacques, my friend, leave thy 
 sorrow. It is the will of God to take me from this world. I have by 
 His grace remained therein a long while, and have received there more 
 goods and honours than belong to me. All the regret I have to die is 
 this, that I have not done my devoir so well as I ought ; and indeed 
 it was my hope, if I had longer lived, to amend my past faults. But 
 since it is thus, I pray my Creator, by His infinite mercy, to have pity 
 on my poor soul ; and I have hope that He will so do, and that, by 
 His great and incomprehensible goodness. He will not use toward me 
 the rigour of justice. I beg of thee, Jacques, my friend, to let no one 
 remove me from this place ; for, when I stir, I feel all the pains which 
 it is possible to feel, save death, which will seize me soon." 
 
 Shortly before the Spanish arrived at the place where the good 
 Chevalier had been wounded, the Lord of Alegre, Provost of Paris, 
 spake to him, and he had declared to him something of his testament. 
 There came also a captain of Swiss, named Jean Diesbach, who had 
 desired to carry him off upon some pikes, with five or six of his men, 
 to seek to save him ; but the good Chevalier, who knew well how it 
 was with him, prayed him to leave him awhile to think upon his 
 conscience ; for to remove him thence would be but an abridgment of 
 his life. 
 
 The two gentlemen were forced, with much weeping and lamenta- 
 tion, to leave him in the hands of their enemies. However, you may 
 believe .that it was not without making great regret, for by no means 
 would they abandon him. But he said to them, " My lords, I pray 
 you, depart. Otherwise you will fall into the hands of the enemy, and 
 that will profit me nothing, for it is all over with me. To God I com- 
 mend you, my good lords and friends. To you I recommend my 
 poor soul, praying you besides (addressing his words to the Lord of 
 Alegre), that you salute me the King our master, and say that I am 
 ill-pleased that I can no longer do him service, for I had good will 
 thereunto. Commend me also to my lords the princes of France, and to 
 all the lords my companions, and generally to all the gentlemen of the 
 right-honoured realm of France, when you shall see them." 
 
 As he said these words, the noble Lord of Alegre wept exceeding 
 piteously, and in this state took leave of him. 
 
FRANCIS I. 
 
 After Titian. 
 
History of Bayard 
 
 423 
 
 He remained alive for two or three hours more ; and a fine pavilion 
 was pitched for him by the enemy, and a camp-bed, upon which he 
 was laid. A priest also was brought to him, to whom he devoutly 
 confessed himself, and said these very words : " My God ! being assured 
 that thou hast said that he who of good heart shall turn towards thee, 
 whatever sinner he may have been, thou art ever ready to receive him 
 with mercy and to pardon him (alas ! my God, Creator and Redeemer, 
 I have grievously offended thee during my life, whereof I am distressed 
 with all my heart), I know well that, though I should be in the desert 
 a thousand years on bread and water, still that is not enough to gain 
 entrance into thy realm of Paradise, if of thy great and infinite good- 
 ness it pleased thee not to receive me therein ; for no creature in this 
 world can merit so high reward. My Father and Saviour, I pray thee 
 that it may please thee to have no regard to the faults committed 
 by me, and that thy great pity may rather be given me than the 
 rigour of thy justice." 
 
 Upon the end of these words, the good Chevalier sans peur et sans 
 reproche gave up. his soul to God, whereat all the enemy felt sorrow 
 beyond belief 
 
 Certain gentlemen were appointed by the leaders of the army of the 
 Spanish to bear him to the church, where a solemn service was made 
 for him during two days. Then he was brought by his serving-men 
 into Dauphiny,^ and in passing through the lands of the Duke of Savoy, 
 in the place where his body rested, the Duke caused as much honour 
 to be paid to him as if he had been his brother. 
 
 When the news of the death of the good Chevalier was known in 
 Dauphiny, there is no need particularly to describe the mourning that 
 was there made ; for the prelates, churchmen, nobles, and people made 
 it equally. And I believe that for a thousand years there has not died 
 a gentleman of the country in such wise lamented. Men went before 
 the body right to the foot of the mountain, and it was brought from 
 church to church with great honour, until they came close unto 
 Grenoble, where to meet the body, at half a league distance, stood my 
 lords of the Court of Parliament of Dauphiny, my lords of the Ex- 
 chequer, almost all the nobles of the country, and the greater part of 
 the burgesses, people, and inhabitants of Grenoble, who convoyed the 
 deceased as far as the church of Our Lady in the said Grenoble, where 
 the body reposed a day and a night, and with great solemnity service 
 was performed for him. 
 
 ^ See Appendix. 
 
424 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 On the morrow, with the same honour with which they had brought 
 him into Grenoble, he was conducted as far as a monastery of the 
 Minims, half a league from the town (which his good uncle, the Bishop 
 of the said Grenoble, Laurent Alleman, had formerly founded), where 
 he was honourably interred. Then every man returned to his own 
 house. 
 
 But for the space of a month you would have said that the people 
 of Dauphiny were expecting immediate ruin ; for they did nought save 
 lament and weep ; and feasts, dances, banquets, and all other pastimes 
 ceased. Alas ! they were right indeed, for a greater loss could not 
 happen for the country ; and every man soever was grieved to the 
 heart thereby. Be assured that it touched right closely the poor gentle- 
 men, gentlewomen, widows, and poor orphans, to whom he secretly 
 gave and distributed of his goods. But with time all things pass away, 
 save the love of God. The good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche 
 had feared and loved Him during his life ; after his death, may his 
 renown abide, according as he hath lived in this world, amonij all con- 
 ditions of men. 
 
 l>ayar(rs Gauntlet. 
 
Statue of Bayard in the Place Saint-Andre at Grenoble. 
 
 CHy\PTER VIII. 
 
 Of the virtues possessed by the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproehe. 
 
 LL nobility was in truth beholden to put on mourning 
 raiment on the day of the death of the good Chevalier sans 
 peur et sans reproehe ; for I deem that since the creation 
 of the world, as w^ell within the Christian pale as the 
 pagan, there is not to be found a single man who less 
 than he hath wrought dishonour or achieved more honour. 
 There is a common proverb which says that the life of 
 no man is without vice. This rule has failed in the 
 case of the good Chevalier ; for I take to witness all those who have 
 seen him, speaking of a truth if they ever knew of a single one in 
 him. But, on the contrary, God had endowed him with all the virtues 
 which could exist in a perfect man, in \\hich, according to the rank 
 of each, he knew right well how to govern himself. 
 
426 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 He loved and feared God above all things ; ^ he never swore nor 
 blasphemed Him ; and in all his afifairs and needs, to Him only did he 
 have recourse, being right certain that from Him and His care and 
 infinite goodness all things proceed. He loved his neighbour as 
 himself, and this hath he clearly showed all his life ; for never a crown 
 had he that was not at the command of the first who had want thereof, 
 even without his asking for it. Very often in secret he made gifts to 
 the poor gentlemen who had need thereof, according to his power. 
 
