CHAP. LXXXII.
FIVE FRENCHMEN COMBAT FIVE BURGUNDIANS AT ARRAS,—AND OTHER MATTERS.
ON the 20th of February, in this same year, a combat took place in the great market-place at Arras, in the presence of the duke of Burgundy as judge of the field, between five Frenchmen of the party of king Charles and five Burgundians, who had challenged each other to break a certain number of lances. The french knights were sir Theolde de Valperghue, Poton de Saintrailles, sir Philibert d'Abrecy, sir William de Bes, and l'Estandart de Nully: the Burgundians were sir Simon de Lalain, the lord de Chargny, sir John de Vaulde, sir Nicolle de Menton and Philibert de Menton.
This Tournament lasted five days; and a large spot was inclosed for the purpose covered with sand, and the lists constructed with wood, with a division so that the horses of the two knights could not run against each other. The first day, sir Simon de Lalain and sir Theolde de Valperghue performed gallantly against each other; but toward the end sir Theolde and his horse were struck to the ground. In like manner were the ensuing days employed, and very many lances were broken. The lord de Chargny, however at the thirteenth course against sir Philibert d'Abrecy, struck off the vizor of his helmet, and drove the lance into his lace, so that he was instantly carried to his lodgings in the utmost danger.
On the last day, sir l'Estandart de Nully was hit exactly in the same manner, by the same Philibert de Menton, and, like the other was conducted to his lodgings in such great pain that he could with difficulty sit his horse: he had behaved with much gallantry, and had broken several lances against his adversary.
The French were served with lances by an expert and active man at arms called Alardin de Mousay, and most of the Burgundians by sir John de Luxembourg. Each day the duke came to the seat prepared for him grandly attended by his chivalry, and nobly dressed.
When this tournament was over, and the French had been well entertained, and presented with handsome gifts by the duke, they departed from the town of Arras for Compiègne, very disconsolate that they had been so unsuccessful. They left the two wounded knights behind, to be attended by the duke's surgeons, who in the end cured them.
In these days, the French on the borders of Beauvoisis, on the river Oise, made daily excursions against those of the Burgundy-party, who returned the compliment, although a truce had been sworn to last until the ensuing Easter; and these continual excursions caused the villages and country to be nearly deserted.
Duke Philip of Burgundy summoned a large body of men at arms to meet him at Peronne, where he and his duchess solemnised the feast of Easter. This done, he marched them to Mondidier, where he remained some days.
During these tribulations, the town and castle of Melun surrendered to king Charles. It had been given in charge to the lord de Humieres, who had appointed some of his brothers to defend it with a certain number of men at arms, but the inhabitants rose against them and drove them out of the town. King Charles and his party were much rejoiced at this event, because they could, by means of its bridge, cross the Seine when they pleased, and it was beside the strongest place in all that part of the country.