CHAP. LV.
A GRAND TOURNAMENT IN THE CITY OF BRUSSELS.
AT this period, the duke of Burgundy set out grandly accompanied by the nobles of his country, for Brussels, to be present at a tournament that was to be given there during the carnival. The son of the demoisel de Gazebeque was the founder of the prize.
The duke of Burgundy was magnificently feasted by his cousin duke Philip of Brabant, the great barons of the country, and by the city of Brussels. On the day of the tournament, the two dukes were matched against each other, as well as their nobles, by the advice of prudent counsellors and heralds at arms, to avoid any accidents that might happen.
There were this day from seven to eight score helmets in the market place at Brussels who made a fine show; for they were all richly dressed, and adorned with their emblazoned surcoats. When the officers at arms had made the usual proclamations, the tournament commenced, and many hardy strokes were given; but the prize was adjudged to a gentleman of Brabant, called Jean Linquart.
On the morrow, and the ensuing day were great justings: on the first, the duke of Brabant gained the prize, and on the second the lord de Mamines won it. With regard to the dancings and banquets, there were abundance of both, and crowds of ladies and damsels richly dressed according to the fashions of the country. There were likewise very many masquerades of the ladies and gentlemen.
During the feast, the sword was given to the lord de Croy, knight to the duke of Burgundy, who, having considered a while, had another tournament proclaimed to be holden on an appointed day in the town of Mons, in Hainault, but which, from certain causes that interfered at that time, did not take place.
The duke of Burgundy, having tarried in the city of Brussels from four to five days, set out on his return home to Flanders, notwithstanding the weather was then very severe, with frost and snow. The other lords returned to the places whence they came.