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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11363-0.txt b/11363-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b7dd8e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3398 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11363 *** + +[Illustration: BAYARD.] + + + +BAYARD + +THE GOOD KNIGHT WITHOUT +FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH + + +BY CHRISTOPHER HARE + +WITH COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS +BY HERBERT COLE + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +That courtesy title which flies to the mind whenever the name Bayard is +mentioned--"The Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach"--is no fancy +name bestowed by modern admirers, but was elicited by the hero's merits in +his own day and from his own people. + +The most valuable chronicle of the Good Knight's life and deeds was written +with charming simplicity by a faithful follower, who, in single-hearted +devotion to his beloved master's fame, took no thought for himself, but +blotted out his own identity, content to remain for all time a nameless +shadow--merely the LOYAL SERVITOR. It is from his record that the incidents +in the following pages are retold. + +The "Loyal Servitor" is now believed from recent research to have been +Jacques de Mailles, his intimate friend and companion-at-arms, probably his +secretary. He certainly learnt from Bayard himself the story of his early +years, which he tells so delightfully, and he writes with the most minute +detail about the later events which happened in his presence, and the +warlike encounters in which he himself took part; and a most vivid and +interesting account he makes of it. In an ancient catalogue of the Mazarine +Library, his book is first set down as the _Histoire du Chevalier Bayard, +par_ Jacques de Mailles, Paris, in 4to, 1514 (probably a mistake for 1524). +The better-known edition, with only the name of the "Loyal Servitor," was +published in 1527, under the title of + +THE VERY JOYFUL AND VERY DELIGHTFUL +HISTORY +OF THE LIFE, THE HEROIC DEEDS, THE TRIUMPHS +AND THE VALOUR OF THE GOOD KNIGHT +WITHOUT FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH + +BAYARD. + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +BAYARD + +A FINE EXHIBITION OF HORSEMANSHIP + +BATTLE OF FORNOVO + +BAYARD DEFENDS THE BRIDGE + +THE PAGE PRESENTS HIS PRISONER + +SEIZURE OF THE SPY + +BAYARD PRESENTED TO HENRY VIII + +THE DEATH OF BAYARD + + + + +[Illustration: LE CHEVALIER BAYARD _Sans peur et sans reproche_.] + +THE STORY OF BAYARD + +CHAPTER I + + +Pierre Terrail, the renowned Bayard of history, was born at the Castle of +Bayard, in Dauphiné, about the year 1474, when Louis XI. was King of +France. He came of an ancient and heroic race, whose chief privilege had +been to shed their blood for France throughout the Middle Ages. + +The lord of Bayard had married Hélène Alleman, a good and pious lady of a +noble family, whose brother Laurent was the Bishop of Grenoble. Pierre +Bayard, the hero of this story, was the second son of a large family; he +had three brothers and four sisters. His eldest brother, Georges, was five +or six years older than himself, then came his sisters, Catherine, Jeanne, +and Marie, while younger than himself were Claudie, and two brothers, +Jacques and Philippe. + +Like so many other mediaeval strongholds, the Castle of Bayard was built +upon a rocky hill, which always gave an advantage in case of attack. It had +been erected by the great-grandfather and namesake of our Pierre Bayard, +probably on the site of an earlier stronghold, in the year 1404. No better +position could have been chosen, for it commanded a deep valley on two +sides, in a wild and mountainous district of Dauphiné, near the village of +Pontcharra in the Graisivaudan. Even now we can still see from its ruins +what a powerful fortress it was in its time, with massive towers three +stories high, standing out well in front of the castle wall, and defended +by a strong drawbridge. Well fortified, it could have stood a siege before +the days of artillery. + +But towards the end of the fifteenth century, when Bayard's childhood was +spent here, such castles as these were not looked upon as mainly places of +defence and refuge, they were gradually becoming more like the later +manor-houses--family homes, with comfortable chambers and halls, where once +there had chiefly been the rude dwelling of a garrison used for defence and +stored with missiles and arms. + +Each story of the castle, as well as the towers, would contain various +chambers, well lighted with windows pierced in the thick stone walls. On +the first floor, approached by a broad flight of steps from the court, we +find the oratory--scarcely large enough to be dignified by the name of +chapel--the dining-hall, and the private chamber of the lord of the castle. +On the floor above this the lady of Bayard had her own apartment, the +"garde-robe" or closet where her dresses were kept, and the place where her +daughters as they grew up, and any maidens who were brought up under her +care, sat at their needlework, and where they slept at night. On the upper +story were the rooms for the young children with their maids, and the +various guest-chambers. + +The ground floor below the dining-halls was a dark place given up to +store-rooms and the servants' quarters, and below this again were cellars +and grim dungeons, which could only be reached by trap-doors. The kitchen, +usually a round building, stood in an outer court, and here great wood +fires could be used for the needful hospitality of a country house. The +stables and the rough quarters for the serving-men were beyond. + +The dining-hall was used as a court of justice when the lord of the castle +had to settle any difficulties, to receive his dues, or reprimand and +punish any refractory vassal. At one end of this hall was a great hearth, +where most substantial logs of wood could be laid across the fire-dogs, and +burn with a cheerful blaze to light and warm the company in the long, cold +winter evenings. At meal-times trestle tables were brought in, and on these +the food was served, the long benches being placed on each side of them. On +the special occasions of important visits or unusual festivities, a high +table was set out at the upper end. The floor was covered with fresh +rushes, skins of wolf or bear being laid before the fire, and the walls +were stencilled in white and yellow on the higher part, and hung with serge +or frieze below. Only in the lady's chamber do we find carpets and hangings +of tapestry or embroidery, part of her wedding dowry or the work of her +maidens. Here, too, were a few soft cushions on the floor to sit upon, some +carved chairs, tables, and coffers. The master of the house always had his +great arm-chair with a head, and curtains to keep off the draughts, which +were many and bitterly cold in winter-time. + +The chronicler of Bayard, known as the "Loyal Servitor," begins his story +on a spring day of the year 1487. + +Aymon Terrail, lord of Bayard, sat by the fireside in his own chamber, the +walls of which were hung with old arms and trophies of the chase. He felt +ill and out of spirits. He was growing old--he had not long to live: so he +assured his good wife. + +What was to become of his sons when he was gone? A sudden thought occurred +to him. "I will send for them at once, and we will give them a voice in the +matter." + +To this the lady of Bayard agreed, for she never crossed her lord's will, +and at least it would distract his gloomy thoughts. It chanced that all the +four lads were at home, and ready to obey their father's command. As they +entered the room and came forward, one by one, in front of the great chair +by the hearth, somewhat awed by this hasty summons, they were encouraged by +a smile from their mother, who sat quietly in the background with her +embroidery. + +The assembled group made a striking picture. The grand old man, a massive +figure seated in his canopied arm-chair, with white hair and flowing beard +and piercing black eyes, was closely wrapped in a long dark robe lined with +fur, and wore a velvet cap which came down over his shaggy brows. Before +him stood his four well-grown, sturdy, ruddy-faced boys, awaiting his +pleasure with seemly reverence, for none of them would have dared to be +seated unbidden in the presence of their father. Aymon de Bayard turned to +his eldest son, a big, strongly-built youth of eighteen, and asked him what +career in life he would like to follow. Georges, who knew that he was heir +to the domain and that he would probably not have long to wait for his +succession, made answer respectfully that he never wished to leave his +home, and that he would serve his father faithfully to the end of his days. +Possibly this was what the lord of Bayard expected, for he showed no +surprise, but simply replied, "Very well, Georges, as you love your home +you shall stay here and go a-hunting to fight the bears." + +Next in order came Pierre, the "Good Knight" of history, who was then +thirteen years of age, as lively as a cricket, and who replied with a +smiling face, "My lord and father, although my love for you would keep me +in your service, yet you have so rooted in my heart the story of noble men +of the past, especially of our house, that if it please you, I will follow +the profession of arms like you and your ancestors. It is that which I +desire more than anything else in the world, and I trust that by the help +of God's grace I may not dishonour you." + +The third son, Jacques, said that he wished to follow in the steps of his +uncle, Monseigneur d'Ainay, the prior of a rich abbey near Lyons. The +youngest boy, Philippe, made the same choice, and said that he would wish +to be like his uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble. + +After this conversation with his four sons the lord of Bayard, not being +able to ride forth himself, sent one of his servants on the morrow to +Grenoble, about eighteen miles distant, with a letter to his brother-in-law +the Bishop, begging him to come to his Castle of Bayard as he had important +things to say to him. The good Bishop, who was always delighted to give +pleasure to any one, readily agreed. He set off as soon as he had received +the letter, and arrived in due time at the castle, where he found Aymon de +Bayard seated in his great chair by the fire. They greeted each other +warmly and spent a very pleasant evening together with several other +gentlemen of Dauphiné, guests of the house. + +At the end of dinner, the venerable lord of Bayard thus addressed the +company: "My lord Bishop, and you, my lords, it is time to tell you the +reason for which I have called you together. You see that I am so oppressed +with age that it is hardly possible I can live two years. God has given me +four sons, each of whom has told me what he would like to do. My son Pierre +told me that he would follow the calling of arms, and thus gave me singular +pleasure. He greatly resembles my late father, and if he is like him in his +deeds he cannot fail to be a great and noble knight. It is needful for his +training that I should place him in the household of some prince or lord +where he may learn aright his profession. I pray you that you will each +tell me what great House you advise." + +Then said one of the ancient knights: "He must be sent to the King of +France." Another suggested that he would do very well with the Duke of +Bourbon; and thus one after another gave his advice. At last the Bishop of +Grenoble spoke: "My brother, you know that we are in great friendship with +the Duke Charles of Savoy, and that he holds us in the number of his +faithful vassals. I think that he would willingly take the boy as one of +his pages. He is at Chambéry, which is near here; and if it seems good to +you, and to the company, I will take him there to-morrow morning." + +This proposal of the Bishop of Grenoble seemed excellent to all present, +and Pierre Bayard was formally presented to him by his father, who said: +"Take him, my lord, and may God grant that he prove a worthy gift and do +you honour by his life." The Bishop at once sent in haste to Grenoble with +orders to his own tailor to bring velvet, satin, and all things needful to +make a noble page presentable. It was a night to be long remembered in the +castle, for cunning hands were pressed into the service under the eyes of +the master tailor, who stitched away through the long hours in such style +that next morning all was ready. A proud and happy boy was Bayard the next +morning when, after breakfast, clad in his fine new clothes, he rode the +chestnut horse into the courtyard before the admiring gaze, of all the +company assembled to look upon him. + +[Illustration: A fine exhibition of horsemanship.] + +When the spirited animal felt that he had such a light weight upon his +back, while at the same time he was urged on with spurs, he began to prance +about in the most lively fashion, and everybody expected to see the boy +thrown off. But Bayard kept his seat like a man of thirty, spurred on his +horse, and galloped round and round the court, as brave as a lion, his eyes +sparkling with delight. An old soldier like his father thoroughly +appreciated the lad's nerve and spirit, and could scarcely help betraying +the pride he felt in him. But the wise Bishop probably thought that the lad +had received quite as much notice as was good for him, and announced that +he was ready to start, adding to his nephew: "Now, my friend, you had +better not dismount, but take leave of all the company." + +Bayard first turned to his father with a beaming countenance. "My lord and +father, I pray God that He may give you a good and long life, and trust +that before you are taken from this world you may have good news of me." +"My son, such is my prayer," was the old man's reply as he gave the boy his +blessing. Bayard then took leave of all the gentlemen present, one after +the other. Meantime the poor lady his mother was in her tower chamber, +where she was busy to the last moment packing a little chest with such +things as she knew her boy would need in his new life. Although she was +glad of the fair prospect before him, and very proud of her son, yet she +could not restrain her tears at the thought of parting from him; for such +is the way of mothers. + +Yet when they came and told her, "Madame, if you would like to see your son +he is on horseback all ready to start," the good lady went bravely down to +the little postern door behind the tower and sent for Pierre to come to +her. As the boy rode up proudly at her summons and bending low in his +saddle took off his plumed cap in smiling salutation, he was a gallant +sight for loving eyes to rest upon. Bayard never forgot his mother's +parting words. "Pierre, my boy, you are going into the service of a noble +prince. In so far as a mother can rule her child, I command you three +things, and if you do them, be assured that you will live triumphantly in +this world. The first is that above all things you should ever fear and +serve God; seek His help night and morning and He will help you. The second +is that you should be gentle and courteous to all men, being yourself free +from all pride. Be ever humble and helpful, avoiding envy, flattery, and +tale-bearing. Be loyal, my son, in word and deed, that all men may have +perfect trust in you. Thirdly, with the goods that God may give you, be +ever full of charity to the poor, and freely generous to all men. And may +God give us grace that while we live we may always hear you well spoken +of." + +In a few simple words the boy promised to remember, and took a loving +farewell of her. Then his lady mother drew from her sleeve a little purse, +in which were her private savings: six gold crowns and one in small +change,[1] and this she gave to her son. Also, calling one of the +attendants of the Bishop, she entrusted him with the little trunk +containing linen and other necessaries for Bayard, begging him to give it +in the care of the equerry who would have charge of the boy at the Duke of +Savoy's Court, and she gave him two crowns. There was no time for more, as +the Bishop of Grenoble was now calling his nephew. As he set forth on that +Saturday morning, riding his spirited chestnut towards Chambéry, with the +sun shining and the birds singing, and all his future like a fair vision +before him, young Bayard thought that he was in paradise. + +[Footnote 1: The gold crown was then worth 1 livre 15 sous. Multiplying +this by 31, in order to find its present value, we learn that the sum which +Bayard received from his mother would to-day be worth 266 francs, or about +10 guineas.] + +Pierre Bayard had set forth from his home in the early morning, soon after +breakfast, and he rode all day by the side of his uncle until, in the +evening, they reached the town of Chambéry, where all the clergy came out +to meet the Bishop of Grenoble, for this was part of his diocese, where he +had his official dwelling. That night he remained at his lodging without +showing himself at Court, although the Duke was soon informed of his +arrival, at which he was very pleased. The next morning, which was Sunday, +the Bishop rose very early and went to pay his respects to the Duke of +Savoy, who received him with the greatest favour, and had a long talk with +him all the way from the castle to the church, where the Bishop of Grenoble +said Mass with great ceremony. When this was over, the Duke led him by the +hand to dine with him, and at this meal young Bayard waited upon his uncle +and poured out his wine with much skill and care. The Duke noticed this +youthful cup-bearer and asked the Bishop, "My lord of Grenoble, who is this +young boy who is serving you?" + +"My lord," was the reply, "this is a man-at-arms whom I have come to +present to you for your service if you will be pleased to accept him. But +he is not now in the condition in which I desire to give him to you; after +dinner, if it is your pleasure, you will see him." + +"It would be very strange if I refused such a present," said the Duke, who +had already taken a fancy to the boy. + +Now young Bayard, who had already received instructions from his uncle, +wasted no time over his own dinner, but hurried back to get his horse +saddled and in good order, then he rode quietly into the courtyard of the +castle. The Duke of Savoy was, as usual, resting after dinner in the long +gallery, or _perron_, built the whole length of the keep, on a level with +the first floor, and overlooking the great courtyard below. It was like a +cloister, with great arched windows, and served for a general meeting-place +or lounge in cold or wet weather. From thence he could see the boy going +through all his pretty feats of horsemanship as if he had been a man of +thirty who had been trained to war all his life. He was greatly pleased, +and turning to the Bishop of Grenoble he said to him, "My lord, I believe +that is your little favourite who is riding so well?" + +"You are quite right, my lord Duke," was the answer. "He is my nephew, and +comes of a race where there have been many gallant knights. His father, who +from the wounds he has received in battle, and from advancing age, is +unable to come himself to your Court, recommends himself very humbly to +your good grace, and makes you a present of the boy." + +"By my faith!" exclaimed the Duke, "I accept him most willingly; it is a +very fine and handsome present. May God make him a great man!" + +He then sent for the most trusty equerry of his stables and gave into his +charge young Bayard, with the assurance that one day he would do him great +credit. The Bishop of Grenoble, having accomplished his business, did not +tarry long after this, but having humbly thanked the Duke of Savoy, took +leave of him and of his nephew, and returned to his own home. + +Those spring and summer months spent at the Court of Savoy remained a happy +memory to Bayard all his life. On feast-days and holidays the whole company +would go out into the woods or the meadows, the Duchess Blanche with her +young maidens and attendant ladies, while the knights and squires and pages +waited upon them as they dined under the trees, and afterwards played games +and made the air ring with their merry songs. Or there were hunting and +hawking parties which lasted for more than one day, or river excursions +down as far as the Lake of Bourget, where the Duke had a summer palace. It +must have been on occasions such as these when the gallant young Bayard met +with the maiden who caught his boyish fancy, and to whom he remained +faithful at heart until the end of his days. Yet this pretty old-world +story of boy-and-girl affection made no farther progress, and when the +knight and lady met in the years to come, once more under the hospitable +care of the good Duchess Blanche, they met as congenial friends only. The +fair maiden of Chambéry is known to history solely by her later married +name of Madame de Frussasco (or Fluxas), and in the records of chivalry +only by the tournament in which the "Good Knight without Fear and without +Reproach" wore her colours and won the prize in her name. + + + + +[Illustration: CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER II + + +The King heard that the Duke of Savoy was coming to his Court, and he sent +the Comte de Ligny to conduct the Duke on his way, and to receive him with +due honour. They met him about six miles from Lyons, and gave him a warm +welcome, after which the two princes rode side by side, and had much talk +together, for they were cousins and had not met for a long time. Now this +Monseigneur de Ligny was a great general, and with his quick, observant eye +he soon took notice of young Bayard, who was in the place of honour close +to his lord, and he inquired: "Who is that gallant little lad riding his +horse so well that it is quite a pleasure to see him?" + +"Upon my word," replied the Duke, "I never had such a delightful page +before. He is a nephew of the Bishop of Grenoble, who made me a present of +him only six months ago. He was but just out of the riding-school, but I +never saw a boy of his age distinguish himself so much either on foot or on +horseback. And I may tell you, my lord and cousin, that he comes of a grand +old race of brave and noble knights; I believe he will follow in their +steps." Then he cried out to Bayard: "Use your spurs, my lad, give your +horse a free course and show what you can do." + +The lad did not want telling twice, and he gave such a fine exhibition of +horsemanship that he delighted all the company. "On my honour, my lord, +here is a young gentleman who has the making of a gallant knight," +exclaimed de Ligny; "and in my opinion you had better make a present of +both page and horse to the King, who will be very glad of them, for if the +horse is good and handsome, to my mind the page is still better." + +"Since this is your advice," replied Charles of Savoy, "I will certainly +follow it. In order to succeed, the boy cannot learn in a better school +than the Royal House of France, where honour may be gained better than +elsewhere." + +With such pleasant talk they rode on together into the city of Lyons, where +the streets were full of people, and many ladies were looking out of the +windows to see the coming of this noble prince and his gay company. That +night the Duke gave a banquet in his own lodging, where the King's +minstrels and singers entertained the guests, then there were games and +pastimes, ending with the usual wine and spices being handed round, and at +last each one retired to his own chamber until the dawn of day. + +The next morning the Duke rose early and set forth to seek the King, whom +he found on the point of going to Mass. The King greeted him at once most +warmly and embraced him, saying, "My cousin, my good friend, you are indeed +welcome, and if you had not come to me I should have had to visit you in +your own country...." Then, after more polite talk, they rode together on +their mules to the convent, and devoutly heard Mass, after which the King +entertained the Duke of Savoy, Monsieur de Ligny, and other nobles to +dinner with him, and they had much merry talk about dogs and falcons, arms +and love-affairs. Presently de Ligny said to the King: "Sire, I give you my +word that my lord of Savoy wishes to give you a page who rides his chestnut +better than any boy I ever saw, and he cannot be more than fourteen, +although his horsemanship is as good as that of a man of thirty. If it +pleases you to go and hear vespers at Ainay you will have your pastime in +the fields there afterwards." "By my faith," cried the King, "I do wish +it!" and he heard the whole story of this wonderful boy from the Duke of +Savoy. + +When young Bayard heard that the King was to see him he was as much +delighted as if he had won the city of Lyons; and he went in haste to the +head groom of the Duke of Savoy and prayed him to get his horse ready for +him, offering his short dagger as a present. But this the man refused and +made reply: "Go and comb and clean yourself, my friend, and put on your +best clothes, and if, by God's help, the King of France takes you in +favour, you may some day become a great lord and be able to serve me." +"Upon my faith! You may trust me never to forget all the kindness you have +shown me," replied the boy; "and if God ever gives me good fortune you +shall share it." It seemed a long time to his impatience before the hour +arrived when he rode his horse, attended by his equerry, to the meadow +where he was to await the King and his company, who arrived by boat on the +Saône. As soon as Charles VIII. had landed he cried: "Page, my friend, +touch up your horse with your spurs!" which the lad did at once, and to see +him you would have thought that he had been doing it all his life. At the +end of his race Bayard made his clever horse take a few jumps, and then he +rode straight towards the King and gracefully drew up before him with a low +bow. All the company was delighted with the performance, and the King bade +him do it again. "Picquez! Picquez!" (Prick up your horse!), he cried, and +all the pages shouted: "Picquez! Picquez!" with enthusiasm, so that for +some time the name stuck to him. + +Then Charles turned to the Duke of Savoy and said: "I see that my cousin of +Ligny told me the truth at dinner, and now I will not wait for you to give +me this page and his horse, but I demand it of you as a favour." + +"Most willingly, my lord," answered the Duke, "and may God give him grace +to do you true service." After this young Bayard was given into the special +charge of the lord of Ligny, who was greatly pleased and felt sure that he +would make of him a noble knight. + +Meantime, the Duke of Savoy remained for awhile at the Court of Charles +VIII., with whom he was in great favour, and they were like brothers +together. This young King was one of the best of princes, courteous, +generous, and beloved of all men. At length the day of departure came, and +the good Duke went back to his own country, laden with beautiful and +honourable presents. + +During three years young Bayard remained as a page in the service of the +Seigneur de Ligny, being trained with the utmost care in all that would be +needful to him in his profession of arms. + +He won so much favour from his lord that at the early age of seventeen he +was raised from his position as a page to that of a squire, and appointed +man-at-arms in the General's company, being retained at the same time as +one of the gentlemen of the household, with a salary of 300 livres. As a +man-at-arms Bayard would have under him a page or varlet, three archers, +and a soldier armed with a knife (called a "coutillier"). Thus, when we +find a company of men-at-arms spoken of, it means for each "lance garnie," +or man-at-arms, really six fighting men on horseback. + +When King Charles VIII. found himself once more in his loyal city of Lyons, +it chanced that a certain Burgundian lord, Messire Claude de Vauldray, a +most famous man-at-arms, came to the King and proposed that he should hold +a kind of tournament, called a "Pas d'Armes," to keep the young gentlemen +of the Court from idleness. He meant by this a mimic attack and defence of +a military position, supposed to be a "pas" or difficult and narrow pass in +the mountains. It was a very popular test of chivalry, as the defender hung +up his escutcheons on trees or posts put up for the purpose, and whoever +wished to force this "pas" had to touch one of the escutcheons with his +sword, and have his name inscribed by the King-at-arms in charge of them. + +There was nothing that King Charles VIII. loved better than these +chivalrous tournaments, and he gladly gave his consent. Messire Claude de +Vauldray at once set about his preparations, and hung up his escutcheons +within the lists which had been arranged for the coming tournament. + +Young Bayard, whom every one called Picquet, passed before the shields and +sighed with longing to accept the challenge and so improve himself in the +noble science of arms. As he stood there silent and thoughtful, his +companion, called Bellabre, of the household of the Sire de Ligny, asked +him what he was thinking of. He replied: "I will tell you, my friend. It +has pleased my lord to raise me from the condition of page into that of a +squire, and I long to touch that shield, but I have no means of obtaining +suitable armour and horses." Then Bellabre, a brave young fellow some years +older than himself, exclaimed: "Why do you trouble about that, my +companion? Have you not your uncle, that fat Abbé of Ainay? I vow that we +must go to him, and if he will not give you money we must take his cross +and mitre! But I believe that when he sees your courage he will willingly +help you." + +Bayard at once went and touched the shield, whereupon Mountjoy, King-at-arms, +who was there to write down the names, began to reason with him. "How is +this, Picquet, my friend; you will not be growing your beard for the next +three years, and yet you think of fighting against Messire Claude, who is +one of the most valiant knights of all France?" But the youth replied +modestly: "Mountjoy, my friend, what I am doing is not from pride or +conceit, but my only desire is to learn how to fight from those who can +teach me. And if God pleases He will grant that I may do something to +please the ladies." Whereupon Mountjoy broke out into a hearty laugh, +which showed how much he enjoyed it. + +The news soon spread through Lyons that Picquet had touched the shield of +Messire Claude, and it came to the ears of the Sire de Ligny, who would not +have missed it for ten thousand crowns. He went at once to tell the King, +who was greatly delighted and said: "Upon my faith! Cousin de Ligny, your +training will do you honour again, if my heart tells me true." "We shall +see how it will turn out," was the grave reply; "for the lad is still very +young to stand the attack of a man like Messire Claude." + +But that was not what troubled young Bayard; it was the question how to +find money for suitable horses and accoutrements. So he went to his +companion, Bellabre, and asked for his help. "My friend, I beg of you to +come with me to persuade my uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, to give me money. I +know that my uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble, would let me want for nothing +if he were here, but he is away at his Abbey of St. Sernin at Toulouse, +which is so far off that there would be no time for a man to go there and +back." "Do not trouble," said his friend, "you and I will go to Ainay, and +I trust we shall manage it." This was some comfort, but the young warrior +had no sleep that night. He and Bellabre, who shared the same bed, rose +very early and took one of the little boats from Lyons to Ainay. On their +arrival, the first person they met in the meadow was the Abbé himself, +reading his prayers with one of his monks. The two young men advanced to +salute him, but he had already heard of his nephew's exploit, and received +him very roughly. "Who made you bold enough to touch the shield of Messire +Claude?" he asked angrily. "Why, you have only been a page for three years, +and you can't be more than seventeen or eighteen. You deserve to be flogged +for showing such great pride." To which his nephew replied: "Monseigneur, I +assure you that pride has nothing to do with it, but the desire and will to +follow in the steps of your brave ancestors and mine. I entreat you, sir, +that, seeing I have no other friends or kindred near, you will help me with +a little money to obtain what is needful." + +"Upon my word!" exclaimed the Abbé, "go and seek help elsewhere; the funds +of my abbey are meant to serve God and not to be spent in jousts and +tournaments." Bellabre now put in his word and remonstrated. + +"Monseigneur, if it had not been for the virtue and the valour of your +ancestors you would never have been Abbé of Ainay, for by their merits and +not yours it was gained. Your nephew is of the same noble race, and +well-beloved of the King; it is absolutely necessary that you should help +him...." After more talk of this kind the Abbé at last consented, and took +the two squires into his own room, where he opened a little cupboard, and +from a purse which was inside he took out a hundred crowns and gave them to +Bellabre, saying: "I give you this to buy two horses for this brave +man-at-arms, for he has not enough beard to handle money himself. I will +also write a line to Laurencin,[1] my tailor, to supply him with needful +accoutrements." "You have done well, my lord," said Bellabre, "and I assure +you that every one will honour you for this." When the young gentlemen had +their letter they took leave with many humble thanks, and returned at once +to Lyons in their little boat, highly pleased with their success. + +[Footnote 1: The most important and wealthy merchant of Lyons.] + +"We are in good luck," said Bellabre, "and we must make the most of it. Let +us go at once to the merchant before your good uncle changes his mind, for +he will soon remember that he has put no limit to your expenses, and he can +have no idea what a proper outfit will cost. You may be sure that you will +never see any more of his money." So they took their boat on to the +market-place, found the merchant at home, lost no time in telling of the +good Abbé's generosity, and encouraged Laurencin to exert himself to the +utmost in the way of splendid suits of clothing and armour, to do honour to +his patron's gallant nephew, for there seemed to be no question of economy. +Bayard was measured and fitted with cloth of silver, velvet, and satin, +and then went gaily home with his friend, both of them thinking it an +excellent jest. + +When the Abbé of Ainay bethought himself later of what he had done, and +sent a messenger in haste to the tailor, he found that it was too late and +that his bill would come to hundreds of crowns. He was furious, and vowed +that his nephew should never have another penny from him; but that did not +mend matters, for the story got about, to the intense amusement of the King +and his Court, and the rich old miser met with no sympathy. + +The young men were fortunate enough to buy two excellent horses for much +less than their value from a brave knight who had broken his leg, and not +being able to figure in the contests himself, was willing to help so +gallant a youth. + +The time was drawing near for the great tournament, which would be a high +festival for the town and was looked forward to with much eagerness and +excitement. The course on which the knights were to fight was surrounded +and duly laid out with richly-painted posts. At one side of this enclosed +field, stands were put up and made very bright and gay with coloured +hangings, carpets, embroidered banners, and escutcheons. It was here that +the royal and noble company would sit and watch the proceedings. + +Meantime, by permission of the King, Messire Claude de Vauldray had caused +it to be published and declared throughout the city that he would hold the +"pas" against all comers, both on foot and on horseback, on the approaching +Monday. + +A tournament was always a gorgeous and brilliant spectacle, but on this +occasion, being held by the King's desire and graced by his presence, it +was more splendid than usual. In our day, when it is the custom of men to +avoid all show and colour in their dress, we can scarcely picture to +ourselves the magnificence of those knights of the Renaissance. When the +gallant gentleman actually entered the lists for fighting, he wore his suit +of polished armour, often inlaid with gold or silver, a coloured silken +scarf across his shoulders richly embroidered with his device, and on his +head a shining helmet with a great tuft of flowing plumes. But in the +endless stately ceremonies which followed or preceded the tournament, the +knight wore his doublet of fine cloth, overlaid with his coat-of-arms +embroidered in silk or gold thread, and an outer surcoat of velvet, often +crimson slashed with white or violet satin, made without sleeves if worn +over the cuirass and finished with a short fluted skirt of velvet. Over +this a short cloak of velvet or satin, even sometimes of cloth of gold, was +worn lightly over one shoulder. + +If this was the usual style of costume, which had also to be varied on +different festivals, we can easily understand how impossible it was for +young Bayard to procure such costly luxuries on his small means, and we can +almost forgive him for the audacious trick he played on his rich relation +the Abbé of Ainay. Not only was the knight himself richly clad, but we are +told that to appear in a grand tournament even the horse had to have +sumptuous trappings of velvet or satin made by the tailor. We have not +mentioned the suit of armour, which was the most expensive item of all; +being made at this period lighter and more elaborate, with its flexible +over-lying plates of thin, tempered steel, it was far more costly than it +had ever been before. The bravest knights at the Court were proud to try +their fortune against Messire Claude. It was the rule that after the +contest each champion was to ride the whole length of the lists, with his +visor raised and his face uncovered, that it might be known who had done +well or ill. Bayard, who was scarcely eighteen and had not done growing, +was by nature somewhat thin and pale, and had by no means reached his full +strength. But with splendid courage and gallant spirit, he went in for his +first ordeal against one of the finest warriors in the world. The old +chronicler cannot tell how it happened, whether by the special grace of God +or whether Messire Claude took delight in the brave boy, but it so fell out +that no man did better in the lists, either on foot or on horseback, than +young Bayard, and when it came to his turn to ride down with his face +uncovered, the ladies of Lyons openly praised him as the finest champion of +all. He also won golden opinions of all the rest of the company, and King +Charles exclaimed at supper: + +"By my faith! Picquet has made a beginning which in my opinion promises a +good end." Then, turning to the Sire de Ligny, he added: "My cousin, I +never in my life made you so good a present as when I gave him to you." +"Sire," was the reply, "if he proves himself a worthy knight it will be +more to your honour than mine, for it is your kind praise which has +encouraged him to undertake such a feat of arms as this. May God give him +grace to continue as he has begun." Then the General added, turning round +with a smile to the assembled company: + +"But we all know that his uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, does not take great +pleasure in the youth's exploits, for it was at the old gentleman's expense +that he procured his accoutrements." This remark was received with a roar +of laughter, in which the King himself joined, for he had already heard the +story and was very much amused at it. Soon after the tournament the Sire +de Ligny sent for young Bayard one morning and said to him: "Picquet, my +friend, you have begun with rare good fortune; you must carry on the +pursuit of arms, and I retain you in my service with three hundred francs a +year and three war-horses, for I have placed you in my company. Now I wish +you to go to the garrison and meet your companions, assuring you that you +will find as gallant men-at-arms there as any in Christendom; they often +have jousts and tournaments to keep in practice of arms and acquire honour. +It seems to me that while awaiting any rumour of war you cannot do better +than stay there." + +Bayard, who desired nothing more, replied: "My lord, for all the goods +and honours which you have bestowed upon me I can only at this present +time return you thanks.... My greatest desire is to go and join the +company which you speak of, and if it is your good pleasure I will start +to-morrow." "I am quite willing," said the Sire de Ligny; "but you must +first take leave of the King, and I will bring you to him after dinner." +Which was done, and the youth was thus presented: "Sire, here is your +Picquet, who is going to see his companions in Picardy, and he is come to +say good-bye to you." Young Bayard knelt before the King, who said to him +with a smile: "Picquet, my friend, may God continue in you that which I +have seen begun, and you will be a gallant knight; you are going into a +country where there are fair ladies, be courteous and chivalrous to them, +and farewell, my friend." After this, all the princes and lords crowded +round to take leave of the young soldier, with much affection and regret at +losing him. When he reached his lodging, he found that the King had sent +him a purse of three hundred crowns, and also one of the finest war-horses +in the royal stable. With his usual impulsive generosity Bayard gave +handsome presents to the messengers, and then went to spend the evening +with the Sire de Ligny, who treated him as though he were his own son, +giving him wise advice for his future life, and above all bidding him keep +honour always before his eyes. This command did he keep in very truth until +his death. At last, when it grew late, de Ligny said to him: "Picquet, my +friend, I think you will be starting to-morrow morning before I have risen, +may God bless you!" and embraced him with tears, while Bayard on his knees +said good-bye to his kind master. + +More presents awaited him, for that night there arrived two complete and +costly suits from the Sire de Ligny, who also sent his own favourite +chestnut horse, so that when the young squire set forth at daybreak he was +splendidly equipped in every way with horses, servants, armour, and clothes +suitable to his position. As we have seen, dress was a very expensive thing +in those days, when gentlemen of rank wore velvet, brocade, and satin, both +for evening and riding costume as a matter of course. + +It was a slow journey into Picardy, for Bayard wished his horses to arrive +in good condition, and only travelled a moderate distance every day. When +he arrived at the little town of Aire, his destination, all the young +officers of the garrison came out to meet him, for the fame of his jousting +with Messire Claude de Vauldray had already reached them. They would not +listen to his modest disclaimers, but feasted and made much of their new +comrade. One lively young noble of the company, probably quite deceived by +the fine show that Bayard made with all his handsome parting gifts, and +taking him for a man of wealth, said to him: "My good companion, you must +make people talk about you, and endeavour to acquire the good favour of +all the fair ladies of this country, and you cannot do better than give us +a tournament, for it is a long time since we have had one in this town." +The poor boy must have been somewhat taken aback by this suggestion, but he +was far too plucky to show it, so he replied with ready goodwill, "On my +faith, Monsieur de Tardieu, is that all? You may be sure that this will +please me even more than yourself. If you will have the goodness to send me +the trumpeter to-morrow morning, and if we have leave of our captain, I +will take care that you shall be satisfied." + +All that night Bayard was too excited to sleep, and when Tardieu came +to his lodging in the morning with the trumpeter of the company, he +had already settled exactly what he would do and had written out his +announcement, which ran thus: "Pierre de Bayard, young gentleman and +apprentice of arms, native of Dauphiné, of the army of the King of France, +under the high and puissant lord the Sire de Ligny--causeth to be +proclaimed and published a tournament to be held outside the town of Aire, +close to the walls, for all comers, on the 20th day of July. They are to +fight with three charges of the lance without 'lice'" (meaning in this +instance a barrier), "with sharpened point, armed at all points; afterwards +twelve charges with the sword, all on horseback. And to him who does best +will be given a bracelet enamelled with his arms, of the weight of thirty +crowns. The next day there shall be fought on foot a charge with the lance, +at a barrier waist-high, and after the lance is broken, with blows of the +axe, until it is ended at the discretion of the judges and those who keep +the camp. And to him who does best shall be given a diamond of the value of +forty crowns." + +This sounds more like real war than courtly pastime, and we see how +terribly in earnest this young soldier was. The allusion to "those who keep +the camp" is to the marshals of the tournament and the heralds-at-arms who +kept a very close watch on the combatants. They also maintained on this +miniature battlefield the laws of chivalry and courtesy, giving help to +those who needed it. + +When a young squire first entered the lists he was warned by the cry: +"Remember of what race you come and do nothing contrary to your honour." +There were many strict rules to be observed; for instance, it was forbidden +to strike your adversary with the point, although it was usually blunted +(but not in this tournament of Bayard's). It was forbidden to attack the +horse of your opponent, and this we can quite understand, for in those +days, when a knight wore complete and heavy armour, if his horse were +killed he was absolutely at the mercy of his enemy. It was always made a +ground of complaint against the Spaniards that they attacked the horses of +the foe. In a tournament it was the rule only to strike at the face or the +chest, both well protected by the visor and the breastplate, and to cease +at once if the adversary raised the visor of his helmet. Also no knight was +to fight out of his rank when making a rush together. This was very +important when the champions were divided into two companies under the +order of two chiefs, and were placed exactly opposite each other, at the +two ends of the arena. On a signal made by the marshals of the tournament, +they charged impetuously upon each other, with their horses at full gallop. +They held the lances straight out until the signal came, then lowering the +lances, they rushed forward amid a cloud of dust with loud war-cries and +the fight became a furious scuffle. The knights who had stood the first +shock without being unhorsed or wounded, pressed forward and fought with +the sword, until one of the marshals threw his wand of office into the +arena to show that the contest was over. + +In these tournaments the horses were frequently armed as well as their +riders, and they were often gaily caparisoned with emblazoned housings, +sometimes of very costly material, such as satin embroidered with gold or +silver. + +At the time when young Bayard joined his company at Aire, there were +stationed in Picardy at no great distance about seven or eight hundred +men-at-arms in these regulation companies (compagnies d'ordonnance) as they +were called. When they were not actually employed on duty, they were very +glad to take their pleasure in all sorts of warlike games. As we may +suppose, they were delighted to take part in the proposed tournament. +Amongst these companies there were some of the famous Scotch Guards, who +had first been taken into the service of France by Charles VII. + +The time fixed was only eight days off, but all the same about forty or +fifty men-at-arms gave in their names. Fortunately, before the expected +day, that gentle knight, the Captain Louis d'Ars, arrived, and he was much +delighted to have come in time for this entertainment. When Bayard heard of +his captain's arrival he went to pay his respects to him at once, and was +most warmly welcomed, for the boy's fame had gone before him. To make the +festival more complete, his friend Bellabre also appeared, having been +delayed by waiting for two splendid horses which he expected from Spain. At +length the eventful day arrived, and the gentlemen who wished to take part +in the tournament were divided into two equal ranks, there being +twenty-three on one side and twenty-three on the other. The judges chosen +were the Captain Louis d'Ars and the lord of St. Quentin, captain of the +Scotch company. + +At this point it will be interesting to give a full account of the details +needful for a tournament of this period, the close of the fifteenth +century. These tournaments were first started as training-schools for the +practice of arms, and were later tempered by the rules of chivalry. Jousts +were single combats, often a succession of them, for a prize or trial of +skill, while the tourney was troop against troop. These warlike games were +very popular in France especially, but very strict rules had to be made to +prevent the "joust of peace" becoming the deadly "joust a l'outrance" (to +the death). + +The "lists," or tournament grounds, were in Bayard's time usually of a +square shape rather longer than broad, and were surrounded by palisades, +often adorned with tapestry and heraldic devices. The marshals of the lists +took note of all that happened and enforced the rules of chivalry. Varlets +were in attendance to help the esquires in looking after their masters, and +helping them up, with their heavy armour, if unhorsed. + +It was common to hold a "passage of arms" for three days: two for the +contest on horseback, first with lances, second with swords and maces; +while on the third day, on foot, pole-axes were used. A specially heavy +kind of armour was worn, sometimes nearly 200 lbs. in weight, so that a +knight once unhorsed lay on the ground absolutely helpless, and could not +rise without help. This armour was made still stronger by "reinforcing +armour"--pieces screwed on over the left side, chiefly, which received most +blows--making a double defence for the head, chest, and left shoulder. +"Pauldrons" or shoulder-guards buckled on, that on the right arm being +smaller to leave freedom for using the lance. Then we have brassards or +arm-guards; the rere-brace for the upper arm, the vam-brace for the lower, +and the elbow-piece called a "coudiere." + +When all was ready on the appointed day for the tournament at Aire, the +trumpet sounded, and then the order of the Tourney was declared aloud. +Bayard had to appear first in the lists, and against him rode forth a +neighbour of his in Dauphiné, by name Tartarin, a powerful man-at-arms. +They rushed at each other so vehemently that Tartarin broke his lance half +a foot from the iron, and Bayard struck him above the arm-piece of his +armour and broke his lance into five or six pieces, upon which the trumpets +sounded forth triumphantly, for the joust was wonderfully good. After +having finished their first attack they returned to face each other for the +second. Such was the fortune of Tartarin that with his lance he forced in +Bayard's arm-piece, and every one thought that he had his arm pierced. But +he was not hurt, and succeeded in returning the attack by a stroke above +the visor, which carried off the bunch of plumes from his adversary's +helmet. The third bout with the lance was as good or even better than the +others, for the lance was more completely shivered into fragments. + +When these two knights had finished, next came the lord of Bellabre, and +against him a Scotch man-at-arms, named the Captain David of Fougas, and +these likewise did with their three jousts of the lance all that it was +possible for gentlemen to do. Thus, two by two, all the company went +through the same contest. + +This jousting with the lance was one of the most popular exercises for +knights of that day, and the proper use of this weapon was one of the most +important accomplishments for a warrior. We shall often notice, in the +accounts of Bayard's adventures on the field of battle, how extremely +expert he was with his lance. The supreme triumph with this weapon was to +use such skill and force as to break the lance shaft--made of ash or +sycamore--into as many pieces as possible; in fact, to "shiver" it +completely, and thus break as many lances as possible. The tilting lance +was often made hollow, and was from 12 to 15 feet long; but the lance used +with the object of unhorsing instead of splintering was much stronger, +heavier, and thicker in the stem, and instead of a pointed head had a +"coronal," which was blunt. + +The first part of the tournament having come to an end, then followed the +battle of the swords. According to the rules, this began with Bayard, who, +on the third stroke he gave, broke his sword into two pieces, but he made +such good use of the stump that he went through the number of strokes +commanded, and did his duty so well that no man could have done better. +After this came the others according to their order, and for the rest of +that day there was such a succession of vigorous fighting that the two +judges declared "never had there been finer lance work or contests with the +sword." When the evening came they retired to young Bayard's lodging, where +a great supper was prepared, to which came many ladies, for within ten +miles round all those of Picardy, or the greater number, had come to see +this fine tournament. After the supper there were dances and other +entertainments, and the company was so well amused that it struck one hour +after midnight before they broke up. It was late next morning before they +woke up, and you may believe that they were never weary of praising Messire +de Bayard, as much for his skill at arms as for his good hospitality. + +The next morning, in order to complete that which had begun so well, all +the soldiers assembled at the dwelling of their Captain Louis d'Ars, where +Bayard had already arrived, having come to invite him to dinner at his +lodging, in company with the ladies of the previous evening. First they all +went to hear Mass, and when that was over, "you should have seen the young +gentlemen taking the ladies' arms, and with much pleasant talk leading them +to Bayard's lodging, where if they had supped well the night before, at +dinner they did still better." There was no lingering