THE LORD D'OFFEMONT MAKES LA HIRE HIS PRISONER WHILE HE WAS PLAYING AT BALL AT BEAUVAIS.
WHILE these matters were passing, the lord d'Offemont, who had not forgotten the ill treatment he had suffered from La Hire, when he was made prisoner and ransomed at Clermont in the Beauvoisis, as has been mentioned, assembled a body of about six score combatants, under his brother-in-law the lord de Moy the bastard de Chauny, and other captains.
By means of the lord de Moy he led them to the city of Beauvais, of which La Hire was governor, and was at this moment playing at ball in the court of an inn having the sign of St Martin. The lord d'Offemont hastened thither with his men, for he had learnt where La Hire was, from his spies; but La Hire hearing of his approach, had hidden himself in a stable under the manger, where he was found and taken, after some search, by the lord d'Offemont's men, together with one called Perret de Salle-noire.
They were instantly mounted behind two men at arms, and told, that if they made the slightest noise, or cry to be rescued, they would that moment be put to death. Without further delay, they were carried through the gates of the town; but several of his men, and the common people, assembled to pursue them and attempt their deliverance, when some skirmishing took place with arrows. They were first carried to the castle of Moy, and thence to Meulan, where they were detained a considerable time. They were afterwards removed to the castle of Ancre[9], belonging to the lord d'Offemont, and kept prisoners.
The king of France and many of his officers were very angry at this capture, for it had taken place on the territories of France; but the nobles who had accompanied the lord d'Offemont excused themselves by saying, that they had done this service to the lord d'Offemont from their near relationship in blood to him. The king wrote very pressing letters to the duke of Burgundy in favour of la Hire, that he might be set at liberty, and that no personal harm might be done to him.
In short, the matter was so strongly urged that the duke of Burgundy found means, partly by threats, that the whole of their quarrel should be submitted to his decision, after it had been discussed before his council. The discussion lasted for several days, in the presence of the duke at Douay, when, as well perhaps to please the king (who had very strongly written to him,) as because he did not think the mode of making La Hire prisoner fair or honourable, but just the contrary, the duke made up the quarrel, and the lord d'Offemont had his castle of Clermont restored to him, and a sum of money paid, but not so much as he had been forced to give for his ransom. Perret de Salle-noire was ordered to pay one thousand crowns for his liberty. Thus were all differences settled between them, and they were made friends.
At the same time, peace was made between La Hire and sir John de Luxembourg, who had hated him mortally, as well for his having taken Soissons as for other damages he had done to different parts of his territories; and they remained to all appearance good friends ever after.
La Hire soon returned to the king of France, and related all the kindness and favour the duke of Burgundy had shown him, from his regard to his majesty. This was very agreeable to the king, who entertained La Hire very splendidly, and gave him, at the same time, wherewithal to discharge the greater part of his ransom, and the other expences he had incurred.
When La Hire's men heard that they were to quit the castle of Clermont, they set about repairing an old fortress called Thoys, belonging to the lord de Crevecœur, wherein they placed themselves, and again began to harrass all the country near to Amiens and Pecquigny, more especially the lordships of those who had been assisting in the capture of la Hire, their captain. The principal leader, both in the reparation of the castle and in their oppressions of the country, was one who called himself Philip de la Tour.