CHAP. XXVI.
THE DUKE OF GLOCESTER SENDS A LETTER TO THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY.—A COPY THEREOF.
WHEN the duke of Glocester heard that the duke of Burgundy had issued his summons for men at arms to assemble against him, in support of the duke of Brabant, he was highly displeased, and wrote to the duke of Burgundy a letter, of which the following is an exact copy:
'High and potent prince, very dear and well-beloved cousin,—we have heard that in your lands and territories a proclamation has been made for all able men at arms to assemble and march under the orders of sir John de Luxembourg and others, to the support of my cousin of Brabant, against me, my friends, allies and subjects, and stating, as reasons for the above, many charges contrary to the truth, which I have discovered, in a copy of certain letters said to be written by you, in your town of Dijon, the 21st day of last December.
'These letters, I am convinced, have been written with your knowledge, and by your orders, although you cannot have forgotten all that I have done in times past at your request and solicitation; nor how often I have submitted the whole of my dispute with our cousin of Brabant to the arbitration of my brother the regent and yourself,—what appointments I have made, and what things I offered to relinquish to my prejudice,—and which you know those of the party of the duke of Brabant would not accept nor enter into any treaty, notwithstanding these letters I allude to have given a contrary colour to the business, as will be apparent if you compare the copy I inclose with the originals.
'I know also, that what I have formerly done has not escaped your good memory. You must also feel, that if proximity of lineage is of any avail, you should be more inclined to serve me than my adversary, seeing that my companion and spouse is your cousin-german by two lines, and that my said cousin of Brabant is not so nearly related to you.
'You are likewise bounden to assist me by the treaty of peace solemnly sworn to by us,—which the duke of Brabant has never done, but on the contrary, as you know, made alliances inimical to your interests, which should move you to act against him. The treaty between us has never been infringed by me; and it would have grieved me to have even thought of it,—for I should believe, that had I broken it, nothing fortunate would have ever happened to me. I am also persuaded, that during your life, you will not act contrary to it.
'You must likewise have noticed, that ever since I have been on this side of the sea, I have alway endeavoured so to act as would be most agreeable to you; that I have never, in the smallest degree done, or suffered to be done, any damage to your subjects or your lands, but have acted toward them as if they had been my own proper subjects, as they can truly inform you.
'I have lately written to you, to declare I ask for nothing but what is my own, but am contented to have what belongs to me in right of my said companion, your cousin, and which, with the aid of God, I will guard and preserve so long as she shall live, for that fortune is sufficient for me.
'Should any circumstances have induced me to act against my said cousin of Brabant, I am not as you know, any way to blame, but constrained thereto by his enterprises, in the defence of my own honour, and for the preservation of my country, which will make me exert myself to the utmost of my power.
'Now as you are perfectly well acquainted with all that I have mentioned, I can scarcely persuade myself that these said letters have been written with your knowledge; and I most earnestly intreat, most high and potent prince, my very dear and well beloved cousin, that you would maturely consider of all that I have done for your service, the different conduct of my adversary toward you, the nearness of the relationship, the treaty of peace between us, which I have never violated, and the enterprises of my opponent. I am firmly convinced, that supposing the measures hitherto followed have had your approbation, when you shall have maturely reconsidered the whole of mine and of my adversary's conduct, you will be of a contrary opinion.
'Should, however, your intentions remain unaltered, God, to whom nothing is hidden, will defend my just rights, if you be regardless of the oath you have taken for the same purpose. High and potent prince, my very dear and well-beloved cousin, let me know your intentions by the bearer of this, and if there is any thing I can do for your service, I will most heartily employ myself therein, as our lord knows, and to his care I commend you.
'Written at my town of Mons, and signed with my signet, this 12th day of January. High and potent prince, very dear and well-beloved cousin, I send with this letter copies of the letters I have alluded to, signed 'de Croy.'
The address on this letters was, 'To the high and potent prince, my very dear and well-beloved cousin, the duke of Burgundy;' and lower down, 'Your cousin the duke of Glocester, count of Hainault, of Holland, of Zealand, and lord of Frizeland.'
The duke of Burgundy, on receiving this letter, laid it before the whole of his council, and, after due deliberation, returned the following answer to the duke of Glocester.