after this meal, and +towards two o'clock all those who were to take part in the second day's +tournament retired to arm themselves and make ready to fight. The +combatants all approached on horseback, and gravely went round to salute +the company before the contest began. + +It was Bayard's place to begin, and against him came a gentleman from +Hainault, Hannotin de Sucker, of great repute. They fought with their +lances, one on each side of the barrier, and gave such tremendous strokes +that the lances were soon broken to pieces; after this they took their +battle-axes, which each of them had hanging by their sides, and dealt each +other great and terrible blows. This appears to us an extremely rough form +of entertainment, but we must remember that these knights were clad in +armour, and so thoroughly covered up from head to foot that there was not +supposed to be a place where a pin could pierce between the joints of the +armour. Under the helmet a smaller close-fitting steel cap was often worn. +This fierce contest went on until Bayard gave his opponent a blow near the +ear, which caused him to waver, and worse still, to fall on his knees, +when, pursuing his success, the victor charged again over the barrier, and +caused Hannotin to kiss the ground. + +When the judges saw this they cried, "Hola! Hola! that is enough; now you +may retire." After these two came Bellabre and Arnaulton of Pierre Forade, +a gentleman of Gascony, who did wonders with their lances until they were +both broken; and then they came to the battle-axes, but Bellabre broke his, +after which the judges parted them. After these two came Tardieu and David +the Scotchman, and they did their duty very well. So did others in turn, so +that it was seven o'clock before it was all finished and, for a small +tournament, the lookers-on never saw better jousting in their lives. + +When all was over, each man went to his lodging to disarm and change; then +they all came to Bayard's lodging, where the banquet was ready, and there +were also the two judges, the lords of Ars and of St. Quentin, and all the +ladies. After supper it had to be decided and declared by the judges who +should have the prizes. Some of the gentlemen most experienced in arms were +asked to give their opinion "on their faith," and afterwards the ladies on +their conscience, without favouring one more than another. At last it was +agreed that, although each one had done his duty well, yet in their +judgment during the two days Messire de Bayard had done best of all; +wherefore they left it to him, as the knight who had gained the prizes, to +give his presents where it seemed good to him. There was a discussion +between the judges as to who should pronounce sentence, but the Captain +Louis d'Ars persuaded the lord of St. Quentin to do so. + +The trumpet was sounded to command silence, and St. Quentin said: "My lords +who are here assembled, and especially those who have been in the Tourney +of which Messire Pierre Bayard has given the prizes for two days ... we +would have you know that after due inquiry of the virtuous and brave +gentlemen who were present and saw the contests, and of the noble ladies +here present ... we have found that although each one has very well and +honestly done his duty, yet the common voice is that the lord of Bayard has +done best in these two days; wherefore the lords and ladies leave to him +the honour of giving the prizes where it seems good to him." Then he added: +"My lord of Bayard, decide where you will give them." The young knight +blushed modestly and was quite troubled. Then he said: + +"My lord, I do not know why this honour should come to me, for I think that +others have deserved it more than I. But as it pleases the lords and ladies +that I should be judge, I hope that the gentlemen, my companions, will not +be displeased if I give the prize for the first day to my lord of Bellabre, +and for the second day to the Captain David of Scotland." He therefore gave +the gold bracelet to his friend Bellabre, and the diamond to the Scotch +Captain David, and his decision was greatly applauded. There was again +feasting and dancing afterwards, and the ladies could not say enough in +praise of their gallant young host. We may imagine the penniless condition +in which all this extravagant generosity left him, but his extreme +liberality appears to have been one great feature of his character which +made him beloved through life by all who had to do with him. + +He never could see one of his companions thrown without giving him another +horse; if he had a crown left, every one shared it. He never refused the +request of any man if he could possibly grant it, and in his gifts was +always gentle and courteous. His chronicler makes a special point of his +piety from early youth; the first thing when he rose in the morning was +always a prayer to God, as he had promised his mother. + + + + +[Illustration: LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER III + + +During two years Bayard remained with the garrison at Aire, and made great +progress in all warlike training. At the end of this time, in the year +1494, Charles VIII. undertook his first expedition to Italy, and as the +company of the Count de Ligny was commanded to join him, young Bayard +looked forward with great delight to his first taste of real warfare. + +The young King of France, in his eager desire for military glory, forsook +the wise policy of his father, Louis XI., and resolved to claim the kingdom +of Naples, in assertion of the rights bequeathed to him by René of Anjou. +In order to prevent any opposition from Spain he yielded to King Ferdinand +the provinces of Roussillon and Cerdagne, and on the same principle gave up +to the Emperor Maximilian, Artois and Franche-Comté. Having made these real +sacrifices as the price of a doubtful neutrality, he set forth on his wild +dreams of conquest at a distance, which could be of no permanent advantage +to him. + +Charles VIII. had soon collected a magnificent army and crossed the Alps +in August 1494; it was composed of lances, archers, cross-bow men, Swiss +mercenaries, and arquebusiers. These last used a kind of hand-gun which had +only been in common use for about twenty years, since the battle of Morat. +The arquebus had a contrivance, suggested by the trigger of the cross-bow, +to convey at once the burning match to the trigger. Before that the match +had been held in the hand in using the hand-gun as well as the hand-cannon. +Many of these arquebusiers were on horseback. Besides a number of small +pieces of artillery, the French army had 140 big cannons. The use of these +fire-arms in war had been gradually increasing since the days when Louis +XI. made such use of his "bombards" in the wars in Flanders. + +When we read of the wonderful success which at first attended the French +army, we must remember how greatly superior it was to the troops which +opposed it in Italy, which were mostly bands of adventurers collected by +mercenary leaders, named Condottieri, who fought for gain rather than for +glory, and had no special zeal or loyalty for the prince who employed them. +The soldiers in their pay were, for the time being, their own personal +property, and their great desire was to save them "to fight another day," +while it was not to their interest to kill the men of another band (who +might be on the same side next time), and they only sought to make +prisoners for the sake of their ransom. The impetuosity and real warlike +spirit of the French was a new and alarming thing in Italy, which had been +so long accustomed to the mere show of war. + +Charles passed as a conqueror through Pisa and Florence to Rome, then +victorious at Capua, he entered Naples in triumph. During the spring months +of 1495, spoilt by his easy victory, he gave himself up to pleasure in +that fair southern land, idly dreaming of distant conquest. His success +awakened the jealous alarm of Europe, and a formidable league was formed +against him by all the Italian States, the Emperor Maximilian, and the +Kings of Spain and England. Suddenly roused to a sense of his danger, +Charles VIII. left his new kingdom in the charge of his cousin, Gilbert de +Montpensier, with a few thousand men, and hastily set forth on his homeward +way. He left garrisons in various conquered cities, and his army consisted +of barely 10,000 men. They crossed the Apennines with great labour and +difficulty, to find their passage barred by the confederates on the Emilian +plain near the village of Fornovo. + +[Illustration: Battle of Forvono.] + +Never was battle more fiercely contested than on that Monday, 6th July, +when the French succeeded in breaking through the host of their enemies. +The actual fighting lasted little more than an hour, amid a scene of the +wildest confusion, which was increased by a storm of thunder and lightning, +with rain falling in torrents. We are told that Bayard, the Good Knight, +who had accompanied the King through the whole campaign, distinguished +himself in the first charge at the head of de Ligny's company, and had two +horses killed under him, then continued fighting on foot, and in the thick +of the battle he took the standard of the horsemen opposing him, and +covered himself with glory. The King, hearing afterwards of his gallant +deed, sent him a present of five hundred crowns. Charles could appreciate a +kindred spirit as he too fought with splendid courage on that eventful day. +The French camp, with all its rich treasures of armour, gorgeous clothing, +rare tapestries and plate, was looted; but Charles VIII. and the greater +part of his army, with all the artillery, made good their passage through +an overwhelming host of foes and raised the siege of Novara, where Lodovico +Sforza was besieging the Duke of Orleans. + +The French King was soon to receive news of the defeat and destruction of +the small army he had left to hold Naples, and the death of the gallant +Viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier. Such was the sad ending of the first of +those glorious and fatal expeditions to Italy, in which four kings wasted +in vain so much treasure and so many precious lives. Charles VIII. did not +long survive this bitter disappointment. He died at Amboise on 7th April +1498, at the age of twenty-eight. As he left no children he was succeeded +by his cousin, the Duke of Orleans, under the name of Louis XII. Louis XII. +was crowned on the 1st of July 1498. + +If there was one trait of character which, more than any other, +distinguished Bayard the Good Knight, it was his absolute loyalty towards +the lord he served, and his undying gratitude for any kindness which he had +received. He never forgot those six happy months he had spent at the Court +of Savoy when he first went there to take up the profession of arms as a +young lad of thirteen. It was not by his own choice that he left the +service of his earliest master, who in a fit of generosity had presented +his favourite page to the King, in the hope that by so doing he would best +further the career of Bayard. + +But Charles I., Duke of Savoy, did not live to see this, for he had died in +1490, and the Duchess, his widow, had left Chambéry and retired to her +dower house in the pleasant town of Carignano, in Piedmont, about seventeen +miles to the south of Turin. This lady, Blanche Paleologus, had been a most +kind friend to young Bayard, and when she heard that he was stationed in +the neighbourhood, she invited him to visit her, and received him with the +utmost courtesy, treating him as if he were a member of her family. She was +greatly beloved and honoured in Carignano, where she was lady suzerain, and +where there may still be seen, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a +splendid monument to her memory. + +We may imagine the satisfaction with which the good Duchess found that her +page of bygone days had blossomed out into a valiant and famous knight, and +they must both have had much to hear and tell of all that had happened +since they parted. Here Bayard also met with another friend, the young lady +who had been one of the maids-of-honour of the Duchess at Chambéry and who +had won the boyish affection of the Good Knight. If the young folks had +been able to follow their inclinations it is probable that in time to come, +when they were of suitable age, marriage would have followed, so the "Loyal +Servitor" tells us in his chronicle. But circumstances parted them, as +Bayard went to the King's Court, and the fair maiden was married later to a +very good and honourable gentleman, the Seigneur de Frussasco (or Fluxas), +who was governor of the household to the Duchess of Savoy, a man of wealth +and high position. + +We have a simple, touching story of the delight with which the lady of +Frussasco welcomed her dear friend, the Good Knight, of their eager talk +about old times, and their high ideal of honour and duty. She told him how +she had followed the story of his achievements, from his first joust with +Messire Claude de Vauldray, his tournament at Aire in Picardy, and the +honour which he received on the day of Fornovo, which had spread his fame +throughout France and Italy, and she gave him so much praise and honour +that the poor gentleman blushed for very shame. + +Then the lady said to him: "Monseigneur de Bayard, my friend, this is the +great house in which you were first brought up; would it not be well for +you to distinguish yourself here as you have done so nobly elsewhere?" + +The Good Knight made answer: "Madame, you know how from my youth I have +always loved and honoured you, and I hold you to be so wise and so kind +that you would only advise me for my good. Tell me, therefore, if you +please, what you would have me do to give pleasure to my good mistress, the +Duchess Blanche, to you above all, and to the rest of the noble company +here at this time?" + +Then the lady of Frussasco said: "It seems to me, my lord of Bayard, that +you would do well to arrange some tournament in this town for the honour of +Madame of Savoy, who will be very grateful to you. You have here in the +neighbourhood many French gentlemen, your companions, and there are other +gentlemen of this country who I am assured would all most willingly join +you." + +"If it is your wish," replied the Good Knight, "it shall be done. You +are the one lady in this world who has first conquered my heart by your +grace and kindness.... I pray of you that you will give me one of the +under-sleeves from your dress, as I have need of it."[1] The lady gave it +him, and he put it into the sleeve of his doublet without a word. + +[Footnote 1: This was fastened with a little lacing under the hanging +sleeve, and was the usual favour asked for and worn by the knight on his +helmet.] + +The Duchess Blanche was never weary of talking with the Good Knight, who +had always been so great a favourite of hers. But Bayard could not sleep +all that night, for his mind was full of plans for carrying out the request +of his lady. When the morning came he sent a trumpeter round to all the +towns of the neighbourhood where there were garrisons, to make known to +the gentlemen that if they would make their way within four days, on the +next Sunday, to the town of Carignano, in the costume of men-at-arms, he +would give a prize, which was the cuff of his lady, from whence hung a ruby +of the value of a hundred ducats, to him who should be victorious in three +encounters with the lance, without a barrier, and twelve turns with the +sword. + +On the appointed day, about an hour after noon, the Good Knight was at his +place in the ranks, armed at all points, with three or four of his +companions, but only those were with him who were prepared to take part in +the coming contest. Bayard began first, and against him came the lord of +Rovastre, a gallant gentleman who bore the ensign of the Duke Philibert of +Savoy. He was a very hardy and skilful knight, who gave a fine thrust with +his lance to begin with, but the Good Knight gave him such a blow on the +broad band, which protected his right arm, that he disarmed him, and caused +his lance to fly in five or six pieces. The lord of Rovastre regained his +band and tilted with the second lance, with which he did his duty +thoroughly ... but the Good Knight struck him on the visor, and carried off +his plume of feathers (panache) and made him tremble, although he kept his +seat on horseback. At the third lance the lord of Rovastre missed his aim, +and Bayard broke his lance, which went to pieces. + +After them came Mondragon and the lord of Chevron, who did their tilting so +well that everybody applauded. Then came two others, and so on until all +the company were satisfied. + +The lances being broken it was now time for the contest with swords; but +the Good Knight had only struck two blows when he broke his own, and sent +that of his opponent flying out of his hand. The gracious Duchess +requested the lord of Frussasco to invite all the gentlemen who had taken +part in the tournament to supper. After supper the hautboys sounded, and +the minstrels began to tune up in the gallery, but before the dancing +began, it was decided to award the prize to him who had gained it. The +lords of Grammont and Frussasco were the judges, and they asked all the +company--gentlemen, ladies, and the combatants themselves--and they were +all of opinion that the Good Knight himself, by right of arms, had gained +the prize. But when they presented it to him he said that he did not +deserve it, but that if he had done anything well, Madame de Frussasco was +the cause, as she had lent him her sleeve, and that it was her place to +give the prize as she chose. + +The lady, who was well versed in the laws of honour and chivalry, humbly +thanked the Good Knight for the honour which he had done her, and said: "As +M. de Bayard has shown me this courtesy I will keep the sleeve all my life +for love of him, while as for the ruby, I advise that it should be given to +M. de Mondragon, for he is considered to have done the next best." + +This was accomplished as she wished, to the content of all, and the Duchess +Blanche rejoiced greatly in the success of the Good Knight, who had begun +his career in her household. The Good Knight took leave of his noble +mistress, the lady of Savoy, telling her that he owed her service and +obedience next to the King, his sovereign lord. Then he said farewell to +the lady who had been his first love, and they parted with much regret, but +their warm friendship lasted till death. We do not hear that they ever met +again, but not a year passed without presents being sent from one to the +other. + + + + +[Illustration: LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE of MILAN _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER IV + + +While the French army felt such absolute security of their dominion in +Italy as to suffer the young captains to join in amusements, the fugitive +Duke Lodovico Sforza of Milan, who had lost his duchy by treachery, was +watching events and preparing to return. + +When Lodovico arrived he was received with acclamation, and entered Milan +in triumph. + +If this sudden revolution took all Italy by surprise, we can understand the +dismay of Louis XII., who found that he had all his work to do over again. +For not only had Milan rebelled, but all the other towns which he had +conquered. + +King Louis sent the Sire de Ligny as his chief general, and as a matter of +course the Good Knight went with him. I must tell you the story of an +adventure he had. He was in a garrison about twenty miles from Milan with +other young men-at-arms, and they were constantly making small expeditions. +One day Bayard heard that in the little town of Binasco, near the Certosa +di Pavia, there were about three hundred good horses, which he thought +might be easily taken, and therefore he begged his companions to join him +in this adventure. He was so much beloved that forty or fifty gentlemen +gladly accompanied him. But the castellan of the fortress at Binasco had +news of this through his spies, and laid a trap for the Frenchmen; he had a +strong troop placed in ambuscade on the road, and made sure of success. +But, though taken by surprise, the Good Knight fought like a lion, and with +cries of "France! France!" led his little company again and again to the +attack, for, as he told them, if news of this reached Milan not one would +escape. In fact, so fierce was their charge that they drove back the +defenders mile after mile to the very gates of Milan. Then one of the older +soldiers, who saw the enemy's plan, shouted, "Turn, men-at-arms, turn!" and +the others heard in time, but the Good Knight, thinking only of pursuing +his foes, entered pell-mell with them into the city, and followed them to +the very palace of the lord Lodovico. As he was wearing the white cross of +France, he was soon surrounded on all sides and taken prisoner. Lodovico +had heard the cries, and sent for this brave foe, who was disarmed before +being taken to the palace. + +The Duke of Milan was surprised to see such a young warrior, and asked him +what brought him into the city. The Good Knight, who was never put out by +anything, replied, "By my faith, my lord, I did not think I was coming in +alone, but believed my companions were following me. They understood war +better than I did, otherwise they would have been prisoners as I am...." +Then Lovodico asked him how big was the French army, and he made answer, +"As far as I know, my lord, there must be fourteen or fifteen hundred +men-at-arms and sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot; but they are all +picked men, quite determined to win back the State of Milan for the King, +our master. And it seems to me, my lord, that you would be much safer in +Germany than you are here, for your men are not fit to fight us." + +He spoke with so much confidence that Lodovico was much amused, and +remarked that he should like to see the two armies face to face. "And so +indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner." "Really, if that is +all," replied the Duke, "I will at once set you free, and make it up to the +captain who took you prisoner. But tell me, if you desire anything else I +will give it to you." + +The Good Knight bent his knee in thanks for this generous offer, and +replied: "My lord, I ask nothing else save that of your courtesy you will +be good enough to return to me my horse and my arms which I brought into +this town; and if you will send me to my garrison, which is twenty miles +from here, you will thus render me a great service, for which I shall be +grateful all my life; and saving my honour and the service of my King, I +would do anything you command in return." + +"On my faith!" exclaimed the lord Lodovico, "you shall have what you ask +for at once." Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken +him prisoner. "Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and +all his accoutrements at once" + +"My lord," was the reply, "that is a very easy matter for all is at my +lodging." So he sent two or three servants, who brought the horse, and the +armour, which the Duke caused to be put on before him. This arming took +place in the great courtyard, at least as far as the gallant prisoner was +disarmed, and when Bayard was fully accoutred he sprang on his horse +without touching the stirrup, and asked for his lance, which was given +him--a steel-headed weapon about fourteen feet long, the shaft being of +ash or sycamore with a little flag (pennoncelle) waving at the top. Then, +raising his visor, he said to the Duke: "My lord, I thank you for the great +courtesy you have shown me. May God repay you!" + +The Good Knight spurred his horse, who pranced about in the most wonderful +way, and then Bayard gave a small exhibition of his skill with the lance +which amazed the bystanders and did not please the lord Lodovico overmuch, +for he remarked: "If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should +have a poor chance." However, he took gracious leave of the Good Knight, +and sent him forth with a trumpeter in attendance to conduct him back to +his garrison. + +They had not gone very far, only about twelve miles from Milan, when they +met the main body of the French army. Every one was greatly surprised to +see Bayard, for there had been great sorrow at the rumour that the gallant +knight had been too rash and had been taken prisoner through his youthful +boldness and rashness. When he reached the camp he found that the news of +his exploit had preceded him, for the Sire de Ligny, his good leader, came +forward to meet him with a smile, saying: "Hallo! Picquet, who has got you +out of prison? Have you paid your ransoms' I was on the point of sending +one of my trumpeters to pay it and fetch you back." + +"My lord," replied the Good Knight, "I thank you humbly for your good will; +but the lord Lodovico set me free by his great courtesy." + +It was at Novara that Lodovico Sforza met the army of France. The Duke's +forces were composed of different races--German "landsknechte," Burgundians +who were commanded by the same Claude de Vauldray who had fought with the +Good Knight in his first tournament, and Swiss mercenaries. There were +bands of Swiss fighting on the side of the French, and those within the +city declared that they would not fight against their fellow-countrymenn in +the other camp. They laid down their arms, and neither threat nor promise +availed. Soon it was discovered that one of the gates of Novara had been +opened by treachery, and that the French were entering the city. Then, as a +last hope, Lodovico and his companions put on the dress of common soldiers +and mixed with them in the ranks. But the unfortunate Duke was betrayed by +one of the Swiss captains, who was put to death later by his own countrymen +as a traitor. + +On the occasion of Louis' former conquest of this land he had given several +important towns and estates to his general, the Sire de Ligny. These had +revolted with the rest of the duchy, to the great annoyance of de Ligny, +and a report reached the citizens of Tortona and Voghera that their homes +were to be sacked and pillaged. This was of course in those days the usual +penalty of rebellion, but the French general was a generous and merciful +man who had no such cruel intentions. However, the inhabitants of Voghera +took counsel together, and twenty of the chief merchants went forth to meet +their lord and humbly pray for mercy, two miles outside the city gates. But +de Ligny took no notice of them and rode on in silence with his men-at-arms +to his lodging within the city. One of his captains, to whom they appealed, +Louis d'Ars, promised to do his best for them, and advised that they should +plead again on the morrow. This time about fifty of the chief men came to +him as suppliants, bare-headed, and fell on their knees before the General. +They made a long and lamentable petition, ending with the offer of the +richest silver plate, cups, goblets, bowls, and precious vessels to the +value of more than three hundred marks. + +Without deigning to look at the presents they had brought, their offended +lord turned upon them, reproached them bitterly for their treachery in +rebelling against him before the usurper, Lodovico, had even approached +their walls. What fate was too terrible for such cowards and traitors? The +kneeling citizens trembled and thought their last hour had come, when the +captain, Louis d'Ars, pleaded for mercy as a special favour to himself, +promising that henceforth they would prove themselves faithful and loyal +subjects. Then at length de Ligny suffered his anger to cool down, and +yielded to the wish of his good captain by granting a pardon. "But as for +your present, I do not deign to accept it for you are not worthy," he +exclaimed. Then, looking round the hall, his eyes fell upon the Good +Knight, to whom he said: "Picquet, take all this plate, I give it you for +your kitchen." To which he made instant reply: "My lord, I thank you humbly +for your kindness, but with God's help the goods of such evil-doers shall +never enter my house for they would bring me misfortune." + +Thereupon the Good Knight took one piece of silver after another from the +table and made a present of it to each one of the assembled company, not +keeping a single thing for himself, to the amazement of every one. When he +had given away everything, he quietly left the chamber, as did many of the +others. The Sire de Ligny turned to those who remained and asked: "What do +you think of this, gentlemen? Did you ever see such a generous soul as my +Picquet? God should have made him king over some great realm. Believe me +that he will some day be one of the most perfect knights in the world." +All the company agreed, and could not praise young Bayard enough. And when +the Sire de Ligny had thought over the matter, he sent him next morning a +beautiful costume of crimson velvet lined with satin brocade, a most +excellent war-horse, and a purse with three hundred crowns--which did not +last him long, for he shared it all with his companions. + +Louis XII. had been so much engaged with his conquest of Milan that for a +time he had not done much towards recovering the kingdom of Naples. This +had been lost after the retreat of Charles VIII., who died before he had +been able to make another fight for it, after the disastrous fate of his +viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier, and his brave little army. At this time +Frederick of Aragon was King of Naples, having succeeded his nephew, +Ferdinand II., in 1496. + +The king gave the command of his great army to the lord of Aubigny, who had +brought back the broken ranks of the first expedition to Naples. The +company of de Ligny, under his lieutenant, Captain Louis d'Ars, was ordered +to form part of it. Bayard, the Good Knight, who could not bear to be left +behind when fighting was going on, asked the permission of his dear master +to accompany the lieutenant's men. + +On this important occasion Louis XII., doubtful of his own strength, made +the great mistake of forming an alliance with Ferdinand, King of Spain. + +King Frederick of Naples knew nothing of the secret compact between France +and Spain, and he expected Gongalvo de Cordova, known as the Great Captain, +to come to his help with the troops of Spain. + +As the alliance between France and Spain was founded on treachery, we +cannot be surprised that they soon fell out over the division of their +spoils. King Ferdinand of Aragon was never bound by any contract which did +not profit him, and by his orders the Great Captain, Gonzalvo de Cordova, +invaded the province of Naples itself. The lord of Aubigny had placed his +various companies as garrisons in different towns, and those which belonged +to the Count de Ligny were in the hands of his company, amongst whom, as we +know, was Bayard, the Good Knight. We shall now understand how it was that +he found himself at war with the Spaniards, who had been at first the +allies of France. + +Pierre de Bayard, the Good Knight, had been placed in command of a garrison +at a place called Monervine, by his captain, Louis d'Ars. There had been no +fighting in his neighbourhood for some little time, and he began to get +rather weary. So he said one evening to his companions: "Gentlemen, it +seems to me that we have been too long in one place without seeing our +foes. We shall grow weak for want of using our arms, and our enemies will +grow bolder than ever, thinking that we dare not go out of our fort. So I +propose that to-morrow we ride out towards the nearest Spanish garrisons, +Andria or Barletta, and have a little fighting if possible." The others +readily agreed, and about thirty of them arranged to start early the next +morning. It was a merry party of young gentlemen who galloped over the +country at daybreak, and it so chanced that the same idea had occurred +to a Spanish knight of Andria, Don Alonzo of Soto-Mayor, who wished to +exercise his company of men-at-arms. Such was the fortune of the two +captains, that as they turned a corner by some rising ground they suddenly +came within arrow-shot of each other, and joyful indeed they were to have +such a chance. When the Good Knight saw the red crosses he turned to his +followers and cried: "My friends, here is our chance to win honour ... +we will not wait for them to attack!" + +With a shout of delight they all lowered their visors, and crying, +"_France, France_!" they galloped forward and charged their foes, +who came proudly on to meet them with the cry of "_Spain! St. Iago_!" +gaily receiving them on the point of their lances. In the shock of this +first meeting many on both sides were borne to earth. The combat lasted a +good half-hour before either side seemed to have the best of it, for they +were well matched in numbers and strength. But in the end one side must +win, and it chanced that the courage and skill of the Good Knight, and the +enthusiasm with which he inspired his men, at last succeeded in breaking +the ranks of the Spaniards, of whom about seven were killed and the same +number taken prisoner, while the rest took to flight, and amongst them +their captain, Don Alonzo. The Good Knight pursued, crying out to him: +"Turn, man-at-arms, it would be a shame to die while running away." +Presently Alonzo, like a fierce lion, turned against his pursuer with +terrible force; and they fought desperately with sword-thrusts. + +At length the horse of Don Alonzo backed and refused to advance any more, +when the Good Knight, seeing that all the other Spaniards were gone, +leaving their captain alone, said, "Surrender, man-at-arms, or you are +dead." "To whom must I surrender?" he asked. "To the Captain Bayard," was +the reply. Then Don Alonzo, who had already heard of that famous name, and +knew that he had no chance of escape, gave up his sword and was taken with +the other prisoners to the garrison, where with his usual chivalrous +courtesy, the Good Knight gave Don Alonzo one of the best rooms of the +castle, and supplied him with all that he needed, on receiving his parole +that he would make no attempt to escape. + +The Spanish captain was treated with the greatest kindness, being suffered +to join in all the doings of the other gentlemen, and his ransom was fixed +at 1000 crowns. But after a fortnight or more he grew tired of this life +and persuaded an Albanian in the garrison to procure him a horse and help +him to gain his freedom, for it was only fifteen or twenty miles to his own +quarters. The man agreed, tempted by a high bribe, and Don Alonzo, who was +allowed to come and go as he pleased, had no difficulty in passing out +through the gateway in the early morning, when he and his companion put +spurs to their horses and felt assured of success. But if the Good Knight +was courteous he was not careless, and when he paid his usual morning call +on his prisoner he was nowhere to be found. The watch was sounded, and the +absence of the Albanian was also discovered, whereupon Bayard sent off in +instant pursuit and Don Alonzo was overtaken within two miles of Andria, +where he had dismounted to fasten the girth of his saddle which was broken. +The Albanian managed to reach the Spanish quarter, for he knew that the +penalty of his treachery would be hanging, and the Spanish knight was +brought back to Monervine. + +When Bayard met him he said: "How is it that you have broken your faith, my +lord Don Alonzo? I will trust you no more, for it is not a knightly deed to +escape from a place when you are on parole." The prisoner tried to excuse +himself by vowing that he only went to fetch his ransom as he was troubled +by receiving no news of his own people. But this did not avail him much, +for he was kept in close confinement in a tower, but otherwise very well +treated in the way of food and drink. After about another fortnight a +trumpeter arrived to announce that the ransom was coming, and when this was +duly paid, Don Alonzo took a friendly leave of his captors, having had time +to notice that the Good Knight kept not a penny of the money for himself, +but divided it all amongst his soldiers. + +But the story does not end here, for this recreant knight was ungrateful +enough to complain to his friends in the most outrageous manner of the +treatment which he had received during his captivity. When this came to the +knowledge of the Good Knight he was justly indignant, as were all his +companions, and he at once wrote a letter to Don Alonzo, calling upon him +to withdraw these untrue words, or to accept a challenge to mortal combat. +This he sent by a trumpeter, and also offered his foe the choice of +weapons, and whether the contest should be on foot or on horseback. + +The Spanish captain sent back an insolent answer, saying that he would not +withdraw anything he had said, and that he would prove his words in mortal +combat within twelve days, two miles from the walls of Andria. In fixing +this date he knew that Bayard was ill at the time with a quartan fever. But +the Good Knight would not let such a small matter interfere with his +knightly honours, and when the day arrived he rode to the spot appointed, +with the Sire de la Palisse and his friend Bellabre as his seconds, and +about two hundred men-at-arms as a guard of honour. + +Bayard was clothed in white as a mark of humility and rode a splendid +horse, but as Don Alonzo had not appeared, a trumpeter was sent to hasten +his coming. When he was told that the Good Knight was on horseback with +the usual armour, he exclaimed: "How is this? I was to choose the arms. +Trumpeter, go and tell him that I will fight on foot." He said this, +thinking that the illness of Bayard would make it quite impossible for him; +and the trumpeter was greatly surprised, as all had been arranged for a +duel on horseback, and this looked like a way of retreat for the Spaniard. +Ill as he was Bayard showed no hesitation, and with the courage of a lion +declared that he was willing to avenge his honour in any guise. The arms +chosen were a sharp-pointed sword or rapier and a poignard, while the +armour used included a throat-piece (gorgerin) and a secrète.[1] + +[Footnote 1: Secrète, a kind of steel skull-cap, often worn under the +helmet.] + +When the camp was duly prepared and the champions in face of each other, +Bayard knelt down and made his prayer to God, then he bent to kiss the +earth, and rising, made the sign of the cross before he advanced to meet +his enemy. Don Alonzo addressed him in these words: "Lord of Bayard, what +do you seek from me?" And he replied: "I wish to defend my honour." Then +began the mortal combat between these two valiant men-at-arms, and never +was seen more splendid skill and courage. The rapier of the Good Knight +slightly wounded the face of Don Alonzo, who carefully guarded this most +vulnerable part, but his foe waited until he raised his arm for the next +attack, and then aimed at his neck, and notwithstanding the tempered steel +of his armour, Bayard's onslaught was so tremendous that the throat-piece +(gorgerin) was pierced and the rapier, having no sharp edges (it was only +used for thrusting) was driven in so far that it could not be withdrawn. +Don Alonzo, feeling himself wounded unto death, dropped his sword and +seized the Good Knight in his arms, the two wrestling fiercely until they +both fell on the ground. + +The terrible struggle lasted for some time, until Bayard struck his foe on +the visor with his poignard and cried: "Don Alonzo, recognise your fault +and cry for mercy to God...." But the Spanish knight made no reply, for he +was already dead. + +Then his second, Don Diego, said: "Seigneur Bayard, he is dead, you have +conquered;" which was proved, for they took off his visor and he breathed +no more. This was a sad trouble to the victor, for he would have given all +he had in the world to have vanquished him alive. Then the Good Knight +knelt down and thanked God humbly for his success. Afterwards he turned to +the dead knight's second and asked: "My lord Don Diego, have I done +enough?" + +"Too much, indeed, my lord Bayard, for the honour of Spain," was the +pitiful reply. Then the Good Knight gave leave that honourable burial +should be accorded to Don Alonzo, and his friends bore away the body of +their champion with sad lamentation. But we may imagine the joy and triumph +with which the noble company present and the French men-at-arms accompanied +their hero back to the castle of Monervine. + +This duel and the passages-of-arms before with Don Alonzo spread the fame +of Bayard throughout all Europe; indeed, his wonderful renown as the flower +of all chivalry really dates from this time. You may imagine how bitter the +Spaniards were and how they sought for revenge. + +After the battle of Cerignola, fought on April 28, 1503, Gonzalvo, the +Great Captain, entered Naples in triumph. When this disastrous news reached +France, Louis XII. hastened to send a fresh army, commanded by la +Trémouille, to reinforce the troops already in Apulia and Calabria. The +French general fell ill, and his authority passed into the hands of the +Marquis of Mantua, who found himself opposed and beaten back at every point +by the genius of Gonzalvo. + +At length the two armies came to a stand on either side of the River +Garigliano, one of the broadest rivers of Southern Italy, falling into the +Gulf of Gaeta. The French had possession of the right bank of the river, +close to the rising ground, and had therefore a more favourable position +than the marshy swamp on the lower side, in which the Spanish forces +remained encamped for fifty days. It was a fearful time, in the dead of +winter, with excessive rains, and the soldiers in both camps were driven to +the last verge of endurance, while numbers sickened and died. Under these +depressing circumstances the bright, cheerful spirit of Bayard, the Good +Knight, was invaluable, and his mere presence kept his company in hope and +courage. He never missed an opportunity of engaging in any feat of arms, +and his famous defence of the bridge is perhaps the best known of all his +exploits. + +There was a bridge across the Garigliano which was in the hands of the +French, and one day a certain Don Pedro de Pas, a Spanish captain, small +and dwarfish in body but great in soul, conceived a plan for obtaining +possession of it. With about a hundred horsemen he set off to cross the +river by a ford which he knew of, and behind each horseman he had placed a +foot-soldier, armed with an "arquebuse." Don Pedro did this in order to +raise an alarm in the French camp, so that the whole army might rush to +defend it, and leave unprotected the bridge, which would then be seized by +the Spaniards. Bayard, who always chose the post of danger, was encamped +close to the bridge, and with him was a brave gentleman, named le Basco. +When they heard the noise they armed themselves at once, and mounted their +horses in haste to rush to the fray. But as the Good Knight happened to +look across the river he caught sight of about two hundred Spanish horsemen +riding straight towards the bridge, which they would certainly have taken +without much resistance, and this would have meant the total destruction of +the French army. + +[Illustration: Bayard defends the Bridge.] + +Then the Good Knight cried to his companion, "My lord the Equerry, my +friend, go instantly and fetch our men to guard this bridge, or we are all +lost; meantime I will do my best to amuse them until you come, but make all +haste." This he did, and the Good Knight, lance in rest, galloped across +the bridge to the other end, where the Spaniards were on the point of +passing. But, like a lion in his rage, Bayard rushed at them with so +furious an onset that two or three of the foremost men were driven back and +hurled into the water, from whence they rose no more, for the river was +wide and deep. For a moment they were driven back, but seeing there was +only one knight they attacked him so furiously that it was a marvel he +could resist them. But he came to a stand against the barrier of the bridge +that they might not get behind him, and made so desperate a fight with his +sword, raining blows on all who came near, that he seemed to the Spaniards +more a demon than a man. + +In vain they cast pikes, lances, and other arms against him; the Good +Knight seemed to bear a charmed life. In fact, so well and so long did he +defend himself that his foes began to feel a superstitious dread of this +invincible champion when, after the space of full half an hour, his friend, +le Basco, arrived with a hundred men-at-arms. + +The historian Champier adds that when Bayard saw help approaching he +cried, with a loud voice, "Haste ye, noble Frenchmen, and come to my help." +Not satisfied with driving back the Spaniards from the bridge, the gallant +little company pursued them for a good mile, and would have done more but +they saw in the distance a great company of seven or eight hundred Spanish +horsemen. + +With all his dauntless courage, Bayard had the instinct of a good general, +and he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, we have done enough to-day in +saving the bridge; let us now retire in as close order as possible." His +advice was taken, and they began to retreat at a good pace, the Good Knight +always remaining the last and bearing all the brunt of the rear attack. +This became more difficult every minute, as his horse, on which he had +fought all that day, was so worn out that it could scarcely stand. + +All of a sudden there was a great rush of the enemy, sweeping like a +flood over the French men-at-arms, so that many were thrown to the ground. +The horse of the Good Knight was driven back against a ditch, where he +was surrounded by twenty or thirty horsemen, who cried: "Surrender, +surrender, my lord!" Still fighting to the last, he could only make answer: +"Gentlemen, I must indeed yield to you, for, being alone, I can no longer +fight against your might." + +If all the accounts of contemporary historians did not agree on the subject +we could hardly believe that one hero could keep back two hundred men at +the narrow entrance of the bridge for close upon half an hour. That after +so tremendous a fight Bayard could pursue the enemy, and defend the rear of +his retiring companions, is indeed a marvellous achievement. The wonder is +not that he was taken prisoner at last, but that he should have held out so +long. + +Meantime all his companions had ridden straight to their bridge, believing +that the Good Knight was amongst them, but of a sudden a certain gentleman +from Dauphiné exclaimed: "We have lost all, my friends! The Captain Bayard +is dead or taken, for he is not in our company. I vow to God that if I am +to go alone I will return and seek him...." On hearing this the whole troop +turned their horses and set off at full gallop after the Spaniards, who +were bearing away with them the flower of all chivalry. But they did not +know it, for Bayard was aware that if they heard his name he should never +escape alive, and to all their inquiries he only made answer that he was a +gentleman. They had not even taken the trouble to disarm him. + +Of a sudden he heard his companions arrive in pursuit, shouting: "France! +France! Turn, turn, ye Spaniards; not thus shall you carry away the flower +of chivalry." Taken by surprise, the enemy received the French charge with +some disorder, and as men and horses gave way, the Good Knight saw his +opportunity, and without putting his foot in the stirrup, sprang upon a +fine horse whose rider was thrown, and as soon as he was mounted, cried: +"France! France! Bayard! Bayard! whom you have let go!" When the Spaniards +heard the name and saw what a mistake they had made to leave him his +arms (without requiring his parole, which he would certainly have kept), +they lost heart and turned back towards their camp, while the French, +overjoyed at having recovered their "Good Knight without Fear and without +Reproach"--their one ideal of chivalry and honour--galloped home over the +famous bridge. We do not wonder that for many days after they could talk of +nothing but this thrilling adventure and the gallant exploits of Bayard. + +[Illustration: The Page presents his Prisoner.] + + + + +[Illustration: THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +_from the portrait by Albert Durer_.] + +CHAPTER V + + +The wars of Italy had a wonderful fascination for Louis XII., and he +eagerly united with the Emperor, the King of Spain, and the Pope in the +League of Cambray against Venice, hated for her great wealth and success. + +In the spring of 1509 the King collected another army, in which he made a +great point of the foot-soldiers, whose importance he fully appreciated, +and for the first time he chose captains of high renown to command them. He +sent for Bayard and said to him: "You know that I am crossing the mountains +to fight the Venetians, who have taken Cremona from me, and other places. I +am giving you the command of a company of men-at-arms ... but that can be +led by your lieutenant, Captain Pierre du Pont, while I wish you to take +charge of a number of foot-soldiers." + +"Sire," replied the Good Knight, "I will do what you wish; but how many +foot-soldiers do you propose to give me?" + +"One thousand," said the King; "no man has more." + +But Bayard suggested that five hundred of these soldiers, carefully +chosen, would be quite enough for one man to command if he did his duty +thoroughly, and to this the King agreed, bidding the Good Knight bring them +to join his army in the duchy of Milan. + +The important city of Padua, which had been restored to the Emperor +Maximilian, was left through his carelessness with a small garrison of only +800 "landsknechte" (German foot-soldiers). Two Venetian captains contrived +an ingenious stratagem for recovering the city. It was the month of July by +this time, and immense waggons of hay, from the second mowing, were +entering Padua every day. A number of Venetians made an ambush under some +thick trees about a bow-shot from the walls, then they hid behind the +hay-waggons and crept in through the gates, which at a given signal they +opened to their comrades. The German soldiers, taken by surprise, were put +to death, and the command was given to the brave General Pitigliano, who +repaired and strengthened the fortifications, knowing of what immense +importance this city was to his Republic. + +Maximilian was extremely annoyed by the loss of Padua, and collected a +great army, composed of men from all the allies, to besiege it. He also +brought to bear against it the strongest artillery ever used--one hundred +and six pieces of cannon and six immense mortars, "so heavy that they could +not be raised on gun-carriages, they could only be loaded with stones, and +were fired off not more than four times a day." The city was strongly +fortified and defended, and it was decided to attack the most important +gate which led to Vicenza. This being a most perilous enterprise, the +command was given to Bayard of the attacking party. The gate was approached +by a long, straight road between deep ditches, and there were four great +barriers at two hundred steps from each other, all thoroughly defended. +There was a fierce contest at every one of these barriers, and many gallant +knights fell in the attack, but the last one was the worst, for it was only +a stone's-throw from the battlements. The besieged rained stones on them +with their artillery, and the assault lasted more than an hour with pike +and battle-axe. + +Then the Good Knight, seeing that this became tedious, cried to his +companions: "Gentlemen, these men give us too much play; let us charge on +foot and gain this barrier." Thirty or forty men-at-arms sprang from their +horses and with raised visors dashed at the barrier with their lances, but +the Venetians met them again and again with fresh relays of men. Then +Bayard shouted: "At this rate, gentlemen, they will keep us here for six +years; we must give them a desperate assault and let each man do as I do!" +This they promised, and the trumpet was sounded, when with one tremendous +rush they drove back the defenders by the length of a lance, and with a +ringing war-cry Bayard sprang over the barrier followed by his friends. +When the French saw the danger in which these gallant men were, there was +such a charge against the final barrier that the enemy was driven back in +disorder into the town. Thus the approaches were gained, and the Emperor's +artillery was brought forward, and remained there for six weeks until the +siege was raised. + +A few days later the Good Knight heard, through one of his spies, that in +the castle of Bassano, about thirty miles off, there was a strong company +of cross-bowmen and horsemen, who made a point of sallying out from the +castle and seizing all the supplies of cattle which were on the way to the +camp. They were said to have four or five hundred oxen and cows already +within their walls. Bayard felt that this must be put a stop to, and his +picked companions readily joined him, for this fighting was their very life +and they asked for nothing better. So they set forth an hour before +daybreak and rode steadily towards Bassano, till they reached a place where +the spy pointed out to them a little wooden bridge which the band from +Treviso would have to cross, where two men could keep five hundred in +check. This the Good Knight left to be defended by a few men-at-arms and +archers, who were to remain in ambush until they had seen the troop from +Treviso go by, and await their return. Then Bayard gave directions to one +of his company to take thirty archers with him, and when he saw the enemy +well on their way he was to advance as though to skirmish with them, then +suddenly pretend to be frightened and ride off at full gallop in the +direction where the main French force was hidden behind rising ground. This +was all carried out, and the Good Knight with his men rushed forth upon the +pursuers, taking many prisoners, while the rest escaped in the direction of +Treviso, but were stopped at that wooden bridge and compelled to fight or +yield. + +When the fighting was over, Bayard said: "Gentlemen, we really must take +that castle with all the spoils in it." When it was pointed out to him that +it was very strong and they had no artillery, he remarked that he knew a +way by which they might possess it in a quarter of an hour. So he sent for +the two captains who were taken and said to them: "I insist that the castle +be surrendered to me at once, for I know that you have the power to command +it, otherwise you will lose your heads." They saw that he was in earnest, +and one, who was the seneschal, sent orders to his nephew and the gates +were opened. + +The Good Knight took possession of the castle, and within the walls of +Treviso found more than five hundred head of cattle and much other booty, +which was all sold later at Vicenza and divided amongst the victors. As +Bayard sat at table with the two Venetian captains, a young page of his, +named Boutières, came in to show