CHAP. XVII.
SIR JOHN DE LUXEMBOURG BESIEGES THE CASTLE OF WIEGE.—HE LAYS AN AMBUSH, IN WHICH POTON DE SAINTRAILLES AND HIS COMPANIONS ARE MADE PRISONERS.
SIR John de Luxembourg now besieged the castle of Wiege with a numerous army. The siege lasted for three weeks, during which he continually battered the walls and gates with his engines. At length, the besieged, losing all hope of relief, made a treaty with sir John to surrender the place, on condition they should depart in safety with their effects promising not to bear arms again on that side of the Loire, except when in company with king Charles. On the signing of the treaty they went away for Guise, and the castle was demolished.
One or two days after this, sir John decamped, with some of the most trusty of his men, and formed a plan for taking Poton de Saintrailles, as you shall hear. Sir John on the departure of the garrison, placed an ambuscade behind a small church, on the borders of the country of Guise, to watch the motions of the enemy, and to be prepared should they attempt any incursions on that side.
Poton de Saintrailles, l'Estandart de Mailly, the lord de Verduisant, with some others expert in arms, made a sally from Guise, near to where the ambuscade had been posted. When they were far enough advanced, sir John, profiting of his advantage, made so vigorous a charge that they were instantly, thrown into confusion,—and Poton, the lord de Verduisant, and a few more were taken prisoners. But l'Estandart de Mailly, on the first shock, pointed his lance against Lyonnel de Vandonne, unhorsed him, and gave him so violent a blow on the shoulder that ever after the said Lyonnel was lame on that side. L'Estandart finding, however, that prowess would avail nothing, and that numbers were against him, wheeled about, and returned as quickly as his horse could carry him to the town of Guise.
Sir John de Luxembourg pursued for a long time the others, who fled different ways. On his return, he collected his men together, and, rejoicing at his good fortune, carried the prisoners to his castle of Beaurevoir, where he dismissed his captains until further orders.