 He hath followed the wars under the kings Charles the Eighth, Louis 
 the Twelfth, and Francis the First of this name, kings of France, for 
 the space of thirty-four years, and during this time there is not found a 
 man who hath surpassed him in all matters serving unto the noble 
 exercise of arms. For daring few men have approached him ; in 
 discretion he was a Fabius Maximus ; in cunning enterprises a 
 Coriolanus ; and in strength and magnanimity a second Hector, furious 
 against his foes, sweet, gentle, and courteous to his friends. Never was 
 any soldier whom he held under his charge dismounted, but he 
 remounted him, and, to make these presents the more courteously, he 
 very often exchanged a courser or Spanish steed which was worth two 
 or three hundred crowns for a curtal hack worth six crowns. Mean- 
 while he gave the gentleman to understand that the horse he had 
 bestowed on him was marvellously suited to him. A robe of velvet, 
 satin, or damask, he changed at all hazards against a small cloak, in 
 order that he might make his gifts the more graciously and to the 
 contentment of each. 
 
 It might be said that he could not give any great matter, for he was 
 poor ; yet he was as much reputed to be exceeding liberal, according 
 to his power, as the greatest prince in the world. Moreover he hath 
 gained during the wars, in his life, a hundred thousand francs in 
 prisoners, which he hath distributed to all those who have had need 
 
 ^ On this point Champier relates the following anecdote : " One day he saw two 
 young pages swearing by God's name ; he reprehended them very sternly. A gentleman 
 said to him, " Lord Bayard, you blame the pages hardly for a little matter, and repre- 
 hend them with exceeding rigour." " Certes," quoth Bayard, " this is not a little matter, 
 but an evil custom learnt in youth." Champier has sundry other particulars which will 
 not be out of place here : " The noble Bayard in his youth was shy, gentle, and gracious, 
 humble, and courteous to every one. No man ever saw him in passion or in great anger, 
 he was sober, .... had but little of the melancholy disposition, was merry with all men, 
 loving company, recreations, and pleasant things. As for his gravity, it was always 
 mingled with gentleness and affability. In the camp he always made peace between 
 the men-at-arms, and so genily did he manage and conduct his men that his company 
 seemed rather to be monks than warriors." 
 
History of Bayard. 
 
 427 
 
 thereof. He was a great almoner, and made his alms in secret. There 
 is nothing so certain as that he hath married, in his life, without 
 bruiting the same, a hundred poor orphan maids, gentlewomen, or others. 
 The poor widows he consoled and gave to them of his goods.^ 
 
 Before ever he issued from his chamber, he commended himself to 
 God, and said his hours on his knees with great humility ; but, while 
 he did this, he would have no person present. At even when he was 
 a-bed, and knew that his attendants were asleep, be it winter or 
 summer, he arose and in his shirt and all at full length prostrated himself 
 and kissed the earth. 
 
 Never was he in a conquered country, but, if it were possible to 
 find the man or woman of the house wherein he lodged, he paid that 
 which he thought he had consumed. And many a time hath it been 
 said to him, My lord, it is money lost that you bestow ; for, on your 
 departure hence, they will set fire to this place and will carry off what 
 you have given." 
 
 He answered, " My lords, I do that which I ought. God hath not 
 set me in this world to live by pillage or rapine. And, moreover, this 
 poor man can go and hide his money at the foot of some tree, and 
 when the war shall be passed out of this country, he will be able to 
 help himself therewith, and will pray to God for me." 
 
 He hath been in many wars where Germans were present, who, on 
 their departure, of their own accord set fire to their dwelling ; the 
 good Chevalier never left his until he knew that all had passed, or 
 unless he left guards in order that they might not set fire thereto. 
 
 Among all sorts of men he was the most gracious person in the 
 world, in that he most honoured men of virtue and spake least of the 
 vicious. He was an exceeding ill flatterer and adulator. All his being 
 was founded on truth, and, with whatsoever person it might be, grand 
 prince or other man, he never bent to speak aught save the right. Of 
 worldly goods he never thought in his life, and well hath he shown the 
 same, for at his death he was scarcely more rich than when he was 
 born. When one spake to him of men puissant and wealthy, in whom 
 he thought there was no great virtue, he turned a deaf ear and 
 answered little thereto. But, on the contrary, he could not surfeit him- 
 self of speaking of the virtuous. He esteemed in his heart a perfect 
 gentleman who had but a hundred francs a year, as much as a prince 
 of a hundred thousand, and he held it in his judgment that riches in 
 nowise ennoble the heart. 
 
 ^ See Appendix. 
 
428 
 
 History of Bayard. 
 
 The Captain Louis d'Ars reared him in youth, and I think indeed 
 that under him he passed his apprenticeship in arms. Moreover all his 
 life he hath shown him as much honour as if he had been the 
 greatest king of the world ; and when men discoursed concerning him, the 
 good Chevalier took marvellous pleasure therein, and was never weary 
 of speaking well of him. There was never a man following the pursuit 
 of arms who better knew the hypocrisy thereof, and he often said that 
 it was the thing in this w^orld in which men are the most deceived ; 
 for many a one putteth the valiant to shame in a chamber, who in the 
 field before the enemy is meek as a maid. Little esteem had he in 
 his time for men-at-arms who abandon their ensigns to counterfeit the 
 brave or to take to pillage. He was the most confident man in war 
 that hath ever been known, and by his words he would have made 
 the greatest coward in the world fight. 
 
 He had gained some glorious victories in his time, but one never 
 heard him boast thereof; and if it happened that he spake of them, he 
 ever gave the praise thereof to some other person. During his life he 
 hath been at the wars with English, Spanish, Germans, Italians, and 
 other nations, and in many battles both gained and lost ; but where 
 they have been gained, Bayard was always in part cause thereof ; and 
 where they were lost, he is ever found doing such feats that great 
 honour rested with him therein. 
 
 Never would he serve but his own prince, under whom he did not 
 acquire great benefits, and many more have been bestowed on him 
 from elsewhere in his lifetime. But he ever said that he would die to 
 uphold the public welfare of his country. Never could one offer him a 
 commission that he would refuse, and he hath been offered some 
 exceeding strange. But because he hath ever had God before his eyes. 
 He hath aided him to maintain his honour : and therein, even to the day 
 of his decease, no one had deprived him of the point of an aiglet.^ 
 
 He was lieutenant for the King his master in Dauphiny, where he so 
 fully gained the heart as well of the nobles as of the commonalty, that 
 they would all have died for him. If he hath been prized and 
 honoured in his own country, you need not marvel thereat ; for he 
 hath been far more so by all the other nations. And that hath not 
 endured for one or two years, but as long as he lived, and it endureth 
 still after his death ; for the good and virtuous life that he hath led 
 doth bear him immortal praise. It was never seen that he had sought 
 
 ^ That is, could not abate one jot of his honour. 
 
History 
 
 OF 
 
 Bayard. 
 