a prisoner he had taken during the +fighting--a big man twice his size. The boy had seen this standard-bearer +trying to escape, had made a rush at him with his lance, struck him to the +ground, and called upon him to surrender. He had given up his sword, to +Boutières' great delight, and the lad of sixteen, with the standard he had +taken and his sturdy-looking prisoner, had caused great amusement in the +French company. When he was thus brought into the dining-hall before his +own captains, the standard-bearer looked very much ashamed of himself, and +protested that he had simply yielded to the force of numbers, not to that +boy. Thereupon Boutières offered to give the man back his horse and his +arms and to fight him in single combat. If the standard-bearer won he +should go free without ransom; but if the young page won the man should +die. The Good Knight was delighted at this brave offer, but the Venetian +was afraid to accept it, and all the honour remained with the boy, who was +known to come of a brave race and proved himself worthy in the days to +come. + +Most of the French army retired into the duchy of Milan, but Bayard appears +to have remained behind with the garrison of Verona. By one of those rapid +changes so common in Italian politics, before the end of the year Louis +XII. found himself deserted by most of the allies, the Pope, the King of +Spain, Henry VIII., and the Swiss having joined the "Holy League" to drive +the French out of Italy. + + + + +[Illustration: ANDREA GRITTI DOGE _of_ VENICE +_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.] + +CHAPTER VI + + +While Bayard was with the garrison at Verona, in command of three or four +hundred men-at-arms who had been lent to the Emperor by the King of France, +he had some stirring adventures. It was winter time, and that year, 1509, +was long remembered for its severity. The soldiers in the town were obliged +to send for their horses' forage sometimes to a great distance, and they +were constantly losing both horses and varlets, who were waylaid by the +enemy, so that a large escort was necessary, for not a day passed without +some encounter. + +Now there was a village called San Bonifacio about fifteen miles from +Verona, where a certain Venetian captain, named Giovanni Paolo Manfroni, +was stationed with a number of men, and he amused himself by chasing the +foraging parties up to the very gates of Verona. The Good Knight at last +became very angry at this bold defiance, and he resolved to put an end to +these raids by going out with the escort himself the next time that hay was +fetched from the farms round. He kept his plans as secret as possible, but +Manfroni had a spy in the city who managed to let him know what was on +foot, and he resolved to take so strong a force that he would make sure of +capturing the famous Bayard. + +One Thursday morning the foragers set forth from Verona as usual, and in +their train were thirty or forty men-at-arms and archers under the command +of the captain, Pierre du Pont, a very wise and capable young man. The +party soon left the highroad to look out for the farms where they were to +receive the usual loads of hay. Meantime, the Good Knight, not suspecting +that his plan was betrayed, had taken a hundred men-at-arms and gone to a +little village called San Martino about six miles from Verona. From thence +he sent out some scouts, who were not long in returning with the news that +the enemy was in sight, about five hundred horsemen, who were marching +straight after the foragers. The Good Knight was delighted to hear it, and +at once set out to follow them with his company. + +But Manfroni, who had heard of the whole manoeuvre from his spy, had +prepared an ambush in a deserted palace near, where he had about six +hundred pikemen and arquebusiers. These men were not to stir until they saw +him and his party in retreat, pretending to flee from the French pursuit; +then they were at once to follow and so completely enclose and defeat +Bayard's company. + +The Good Knight had not gone two miles through the fields when he overtook +the Venetians and marched straight towards them, shouting, "Empire and +France!" They made some show of resistance, but soon began to retreat along +the lane towards their ambush, where they halted just beyond it, crying +"Marco! Marco!" and began to make a valiant defence. On hearing the +familiar cry of Venice, the foot-soldiers gave a tremendous shout and +rushed furiously upon the French, shooting with their arquebuses, a shot +from which struck Bayard's horse between the legs and killed him. Seeing +their dear master on the ground, his men-at-arms, who would all have died +for him, made a mighty charge, and a gentleman of Dauphiné, named Grammont, +sprang from his horse and fought side by side with Bayard. But the two were +of no avail against the Venetians, who took them prisoners and were about +to disarm them. + +Captain Pierre du Pont, who was with the forage party, heard the noise and +instantly galloped up, finding his captain and Grammont in evil case; for +already they were being drawn out of the crowd to be taken to a place of +safety. He was only just in time, but he struck out at the captors like a +lion, and the men, taken by surprise, let their prisoners escape, and +retreated to their troop, which was having a furious fight with the French. +The Good Knight and Grammont were soon on horseback again, and hastened +back to the relief of their men, who were now attacked front and back, with +four to one against them, and the arquebusiers were doing them a lot of +damage. Then the Good Knight said to his nephew, Captain Pierre du Pont: +"My friend, we are lost if we do not gain the highroad, but if we are once +there, we will retire in spite of them, and shall be saved, with the help +of God." + +"I agree with you," replied his nephew. Then they began to retreat +steadily, step by step, towards the highroad, fighting all the way, and +they reached it at last, though not without much trouble, while the enemy +lost both foot-soldiers and horsemen. When the French at length reached the +highroad which led to Verona, they closed in together, and began to retire +very gently, turning upon the foe with a gallant attack every two hundred +feet. + +But all the time they had those arquebusiers at their heels constantly +firing upon them, so that at the last charge once more the Good Knight +had his horse killed under him. Before it fell he sprang to the ground +and defended himself in a wonderful way with his sword; but he was +soon surrounded and would have been killed, but at that moment his +standard-bearer, du Fay, with his archers, made so desperate a charge that +he rescued his captain from the very midst of the Venetians, set him upon +another horse, and then closed in with the others. + +The night was drawing near, and the Good Knight commanded that there should +be no more charging, as they had done enough for their honour, and the +gallant little party found a safe refuge in the village of San Martino, in +the midst of cypresses, whence they had started in the morning. This was +about four miles from Verona, and the Venetian captain felt that further +pursuit would be dangerous as help would probably arrive from Verona. So he +caused the retreat to sound, and set out to return to San Bonifacio, but on +the way his foot-soldiers, who were quite worn out, having fought for about +five hours, begged to be allowed to stay at a village some miles short of +San Bonifacio. Manfroni did not much approve of this, but he let them have +their way, while he and his horsemen rode on to their usual quarters, +feeling much disgusted that they had been galloped about all day with so +little to show for it. + +That night the French lodged in the village of San Martino, and they +feasted joyfully upon such provisions as they could find, feeling very +proud of their success, for they had scarcely lost any men in comparison +with the enemy. They were still at supper when one of their spies arrived +from San Bonifacio, and he was brought before Bayard, who asked what the +Venetians were doing. He replied: + +"Nothing much; they are in great force inside San Bonifacio, and the rumour +goes that they will soon have Verona, for they have a strong party within +the city. As I was starting the Captain Manfroni arrived, very hot and +angry, and I heard him say that he had been fighting against a lot of +devils from hell and not men. As I was coming here I passed through a +village which I found quite full of their foot-soldiers, who are spending +the night there, and to look at them I should say that they are quite tired +out." + +Then said the Good Knight: "I warrant that those are their foot-soldiers we +fought against to-day, who would not walk any further. If you feel disposed +we will go and take them. The moon is bright to-night, let us feed our +horses and at about three or four o'clock we will go and wake them." + +This suggestion was quite approved of; they all did their best with the +horses, and after having set the watch, they all went to rest. But Bayard +was too full of his enterprise to take any sleep; so towards three hours +after midnight he quietly roused his men and set forth with them on +horseback, riding in perfect silence to the village where the Venetian +foot-soldiers were staying. He found them, as he had expected, fast asleep +"like fat pigs," without any watch as far as he could see. The new-comers +began to shout, "Empire! Empire! France! France!" and to this joyous cry +the bumpkins awoke, coming one by one out of their shelter to be slain like +beasts. Their captain, accompanied by two or three hundred men, threw +himself into the market-place and tried to make a stand there; but no time +was given him, for he was charged from so many directions that he and all +his men were attacked and defeated, so that only three remained alive. +These were the captain and two other gentlemen, who were brothers, and +afterwards were exchanged for French gentlemen who were in prisons at +Venice. + +Having accomplished their work, the Good Knight and his company made their +way back to Verona, where they were received with great honour. On the +other hand, when the Venetians heard of the loss of their men they were +furious, and the Doge Andrea Gritti sharply blamed Manfroni for leaving +them behind. + +We may mention here that this Giovanni Paolo Manfroni was a splendid +soldier and one of the finest captains of men-at-arms in Italy at this +period. + +Manfroni had a certain spy, who often went backwards and forwards between +Venona and San Bonifacio, and who served both him and the Good Knight; but +those treacherous spies always serve one better than the other, and this +one hoped for the most gain from the Venetian. + +So one day Manfroni said to him: "You must go to Verona and let Captain +Bayard know that the Council of Venice wish me to be sent in command of +Lignano, a fortified town on the Adige, as the present governor is ordered +to the Levant with a number of galleys. Tell Bayard that you know for +certain that I start to-morrow at dawn with three hundred light horsemen, +and that I shall have no foot-soldiers with me. I am sure that he will +never let me pass without a skirmish, and if he comes I trust he will be +killed or taken, for I shall have an ambush at Isola della Scale (about +fifteen miles south of Verona) of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand +foot-soldiers. If you manage for him to meet me there I promise on my faith +to give you two thousand ducats of gold." + +This precious scoundrel readily promised that he would not fail to do so. +He went off straight to Verona, and to the lodging of the Good Knight, +where he was admitted at once, for all the people there believed him to be +entirely in the service of their master. They brought him in as soon as +Bayard had finished supper, and he was warmly welcomed. "Well, Vizentin, I +am glad to see you. You do not come without some reason; tell me, what news +have you?" + +[Illustration: Seizure of the Spy.] + +"My lord, I have very good news, thank God!" was the reply. The Good Knight +at once rose from table and drew the spy on one side, to learn what was +going on, who repeated the lesson he had learned. Bayard was delighted at +the prospect before him, and gave orders that Vizentin was to be well +feasted. Then he called together the Captain Pierre du Pont, La Varenne, +his flag-bearer du Fay, and a certain Burgundian captain of "landsknechte," +Hannotin de Sucker, who had fought with him in most of his Italian wars. He +told these friends what he had heard from the spy, and how Manfroni was +going to Lignano on the morrow with only three hundred horsemen. Then he +added that, if his good companions would join him, these Venetians would +not finish their journey without a little fighting, but the matter must be +seen to at once. + +It was settled that they should start at daybreak and take two hundred +men-at-arms. Hannotin de Sucker had his lodging at the other end of the +town, and while he was on his way home he chanced to see the spy coming out +of the house of a man who was known to be on the Venetian side. The +Burgundian captain at once suspected treason; he seized Vizentin by the +collar and asked him what he was doing. The man, taken by surprise, changed +colour and prevaricated so much that the captain at once took him back to +Bayard's lodging. He found his friend just going to bed, but the two sat +together over the fire, while the spy was carefully guarded. + +Hannotin explained why he felt sure that there was something wrong. Bayard +at once sent for the spy, of whom he inquired his reason for going to the +house of Messire Baptiste Voltege, the suspected person. In his fright the +spy gave five or six different explanations; but the Good Knight said to +him: "Vizentin, tell the truth without hiding anything, and I promise, on +the word of a true gentleman, that whatever it may be, even if my death has +been conspired for, I will do you no harm. But, on the other hand, if I +catch you in a lie, you will be hung to-morrow at break of day." + +The spy saw that he was caught, so he knelt down and begged for mercy, +which was again positively promised him. Then he told the whole story from +beginning to end of the proposed treachery; how Manfroni would have an +ambush of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand foot-soldiers to make +sure of Bayard's destruction. The spy owned that he had been to the house +of Baptiste to tell him of this enterprise, and to advise him to find means +some night to have one of the city gates opened to the Venetians, but he +added that Baptiste had refused to do this. + +When he had made an end of his confession the Good Knight said to him: +"Vizentin, my money has certainly been wasted upon you, for you are a bad +and treacherous man ... You have deserved death, but I will keep my promise +and you shall be safe with me, but I advise you to keep out of sight, for +others may not spare you." + +The spy was taken away to be closely guarded, and Bayard said to his +friend, the Burgundian captain: + +"What shall we do to this Captain Manfroni who thinks to take us by a +trick? We must pay him out, and if you do what I ask you we will carry out +one of those splendid adventures which were done a hundred years ago." "My +lord, you have only to command and you will be obeyed," was the simple +reply. + +"Then go at once to the lodging of the Prince of Hainault, and with my +compliments tell him the whole story. Then you must persuade him to send us +to-morrow morning two thousand of his 'landsknechte,' and we will take them +with us and leave them somewhere in ambush. If something wonderful does not +result you may blame me!" + +Hannotin de Sucker started at once and went to the quarters of the Prince, +who was asleep in bed. He was roused immediately and soon heard all that +his visitor had to tell. This courteous Prince, who loved war better than +anything else, was also such a devoted admirer of the Good Knight that he +could have refused him nothing. He replied that he only wished he had heard +of this sooner, as he would have joined the party himself, but Bayard could +dispose of his soldiers as if they were his own. He instantly sent his +secretary to four or five of his most trusted captains, who, to make a long +story short, were ready at daybreak to meet the men-at-arms who had known +of the expedition overnight. They all met at the city gate and set forth +from the city towards Isola della Scala, and the Good Knight said to +Hannotin: "You and the 'landsknechte' must remain in ambush at Servode (a +little village two miles from Isola), and do not be uneasy for I will draw +our foes under your very nose, so that you will have plenty of honour +to-day if you are a gallant comrade." + +All was carried out as arranged, for when the men in ambush were left +behind, all the rest of the brave company galloped on to Isola, as if they +knew nothing of what awaited them. They were in an open plain, where there +was a good view from all sides, and presently they saw the Captain Manfroni +riding towards them with his small company of light horsemen. The Good +Knight sent forward his standard-bearer, du Fay, with some archers for a +little skirmish, while he rode after them at a good pace with the +men-at-arms. But he had not gone far when he saw, coming briskly out of the +town of Isola, the Venetian foot-soldiers and a troop of men-at-arms. He +made a show of being surprised, and bade the trumpeter sound to recall his +standard. When du Fay heard this, according to his orders, he began to +retire with his company, which closed up round him, and pretended to be +going straight back to Verona, but really went slowly towards the village +where their "landsknechte" were hiding. An archer had already been sent on +to tell Captain Sucker to make ready for the fight. + +Meantime the men of Venice, with their combined troops, charged the small +company of Frenchmen, making such a noise that thunder would not have been +heard, for they felt quite sure that their prey could not escape them. The +French kept well together and skirmished so cleverly that they were soon +within a bow-shot from Servode, when the "landsknechte" of the Prince of +Hainault rushed forth in close ranks from their ambush, and at the word of +command from Bayard charged the Venetians, who were astounded. But they +were good fighting men and made a bold stand, although many were borne to +the ground by the terrible long spears of their enemies. Manfroni made a +splendid resistance, but he could do nothing to help his foot-soldiers, +who could not escape by flight, as they were too far from any refuge; and +he was compelled to see them cut up and destroyed before his eyes. The +Venetian captain soon saw that his only chance was to retreat or he must be +killed, if not taken prisoner, so he galloped off at full speed towards San +Bonifacio. He was followed for some distance, but the Good Knight then +caused the retreat to be sounded, and the pursuers returned, but with great +spoils of prisoners and horses. + +The loss of the Venetians was very great, for none of the foot-soldiers +escaped, and there were about sixty prisoners of importance who were taken +to Verona, where the successful French, Burgundians, and "landsknechte" +were received with the utmost joy by their companions, whose only regret +was that they had missed the fray. Thus ended this gallant adventure which +brought great honour and praise to the Good Knight. When he returned to his +lodging he sent for the spy, to whom he said: + +"Vizentin, according to my promise I will set you free. You can go to the +Venetian camp and ask the Captain Manfroni if the Captain Bayard is as +clever in war as he is. Say that if he wants to take me he will find me in +the fields." + +He sent two of his archers to conduct the spy out of the town, and the man +went at once to San Bonifacio, where Manfroni had him taken and hung as a +traitor, without listening to any excuse. + + + + +[Illustration: POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +_from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio_.] + +CHAPTER VII + + +When war began again in Italy at the close of the year 1510, Louis XII. +found that he had no allies except the Duke of Ferrara and some Swiss +mercenaries. Pope Julius II. had joined forces with the Venetians in his +eager desire to drive the French out of Italy, and he was also extremely +wroth with Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara. He sent word to the widowed Countess +of Mirandola that she should give up her city into his hands, as he +required it for his attack upon Ferrara. + +When at length the brave defenders had been compelled to yield their +citadel, Pope Julius refused to take possession of the conquered city in +the usual way by riding in through the gate; he had a bridge thrown across +the frozen moat and climbed in through a breach in the walls. It must have +been a gallant sight to look upon, when he politely escorted the angry +Countess of Mirandola out of the home she had so bravely defended, while +she held her head high and boldly spoke her mind, with pride and assurance +as great as his own. + +When news of the fall of Mirandola reached the Duke of Ferrara he expected +that the next move would be an attack on Ferrara itself. He therefore +destroyed the bridge which he had made across the Po, and retreated with +all his army to his own strong city. The Castello of Ferrara, in the very +heart of the city, standing four-square with its mighty crenellated towers, +was one of the most famous fortresses of Italy and was believed to be +impregnable; only by famine could it be taken. + +The Pope's wisest captains and his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, pointed out +that Ferrara was thoroughly fortified, well provided with artillery of the +newest make, and was defended by an army of well-tried soldiers, amongst +whom was the French company commanded by Bayard. One noted Venetian captain +thus gave his opinion: "Holy Father, we must prevent any provisions +arriving at Ferrara by the river, and also from Argenta and the country +round, which is very rich and fertile. But this we shall scarcely +accomplish unless we take La Bastida, a place about twenty-five miles from +Ferrara; but if once this fortress is in our hands we can starve out the +city in two months, considering what a number of people are within its +walls." + +Pope Julius saw the point at once and exclaimed: "Certainly, we must have +that place; I shall not rest until it is taken." + +We may imagine the dismay of the governor of La Bastida when he saw a +formidable army arrive, for it happened at the time that he had only a weak +garrison. He instantly sent off a messenger to Ferrara, before the castle +was surrounded and the artillery set in position, pointing out the extreme +peril and the absolute need of immediate help. The trusty man made such +haste that he reached Ferrara about noon, having taken hardly six hours on +the way. It so chanced that he met Bayard at the city gate, and on the Good +Knight asking what news he brought, he replied: + +"My lord, I come from La Bastida, which is besieged by seven or eight +thousand men, and the commander sends me to tell the Duke that if he does +not receive help he will not be able to hold the place until to-morrow +night if they try to take it by assault ... for he has only twenty-five men +of war within the walls...." + +Bayard at once hastened with him to the Duke, whom he met riding in the +market-place with the lord of Montboison. They thought at first that a spy +had been taken, but soon learnt that he was the bearer of bad news. As the +Duke read the letter which the commander had written he turned pale, and +when he had finished he shrugged his shoulders and said: "If I lose La +Bastida I may as well abandon Ferrara, and I do not see how we can possibly +send help within the time mentioned, for he implores assistance before +to-morrow morning, and it is impossible." + +"Why?" asked the lord of Montboison. + +"Because it is five-and-twenty miles from here, and in this bad weather it +will be more than that," replied the Duke. "There is a narrow way for about +half a mile where the men will have to go one after the other. Besides, +there is another thing, for if our enemies knew of a certain passage twenty +men could hold it against ten thousand, but I trust they will not discover +it." + +When the Good Knight saw how distressed the Duke was, he said: + +"My lord, when a small matter is at stake we may hesitate; but when we are +threatened with utter destruction we must try any means. The enemies are +before La Bastida, and they are quite confident that we shall not dare to +leave this city to raise the siege, knowing that the great army of the Pope +is so near us. I have thought of a plan which will be easy to carry out, if +fortune is with us. + +"You have in this town four or five thousand foot-soldiers, well hardened +and good soldiers; let us take two thousand of them with eight hundred +Swiss under Captain Jacob and send them this night in boats up the river. +You are still master of the Po as far as Argenta; they will go and wait for +us at the passage you spoke of. If they arrive there first they will take +it, and the men-at-arms who are in this town will ride by the road all this +night. We shall have good guides and will so manage as to arrive by +daybreak and thus join the others; our enemies will have no suspicion of +this enterprise. From the passage you spoke of it is three miles or less to +La Bastida; before they have time to put themselves in order of battle we +will attack them sharply, and my heart tells me that we shall defeat them." + +The Duke, delighted, replied with a smile: "Upon my word, Sir Bayard, +nothing seems impossible to you! But I believe that if the gentlemen who +are here agree with you, we shall indeed win...." No one made any +difficulty; on the contrary, the captains of the men-at-arms were so +delighted that, as the chronicler says, "they thought they were in +Paradise." The boats were all prepared as quietly and secretly as possible, +for in the city there were known to be many friends of the Pope. + +Fortunately it was the dead of winter, when the nights were long. As soon +as it was dark the foot-soldiers embarked in the boats, which were provided +with trusty and experienced boatmen. The horsemen, led by the Duke in +person, also set forth as soon as the twilight came; they took good guides, +and had a safe journey notwithstanding the stormy weather. Thus it +happened that half an hour before dawn they arrived at the narrow passage, +where all was lonely and quiet, at which they rejoiced greatly. They had +not been waiting half an hour before the boats arrived with the +foot-soldiers. + +The men landed and then marched slowly by a narrow path until they reached +a very deep canal between the Po and La Bastida, where they had to cross a +little bridge so narrow that they had to go one after the other. This took +a whole hour to cross, so that it was now quite daylight, which made the +Duke anxious, more especially as, hearing no sound of artillery, he feared +the fortress had been taken. But just as he was speaking about it there +thundered forth three cannon shots, at which all the company was delighted. +They were now only a mile from the enemy, and the Good Knight said: + +"Gentlemen, I have always heard it said that he is a fool who makes light +of his foes; we are now close to ours, and they are three to one. If they +knew of our enterprise it would be very bad for us, as they have artillery +and we have none. Besides, I believe that on this occasion all the flower +of the Pope's army is before us; we must take them by surprise if possible. +I would propose sending du Fay with fifteen or twenty horsemen to sound the +alarm on the side from which the enemy came, and Captain Pierre du Pont +with a hundred men-at-arms should be within a bow-shot to support him, and +we will also send him Captain Jacob with his Swiss. You, my lord," he said +to the Duke, "with my lord of Montboison, my companions and myself, we will +go straight to the siege, and I will go in front to give the alarm. If du +Fay is first in position and they attack him, we will go forward and +enclose them; but if our party is first, Captain Pierre du Pont and the +Swiss will do so on their side. That will astonish them so much that they +will not know what to do, for they will think we are three times as many +men as we are, and especially when all our trumpets sound forth at once." + +No one had anything better to suggest, for indeed the Good Knight was so +great an authority in war that all were glad to follow where he led. + +The attack was thus made on both sides, du Fay giving such a tremendous +alarm on the outer side of the camp that the enemies hastily began to put +on their armour, to mount their horses, and go straight towards where they +heard the trumpets. The foot-soldiers set about arranging themselves in +battle order, but fortunately this took so long that meantime the +assailants of du Fay were attacked and driven back by Pierre du Pont, while +the Swiss poured down upon the foot-soldiers, whose number would have +overwhelmed them had not the men-at-arms rode down upon the papal infantry +from the other side. + +The Duke and the French company, with two thousand foot-soldiers, who had +arrived under the walls without being observed, now joined in the fray from +the other side, to the utter confusion of the enemy, who were completely +surrounded and cut to pieces. Some of the horsemen of the papal army made a +desperate attempt to rally, but Bayard and another captain called their +ensigns and rode straight at them, with the cry of: "France! France! The +Duke! the Duke!" and charged them with such vehemence that most of them +were brought to the ground. The fighting went on for a good hour, but at +last the camp was lost and those escaped who could, but they were not many. +This battle cost the Pope about three thousand men, all his artillery and +camp furnishing, and was the salvation of the duchy of Ferrara. More than +three hundred horses remained in the hands of the conquerors, besides many +prisoners of importance. + +Indeed, we do not wonder that so much stress is laid upon this victory by +the chronicler of Bayard, as it was solely due to his energy and +resolution. The battle took place on February 11, 1511. + +It was at the siege of Brescia that the fame of Bayard reached its highest +point. His splendid courage in volunteering to place himself in the +forefront of battle and face the dreaded hand-guns of the arquebusiers is +the more striking as he had a special hatred of these new arms which were +coming more and more into use. All this gunpowder business was detestable +to the great knight, who had been trained in the old school of chivalry, +where gentlemen showed their skill in the use of arms, and fought bravely +against each other, while a battle was a kind of glorified tournament. "It +is a shame," he used to say, "that a man of spirit should be exposed to be +killed by a miserable stone or iron ball against which he cannot defend +himself." + +Bayard always seems to us singularly free from the superstitions of his +day, but we cannot forget that an astrologer had foretold his death from +one of these new machines of war. + +When all preparations had been made for the assault of the city, the Duke +of Nemours said to the captains of the army: "My lords, there is one thing +that for God's sake we must consider. You know that if this town is taken +by assault, it will be ruined and pillaged, and many will be put to death, +which seems a great pity. We must try once, before they put it to the +touch, whether they will surrender." + +This was agreed to, and the next morning a trumpeter was sent forth from +the citadel, who marched down to the first rampart of the enemy where the +Doge, Messire Andrea Gritti, and his captains came to meet him. The +trumpeter asked if he might enter the town, but was told that he might say +what he liked to those present who had the authority to answer him. Then he +gave his message, saying that if they would give up the city they should +all be free to go forth and their lives would be safe, but if it were taken +by assault they would probably all be killed. + +The answer they gave was to bid him return, for the town belonged to the +Republic of Venice, and so would remain, and they would take good care that +no Frenchman should ever set foot within. + +The trumpeter brought back his answer, and when it was heard, there was no +more delay for the men were already in battle order. + +"Well, gentlemen, we must all do our best.... Let us march," said Gaston de +Foix, Duc de Nemours, "in the name of God and my lord St. Denis." Drums, +trumpets, and bugles sounded an alarm. The enemy replied with a burst of +artillery, and the attacking party from the citadel began their descent +down the hill, where the ground was very slippery, for there had been rain +in the night. The general and many other knights took off their broad, +plated shoes to gain a firmer hold with the felt slippers worn under the +armour, for no one wished to be left behind. At the first rampart there was +a fierce conflict, for it was splendidly defended, and while the Good +Knight's company cried "Bayard! Bayard! France!" the enemy replied with +"Marco! Marco!" making so much noise as to drown the sound of the +hand-guns. The Doge, Andrea Gritti, encouraged his followers by saying to +them in the Italian tongue: "Hold firm, my friends, the French will soon +be tired, and if we can defeat this Bayard, the others will never come on." + +But in spite of all his encouragement his men began to give way, and seeing +this the Good Knight cried: "Push on, push on, comrades! It is ours; only +march forward and we have won." He himself was the first to enter and cross +the rampart with about a thousand men following after him, and so with much +fighting the first fort was taken with great loss of life to the defenders. + +But in the very moment of victory the Good Knight was wounded, receiving +the blow of a pike in his thigh, which entered in so deeply that the iron +was broken and remained in the wound. He believed himself stricken to death +from the pain he suffered, and turning to his friend, the lord of Molart, +he said: "Companion, advance with your men, the city is gained; but I can +go no further for I am dying." He was losing so much blood that he felt he +must either die without confession, or else permit two of his archers to +carry him out of the mêlée and do their best to staunch the wound. + +When the news spread that their hero and champion was mortally wounded the +whole army, captains and men alike, were all moved to avenge his death, and +fought with fierce courage. Nothing could resist them, and at length they +entered pell-mell into the city, where the citizens and the women threw +great stones and boiling water from the windows upon the invaders, doing +more harm than all the soldiers had done. But the men of Venice were +utterly defeated, and many thousands remained in their last sleep in the +great piazza and the narrow streets where they had been pursued by the +enemy. Of that proud army which had held Brescia with bold defiance, such +as were not slain were taken prisoners, and among these was the Doge of +Venice himself. Then followed an awful time of pillage and every form of +cruelty and disorder, as was ever the way in those days when a city was +taken by storm. The spoils taken were valued at three millions of crowns, +and this in the end proved the ruin of the French power in Italy, for so +many of the soldiers, demoralised by plunder, deserted with their +ill-gotten gains and went home. + +Meantime the wounded Bayard was borne into the city by his two faithful +archers and taken to a quiet street from whence the tide of battle had +passed on. Here they knocked at the door of a fine house whose master had +fled to a monastery, leaving his wife in charge. The good lady opened it at +once to receive the wounded soldier, and Bayard, turning to his men, bade +them guard the house against all comers, being assured that when they heard +his name none would attempt to enter. "And rest assured that what you lose +in the matter of spoil I will make good to you," he added. The lady of the +house led the way to her guest-chamber, whither the Good Knight was +carried, and she threw herself on her knees before him, saying: "Noble +lord, I present to you this house and all that is in it, for it is yours by +right of war, but I pray you to spare my honour and my life and that of my +two young daughters...." She had hidden away the poor girls in an attic +under the hay, but Bayard soon set her mind at rest, and gave her his +knightly word that her house would be as safe as a sanctuary. Then he asked +if she knew of a surgeon, and she went to fetch her own doctor, under the +escort of one of the archers. When he arrived he dressed the wound, which +was very deep and jagged, but he assured his patient that he was in no +danger of death, and would probably be on horseback again in less than a +month. + +Great was the joy of the Duc de Nemours and of all the French army when +this good report reached them, and the general, who remained in Brescia for +about a week, paid him a visit every day. He tried to comfort him by the +prospect of another battle before long against the Spaniards, and bade him +be quick and get well, for they could not do without him. The Good Knight +made reply that if there should be a battle he would not miss it for the +love he bore to his dear Gaston de Foix and for the King's service; rather +he would be carried thither in a litter. + +Before leaving, when he had placed the hapless city in some kind of order +and government, Gaston sent the Good Knight many presents and five hundred +crowns, which he at once gave to his faithful archers. The Duke had, +indeed, no choice about his movements, for he received most urgent letters +from the King of France, who wanted the Spaniards to be driven out of +Lombardy as soon as possible, for France was threatened on every side, by +the King of England and by the Swiss. + +The Good Knight was compelled to remain in bed for nearly five weeks, to +his great annoyance, for he received news from the French camp every day, +and there was constant talk of an approaching battle. So he sent for the +surgeon who attended him and told him that all this worry was making him +much worse, and that he must be allowed to join the camp. Seeing what kind +of warrior he had to deal with, the good man replied that the wound was not +closed but was healing well, and that there would be no danger in his +sitting on horseback, but the wound must be carefully dressed night and +morning by his barber. If any one had given Bayard a fortune he would not +have been so delighted, and he settled to start in two days' time. On the +morning when he was to leave after dinner, the good lady of the house came +to speak to him. She knew that by the laws of war she, her daughters, and +her husband (who had long since returned from the monastery where he had +taken refuge) were all prisoners of this French knight, and all that was in +the house belonged to him. But she had found him so kind and courteous that +she hoped to gain his favour by a handsome present, and she brought with +her one of her servants bearing a steel casket containing 2500 ducats. On +entering the Good Knight's chamber she fell on her knees before him, but he +would not suffer her to speak a word until she was seated by his side. Then +she poured out all her gratitude for his knightly courtesy and protection, +and at last offered him the casket, opening it to show what it contained. +But Bayard put it aside with a friendly smile, and replied: + +"On my word, dear lady, I have never cared for money all my life! No riches +could ever be so precious to me as the kindness and devoted care which you +have shown to me during my stay with you, and I assure you that so long as +I live you will always have a faithful gentleman at your command. I thank +you very much for your ducats, but I pray that you will take them back...." +However, the lady was so much distressed at his refusal that he at length +accepted the casket, but begged her to send her daughters to wish him +good-bye. When they came and would have fallen on their knees before him, +he would not suffer such humility, but thanked them for all their kindness +in cheering him with their lute and spinet and singing during his illness, +and begged them to accept the ducats contained in their mother's casket, +which he poured out into their aprons whether they would or not. Overcome +by his courteous persuasion, the mother thanked him with tears in her eyes: +"Thou flower of knighthood to whom none can compare, may the Blessed +Saviour reward thee in this world and the next." When the Good Knight's +horses were brought round at mid-day, after dinner, the two fair maidens +brought him some presents of their own needlework, bracelets made with hair +bound with gold and silver threads, and a little embroidered purse, which +he gallantly placed in his sleeve, and the bracelets on his arms, with many +thanks, to the great delight of the girls. Thus with friendly words and +courtly farewells he took his leave, and rode away with a goodly company of +friends towards the camp near Ravenna, where he was welcomed with the +greatest joy and honour by all the French army. + +When Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours, arrived at the camp before Ravenna he +assembled all the captains together to consider what was to be done, for +the French army began to suffer very much on account of the scarcity of +provisions, which could only be obtained with great difficulty. They were +very short of bread and wine, because the Venetians had cut off the +supplies from one side and the Spanish army held all the coast of Romagna. + +There was also another reason for haste, which was not yet known to the +French leaders. Maximilian had long been uncertain and vacillating in his +alliances, but had now definitely decided to join the side of Pope Julius +and the King of Spain. As usual there were companies of German and Swiss +mercenaries both in the Italian army and also with the French, and these +owed some kind of allegiance to the sovereign of their land. Thus it was +that the Emperor had sent word to the companies of German "landsknechte" +that they were to retire home at once and were not to fight against the +Spaniards. Now it so happened that this letter had only been seen by the +Captain Jacob, who commanded these mercenaries in the French army, and he, +being a great friend of Bayard, privately asked his advice, first telling +him that having accepted the pay of the French King he had no intention of +thus betraying him in the hour of battle. But he suggested that it would be +well to hurry on the impending battle before other letters should come from +the Emperor and give the men an excuse for retiring. The Good Knight saw +how urgent the matter was and advised him to declare it to the general, the +Duc de Nemours. + +Duke Gaston, who had now heard of the Emperor's letter, said that they had +no choice, and also that his uncle, the King of France, was sending +constant messengers to hurry on war operations as he was in sore straits. +Bayard was asked to give his opinion, and he modestly replied that he had +only just arrived and others might know more, but as far as he could learn, +the besieged were promised that a large army from Naples and Rome would +come to their help in a few days, certainly before Easter, and this was +Maundy Thursday. "And on the other hand," he added, "our men have no +provisions and the horses are reduced to eating willow leaves, so that each +day's delay makes it worse for us. You see, too, the King our master writes +to us every day to hasten our movements, therefore I advise that we give +battle. But we must use all caution for we have to do with brave and good +fighting men, and we cannot deny the risk and danger. There is one comfort: +the Spaniards have been in Romagna for a year, fed like fish in the water +till they are fat and full, while our men, having undergone much hardship, +have longer breath. Remember that to him who fights longest the camp will +remain." + +At this every one smiled, for Bayard always had such a bright and pleasant +way of putting things that men loved to hear him. His advice was followed +and all was made ready for a determined assault on the city next day, which +was Good Friday. The captains and their men set forth in gallant mood, as +though they went to a wedding, and so fierce was the attack of the +artillery that before long a small breach was made in the fortification, +but the defenders fought so well that it was not possible to break through +and at length the retreat was sounded. This was really a fortunate thing, +as if the soldiery had begun pillaging the place the coming battle would +certainly have been lost, and the relieving army was now within two miles +of Ravenna. + +It would be too long to follow the whole story of that fierce and desperate +conflict, where both sides fought with the utmost skill and valour. The +Spaniards certainly carried out their usual tactics of constantly taking +aim at the horses of the French riders, for they have a proverb which says: +"When the horse is dead the man-at-arms is lost." Their war-cry was: +"Spain! Spain! St. Iago!" to which the other side replied by another +furious onslaught to the shouts of "France! France!" And wherever the Good +Knight passed, "Bayard! Bayard!" was the clarion note which cheered on his +company, ever in the forefront of battle. The French artillery was used +with great success, and as for the young general, Gaston de Foix, he led +forward his men again and again with splendid success. It was late in the +day and already the tide of victory was on the side of the French, when the +Good Knight, who was riding in pursuit of the flying enemy, said to the +Duke: "Praise be to God, you have won the battle, my lord, and the world +will ring with your fame. I pray you to remain here by the bridge and rally +your men-at-arms to keep them from pillaging the camp. But do not leave, I +entreat, till we return." It would have been well, indeed, if he had +remembered this, but some time later, in the tumult and confusion, he saw +some Gascons being driven across the canal by a few Spanish fugitives, and +with his usual impetuous chivalry, Gaston threw himself to their rescue, +without waiting to see who followed him. + +He found himself hemmed in between the canal and a deep ditch, attacked by +desperate men with pikes; his horse was killed and he fought on foot with +only his sword. His companions, who had quickly seen his danger, were +trampled down or thrust into the water, and in vain his cousin, de Lautrec, +shouted to the Spaniards, "Do not kill him; he is our general, the brother +of your Queen" (Germaine de Foix). The gallant young Duke fell covered with +wounds, and de Lautrec was left for dead, before their assailants turned +and continued their flight to Ravenna. It so chanced that some distance +farther the Good Knight met them, and would have attacked them, but they +pleaded humbly for their lives, which could make no difference now the +battle was won. Bayard let them go, little knowing that they had done to +death his dear lord and beloved friend, Gaston de Foix. + +The Good Knight wrote to his uncle on April 14, 1512: + + +"Sir, if our King has gained the battle I vow to you that we poor gentlemen +have lost it; for while we were away in pursuit of the enemy ... my lord +of Nemours ... was killed and never was there such grief and lamentation +as overwhelms our camp, for we seem to have lost everything. If our dear +lord had lived to his full age (he was but twenty-four) he would have +surpassed all other princes, and his memory would have endured so long as +the world shall last.... Sir, yesterday morning the body of my lord +(Gaston de Foix, Duc de Nemours) was borne to Milan with the greatest +honour we could devise, with two hundred men-at-arms, the many banners +taken in this battle carried trailing on the ground before his body, with +his own standards triumphantly floating behind him.... We have lost many +other great captains, and amongst them my friend Jacob of the German +foot-soldiers ... and I assure you that for a hundred years the kingdom of +France will not recover from our loss....