CHAP. XLV.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY KEEPS HIS APPOINTMENT BEFORE PASSY.—HE BESIEGES THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF AVALON.
When the first day of September was come, the duke of Burgundy (having previously sent his orders to all those who had been accustomed to serve under him) made his appearance before Passy, according to the terms of the capitulation.
He was there joined, by orders of king Henry, by the lord de l'Isle-Adam, marshal of France, and sir John Talbot, with sixteen hundred combatants. The duke received them joyfully, and made very handsome presents to these lords and to their men. The French, however, did not appear; and the garrison, in consequence, surrendered the place to the duke of Burgundy, and marched away under his passports.
The duke then sent a detachment to surround Avalon, of which was captain one called Fort Espice, having under him two hundred men at arms, the flower of the army and renowned in war. They made an obstinate defence.
The principal burgundian lords among the besiegers were the lord de Charny, Philibert de Vaudray, and others,—from Picardy were sir John bastard de St Pol, the lord de Humieres, and many noblemen, who advanced with great courage and encamped near to the ditches. Several engines were pointed against the gates and walls, and damaged them greatly, breaches being made in divers parts.
The besiegers now thought to take the place by storm, and made a vigorous attack, but were gallantly repulsed. However, the garrison, foreseeing that they could not hold out longer, and having no hopes of succour, they fled by night in much disorder, through a postern that had been neglected by the enemy. Their flight was soon known, and the Burgundians lost no time in arming and pursuing them, so that falling courageously upon them, they took and slew many. Fort Espice and some others saved themselves by flight. The town was now suddenly attacked, and won without resistance. The wife of Fort Espice was made prisoner, with many of his men and some peasants,—and every thing that was found in the place was plundered and carried away.