 429 
 
 to uphold even the greatest friend he had in the world against the 
 right. And the good gentleman ever said that " all empires, realms, 
 and provinces, without justice, are forests full of brigands." ^ 
 
 In warfare he hath ever held three excellent things which well 
 become a perfect knight, '* onset of greyhound, fence of boar, and 
 flight of wolf" 2 • 
 
 In short, he who would describe all his virtues, hath full need of the 
 life of a good orator ; for I, who am weak and little furnished with 
 learning, I could not attain thereto. But of that w^hich I have told 
 thereof, I humbly pray all readers of this present history to take the 
 same in good part. For I have done the best that I could, but not 
 that which was indeed due for the praise of so perfect and virtuous a 
 person as the good Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche, the noble 
 Lord of Bayard, of whom may God by His grace keep his soul in 
 Paradise. Amen. 
 
 Here e:id2th the right joyous, pleasant, and recreative history com- 
 piled by the Loyal Servitenr, of the deeds, feats, trinniphs, and prozvesses 
 of the good Chevalier sans penr et sans reproche, the noble Lord of 
 Bayard. 
 
 ^ Tons empires, royaumes et provinces sans justice sont forets pleines de brigands. 
 ^ Assaut de levrier, defense de sanglier, et fuite de loup. 
 
 Tomb of Bayard. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 I. 
 
 Page I. 
 
 LTHOUGH in the few autographs that are known our hero signs 
 himself Bayart, we shall write the name Bayard with a final </, 
 for four reasons. First, if the Loyal Serviteur writes Bayart, 
 Champier has Bayard. Now Champier knew the good Chevalier, 
 he wrote his history immediately after his death, and further, he 
 was a man of letters. Secondly, in former days no attention 
 was paid either to accuracy or consistency in signatures. Thus 
 in the following century we find even such persons as Peiresc, 
 Montaig3ie, and La Boetie writing their names in four different styles. Bayard 
 himself, whose appellation was in reality dti Terrail, signs himself de Teri'eL 
 The name of Bayard was only the name of the ancestral estate. Thirdly, 
 Bayard is a place-name, and is found in three departments spelt in this manner. 
 Bayard in Dauphiny, in 1404, figures in Latin as locus didus de Bayardo. 
 Fourthly, a final d agrees with the Latin form of the word, which is always 
 
432 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 worth considering in such cases. I am aware that Vihehardoiiin speaks of an 
 emperor as being mounted upon nn cJuval baiaf^f, a bay steed, because of a 
 lack of chevaux motiaus, dark brown horses. But Ducange's Glossary contains 
 two examples of the other spelling, taken from a deed of Dauphiny : Huinbcrto 
 inarescallo ronc'mus stms bayai^diis^ and donavit duos equos^ 2Jiddicet lyardiim et 
 bayardiim (to wit, a liard or dark brown and a bay). Two other examples, 
 taken from an inventory of 1476, will suffice to prove the general use of the 
 letter d. They run thus : tnmm ronsinum pili bay/iardi, and aliufji equuni, sive 
 7'onshinm pili bayhard. 
 
 In the lajigue d'oil, bayard or bay, like the modern bai, signified generally a 
 reddish-brown. Putting horses aside, c^nd turning to the name of the castle 
 which Bayard rendered immortal, we may note the fact that Bay, like Bayard, 
 is the name of several hamlets, clearly in allusion to a certain colour of the 
 rock or the stone of the walls. In the same way we have Chateaubrun, 
 Chateauroux, Rougemont, Montbrun, Montrouge. A like explanation attaches 
 to the various puns that will be met with in the course of this history, such as 
 " Muchos grisones y pocos Bayardos " (page 418), and " Le bayard de France 
 ne craint pas le roussin d' AUemagne " (page 400^ note). In these places bayard, 
 apart from the allusion to the colour, always designates a noble steed, as 
 opposed to grison, the grey ass, or ronssiii, a dwarf or small thick-set horse. 
 
 Pasre 2. 
 
 Seven successive generations of the family were, in fact, slain or severely 
 wounded on the field of battle. Aubert Terrail was killed in 1326 at the battle 
 of Varey, where he engaged the Dauphin in single combat in the ranks of the 
 army of Savoy ; 2. Robert was slain in the service of the Dauphin Humbert 
 II. ; 3. Philip fell at the batde of Poictiers, 1350; 4. Pierre at Agincourt, 1415, 
 while his brother Jean was killed at Verneuil ; 5. Pierre was slain at the battle 
 of Montlhery, 1465 ; 6. Aymon, Bayard's father, was wounded at Guinegate, in 
 1479 ; the seventh was our hero. Besides his three ^rothers. Bayard had four 
 sisters. Two of them took the veil ; the youngest married Antoine de Theys ; 
 and the third, Marie, was mother of the Captain Pierre du Pont, or Pierrepont, 
 whom Bayard appointed his lieutenant, and who fully justified this trust, as is 
 proved by our history, wherein he is often named. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 433 
 
 III. 
 
 Page 5. 
 
 Bayard's castle is situate at the bottom of the valley of Gresivaudan, six 
 leagues from Grenoble, and about a mile or somewhat less from the station of 
 Pontcharra. In 1855 ^^^^ historical dwelling was in ruins, as appears from the 
 following extract from a Grenoble journal of that date, quoted by M. de Terrebasse : 
 " Would our readers know the present state of the domain of the Chevalier 
 sans peur et sans reproche ? A placard affixed to the door of the civil 
 tribunal of Grenoble gives it in the following terms : — 
 
 " building situate at the place called Chateau-Bayart, in the commune cf 
 Pontcharra, used formerly as a dwelling and now as a storehouse, . . . consist- 
 ing of a cellar, a ground-floor and a first-floor, in which one can hardly 
 distinguish the number of rooms . . . ; it is marked on the .survey-plan with 
 the number 172. 
 
 " ' Ruins situate at the same place, .... where there still remain some of 
 the walls of the castle of the Chevalier Bayart, marked on the survey-plan 
 with the number 173. 
 
 " ' Two round towers, situate at the same place, connected by the stone roof 
 of the gateway, which formed the entrance to the castle. That lying to the 
 west serves as a storehouse, and that to the east as the dwelling-house, consist- 
 ing of a kitchen on the ground-floor and two rooms on the first floor, occupied 
 by the farmer. They are marked on the survey-plan with the numbers 174 
 and 175. In this court there is a large shed roofed with tiles and slabs of 
 mica-schist (lauzes), resting upon pillars and upon one of the walls of the castle, 
 and also two vats and a wooden press ; these last three articles are built as 
 fixtures.' " 
 
 The description in the Guide Joa?ine confirms these sorry details : — " The 
 entrance is through a dilapidated gateway, between two square buildings 
 (especes de paviflons) : the one, which was a chapel, is to-day a stable ; the 
 other serves as the dwelling of the cultivator of the estate. The principal body 
 of the building had three floors ; only the first remains. Bayard's chamber is 
 shown, and the room in which he was born ; the stables, the cellar, and the 
 kitchen are all that have been preserved.^ 
 
 " The Duke of Berry is said to have formed the intention, shortly before his 
 death, of buying up this chateau and making a princely dwelling of it. M. 
 Feillet, to whom we owe this information, adds that, at a later period, the 
 department had the idea of obtaining possession of it; but in i860 the general 
 
 ' Except one vaulted chamber, converted into a reception-room, none of these now remain. 
 