--Your humble servitor, BAYARD." + +The brilliant victory won outside the walls of Ravenna was the last +successful engagement of the French army which, threatened on every side, +was soon "to melt away like mist flying before the wind." The day after the +battle Ravenna was pillaged by the French adventurers and "landsknechte" +with the usual unfortunate result, that they forsook their masters and +returned home with their booty. + +This gallant young prince was indeed a terrible loss both to his friends +and to his country. His uncle, Louis XII., is said to have exclaimed, on +hearing of the death of the Duke of Nemours: "Would to God that I had lost +Italy, and that Gaston and the others who fell at Ravenna were still +alive!" + +It was difficult to fill his place, but Chabannes la Palisse was chosen to +the command of the army, as Lautrec had been grievously wounded and was now +at Ferrara, where he ultimately recovered. + +The French army was already weary and dispirited when the troops of the +Pope and his allies bore down upon them in great numbers; and after several +attempts at resistance they were compelled to retire to Pavia, which they +hoped to defend. However, they had barely time to fortify the various gates +before the enemy was upon them, two days later. By the advice of Bayard, a +bridge of boats was made across the river as a way of retreat, for the +stone bridge was sure to be guarded by the enemy, and, as we shall see, +this proved to be of immense value. By some means, the Swiss managed to +enter the town by the citadel and advanced to the market-place, where, on +the alarm being sounded, they were met by the foot-soldiers and some +men-at-arms, amongst whom were the Captain Louis d'Ars, who was Governor, +La Palisse, and the lord of Imbercourt. But, above all, the Good Knight did +incredible things, for with about twenty or thirty men-at-arms he held all +the Swiss at bay for about two hours in a narrow passage, fighting the +whole time with such desperate energy that he had two horses killed under +him. + +It was now that the bridge of boats came into use, and the artillery was +first preparing to cross when Captain Pierre du Pont, Bayard's nephew, who +was keeping a watch on the enemy, came to tell the company fighting in the +market-place: "Gentlemen, retire at once; for above our bridge a number of +Swiss are arriving in little boats, ten at a time, and when they have +enough men they will enclose us in this city and we shall all be cut to +pieces." + +He was so wise and valiant a leader that his words were obeyed, and the +French retreated, always fighting, as far as their bridge, hotly pursued, +so that there was heavy skirmishing. However, the horsemen passed over +safely, while about three hundred foot-soldiers remained behind to guard +the entrance of the bridge. But a great misfortune happened, for when the +French had just succeeded in taking across the last piece of artillery, a +long "culverin"[1] (cannon), named _Madame de Forli_,[2] which had been +re-taken from the Spaniards at Ravenna, was so heavy that it sank the first +boat, and the poor soldiers, seeing they were lost, escaped as best they +could, but many were killed and others drowned. + +[Footnote 1: Cannon of 5-1/2 inches bore; weight of the shot 17-1/2 lbs.] + +[Footnote 2: Named after the famous Catarina Sforza, the warlike Lady of +Forli.] + +When the French had crossed the bridge they destroyed it, although they +were no longer pursued, but a great misfortune befell Bayard. He was, as +usual, in the place of danger, protecting the retreat of his company, when +he was wounded by the shot from the town of a small cannon called a +"fowler." It struck him between the shoulder and the neck with such force +that all the flesh was torn off to the bone, and those who saw the shot +thought he was killed. But although he was in agony and knew that he was +seriously wounded, he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, it is nothing." +They tried to staunch the wound with moss from the trees, and some of his +soldiers tore up their shirts for bandages, as there was no surgeon at +hand. It was in this unfortunate condition that the Good Knight accompanied +the French army on that sad retreat from place to place, until at last they +reached Piedmont and crossed the Alps. + +Less than three months after the victory of Ravenna the triumphant allies +had re-taken Bologna, Parma, and Piacenza without a blow; had encouraged +Genoa to assert her independence; and Italy, with the exception of a few +citadels, had escaped from French rule. + +Bayard, who suffered much from his wound, was carried to Grenoble, where +his good uncle the Bishop, who had first started him in his career of arms, +received him with the greatest affection. He was warmly welcomed and made +much of in his native land, and possibly the excitement, combined with his +serious wound, was too much for him, as he fell ill with fever and for more +than a fortnight his life was despaired of. + +Prayers and supplications were made for him throughout the whole country, +especially in all the churches of Grenoble itself, and, as the chronicler +remarks, "there must have been some good person whose prayers were heard," +for the Good Knight gradually grew better, and before many weeks he was as +well and as gay as ever. Never was any one more feasted and entertained +than he was during the three months when he remained with his uncle, the +Bishop of Grenoble. A very interesting letter has been preserved which this +good prelate wrote to the Queen of France at this time. He thanks her for +her great kindness in sending her doctor, Maitre Pierre, whose skill has +had so much effect in curing his nephew. He also informs Her Majesty that +he has spoken to Bayard about the marriage she suggests for him, but with +all due gratitude he does not find himself in a position to marry, and has +never given the subject a thought.... + +This is exactly what we might have expected from the good Anne of Brittany. +She had such a passion for match-making that she had obtained from the Pope +a "portable" altar, which always travelled with her, that she might have a +marriage solemnised at any time. + +[Illustration: Bayard presented to the King of England.] + + + + +[Illustration: HENRY _the_ EIGHTH KING OF ENGLAND +_from the portrait by Hans Holbein_.] + +CHAPTER VIII + + +The next war in which Bayard was engaged was that in which Louis XII. was +attacked by the King of Spain in Navarre. Henry VIII. was at the same time +preparing to invade the north of France, landing near Calais, and the Swiss +were already pouring into Burgundy. + +As we may expect, Bayard was not long without being sent on some perilous +adventure. He was at the siege of Pampeluna with the deposed King Jean +d'Albret of Navarre and the lord of La Palisse, when they told him there +was a certain castle about four leagues off which it would be well for him +to take, as the garrison was a constant annoyance to the French. The Good +Knight at once set off with his own company, that of Captain Bonneval, a +certain number of adventurers, and two troops of "landsknechte." When he +arrived before the fortress, he sent a trumpeter to proclaim to those +within that they must yield it to their rightful sovereign, the King of +Navarre, in which case they would save their lives and goods, but if the +place had to be taken by assault they would have no mercy. + +The Spaniards were valiant men and loyal subjects of the King of Spain, +and they made reply that they would not yield the fortress and still less +themselves. Upon this Bayard put his artillery in position and made such +good use of it that a breach was soon made in the walls, but it was high up +and not easy to make use of. The Good Knight then sounded the order to +assault and commanded the "landsknechte" to advance. Their interpreter said +that it was their rule, when a place was to be taken by assault, that they +should have double pay. The Good Knight would have nothing to do with their +rules, but he promised that if they took the place they should have what +they asked for. But not a single man of them would mount the breach. +Thereupon Bayard sounded the retreat, and then made an attack with the +artillery as though he wished to enlarge the breach, but he had another +plan. He called one of his men-at-arms, by name Little John, and said to +him: "My friend, you can do me a good service which will be well rewarded. +You see that tower at the corner of the castle; when you hear the assault +begin take ladders, and with thirty or forty men scale that tower, which +you will find undefended." So it turned out, for all the garrison went to +defend the breach, while Little John and his men mounted the tower unseen +and cried out, "France! France! Navarre! Navarre!" The defenders, finding +themselves assailed on every side, did their best; but the castle was soon +taken, and the whole place was pillaged and left in charge of the King of +Navarre's men. + +In this year, 1513, died Julius II., the great warrior Pope, a constant foe +to the French, and he was succeeded by the Cardinal dei Medici, Pope Leo X. + +Louis XII., having most reluctantly withdrawn his troops from Italy, now +prepared to meet an invasion of Picardy by the English. He sent a large +body of troops to the assistance of the lord of Piennes, Governor of +Picardy, commanded by the finest captains of the kingdom, and amongst these +was Bayard. In the month of June 1513 a large army had landed with Henry +VIII. near Calais; a most convenient place for the invasion of France, as +it was in possession of the English. A strong force was sent on to besiege +the town of Thérouanne in Artois, but the King himself remained behind at +Calais for some tournaments and festivities. When he set forth, a few weeks +later, to join his army he had a very narrow escape of being taken prisoner +by Bayard, who met him on the way. + +It happened that the English King was accompanied by about 12,000 +foot-soldiers, of whom 4000 were landed, but he had no horsemen, while +Bayard commanded a detachment of nearly 1200 men-at-arms. The two armies +came within a cannon-shot of each other, and Henry VIII., seeing his +danger, dismounted from his horse and placed himself in the middle of the +"landsknechte." The French were only too eager to charge through the +foot-soldiers, and Bayard implored the Governor of Picardy, under whose +orders he was, to allow him to lead them on. "My lord, let us charge them!" +he exclaimed; "if they give way at the first charge we shall break through, +but if they make a strong stand we can always retire, for they are on foot +and we on horseback." But the lord of Piennes only replied: "Gentlemen, the +King my master has charged me on my life to risk nothing, but only to +defend his land; do what you please, but for my part I will never give my +consent." + +The Good Knight, brought up in strict military discipline, was not one to +break the law of obedience, and he yielded with bitter disappointment in +his heart. The timid caution of the Governor of Picardy had thus lost him, +in all probability, the chance of a splendid adventure, for the capture of +King Henry VIII. at the very beginning of the war might have changed the +whole history of Europe. + +As it was, the King was suffered to pass on his way, but Bayard obtained +leave to harass the retreating army, and with his company took possession +of a piece of artillery called _Saint John_, for Henry VIII. had twelve of +these big cannons, to which he gave the name of "his twelve apostles." + +The King of England reached the camp outside Thérouanne in safety, and a +few days later was joined by the Emperor Maximilian, who was welcomed with +much feasting. Their combined forces are said to have amounted to 40,000 +men, and they soon began a vigorous bombardment of the city, which was +bravely defended with a strong garrison, who did their best with the +limited means at their disposal. Thérouanne was a strongly-fortified city, +but the massive walls, which had formerly been impregnable, could not stand +against a long siege with this new artillery. + +The besieged city was very short of provisions and the great object of the +French was to supply these; indeed Louis XII., who had advanced as far as +Amiens, was sending constant orders that this must be done at any risk. At +the same time he was very anxious to avoid a general engagement as his army +would be no match for the combined English and Burgundian forces. French +historians tell us that this was the cause of that disastrous encounter +which, to their great annoyance, has been called the "Battle of Spurs." +They point out that the troops were not sent to fight, but only to +revictual a besieged place, and that the King's orders were that, if +attacked, "they were to retreat at a walk, and if they were pressed, go +from a walk to a trot, and from a trot to a gallop, for they were to risk +nothing." + +This was the French plan to send provisions for the beleaguered city, a +very difficult enterprise on account of the immense army which surrounded +it. It was arranged that the cavalry should make a feigned attack on the +side of Guinegaste, in order to draw the enemy in that direction, while +eight hundred "stradiots" (light horse, chiefly Albanians in the service of +France) were to make a dash on the other side, gallop through the defending +force, reach the moat and throw in the bundles of provisions which they +carried on the necks of their horses. This we are told the Albanians +actually succeeded in doing, and it seemed as if this bold stroke would be +successful, for the besieged, under cover of night, would be able to fetch +in the much-needed provisions. + +The French men-at-arms, meantime, had advanced to the attack and, after +some skirmishing with the English and Imperial troops, were beginning to +retreat somewhat carelessly, when they suddenly saw a number of +foot-soldiers with artillery appearing on the top of the hill of +Guinegaste, preparing to bar their way. Only then did they become fully +aware of the imminent danger in which they were, and understood that, by +some treachery, their plans had been made known to the enemy, who had thus +made all preparations for their destruction. + +King Henry VIII. had heard of the plan of relief, and before daybreak had +placed ten or twelve thousand English archers and four or five thousand +German foot-soldiers on a hillock with eight or ten pieces of artillery, in +order that when the French had passed by, his men might descend and +surround them, while in front he had ordered all the horsemen, both English +and Burgundian, to attack them. When the French soldiers found themselves +caught in this ambush, and the retreat was sounded by the trumpeters, they +turned back, but were so hotly pursued that the gentle trot soon became a +wild gallop and they fled in disorder, notwithstanding the cries of their +captains: "Turn, men-at-arms, turn, it is nothing!" The Good Knight's +company was hurried along with the others, but again and again he rallied +them, until at last he was left with only fourteen or fifteen men-at-arms +on a little bridge only wide enough for two horsemen to pass at a time, +while the stream was too deep to ford as it was dammed up to turn a mill. +Here Bayard came to a stand and cried to his companions: "My friends, we +can hold this bridge for an hour, and I will send an archer to tell my lord +of La Palisse that we have checked the enemy and this is the place to +attack them." + +We can picture to ourselves how gallantly he fought, for he loved nothing +better than to defend a narrow bridge, but the pursuing army proved too +overwhelming, for a company of horsemen went round beyond the mill and +attacked the brave little party of defenders from behind. When Bayard saw +that their position was desperate, he cried: "Gentlemen, we yield +ourselves, for our valour will serve us nothing. Our horses are done up, +our friends are three leagues away, and when the English archers arrive +they will cut us to pieces." One by one the knights yielded, but Bayard saw +a Burgundian gentleman on the bank who, overcome by the great heat of that +August day, had taken off his "armet" (helmet) and was too exhausted to +think about taking prisoners. The Good Knight rode straight at him, held +his sword at the man's throat and cried: "Yield, man-at-arms, or you are +dead." Never was man more surprised than this Burgundian, who thought that +all the fighting was over, but with the cold steel threatening him there +was nothing for him but surrender. "I yield, as I am taken in this way, but +who are you?" he asked. + +"I am the Captain Bayard and I also yield myself to you," was the reply. +"Take my sword, and I pray you let me go with you." So he was taken to the +English camp and well treated by the gentleman in his tent; but on the +fifth day Bayard said to him: "Sir, I should like to return to my own camp +for I grow weary of this." "But we have said nothing about your ransom," +exclaimed the other. "My ransom?" said the Good Knight. "But what about +yours, for you were my prisoner first? We will fight out the matter, if you +like." But the gentleman had heard of Bayard's fame and was by no means +anxious to fight, surprised as he was at this new point of view. But he was +a courteous gentleman, and offered to abide by the decision of the +captains. Meantime the rumour spread that the great Bayard was in the camp, +and there was much excitement. The Emperor Maximilian sent for him and +feasted him well, expressing great delight at meeting him again. After much +pleasant talk he remarked: "In the days when we fought together it seems to +me that we were told Bayard never fled." "If I had fled, sire, I should not +be here now," he replied. + +Presently the King of England arrived and desired that the Good Knight +might be presented to him, as he had always wished to make his acquaintance. +Then they began to talk about the French defeat, and both Henry and +Maximilian made some severe remarks, upon which the Good Knight exclaimed: +"Upon my soul! the French men-at-arms were in no wise to blame, for they +had express commands from their captains not to fight, because our force +was not to be compared with yours, for we had neither foot-soldiers nor +artillery. And indeed, high and noble lords, you must know that the +nobility of France is famous throughout the world. I do not speak of +myself." + +"Indeed, my lord of Bayard," said the King of England, "if all were like +you I should soon have to raise the siege of this town. But now you are a +prisoner." "I do not own to it, sire, and I will appeal to the Emperor and +yourself." He then told the whole story in the presence of the gentleman +with whom he had the adventure, and who answered for the truth of it. The +Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first, +saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still, +all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good +Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this +suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his +word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he +could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the +towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly +thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during +which he was treated with great honour. Henry VIII. made secret proposals +to Bayard that he should enter into his service, offering him high position +and great possessions. But this was labour lost, for, as the chronicler +says, "he was a most loyal Frenchman." + +Thérouanne, whose walls had been constantly bombarded with much destruction, +was soon compelled by famine to capitulate. The garrison were to march out +freely, with all their arms and armour; but the fortifications were +destroyed and the town partly burnt. + + + + +[Illustration: FRANCIS _the_ FIRST KING _of_ FRANCE +_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.] + +CHAPTER IX + + +The next year, 1514, brought many changes in France. First came the death +of the good Queen Anne of Brittany, who was greatly lamented by her husband +and mourned by all her people. The next notable event was the marriage of +the Princess Claude, her daughter, to the young Duke of Angoulème, who was +to succeed to the throne under the name of Francis I. + +He had not long to wait for his inheritance as Louis XII., having made an +alliance with England, was induced for political reasons to marry the +Princess Mary, sister of Henry VIII. The poor King was already in +ill-health, and he only survived his wedding three months, dying on New +Year's day, 1515. He had a splendid funeral at St. Denis, which was +scarcely over before all the great nobles of the realm put off their +mourning and hastened in splendid magnificence to Rheims to the coronation +of the new King, Francis I., a gay and handsome youth of twenty. + +The young King at once set about carrying out the desire of his heart--the +conquest of Milan. Charles de Bourbon was made Constable of France, and a +great army was collected at Grenoble. But secret news was received that the +Swiss were guarding on the other side the only passes which were then +thought possible for the crossing of armies. One was the Mont Cenis, where +the descent is made by Susa, and the other was by the Mont Genèvre. +Bourbon, however, heard of a new way by the Col d'Argentière, and meantime +sent several French generals and the Chevalier Bayard to cross the +mountains by the Col de Cabre and make a sudden raid upon Prospero Colonna, +who with a band of Italian horsemen was awaiting the descent of the French +army into Piedmont. The gallant little company rode across the rocky Col, +where cavalry had never passed before, descended by Droniez into the plain +of Piedmont, crossed the Po at a ford, where they had to swim their horses, +inquired at the Castle of Carmagnola and found that Prospero Colonna and +his company had left barely a quarter of an hour before. + +The captains considered what they should do: some were for advancing, +others hesitated, for if Colonna had any suspicion of their plan he +would call the Swiss to his help, for there was a large force in the +neighbourhood. It was Bayard who settled the question by saying: "Since we +have come thus far, my advice is that we continue the pursuit, and if we +come across them in the plain, it will be a pity if some of them do not +fall into our hands." + +All cried that he was quite right, and that they must start as soon as +possible, but first it would be well if some one were sent on in advance, +in disguise, to find out the exact position of the enemy. This duty was +given to the lord of Moretto, who carried out the inquiry very quickly, +bringing back word that Colonna and his escort were preparing to dine at +Villafranca in full security. + +They next settled the order of their match: Humbercourt was to go in front +with one hundred archers; a bow-shot behind him Bayard would follow with +one hundred men-at-arms, and then Chabannes de la Palisse and d'Aubigny +would bring up the rest of their men. + +Prospero Colonna had good spies, and he heard from them as he was going to +Mass at Villafranca that the French were in the fields in great numbers. He +replied that he was quite sure it could only be Bayard and his company, +unless the others were able to fly over the mountains. As he was returning +from Mass, other spies came up to him with the news: "My lord, I have seen +close by more than a thousand French horsemen, and they are coming to find +you here." He was a little taken aback, and turned to one of his gentlemen, +to whom he said: "Take twenty horsemen and go along the road to Carmagnola +for two or three miles, and see if there is anything to alarm us." + +All the same he commanded the Marshal of his bands to have the trumpet +sounded, and to start for Pignerol, where he would follow when he had eaten +a mouthful. Meantime the French were marching forward in haste, and were +about a mile and a half from Villafranca, when, coming out of a little +wood, they met the scouts sent by the lord Prospero to find them. When +these caught sight of the approaching enemy they turned straight round and +galloped off as hard as they could go. The lord of Humbercourt and his +archers pursued them at full speed, sending word to Bayard to make haste. + +The French knights rode at such a pace that they reached the gate of the +town at the same time as the Italians, and with their cry of "France! +France!" they managed to keep the gate open until the arrival of the Good +Knight and the rest of their company, when after some sharp fighting it +was strongly held. They also secured the other gate of the town, but two +Albanians managed to escape and carry news of the disaster to a company of +four thousand Swiss about three miles off. + +Prospero Colonna was surprised at dinner, and would have defended himself, +but when he saw that defence was hopeless he yielded himself most +reluctantly to this Bayard, whom he had vowed "that he would catch like a +pigeon in a cage." As he cursed his ill-fortune in having been thus taken +by surprise, instead of meeting the French in the open field, the Good +Knight with his usual courteous chivalry tried to comfort him, saying: "My +lord Prospero, it is the fortune of war! You lose now, and will win next +time! As for meeting us in the open field, it would be a great pleasure to +us French, for if you knew our men when they are roused to battle you would +not find it easy to escape...." The Italian lord replied coldly: "In any +case I should have been glad to have the chance of meeting!" + +Besides Colonna, several great captains were taken prisoners, and the place +was found to be full of rich spoils, gold and silver plate, splendid +equipments, and above all in value, six or seven hundred valuable horses. +Unfortunately for the French they were not able to carry away all this, for +news arrived of the approach of the Swiss troop which had been summoned; +indeed they entered Villafranca at one gate as the French rode out with +their prisoners on the other side, but there could be no pursuit as the +Swiss were all on foot. + +The chief military advantage of this wonderful raid was that it kept all +these Italian horsemen away from the coming battle at Marignano. + +Francis I. was delighted to hear of Bayard's success, and finding that the +Swiss were retreating towards Milan he followed in pursuit of them, took +Novara on the way, and advanced with his army as far as Marignano. + +A terrible mêlée followed, for as the light failed confusion increased. We +hear of a most striking adventure which befell the Good Knight Bayard late +in the evening. His horse had been killed under him, and the second which +he mounted became so frantic when his master charged the Swiss lances that +he broke his bridle and dashed into the midst of the enemy until he became +entangled in the vines trained from tree to tree. Bayard kept his presence +of mind, and in order to escape instant death, slipped gently from his +horse, cast off his helmet and the thigh-pieces of his armour, and then +managed to creep on hands and knees along a ditch until he reached his own +people. The first man he met was the Duke of Lorraine, who was much +surprised to see him on foot, and at once gave him a wonderful horse which +had once belonged to the Good Knight himself, and had been left for dead on +the field of Ravenna, but was found next day and brought back to Bayard, +who cured him. This was a most unexpected piece of good fortune, and he was +able to borrow a helmet from another friend and so return to the fight, +which continued for a while by moonlight. + +We have a vivid account of the weird and strange night which followed, when +the trumpets of France sounded the retreat and the Swiss blew their +cowhorns, as is their custom, and the two armies, with neither ditch nor +hedge between them, awaited the coming day within a stone's-throw of each +other. Those who were mounted sat on their horses with only such food or +drink as they chanced to have with them ... "and it is the firm belief that +no man slept during all those hours." In the King's letter to his mother, +Louise of Savoie, he says "that he remained on horseback with his helmet +on, until he was compelled to rest for a while on a gun-carriage, under the +care of an Italian trumpeter ... when the young King asked for water, it +could only be obtained from the ditch close by." + +When the morning broke, the battle began again with fresh vigour on both +sides; thousands of brave men fell, and the noblest names of France were +amongst the slain on that fatal field. In the end the victory remained with +the French, and the survivors of the vanquished Swiss retreated in good +order, for the King, who never knew when he might need their services, gave +orders that they were not to be pursued. When all was over, on the Friday +evening, Francis I., who had fought throughout with gallant spirit and +valour, requested the honour of knighthood from the noble Bayard. In this +the young King showed his just appreciation of his most gallant subject, +the very flower of French chivalry, the hero of so many battles. + +The French army now continued its victorious march to Milan, which +surrendered at once, and the King, after leaving Charles de Bourbon as his +Lieutenant-General, went to meet Pope Leo X. at Bologna and soon after +returned to his own land. Bayard was left in Milan and did good service +when it was attacked later by the Emperor Maximilian. + +In 1519 the Emperor Maximilian died, and was succeeded in his dominions by +his grandson, Charles V., already King of Spain. It was a great blow to +Francis I., who had used every effort to obtain this honour himself; and +the rivalry then started continued all his life. As Mézières was in danger +of being attacked, Francis I. immediately issued orders that Bayard should +be sent to defend it, as there was no man in his kingdom he would sooner +trust for so important an enterprise. + +This city was of immense importance at that moment, if it could be held +against the might of the Emperor until the French army should be made up to +its full strength and reach the frontier, where the Germans had arrived, +commanded by two great captains, the Count of Nassau and the famous +_condottiere_, Franz von Sickingen. + +Bayard most gladly obeyed the King's command and lost no time in making his +way to Mézières with certain young nobles, amongst whom was the young lord +Montmorency, and with a goodly company of men-at-arms. When he arrived he +found the place in a very poor condition to stand a siege, and he at once +set to work with his usual enthusiasm to improve the fortifications. He +worked himself as hard as any day labourer to encourage the others, and +there was never a man-at-arms or a foot-soldier who did not eagerly follow +his example. The Good Knight would say to them: "It shall not be our fault +if this place is taken, seeing what a fine company we are. Why, if we had +to defend a field with only a four-foot ditch round it, we would fight a +whole day before we should be beaten. But, thank God, here we have ditches, +walls, and ramparts, and I believe that before the enemy enters many of +their men will sleep in those ditches." + +In short, such was the magic of his eloquence, that all his men thought +they were in the strongest place in the world. This was soon put to the +test when it was besieged on two sides, from beyond the River Meuse and +from the land. Count Sickingen had about fifteen thousand men, and the +other captain, Count Nassau, more than twenty thousand. A herald was sent +to Bayard to point out to him that he could not hold Mézières against their +arms, that it would be a pity for so great and famous a knight to be taken +by assault, and that they would give him excellent terms. And much more of +the same flattering nature. + +When the Good Knight had heard all the herald had to say, he asked no +man's advice, but replied with a smile: "My friend, I am surprised at +these gracious messages from your masters, whom I do not know. Herald, +you will return and say to them that as the King has done me the honour +to trust me, I hope with God's help to keep this frontier town so long +that your captains will be more tired of besieging it than I shall to be +besieged...." Then the herald was well feasted and sent away. He bore to +the camp the Good Knight's reply, which was by no means pleasant to my +lords, and there was present a captain who had seen service under Bayard in +Italy. He assured the company that so long as the Good Knight was alive +they would never enter into Mézières; that when cowards fought under him +they became brave men, and that all his company would die with him at the +breach before the enemy set foot in the town ... and that his mere presence +was of more value than two thousand men.... + +This was not pleasant to hear, and the Emperor's captains made a furious +attack with their artillery on the ramparts, which continued during four +days. The Good Knight noticed that special damage was done to the walls +from the camp of Count Sickingen, and considered by what means he could be +induced to go back the other side of the river. So he wrote a letter to the +lord Robert de la Marck, who was at Sedan, in which he hinted at a rumour +he had heard that the Count might be persuaded to become an ally of the +King of France. Bayard added that he desired nothing more, but Sickingen +must lose no time, for his camp would soon be hemmed in by the approaching +Swiss and by a sortie well timed from the town. This information was to be +kept quite private.... + +The letter was written giving other particulars, and was then given to a +peasant with a crown and the order to take it at once to Sedan from the +Captain Bayard. The good man set off with it, but, as Bayard had foreseen, +he had not gone far before he was taken and gave up the letter to save his +life. This message greatly troubled Count Sickingen, who was already +suspicious of the other general, and was not slow to imagine that he had +been betrayed and left in the post of danger. The more he thought of it the +more his rage increased, and at last he gave orders to sound the retreat +and cross the river, to the dismay and indignation of Count Nassau, who saw +that this was practically raising the siege. Angry messages passed between +the two generals, until at length they were on the point of actual +fighting. + +The Good Knight had been watching all this from the ramparts to his great +amusement, and he now thought it time to add to the confusion by a +well-aimed attack of artillery, which so added to the nervous alarms of the +besiegers that next morning they packed up their tents and camp equipment, +and the two Counts went off in different directions, while it was a long +time before they became friends again. Thus it was that Bayard kept at bay +the overwhelming forces of the enemy for three weeks, until the King of +France himself arrived with a great army. We see how it was that enemies of +the Good Knight could never get over a kind of supernatural terror both of +his splendid valour and his endless resources. King Francis sent for Bayard +to his camp, and on his way thither the indomitable captain retook the town +of Mouzon. He was received with the greatest honour by the King, who +bestowed on him the famous order of St. Michael and the command of a +hundred men-at-arms. He also made many promises of future greatness, and +both he and his mother, the Queen Louise, praised Bayard to the skies. But, +unfortunately, the only results of all this praise were a few empty honours +and an immense amount of jealousy and ill-feeling amongst the courtiers. +Indeed, we find that after this time Bayard never had any important charge +given to him, and never attained the position, which he so richly deserved, +of commander in time of war. It is very interesting to notice that the +"Loyal Servitor"--that faithful chronicler who followed Bayard through all +his campaigns, and probably often wrote at his dictation--never allows us +to suspect that the Good Knight felt any bitterness at this neglect. Not +one word of complaint is ever heard; he never murmured, he asked for +nothing; his only anxiety was to serve his country and his king. + +If Bayard was not rewarded with the prizes of his profession he was +certainly always chosen when any dangerous or wearisome business was on +hand. + +The Good Knight was not recalled to Court, and it is supposed that, besides +the jealousy which his brilliant deeds had awakened, he was also in +disgrace on account of his warm friendship for Charles de Bourbon, who was +now being driven to despair and ruin through the hatred of Louise de +Savoie. + +Bayard having been made lieutenant of the Governor of Dauphiné in 1515, it +was easy to keep him at a distance from Paris at his post, and with his +keen and devoted interest in all matters that concerned his country, these +years in a far-off province were a veritable exile. Several of his letters +written during this period have been preserved, and we have also a friendly +note from the King, written in December 1523, when he had settled to make +another expedition to Italy to recover his former conquests there and to +restore his prestige. It is evidently written in answer to an urgent appeal +from Bayard to be allowed to join him, and, probably in a moment of +impulse, he warmly agrees to employ his bravest captain; but, alas for +France! it was not to be in the position of command and responsibility +which his splendid talents and courage demanded. It was to be his last +expedition, with a hero's death as his only guerdon. + +In the beginning of the year 1524 the King of France sent an army into +Italy under the command of the lord of Bonnivet, his admiral, who had no +qualifications for his high post beyond personal courage. He was a man +of narrow views, wilful and obstinate, and from these faults in a +commander-in-chief great disasters followed. A strong Imperial party, +supported by Charles de Bourbon and Giovanni dei Medici, held the city of +Milan, and the French camp was at a little town called Biagrasso, when +Bonnivet said to the Good Knight: "My lord Bayard, you must go to Rebec +with two hundred men-at-arms and the foot-soldiers of de Lorges, and so +find out what is going on in Milan and check the arrival of their +provisions." Now the Good Knight never murmured at any command given him, +but he saw at once what a wild and foolish scheme this was, and replied: +"My lord, the half of our army would scarcely be sufficient to defend that +village, placed where it is. I know our enemies, they are brave and +vigilant, and you are sending me to certain shame; I pray you therefore, my +lord, that you consider the matter well." But the Admiral persisted that it +would be all right, for not a mouse could leave Milan without his hearing +of it, until, much against his own judgment, Bayard set forth with the men +given to him. But he only took two of his own horses, for his mules and the +rest of his train he sent to Novara, as though foreseeing the loss of all +he had with him. + +When he had reached this village of Rebec he considered how he could +fortify it; but there was no means of doing so except by putting up a few +barriers, for it could be entered on every side. The Good Knight wrote to +Bonnivet several times, pointing out what a dangerous place it was and that +he must have reinforcements if he was to hold it long, but he received no +answer. Meantime the enemy in Milan had learnt through spies that the Good +Knight was at Rebec with a small company, and greatly rejoiced, for it was +decided to go and surprise him by night. This was exactly what Bayard +feared, and he always placed half his men on the watch, and himself +remained on the look-out for several nights, until he fell ill and was +compelled to remain in his chamber. However, he ordered the captains who +were with him to keep a good watch on all sides, and they went, or +pretended to do so, until there came on a little rain, which sent them all +back except a few archers. + +It was this very time which the Spaniards and Italians had chosen for their +attack. They marched on through the night, which was very dark, and in +order to recognise each other they all wore a white shirt over their +armour. When they arrived near the village they were amazed to see no one, +and began to fear that the Good Knight had heard of their enterprise and +had retired to Biagrasso. A hundred steps farther on they came upon the few +poor archers on the watch, who fled, crying, "Alarm! Alarm!" But they were +so hotly pursued that the foe was at the barriers as soon as they were. + +The Good Knight, who in such danger never slept without his steel +gauntlets and thigh-pieces, with his cuirass by his side, was soon armed, +and mounted his horse, which was already saddled. Then, with five or six of +his own men-at-arms, he rode straight to the barrier, and was joined by de +Lorges and some of his foot-soldiers, who made a good fight. The village +was already surrounded, and eager search was made for Bayard, who was the +sole object of the expedition, and there was much shouting and confusion. +When the Good Knight at the barrier heard the drums of the enemy's +foot-soldiers, he said to the Captain Lorges: "My friend, if they pass this +barrier we are done for. I pray you, retire with your men, keep close +together and march straight for Biagrasso, while I remain with the horsemen +to protect your rear. We must leave the enemy our baggage, but let us save +the men." Lorges at once obeyed, and the retreat was carried out so +cleverly that not ten men we're lost. The Emperor's people were still +seeking for the Good Knight when he had already reached Biagrasso and +spoken his mind to the Admiral. Bayard was quite broken-hearted at the +misfortune which had befallen him, although it was certainly not his fault, +but there is more chance in war than in anything else. + +Still, there was more than chance in these disasters of the French in +Italy. They had quite miscalculated the strength of their enemies, amongst +whom was now the famous general, Charles de Bourbon, late Constable of +France. The young French King, at a time when Spain, England, and Italy +were all against him, had most unwisely deprived Bourbon of the whole of +his vast estates by means of a legal quibble; and his greatest subject, +driven to desperation by this ungrateful treatment, had passed over to the +service of Charles V., and was now in command of the Spanish army. It was +he who urged the immediate pursuit of the French when Bonnivet, discouraged +by ill success and sickness in his camp, retreated from his strong position +at Biagrasso. He made one blunder after another, for now that it was too +late he sent a messenger to raise a levy of six thousand Swiss to join him +by way of Ivria. + +According to his usual gallant custom, as the army retired with forced +marches towards the Alps, Bayard took command of the rear-guard, and as the +Spaniards followed day by day he bore all the brunt of the constant +skirmishing which took place. It was a most perilous office, for the enemy +was well provided with artillery, and when the Good Knight made a gallant +charge with his company and drove back the men-at-arms, he would be +attacked by a shower of stones from the arquebusiers. He seemed to bear a +charmed life, though ever in the post of danger, for others were wounded or +killed while he escaped unhurt until a certain fatal day when the +retreating French army had reached the valley of the Sesia beyond Novara. +Here it was that Bonnivet saw his expected troop of Swiss allies on the +opposite bank of the river, and at once sent word to them to cross over and +join him. But what was his dismay when the Swiss captains replied that the +King of France had not paid them or kept his word, and they had come to +fetch away their comrades who were in the French army. Worse still, when +this became known, all the Swiss mercenaries in his camp rose in open +rebellion against Bonnivet, and lost no time in crossing the river, +overjoyed to leave a losing cause and go back to their homes with so good +an excuse. + +The unfortunate French commander was in despair and hoping to hide the +catastrophe from the pursuing enemy, he ordered a brisk skirmish, in which +he took part with plenty of courage and was severely wounded in the arm. +The Good Knight Bayard did prodigies of valour, driving back a whole +company of arquebusiers, but in the moment of triumph he was struck by the +stone from an arquebus and received mortal injury. Raising the hilt of his +sword in the sign of the cross, he cried aloud: "Miserere mei, Deus +secundum magnam misericordiam tuam!" He refused to be taken away, saying +that he had never turned his back on his enemy, and his faithful steward +Jacques Jeffrey and his squire lifted him from his horse and placed him +with his back to a tree, still facing the foe with a brave countenance. + +We have a most pathetic and touching account of this last scene, in which +the Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach died as he had lived, +bearing himself with humble devotion towards God and loving care and +thought towards all men. His friends would have borne him away, but he +implored them to leave him and seek their own safety, for he was in such +terrible pain that he could not endure to be moved. He sent his last +salutations to the King his master, and to all his companions, and took an +affectionate leave of his heart-broken friends, who obeyed his command, all +but the one faithful attendant who remained with him to the end. This was +his steward, Jacques Jeffrey, and we are told of the poor man's grief and +despair, while his master sought to comfort him with brave and noble words. +"Jacques, my friend, cease your lament, for it is the will of God to take +me away from this world where by His grace I have long dwelt and received +more good things and honours than I deserve. The only regret that I have in +dying is that I have failed in my duty ... and I pray my Creator in His +infinite mercy to have pity on my poor soul...." + +Nothing could exceed the consternation and sorrow which spread through the +French camp when the news reached them that Bayard was wounded and in +mortal agony. The same feeling was shared by his enemies, for to them the +name of Bayard represented the most perfect knight in all the world, the +pattern of chivalry whom every true man sought to imitate from afar. + +In sad procession the captains of Spain and Italy came to do honour and +reverence to the dying hero. Amongst them the Marquis of Pescara (the +husband of Vittoria Colonna) found noble words to speak the praise and +admiration which filled the hearts of all. "Would to God, my gentle lord of +Bayard, that I had been wounded nigh unto death if only you were in health +again and my prisoner; for then I could have shown you how highly I esteem +your splendid prowess and valour ... since I first made acquaintance with +arms I have never heard of any knight who even approached you in every +virtue of chivalry.... Never was so great a loss for all Christendom.... +But since there is no remedy for death, may God in His mercy take your soul +to be with Him...." Such were the tender and pitiful regrets from the +hostile camp for the cruel loss to all chivalry of the Good Knight without +Fear and without Reproach. + +They would have tended him with devoted service, but Bayard knew that he +was past all human help, and only prayed that he might not be moved in +those last hours of agony. A stately tent was spread out above him to +protect him from the weather, and he was laid at rest beneath it with the +gentlest care. He asked for a priest, to whom he devoutly made his +confession, and with touching words of prayer and resignation to the will +of his heavenly Father, he gave back his soul to God on April 30, 1524. + +With the greatest sorrow and mourning of both armies, his body was carried +to the church, where solemn services were held for him during two days, and +then Bayard was borne by his own people into Dauphiné. + +A great company came to meet the funeral procession at the foot of the +mountains, and he was borne with solemn state from church to church until +Notre Dame of Grenoble was reached, and here all the nobles of Dauphiné and +the people of the city were gathered to do honour to their beloved hero +when the last sad rites were performed. He was mourned and lamented for +many a long day as the very flower of chivalry, the Good Knight without +Fear and without Reproach. + +[Illustration: The Death of Bayard.] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear +And Without Reproach, by Christopher Hare + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11363 *** diff --git a/11363-h/11363-h.htm b/11363-h/11363-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e5c66b --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/11363-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3791 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Bayard, by Christopher Hare.</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; background-color: white} + H1,H2,H3,H4 { text-align: center; } + .ctr {text-align: center;} + .toc {text-align:center;} + --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11363 ***</div> + +<h1>BAYARD</h1> +<h2> + THE GOOD KNIGHT WITHOUT + FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH +</h2> +<h3> + BY<br /> + CHRISTOPHER HARE +</h3> +<p> </p> +<a name="image-1"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/bayard.jpg" width="228" height="356" +alt="BAYARD"> +</p> +<h3> + WITH COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS BY<br /> + HERBERT COLE +</h3> +<p> </p> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> +<p> + That courtesy title which flies to the mind whenever the name Bayard is + mentioned—"The Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach"—is no fancy + name bestowed by modern admirers, but was elicited by the hero's merits in + his own day and from his own people. +</p> +<p> + The most valuable chronicle of the Good Knight's life and deeds was written + with charming simplicity by a faithful follower, who, in single-hearted + devotion to his beloved master's fame, took no thought for himself, but + blotted out his own identity, content to remain for all time a nameless + shadow—merely the LOYAL SERVITOR. It is from his record that the incidents + in the following pages are retold. +</p> +<p> + The "Loyal Servitor" is now believed from recent research to have been + Jacques de Mailles, his intimate friend and companion-at-arms, probably his + secretary. He certainly learnt from Bayard himself the story of his early + years, which he tells so delightfully, and he writes with the most minute + detail about the later events which happened in his presence, and the + warlike encounters in which he himself took part; and a most vivid and + interesting account he makes of it. In an ancient catalogue of the Mazarine + Library, his book is first set down as the <i>Histoire du Chevalier Bayard, + par</i> Jacques de Mailles, Paris, in 4to, 1514 (probably a mistake for 1524). + The better-known edition, with only the name of the "Loyal Servitor," was + published in 1527, under the title of +</p> +<h4> + THE VERY JOYFUL AND VERY DELIGHTFUL<br /> + HISTORY<br /> + OF THE LIFE, THE HEROIC DEEDS, THE TRIUMPHS<br /> + AND THE VALOUR OF THE GOOD KNIGHT<br /> + WITHOUT FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH<br /><br /> + BAYARD + </h4> + <a name="image-2"></a> + <p class="ctr"><img src="images/chevalier.jpg" width="180" height="257" + alt="BAYARD: Le bon Chevalier sans peur +et sans reproche"> +</p> +<p> </p> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-1">CHAPTER I</a><br /> +Illustration: LE CHEVALIER BAYARD +Sans peur et sans reproche</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-2">CHAPTER 2</a><br /> +Illustration: CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE +from a medallion</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-3">CHAPTER 3</a><br /> +Illustration: LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE +from a medallion</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-4">CHAPTER 4</a><br /> +Illustration: LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE OF MILAN +from a medallion</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-5">CHAPTER 5</a><br /> +Illustration: THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +from the portrait by Albert Durer</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-6">CHAPTER 6</a><br > +Illustration: ANDREA GRITTI DOGE of VENICE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-7">CHAPTER 7</a><br > +Illustration: POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-8">CHAPTER 8</a><br > +Illustration: HENRY the EIGHTH KING of ENGLAND +from the portrait by Hans Holbein</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-9">CHAPTER 9</a><br > +Illustration: FRANCIS the FIRST KING of FRANCE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli</p> +<p> </p> +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-1"> + BAYARD +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-2"> + BAYARD: LE BON CHEVALIER SANS PEUR ET SANS REPROCHE +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-3"> + A FINE EXHIBITION OF HORSEMANSHIP +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-4"> + BATTLE OF FORNOVO +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-5"> + BAYARD DEFENDS THE BRIDGE +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-6"> + THE PAGE PRESENTS HIS PRISONER +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-7"> + SEIZURE OF THE SPY +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-8"> + BAYARD PRESENTED TO HENRY VIII +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-9"> + THE DEATH OF BAYARD +</a> +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-1"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap1.jpg" width="187" height="96" +alt="LE CHEVALIER BAYARD +Sans peur et sans reproche"> +</p> +<h3>THE STORY OF BAYARD</h3> +<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> +<p> + Pierre Terrail, the renowned Bayard of history, was born at the Castle of + Bayard, in Dauphiné, about the year 1474, when Louis XI. was King of + France. He came of an ancient and heroic race, whose chief privilege had + been to shed their blood for France throughout the Middle Ages. +</p> +<p> + The lord of Bayard had married Hélène Alleman, a good and pious lady of a + noble family, whose brother Laurent was the Bishop of Grenoble. Pierre + Bayard, the hero of this story, was the second son of a large family; he + had three brothers and four sisters. His eldest brother, Georges, was five + or six years older than himself, then came his sisters, Catherine, Jeanne, + and Marie, while younger than himself were Claudie, and two brothers, + Jacques and Philippe. +</p> +<p> + Like so many other mediaeval strongholds, the Castle of Bayard was built + upon a rocky hill, which always gave an advantage in case of attack. It had + been erected by the great-grandfather and namesake of our Pierre Bayard, + probably on the site of an earlier stronghold, in the year 1404. No better + position could have been chosen, for it commanded a deep valley on two + sides, in a wild and mountainous district of Dauphiné, near the village of + Pontcharra in the Graisivaudan. Even now we can still see from its ruins + what a powerful fortress it was in its time, with massive towers three + stories high, standing out well in front of the castle wall, and defended + by a strong drawbridge. Well fortified, it could have stood a siege before + the days of artillery. +</p> +<p> + But towards the end of the fifteenth century, when Bayard's childhood was + spent here, such castles as these were not looked upon as mainly places of + defence and refuge, they were gradually becoming more like the later + manor-houses—family homes, with comfortable chambers and halls, where once + there had chiefly been the rude dwelling of a garrison used for defence and + stored with missiles and arms. +</p> +<p> + Each story of the castle, as well as the towers, would contain various + chambers, well lighted with windows pierced in the thick stone walls. On + the first floor, approached by a broad flight of steps from the court, we + find the oratory—scarcely large enough to be dignified by the name of + chapel—the dining-hall, and the private chamber of the lord of the castle. + On the floor above this the lady of Bayard had her own apartment, the + "garde-robe" or closet where her dresses were kept, and the place where her + daughters as they grew up, and any maidens who were brought up under her + care, sat at their needlework, and where they slept at night. On the upper + story were the rooms for the young children with their maids, and the + various guest-chambers. +</p> +<p> + The ground floor below the dining-halls was a dark place given up to + store-rooms and the servants' quarters, and below this again were cellars + and grim dungeons, which could only be reached by trap-doors. The kitchen, + usually a round building, stood in an outer court, and here great wood + fires could be used for the needful hospitality of a country house. The + stables and the rough quarters for the serving-men were beyond. +</p> +<p> + The dining-hall was used as a court of justice when the lord of the castle + had to settle any difficulties, to receive his dues, or reprimand and + punish any refractory vassal. At one end of this hall was a great hearth, + where most substantial logs of wood could be laid across the fire-dogs, and + burn with a cheerful blaze to light and warm the company in the long, cold + winter evenings. At meal-times trestle tables were brought in, and on these + the food was served, the long benches being placed on each side of them. On + the special occasions of important visits or unusual festivities, a high + table was set out at the upper end. The floor was covered with fresh + rushes, skins of wolf or bear being laid before the fire, and the walls + were stencilled in white and yellow on the higher part, and hung with serge + or frieze below. Only in the lady's chamber do we find carpets and hangings + of tapestry or embroidery, part of her wedding dowry or the work of her + maidens. Here, too, were a few soft cushions on the floor to sit upon, some + carved chairs, tables, and coffers. The master of the house always had his + great arm-chair with a head, and curtains to keep off the draughts, which + were many and bitterly cold in winter-time. +</p> +<p> + The chronicler of Bayard, known as the "Loyal Servitor," begins his story + on a spring day of the year 1487. +</p> +<p> + Aymon Terrail, lord of Bayard, sat by the fireside in his own chamber, the + walls of which were hung with old arms and trophies of the chase. He felt + ill and out of spirits. He was growing old—he had not long to live: so he + assured his good wife. +</p> +<p> + What was to become of his sons when he was gone? A sudden thought occurred + to him. "I will send for them at once, and we will give them a voice in the + matter." +</p> +<p> + To this the lady of Bayard agreed, for she never crossed her lord's will, + and at least it would distract his gloomy thoughts. It chanced that all the + four lads were at home, and ready to obey their father's command. As they + entered the room and came forward, one by one, in front of the great chair + by the hearth, somewhat awed by this hasty summons, they were encouraged by + a smile from their mother, who sat quietly in the background with her + embroidery. +</p> +<p> + The assembled group made a striking picture. The grand old man, a massive + figure seated in his canopied arm-chair, with white hair and flowing beard + and piercing black eyes, was closely wrapped in a long dark robe lined with + fur, and wore a velvet cap which came down over his shaggy brows. Before + him stood his four well-grown, sturdy, ruddy-faced boys, awaiting his + pleasure with seemly reverence, for none of them would have dared to be + seated unbidden in the presence of their father. Aymon de Bayard turned to + his eldest son, a big, strongly-built youth of eighteen, and asked him what + career in life he would like to follow. Georges, who knew that he was heir + to the domain and that he would probably not have long to wait for his + succession, made answer respectfully that he never wished to leave his + home, and that he would serve his father faithfully to the end of his days. + Possibly this was what the lord of Bayard expected, for he showed no + surprise, but simply replied, "Very well, Georges, as you love your home + you shall stay here and go a-hunting to fight the bears." +</p> +<p> + Next in order came Pierre, the "Good Knight" of history, who was then + thirteen years of age, as lively as a cricket, and who replied with a + smiling face, "My lord and father, although my love for you would keep me + in your service, yet you have so rooted in my heart the story of noble men + of the past, especially of our house, that if it please you, I will follow + the profession of arms like you and your ancestors. It is that which I + desire more than anything else in the world, and I trust that by the help + of God's grace I may not dishonour you." +</p> +<p> + The third son, Jacques, said that he wished to follow in the steps of his + uncle, Monseigneur d'Ainay, the prior of a rich abbey near Lyons. The + youngest boy, Philippe, made the same choice, and said that he would wish + to be like his uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble. +</p> +<p> + After this conversation with his four sons the lord of Bayard, not being + able to ride forth himself, sent one of his servants on the morrow to + Grenoble, about eighteen miles distant, with a letter to his brother-in-law + the Bishop, begging him to come to his Castle of Bayard as he had important + things to say to him. The good Bishop, who was always delighted to give + pleasure to any one, readily agreed. He set off as soon as he had received + the letter, and arrived in due time at the castle, where he found Aymon de + Bayard seated in his great chair by the fire. They greeted each other + warmly and spent a very pleasant evening together with several other + gentlemen of Dauphiné, guests of the house. +</p> +<p> + At the end of dinner, the venerable lord of Bayard thus addressed the + company: "My lord Bishop, and you, my lords, it is time to tell you the + reason for which I have called you together. You see that I am so oppressed + with age that it is hardly possible I can live two years. God has given me + four sons, each of whom has told me what he would like to do. My son Pierre + told me that he would follow the calling of arms, and thus gave me singular + pleasure. He greatly resembles my late father, and if he is like him in his + deeds he cannot fail to be a great and noble knight. It is needful for his + training that I should place him in the household of some prince or lord + where he may learn aright his profession. I pray you that you will each + tell me what great House you advise." +</p> +<p> + Then said one of the ancient knights: "He must be sent to the King of + France." Another suggested that he would do very well with the Duke of + Bourbon; and thus one after another gave his advice. At last the Bishop of + Grenoble spoke: "My brother, you know that we are in great friendship with + the Duke Charles of Savoy, and that he holds us in the number of his + faithful vassals. I think that he would willingly take the boy as one of + his pages. He is at Chambéry, which is near here; and if it seems good to + you, and to the company, I will take him there to-morrow morning." +</p> +<p> + This proposal of the Bishop of Grenoble seemed excellent to all present, + and Pierre Bayard was formally presented to him by his father, who said: + "Take him, my lord, and may God grant that he prove a worthy gift and do + you honour by his life." The Bishop at once sent in haste to Grenoble with + orders to his own tailor to bring velvet, satin, and all things needful to + make a noble page presentable. It was a night to be long remembered in the + castle, for cunning hands were pressed into the service under the eyes of + the master tailor, who stitched away through the long hours in such style + that next morning all was ready. A proud and happy boy was Bayard the next + morning when, after breakfast, clad in his fine new clothes, he rode the + chestnut horse into the courtyard before the admiring gaze, of all the + company assembled to look upon him. +</p> +<a name="image-3"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/horsemanship.jpg" width="210" height="283" +alt="A fine exhibition of horsemanship."> +</p> +<p> + When the spirited animal felt that he had such a light weight upon his + back, while at the same time he was urged on with spurs, he began to prance + about in the most lively fashion, and everybody expected to see the boy + thrown off. But Bayard kept his seat like a man of thirty, spurred on his + horse, and galloped round and round the court, as brave as a lion, his eyes + sparkling with delight. An old soldier like his father thoroughly + appreciated the lad's nerve and spirit, and could scarcely help betraying + the pride he felt in him. But the wise Bishop probably thought that the lad + had received quite as much notice as was good for him, and announced that + he was ready to start, adding to his nephew: "Now, my friend, you had + better not dismount, but take leave of all the company." +</p> +<p> + Bayard first turned to his father with a beaming countenance. "My lord and + father, I pray God that He may give you a good and long life, and trust + that before you are taken from this world you may have good news of me." + "My son, such is my prayer," was the old man's reply as he gave the boy his + blessing. Bayard then took leave of all the gentlemen present, one after + the other. Meantime the poor lady his mother was in her tower chamber, + where she was busy to the last moment packing a little chest with such + things as she knew her boy would need in his new life. Although she was + glad of the fair prospect before him, and very proud of her son, yet she + could not restrain her tears at the thought of parting from him; for such + is the way of mothers. +</p> +<p> + Yet when they came and told her, "Madame, if you would like to see your son + he is on horseback all ready to start," the good lady went bravely down to + the little postern door behind the tower and sent for Pierre to come to + her. As the boy rode up proudly at her summons and bending low in his + saddle took off his plumed cap in smiling salutation, he was a gallant + sight for loving eyes to rest upon. Bayard never forgot his mother's + parting words. "Pierre, my boy, you are going into the service of a noble + prince. In so far as a mother can rule her child, I command you three + things, and if you do them, be assured that you will live triumphantly in + this world. The first is that above all things you should ever fear and + serve God; seek His help night and morning and He will help you. The second + is that you should be gentle and courteous to all men, being yourself free + from all pride. Be ever humble and helpful, avoiding envy, flattery, and + tale-bearing. Be loyal, my son, in word and deed, that all men may have + perfect trust in you. Thirdly, with the goods that God may give you, be + ever full of charity to the poor, and freely generous to all men. And may + God give us grace that while we live we may always hear you well spoken + of." +</p> +<p> + In a few simple words the boy promised to remember, and took a loving + farewell of her. Then his lady mother drew from her sleeve a little purse, + in which were her private savings: six gold crowns and one in small + change,<a href="#note-1"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + and this she gave to her son. Also, calling one of the + attendants of the Bishop, she entrusted him with the little trunk + containing linen and other necessaries for Bayard, begging him to give it + in the care of the equerry who would have charge of the boy at the Duke of + Savoy's Court, and she gave him two crowns. There was no time for more, as + the Bishop of Grenoble was now calling his nephew. As he set forth on that + Saturday morning, riding his spirited chestnut towards Chambéry, with the + sun shining and the birds singing, and all his future like a fair vision + before him, young Bayard thought that he was in paradise. +</p> +<a name="note-1"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> + [The gold crown was then worth 1 livre 15 sous. Multiplying + this by 31, in order to find its present value, we learn that the sum which + Bayard received from his mother would to-day be worth 266 francs, or about + 10 guineas.] +</p> +<p> + Pierre Bayard had set forth from his home in the early morning, soon after + breakfast, and he rode all day by the side of his uncle until, in the + evening, they reached the town of Chambéry, where all the clergy came out + to meet the Bishop of Grenoble, for this was part of his diocese, where he + had his official dwelling. That night he remained at his lodging without + showing himself at Court, although the Duke was soon informed of his + arrival, at which he was very pleased. The next morning, which was Sunday, + the Bishop rose very early and went to pay his respects to the Duke of + Savoy, who received him with the greatest favour, and had a long talk with + him all the way from the castle to the church, where the Bishop of Grenoble + said Mass with great ceremony. When this was over, the Duke led him by the + hand to dine with him, and at this meal young Bayard waited upon his uncle + and poured out his wine with much skill and care. The Duke noticed this + youthful cup-bearer and asked the Bishop, "My lord of Grenoble, who is this + young boy who is serving you?" +</p> +<p> + "My lord," was the reply, "this is a man-at-arms whom I have come to + present to you for your service if you will be pleased to accept him. But + he is not now in the condition in which I desire to give him to you; after + dinner, if it is your pleasure, you will see him." +</p> +<p> + "It would be very strange if I refused such a present," said the Duke, who + had already taken a fancy to the boy. +</p> +<p> + Now young Bayard, who had already received instructions from his uncle, + wasted no time over his own dinner, but hurried back to get his horse + saddled and in good order, then he rode quietly into the courtyard of the + castle. The Duke of Savoy was, as usual, resting after dinner in the long + gallery, or <i>perron</i>, built the whole length of the keep, on a level with + the first floor, and overlooking the great courtyard below. It was like a + cloister, with great arched windows, and served for a general meeting-place + or lounge in cold or wet weather. From thence he could see the boy going + through all his pretty feats of horsemanship as if he had been a man of + thirty who had been trained to war all his life. He was greatly pleased, + and turning to the Bishop of Grenoble he said to him, "My lord, I believe + that is your little favourite who is riding so well?" +</p> +<p> + "You are quite right, my lord Duke," was the answer. "He is my nephew, and + comes of a race where there have been many gallant knights. His father, who + from the wounds he has received in battle, and from advancing age, is + unable to come himself to your Court, recommends himself very humbly to + your good grace, and makes you a present of the boy." +</p> +<p> + "By my faith!" exclaimed the Duke, "I accept him most willingly; it is a + very fine and handsome present. May God make him a great man!" +</p> +<p> + He then sent for the most trusty equerry of his stables and gave into his + charge young Bayard, with the assurance that one day he would do him great + credit. The Bishop of Grenoble, having accomplished his business, did not + tarry long after this, but having humbly thanked the Duke of Savoy, took + leave of him and of his nephew, and returned to his own home. +</p> +<p> + Those spring and summer months spent at the Court of Savoy remained a happy + memory to Bayard all his life. On feast-days and holidays the whole company + would go out into the woods or the meadows, the Duchess Blanche with her + young maidens and attendant ladies, while the knights and squires and pages + waited upon them as they dined under the trees, and afterwards played games + and made the air ring with their merry songs. Or there were hunting and + hawking parties which lasted for more than one day, or river excursions + down as far as the Lake of Bourget, where the Duke had a summer palace. It + must have been on occasions such as these when the gallant young Bayard met + with the maiden who caught his boyish fancy, and to whom he remained + faithful at heart until the end of his days. Yet this pretty old-world + story of boy-and-girl affection made no farther progress, and when the + knight and lady met in the years to come, once more under the hospitable + care of the good Duchess Blanche, they met as congenial friends only. The + fair maiden of Chambéry is known to history solely by her later married + name of Madame de Frussasco (or Fluxas), and in the records of chivalry + only by the tournament in which the "Good Knight without Fear and without + Reproach" wore her colours and won the prize in her name. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-2"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap2.jpg" width="193" height="88" +alt="CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE +from a medallion"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> +<p> + The King heard that the Duke of Savoy was coming to his Court, and he sent + the Comte de Ligny to conduct the Duke on his way, and to receive him with + due honour. They met him about six miles from Lyons, and gave him a warm + welcome, after which the two princes rode side by side, and had much talk + together, for they were cousins and had not met for a long time. Now this + Monseigneur de Ligny was a great general, and with his quick, observant eye + he soon took notice of young Bayard, who was in the place of honour close + to his lord, and he inquired: "Who is that gallant little lad riding his + horse so well that it is quite a pleasure to see him?" +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word," replied the Duke, "I never had such a delightful page + before. He is a nephew of the Bishop of Grenoble, who made me a present of + him only six months ago. He was but just out of the riding-school, but I + never saw a boy of his age distinguish himself so much either on foot or on + horseback. And I may tell you, my lord and cousin, that he comes of a grand + old race of brave and noble knights; I believe he will follow in their + steps." Then he cried out to Bayard: "Use your spurs, my lad, give your + horse a free course and show what you can do." +</p> +<p> + The lad did not want telling twice, and he gave such a fine exhibition of + horsemanship that he delighted all the company. "On my honour, my lord, + here is a young gentleman who has the making of a gallant knight," + exclaimed de Ligny; "and in my opinion you had better make a present of + both page and horse to the King, who will be very glad of them, for if the + horse is good and handsome, to my mind the page is still better." +</p> +<p> + "Since this is your advice," replied Charles of Savoy, "I will certainly + follow it. In order to succeed, the boy cannot learn in a better school + than the Royal House of France, where honour may be gained better than + elsewhere." +</p> +<p> + With such pleasant talk they rode on together into the city of Lyons, where + the streets were full of people, and many ladies were looking out of the + windows to see the coming of this noble prince and his gay company. That + night the Duke gave a banquet in his own lodging, where the King's + minstrels and singers entertained the guests, then there were games and + pastimes, ending with the usual wine and spices being handed round, and at + last each one retired to his own chamber until the dawn of day. +</p> +<p> + The next morning the Duke rose early and set forth to seek the King, whom + he found on the point of going to Mass. The King greeted him at once most + warmly and embraced him, saying, "My cousin, my good friend, you are indeed + welcome, and if you had not come to me I should have had to visit you in + your own country...." Then, after more polite talk, they rode together on + their mules to the convent, and devoutly heard Mass, after which the King + entertained the Duke of Savoy, Monsieur de Ligny, and other nobles to + dinner with him, and they had much merry talk about dogs and falcons, arms + and love-affairs. Presently de Ligny said to the King: "Sire, I give you my + word that my lord of Savoy wishes to give you a page who rides his chestnut + better than any boy I ever saw, and he cannot be more than fourteen, + although his horsemanship is as good as that of a man of thirty. If it + pleases you to go and hear vespers at Ainay you will have your pastime in + the fields there afterwards." "By my faith," cried the King, "I do wish + it!" and he heard the whole story of this wonderful boy from the Duke of + Savoy. +</p> +<p> + When young Bayard heard that the King was to see him he was as much + delighted as if he had won the city of Lyons; and he went in haste to the + head groom of the Duke of Savoy and prayed him to get his horse ready for + him, offering his short dagger as a present. But this the man refused and + made reply: "Go and comb and clean yourself, my friend, and put on your + best clothes, and if, by God's help, the King of France takes you in + favour, you may some day become a great lord and be able to serve me." + "Upon my faith! You may trust me never to forget all the kindness you have + shown me," replied the boy; "and if God ever gives me good fortune you + shall share it." It seemed a long time to his impatience before the hour + arrived when he rode his horse, attended by his equerry, to the meadow + where he was to await the King and his company, who arrived by boat on the + Saône. As soon as Charles VIII. had landed he cried: "Page, my friend, + touch up your horse with your spurs!" which the lad did at once, and to see + him you would have thought that he had been doing it all his life. At the + end of his race Bayard made his clever horse take a few jumps, and then he + rode straight towards the King and gracefully drew up before him with a low + bow. All the company was delighted with the performance, and the King bade + him do it again. "Picquez! Picquez!" (Prick up your horse!), he cried, and + all the pages shouted: "Picquez! Picquez!" with enthusiasm, so that for + some time the name stuck to him. +</p> +<p> + Then Charles turned to the Duke of Savoy and said: "I see that my cousin of + Ligny told me the truth at dinner, and now I will not wait for you to give + me this page and his horse, but I demand it of you as a favour." +</p> +<p> + "Most willingly, my lord," answered the Duke, "and may God give him grace + to do you true service." After this young Bayard was given into the special + charge of the lord of Ligny, who was greatly pleased and felt sure that he + would make of him a noble knight. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, the Duke of Savoy remained for awhile at the Court of Charles + VIII., with whom he was in great favour, and they were like brothers + together. This young King was one of the best of princes, courteous, + generous, and beloved of all men. At length the day of departure came, and + the good Duke went back to his own country, laden with beautiful and + honourable presents. +</p> +<p> + During three years young Bayard remained as a page in the service of the + Seigneur de Ligny, being trained with the utmost care in all that would be + needful to him in his profession of arms. +</p> +<p> + He won so much favour from his lord that at the early age of seventeen he + was raised from his position as a page to that of a squire, and appointed + man-at-arms in the General's company, being retained at the same time as + one of the gentlemen of the household, with a salary of 300 livres. As a + man-at-arms Bayard would have under him a page or varlet, three archers, + and a soldier armed with a knife (called a "coutillier"). Thus, when we + find a company of men-at-arms spoken of, it means for each "lance garnie," + or man-at-arms, really six fighting men on horseback. +</p> +<p> + When King Charles VIII. found himself once more in his loyal city of Lyons, + it chanced that a certain Burgundian lord, Messire Claude de Vauldray, a + most famous man-at-arms, came to the King and proposed that he should hold + a kind of tournament, called a "Pas d'Armes," to keep the young gentlemen + of the Court from idleness. He meant by this a mimic attack and defence of + a military position, supposed to be a "pas" or difficult and narrow pass in + the mountains. It was a very popular test of chivalry, as the defender hung + up his escutcheons on trees or posts put up for the purpose, and whoever + wished to force this "pas" had to touch one of the escutcheons with his + sword, and have his name inscribed by the King-at-arms in charge of them. +</p> +<p> + There was nothing that King Charles VIII. loved better than these + chivalrous tournaments, and he gladly gave his consent. Messire Claude de + Vauldray at once set about his preparations, and hung up his escutcheons + within the lists which had been arranged for the coming tournament. +</p> +<p> + Young Bayard, whom every one called Picquet, passed before the shields and + sighed with longing to accept the challenge and so improve himself in the + noble science of arms. As he stood there silent and thoughtful, his + companion, called Bellabre, of the household of the Sire de Ligny, asked + him what he was thinking of. He replied: "I will tell you, my friend. It + has pleased my lord to raise me from the condition of page into that of a + squire, and I long to touch that shield, but I have no means of obtaining + suitable armour and horses." Then Bellabre, a brave young fellow some years + older than himself, exclaimed: "Why do you trouble about that, my + companion? Have you not your uncle, that fat Abbé of Ainay? I vow that we + must go to him, and if he will not give you money we must take his cross + and mitre! But I believe that when he sees your courage he will willingly + help you." +</p> +<p> + Bayard at once went and touched the shield, whereupon Mountjoy, King-at-arms, + who was there to write down the names, began to reason with him. "How is + this, Picquet, my friend; you will not be growing your beard for the next + three years, and yet you think of fighting against Messire Claude, who is + one of the most valiant knights of all France?" But the youth replied + modestly: "Mountjoy, my friend, what I am doing is not from pride or + conceit, but my only desire is to learn how to fight from those who can + teach me. And if God pleases He will grant that I may do something to + please the ladies." Whereupon Mountjoy broke out into a hearty laugh, + which showed how much he enjoyed it. +</p> +<p> + The news soon spread through Lyons that Picquet had touched the shield of + Messire Claude, and it came to the ears of the Sire de Ligny, who would not + have missed it for ten thousand crowns. He went at once to tell the King, + who was greatly delighted and said: "Upon my faith! Cousin de Ligny, your + training will do you honour again, if my heart tells me true." "We shall + see how it will turn out," was the grave reply; "for the lad is still very + young to stand the attack of a man like Messire Claude." +</p> +<p> + But that was not what troubled young Bayard; it was the question how to + find money for suitable horses and accoutrements. So he went to his + companion, Bellabre, and asked for his help. "My friend, I beg of you to + come with me to persuade my uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, to give me money. I + know that my uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble, would let me want for nothing + if he were here, but he is away at his Abbey of St. Sernin at Toulouse, + which is so far off that there would be no time for a man to go there and + back." "Do not trouble," said his friend, "you and I will go to Ainay, and + I trust we shall manage it." This was some comfort, but the young warrior + had no sleep that night. He and Bellabre, who shared the same bed, rose + very early and took one of the little boats from Lyons to Ainay. On their + arrival, the first person they met in the meadow was the Abbé himself, + reading his prayers with one of his monks. The two young men advanced to + salute him, but he had already heard of his nephew's exploit, and received + him very roughly. "Who made you bold enough to touch the shield of Messire + Claude?" he asked angrily. "Why, you have only been a page for three years, + and you can't be more than seventeen or eighteen. You deserve to be flogged + for showing such great pride." To which his nephew replied: "Monseigneur, I + assure you that pride has nothing to do with it, but the desire and will to + follow in the steps of your brave ancestors and mine. I entreat you, sir, + that, seeing I have no other friends or kindred near, you will help me with + a little money to obtain what is needful." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word!" exclaimed the Abbé, "go and seek help elsewhere; the funds + of my abbey are meant to serve God and not to be spent in jousts and + tournaments." Bellabre now put in his word and remonstrated. +</p> +<p> + "Monseigneur, if it had not been for the virtue and the valour of your + ancestors you would never have been Abbé of Ainay, for by their merits and + not yours it was gained. Your nephew is of the same noble race, and + well-beloved of the King; it is absolutely necessary that you should help + him...." After more talk of this kind the Abbé at last consented, and took + the two squires into his own room, where he opened a little cupboard, and + from a purse which was inside he took out a hundred crowns and gave them to + Bellabre, saying: "I give you this to buy two horses for this brave + man-at-arms, for he has not enough beard to handle money himself. I will + also write a line to + Laurencin,<a href="#note-2"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + my tailor, to supply him with needful + accoutrements." "You have done well, my lord," said Bellabre, "and I assure + you that every one will honour you for this." When the young gentlemen had + their letter they took leave with many humble thanks, and returned at once + to Lyons in their little boat, highly pleased with their success. +</p> +<a name="note-2"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[The most important and wealthy merchant of Lyons.] +</p> +<p> + "We are in good luck," said Bellabre, "and we must make the most of it. Let + us go at once to the merchant before your good uncle changes his mind, for + he will soon remember that he has put no limit to your expenses, and he can + have no idea what a proper outfit will cost. You may be sure that you will + never see any more of his money." So they took their boat on to the + market-place, found the merchant at home, lost no time in telling of the + good Abbé's generosity, and encouraged Laurencin to exert himself to the + utmost in the way of splendid suits of clothing and armour, to do honour to + his patron's gallant nephew, for there seemed to be no question of economy. + Bayard was measured and fitted with cloth of silver, velvet, and satin, + and then went gaily home with his friend, both of them thinking it an + excellent jest. +</p> +<p> + When the Abbé of Ainay bethought himself later of what he had done, and + sent a messenger in haste to the tailor, he found that it was too late and + that his bill would come to hundreds of crowns. He was furious, and vowed + that his nephew should never have another penny from him; but that did not + mend matters, for the story got about, to the intense amusement of the King + and his Court, and the rich old miser met with no sympathy. +</p> +<p> + The young men were fortunate enough to buy two excellent horses for much + less than their value from a brave knight who had broken his leg, and not + being able to figure in the contests himself, was willing to help so + gallant a youth. +</p> +<p> + The time was drawing near for the great tournament, which would be a high + festival for the town and was looked forward to with much eagerness and + excitement. The course on which the knights were to fight was surrounded + and duly laid out with richly-painted posts. At one side of this enclosed + field, stands were put up and made very bright and gay with coloured + hangings, carpets, embroidered banners, and escutcheons. It was here that + the royal and noble company would sit and watch the proceedings. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, by permission of the King, Messire Claude de Vauldray had caused + it to be published and declared throughout the city that he would hold the + "pas" against all comers, both on foot and on horseback, on the approaching + Monday. +</p> +<p> + A tournament was always a gorgeous and brilliant spectacle, but on this + occasion, being held by the King's desire and graced by his presence, it + was more splendid than usual. In our day, when it is the custom of men to + avoid all show and colour in their dress, we can scarcely picture to + ourselves the magnificence of those knights of the Renaissance. When the + gallant gentleman actually entered the lists for fighting, he wore his suit + of polished armour, often inlaid with gold or silver, a coloured silken + scarf across his shoulders richly embroidered with his device, and on his + head a shining helmet with a great tuft of flowing plumes. But in the + endless stately ceremonies which followed or preceded the tournament, the + knight wore his doublet of fine cloth, overlaid with his coat-of-arms + embroidered in silk or gold thread, and an outer surcoat of velvet, often + crimson slashed with white or violet satin, made without sleeves if worn + over the cuirass and finished with a short fluted skirt of velvet. Over + this a short cloak of velvet or satin, even sometimes of cloth of gold, was + worn lightly over one shoulder. +</p> +<p> + If this was the usual style of costume, which had also to be varied on + different festivals, we can easily understand how impossible it was for + young Bayard to procure such costly luxuries on his small means, and we can + almost forgive him for the audacious trick he played on his rich relation + the Abbé of Ainay. Not only was the knight himself richly clad, but we are + told that to appear in a grand tournament even the horse had to have + sumptuous trappings of velvet or satin made by the tailor. We have not + mentioned the suit of armour, which was the most expensive item of all; + being made at this period lighter and more elaborate, with its flexible + over-lying plates of thin, tempered steel, it was far more costly than it + had ever been before. The bravest knights at the Court were proud to try + their fortune against Messire Claude. It was the rule that after the + contest each champion was to ride the whole length of the lists, with his + visor raised and his face uncovered, that it might be known who had done + well or ill. Bayard, who was scarcely eighteen and had not done growing, + was by nature somewhat thin and pale, and had by no means reached his full + strength. But with splendid courage and gallant spirit, he went in for his + first ordeal against one of the finest warriors in the world. The old + chronicler cannot tell how it happened, whether by the special grace of God + or whether Messire Claude took delight in the brave boy, but it so fell out + that no man did better in the lists, either on foot or on horseback, than + young Bayard, and when it came to his turn to ride down with his face + uncovered, the ladies of Lyons openly praised him as the finest champion of + all. He also won golden opinions of all the rest of the company, and King + Charles exclaimed at supper: +</p> +<p> + "By my faith! Picquet has made a beginning which in my opinion promises a + good end." Then, turning to the Sire de Ligny, he added: "My cousin, I + never in my life made you so good a present as when I gave him to you." + "Sire," was the reply, "if he proves himself a worthy knight it will be + more to your honour than mine, for it is your kind praise which has + encouraged him to undertake such a feat of arms as this. May God give him + grace to continue as he has begun." Then the General added, turning round + with a smile to the assembled company: +</p> +<p> + "But we all know that his uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, does not take great + pleasure in the youth's exploits, for it was at the old gentleman's expense + that he procured his accoutrements." This remark was received with a roar + of laughter, in which the King himself joined, for he had already heard the + story and was very much amused at it. Soon after the tournament the Sire + de Ligny sent for young Bayard one morning and said to him: "Picquet, my + friend, you have begun with rare good fortune; you must carry on the + pursuit of arms, and I retain you in my service with three hundred francs a + year and three war-horses, for I have placed you in my company. Now I wish + you to go to the garrison and meet your companions, assuring you that you + will find as gallant men-at-arms there as any in Christendom; they often + have jousts and tournaments to keep in practice of arms and acquire honour. + It seems to me that while awaiting any rumour of war you cannot do better + than stay there." +</p> +<p> + Bayard, who desired nothing more, replied: "My lord, for all the goods + and honours which you have bestowed upon me I can only at this present + time return you thanks.... My greatest desire is to go and join the + company which you speak of, and if it is your good pleasure I will start + to-morrow." "I am quite willing," said the Sire de Ligny; "but you must + first take leave of the King, and I will bring you to him after dinner." + Which was done, and the youth was thus presented: "Sire, here is your + Picquet, who is going to see his companions in Picardy, and he is come to + say good-bye to you." Young Bayard knelt before the King, who said to him + with a smile: "Picquet, my friend, may God continue in you that which I + have seen begun, and you will be a gallant knight; you are going into a + country where there are fair ladies, be courteous and chivalrous to them, + and farewell, my friend." After this, all the princes and lords crowded + round to take leave of the young soldier, with much affection and regret at + losing him. When he reached his lodging, he found that the King had sent + him a purse of three hundred crowns, and also one of the finest war-horses + in the royal stable. With his usual impulsive generosity Bayard gave + handsome presents to the messengers, and then went to spend the evening + with the Sire de Ligny, who treated him as though he were his own son, + giving him wise advice for his future life, and above all bidding him keep + honour always before his eyes. This command did he keep in very truth until + his death. At last, when it grew late, de Ligny said to him: "Picquet, my + friend, I think you will be starting to-morrow morning before I have risen, + may God bless you!" and embraced him with tears, while Bayard on his knees + said good-bye to his kind master. +</p> +<p> + More presents awaited him, for that night there arrived two complete and + costly suits from the Sire de Ligny, who also sent his own favourite + chestnut horse, so that when the young squire set forth at daybreak he was + splendidly equipped in every way with horses, servants, armour, and clothes + suitable to his position. As we have seen, dress was a very expensive thing + in those days, when gentlemen of rank wore velvet, brocade, and satin, both + for evening and riding costume as a matter of course. +</p> +<p> + It was a slow journey into Picardy, for Bayard wished his horses to arrive + in good condition, and only travelled a moderate distance every day. When + he arrived at the little town of Aire, his destination, all the young + officers of the garrison came out to meet him, for the fame of his jousting + with Messire Claude de Vauldray had already reached them. They would not + listen to his modest disclaimers, but feasted and made much of their new + comrade. One lively young noble of the company, probably quite deceived by + the fine show that Bayard made with all his handsome parting gifts, and + taking him for a man of wealth, said to him: "My good companion, you must + make people talk about you, and endeavour to acquire the good favour of + all the fair ladies of this country, and you cannot do better than give us + a tournament, for it is a long time since we have had one in this town." + The poor boy must have been somewhat taken aback by this suggestion, but he + was far too plucky to show it, so he replied with ready goodwill, "On my + faith, Monsieur de Tardieu, is that all? You may be sure that this will + please me even more than yourself. If you will have the goodness to send me + the trumpeter to-morrow morning, and if we have leave of our captain, I + will take care that you shall be satisfied." +</p> +<p> + All that night Bayard was too excited to sleep, and when Tardieu came + to his lodging in the morning with the trumpeter of the company, he + had already settled exactly what he would do and had written out his + announcement, which ran thus: "Pierre de Bayard, young gentleman and + apprentice of arms, native of Dauphiné, of the army of the King of France, + under the high and puissant lord the Sire de Ligny—causeth to be + proclaimed and published a tournament to be held outside the town of Aire, + close to the walls, for all comers, on the 20th day of July. They are to + fight with three charges of the lance without 'lice'" (meaning in this + instance a barrier), "with sharpened point, armed at all points; afterwards + twelve charges with the sword, all on horseback. And to him who does best + will be given a bracelet enamelled with his arms, of the weight of thirty + crowns. The next day there shall be fought on foot a charge with the lance, + at a barrier waist-high, and after the lance is broken, with blows of the + axe, until it is ended at the discretion of the judges and those who keep + the camp. And to him who does best shall be given a diamond of the value of + forty crowns." +</p> +<p> + This sounds more like real war than courtly pastime, and we see how + terribly in earnest this young soldier was. The allusion to "those who keep + the camp" is to the marshals of the tournament and the heralds-at-arms who + kept a very close watch on the combatants. They also maintained on this + miniature battlefield the laws of chivalry and courtesy, giving help to + those who needed it. +</p> +<p> + When a young squire first entered the lists he was warned by the cry: + "Remember of what race you come and do nothing contrary to your honour." + There were many strict rules to be observed; for instance, it was forbidden + to strike your adversary with the point, although it was usually blunted + (but not in this tournament of Bayard's). It was forbidden to attack the + horse of your opponent, and this we can quite understand, for in those + days, when a knight wore complete and heavy armour, if his horse were + killed he was absolutely at the mercy of his enemy. It was always made a + ground of complaint against the Spaniards that they attacked the horses of + the foe. In a tournament it was the rule only to strike at the face or the + chest, both well protected by the visor and the breastplate, and to cease + at once if the adversary raised the visor of his helmet. Also no knight was + to fight out of his rank when making a rush together. This was very + important when the champions were divided into two companies under the + order of two chiefs, and were placed exactly opposite each other, at the + two ends of the arena. On a signal made by the marshals of the tournament, + they charged impetuously upon each other, with their horses at full gallop. + They held the lances straight out until the signal came, then lowering the + lances, they rushed forward amid a cloud of dust with loud war-cries and + the fight became a furious scuffle. The knights who had stood the first + shock without being unhorsed or wounded, pressed forward and fought with + the sword, until one of the marshals threw his wand of office into the + arena to show that the contest was over. +</p> +<p> + In these tournaments the horses were frequently armed as well as their + riders, and they were often gaily caparisoned with emblazoned housings, + sometimes of very costly material, such as satin embroidered with gold or + silver. +</p> +<p> + At the time when young Bayard joined his company at Aire, there were + stationed in Picardy at no great distance about seven or eight hundred + men-at-arms in these regulation companies (compagnies d'ordonnance) as they + were called. When they were not actually employed on duty, they were very + glad to take their pleasure in all sorts of warlike games. As we may + suppose, they were delighted to take part in the proposed tournament. + Amongst these companies there were some of the famous Scotch Guards, who + had first been taken into the service of France by Charles VII. +</p> +<p> + The time fixed was only eight days off, but all the same about forty or + fifty men-at-arms gave in their names. Fortunately, before the expected + day, that gentle knight, the Captain Louis d'Ars, arrived, and he was much + delighted to have come in time for this entertainment. When Bayard heard of + his captain's arrival he went to pay his respects to him at once, and was + most warmly welcomed, for the boy's fame had gone before him. To make the + festival more complete, his friend Bellabre also appeared, having been + delayed by waiting for two splendid horses which he expected from Spain. At + length the eventful day arrived, and the gentlemen who wished to take part + in the tournament were divided into two equal ranks, there being + twenty-three on one side and twenty-three on the other. The judges chosen + were the Captain Louis d'Ars and the lord of St. Quentin, captain of the + Scotch company. +</p> +<p> + At this point it will be interesting to give a full account of the details + needful for a tournament of this period, the close of the fifteenth + century. These tournaments were first started as training-schools for the + practice of arms, and were later tempered by the rules of chivalry. Jousts + were single combats, often a succession of them, for a prize or trial of + skill, while the tourney was troop against troop. These warlike games were + very popular in France especially, but very strict rules had to be made to + prevent the "joust of peace" becoming the deadly "joust a l'outrance" (to + the death). +</p> +<p> + The "lists," or tournament grounds, were in Bayard's time usually of a + square shape rather longer than broad, and were surrounded by palisades, + often adorned with tapestry and heraldic devices. The marshals of the lists + took note of all that happened and enforced the rules of chivalry. Varlets + were in attendance to help the esquires in looking after their masters, and + helping them up, with their heavy armour, if unhorsed. +</p> +<p> + It was common to hold a "passage of arms" for three days: two for the + contest on horseback, first with lances, second with swords and maces; + while on the third day, on foot, pole-axes were used. A specially heavy + kind of armour was worn, sometimes nearly 200 lbs. in weight, so that a + knight once unhorsed lay on the ground absolutely helpless, and could not + rise without help. This armour was made still stronger by "reinforcing + armour"—pieces screwed on over the left side, chiefly, which received most + blows—making a double defence for the head, chest, and left shoulder. + "Pauldrons" or shoulder-guards buckled on, that on the right arm being + smaller to leave freedom for using the lance. Then we have brassards or + arm-guards; the rere-brace for the upper arm, the vam-brace for the lower, + and the elbow-piece called a "coudiere." +</p> +<p> + When all was ready on the appointed day for the tournament at Aire, the + trumpet sounded, and then the order of the Tourney was declared aloud. + Bayard had to appear first in the lists, and against him rode forth a + neighbour of his in Dauphiné, by name Tartarin, a powerful man-at-arms. + They rushed at each other so vehemently that Tartarin broke his lance half + a foot from the iron, and Bayard struck him above the arm-piece of his + armour and broke his lance into five or six pieces, upon which the trumpets + sounded forth triumphantly, for the joust was wonderfully good. After + having finished their first attack they returned to face each other for the + second. Such was the fortune of Tartarin that with his lance he forced in + Bayard's arm-piece, and every one thought that he had his arm pierced. But + he was not hurt, and succeeded in returning the attack by a stroke above + the visor, which carried off the bunch of plumes from his adversary's + helmet. The third bout with the lance was as good or even better than the + others, for the lance was more completely shivered into fragments. +</p> +<p> + When these two knights had finished, next came the lord of Bellabre, and + against him a Scotch man-at-arms, named the Captain David of Fougas, and + these likewise did with their three jousts of the lance all that it was + possible for gentlemen to do. Thus, two by two, all the company went + through the same contest. +</p> +<p> + This jousting with the lance was one of the most popular exercises for + knights of that day, and the proper use of this weapon was one of the most + important accomplishments for a warrior. We shall often notice, in the + accounts of Bayard's adventures on the field of battle, how extremely + expert he was with his lance. The supreme triumph with this weapon was to + use such skill and force as to break the lance shaft—made of ash or + sycamore—into as many pieces as possible; in fact, to "shiver" it + completely, and thus break as many lances as possible. The tilting lance + was often made hollow, and was from 12 to 15 feet long; but the lance used + with the object of unhorsing instead of splintering was much stronger, + heavier, and thicker in the stem, and instead of a pointed head had a + "coronal," which was blunt. +</p> +<p> + The first part of the tournament having come to an end, then followed the + battle of the swords. According to the rules, this began with Bayard, who, + on the third stroke he gave, broke his sword into two pieces, but he made + such good use of the stump that he went through the number of strokes + commanded, and did his duty so well that no man could have done better. + After this came the others according to their order, and for the rest of + that day there was such a succession of vigorous fighting that the two + judges declared "never had there been finer lance work or contests with the + sword." When the evening came they retired to young Bayard's lodging, where + a great supper was prepared, to which came many ladies, for within ten + miles round all those of Picardy, or the greater number, had come to see + this fine tournament. After the supper there were dances and other + entertainments, and the company was so well amused that it struck one hour + after midnight before they broke up. It was late next morning before they + woke up, and you may believe that they were never weary of praising Messire + de Bayard, as much for his skill at arms as for his good hospitality. +</p> +<p> + The next morning, in order to complete that which had begun so well, all + the soldiers assembled at the dwelling of their Captain Louis d'Ars, where + Bayard had already arrived, having come to invite him to dinner at his + lodging, in company with the ladies of the previous evening. First they all + went to hear Mass, and when that was over, "you should have seen the young + gentlemen taking the ladies' arms, and with much pleasant talk leading them + to Bayard's lodging, where if they had supped well the night before, at + dinner they did still better." There was no lingering after this meal, and + towards two o'clock all those who were to take part in the second day's + tournament retired to arm themselves and make ready to fight. The + combatants all approached on horseback, and gravely went round to salute + the company before the contest began. +</p> +<p> + It was Bayard's place to begin, and against him came a gentleman from + Hainault, Hannotin de Sucker, of great repute. They fought with their + lances, one on each side of the barrier, and gave such tremendous strokes + that the lances were soon broken to pieces; after this they took their + battle-axes, which each of them had hanging by their sides, and dealt each + other great and terrible blows. This appears to us an extremely rough form + of entertainment, but we must remember that these knights were clad in + armour, and so thoroughly covered up from head to foot that there was not + supposed to be a place where a pin could pierce between the joints of the + armour. Under the helmet a smaller close-fitting steel cap was often worn. + This fierce contest went on until Bayard gave his opponent a blow near the + ear, which caused him to waver, and worse still, to fall on his knees, + when, pursuing his success, the victor charged again over the barrier, and + caused Hannotin to kiss the ground. +</p> +<p> + When the judges saw this they cried, "Hola! Hola! that is enough; now you + may retire." After these two came Bellabre and Arnaulton of Pierre Forade, + a gentleman of Gascony, who did wonders with their lances until they were + both broken; and then they came to the battle-axes, but Bellabre broke his, + after which the judges parted them. After these two came Tardieu and David + the Scotchman, and they did their duty very well. So did others in turn, so + that it was seven o'clock before it was all finished and, for a small + tournament, the lookers-on never saw better jousting in their lives. +</p> +<p> + When all was over, each man went to his lodging to disarm and change; then + they all came to Bayard's lodging, where the banquet was ready, and there + were also the two judges, the lords of Ars and of St. Quentin, and all the + ladies. After supper it had to be decided and declared by the judges who + should have the prizes. Some of the gentlemen most experienced in arms were + asked to give their opinion "on their faith," and afterwards the ladies on + their conscience, without favouring one more than another. At last it was + agreed that, although each one had done his duty well, yet in their + judgment during the two days Messire de Bayard had done best of all; + wherefore they left it to him, as the knight who had gained the prizes, to + give his presents where it seemed good to him. There was a discussion + between the judges as to who should pronounce sentence, but the Captain + Louis d'Ars persuaded the lord of St. Quentin to do so. +</p> +<p> + The trumpet was sounded to command silence, and St. Quentin said: "My lords + who are here assembled, and especially those who have been in the Tourney + of which Messire Pierre Bayard has given the prizes for two days ... we + would have you know that after due inquiry of the virtuous and brave + gentlemen who were present and saw the contests, and of the noble ladies + here present ... we have found that although each one has very well and + honestly done his duty, yet the common voice is that the lord of Bayard has + done best in these two days; wherefore the lords and ladies leave to him + the honour of giving the prizes where it seems good to him." Then he added: + "My lord of Bayard, decide where you will give them." The young knight + blushed modestly and was quite troubled. Then he said: +</p> +<p> + "My lord, I do not know why this honour should come to me, for I think that + others have deserved it more than I. But as it pleases the lords and ladies + that I should be judge, I hope that the gentlemen, my companions, will not + be displeased if I give the prize for the first day to my lord of Bellabre, + and for the second day to the Captain David of Scotland." He therefore gave + the gold bracelet to his friend Bellabre, and the diamond to the Scotch + Captain David, and his decision was greatly applauded. There was again + feasting and dancing afterwards, and the ladies could not say enough in + praise of their gallant young host. We may imagine the penniless condition + in which all this extravagant generosity left him, but his extreme + liberality appears to have been one great feature of his character which + made him beloved through life by all who had to do with him. +</p> +<p> + He never could see one of his companions thrown without giving him another + horse; if he had a crown left, every one shared it. He never refused the + request of any man if he could possibly grant it, and in his gifts was + always gentle and courteous. His chronicler makes a special point of his + piety from early youth; the first thing when he rose in the morning was + always a prayer to God, as he had promised his mother. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-3"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap3.jpg" width="188" height="97" +alt="LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE +from a medallion"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> +<p> + During two years Bayard remained with the garrison at Aire, and made great + progress in all warlike training. At the end of this time, in the year + 1494, Charles VIII. undertook his first expedition to Italy, and as the + company of the Count de Ligny was commanded to join him, young Bayard + looked forward with great delight to his first taste of real warfare. +</p> +<p> + The young King of France, in his eager desire for military glory, forsook + the wise policy of his father, Louis XI., and resolved to claim the kingdom + of Naples, in assertion of the rights bequeathed to him by René of Anjou. + In order to prevent any opposition from Spain he yielded to King Ferdinand + the provinces of Roussillon and Cerdagne, and on the same principle gave up + to the Emperor Maximilian, Artois and Franche-Comté. Having made these real + sacrifices as the price of a doubtful neutrality, he set forth on his wild + dreams of conquest at a distance, which could be of no permanent advantage + to him. +</p> +<p> + Charles VIII. had soon collected a magnificent army and crossed the Alps + in August 1494; it was composed of lances, archers, cross-bow men, Swiss + mercenaries, and arquebusiers. These last used a kind of hand-gun which had + only been in common use for about twenty years, since the battle of Morat. + The arquebus had a contrivance, suggested by the trigger of the cross-bow, + to convey at once the burning match to the trigger. Before that the match + had been held in the hand in using the hand-gun as well as the hand-cannon. + Many of these arquebusiers were on horseback. Besides a number of small + pieces of artillery, the French army had 140 big cannons. The use of these + fire-arms in war had been gradually increasing since the days when Louis + XI. made such use of his "bombards" in the wars in Flanders. +</p> +<p> + When we read of the wonderful success which at first attended the French + army, we must remember how greatly superior it was to the troops which + opposed it in Italy, which were mostly bands of adventurers collected by + mercenary leaders, named Condottieri, who fought for gain rather than for + glory, and had no special zeal or loyalty for the prince who employed them. + The soldiers in their pay were, for the time being, their own personal + property, and their great desire was to save them "to fight another day," + while it was not to their interest to kill the men of another band (who + might be on the same side next time), and they only sought to make + prisoners for the sake of their ransom. The impetuosity and real warlike + spirit of the French was a new and alarming thing in Italy, which had been + so long accustomed to the mere show of war. +</p> +<p> + Charles passed as a conqueror through Pisa and Florence to Rome, then + victorious at Capua, he entered Naples in triumph. During the spring months + of 1495, spoilt by his easy victory, he gave himself up to pleasure in + that fair southern land, idly dreaming of distant conquest. His success + awakened the jealous alarm of Europe, and a formidable league was formed + against him by all the Italian States, the Emperor Maximilian, and the + Kings of Spain and England. Suddenly roused to a sense of his danger, + Charles VIII. left his new kingdom in the charge of his cousin, Gilbert de + Montpensier, with a few thousand men, and hastily set forth on his homeward + way. He left garrisons in various conquered cities, and his army consisted + of barely 10,000 men. They crossed the Apennines with great labour and + difficulty, to find their passage barred by the confederates on the Emilian + plain near the village of Fornovo. +</p> +<a name="image-4"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/fornovo.jpg" width="200" height="279" +alt="Battle of Forvono."