 2 F 
 
434 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 council passed a resolution that, 'in face of the exorbitant claims of the pro- 
 prietor, a commemorative obelisk should be raised upon some site in the 
 territory of the commune of Pontcharra.' " 
 
 This resolution, like many others^ has remained a dead letter. 
 
 The chateau continued, from Bayard's lifetime, to be occupied by his brother 
 George, who married Claudine d'Arvihars. According to Terrebasse, " she, 
 having become George's widow, in 1541 did homage for the lordship of Bayart 
 with its appurtenances and dependencies. Frangoise passed a great part of her 
 
 Towers of the Chateau de Bay:vrd. From a Photograph. 
 
 life in litigation before the parliament of Grenoble, and the ill success with 
 which no doubt she met, drove her, as she had no children, to sell the chateau 
 of Bayard to Jean de Saint-Marcel, Lord of Avangon. His son, Guillaume 
 d'Avan^on, Archbishop of Embrun, repaired and maintained with religious care 
 the square tower in which the good Chevalier was born. In 1581 this lordship 
 passed to the house of Simiane, by the marriage of Anne d'Avangon, only 
 daughter of Laurent d'Avangon, with Balthasar de Simiane^ Marquis de Gordes. 
 Several of their descendants did not disdain to add to their name that of Lord 
 
Appendix. 
 
 435 
 
 and Count of Bayart.^ In 1735, Pauline de Simiane brought the estate into the 
 family of Durey de Noinville, who possessed it down to the time of the Revo- 
 lution. Its last proprietor, the Count de Noinville, having fled, it was sold by 
 the nation. Some debris still mark the site of the abode of the good Cheva- 
 lier; its thick walls and the elegant turrets, which were built in 1404 by his 
 great grandfather, have served as a quarry for the inhabitants of a neighbour- 
 ing village." 
 
 M. de Terrebasse wrote the above under the Restoration. Nevertheless 
 illustrated works of a later date, including even ' La France pittoresque,' which 
 was published in 1833, continued to give some imposing views of the chateau, 
 which, as a matter of fact, no longer existed. 
 
 IV. 
 Page 10. 
 
 Doubt has been expressed concerning these early studies. Champier, however, 
 makes mention of them in the following passage : " The noble Pierre Terrail 
 was born in a strong dwelling named Bayard, situate in the district of Dau- 
 phiny named Grisivodam, near to a royal castle called Avalon. . . . Of this noble 
 Pierre Terrail, the father was the noble Aymes Terrail^ Lord of Bayard, and the 
 mother was the noble lady Helayne des Allemans, sister of the noble Lord of 
 Laval, and sister of Laurent, Lord and Bishop of Grenoble. . . . The said noble 
 Pierre from his childhood was brought up by his father in all virtues and kept 
 at the schools in Grenoble by his said uncle the bishop. . . ." (Champier, ' Les 
 Gestes du preux Chevalier Bayard,' fol. 13.) In the above extract Champier 
 particularly calls Pierre by his family name of Terrail, which at first sight 
 suggests the name of a lordship more than Bayard does. Terrail signified a 
 causeway or embankment. 
 
 MM. de Terrebasse and Roman have published a certain number of Bayard's 
 letters extracted from the collections m the MSS. room of the Bibliotheque 
 Nationale. From the seventeenth century downwards, forgers have been at 
 work trying to add to the number of letters. Only recently M. Charavay again 
 denounced as a forgery a letter issuing from the Chambry collection. 
 
 ^ ' Geneaiogie de la maison de Simiane,' by Pere Dominique. Robert, X^yons, 1680. 
 
 2 F 2 
 
436 Appendix. 
 
 V. 
 
 Page 100. 
 
 In saying that he intends not to treat further of the events which took place 
 in the kingdom of Naples during two or three years, the Loyal Serviteiir 
 leaves a lacuna, which Terrebasse has, according to his wont, found means to 
 fill by the discreet use of contemporary documents. We cannot do better 
 than reproduce his words : — 
 
 The conquest ended, it was not long ere discord found a footing among the 
 victors, under cover of the delimitation of the provinces fallen to the share 
 of each. Gonsalvo, initiated into all the secrets of Ferdinand, of whom his bad 
 faith made him a worthy lieutenant, began hostilities by surprising in time of 
 perfect peace the town of Tripalda, and laying violent hands upon the French 
 garrison. D'Aubigny retook the place, after having in his turn drowned it in 
 blood ; and by degrees, without being formally declared, war arose between 
 the two nations. It was in these constant aggressions that Bayart began to 
 make himself a reputation among the Spanish, who, it is well known, are 
 sparing enough in their praise of foreigners.^ His captain, Louis d'Ars, had, 
 in the name of the Count of Ligny, seized possession of Venosa and many 
 other strongholds which formed part of the inheritance of his wife, the Princess 
 of Altamura. Favoured by certain lords of the Angevine faction, and valiantly 
 seconded by Bayart and his friend Bellabre, he pursued his course of conquests in 
 spite of Gonsalvo. In vain did this general summon him to evacuate Apulia, 
 and to give up the^ towns which were held, as he alleged, against the lawful 
 claim of the King of Arragon ; Louis d'Ars made answer that he was guarding 
 in good right the possessions of his ■ master, the Count of Ligny, who held 
 immediately from Naples, whereof the King of France was the Lord in fee. 
 He supported this argument by the defeat of all who were sent against him^ 
 and, in spite of all force and menace, he continued to recover the dependencies 
 of the duchy of Altamura.^ 
 
 " Louis XII., informed of the disloyal conduct of his allies, sent word to his 
 viceroy, Louis d'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours, to summon Gonsalvo to 
 surrender the towns that he had seized within four-and-twenty hours, or to 
 declare war against him. Receiving an evasive answer from that general, 
 the French army took the field, and laid siege to Canosa. This town, surrounded 
 by thick walls and broad ditches, and abundantly furnished with provisions 
 
 ^ " Et inter alios Gallos Petius Terralius Bayardus delphinus sure viriutis periculum in illis 
 pi-ielns fecit." Aymari Rivallii ' De Allobrogibus libri,' p. 542. Viennae Allobrogum, 1844, 
 octavo. 
 
 2 Jehan d' Anton, ' Ilistoire de Louis XII.' (Paris, 1620, quarto), chs. iii. and vii., pp. 21 and 29. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 437 
 
 and munitions of war, was defended by the cUte of the Spanish troops under 
 the command of the Captain Peralta and the celebrated Pedro Navarro. 
 