> +</p> +<p> + Never was battle more fiercely contested than on that Monday, 6th July, + when the French succeeded in breaking through the host of their enemies. + The actual fighting lasted little more than an hour, amid a scene of the + wildest confusion, which was increased by a storm of thunder and lightning, + with rain falling in torrents. We are told that Bayard, the Good Knight, + who had accompanied the King through the whole campaign, distinguished + himself in the first charge at the head of de Ligny's company, and had two + horses killed under him, then continued fighting on foot, and in the thick + of the battle he took the standard of the horsemen opposing him, and + covered himself with glory. The King, hearing afterwards of his gallant + deed, sent him a present of five hundred crowns. Charles could appreciate a + kindred spirit as he too fought with splendid courage on that eventful day. + The French camp, with all its rich treasures of armour, gorgeous clothing, + rare tapestries and plate, was looted; but Charles VIII. and the greater + part of his army, with all the artillery, made good their passage through + an overwhelming host of foes and raised the siege of Novara, where Lodovico + Sforza was besieging the Duke of Orleans. +</p> +<p> + The French King was soon to receive news of the defeat and destruction of + the small army he had left to hold Naples, and the death of the gallant + Viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier. Such was the sad ending of the first of + those glorious and fatal expeditions to Italy, in which four kings wasted + in vain so much treasure and so many precious lives. Charles VIII. did not + long survive this bitter disappointment. He died at Amboise on 7th April + 1498, at the age of twenty-eight. As he left no children he was succeeded + by his cousin, the Duke of Orleans, under the name of Louis XII. Louis XII. + was crowned on the 1st of July 1498. +</p> +<p> + If there was one trait of character which, more than any other, + distinguished Bayard the Good Knight, it was his absolute loyalty towards + the lord he served, and his undying gratitude for any kindness which he had + received. He never forgot those six happy months he had spent at the Court + of Savoy when he first went there to take up the profession of arms as a + young lad of thirteen. It was not by his own choice that he left the + service of his earliest master, who in a fit of generosity had presented + his favourite page to the King, in the hope that by so doing he would best + further the career of Bayard. +</p> +<p> + But Charles I., Duke of Savoy, did not live to see this, for he had died in + 1490, and the Duchess, his widow, had left Chambéry and retired to her + dower house in the pleasant town of Carignano, in Piedmont, about seventeen + miles to the south of Turin. This lady, Blanche Paleologus, had been a most + kind friend to young Bayard, and when she heard that he was stationed in + the neighbourhood, she invited him to visit her, and received him with the + utmost courtesy, treating him as if he were a member of her family. She was + greatly beloved and honoured in Carignano, where she was lady suzerain, and + where there may still be seen, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a + splendid monument to her memory. +</p> +<p> + We may imagine the satisfaction with which the good Duchess found that her + page of bygone days had blossomed out into a valiant and famous knight, and + they must both have had much to hear and tell of all that had happened + since they parted. Here Bayard also met with another friend, the young lady + who had been one of the maids-of-honour of the Duchess at Chambéry and who + had won the boyish affection of the Good Knight. If the young folks had + been able to follow their inclinations it is probable that in time to come, + when they were of suitable age, marriage would have followed, so the "Loyal + Servitor" tells us in his chronicle. But circumstances parted them, as + Bayard went to the King's Court, and the fair maiden was married later to a + very good and honourable gentleman, the Seigneur de Frussasco (or Fluxas), + who was governor of the household to the Duchess of Savoy, a man of wealth + and high position. +</p> +<p> + We have a simple, touching story of the delight with which the lady of + Frussasco welcomed her dear friend, the Good Knight, of their eager talk + about old times, and their high ideal of honour and duty. She told him how + she had followed the story of his achievements, from his first joust with + Messire Claude de Vauldray, his tournament at Aire in Picardy, and the + honour which he received on the day of Fornovo, which had spread his fame + throughout France and Italy, and she gave him so much praise and honour + that the poor gentleman blushed for very shame. +</p> +<p> + Then the lady said to him: "Monseigneur de Bayard, my friend, this is the + great house in which you were first brought up; would it not be well for + you to distinguish yourself here as you have done so nobly elsewhere?" +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight made answer: "Madame, you know how from my youth I have + always loved and honoured you, and I hold you to be so wise and so kind + that you would only advise me for my good. Tell me, therefore, if you + please, what you would have me do to give pleasure to my good mistress, the + Duchess Blanche, to you above all, and to the rest of the noble company + here at this time?" +</p> +<p> + Then the lady of Frussasco said: "It seems to me, my lord of Bayard, that + you would do well to arrange some tournament in this town for the honour of + Madame of Savoy, who will be very grateful to you. You have here in the + neighbourhood many French gentlemen, your companions, and there are other + gentlemen of this country who I am assured would all most willingly join + you." +</p> +<p> + "If it is your wish," replied the Good Knight, "it shall be done. You + are the one lady in this world who has first conquered my heart by your + grace and kindness.... I pray of you that you will give me one of the + under-sleeves from your dress, as I have need of + it."<a href="#note-3"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + The lady gave it him, and he put it into the sleeve of his doublet + without a word. +</p> +<a name="note-3"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[This was fastened with a little lacing under the hanging + sleeve, and was the usual favour asked for and worn by the knight on his + helmet.] +</p> +<p> + The Duchess Blanche was never weary of talking with the Good Knight, who + had always been so great a favourite of hers. But Bayard could not sleep + all that night, for his mind was full of plans for carrying out the request + of his lady. When the morning came he sent a trumpeter round to all the + towns of the neighbourhood where there were garrisons, to make known to + the gentlemen that if they would make their way within four days, on the + next Sunday, to the town of Carignano, in the costume of men-at-arms, he + would give a prize, which was the cuff of his lady, from whence hung a ruby + of the value of a hundred ducats, to him who should be victorious in three + encounters with the lance, without a barrier, and twelve turns with the + sword. +</p> +<p> + On the appointed day, about an hour after noon, the Good Knight was at his + place in the ranks, armed at all points, with three or four of his + companions, but only those were with him who were prepared to take part in + the coming contest. Bayard began first, and against him came the lord of + Rovastre, a gallant gentleman who bore the ensign of the Duke Philibert of + Savoy. He was a very hardy and skilful knight, who gave a fine thrust with + his lance to begin with, but the Good Knight gave him such a blow on the + broad band, which protected his right arm, that he disarmed him, and caused + his lance to fly in five or six pieces. The lord of Rovastre regained his + band and tilted with the second lance, with which he did his duty + thoroughly ... but the Good Knight struck him on the visor, and carried off + his plume of feathers (panache) and made him tremble, although he kept his + seat on horseback. At the third lance the lord of Rovastre missed his aim, + and Bayard broke his lance, which went to pieces. +</p> +<p> + After them came Mondragon and the lord of Chevron, who did their tilting so + well that everybody applauded. Then came two others, and so on until all + the company were satisfied. +</p> +<p> + The lances being broken it was now time for the contest with swords; but + the Good Knight had only struck two blows when he broke his own, and sent + that of his opponent flying out of his hand. The gracious Duchess + requested the lord of Frussasco to invite all the gentlemen who had taken + part in the tournament to supper. After supper the hautboys sounded, and + the minstrels began to tune up in the gallery, but before the dancing + began, it was decided to award the prize to him who had gained it. The + lords of Grammont and Frussasco were the judges, and they asked all the + company—gentlemen, ladies, and the combatants themselves—and they were + all of opinion that the Good Knight himself, by right of arms, had gained + the prize. But when they presented it to him he said that he did not + deserve it, but that if he had done anything well, Madame de Frussasco was + the cause, as she had lent him her sleeve, and that it was her place to + give the prize as she chose. +</p> +<p> + The lady, who was well versed in the laws of honour and chivalry, humbly + thanked the Good Knight for the honour which he had done her, and said: "As + M. de Bayard has shown me this courtesy I will keep the sleeve all my life + for love of him, while as for the ruby, I advise that it should be given to + M. de Mondragon, for he is considered to have done the next best." +</p> +<p> + This was accomplished as she wished, to the content of all, and the Duchess + Blanche rejoiced greatly in the success of the Good Knight, who had begun + his career in her household. The Good Knight took leave of his noble + mistress, the lady of Savoy, telling her that he owed her service and + obedience next to the King, his sovereign lord. Then he said farewell to + the lady who had been his first love, and they parted with much regret, but + their warm friendship lasted till death. We do not hear that they ever met + again, but not a year passed without presents being sent from one to the + other. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-4"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap4.jpg" width="190" height="101" +alt="LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE OF MILAN +from a medallion"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> +<p> + While the French army felt such absolute security of their dominion in + Italy as to suffer the young captains to join in amusements, the fugitive + Duke Lodovico Sforza of Milan, who had lost his duchy by treachery, was + watching events and preparing to return. +</p> +<p> + When Lodovico arrived he was received with acclamation, and entered Milan + in triumph. +</p> +<p> + If this sudden revolution took all Italy by surprise, we can understand the + dismay of Louis XII., who found that he had all his work to do over again. + For not only had Milan rebelled, but all the other towns which he had + conquered. +</p> +<p> + King Louis sent the Sire de Ligny as his chief general, and as a matter of + course the Good Knight went with him. I must tell you the story of an + adventure he had. He was in a garrison about twenty miles from Milan with + other young men-at-arms, and they were constantly making small expeditions. + One day Bayard heard that in the little town of Binasco, near the Certosa + di Pavia, there were about three hundred good horses, which he thought + might be easily taken, and therefore he begged his companions to join him + in this adventure. He was so much beloved that forty or fifty gentlemen + gladly accompanied him. But the castellan of the fortress at Binasco had + news of this through his spies, and laid a trap for the Frenchmen; he had a + strong troop placed in ambuscade on the road, and made sure of success. + But, though taken by surprise, the Good Knight fought like a lion, and with + cries of "France! France!" led his little company again and again to the + attack, for, as he told them, if news of this reached Milan not one would + escape. In fact, so fierce was their charge that they drove back the + defenders mile after mile to the very gates of Milan. Then one of the older + soldiers, who saw the enemy's plan, shouted, "Turn, men-at-arms, turn!" and + the others heard in time, but the Good Knight, thinking only of pursuing + his foes, entered pell-mell with them into the city, and followed them to + the very palace of the lord Lodovico. As he was wearing the white cross of + France, he was soon surrounded on all sides and taken prisoner. Lodovico + had heard the cries, and sent for this brave foe, who was disarmed before + being taken to the palace. +</p> +<p> + The Duke of Milan was surprised to see such a young warrior, and asked him + what brought him into the city. The Good Knight, who was never put out by + anything, replied, "By my faith, my lord, I did not think I was coming in + alone, but believed my companions were following me. They understood war + better than I did, otherwise they would have been prisoners as I am...." + Then Lovodico asked him how big was the French army, and he made answer, + "As far as I know, my lord, there must be fourteen or fifteen hundred + men-at-arms and sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot; but they are all + picked men, quite determined to win back the State of Milan for the King, + our master. And it seems to me, my lord, that you would be much safer in + Germany than you are here, for your men are not fit to fight us." +</p> +<p> + He spoke with so much confidence that Lodovico was much amused, and + remarked that he should like to see the two armies face to face. "And so + indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner." "Really, if that is + all," replied the Duke, "I will at once set you free, and make it up to the + captain who took you prisoner. But tell me, if you desire anything else I + will give it to you." +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight bent his knee in thanks for this generous offer, and + replied: "My lord, I ask nothing else save that of your courtesy you will + be good enough to return to me my horse and my arms which I brought into + this town; and if you will send me to my garrison, which is twenty miles + from here, you will thus render me a great service, for which I shall be + grateful all my life; and saving my honour and the service of my King, I + would do anything you command in return." +</p> +<p> + "On my faith!" exclaimed the lord Lodovico, "you shall have what you ask + for at once." Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken + him prisoner. "Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and + all his accoutrements at once" +</p> +<p> + "My lord," was the reply, "that is a very easy matter for all is at my + lodging." So he sent two or three servants, who brought the horse, and the + armour, which the Duke caused to be put on before him. This arming took + place in the great courtyard, at least as far as the gallant prisoner was + disarmed, and when Bayard was fully accoutred he sprang on his horse + without touching the stirrup, and asked for his lance, which was given + him—a steel-headed weapon about fourteen feet long, the shaft being of + ash or sycamore with a little flag (pennoncelle) waving at the top. Then, + raising his visor, he said to the Duke: "My lord, I thank you for the great + courtesy you have shown me. May God repay you!" +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight spurred his horse, who pranced about in the most wonderful + way, and then Bayard gave a small exhibition of his skill with the lance + which amazed the bystanders and did not please the lord Lodovico overmuch, + for he remarked: "If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should + have a poor chance." However, he took gracious leave of the Good Knight, + and sent him forth with a trumpeter in attendance to conduct him back to + his garrison. +</p> +<p> + They had not gone very far, only about twelve miles from Milan, when they + met the main body of the French army. Every one was greatly surprised to + see Bayard, for there had been great sorrow at the rumour that the gallant + knight had been too rash and had been taken prisoner through his youthful + boldness and rashness. When he reached the camp he found that the news of + his exploit had preceded him, for the Sire de Ligny, his good leader, came + forward to meet him with a smile, saying: "Hallo! Picquet, who has got you + out of prison? Have you paid your ransoms' I was on the point of sending + one of my trumpeters to pay it and fetch you back." +</p> +<p> + "My lord," replied the Good Knight, "I thank you humbly for your good will; + but the lord Lodovico set me free by his great courtesy." +</p> +<p> + It was at Novara that Lodovico Sforza met the army of France. The Duke's + forces were composed of different races—German "landsknechte," Burgundians + who were commanded by the same Claude de Vauldray who had fought with the + Good Knight in his first tournament, and Swiss mercenaries. There were + bands of Swiss fighting on the side of the French, and those within the + city declared that they would not fight against their fellow-countrymenn in + the other camp. They laid down their arms, and neither threat nor promise + availed. Soon it was discovered that one of the gates of Novara had been + opened by treachery, and that the French were entering the city. Then, as a + last hope, Lodovico and his companions put on the dress of common soldiers + and mixed with them in the ranks. But the unfortunate Duke was betrayed by + one of the Swiss captains, who was put to death later by his own countrymen + as a traitor. +</p> +<p> + On the occasion of Louis' former conquest of this land he had given several + important towns and estates to his general, the Sire de Ligny. These had + revolted with the rest of the duchy, to the great annoyance of de Ligny, + and a report reached the citizens of Tortona and Voghera that their homes + were to be sacked and pillaged. This was of course in those days the usual + penalty of rebellion, but the French general was a generous and merciful + man who had no such cruel intentions. However, the inhabitants of Voghera + took counsel together, and twenty of the chief merchants went forth to meet + their lord and humbly pray for mercy, two miles outside the city gates. But + de Ligny took no notice of them and rode on in silence with his men-at-arms + to his lodging within the city. One of his captains, to whom they appealed, + Louis d'Ars, promised to do his best for them, and advised that they should + plead again on the morrow. This time about fifty of the chief men came to + him as suppliants, bare-headed, and fell on their knees before the General. + They made a long and lamentable petition, ending with the offer of the + richest silver plate, cups, goblets, bowls, and precious vessels to the + value of more than three hundred marks. +</p> +<p> + Without deigning to look at the presents they had brought, their offended + lord turned upon them, reproached them bitterly for their treachery in + rebelling against him before the usurper, Lodovico, had even approached + their walls. What fate was too terrible for such cowards and traitors? The + kneeling citizens trembled and thought their last hour had come, when the + captain, Louis d'Ars, pleaded for mercy as a special favour to himself, + promising that henceforth they would prove themselves faithful and loyal + subjects. Then at length de Ligny suffered his anger to cool down, and + yielded to the wish of his good captain by granting a pardon. "But as for + your present, I do not deign to accept it for you are not worthy," he + exclaimed. Then, looking round the hall, his eyes fell upon the Good + Knight, to whom he said: "Picquet, take all this plate, I give it you for + your kitchen." To which he made instant reply: "My lord, I thank you humbly + for your kindness, but with God's help the goods of such evil-doers shall + never enter my house for they would bring me misfortune." +</p> +<p> + Thereupon the Good Knight took one piece of silver after another from the + table and made a present of it to each one of the assembled company, not + keeping a single thing for himself, to the amazement of every one. When he + had given away everything, he quietly left the chamber, as did many of the + others. The Sire de Ligny turned to those who remained and asked: "What do + you think of this, gentlemen? Did you ever see such a generous soul as my + Picquet? God should have made him king over some great realm. Believe me + that he will some day be one of the most perfect knights in the world." + All the company agreed, and could not praise young Bayard enough. And when + the Sire de Ligny had thought over the matter, he sent him next morning a + beautiful costume of crimson velvet lined with satin brocade, a most + excellent war-horse, and a purse with three hundred crowns—which did not + last him long, for he shared it all with his companions. +</p> +<p> + Louis XII. had been so much engaged with his conquest of Milan that for a + time he had not done much towards recovering the kingdom of Naples. This + had been lost after the retreat of Charles VIII., who died before he had + been able to make another fight for it, after the disastrous fate of his + viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier, and his brave little army. At this time + Frederick of Aragon was King of Naples, having succeeded his nephew, + Ferdinand II., in 1496. +</p> +<p> + The king gave the command of his great army to the lord of Aubigny, who had + brought back the broken ranks of the first expedition to Naples. The + company of de Ligny, under his lieutenant, Captain Louis d'Ars, was ordered + to form part of it. Bayard, the Good Knight, who could not bear to be left + behind when fighting was going on, asked the permission of his dear master + to accompany the lieutenant's men. +</p> +<p> + On this important occasion Louis XII., doubtful of his own strength, made + the great mistake of forming an alliance with Ferdinand, King of Spain. +</p> +<p> + King Frederick of Naples knew nothing of the secret compact between France + and Spain, and he expected Gongalvo de Cordova, known as the Great Captain, + to come to his help with the troops of Spain. +</p> +<p> + As the alliance between France and Spain was founded on treachery, we + cannot be surprised that they soon fell out over the division of their + spoils. King Ferdinand of Aragon was never bound by any contract which did + not profit him, and by his orders the Great Captain, Gonzalvo de Cordova, + invaded the province of Naples itself. The lord of Aubigny had placed his + various companies as garrisons in different towns, and those which belonged + to the Count de Ligny were in the hands of his company, amongst whom, as we + know, was Bayard, the Good Knight. We shall now understand how it was that + he found himself at war with the Spaniards, who had been at first the + allies of France. +</p> +<p> + Pierre de Bayard, the Good Knight, had been placed in command of a garrison + at a place called Monervine, by his captain, Louis d'Ars. There had been no + fighting in his neighbourhood for some little time, and he began to get + rather weary. So he said one evening to his companions: "Gentlemen, it + seems to me that we have been too long in one place without seeing our + foes. We shall grow weak for want of using our arms, and our enemies will + grow bolder than ever, thinking that we dare not go out of our fort. So I + propose that to-morrow we ride out towards the nearest Spanish garrisons, + Andria or Barletta, and have a little fighting if possible." The others + readily agreed, and about thirty of them arranged to start early the next + morning. It was a merry party of young gentlemen who galloped over the + country at daybreak, and it so chanced that the same idea had occurred + to a Spanish knight of Andria, Don Alonzo of Soto-Mayor, who wished to + exercise his company of men-at-arms. Such was the fortune of the two + captains, that as they turned a corner by some rising ground they suddenly + came within arrow-shot of each other, and joyful indeed they were to have + such a chance. When the Good Knight saw the red crosses he turned to his + followers and cried: "My friends, here is our chance to win honour ... + we will not wait for them to attack!" +</p> +<p> + With a shout of delight they all lowered their visors, and crying, + "<i>France, France</i>!" they galloped forward and charged their foes, + who came proudly on to meet them with the cry of "<i>Spain! St. Iago</i>!" + gaily receiving them on the point of their lances. In the shock of this + first meeting many on both sides were borne to earth. The combat lasted a + good half-hour before either side seemed to have the best of it, for they + were well matched in numbers and strength. But in the end one side must + win, and it chanced that the courage and skill of the Good Knight, and the + enthusiasm with which he inspired his men, at last succeeded in breaking + the ranks of the Spaniards, of whom about seven were killed and the same + number taken prisoner, while the rest took to flight, and amongst them + their captain, Don Alonzo. The Good Knight pursued, crying out to him: + "Turn, man-at-arms, it would be a shame to die while running away." + Presently Alonzo, like a fierce lion, turned against his pursuer with + terrible force; and they fought desperately with sword-thrusts. +</p> +<p> + At length the horse of Don Alonzo backed and refused to advance any more, + when the Good Knight, seeing that all the other Spaniards were gone, + leaving their captain alone, said, "Surrender, man-at-arms, or you are + dead." "To whom must I surrender?" he asked. "To the Captain Bayard," was + the reply. Then Don Alonzo, who had already heard of that famous name, and + knew that he had no chance of escape, gave up his sword and was taken with + the other prisoners to the garrison, where with his usual chivalrous + courtesy, the Good Knight gave Don Alonzo one of the best rooms of the + castle, and supplied him with all that he needed, on receiving his parole + that he would make no attempt to escape. +</p> +<p> + The Spanish captain was treated with the greatest kindness, being suffered + to join in all the doings of the other gentlemen, and his ransom was fixed + at 1000 crowns. But after a fortnight or more he grew tired of this life + and persuaded an Albanian in the garrison to procure him a horse and help + him to gain his freedom, for it was only fifteen or twenty miles to his own + quarters. The man agreed, tempted by a high bribe, and Don Alonzo, who was + allowed to come and go as he pleased, had no difficulty in passing out + through the gateway in the early morning, when he and his companion put + spurs to their horses and felt assured of success. But if the Good Knight + was courteous he was not careless, and when he paid his usual morning call + on his prisoner he was nowhere to be found. The watch was sounded, and the + absence of the Albanian was also discovered, whereupon Bayard sent off in + instant pursuit and Don Alonzo was overtaken within two miles of Andria, + where he had dismounted to fasten the girth of his saddle which was broken. + The Albanian managed to reach the Spanish quarter, for he knew that the + penalty of his treachery would be hanging, and the Spanish knight was + brought back to Monervine. +</p> +<p> + When Bayard met him he said: "How is it that you have broken your faith, my + lord Don Alonzo? I will trust you no more, for it is not a knightly deed to + escape from a place when you are on parole." The prisoner tried to excuse + himself by vowing that he only went to fetch his ransom as he was troubled + by receiving no news of his own people. But this did not avail him much, + for he was kept in close confinement in a tower, but otherwise very well + treated in the way of food and drink. After about another fortnight a + trumpeter arrived to announce that the ransom was coming, and when this was + duly paid, Don Alonzo took a friendly leave of his captors, having had time + to notice that the Good Knight kept not a penny of the money for himself, + but divided it all amongst his soldiers. +</p> +<p> + But the story does not end here, for this recreant knight was ungrateful + enough to complain to his friends in the most outrageous manner of the + treatment which he had received during his captivity. When this came to the + knowledge of the Good Knight he was justly indignant, as were all his + companions, and he at once wrote a letter to Don Alonzo, calling upon him + to withdraw these untrue words, or to accept a challenge to mortal combat. + This he sent by a trumpeter, and also offered his foe the choice of + weapons, and whether the contest should be on foot or on horseback. +</p> +<p> + The Spanish captain sent back an insolent answer, saying that he would not + withdraw anything he had said, and that he would prove his words in mortal + combat within twelve days, two miles from the walls of Andria. In fixing + this date he knew that Bayard was ill at the time with a quartan fever. But + the Good Knight would not let such a small matter interfere with his + knightly honours, and when the day arrived he rode to the spot appointed, + with the Sire de la Palisse and his friend Bellabre as his seconds, and + about two hundred men-at-arms as a guard of honour. +</p> +<p> + Bayard was clothed in white as a mark of humility and rode a splendid + horse, but as Don Alonzo had not appeared, a trumpeter was sent to hasten + his coming. When he was told that the Good Knight was on horseback with + the usual armour, he exclaimed: "How is this? I was to choose the arms. + Trumpeter, go and tell him that I will fight on foot." He said this, + thinking that the illness of Bayard would make it quite impossible for him; + and the trumpeter was greatly surprised, as all had been arranged for a + duel on horseback, and this looked like a way of retreat for the Spaniard. + Ill as he was Bayard showed no hesitation, and with the courage of a lion + declared that he was willing to avenge his honour in any guise. The arms + chosen were a sharp-pointed sword or rapier and a poignard, while the + armour used included a throat-piece (gorgerin) and a + secrète.<a href="#note-4"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> +</p> +<a name="note-4"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[Secrète, a kind of steel skull-cap, often worn under the helmet.] +</p> +<p> + When the camp was duly prepared and the champions in face of each other, + Bayard knelt down and made his prayer to God, then he bent to kiss the + earth, and rising, made the sign of the cross before he advanced to meet + his enemy. Don Alonzo addressed him in these words: "Lord of Bayard, what + do you seek from me?" And he replied: "I wish to defend my honour." Then + began the mortal combat between these two valiant men-at-arms, and never + was seen more splendid skill and courage. The rapier of the Good Knight + slightly wounded the face of Don Alonzo, who carefully guarded this most + vulnerable part, but his foe waited until he raised his arm for the next + attack, and then aimed at his neck, and notwithstanding the tempered steel + of his armour, Bayard's onslaught was so tremendous that the throat-piece + (gorgerin) was pierced and the rapier, having no sharp edges (it was only + used for thrusting) was driven in so far that it could not be withdrawn. + Don Alonzo, feeling himself wounded unto death, dropped his sword and + seized the Good Knight in his arms, the two wrestling fiercely until they + both fell on the ground. +</p> +<p> + The terrible struggle lasted for some time, until Bayard struck his foe on + the visor with his poignard and cried: "Don Alonzo, recognise your fault + and cry for mercy to God...." But the Spanish knight made no reply, for he + was already dead. +</p> +<p> + Then his second, Don Diego, said: "Seigneur Bayard, he is dead, you have + conquered;" which was proved, for they took off his visor and he breathed + no more. This was a sad trouble to the victor, for he would have given all + he had in the world to have vanquished him alive. Then the Good Knight + knelt down and thanked God humbly for his success. Afterwards he turned to + the dead knight's second and asked: "My lord Don Diego, have I done + enough?" +</p> +<p> + "Too much, indeed, my lord Bayard, for the honour of Spain," was the + pitiful reply. Then the Good Knight gave leave that honourable burial + should be accorded to Don Alonzo, and his friends bore away the body of + their champion with sad lamentation. But we may imagine the joy and triumph + with which the noble company present and the French men-at-arms accompanied + their hero back to the castle of Monervine. +</p> +<p> + This duel and the passages-of-arms before with Don Alonzo spread the fame + of Bayard throughout all Europe; indeed, his wonderful renown as the flower + of all chivalry really dates from this time. You may imagine how bitter the + Spaniards were and how they sought for revenge. +</p> +<p> + After the battle of Cerignola, fought on April 28, 1503, Gonzalvo, the + Great Captain, entered Naples in triumph. When this disastrous news reached + France, Louis XII. hastened to send a fresh army, commanded by la + Trémouille, to reinforce the troops already in Apulia and Calabria. The + French general fell ill, and his authority passed into the hands of the + Marquis of Mantua, who found himself opposed and beaten back at every point + by the genius of Gonzalvo. +</p> +<p> + At length the two armies came to a stand on either side of the River + Garigliano, one of the broadest rivers of Southern Italy, falling into the + Gulf of Gaeta. The French had possession of the right bank of the river, + close to the rising ground, and had therefore a more favourable position + than the marshy swamp on the lower side, in which the Spanish forces + remained encamped for fifty days. It was a fearful time, in the dead of + winter, with excessive rains, and the soldiers in both camps were driven to + the last verge of endurance, while numbers sickened and died. Under these + depressing circumstances the bright, cheerful spirit of Bayard, the Good + Knight, was invaluable, and his mere presence kept his company in hope and + courage. He never missed an opportunity of engaging in any feat of arms, + and his famous defence of the bridge is perhaps the best known of all his + exploits. +</p> +<p> + There was a bridge across the Garigliano which was in the hands of the + French, and one day a certain Don Pedro de Pas, a Spanish captain, small + and dwarfish in body but great in soul, conceived a plan for obtaining + possession of it. With about a hundred horsemen he set off to cross the + river by a ford which he knew of, and behind each horseman he had placed a + foot-soldier, armed with an "arquebuse." Don Pedro did this in order to + raise an alarm in the French camp, so that the whole army might rush to + defend it, and leave unprotected the bridge, which would then be seized by + the Spaniards. Bayard, who always chose the post of danger, was encamped + close to the bridge, and with him was a brave gentleman, named le Basco. + When they heard the noise they armed themselves at once, and mounted their + horses in haste to rush to the fray. But as the Good Knight happened to + look across the river he caught sight of about two hundred Spanish horsemen + riding straight towards the bridge, which they would certainly have taken + without much resistance, and this would have meant the total destruction of + the French army. +</p> +<a name="image-5"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/bridge.jpg" width="200" height="272" +alt="Bayard defends the Bridge."> +</p> +<p> + Then the Good Knight cried to his companion, "My lord the Equerry, my + friend, go instantly and fetch our men to guard this bridge, or we are all + lost; meantime I will do my best to amuse them until you come, but make all + haste." This he did, and the Good Knight, lance in rest, galloped across + the bridge to the other end, where the Spaniards were on the point of + passing. But, like a lion in his rage, Bayard rushed at them with so + furious an onset that two or three of the foremost men were driven back and + hurled into the water, from whence they rose no more, for the river was + wide and deep. For a moment they were driven back, but seeing there was + only one knight they attacked him so furiously that it was a marvel he + could resist them. But he came to a stand against the barrier of the bridge + that they might not get behind him, and made so desperate a fight with his + sword, raining blows on all who came near, that he seemed to the Spaniards + more a demon than a man. +</p> +<p> + In vain they cast pikes, lances, and other arms against him; the Good + Knight seemed to bear a charmed life. In fact, so well and so long did he + defend himself that his foes began to feel a superstitious dread of this + invincible champion when, after the space of full half an hour, his friend, + le Basco, arrived with a hundred men-at-arms. +</p> +<p> + The historian Champier adds that when Bayard saw help approaching he + cried, with a loud voice, "Haste ye, noble Frenchmen, and come to my help." + Not satisfied with driving back the Spaniards from the bridge, the gallant + little company pursued them for a good mile, and would have done more but + they saw in the distance a great company of seven or eight hundred Spanish + horsemen. +</p> +<p> + With all his dauntless courage, Bayard had the instinct of a good general, + and he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, we have done enough to-day in + saving the bridge; let us now retire in as close order as possible." His + advice was taken, and they began to retreat at a good pace, the Good Knight + always remaining the last and bearing all the brunt of the rear attack. + This became more difficult every minute, as his horse, on which he had + fought all that day, was so worn out that it could scarcely stand. +</p> +<p> + All of a sudden there was a great rush of the enemy, sweeping like a + flood over the French men-at-arms, so that many were thrown to the ground. + The horse of the Good Knight was driven back against a ditch, where he + was surrounded by twenty or thirty horsemen, who cried: "Surrender, + surrender, my lord!" Still fighting to the last, he could only make answer: + "Gentlemen, I must indeed yield to you, for, being alone, I can no longer + fight against your might." +</p> +<p> + If all the accounts of contemporary historians did not agree on the subject + we could hardly believe that one hero could keep back two hundred men at + the narrow entrance of the bridge for close upon half an hour. That after + so tremendous a fight Bayard could pursue the enemy, and defend the rear of + his retiring companions, is indeed a marvellous achievement. The wonder is + not that he was taken prisoner at last, but that he should have held out so + long. +</p> +<p> + Meantime all his companions had ridden straight to their bridge, believing + that the Good Knight was amongst them, but of a sudden a certain gentleman + from Dauphiné exclaimed: "We have lost all, my friends! The Captain Bayard + is dead or taken, for he is not in our company. I vow to God that if I am + to go alone I will return and seek him...." On hearing this the whole troop + turned their horses and set off at full gallop after the Spaniards, who + were bearing away with them the flower of all chivalry. But they did not + know it, for Bayard was aware that if they heard his name he should never + escape alive, and to all their inquiries he only made answer that he was a + gentleman. They had not even taken the trouble to disarm him. +</p> +<p> + Of a sudden he heard his companions arrive in pursuit, shouting: "France! + France! Turn, turn, ye Spaniards; not thus shall you carry away the flower + of chivalry." Taken by surprise, the enemy received the French charge with + some disorder, and as men and horses gave way, the Good Knight saw his + opportunity, and without putting his foot in the stirrup, sprang upon a + fine horse whose rider was thrown, and as soon as he was mounted, cried: + "France! France! Bayard! Bayard! whom you have let go!" When the Spaniards + heard the name and saw what a mistake they had made to leave him his + arms (without requiring his parole, which he would certainly have kept), + they lost heart and turned back towards their camp, while the French, + overjoyed at having recovered their "Good Knight without Fear and without + Reproach"—their one ideal of chivalry and honour—galloped home over the + famous bridge. We do not wonder that for many days after they could talk of + nothing but this thrilling adventure and the gallant exploits of Bayard. +</p> +<a name="image-6"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/prisoner.jpg" width="200" height="270" +alt="The Page presents his Prisoner."></p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-5"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap5.jpg" width="195" height="101" +alt="THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +from the portrait by Albert Durer"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> +<p> + The wars of Italy had a wonderful fascination for Louis XII., and he + eagerly united with the Emperor, the King of Spain, and the Pope in the + League of Cambray against Venice, hated for her great wealth and success. +</p> +<p> + In the spring of 1509 the King collected another army, in which he made a + great point of the foot-soldiers, whose importance he fully appreciated, + and for the first time he chose captains of high renown to command them. He + sent for Bayard and said to him: "You know that I am crossing the mountains + to fight the Venetians, who have taken Cremona from me, and other places. I + am giving you the command of a company of men-at-arms ... but that can be + led by your lieutenant, Captain Pierre du Pont, while I wish you to take + charge of a number of foot-soldiers." +</p> +<p> + "Sire," replied the Good Knight, "I will do what you wish; but how many + foot-soldiers do you propose to give me?" +</p> +<p> + "One thousand," said the King; "no man has more." +</p> +<p> + But Bayard suggested that five hundred of these soldiers, carefully + chosen, would be quite enough for one man to command if he did his duty + thoroughly, and to this the King agreed, bidding the Good Knight bring them + to join his army in the duchy of Milan. +</p> +<p> + The important city of Padua, which had been restored to the Emperor + Maximilian, was left through his carelessness with a small garrison of only + 800 "landsknechte" (German foot-soldiers). Two Venetian captains contrived + an ingenious stratagem for recovering the city. It was the month of July by + this time, and immense waggons of hay, from the second mowing, were + entering Padua every day. A number of Venetians made an ambush under some + thick trees about a bow-shot from the walls, then they hid behind the + hay-waggons and crept in through the gates, which at a given signal they + opened to their comrades. The German soldiers, taken by surprise, were put + to death, and the command was given to the brave General Pitigliano, who + repaired and strengthened the fortifications, knowing of what immense + importance this city was to his Republic. +</p> +<p> + Maximilian was extremely annoyed by the loss of Padua, and collected a + great army, composed of men from all the allies, to besiege it. He also + brought to bear against it the strongest artillery ever used—one hundred + and six pieces of cannon and six immense mortars, "so heavy that they could + not be raised on gun-carriages, they could only be loaded with stones, and + were fired off not more than four times a day." The city was strongly + fortified and defended, and it was decided to attack the most important + gate which led to Vicenza. This being a most perilous enterprise, the + command was given to Bayard of the attacking party. The gate was approached + by a long, straight road between deep ditches, and there were four great + barriers at two hundred steps from each other, all thoroughly defended. + There was a fierce contest at every one of these barriers, and many gallant + knights fell in the attack, but the last one was the worst, for it was only + a stone's-throw from the battlements. The besieged rained stones on them + with their artillery, and the assault lasted more than an hour with pike + and battle-axe. +</p> +<p> + Then the Good Knight, seeing that this became tedious, cried to his + companions: "Gentlemen, these men give us too much play; let us charge on + foot and gain this barrier." Thirty or forty men-at-arms sprang from their + horses and with raised visors dashed at the barrier with their lances, but + the Venetians met them again and again with fresh relays of men. Then + Bayard shouted: "At this rate, gentlemen, they will keep us here for six + years; we must give them a desperate assault and let each man do as I do!" + This they promised, and the trumpet was sounded, when with one tremendous + rush they drove back the defenders by the length of a lance, and with a + ringing war-cry Bayard sprang over the barrier followed by his friends. + When the French saw the danger in which these gallant men were, there was + such a charge against the final barrier that the enemy was driven back in + disorder into the town. Thus the approaches were gained, and the Emperor's + artillery was brought forward, and remained there for six weeks until the + siege was raised. +</p> +<p> + A few days later the Good Knight heard, through one of his spies, that in + the castle of Bassano, about thirty miles off, there was a strong company + of cross-bowmen and horsemen, who made a point of sallying out from the + castle and seizing all the supplies of cattle which were on the way to the + camp. They were said to have four or five hundred oxen and cows already + within their walls. Bayard felt that this must be put a stop to, and his + picked companions readily joined him, for this fighting was their very life + and they asked for nothing better. So they set forth an hour before + daybreak and rode steadily towards Bassano, till they reached a place where + the spy pointed out to them a little wooden bridge which the band from + Treviso would have to cross, where two men could keep five hundred in + check. This the Good Knight left to be defended by a few men-at-arms and + archers, who were to remain in ambush until they had seen the troop from + Treviso go by, and await their return. Then Bayard gave directions to one + of his company to take thirty archers with him, and when he saw the enemy + well on their way he was to advance as though to skirmish with them, then + suddenly pretend to be frightened and ride off at full gallop in the + direction where the main French force was hidden behind rising ground. This + was all carried out, and the Good Knight with his men rushed forth upon the + pursuers, taking many prisoners, while the rest escaped in the direction of + Treviso, but were stopped at that wooden bridge and compelled to fight or + yield. +</p> +<p> + When the fighting was over, Bayard said: "Gentlemen, we really must take + that castle with all the spoils in it." When it was pointed out to him that + it was very strong and they had no artillery, he remarked that he knew a + way by which they might possess it in a quarter of an hour. So he sent for + the two captains who were taken and said to them: "I insist that the castle + be surrendered to me at once, for I know that you have the power to command + it, otherwise you will lose your heads." They saw that he was in earnest, + and one, who was the seneschal, sent orders to his nephew and the gates + were opened. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight took possession of the castle, and within the walls of + Treviso found more than five hundred head of cattle and much other booty, + which was all sold later at Vicenza and divided amongst the victors. As + Bayard sat at table with the two Venetian captains, a young page of his, + named Boutières, came in to show a prisoner he had taken during the + fighting—a big man twice his size. The boy had seen this standard-bearer + trying to escape, had made a rush at him with his lance, struck him to the + ground, and called upon him to surrender. He had given up his sword, to + Boutières' great delight, and the lad of sixteen, with the standard he had + taken and his sturdy-looking prisoner, had caused great amusement in the + French company. When he was thus brought into the dining-hall before his + own captains, the standard-bearer looked very much ashamed of himself, and + protested that he had simply yielded to the force of numbers, not to that + boy. Thereupon Boutières offered to give the man back his horse and his + arms and to fight him in single combat. If the standard-bearer won he + should go free without ransom; but if the young page won the man should + die. The Good Knight was delighted at this brave offer, but the Venetian + was afraid to accept it, and all the honour remained with the boy, who was + known to come of a brave race and proved himself worthy in the days to + come. +</p> +<p> + Most of the French army retired into the duchy of Milan, but Bayard appears + to have remained behind with the garrison of Verona. By one of those rapid + changes so common in Italian politics, before the end of the year Louis + XII. found himself deserted by most of the allies, the Pope, the King of + Spain, Henry VIII., and the Swiss having joined the "Holy League" to drive + the French out of Italy. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-6"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap6.jpg" width="190" height="97" +alt="ANDREA GRITTI DOGE of VENICE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> +<p> + While Bayard was with the garrison at Verona, in command of three or four + hundred men-at-arms who had been lent to the Emperor by the King of France, + he had some stirring adventures. It was winter time, and that year, 1509, + was long remembered for its severity. The soldiers in the town were obliged + to send for their horses' forage sometimes to a great distance, and they + were constantly losing both horses and varlets, who were waylaid by the + enemy, so that a large escort was necessary, for not a day passed without + some encounter. +</p> +<p> + Now there was a village called San Bonifacio about fifteen miles from + Verona, where a certain Venetian captain, named Giovanni Paolo Manfroni, + was stationed with a number of men, and he amused himself by chasing the + foraging parties up to the very gates of Verona. The Good Knight at last + became very angry at this bold defiance, and he resolved to put an end to + these raids by going out with the escort himself the next time that hay was + fetched from the farms round. He kept his plans as secret as possible, but + Manfroni had a spy in the city who managed to let him know what was on + foot, and he resolved to take so strong a force that he would make sure of + capturing the famous Bayard. +</p> +<p> + One Thursday morning the foragers set forth from Verona as usual, and in + their train were thirty or forty men-at-arms and archers under the command + of the captain, Pierre du Pont, a very wise and capable young man. The + party soon left the highroad to look out for the farms where they were to + receive the usual loads of hay. Meantime, the Good Knight, not suspecting + that his plan was betrayed, had taken a hundred men-at-arms and gone to a + little village called San Martino about six miles from Verona. From thence + he sent out some scouts, who were not long in returning with the news that + the enemy was in sight, about five hundred horsemen, who were marching + straight after the foragers. The Good Knight was delighted to hear it, and + at once set out to follow them with his company. +</p> +<p> + But Manfroni, who had heard of the whole manoeuvre from his spy, had + prepared an ambush in a deserted palace near, where he had about six + hundred pikemen and arquebusiers. These men were not to stir until they saw + him and his party in retreat, pretending to flee from the French pursuit; + then they were at once to follow and so completely enclose and defeat + Bayard's company. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight had not gone two miles through the fields when he overtook + the Venetians and marched straight towards them, shouting, "Empire and + France!" They made some show of resistance, but soon began to retreat along + the lane towards their ambush, where they halted just beyond it, crying + "Marco! Marco!" and began to make a valiant defence. On hearing the + familiar cry of Venice, the foot-soldiers gave a tremendous shout and + rushed furiously upon the French, shooting with their arquebuses, a shot + from which struck Bayard's horse between the legs and killed him. Seeing + their dear master on the ground, his men-at-arms, who would all have died + for him, made a mighty charge, and a gentleman of Dauphiné, named Grammont, + sprang from his horse and fought side by side with Bayard. But the two were + of no avail against the Venetians, who took them prisoners and were about + to disarm them. +</p> +<p> + Captain Pierre du Pont, who was with the forage party, heard the noise and + instantly galloped up, finding his captain and Grammont in evil case; for + already they were being drawn out of the crowd to be taken to a place of + safety. He was only just in time, but he struck out at the captors like a + lion, and the men, taken by surprise, let their prisoners escape, and + retreated to their troop, which was having a furious fight with the French. + The Good Knight and Grammont were soon on horseback again, and hastened + back to the relief of their men, who were now attacked front and back, with + four to one against them, and the arquebusiers were doing them a lot of + damage. Then the Good Knight said to his nephew, Captain Pierre du Pont: + "My friend, we are lost if we do not gain the highroad, but if we are once + there, we will retire in spite of them, and shall be saved, with the help + of God." +</p> +<p> + "I agree with you," replied his nephew. Then they began to retreat + steadily, step by step, towards the highroad, fighting all the way, and + they reached it at last, though not without much trouble, while the enemy + lost both foot-soldiers and horsemen. When the French at length reached the + highroad which led to Verona, they closed in together, and began to retire + very gently, turning upon the foe with a gallant attack every two hundred + feet. +</p> +<p> + But all the time they had those arquebusiers at their heels constantly + firing upon them, so that at the last charge once more the Good Knight + had his horse killed under him. Before it fell he sprang to the ground + and defended himself in a wonderful way with his sword; but he was + soon surrounded and would have been killed, but at that moment his + standard-bearer, du Fay, with his archers, made so desperate a charge that + he rescued his captain from the very midst of the Venetians, set him upon + another horse, and then closed in with the others. +</p> +<p> + The night was drawing near, and the Good Knight commanded that there should + be no more charging, as they had done enough for their honour, and the + gallant little party found a safe refuge in the village of San Martino, in + the midst of cypresses, whence they had started in the morning. This was + about four miles from Verona, and the Venetian captain felt that further + pursuit would be dangerous as help would probably arrive from Verona. So he + caused the retreat to sound, and set out to return to San Bonifacio, but on + the way his foot-soldiers, who were quite worn out, having fought for about + five hours, begged to be allowed to stay at a village some miles short of + San Bonifacio. Manfroni did not much approve of this, but he let them have + their way, while he and his horsemen rode on to their usual quarters, + feeling much disgusted that they had been galloped about all day with so + little to show for it. +</p> +<p> + That night the French lodged in the village of San Martino, and they + feasted joyfully upon such provisions as they could find, feeling very + proud of their success, for they had scarcely lost any men in comparison + with the enemy. They were still at supper when one of their spies arrived + from San Bonifacio, and he was brought before Bayard, who asked what the + Venetians were doing. He replied: +</p> +<p> + "Nothing much; they are in great force inside San Bonifacio, and the rumour + goes that they will soon have Verona, for they have a strong party within + the city. As I was starting the Captain Manfroni arrived, very hot and + angry, and I heard him say that he had been fighting against a lot of + devils from hell and not men. As I was coming here I passed through a + village which I found quite full of their foot-soldiers, who are spending + the night there, and to look at them I should say that they are quite tired + out." +</p> +<p> + Then said the Good Knight: "I warrant that those are their foot-soldiers we + fought against to-day, who would not walk any further. If you feel disposed + we will go and take them. The moon is bright to-night, let us feed our + horses and at about three or four o'clock we will go and wake them." +</p> +<p> + This suggestion was quite approved of; they all did their best with the + horses, and after having set the watch, they all went to rest. But Bayard + was too full of his enterprise to take any sleep; so towards three hours + after midnight he quietly roused his men and set forth with them on + horseback, riding in perfect silence to the village where the Venetian + foot-soldiers were staying. He found them, as he had expected, fast asleep + "like fat pigs," without any watch as far as he could see. The new-comers + began to shout, "Empire! Empire! France! France!" and to this joyous cry + the bumpkins awoke, coming one by one out of their shelter to be slain like + beasts. Their captain, accompanied by two or three hundred men, threw + himself into the market-place and tried to make a stand there; but no time + was given him, for he was charged from so many directions that he and all + his men were attacked and defeated, so that only three remained alive. + These were the captain and two other gentlemen, who were brothers, and + afterwards were exchanged for French gentlemen who were in prisons at + Venice. +</p> +<p> + Having accomplished their work, the Good Knight and his company made their + way back to Verona, where they were received with great honour. On the + other hand, when the Venetians heard of the loss of their men they were + furious, and the Doge Andrea Gritti sharply blamed Manfroni for leaving + them behind. +</p> +<p> + We may mention here that this Giovanni Paolo Manfroni was a splendid + soldier and one of the finest captains of men-at-arms in Italy at this + period. +</p> +<p> + Manfroni had a certain spy, who often went backwards and forwards between + Venona and San Bonifacio, and who served both him and the Good Knight; but + those treacherous spies always serve one better than the other, and this + one hoped for the most gain from the Venetian. +</p> +<p> + So one day Manfroni said to him: "You must go to Verona and let Captain + Bayard know that the Council of Venice wish me to be sent in command of + Lignano, a fortified town on the Adige, as the present governor is ordered + to the Levant with a number of galleys. Tell Bayard that you know for + certain that I start to-morrow at dawn with three hundred light horsemen, + and that I shall have no foot-soldiers with me. I am sure that he will + never let me pass without a skirmish, and if he comes I trust he will be + killed or taken, for I shall have an ambush at Isola della Scale (about + fifteen miles south of Verona) of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand + foot-soldiers. If you manage for him to meet me there I promise on my faith + to give you two thousand ducats of gold." +</p> +<p> + This precious scoundrel readily promised that he would not fail to do so. + He went off straight to Verona, and to the lodging of the Good Knight, + where he was admitted at once, for all the people there believed him to be + entirely in the service of their master. They brought him in as soon as + Bayard had finished supper, and he was warmly welcomed. "Well, Vizentin, I + am glad to see you. You do not come without some reason; tell me, what news + have you?" +</p> +<a name="image-7"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/spy.jpg" width="200" height="280" +alt="Seizure of the Spy."> +</p> +<p> + "My lord, I have very good news, thank God!" was the reply. The Good Knight + at once rose from table and drew the spy on one side, to learn what was + going on, who repeated the lesson he had learned. Bayard was delighted at + the prospect before him, and gave orders that Vizentin was to be well + feasted. Then he called together the Captain Pierre du Pont, La Varenne, + his flag-bearer du Fay, and a certain Burgundian captain of "landsknechte," + Hannotin de Sucker, who had fought with him in most of his Italian wars. He + told these friends what he had heard from the spy, and how Manfroni was + going to Lignano on the morrow with only three hundred horsemen. Then he + added that, if his good companions would join him, these Venetians would + not finish their journey without a little fighting, but the matter must be + seen to at once. +</p> +<p> + It was settled that they should start at daybreak and take two hundred + men-at-arms. Hannotin de Sucker had his lodging at the other end of the + town, and while he was on his way home he chanced to see the spy coming out + of the house of a man who was known to be on the Venetian side. The + Burgundian captain at once suspected treason; he seized Vizentin by the + collar and asked him what he was doing. The man, taken by surprise, changed + colour and prevaricated so much that the captain at once took him back to + Bayard's lodging. He found his friend just going to bed, but the two sat + together over the fire, while the spy was carefully guarded. +</p> +<p> + Hannotin explained why he felt sure that there was something wrong. Bayard + at once sent for the spy, of whom he inquired his reason for going to the + house of Messire Baptiste Voltege, the suspected person. In his fright the + spy gave five or six different explanations; but the Good Knight said to + him: "Vizentin, tell the truth without hiding anything, and I promise, on + the word of a true gentleman, that whatever it may be, even if my death has + been conspired for, I will do you no harm. But, on the other hand, if I + catch you in a lie, you will be hung to-morrow at break of day." +</p> +<p> + The spy saw that he was caught, so he knelt down and begged for mercy, + which was again positively promised him. Then he told the whole story from + beginning to end of the proposed treachery; how Manfroni would have an + ambush of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand foot-soldiers to make + sure of Bayard's destruction. The spy owned that he had been to the house + of Baptiste to tell him of this enterprise, and to advise him to find means + some night to have one of the city gates opened to the Venetians, but he + added that Baptiste had refused to do this. +</p> +<p> + When he had made an end of his confession the Good Knight said to him: + "Vizentin, my money has certainly been wasted upon you, for you are a bad + and treacherous man ... You have deserved death, but I will keep my promise + and you shall be safe with me, but I advise you to keep out of sight, for + others may not spare you." +</p> +<p> + The spy was taken away to be closely guarded, and Bayard said to his + friend, the Burgundian captain: +</p> +<p> + "What shall we do to this Captain Manfroni who thinks to take us by a + trick? We must pay him out, and if you do what I ask you we will carry out + one of those splendid adventures which were done a hundred years ago." "My + lord, you have only to command and you will be obeyed," was the simple + reply. +</p> +<p> + "Then go at once to the lodging of the Prince of Hainault, and with my + compliments tell him the whole story. Then you must persuade him to send us + to-morrow morning two thousand of his 'landsknechte,' and we will take them + with us and leave them somewhere in ambush. If something wonderful does not + result you may blame me!" +</p> +<p> + Hannotin de Sucker started at once and went to the quarters of the Prince, + who was asleep in bed. He was roused immediately and soon heard all that + his visitor had to tell. This courteous Prince, who loved war better than + anything else, was also such a devoted admirer of the Good Knight that he + could have refused him nothing. He replied that he only wished he had heard + of this sooner, as he would have joined the party himself, but Bayard could + dispose of his soldiers as if they were his own. He instantly sent his + secretary to four or five of his most trusted captains, who, to make a long + story short, were ready at daybreak to meet the men-at-arms who had known + of the expedition overnight. They all met at the city gate and set forth + from the city towards Isola della Scala, and the Good Knight said to + Hannotin: "You and the 'landsknechte' must remain in ambush at Servode (a + little village two miles from Isola), and do not be uneasy for I will draw + our foes under your very nose, so that you will have plenty of honour + to-day if you are a gallant comrade." +</p> +<p> + All was carried out as arranged, for when the men in ambush were left + behind, all the rest of the brave company galloped on to Isola, as if they + knew nothing of what awaited them. They were in an open plain, where there + was a good view from all sides, and presently they saw the Captain Manfroni + riding towards them with his small company of light horsemen. The Good + Knight sent forward his standard-bearer, du Fay, with some archers for a + little skirmish, while he rode after them at a good pace with the + men-at-arms. But he had not gone far when he saw, coming briskly out of the + town of Isola, the Venetian foot-soldiers and a troop of men-at-arms. He + made a show of being surprised, and bade the trumpeter sound to recall his + standard. When du Fay heard this, according to his orders, he began to + retire with his company, which closed up round him, and pretended to be + going straight back to Verona, but really went slowly towards the village + where their "landsknechte" were hiding. An archer had already been sent on + to tell Captain Sucker to make ready for the fight. +</p> +<p> + Meantime the men of Venice, with their combined troops, charged the small + company of Frenchmen, making such a noise that thunder would not have been + heard, for they felt quite sure that their prey could not escape them. The + French kept well together and skirmished so cleverly that they were soon + within a bow-shot from Servode, when the "landsknechte" of the Prince of + Hainault rushed forth in close ranks from their ambush, and at the word of + command from Bayard charged the Venetians, who were astounded. But they + were good fighting men and made a bold stand, although many were borne to + the ground by the terrible long spears of their enemies. Manfroni made a + splendid resistance, but he could do nothing to help his foot-soldiers, + who could not escape by flight, as they were too far from any refuge; and + he was compelled to see them cut up and destroyed before his eyes. The + Venetian captain soon saw that his only chance was to retreat or he must be + killed, if not taken prisoner, so he galloped off at full speed towards San + Bonifacio. He was followed for some distance, but the Good Knight then + caused the retreat to be sounded, and the pursuers returned, but with great + spoils of prisoners and horses. +</p> +<p> + The loss of the Venetians was very great, for none of the foot-soldiers + escaped, and there were about sixty prisoners of importance who were taken + to Verona, where the successful French, Burgundians, and "landsknechte" + were received with the utmost joy by their companions, whose only regret + was that they had missed the fray. Thus ended this gallant adventure which + brought great honour and praise to the Good Knight. When he returned to his + lodging he sent for the spy, to whom he said: +</p> +<p> + "Vizentin, according to my promise I will set you free. You can go to the + Venetian camp and ask the Captain Manfroni if the Captain Bayard is as + clever in war as he is. Say that if he wants to take me he will find me in + the fields." +</p> +<p> + He sent two of his archers to conduct the spy out of the town, and the man + went at once to San Bonifacio, where Manfroni had him taken and hung as a + traitor, without listening to any excuse. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-7"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap7.jpg" width="190" height="97" +alt="POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> +<p> + When war began again in Italy at the close of the year 1510, Louis XII. + found that he had no allies except the Duke of Ferrara and some Swiss + mercenaries. Pope Julius II. had joined forces with the Venetians in his + eager desire to drive the French out of Italy, and he was also extremely + wroth with Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara. He sent word to the widowed Countess + of Mirandola that she should give up her city into his hands, as he + required it for his attack upon Ferrara. +</p> +<p> + When at length the brave defenders had been compelled to yield their + citadel, Pope Julius refused to take possession of the conquered city in + the usual way by riding in through the gate; he had a bridge thrown across + the frozen moat and climbed in through a breach in the walls. It must have + been a gallant sight to look upon, when he politely escorted the angry + Countess of Mirandola out of the home she had so bravely defended, while + she held her head high and boldly spoke her mind, with pride and assurance + as great as his own. +</p> +<p> + When news of the fall of Mirandola reached the Duke of Ferrara he expected + that the next move would be an attack on Ferrara itself. He therefore + destroyed the bridge which he had made across the Po, and retreated with + all his army to his own strong city. The Castello of Ferrara, in the very + heart of the city, standing four-square with its mighty crenellated towers, + was one of the most famous fortresses of Italy and was believed to be + impregnable; only by famine could it be taken. +</p> +<p> + The Pope's wisest captains and his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, pointed out + that Ferrara was thoroughly fortified, well provided with artillery of the + newest make, and was defended by an army of well-tried soldiers, amongst + whom was the French company commanded by Bayard. One noted Venetian captain + thus gave his opinion: "Holy Father, we must prevent any provisions + arriving at Ferrara by the river, and also from Argenta and the country + round, which is very rich and fertile. But this we shall scarcely + accomplish unless we take La Bastida, a place about twenty-five miles from + Ferrara; but if once this fortress is in our hands we can starve out the + city in two months, considering what a number of people are within its + walls." +</p> +<p> + Pope Julius saw the point at once and exclaimed: "Certainly, we must have + that place; I shall not rest until it is taken." +</p> +<p> + We may imagine the dismay of the governor of La Bastida when he saw a + formidable army arrive, for it happened at the time that he had only a weak + garrison. He instantly sent off a messenger to Ferrara, before the castle + was surrounded and the artillery set in position, pointing out the extreme + peril and the absolute need of immediate help. The trusty man made such + haste that he reached Ferrara about noon, having taken hardly six hours on + the way. It so chanced that he met Bayard at the city gate, and on the Good + Knight asking what news he brought, he replied: +</p> +<p> + "My lord, I come from La Bastida, which is besieged by seven or eight + thousand men, and the commander sends me to tell the Duke that if he does + not receive help he will not be able to hold the place until to-morrow + night if they try to take it by assault ... for he has only twenty-five men + of war within the walls...." +</p> +<p> + Bayard at once hastened with him to the Duke, whom he met riding in the + market-place with the lord of Montboison. They thought at first that a spy + had been taken, but soon learnt that he was the bearer of bad news. As the + Duke read the letter which the commander had written he turned pale, and + when he had finished he shrugged his shoulders and said: "If I lose La + Bastida I may as well abandon Ferrara, and I do not see how we can possibly + send help within the time mentioned, for he implores assistance before + to-morrow morning, and it is impossible." +</p> +<p> + "Why?" asked the lord of Montboison. +</p> +<p> + "Because it is five-and-twenty miles from here, and in this bad weather it + will be more than that," replied the Duke. "There is a narrow way for about + half a mile where the men will have to go one after the other. Besides, + there is another thing, for if our enemies knew of a certain passage twenty + men could hold it against ten thousand, but I trust they will not discover + it." +</p> +<p> + When the Good Knight saw how distressed the Duke was, he said: +</p> +<p> + "My lord, when a small matter is at stake we may hesitate; but when we are + threatened with utter destruction we must try any means. The enemies are + before La Bastida, and they are quite confident that we shall not dare to + leave this city to raise the siege, knowing that the great army of the Pope + is so near us. I have thought of a plan which will be easy to carry out, if + fortune is with us. +</p> +<p> + "You have in this town four or five thousand foot-soldiers, well hardened + and good soldiers; let us take two thousand of them with eight hundred + Swiss under Captain Jacob and send them this night in boats up the river. + You are still master of the Po as far as Argenta; they will go and wait for + us at the passage you spoke of. If they arrive there first they will take + it, and the men-at-arms who are in this town will ride by the road all this + night. We shall have good guides and will so manage as to arrive by + daybreak and thus join the others; our enemies will have no suspicion of + this enterprise. From the passage you spoke of it is three miles or less to + La Bastida; before they have time to put themselves in order of battle we + will attack them sharply, and my heart tells me that we shall defeat them." +</p> +<p> + The Duke, delighted, replied with a smile: "Upon my word, Sir Bayard, + nothing seems impossible to you! But I believe that if the gentlemen who + are here agree with you, we shall indeed win...." No one made any + difficulty; on the contrary, the captains of the men-at-arms were so + delighted that, as the chronicler says, "they thought they were in + Paradise." The boats were all prepared as quietly and secretly as possible, + for in the city there were known to be many friends of the Pope. +</p> +<p> + Fortunately it was the dead of winter, when the nights were long. As soon + as it was dark the foot-soldiers embarked in the boats, which were provided + with trusty and experienced boatmen. The horsemen, led by the Duke in + person, also set forth as soon as the twilight came; they took good guides, + and had a safe journey notwithstanding the stormy weather. Thus it + happened that half an hour before dawn they arrived at the narrow passage, + where all was lonely and quiet, at which they rejoiced greatly. They had + not been waiting half an hour before the boats arrived with the + foot-soldiers. +</p> +<p> + The men landed and then marched slowly by a narrow path until they reached + a very deep canal between the Po and La Bastida, where they had to cross a + little bridge so narrow that they had to go one after the other. This took + a whole hour to cross, so that it was now quite daylight, which made the + Duke anxious, more especially as, hearing no sound of artillery, he feared + the fortress had been taken. But just as he was speaking about it there + thundered forth three cannon shots, at which all the company was delighted. + They were now only a mile from the enemy, and the Good Knight said: +</p> +<p> + "Gentlemen, I have always heard it said that he is a fool who makes light + of his foes; we are now close to ours, and they are three to one. If they + knew of our enterprise it would be very bad for us, as they have artillery + and we have none. Besides, I believe that on this occasion all the flower + of the Pope's army is before us; we must take them by surprise if possible. + I would propose sending du Fay with fifteen or twenty horsemen to sound the + alarm on the side from which the enemy came, and Captain Pierre du Pont + with a hundred men-at-arms should be within a bow-shot to support him, and + we will also send him Captain Jacob with his Swiss. You, my lord," he said + to the Duke, "with my lord of Montboison, my companions and myself, we will + go straight to the siege, and I will go in front to give the alarm. If du + Fay is first in position and they attack him, we will go forward and + enclose them; but if our party is first, Captain Pierre du Pont and the + Swiss will do so on their side. That will astonish them so much that they + will not know what to do, for they will think we are three times as many + men as we are, and especially when all our trumpets sound forth at once." +</p> +<p> + No one had anything better to suggest, for indeed the Good Knight was so + great an authority in war that all were glad to follow where he led. +</p> +<p> + The attack was thus made on both sides, du Fay giving such a tremendous + alarm on the outer side of the camp that the enemies hastily began to put + on their armour, to mount their horses, and go straight towards where they + heard the trumpets. The foot-soldiers set about arranging themselves in + battle order, but fortunately this took so long that meantime the + assailants of du Fay were attacked and driven back by Pierre du Pont, while + the Swiss poured down upon the foot-soldiers, whose number would have + overwhelmed them had not the men-at-arms rode down upon the papal infantry + from the other side. +</p> +<p> + The Duke and the French company, with two thousand foot-soldiers, who had + arrived under the walls without being observed, now joined in the fray from + the other side, to the utter confusion of the enemy, who were completely + surrounded and cut to pieces. Some of the horsemen of the papal army made a + desperate attempt to rally, but Bayard and another captain called their + ensigns and rode straight at them, with the cry of: "France! France! The + Duke! the Duke!" and charged them with such vehemence that most of them + were brought to the ground. The fighting went on for a good hour, but at + last the camp was lost and those escaped who could, but they were not many. + This battle cost the Pope about three thousand men, all his artillery and + camp furnishing, and was the salvation of the duchy of Ferrara. More than + three hundred horses remained in the hands of the conquerors, besides many + prisoners of importance. +</p> +<p> + Indeed, we do not wonder that so much stress is laid upon this victory by + the chronicler of Bayard, as it was solely due to his energy and + resolution. The battle took place on February 11, 1511. +</p> +<p> + It was at the siege of Brescia that the fame of Bayard reached its highest + point. His splendid courage in volunteering to place himself in the + forefront of battle and face the dreaded hand-guns of the arquebusiers is + the more striking as he had a special hatred of these new arms which were + coming more and more into use. All this gunpowder business was detestable + to the great knight, who had been trained in the old school of chivalry, + where gentlemen showed their skill in the use of arms, and fought bravely + against each other, while a battle was a kind of glorified tournament. "It + is a shame," he used to say, "that a man of spirit should be exposed to be + killed by a miserable stone or iron ball against which he cannot defend + himself." +</p> +<p> + Bayard always seems to us singularly free from the superstitions of his + day, but we cannot forget that an astrologer had foretold his death from + one of these new machines of war. +</p> +<p> + When all preparations had been made for the assault of the city, the Duke + of Nemours said to the captains of the army: "My lords, there is one thing + that for God's sake we must consider. You know that if this town is taken + by assault, it will be ruined and pillaged, and many will be put to death, + which seems a great pity. We must try once, before they put it to the + touch, whether they will surrender." +</p> +<p> + This was agreed to, and the next morning a trumpeter was sent forth from + the citadel, who marched down to the first rampart of the enemy where the + Doge, Messire Andrea Gritti, and his captains came to meet him. The + trumpeter asked if he might enter the town, but was told that he might say + what he liked to those present who had the authority to answer him. Then he + gave his message, saying that if they would give up the city they should + all be free to go forth and their lives would be safe, but if it were taken + by assault they would probably all be killed. +</p> +<p> + The answer they gave was to bid him return, for the town belonged to the + Republic of Venice, and so would remain, and they would take good care that + no Frenchman should ever set foot within. +</p> +<p> + The trumpeter brought back his answer, and when it was heard, there was no + more delay for the men were already in battle order. +</p> +<p> + "Well, gentlemen, we must all do our best.... Let us march," said Gaston de + Foix, Duc de Nemours, "in the name of God and my lord St. Denis." Drums, + trumpets, and bugles sounded an alarm. The enemy replied with a burst of + artillery, and the attacking party from the citadel began their descent + down the hill, where the ground was very slippery, for there had been rain + in the night. The general and many other knights took off their broad, + plated shoes to gain a firmer hold with the felt slippers worn under the + armour, for no one wished to be left behind. At the first rampart there was + a fierce conflict, for it was splendidly defended, and while the Good + Knight's company cried "Bayard! Bayard! France!" the enemy replied with + "Marco! Marco!" making so much noise as to drown the sound of the + hand-guns. The Doge, Andrea Gritti, encouraged his followers by saying to + them in the Italian tongue: "Hold firm, my friends, the French will soon + be tired, and if we can defeat this Bayard, the others will never come on." +</p> +<p> + But in spite of all his encouragement his men began to give way, and seeing + this the Good Knight cried: "Push on, push on, comrades! It is ours; only + march forward and we have won." He himself was the first to enter and cross + the rampart with about a thousand men following after him, and so with much + fighting the first fort was taken with great loss of life to the defenders. +</p> +<p> + But in the very moment of victory the Good Knight was wounded, receiving + the blow of a pike in his thigh, which entered in so deeply that the iron + was broken and remained in the wound. He believed himself stricken to death + from the pain he suffered, and turning to his friend, the lord of Molart, + he said: "Companion, advance with your men, the city is gained; but I can + go no further for I am dying." He was losing so much blood that he felt he + must either die without confession, or else permit two of his archers to + carry him out of the mêlée and do their best to staunch the wound. +</p> +<p> + When the news spread that their hero and champion was mortally wounded the + whole army, captains and men alike, were all moved to avenge his death, and + fought with fierce courage. Nothing could resist them, and at length they + entered pell-mell into the city, where the citizens and the women threw + great stones and boiling water from the windows upon the invaders, doing + more harm than all the soldiers had done. But the men of Venice were + utterly defeated, and many thousands remained in their last sleep in the + great piazza and the narrow streets where they had been pursued by the + enemy. Of that proud army which had held Brescia with bold defiance, such + as were not slain were taken prisoners, and among these was the Doge of + Venice himself. Then followed an awful time of pillage and every form of + cruelty and disorder, as was ever the way in those days when a city was + taken by storm. The spoils taken were valued at three millions of crowns, + and this in the end proved the ruin of the French power in Italy, for so + many of the soldiers, demoralised by plunder, deserted with their + ill-gotten gains and went home. +</p> +<p> + Meantime the wounded Bayard was borne into the city by his two faithful + archers and taken to a quiet street from whence the tide of battle had + passed on. Here they knocked at the door of a fine house whose master had + fled to a monastery, leaving his wife in charge. The good lady opened it at + once to receive the wounded soldier, and Bayard, turning to his men, bade + them guard the house against all comers, being assured that when they heard + his name none would attempt to enter. "And rest assured that what you lose + in the matter of spoil I will make good to you," he added. The lady of the + house led the way to her guest-chamber, whither the Good Knight was + carried, and she threw herself on her knees before him, saying: "Noble + lord, I present to you this house and all that is in it, for it is yours by + right of war, but I pray you to spare my honour and my life and that of my + two young daughters...." She had hidden away the poor girls in an attic + under the hay, but Bayard soon set her mind at rest, and gave her his + knightly word that her house would be as safe as a sanctuary. Then he asked + if she knew of a surgeon, and she went to fetch her own doctor, under the + escort of one of the archers. When he arrived he dressed the wound, which + was very deep and jagged, but he assured his patient that he was in no + danger of death, and would probably be on horseback again in less than a + month. +</p> +<p> + Great was the joy of the Duc de Nemours and of all the French army when + this good report reached them, and the general, who remained in Brescia for + about a week, paid him a visit every day. He tried to comfort him by the + prospect of another battle before long against the Spaniards, and bade him + be quick and get well, for they could not do without him. The Good Knight + made reply that if there should be a battle he would not miss it for the + love he bore to his dear Gaston de Foix and for the King's service; rather + he would be carried thither in a litter. +</p> +<p> + Before leaving, when he had placed the hapless city in some kind of order + and government, Gaston sent the Good Knight many presents and five hundred + crowns, which he at once gave to his faithful archers. The Duke had, + indeed, no choice about his movements, for he received most urgent letters + from the King of France, who wanted the Spaniards to be driven out of + Lombardy as soon as possible, for France was threatened on every side, by + the King of England and by the Swiss. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight was compelled to remain in bed for nearly five weeks, to + his great annoyance, for he received news from the French camp every day, + and there was constant talk of an approaching battle. So he sent for the + surgeon who attended him and told him that all this worry was making him + much worse, and that he must be allowed to join the camp. Seeing what kind + of warrior he had to deal with, the good man replied that the wound was not + closed but was healing well, and that there would be no danger in his + sitting on horseback, but the wound must be carefully dressed night and + morning by his barber. If any one had given Bayard a fortune he would not + have been so delighted, and he settled to start in two days' time. On the + morning when he was to leave after dinner, the good lady of the house came + to speak to him. She knew that by the laws of war she, her daughters, and + her husband (who had long since returned from the monastery where he had + taken refuge) were all prisoners of this French knight, and all that was in + the house belonged to him. But she had found him so kind and courteous that + she hoped to gain his favour by a handsome present, and she brought with + her one of her servants bearing a steel casket containing 2500 ducats. On + entering the Good Knight's chamber she fell on her knees before him, but he + would not suffer her to speak a word until she was seated by his side. Then + she poured out all her gratitude for his knightly courtesy and protection, + and at last offered him the casket, opening it to show what it contained. + But Bayard put it aside with a friendly smile, and replied: +</p> +<p> + "On my word, dear lady, I have never cared for money all my life! No riches + could ever be so precious to me as the kindness and devoted care which you + have shown to me during my stay with you, and I assure you that so long as + I live you will always have a faithful gentleman at your command. I thank + you very much for your ducats, but I pray that you will take them back...." + However, the lady was so much distressed at his refusal that he at length + accepted the casket, but begged her to send her daughters to wish him + good-bye. When they came and would have fallen on their knees before him, + he would not suffer such humility, but thanked them for all their kindness + in cheering him with their lute and spinet and singing during his illness, + and begged them to accept the ducats contained in their mother's casket, + which he poured out into their aprons whether they would or not. Overcome + by his courteous persuasion, the mother thanked him with tears in her eyes: + "Thou flower of knighthood to whom none can compare, may the Blessed + Saviour reward thee in this world and the next." When the Good Knight's + horses were brought round at mid-day, after dinner, the two fair maidens + brought him some presents of their own needlework, bracelets made with hair + bound with gold and silver threads, and a little embroidered purse, which + he gallantly placed in his sleeve, and the bracelets on his arms, with many + thanks, to the great delight of the girls. Thus with friendly words and + courtly farewells he took his leave, and rode away with a goodly company of + friends towards the camp near Ravenna, where he was welcomed with the + greatest joy and honour by all the French army. +</p> +<p> + When Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours, arrived at the camp before Ravenna he + assembled all the captains together to consider what was to be done, for + the French army began to suffer very much on account of the scarcity of + provisions, which could only be obtained with great difficulty. They were + very short of bread and wine, because the Venetians had cut off the + supplies from one side and the Spanish army held all the coast of Romagna. +</p> +<p> + There was also another reason for haste, which was not yet known to the + French leaders. Maximilian had long been uncertain and vacillating in his + alliances, but had now definitely decided to join the side of Pope Julius + and the King of Spain. As usual there were companies of German and Swiss + mercenaries both in the Italian army and also with the French, and these + owed some kind of allegiance to the sovereign of their land. Thus it was + that the Emperor had sent word to the companies of German "landsknechte" + that they were to retire home at once and were not to fight against the + Spaniards. Now it so happened that this letter had only been seen by the + Captain Jacob, who commanded these mercenaries in the French army, and he, + being a great friend of Bayard, privately asked his advice, first telling + him that having accepted the pay of the French King he had no intention of + thus betraying him in the hour of battle. But he suggested that it would be + well to hurry on the impending battle before other letters should come from + the Emperor and give the men an excuse for retiring. The Good Knight saw + how urgent the matter was and advised him to declare it to the general, the + Duc de Nemours. +</p> +<p> + Duke Gaston, who had now heard of the Emperor's letter, said that they had + no choice, and also that his uncle, the King of France, was sending + constant messengers to hurry on war operations as he was in sore straits. + Bayard was asked to give his opinion, and he modestly replied that he had + only just arrived and others might know more, but as far as he could learn, + the besieged were promised that a large army from Naples and Rome would + come to their help in a few days, certainly before Easter, and this was + Maundy Thursday. "And on the other hand," he added, "our men have no + provisions and the horses are reduced to eating willow leaves, so that each + day's delay makes it worse for us. You see, too, the King our master writes + to us every day to hasten our movements, therefore I advise that we give + battle. But we must use all caution for we have to do with brave and good + fighting men, and we cannot deny the risk and danger. There is one comfort: + the Spaniards have been in Romagna for a year, fed like fish in the water + till they are fat and full, while our men, having undergone much hardship, + have longer breath. Remember that to him who fights longest the camp will + remain." +</p> +<p> + At this every one smiled, for Bayard always had such a bright and pleasant + way of putting things that men loved to hear him. His advice was followed + and all was made ready for a determined assault on the city next day, which + was Good Friday. The captains and their men set forth in gallant mood, as + though they went to a wedding, and so fierce was the attack of the + artillery that before long a small breach was made in the fortification, + but the defenders fought so well that it was not possible to break through + and at length the retreat was sounded. This was really a fortunate thing, + as if the soldiery had begun pillaging the place the coming battle would + certainly have been lost, and the relieving army was now within two miles + of Ravenna. +</p> +<p> + It would be too long to follow the whole story of that fierce and desperate + conflict, where both sides fought with the utmost skill and valour. The + Spaniards certainly carried out their usual tactics of constantly taking + aim at the horses of the French riders, for they have a proverb which says: + "When the horse is dead the man-at-arms is lost." Their war-cry was: + "Spain! Spain! St. Iago!" to which the other side replied by another + furious onslaught to the shouts of "France! France!" And wherever the Good + Knight passed, "Bayard! Bayard!" was the clarion note which cheered on his + company, ever in the forefront of battle. The French artillery was used + with great success, and as for the young general, Gaston de Foix, he led + forward his men again and again with splendid success. It was late in the + day and already the tide of victory was on the side of the French, when the + Good Knight, who was riding in pursuit of the flying enemy, said to the + Duke: "Praise be to God, you have won the battle, my lord, and the world + will ring with your fame. I pray you to remain here by the bridge and rally + your men-at-arms to keep them from pillaging the camp. But do not leave, I + entreat, till we return." It would have been well, indeed, if he had + remembered this, but some time later, in the tumult and confusion, he saw + some Gascons being driven across the canal by a few Spanish fugitives, and + with his usual impetuous chivalry, Gaston threw himself to their rescue, + without waiting to see who followed him. +</p> +<p> + He found himself hemmed in between the canal and a deep ditch, attacked by + desperate men with pikes; his horse was killed and he fought on foot with + only his sword. His companions, who had quickly seen his danger, were + trampled down or thrust into the water, and in vain his cousin, de Lautrec, + shouted to the Spaniards, "Do not kill him; he is our general, the brother + of your Queen" (Germaine de Foix). The gallant young Duke fell covered with + wounds, and de Lautrec was left for dead, before their assailants turned + and continued their flight to Ravenna. It so chanced that some distance + farther the Good Knight met them, and would have attacked them, but they + pleaded humbly for their lives, which could make no difference now the + battle was won. Bayard let them go, little knowing that they had done to + death his dear lord and beloved friend, Gaston de Foix. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight wrote to his uncle on April 14, 1512: +</p> +<p> + "Sir, if our King has gained the battle I vow to you that we poor gentlemen + have lost it; for while we were away in pursuit of the enemy ... my lord + of Nemours ... was killed and never was there such grief and lamentation + as overwhelms our camp, for we seem to have lost everything. If our dear + lord had lived to his full age (he was but twenty-four) he would have + surpassed all other princes, and his memory would have endured so long as + the world shall last.... Sir, yesterday morning the body of my lord + (Gaston de Foix, Duc de Nemours) was borne to Milan with the greatest + honour we could devise, with two hundred men-at-arms, the many banners + taken in this battle carried trailing on the ground before his body, with + his own standards triumphantly floating behind him.... We have lost many + other great captains, and amongst them my friend Jacob of the German + foot-soldiers ... and I assure you that for a hundred years the kingdom of + France will not recover from our loss....—Your humble servitor, BAYARD." +</p> +<p> + The brilliant victory won outside the walls of Ravenna was the last + successful engagement of the French army which, threatened on every side, + was soon "to melt away like mist flying before the wind." The day after the + battle Ravenna was pillaged by the French adventurers and "landsknechte" + with the usual unfortunate result, that they forsook their masters and + returned home with their booty. +</p> +<p> + This gallant young prince was indeed a terrible loss both to his friends + and to his country. His uncle, Louis XII., is said to have exclaimed, on + hearing of the death of the Duke of Nemours: "Would to God that I had lost + Italy, and that Gaston and the others who fell at Ravenna were still + alive!" +</p> +<p> + It was difficult to fill his place, but Chabannes la Palisse was chosen to + the command of the army, as Lautrec had been grievously wounded and was now + at Ferrara, where he ultimately recovered. +</p> +<p> + The French army was already weary and dispirited when the troops of the + Pope and his allies bore down upon them in great numbers; and after several + attempts at resistance they were compelled to retire to Pavia, which they + hoped to defend. However, they had barely time to fortify the various gates + before the enemy was upon them, two days later. By the advice of Bayard, a + bridge of boats was made across the river as a way of retreat, for the + stone bridge was sure to be guarded by the enemy, and, as we shall see, + this proved to be of immense value. By some means, the Swiss managed to + enter the town by the citadel and advanced to the market-place, where, on + the alarm being sounded, they were met by the foot-soldiers and some + men-at-arms, amongst whom were the Captain Louis d'Ars, who was Governor, + La Palisse, and the lord of Imbercourt. But, above all, the Good Knight did + incredible things, for with about twenty or thirty men-at-arms he held all + the Swiss at bay for about two hours in a narrow passage, fighting the + whole time with such desperate energy that he had two horses killed under + him. +</p> +<p> + It was now that the bridge of boats came into use, and the artillery was + first preparing to cross when Captain Pierre du Pont, Bayard's nephew, who + was keeping a watch on the enemy, came to tell the company fighting in the + market-place: "Gentlemen, retire at once; for above our bridge a number of + Swiss are arriving in little boats, ten at a time, and when they have + enough men they will enclose us in this city and we shall all be cut to + pieces." +</p> +<p> + He was so wise and valiant a leader that his words were obeyed, and the + French retreated, always fighting, as far as their bridge, hotly pursued, + so that there was heavy skirmishing. However, the horsemen passed over + safely, while about three hundred foot-soldiers remained behind to guard + the entrance of the bridge. But a great misfortune happened, for when the + French had just succeeded in taking across the last piece of artillery, a + long "culverin"<a href="#note-5"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + (cannon), named + <i>Madame de Forli</i>,<a href="#note-6"><small><sup>2</sup></small></a> + which had been + re-taken from the Spaniards at Ravenna, was so heavy that it sank the first + boat, and the poor soldiers, seeing they were lost, escaped as best they + could, but many were killed and others drowned. +</p> +<a name="note-5"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[Cannon of 5-1/2 inches bore; weight of the shot 17-1/2 lbs.] +</p> +<a name="note-6"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>2</u></sup> +[Named after the famous Catarina Sforza, the warlike Lady of Forli.] +</p> +<p> + When the French had crossed the bridge they destroyed it, although they + were no longer pursued, but a great misfortune befell Bayard. He was, as + usual, in the place of danger, protecting the retreat of his company, when + he was wounded by the shot from the town of a small cannon called a + "fowler." It struck him between the shoulder and the neck with such force + that all the flesh was torn off to the bone, and those who saw the shot + thought he was killed. But although he was in agony and knew that he was + seriously wounded, he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, it is nothing." + They tried to staunch the wound with moss from the trees, and some of his + soldiers tore up their shirts for bandages, as there was no surgeon at + hand. It was in this unfortunate condition that the Good Knight accompanied + the French army on that sad retreat from place to place, until at last they + reached Piedmont and crossed the Alps. +</p> +<p> + Less than three months after the victory of Ravenna the triumphant allies + had re-taken Bologna, Parma, and Piacenza without a blow; had encouraged + Genoa to assert her independence; and Italy, with the exception of a few + citadels, had escaped from French rule. +</p> +<p> + Bayard, who suffered much from his wound, was carried to Grenoble, where + his good uncle the Bishop, who had first started him in his career of arms, + received him with the greatest affection. He was warmly welcomed and made + much of in his native land, and possibly the excitement, combined with his + serious wound, was too much for him, as he fell ill with fever and for more + than a fortnight his life was despaired of. +</p> +<p> + Prayers and supplications were made for him throughout the whole country, + especially in all the churches of Grenoble itself, and, as the chronicler + remarks, "there must have been some good person whose prayers were heard," + for the Good Knight gradually grew better, and before many weeks he was as + well and as gay as ever. Never was any one more feasted and entertained + than he was during the three months when he remained with his uncle, the + Bishop of Grenoble. A very interesting letter has been preserved which this + good prelate wrote to the Queen of France at this time. He thanks her for + her great kindness in sending her doctor, Maitre Pierre, whose skill has + had so much effect in curing his nephew. He also informs Her Majesty that + he has spoken to Bayard about the marriage she suggests for him, but with + all due gratitude he does not find himself in a position to marry, and has + never given the subject a thought.... +</p> +<p> + This is exactly what we might have expected from the good Anne of Brittany. + She had such a passion for match-making that she had obtained from the Pope + a "portable" altar, which always travelled with her, that she might have a + marriage solemnised at any time. +</p> +<p class="ctr"><a name="image-8"></a> +<img src="images/henry.jpg" width="180" height="272" +alt="Bayard presented to the King of England."