 On the 1 6th of July, 1502, the French laid their approaches before the 
 fortress, and lodged themselves in the surrounding monasteries, and 
 soon the clamorous storm of the artillery began. On the fourth day, the 
 breach having been judged practicable, the lords and captains, mixed with 
 the foot- soldiers, assailed the Spanish so furiously, that the town would have 
 been taken but for the marvellous resistance of the Captain Peralta. He 
 encouraged his men by his example and his words, kept them up to the attack 
 with his sword at their backs, and caused blazing materials, cauldrons of boiling 
 oil, and quickHme to be cast upon the besiegers. Louis d'Ars, Bayart, Bellabre, 
 Chastelart, and sundry other good men-at-arms, who sought out the places where 
 the danger was greatest, were some of them wounded and others burnt and 
 scalded ; nevertheless they would not retreat, for the animosity on both sides was 
 such that while life remained the French abandoned not the attack nor the 
 Spanish the defence. However, after three hours of one of the most sanguinary 
 conflicts, the ground remained with the besieged, and the French were compelled 
 to return to their quarters. 
 
 " For two days and two nights the artillery battered the town in another 
 quarter, and opened a greater breach than the previous one. Bayart and 
 Bellabre were among the first to rush in by it, and the standard of France 
 was already being raised upon the debris of the ramparts, when the Spanish, 
 rallied by their captain, made so vigorous a charge, that they drove the 
 besiegers out again. The good Chevalier was so far advanced that he was 
 overtaken and wounded by several pike-thrusts ; his friend Bellabre had his 
 face all burnt ; Luc Le Groing, a brave gentleman of their company, was 
 thrown down into the ditch from the top of the wall and was carried off for 
 dead. The captain, after they had lost a number of their best men-at-arms, 
 put a stop to so exceeding murderous an assault. 
 
 " Enraged that twelve hundred Spanish kept them so long at bay, the French 
 on the morrow with loud cries demanded another attack, swearing all to perish 
 before the place or to carry it by main force. The Captain Peralta, not 
 less prudent than brave, felt that he ought not to expose the remnant of his 
 soldiers to certain loss, and so, having obtained honourable terms of capitulation, 
 he surrendered the place to the Duke of Nemours. 
 
 " Louis d'Ars, after the capture of Canosa, finding himself about three 
 leagues from the town of Biseglia, asked the Viceroy d'Armagnac for some 
 men-at-arms, in order to attempt a coup-de-main against that place, with the 
 inhabitants of which he had opened some intercourse. Although, notwithstand- 
 ing his urgent entreaties, he could not obtain any men, he did not renounce 
 his enterprise, but set out for Biseglia with only sixty light-horse of his own 
 company. 
 
438 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 "This tov^-n, whose walls are washed by the Adriatic sea, was in a condition 
 to make a long resistance ; but the inhabitants, who had not forgotten their 
 good lord, the Count of Lighy, despite the Spanish opened their gates to his 
 lieutenant. All the people joined themselves with Louis d'Ars, and with cries 
 of ' France, France ! ' charged upon the Spanish, who were forced to take refuge 
 in the citadel. The latter then began to discharge so fierce an artillery-fire 
 upon the town, that the noise of the cannon was heard as far as Canosa. I.uc 
 Le Groing, whose wounds kept him there, ran forthwith to the quarters of the 
 Duke of Nemours, and said to him, ' My lord, you hear the cannon roaring 
 from the direction of Biseglia ; I pray you in the name of the King and for 
 love of my Lord of Ligny, to send some succour to his brave lieutenant, who 
 must have great need thereof at this moment.' As the Viceroy would not 
 listen to him, he addressed himself to the generous La Palice, who was pre- 
 paring to start, when he received a prohibition against it. 
 
 " The brave gentleman, seeing that he must seek elsewhere for succour for his 
 master, ran in all haste to a neighbouring town, where he found a hundred 
 men-at-arms in garrison. ' To horse, to horse, men-at-arms of France ! ' shouted 
 Luc Le Groing through the streets, as he entered Ruvo ; ' or you will 
 have to reproach yourselves with the loss of the Captain Louis d'Ars, who with 
 few men is sustaining a heavy attack within Biseglia.' Bayart, who met him 
 in his way, listened no further. Without looking who would follow, he and 
 three of his men set forth at full gallop, at the risk of killing their horses. 
 Arrived at the gates of Biseglia, the good Chevalier began to shout with all 
 his might, ' France, France ! ' and traversing the town at full speed, he directed 
 his steps to the side of the castle where the tumult was heard. There he ranged 
 himself beside of Louis d'Ars, and set himself to deal blows as far as he could 
 reach, and by all endeavours to succour the French, who had great need of aid. 
 
 " During the conflict, there arrived to the relief of the castle three hundred 
 Spanish, under command of the Admiral Villamarino, who with three galleys 
 was cruising in these parts. The courage of Louis d'Ars grew in proportion to 
 the number of his assailants ; but the latter, seeing no succour come to the 
 French, redoubled their ardour and confidence. Repulsed, after too unequal a 
 struggle, to the entrance of the town, the Captain d'Ars, preferring death to the 
 loss of his conquest, shut the gate with his hand, and set himself before it. 
 The Spanish thought themselves sure to overpower him, but not a man 
 approached him within the shadow of his blade, but was felled to the ground.^ 
 ' On, on, my lords ! ' again and again cried the brave captain, foaming with 
 rage and toil ; ' 'tis better to die chivalrously than to live with taint of 
 cowardice. Let us not, for want of defending it, lose the fruit of our labour ; 
 and let us be for ourselves the succour that others have denied us.' 
 
 * "Nul nc I'approchait, de tant que son glaive lenail d'ombie, qu'il lie fuL asboaiuie." 
 
Appendix. 
 
 439 
 
 "Bayart, following his example, dealt about him desperately; Gilbert de 
 Chaux, and Jean de Montieux, gentlemen of his company, seconded him with 
 the remainder of their strength, but their blunted blades were no longer 
 formidable save by their weight ; men and horses were sinking from fatigue, 
 and they saw no aid arrive. Of a sudden, a thick cloud of dust appeared in 
 the distance, and soon the familiar sound of the French trumpets came to 
 reanimate their exhausted energies. The Spanish in their turn recoiled and 
 retreated, some towards the castle, the others in the direction of the port. 
 But the hundred men-at-arms, whom the indeflitigable Luc Le Groing was 
 leading, barred the road of those who sought to regain their vessels, and 
 slaughtered nearly three hundred of them. The others, to the number of two 
 hundred, succeeded in throwing themselves into the castle ; but ten or tvvelve 
 of the principal inhabitants, who, being suspected of an attachment to the 
 King of France, had been shut up therein, had taken advantage of the dis- 
 order to seize the great tower, whence they assailed the Spanish with stones 
 and tiles. Profiting by this diversion, Louis d'Ars scaled the walls and put 
 the rest of the Spanish to the sword. - 
 
 " The castle, being furnished with abundant provisions, offered the French 
 wherewithal to recruit themselves from the fatigues of such a day. Louis d'Ars 
 afterwards distributed money and all the horses that he found, among the men- 
 at-arms, who for the most part had killed their own steeds in flying so rapidly 
 to his aid. His generosity gained him the hearts of all, while their admiration 
 was won by his valour. On their return to Canosa, there was not a man in 
 the army who did not come and compliment him for having thus withstood 
 for the space of six hours, with sixty men, all the efforts of six hundred Spanish ; 
 the good captain, no less modest than brave, replied that but for Bayart they 
 would have arrived too late to help him." 
 
 VL 
 Page 141. 
 
 Here again we will quote Terrebasse, who has gathered from Jehan 
 d' Anton (' Chroniques de Louis XH.') some valuable details concerning the 
 " past events " whereof the Loyal Serviteur speaks ; they concern Bayard too . 
 directly to be omitted here. 
 
 " But what exploits could retard the ruin of the army which had fallen from 
 the command of the perfidious Marquis of Mantua under that of the incapable 
 Marquis of Saluzzo? Gonsalvo soon surprised the French troops scattered 
 in distant cantonments, and compelled them to begin a retreat, which degene- 
 rated into a complete rout. Those whom disease and destitution had spared 
 
440 
 
 Appendix, 
 
 on the unhealthy banks of the Garighano retreated in the direction of Gaeta, 
 under the orders of Yves d'Alegre and the Lord of Sandricourt. 
 
 " Fifteen men-at-arms, all picked and well mounted, among whom were found 
 Messer Roger de Beam, Pierre de Tardes, Ballabre, and Pierre de Bayart, were 
 placed in the rear-guard in order to withstand the attacks of the Spanish 
 van-guard. This handful of French, harassed by all the light cavalry of 
 Gonsalvo, not only kept them at bay, but often drove them back to a distance, 
 so as to facilitate the march of the infantry and the baggage. 
 
 ^' In one of these charges, Bayart's horse was killed under him, and he 
 remained sword in hand, refusing to surrender, in the midst of the Spanish. 
 The Lord of Sandricourt perceived it opportunely, and charged the enemy 
 so fiercely that he rescued the good Ghevalier from their hands, and enabled 
 him to get another horse. However, the main body of Gonsalvo's army was 
 now overtaking the French, and the retreat became more and more difficult. 
 Arrived at the bridge of Mola di Gaeta, some leagues from the latter town, 
 Bayart and his companions received orders to make a firm stand while the 
 artillery was filing across. Upon one side the assurance of victory, upon the 
 other despair, rendered the conflict terrible. The good Chevalier, who for his life 
 would not pass over the bridge, penetrated so far into the hostile ranks that 
 his horse was again killed, and he was re-mounted with great difficulty by 
 his companions. Pierre de Tardes, less fortunate, was made prisoner at his 
 side, as he was defending himself like a lion. Constrained to abandon their 
 artillery after a combat as long as it was unequal, the French beat a retreat 
 to the other end of the bridge. Exasperated at falling back, Bellabre turned upon 
 a Spanish knight, who was pressing him too closely, with such fury that with a 
 blow of his lance he cast him from the summit of the bridge into the river. 
 
 " Hitherto the retreat had been effected with some degree of order ; but now 
 the rumour spread that the route was cut by the enemy. It was no longer 
 possible to hold in the soldiers; they broke rank forthwith and took to flight, 
 carrying their officers in their train. The third horse that Bayart mounted that 
 day was struck widi a mortal wound, and fell dead at the gates of Gaeta, which 
 there was barely time to shut against the Spanish." 
 
 vn. 
 
 Pdg^ 334. 
 
 bayard's letter to LAURENT ALLEMAN, HIS UNCLE, CONCERNING THE 
 BATTLE OF RAVENNA. 
 
 "SIR,— With all the humility I can I commend me to your good grace. 
 "Since I last wrote to you, we have had, as you have already some slight 
 knowledge, the battle against our foes. But to advise you thereof at length, 
 
Appendix. 
 
 441 
 
 the matter was this. Our army came and lodged near to this town of Ravenna ; 
 our enemy was there as soon as we, in order to give heart to the said town ; 
 and by reason not only of certain news which came day by day of the descent 
 of the Swiss, but also of the want of provisions that we had in our camp, M. 
 de Nemours resolved to give battle, and on Sunday last he passed over a small 
 river which was between our said enemy and us. Thus did we encounter them ; 
 they marched in right good order, and were more than seventeen hundred men- 
 at-arms, the most noble and splendid that have ever been seen, and full fourteen 
 thousand foot, as gallant men (aussi gentils-galands) as could be described. 
 Anon there came about a thousand of their men-at-arms, and, all desperate in 
 that our artillery was driving them to madness, fell upon our main battle, 
 wherein was M. de Nemours in person, his company, that of M. de Lorraine, 
 of M. d'Ars, and others, to the number of four hundred men-at-arms or there- 
 about, who received the said enemy with so great courage that never was seen 
 better fighting. Between our van-guard, which was a thousand men-at-arms, and 
 us, there were some great ditches; and further, there was work elsewhere to 
 prevent succour coming. Thus the said main battle was forced to bear the 
 burden of the said thousand men-at-arms or thereabouts. In this quarter, M. de 
 Nemours broke his lance between the two armies, and pierced one of their 
 men-at-arms right through and half an arm's-length beyond. Thus were the 
 said thousand men-at-arms defeated and put to flight; and as we gave chase to 
 them, we came upon their foot-men near to their artillery, and five or six 
 hundred men-at-arms who were parked; and before them they had some cars 
 with tv/o wheels, on which stood two great wings of iron, of the length of two 
 or three fathoms; and our foot-men were fought hand to hand. Their said 
 foot-men had so many hackbuts that, when it came to the assault, they slew 
 almost all our captains of foot, in such a way as to shake them and make 
 them turn their backs. But they were so well succoured by men-at-arms that, 
 after fighting well, our said enemies were defeated, and lost their artillery, and 
 seven or eight hundred men-at-arms, who were slain, and the greater part of 
 their captains, together with seven or eight thousand foot-men. Indeed, it is not 
 known that any captains be escaped save the Viceroy; for we hold prisoners 
 the Lords Fabricio Colonna, the Cardinal de Medicis, papal legate, Pedro 
 Navarro, the Marquis of Pescara, the Marquis of Pedula, the son of the prince 
 of Melfe, Don John de Cardone, the son of the Marquis of Bitonto, who is 
 wounded to death, and others of whom I know not the name. Those who 
 escaped were pursued eight or ten miles, and were scattered among the 
 mountains, and indeed it is said that the villeins have cut them to pieces. 
 
 "Sir, if the King have gained the battle, I swear to you that the poor 
 gentlemen have assuredly lost the same; for, as we were giving chase, M. de 
 Nemours chanced upon certain foot-men who were rallying, and so he charged 
 upon them ; but the noble prince found himself so ill accompanied that he was 
 
442 
 
 xA^PPENDIX. 
 
 slain therein ; whereat all the sorrowings and mournings that ever were made, 
 were not equal to that which was raised and is still raised in our camp, for it 
 seemeth that we have lost the battle. Indeed, I promise you, sir, that it is the 
 greatest loss of any prince who hath died for a hundred years past ; and if he 
 had lived the age of man, he would have achieved such deeds as never prince 
 did. Those who are on our side may well say that they have lost their father ; 
 and as for me, sir, I could not live but in melancholy, for I have lost more 
 than I am able to write. 
 
 " In other quarters there were slain M. d'Aligre and his son, M. du Molar, 
 six German captains, and the Captain Jacob, their colonel ; the Captain Maugiron, 
 the Baron du Grant- Mont, and more than two hundred gentlemen of name and 
 all of worth, beside more than two thousand foot-men of ours ; and I assure you 
 that in a hundred years the realm of France will not recover the loss that we 
 have suffered. 
 
 " Sir, yesterday morning the body of my late lord was brought to Milan, 
 accompanied by two hundred men-at-arms, witli the greatest nonour tnat couid 
 be devised ; for before him they bore eighteen or twenty ensigns, the most 
 splendid that were ever seen, which have been won in this battle. He will 
 remain at Milan until the King have sent word whether he will that he be 
 carried into France or not. 
 
 " Sir, our army is leisurely journeying through this Romagna, capturing all the 
 towns on behalf of the Council. They wait not to be summoned to yield, by 
 reason that they fear to be pillaged, as hath been this town of Ravenna, wherein 
 there is naught remaining. And we shall not budge from this quarter, until 
 the King have sent word what he would his army should do. 
 
 Sir, touching the brother of the post, concerning whom you have written to 
 me, as scon as you shall send him, there shall be no delay ere I provide for 
 him. Since this matter is dispatched, I believe that we shall have abstinence 
 from warfare; the Swiss, however, still cause some disturbance; but, wheft 
 they hear of this defeat, perchance they will put a little water in their wine. 
 As soon as matters shall be somewhat settled, I will come and see you. Praying 
 God, sir, to give you right good life and long. Written at the camp of Ravenna^ 
 this fourteenth day of April. Your humble servant, 
 
 " BAYART." 
 
Appendix. 
 
 443 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Page 407. 
 
 M. Feillet (' Histoire populaire de Bayard ') gives a full description of 
 Bayard's cup, and pleads in eloquent words for the revival of an old custom 
 of the Ardennes. " For many years on the 27th of September they celebrated 
 the anniversary of the deliverance of the town ; this civic ceremony consisted 
 in a solemn procession, in which the civic authorities took part, together with 
 the garrison and the national guard under arms. At the church, after the gospel, 
 an ecclesiastic delivered a panegyric of Bayart." We see in the Revue des 
 Ardennes^ the publication of M. E. Senemaud, that this ceremony still took 
 place in 1.806 ; M. de Terrebasse says that it also existed under the Restoration. 
 Why has it been allowed to fall into disuse ? 
 
 " M. Vallerant-Payon, canon of Rheims, grandson of Georges, one of the 
 governors of the town of Mezieres in 152 1, during the siege, bequeathed to the 
 town a large cup, intended to perpetuate the memory of this glorious incident ; 
 the cup is silver-gilt and richly chased. 
 
 ''The letter of advice of his executors, under date the 22nd October, 1627, 
 states that the cup weighs four ounces three tierces, and that it cost 218 livres 
 5 sous. 
 
 *' The following inscription is engraved on the rim : — 
 
 " ' On this cup is the design of the siege of Maizieres by the Count of Nassau, 
 lieutenant of the Emperor Charles V., in the year 152 1, defended by the Chevalier 
 Bayart, Nicolas Georges being governor of the town. M. Vallerant-Payon, in the 
 year 1625, hath ordained me to be given to the chamber of MM. the Eschevins 
 of Maizieres by the hands of MM. Serval and Pierre Meslier, canon of the said 
 Rheims, and executors of the said testament of the said M. Payon.' 
 
 " On the circumference of the cup, below the inscription, the town, the environs, 
 and the besieging army are represented in relief; it is furnished with a cover, 
 which is likewise chased, and surmounted by a small figure of the Virgin. 
 
 " This cup, now known as Bayard's cup, is preserved in the archives of Me'zieres. 
 Formerly it used to be brought out on the anniversary of the 27th of September, 
 on which day it was the custom to give a dinner. The cup was placed before 
 the senior eschevin, and afterwards before the mayor, who proposed a toast to the 
 memory of the brave and loyal defenders of the town under the orders of Bayart." 
 
 For this account of the cup, and also for the unpublished drawing of it, we 
 are indebted to the kindness of M. Senemaud, Archivist of the Department 
 of the Ardennes. 
 
444 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Page 419. 
 
 The following lament is given by Champier at the end of his ' Gestes de Bayart/ 
 Lyons, 1525. It is inaccurate enough and simple enough to be genuine, and 
 accordingly we reproduce it as a curiosity. It must be remembered that the 
 name of adventurers was given to the soldiers of the early bodies of infantry, 
 and Bayard was one of their leaders. 
 
 LAMENTATION ET COMPLAINTE PAR MANIERE DE CHAXSON DE LA MORT DU BON BAYARD, 
 FAICTE PAR LES AVENTURIERS AU RETOUR DE LOMBARDIE APRES SA MORT. 
 
 " Aidez-moi tous a plaindre, 
 Pauvres aventuriers, 
 Sans point vous vouloir feindre, 
 Un si noble pilier. 
 C'etait le singulier 
 Sur tous les gens d'armes, 
 Car, dedans un millier, 
 Un tel n'avait en armes. 
 
 Pleurez ! pleurez, gens d'armes 
 
 A cheval et a pied ! 
 
 Car jamais d'hom.me d'armes 
 
 Ne vous en vint pis. 
 
 II a tenu bon pied 
 
 Sans faire au roi tort, 
 
 Dont a lui fut le pis, 
 
 Car gagne a la mort. 
 
 Le jour de Saint-Eutrope, 
 Bayard, noble seigneur, 
 Voyant les Suisses en troupe, 
 II montra sa valeur. 
 C'etait par la faveur 
 De la fausse canaille 
 Dont lui vint le malheur. 
 Maudite soit la bataille ! 
 
 Ce vaillant chevalier, 
 II pensait nuit et jour 
 Comme pourrait bailler 
 Aux gens du roi secours. 
 Adonc, il prit le cours 
 Centre ses ennemis, 
 Dont ses jours en sout courts. 
 Vous voyez, mes amis ! " 
 
 Ha ! pauvre Daupliine, 
 Tu peux bien dire helas ! 
 Avant qu'il soit fini, 
 Tu en seras bien las. 
 Tu as perdu ton solas 
 Et encore de rechef, 
 Tu peux bien dire Jiclas I 
 II te coutera cher ! " 
 
AprENDIX. 
 
 445 
 
 X. 
 
 Page 423. 
 
 In his notice upon the church of Saint-Andre at Grenoble, M. Pilot has 
 given some interesting details concerning the burial place of Bsyard, which may 
 be suitably inserted here : — 
 
 No inscription was put upon his tomb. It was not until long afterwards that 
 Scipion de Polloud, Lord of Saint-Agnian, High Provost of Dauphiny, raised a 
 monument in honour of Bayard ; this was placed in the choir of the church of 
 the Minims, above the door which led to the sacristy ; and it remained there 
 until 1790, at which date the aforesaid church and convent were sold as 
 national property. The monument of Bayard was not included in the sale ; the 
 conditions attached to the particulars of auction of these effects, prepared and 
 signed by the procureur-general syndic of the department, contains the following 
 express reservation : — 
 
 " ' Art. 6. Inasmuch as the manes of Bayard belong to the nation which he 
 made illustrious by his virtues, the mausoleum which contains them, together 
 with its appurtenances, will not be comprised in the sale. The administration 
 will immediately seek permission from the Legislature and the King to transfer 
 this object, dear alike to the country and the department, to a public place, to 
 be preserved there until more favourable circumstances permit the erection to 
 this great man of a monument such as the public has long desired.' 
 
 " The valuer's report, attached to the same particulars of auction of the effects 
 belonging to the former convent of the Minims of the Plain, shows that the 
 tomb was placed above the door of communication between the choir of the 
 church and the cloister. 
 
 " This monument to Bayard was one of the first objects of art deposited in the 
 museum of Grenoble at the time of its establishment, less on account of its 
 capabihty to contribute any interest to the history of art, than because it recalled 
 a name with which one of the most glorious pages of our local history is con- 
 nected. Later it was transferred from the museum of the town to the church 
 of Saint- Andre, where it now is. The monument is formed of a tablet of black 
 marble adorned with an escutcheon, which is surmounted by a bust of life-size 
 all in white Italian marble. Below, a death's head with two bat's-wings serves 
 as a support to the tablet, upon which is engraved a Latin inscription in 
 memory of the Knight of Dauphiny. 
 
 " Bayard's monument had remained for many years in the church of Saint- 
 Andre, when a certain prefect of the department, M. d'Haussez, undertook the 
 task of reuniting to the monument the ashes of the warrior whom it com- 
 memorated. 
 
446 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 " Accordingly these remains were deposited in the vault of Saint-Andre in the 
 presence of the Bishop of Grenoble, who- awaited them at the church-door. The 
 stone with which the grave is covered bears this inscription : 
 
 CI-GIT BAYARD 
 
 Ses Testes, retronves dans Peglise des Minimes de la Flatne 
 et autlientiquenient reconmis, out ete recueillis par les soins 
 de M. le baron d' Hatissez, prefct de P here 
 et deposes sons cette pierre 
 le 24 aoi'it 1822. 
 
 " This inscription asserts that the ashes contained in the coffin are those of 
 Bayard. In spite, however, of this testimony, and in spite of the proces-verbal 
 
 Ruins of the Cloister. From a Photograph. 
 
 of the 5th July, 1822, which speaks of the undisputed and authentic remains, 
 we beg leave to doubt this authenticity. Our doubt will cause no surprise when 
 it is known that Bayard's body was in fact buried not in the church of the 
 Minims of the Plain, but in the chapel of the Allemans, whilst the excavations 
 have been carried out in the choir, at the foot of the steps of the high altar. 
 Thus, too, it is not surprising that no one has found in the pretended tomb of 
 Bayard any trace of iron or armour, which could suggest that it was the resting- 
 place of a warrior slain on the field of battle." 
 
Appendix. 
 
 447 
 
 The uncertainty would probably never have arisen if deference had been 
 shown to the last wishes of the hero. " At his death," says Champier, " the 
 Lord of Bayart had ordered that he should be buried with his father and 
 mother at the place of Grignon. His relations were called together to deter- 
 mine where he ought to be interred. And it was said that inasmuch as he 
 had been the lieutenant of the governor of the province, and tliat Grenoble was 
 the chief place of the provincial jurisdiction, it would be better that he were 
 buried at the convent of the Minims." 
 
 The cloister of the Minims is situate between the road to Gieres and that to 
 Eybens, at two kilometres from Grenoble. It was almost entirely destroyed by 
 fire about fifteen years ago, and that not for the first time. The pillars of the 
 cloister^ connected by arches of brick, are still standing, as well as three rooms 
 in which the key-stones of the vaulting bear the arms of the fLimily of the 
 Allemans. It is now a manufactory of paper bags. 
 
 xr. 
 
 Page 427. 
 
 M. de Terrebasse recurs with further details to Bayard's generosity. 
 
 He says, " Bayard was not wont to seek opportunities for gainin money, and 
 was hardly richer on his departure from the world than when he entered it. 
 He did not increase the patrimony of his forefathers, save by his acquisition 
 from the royal domain of the feudal rents and the assessment of the lordships 
 of Grignon and Saint-Maximin, which he bought for four thousand pounds 
 Tournay, in order to embellish his estate of Bayard with a seignorial jurisdic- 
 tion. All that he left at his death, including this purchase, was not worth four 
 hundred pounds a year. Rare example of disinterestedness in a man who was 
 for nine years the King's lieutenant-general in a rich province, and who had 
 handled considerable ransoms from his prisoners. Moreover he often said, 
 ' What the gorget gathers, the gauntlet spends.' " ^ 
 
 Many authors have testified their surprise that so renowned and able a 
 captain had not during his life held more important commands. Brantome, one 
 of them, gives as a reason that " of such charges he had never been ambitious, 
 and that by his disposition he preferred to be a captain and soldier of adven- 
 ture, and to plunge into all dangers that pleased him, than to be bound down 
 by a weighty charge and stra:*tened of his liberty in fighting. But," he adds, 
 " he had at least this honour, that never a general of an army in his time made 
 expeditions, enterprises, or conquests, but he must ever have M. de Bayart 
 
 ' ** Cc qug le gorgerin amasse, le gantelet le depense." 
 
448 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 with him, otherwise the party was incomplete ; and his advice and counsels in 
 war were always followed rather than those of the others. Thus was his 
 honour therein the greater, for if he were not taken to command an army, he 
 was taken to command the general," 
 
 M. de Terrebasse accepts Brantome's assertion without remark, and that 
 surprises us considerably on the part of a man who was so well acquainted 
 with the text of the Loyal Serviteur. In Picardy with d'Espiennes and with 
 Francis I., and in Italy with Bonnivet, we see how on the contrary Bayard's 
 advice was thrice rejected in grave crises. On the other hand, at Mezieres he 
 does not appear at all so hampered by a command ; but doubtless the place 
 was in too bad a state for anyone to desire that perilous honour. It seems 
 more probable that Bayard's frankness and modesty stood in the way of his 
 military advancement. 
 
 Bayard's Seal. 
 
 > 
 
 LONDON : PRINTKD BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, STAMFORD STREET 
 AND CHARING CROSS.