> +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-8"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap8.jpg" width="189" height="92" +alt="HENRY the EIGHTH KING of ENGLAND +from the portrait by Hans Holbein"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> +<p> + The next war in which Bayard was engaged was that in which Louis XII. was + attacked by the King of Spain in Navarre. Henry VIII. was at the same time + preparing to invade the north of France, landing near Calais, and the Swiss + were already pouring into Burgundy. +</p> +<p> + As we may expect, Bayard was not long without being sent on some perilous + adventure. He was at the siege of Pampeluna with the deposed King Jean + d'Albret of Navarre and the lord of La Palisse, when they told him there + was a certain castle about four leagues off which it would be well for him + to take, as the garrison was a constant annoyance to the French. The Good + Knight at once set off with his own company, that of Captain Bonneval, a + certain number of adventurers, and two troops of "landsknechte." When he + arrived before the fortress, he sent a trumpeter to proclaim to those + within that they must yield it to their rightful sovereign, the King of + Navarre, in which case they would save their lives and goods, but if the + place had to be taken by assault they would have no mercy. +</p> +<p> + The Spaniards were valiant men and loyal subjects of the King of Spain, + and they made reply that they would not yield the fortress and still less + themselves. Upon this Bayard put his artillery in position and made such + good use of it that a breach was soon made in the walls, but it was high up + and not easy to make use of. The Good Knight then sounded the order to + assault and commanded the "landsknechte" to advance. Their interpreter said + that it was their rule, when a place was to be taken by assault, that they + should have double pay. The Good Knight would have nothing to do with their + rules, but he promised that if they took the place they should have what + they asked for. But not a single man of them would mount the breach. + Thereupon Bayard sounded the retreat, and then made an attack with the + artillery as though he wished to enlarge the breach, but he had another + plan. He called one of his men-at-arms, by name Little John, and said to + him: "My friend, you can do me a good service which will be well rewarded. + You see that tower at the corner of the castle; when you hear the assault + begin take ladders, and with thirty or forty men scale that tower, which + you will find undefended." So it turned out, for all the garrison went to + defend the breach, while Little John and his men mounted the tower unseen + and cried out, "France! France! Navarre! Navarre!" The defenders, finding + themselves assailed on every side, did their best; but the castle was soon + taken, and the whole place was pillaged and left in charge of the King of + Navarre's men. +</p> +<p> + In this year, 1513, died Julius II., the great warrior Pope, a constant foe + to the French, and he was succeeded by the Cardinal dei Medici, Pope Leo X. +</p> +<p> + Louis XII., having most reluctantly withdrawn his troops from Italy, now + prepared to meet an invasion of Picardy by the English. He sent a large + body of troops to the assistance of the lord of Piennes, Governor of + Picardy, commanded by the finest captains of the kingdom, and amongst these + was Bayard. In the month of June 1513 a large army had landed with Henry + VIII. near Calais; a most convenient place for the invasion of France, as + it was in possession of the English. A strong force was sent on to besiege + the town of Thérouanne in Artois, but the King himself remained behind at + Calais for some tournaments and festivities. When he set forth, a few weeks + later, to join his army he had a very narrow escape of being taken prisoner + by Bayard, who met him on the way. +</p> +<p> + It happened that the English King was accompanied by about 12,000 + foot-soldiers, of whom 4000 were landed, but he had no horsemen, while + Bayard commanded a detachment of nearly 1200 men-at-arms. The two armies + came within a cannon-shot of each other, and Henry VIII., seeing his + danger, dismounted from his horse and placed himself in the middle of the + "landsknechte." The French were only too eager to charge through the + foot-soldiers, and Bayard implored the Governor of Picardy, under whose + orders he was, to allow him to lead them on. "My lord, let us charge them!" + he exclaimed; "if they give way at the first charge we shall break through, + but if they make a strong stand we can always retire, for they are on foot + and we on horseback." But the lord of Piennes only replied: "Gentlemen, the + King my master has charged me on my life to risk nothing, but only to + defend his land; do what you please, but for my part I will never give my + consent." +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight, brought up in strict military discipline, was not one to + break the law of obedience, and he yielded with bitter disappointment in + his heart. The timid caution of the Governor of Picardy had thus lost him, + in all probability, the chance of a splendid adventure, for the capture of + King Henry VIII. at the very beginning of the war might have changed the + whole history of Europe. +</p> +<p> + As it was, the King was suffered to pass on his way, but Bayard obtained + leave to harass the retreating army, and with his company took possession + of a piece of artillery called <i>Saint John</i>, for Henry VIII. had twelve of + these big cannons, to which he gave the name of "his twelve apostles." +</p> +<p> + The King of England reached the camp outside Thérouanne in safety, and a + few days later was joined by the Emperor Maximilian, who was welcomed with + much feasting. Their combined forces are said to have amounted to 40,000 + men, and they soon began a vigorous bombardment of the city, which was + bravely defended with a strong garrison, who did their best with the + limited means at their disposal. Thérouanne was a strongly-fortified city, + but the massive walls, which had formerly been impregnable, could not stand + against a long siege with this new artillery. +</p> +<p> + The besieged city was very short of provisions and the great object of the + French was to supply these; indeed Louis XII., who had advanced as far as + Amiens, was sending constant orders that this must be done at any risk. At + the same time he was very anxious to avoid a general engagement as his army + would be no match for the combined English and Burgundian forces. French + historians tell us that this was the cause of that disastrous encounter + which, to their great annoyance, has been called the "Battle of Spurs." + They point out that the troops were not sent to fight, but only to + revictual a besieged place, and that the King's orders were that, if + attacked, "they were to retreat at a walk, and if they were pressed, go + from a walk to a trot, and from a trot to a gallop, for they were to risk + nothing." +</p> +<p> + This was the French plan to send provisions for the beleaguered city, a + very difficult enterprise on account of the immense army which surrounded + it. It was arranged that the cavalry should make a feigned attack on the + side of Guinegaste, in order to draw the enemy in that direction, while + eight hundred "stradiots" (light horse, chiefly Albanians in the service of + France) were to make a dash on the other side, gallop through the defending + force, reach the moat and throw in the bundles of provisions which they + carried on the necks of their horses. This we are told the Albanians + actually succeeded in doing, and it seemed as if this bold stroke would be + successful, for the besieged, under cover of night, would be able to fetch + in the much-needed provisions. +</p> +<p> + The French men-at-arms, meantime, had advanced to the attack and, after + some skirmishing with the English and Imperial troops, were beginning to + retreat somewhat carelessly, when they suddenly saw a number of + foot-soldiers with artillery appearing on the top of the hill of + Guinegaste, preparing to bar their way. Only then did they become fully + aware of the imminent danger in which they were, and understood that, by + some treachery, their plans had been made known to the enemy, who had thus + made all preparations for their destruction. +</p> +<p> + King Henry VIII. had heard of the plan of relief, and before daybreak had + placed ten or twelve thousand English archers and four or five thousand + German foot-soldiers on a hillock with eight or ten pieces of artillery, in + order that when the French had passed by, his men might descend and + surround them, while in front he had ordered all the horsemen, both English + and Burgundian, to attack them. When the French soldiers found themselves + caught in this ambush, and the retreat was sounded by the trumpeters, they + turned back, but were so hotly pursued that the gentle trot soon became a + wild gallop and they fled in disorder, notwithstanding the cries of their + captains: "Turn, men-at-arms, turn, it is nothing!" The Good Knight's + company was hurried along with the others, but again and again he rallied + them, until at last he was left with only fourteen or fifteen men-at-arms + on a little bridge only wide enough for two horsemen to pass at a time, + while the stream was too deep to ford as it was dammed up to turn a mill. + Here Bayard came to a stand and cried to his companions: "My friends, we + can hold this bridge for an hour, and I will send an archer to tell my lord + of La Palisse that we have checked the enemy and this is the place to + attack them." +</p> +<p> + We can picture to ourselves how gallantly he fought, for he loved nothing + better than to defend a narrow bridge, but the pursuing army proved too + overwhelming, for a company of horsemen went round beyond the mill and + attacked the brave little party of defenders from behind. When Bayard saw + that their position was desperate, he cried: "Gentlemen, we yield + ourselves, for our valour will serve us nothing. Our horses are done up, + our friends are three leagues away, and when the English archers arrive + they will cut us to pieces." One by one the knights yielded, but Bayard saw + a Burgundian gentleman on the bank who, overcome by the great heat of that + August day, had taken off his "armet" (helmet) and was too exhausted to + think about taking prisoners. The Good Knight rode straight at him, held + his sword at the man's throat and cried: "Yield, man-at-arms, or you are + dead." Never was man more surprised than this Burgundian, who thought that + all the fighting was over, but with the cold steel threatening him there + was nothing for him but surrender. "I yield, as I am taken in this way, but + who are you?" he asked. +</p> +<p> + "I am the Captain Bayard and I also yield myself to you," was the reply. + "Take my sword, and I pray you let me go with you." So he was taken to the + English camp and well treated by the gentleman in his tent; but on the + fifth day Bayard said to him: "Sir, I should like to return to my own camp + for I grow weary of this." "But we have said nothing about your ransom," + exclaimed the other. "My ransom?" said the Good Knight. "But what about + yours, for you were my prisoner first? We will fight out the matter, if you + like." But the gentleman had heard of Bayard's fame and was by no means + anxious to fight, surprised as he was at this new point of view. But he was + a courteous gentleman, and offered to abide by the decision of the + captains. Meantime the rumour spread that the great Bayard was in the camp, + and there was much excitement. The Emperor Maximilian sent for him and + feasted him well, expressing great delight at meeting him again. After much + pleasant talk he remarked: "In the days when we fought together it seems to + me that we were told Bayard never fled." "If I had fled, sire, I should not + be here now," he replied. +</p> +<p> + Presently the King of England arrived and desired that the Good Knight + might be presented to him, as he had always wished to make his acquaintance. + Then they began to talk about the French defeat, and both Henry and + Maximilian made some severe remarks, upon which the Good Knight exclaimed: + "Upon my soul! the French men-at-arms were in no wise to blame, for they + had express commands from their captains not to fight, because our force + was not to be compared with yours, for we had neither foot-soldiers nor + artillery. And indeed, high and noble lords, you must know that the + nobility of France is famous throughout the world. I do not speak of + myself." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, my lord of Bayard," said the King of England, "if all were like + you I should soon have to raise the siege of this town. But now you are a + prisoner." "I do not own to it, sire, and I will appeal to the Emperor and + yourself." He then told the whole story in the presence of the gentleman + with whom he had the adventure, and who answered for the truth of it. The + Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first, + saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still, + all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good + Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this + suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his + word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he + could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the + towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly + thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during + which he was treated with great honour. Henry VIII. made secret proposals + to Bayard that he should enter into his service, offering him high position + and great possessions. But this was labour lost, for, as the chronicler + says, "he was a most loyal Frenchman." +</p> +<p> + Thérouanne, whose walls had been constantly bombarded with much destruction, + was soon compelled by famine to capitulate. The garrison were to march out + freely, with all their arms and armour; but the fortifications were + destroyed and the town partly burnt. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-9"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap9.jpg" width="188" height="92" +alt="FRANCIS the FIRST KING of FRANCE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli"> +</p> +<h3> CHAPTER IX</h3> +<p> + The next year, 1514, brought many changes in France. First came the death + of the good Queen Anne of Brittany, who was greatly lamented by her husband + and mourned by all her people. The next notable event was the marriage of + the Princess Claude, her daughter, to the young Duke of Angoulème, who was + to succeed to the throne under the name of Francis I. +</p> +<p> + He had not long to wait for his inheritance as Louis XII., having made an + alliance with England, was induced for political reasons to marry the + Princess Mary, sister of Henry VIII. The poor King was already in + ill-health, and he only survived his wedding three months, dying on New + Year's day, 1515. He had a splendid funeral at St. Denis, which was + scarcely over before all the great nobles of the realm put off their + mourning and hastened in splendid magnificence to Rheims to the coronation + of the new King, Francis I., a gay and handsome youth of twenty. +</p> +<p> + The young King at once set about carrying out the desire of his heart—the + conquest of Milan. Charles de Bourbon was made Constable of France, and a + great army was collected at Grenoble. But secret news was received that the + Swiss were guarding on the other side the only passes which were then + thought possible for the crossing of armies. One was the Mont Cenis, where + the descent is made by Susa, and the other was by the Mont Genèvre. + Bourbon, however, heard of a new way by the Col d'Argentière, and meantime + sent several French generals and the Chevalier Bayard to cross the + mountains by the Col de Cabre and make a sudden raid upon Prospero Colonna, + who with a band of Italian horsemen was awaiting the descent of the French + army into Piedmont. The gallant little company rode across the rocky Col, + where cavalry had never passed before, descended by Droniez into the plain + of Piedmont, crossed the Po at a ford, where they had to swim their horses, + inquired at the Castle of Carmagnola and found that Prospero Colonna and + his company had left barely a quarter of an hour before. +</p> +<p> + The captains considered what they should do: some were for advancing, + others hesitated, for if Colonna had any suspicion of their plan he + would call the Swiss to his help, for there was a large force in the + neighbourhood. It was Bayard who settled the question by saying: "Since we + have come thus far, my advice is that we continue the pursuit, and if we + come across them in the plain, it will be a pity if some of them do not + fall into our hands." +</p> +<p> + All cried that he was quite right, and that they must start as soon as + possible, but first it would be well if some one were sent on in advance, + in disguise, to find out the exact position of the enemy. This duty was + given to the lord of Moretto, who carried out the inquiry very quickly, + bringing back word that Colonna and his escort were preparing to dine at + Villafranca in full security. +</p> +<p> + They next settled the order of their match: Humbercourt was to go in front + with one hundred archers; a bow-shot behind him Bayard would follow with + one hundred men-at-arms, and then Chabannes de la Palisse and d'Aubigny + would bring up the rest of their men. +</p> +<p> + Prospero Colonna had good spies, and he heard from them as he was going to + Mass at Villafranca that the French were in the fields in great numbers. He + replied that he was quite sure it could only be Bayard and his company, + unless the others were able to fly over the mountains. As he was returning + from Mass, other spies came up to him with the news: "My lord, I have seen + close by more than a thousand French horsemen, and they are coming to find + you here." He was a little taken aback, and turned to one of his gentlemen, + to whom he said: "Take twenty horsemen and go along the road to Carmagnola + for two or three miles, and see if there is anything to alarm us." +</p> +<p> + All the same he commanded the Marshal of his bands to have the trumpet + sounded, and to start for Pignerol, where he would follow when he had eaten + a mouthful. Meantime the French were marching forward in haste, and were + about a mile and a half from Villafranca, when, coming out of a little + wood, they met the scouts sent by the lord Prospero to find them. When + these caught sight of the approaching enemy they turned straight round and + galloped off as hard as they could go. The lord of Humbercourt and his + archers pursued them at full speed, sending word to Bayard to make haste. +</p> +<p> + The French knights rode at such a pace that they reached the gate of the + town at the same time as the Italians, and with their cry of "France! + France!" they managed to keep the gate open until the arrival of the Good + Knight and the rest of their company, when after some sharp fighting it + was strongly held. They also secured the other gate of the town, but two + Albanians managed to escape and carry news of the disaster to a company of + four thousand Swiss about three miles off. +</p> +<p> + Prospero Colonna was surprised at dinner, and would have defended himself, + but when he saw that defence was hopeless he yielded himself most + reluctantly to this Bayard, whom he had vowed "that he would catch like a + pigeon in a cage." As he cursed his ill-fortune in having been thus taken + by surprise, instead of meeting the French in the open field, the Good + Knight with his usual courteous chivalry tried to comfort him, saying: "My + lord Prospero, it is the fortune of war! You lose now, and will win next + time! As for meeting us in the open field, it would be a great pleasure to + us French, for if you knew our men when they are roused to battle you would + not find it easy to escape...." The Italian lord replied coldly: "In any + case I should have been glad to have the chance of meeting!" +</p> +<p> + Besides Colonna, several great captains were taken prisoners, and the place + was found to be full of rich spoils, gold and silver plate, splendid + equipments, and above all in value, six or seven hundred valuable horses. + Unfortunately for the French they were not able to carry away all this, for + news arrived of the approach of the Swiss troop which had been summoned; + indeed they entered Villafranca at one gate as the French rode out with + their prisoners on the other side, but there could be no pursuit as the + Swiss were all on foot. +</p> +<p> + The chief military advantage of this wonderful raid was that it kept all + these Italian horsemen away from the coming battle at Marignano. +</p> +<p> + Francis I. was delighted to hear of Bayard's success, and finding that the + Swiss were retreating towards Milan he followed in pursuit of them, took + Novara on the way, and advanced with his army as far as Marignano. +</p> +<p> + A terrible mêlée followed, for as the light failed confusion increased. We + hear of a most striking adventure which befell the Good Knight Bayard late + in the evening. His horse had been killed under him, and the second which + he mounted became so frantic when his master charged the Swiss lances that + he broke his bridle and dashed into the midst of the enemy until he became + entangled in the vines trained from tree to tree. Bayard kept his presence + of mind, and in order to escape instant death, slipped gently from his + horse, cast off his helmet and the thigh-pieces of his armour, and then + managed to creep on hands and knees along a ditch until he reached his own + people. The first man he met was the Duke of Lorraine, who was much + surprised to see him on foot, and at once gave him a wonderful horse which + had once belonged to the Good Knight himself, and had been left for dead on + the field of Ravenna, but was found next day and brought back to Bayard, + who cured him. This was a most unexpected piece of good fortune, and he was + able to borrow a helmet from another friend and so return to the fight, + which continued for a while by moonlight. +</p> +<p> + We have a vivid account of the weird and strange night which followed, when + the trumpets of France sounded the retreat and the Swiss blew their + cowhorns, as is their custom, and the two armies, with neither ditch nor + hedge between them, awaited the coming day within a stone's-throw of each + other. Those who were mounted sat on their horses with only such food or + drink as they chanced to have with them ... "and it is the firm belief that + no man slept during all those hours." In the King's letter to his mother, + Louise of Savoie, he says "that he remained on horseback with his helmet + on, until he was compelled to rest for a while on a gun-carriage, under the + care of an Italian trumpeter ... when the young King asked for water, it + could only be obtained from the ditch close by." +</p> +<p> + When the morning broke, the battle began again with fresh vigour on both + sides; thousands of brave men fell, and the noblest names of France were + amongst the slain on that fatal field. In the end the victory remained with + the French, and the survivors of the vanquished Swiss retreated in good + order, for the King, who never knew when he might need their services, gave + orders that they were not to be pursued. When all was over, on the Friday + evening, Francis I., who had fought throughout with gallant spirit and + valour, requested the honour of knighthood from the noble Bayard. In this + the young King showed his just appreciation of his most gallant subject, + the very flower of French chivalry, the hero of so many battles. +</p> +<p> + The French army now continued its victorious march to Milan, which + surrendered at once, and the King, after leaving Charles de Bourbon as his + Lieutenant-General, went to meet Pope Leo X. at Bologna and soon after + returned to his own land. Bayard was left in Milan and did good service + when it was attacked later by the Emperor Maximilian. +</p> +<p> + In 1519 the Emperor Maximilian died, and was succeeded in his dominions by + his grandson, Charles V., already King of Spain. It was a great blow to + Francis I., who had used every effort to obtain this honour himself; and + the rivalry then started continued all his life. As Mézières was in danger + of being attacked, Francis I. immediately issued orders that Bayard should + be sent to defend it, as there was no man in his kingdom he would sooner + trust for so important an enterprise. +</p> +<p> + This city was of immense importance at that moment, if it could be held + against the might of the Emperor until the French army should be made up to + its full strength and reach the frontier, where the Germans had arrived, + commanded by two great captains, the Count of Nassau and the famous + <i>condottiere</i>, Franz von Sickingen. +</p> +<p> + Bayard most gladly obeyed the King's command and lost no time in making his + way to Mézières with certain young nobles, amongst whom was the young lord + Montmorency, and with a goodly company of men-at-arms. When he arrived he + found the place in a very poor condition to stand a siege, and he at once + set to work with his usual enthusiasm to improve the fortifications. He + worked himself as hard as any day labourer to encourage the others, and + there was never a man-at-arms or a foot-soldier who did not eagerly follow + his example. The Good Knight would say to them: "It shall not be our fault + if this place is taken, seeing what a fine company we are. Why, if we had + to defend a field with only a four-foot ditch round it, we would fight a + whole day before we should be beaten. But, thank God, here we have ditches, + walls, and ramparts, and I believe that before the enemy enters many of + their men will sleep in those ditches." +</p> +<p> + In short, such was the magic of his eloquence, that all his men thought + they were in the strongest place in the world. This was soon put to the + test when it was besieged on two sides, from beyond the River Meuse and + from the land. Count Sickingen had about fifteen thousand men, and the + other captain, Count Nassau, more than twenty thousand. A herald was sent + to Bayard to point out to him that he could not hold Mézières against their + arms, that it would be a pity for so great and famous a knight to be taken + by assault, and that they would give him excellent terms. And much more of + the same flattering nature. +</p> +<p> + When the Good Knight had heard all the herald had to say, he asked no + man's advice, but replied with a smile: "My friend, I am surprised at + these gracious messages from your masters, whom I do not know. Herald, + you will return and say to them that as the King has done me the honour + to trust me, I hope with God's help to keep this frontier town so long + that your captains will be more tired of besieging it than I shall to be + besieged...." Then the herald was well feasted and sent away. He bore to + the camp the Good Knight's reply, which was by no means pleasant to my + lords, and there was present a captain who had seen service under Bayard in + Italy. He assured the company that so long as the Good Knight was alive + they would never enter into Mézières; that when cowards fought under him + they became brave men, and that all his company would die with him at the + breach before the enemy set foot in the town ... and that his mere presence + was of more value than two thousand men.... +</p> +<p> + This was not pleasant to hear, and the Emperor's captains made a furious + attack with their artillery on the ramparts, which continued during four + days. The Good Knight noticed that special damage was done to the walls + from the camp of Count Sickingen, and considered by what means he could be + induced to go back the other side of the river. So he wrote a letter to the + lord Robert de la Marck, who was at Sedan, in which he hinted at a rumour + he had heard that the Count might be persuaded to become an ally of the + King of France. Bayard added that he desired nothing more, but Sickingen + must lose no time, for his camp would soon be hemmed in by the approaching + Swiss and by a sortie well timed from the town. This information was to be + kept quite private.... +</p> +<p> + The letter was written giving other particulars, and was then given to a + peasant with a crown and the order to take it at once to Sedan from the + Captain Bayard. The good man set off with it, but, as Bayard had foreseen, + he had not gone far before he was taken and gave up the letter to save his + life. This message greatly troubled Count Sickingen, who was already + suspicious of the other general, and was not slow to imagine that he had + been betrayed and left in the post of danger. The more he thought of it the + more his rage increased, and at last he gave orders to sound the retreat + and cross the river, to the dismay and indignation of Count Nassau, who saw + that this was practically raising the siege. Angry messages passed between + the two generals, until at length they were on the point of actual + fighting. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight had been watching all this from the ramparts to his great + amusement, and he now thought it time to add to the confusion by a + well-aimed attack of artillery, which so added to the nervous alarms of the + besiegers that next morning they packed up their tents and camp equipment, + and the two Counts went off in different directions, while it was a long + time before they became friends again. Thus it was that Bayard kept at bay + the overwhelming forces of the enemy for three weeks, until the King of + France himself arrived with a great army. We see how it was that enemies of + the Good Knight could never get over a kind of supernatural terror both of + his splendid valour and his endless resources. King Francis sent for Bayard + to his camp, and on his way thither the indomitable captain retook the town + of Mouzon. He was received with the greatest honour by the King, who + bestowed on him the famous order of St. Michael and the command of a + hundred men-at-arms. He also made many promises of future greatness, and + both he and his mother, the Queen Louise, praised Bayard to the skies. But, + unfortunately, the only results of all this praise were a few empty honours + and an immense amount of jealousy and ill-feeling amongst the courtiers. + Indeed, we find that after this time Bayard never had any important charge + given to him, and never attained the position, which he so richly deserved, + of commander in time of war. It is very interesting to notice that the + "Loyal Servitor"—that faithful chronicler who followed Bayard through all + his campaigns, and probably often wrote at his dictation—never allows us + to suspect that the Good Knight felt any bitterness at this neglect. Not + one word of complaint is ever heard; he never murmured, he asked for + nothing; his only anxiety was to serve his country and his king. +</p> +<p> + If Bayard was not rewarded with the prizes of his profession he was + certainly always chosen when any dangerous or wearisome business was on + hand. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight was not recalled to Court, and it is supposed that, besides + the jealousy which his brilliant deeds had awakened, he was also in + disgrace on account of his warm friendship for Charles de Bourbon, who was + now being driven to despair and ruin through the hatred of Louise de + Savoie. +</p> +<p> + Bayard having been made lieutenant of the Governor of Dauphiné in 1515, it + was easy to keep him at a distance from Paris at his post, and with his + keen and devoted interest in all matters that concerned his country, these + years in a far-off province were a veritable exile. Several of his letters + written during this period have been preserved, and we have also a friendly + note from the King, written in December 1523, when he had settled to make + another expedition to Italy to recover his former conquests there and to + restore his prestige. It is evidently written in answer to an urgent appeal + from Bayard to be allowed to join him, and, probably in a moment of + impulse, he warmly agrees to employ his bravest captain; but, alas for + France! it was not to be in the position of command and responsibility + which his splendid talents and courage demanded. It was to be his last + expedition, with a hero's death as his only guerdon. +</p> +<p> + In the beginning of the year 1524 the King of France sent an army into + Italy under the command of the lord of Bonnivet, his admiral, who had no + qualifications for his high post beyond personal courage. He was a man + of narrow views, wilful and obstinate, and from these faults in a + commander-in-chief great disasters followed. A strong Imperial party, + supported by Charles de Bourbon and Giovanni dei Medici, held the city of + Milan, and the French camp was at a little town called Biagrasso, when + Bonnivet said to the Good Knight: "My lord Bayard, you must go to Rebec + with two hundred men-at-arms and the foot-soldiers of de Lorges, and so + find out what is going on in Milan and check the arrival of their + provisions." Now the Good Knight never murmured at any command given him, + but he saw at once what a wild and foolish scheme this was, and replied: + "My lord, the half of our army would scarcely be sufficient to defend that + village, placed where it is. I know our enemies, they are brave and + vigilant, and you are sending me to certain shame; I pray you therefore, my + lord, that you consider the matter well." But the Admiral persisted that it + would be all right, for not a mouse could leave Milan without his hearing + of it, until, much against his own judgment, Bayard set forth with the men + given to him. But he only took two of his own horses, for his mules and the + rest of his train he sent to Novara, as though foreseeing the loss of all + he had with him. +</p> +<p> + When he had reached this village of Rebec he considered how he could + fortify it; but there was no means of doing so except by putting up a few + barriers, for it could be entered on every side. The Good Knight wrote to + Bonnivet several times, pointing out what a dangerous place it was and that + he must have reinforcements if he was to hold it long, but he received no + answer. Meantime the enemy in Milan had learnt through spies that the Good + Knight was at Rebec with a small company, and greatly rejoiced, for it was + decided to go and surprise him by night. This was exactly what Bayard + feared, and he always placed half his men on the watch, and himself + remained on the look-out for several nights, until he fell ill and was + compelled to remain in his chamber. However, he ordered the captains who + were with him to keep a good watch on all sides, and they went, or + pretended to do so, until there came on a little rain, which sent them all + back except a few archers. +</p> +<p> + It was this very time which the Spaniards and Italians had chosen for their + attack. They marched on through the night, which was very dark, and in + order to recognise each other they all wore a white shirt over their + armour. When they arrived near the village they were amazed to see no one, + and began to fear that the Good Knight had heard of their enterprise and + had retired to Biagrasso. A hundred steps farther on they came upon the few + poor archers on the watch, who fled, crying, "Alarm! Alarm!" But they were + so hotly pursued that the foe was at the barriers as soon as they were. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight, who in such danger never slept without his steel + gauntlets and thigh-pieces, with his cuirass by his side, was soon armed, + and mounted his horse, which was already saddled. Then, with five or six of + his own men-at-arms, he rode straight to the barrier, and was joined by de + Lorges and some of his foot-soldiers, who made a good fight. The village + was already surrounded, and eager search was made for Bayard, who was the + sole object of the expedition, and there was much shouting and confusion. + When the Good Knight at the barrier heard the drums of the enemy's + foot-soldiers, he said to the Captain Lorges: "My friend, if they pass this + barrier we are done for. I pray you, retire with your men, keep close + together and march straight for Biagrasso, while I remain with the horsemen + to protect your rear. We must leave the enemy our baggage, but let us save + the men." Lorges at once obeyed, and the retreat was carried out so + cleverly that not ten men we're lost. The Emperor's people were still + seeking for the Good Knight when he had already reached Biagrasso and + spoken his mind to the Admiral. Bayard was quite broken-hearted at the + misfortune which had befallen him, although it was certainly not his fault, + but there is more chance in war than in anything else. +</p> +<p> + Still, there was more than chance in these disasters of the French in + Italy. They had quite miscalculated the strength of their enemies, amongst + whom was now the famous general, Charles de Bourbon, late Constable of + France. The young French King, at a time when Spain, England, and Italy + were all against him, had most unwisely deprived Bourbon of the whole of + his vast estates by means of a legal quibble; and his greatest subject, + driven to desperation by this ungrateful treatment, had passed over to the + service of Charles V., and was now in command of the Spanish army. It was + he who urged the immediate pursuit of the French when Bonnivet, discouraged + by ill success and sickness in his camp, retreated from his strong position + at Biagrasso. He made one blunder after another, for now that it was too + late he sent a messenger to raise a levy of six thousand Swiss to join him + by way of Ivria. +</p> +<p> + According to his usual gallant custom, as the army retired with forced + marches towards the Alps, Bayard took command of the rear-guard, and as the + Spaniards followed day by day he bore all the brunt of the constant + skirmishing which took place. It was a most perilous office, for the enemy + was well provided with artillery, and when the Good Knight made a gallant + charge with his company and drove back the men-at-arms, he would be + attacked by a shower of stones from the arquebusiers. He seemed to bear a + charmed life, though ever in the post of danger, for others were wounded or + killed while he escaped unhurt until a certain fatal day when the + retreating French army had reached the valley of the Sesia beyond Novara. + Here it was that Bonnivet saw his expected troop of Swiss allies on the + opposite bank of the river, and at once sent word to them to cross over and + join him. But what was his dismay when the Swiss captains replied that the + King of France had not paid them or kept his word, and they had come to + fetch away their comrades who were in the French army. Worse still, when + this became known, all the Swiss mercenaries in his camp rose in open + rebellion against Bonnivet, and lost no time in crossing the river, + overjoyed to leave a losing cause and go back to their homes with so good + an excuse. +</p> +<p> + The unfortunate French commander was in despair and hoping to hide the + catastrophe from the pursuing enemy, he ordered a brisk skirmish, in which + he took part with plenty of courage and was severely wounded in the arm. + The Good Knight Bayard did prodigies of valour, driving back a whole + company of arquebusiers, but in the moment of triumph he was struck by the + stone from an arquebus and received mortal injury. Raising the hilt of his + sword in the sign of the cross, he cried aloud: "Miserere mei, Deus + secundum magnam misericordiam tuam!" He refused to be taken away, saying + that he had never turned his back on his enemy, and his faithful steward + Jacques Jeffrey and his squire lifted him from his horse and placed him + with his back to a tree, still facing the foe with a brave countenance. +</p> +<p> + We have a most pathetic and touching account of this last scene, in which + the Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach died as he had lived, + bearing himself with humble devotion towards God and loving care and + thought towards all men. His friends would have borne him away, but he + implored them to leave him and seek their own safety, for he was in such + terrible pain that he could not endure to be moved. He sent his last + salutations to the King his master, and to all his companions, and took an + affectionate leave of his heart-broken friends, who obeyed his command, all + but the one faithful attendant who remained with him to the end. This was + his steward, Jacques Jeffrey, and we are told of the poor man's grief and + despair, while his master sought to comfort him with brave and noble words. + "Jacques, my friend, cease your lament, for it is the will of God to take + me away from this world where by His grace I have long dwelt and received + more good things and honours than I deserve. The only regret that I have in + dying is that I have failed in my duty ... and I pray my Creator in His + infinite mercy to have pity on my poor soul...." +</p> +<p> + Nothing could exceed the consternation and sorrow which spread through the + French camp when the news reached them that Bayard was wounded and in + mortal agony. The same feeling was shared by his enemies, for to them the + name of Bayard represented the most perfect knight in all the world, the + pattern of chivalry whom every true man sought to imitate from afar. +</p> +<p> + In sad procession the captains of Spain and Italy came to do honour and + reverence to the dying hero. Amongst them the Marquis of Pescara (the + husband of Vittoria Colonna) found noble words to speak the praise and + admiration which filled the hearts of all. "Would to God, my gentle lord of + Bayard, that I had been wounded nigh unto death if only you were in health + again and my prisoner; for then I could have shown you how highly I esteem + your splendid prowess and valour ... since I first made acquaintance with + arms I have never heard of any knight who even approached you in every + virtue of chivalry.... Never was so great a loss for all Christendom.... + But since there is no remedy for death, may God in His mercy take your soul + to be with Him...." Such were the tender and pitiful regrets from the + hostile camp for the cruel loss to all chivalry of the Good Knight without + Fear and without Reproach. +</p> +<p> + They would have tended him with devoted service, but Bayard knew that he + was past all human help, and only prayed that he might not be moved in + those last hours of agony. A stately tent was spread out above him to + protect him from the weather, and he was laid at rest beneath it with the + gentlest care. He asked for a priest, to whom he devoutly made his + confession, and with touching words of prayer and resignation to the will + of his heavenly Father, he gave back his soul to God on April 30, 1524. +</p> +<p> + With the greatest sorrow and mourning of both armies, his body was carried + to the church, where solemn services were held for him during two days, and + then Bayard was borne by his own people into Dauphiné. +</p> +<p> + A great company came to meet the funeral procession at the foot of the + mountains, and he was borne with solemn state from church to church until + Notre Dame of Grenoble was reached, and here all the nobles of Dauphiné and + the people of the city were gathered to do honour to their beloved hero + when the last sad rites were performed. He was mourned and lamented for + many a long day as the very flower of chivalry, the Good Knight without + Fear and without Reproach. +</p> +<a name="image-9"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/death.jpg" width="203" height="272" +alt="The Death of Bayard."> +</p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11363 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11363-h/images/bayard.jpg b/11363-h/images/bayard.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f0a9faf --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/bayard.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/bridge.jpg b/11363-h/images/bridge.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4cdc930 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/bridge.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap1.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0bd2011 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap1.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap2.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap2.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2cb8b28 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap2.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap3.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap3.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1fcc100 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap3.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap4.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap4.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ba63e12 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap4.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap5.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap5.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ee16475 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap5.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap6.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap6.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2887376 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap6.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap7.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap7.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc1fe1e --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap7.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap8.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap8.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0e71921 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap8.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chap9.jpg b/11363-h/images/chap9.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..23bfcd1 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chap9.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/chevalier.jpg b/11363-h/images/chevalier.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6acca8a --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/chevalier.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/death.jpg b/11363-h/images/death.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9de88b --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/death.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/fornovo.jpg b/11363-h/images/fornovo.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..11bd6b8 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/fornovo.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/henry.jpg b/11363-h/images/henry.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4abd112 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/henry.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/horsemanship.jpg b/11363-h/images/horsemanship.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0729dd8 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/horsemanship.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/prisoner.jpg b/11363-h/images/prisoner.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8d288a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/prisoner.jpg diff --git a/11363-h/images/spy.jpg b/11363-h/images/spy.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bc1e876 --- /dev/null +++ b/11363-h/images/spy.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..34c32d9 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11363 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11363) diff --git a/old/11363-8.txt b/old/11363-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..daa970e --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11363-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3817 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear And +Without Reproach, by Christopher Hare + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear And Without Reproach + +Author: Christopher Hare + +Release Date: February 28, 2004 [EBook #11363] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAYARD: THE GOOD KNIGHT *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Andrea Ball, Thomas Ruley and the Online + + + + +[Illustration: BAYARD.] + + + +BAYARD + +THE GOOD KNIGHT WITHOUT +FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH + + +BY CHRISTOPHER HARE + +WITH COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS +BY HERBERT COLE + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +That courtesy title which flies to the mind whenever the name Bayard is +mentioned--"The Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach"--is no fancy +name bestowed by modern admirers, but was elicited by the hero's merits in +his own day and from his own people. + +The most valuable chronicle of the Good Knight's life and deeds was written +with charming simplicity by a faithful follower, who, in single-hearted +devotion to his beloved master's fame, took no thought for himself, but +blotted out his own identity, content to remain for all time a nameless +shadow--merely the LOYAL SERVITOR. It is from his record that the incidents +in the following pages are retold. + +The "Loyal Servitor" is now believed from recent research to have been +Jacques de Mailles, his intimate friend and companion-at-arms, probably his +secretary. He certainly learnt from Bayard himself the story of his early +years, which he tells so delightfully, and he writes with the most minute +detail about the later events which happened in his presence, and the +warlike encounters in which he himself took part; and a most vivid and +interesting account he makes of it. In an ancient catalogue of the Mazarine +Library, his book is first set down as the _Histoire du Chevalier Bayard, +par_ Jacques de Mailles, Paris, in 4to, 1514 (probably a mistake for 1524). +The better-known edition, with only the name of the "Loyal Servitor," was +published in 1527, under the title of + +THE VERY JOYFUL AND VERY DELIGHTFUL +HISTORY +OF THE LIFE, THE HEROIC DEEDS, THE TRIUMPHS +AND THE VALOUR OF THE GOOD KNIGHT +WITHOUT FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH + +BAYARD. + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +BAYARD + +A FINE EXHIBITION OF HORSEMANSHIP + +BATTLE OF FORNOVO + +BAYARD DEFENDS THE BRIDGE + +THE PAGE PRESENTS HIS PRISONER + +SEIZURE OF THE SPY + +BAYARD PRESENTED TO HENRY VIII + +THE DEATH OF BAYARD + + + + +[Illustration: LE CHEVALIER BAYARD _Sans peur et sans reproche_.] + +THE STORY OF BAYARD + +CHAPTER I + + +Pierre Terrail, the renowned Bayard of history, was born at the Castle of +Bayard, in Dauphiné, about the year 1474, when Louis XI. was King of +France. He came of an ancient and heroic race, whose chief privilege had +been to shed their blood for France throughout the Middle Ages. + +The lord of Bayard had married Hélène Alleman, a good and pious lady of a +noble family, whose brother Laurent was the Bishop of Grenoble. Pierre +Bayard, the hero of this story, was the second son of a large family; he +had three brothers and four sisters. His eldest brother, Georges, was five +or six years older than himself, then came his sisters, Catherine, Jeanne, +and Marie, while younger than himself were Claudie, and two brothers, +Jacques and Philippe. + +Like so many other mediaeval strongholds, the Castle of Bayard was built +upon a rocky hill, which always gave an advantage in case of attack. It had +been erected by the great-grandfather and namesake of our Pierre Bayard, +probably on the site of an earlier stronghold, in the year 1404. No better +position could have been chosen, for it commanded a deep valley on two +sides, in a wild and mountainous district of Dauphiné, near the village of +Pontcharra in the Graisivaudan. Even now we can still see from its ruins +what a powerful fortress it was in its time, with massive towers three +stories high, standing out well in front of the castle wall, and defended +by a strong drawbridge. Well fortified, it could have stood a siege before +the days of artillery. + +But towards the end of the fifteenth century, when Bayard's childhood was +spent here, such castles as these were not looked upon as mainly places of +defence and refuge, they were gradually becoming more like the later +manor-houses--family homes, with comfortable chambers and halls, where once +there had chiefly been the rude dwelling of a garrison used for defence and +stored with missiles and arms. + +Each story of the castle, as well as the towers, would contain various +chambers, well lighted with windows pierced in the thick stone walls. On +the first floor, approached by a broad flight of steps from the court, we +find the oratory--scarcely large enough to be dignified by the name of +chapel--the dining-hall, and the private chamber of the lord of the castle. +On the floor above this the lady of Bayard had her own apartment, the +"garde-robe" or closet where her dresses were kept, and the place where her +daughters as they grew up, and any maidens who were brought up under her +care, sat at their needlework, and where they slept at night. On the upper +story were the rooms for the young children with their maids, and the +various guest-chambers. + +The ground floor below the dining-halls was a dark place given up to +store-rooms and the servants' quarters, and below this again were cellars +and grim dungeons, which could only be reached by trap-doors. The kitchen, +usually a round building, stood in an outer court, and here great wood +fires could be used for the needful hospitality of a country house. The +stables and the rough quarters for the serving-men were beyond. + +The dining-hall was used as a court of justice when the lord of the castle +had to settle any difficulties, to receive his dues, or reprimand and +punish any refractory vassal. At one end of this hall was a great hearth, +where most substantial logs of wood could be laid across the fire-dogs, and +burn with a cheerful blaze to light and warm the company in the long, cold +winter evenings. At meal-times trestle tables were brought in, and on these +the food was served, the long benches being placed on each side of them. On +the special occasions of important visits or unusual festivities, a high +table was set out at the upper end. The floor was covered with fresh +rushes, skins of wolf or bear being laid before the fire, and the walls +were stencilled in white and yellow on the higher part, and hung with serge +or frieze below. Only in the lady's chamber do we find carpets and hangings +of tapestry or embroidery, part of her wedding dowry or the work of her +maidens. Here, too, were a few soft cushions on the floor to sit upon, some +carved chairs, tables, and coffers. The master of the house always had his +great arm-chair with a head, and curtains to keep off the draughts, which +were many and bitterly cold in winter-time. + +The chronicler of Bayard, known as the "Loyal Servitor," begins his story +on a spring day of the year 1487. + +Aymon Terrail, lord of Bayard, sat by the fireside in his own chamber, the +walls of which were hung with old arms and trophies of the chase. He felt +ill and out of spirits. He was growing old--he had not long to live: so he +assured his good wife. + +What was to become of his sons when he was gone? A sudden thought occurred +to him. "I will send for them at once, and we will give them a voice in the +matter." + +To this the lady of Bayard agreed, for she never crossed her lord's will, +and at least it would distract his gloomy thoughts. It chanced that all the +four lads were at home, and ready to obey their father's command. As they +entered the room and came forward, one by one, in front of the great chair +by the hearth, somewhat awed by this hasty summons, they were encouraged by +a smile from their mother, who sat quietly in the background with her +embroidery. + +The assembled group made a striking picture. The grand old man, a massive +figure seated in his canopied arm-chair, with white hair and flowing beard +and piercing black eyes, was closely wrapped in a long dark robe lined with +fur, and wore a velvet cap which came down over his shaggy brows. Before +him stood his four well-grown, sturdy, ruddy-faced boys, awaiting his +pleasure with seemly reverence, for none of them would have dared to be +seated unbidden in the presence of their father. Aymon de Bayard turned to +his eldest son, a big, strongly-built youth of eighteen, and asked him what +career in life he would like to follow. Georges, who knew that he was heir +to the domain and that he would probably not have long to wait for his +succession, made answer respectfully that he never wished to leave his +home, and that he would serve his father faithfully to the end of his days. +Possibly this was what the lord of Bayard expected, for he showed no +surprise, but simply replied, "Very well, Georges, as you love your home +you shall stay here and go a-hunting to fight the bears." + +Next in order came Pierre, the "Good Knight" of history, who was then +thirteen years of age, as lively as a cricket, and who replied with a +smiling face, "My lord and father, although my love for you would keep me +in your service, yet you have so rooted in my heart the story of noble men +of the past, especially of our house, that if it please you, I will follow +the profession of arms like you and your ancestors. It is that which I +desire more than anything else in the world, and I trust that by the help +of God's grace I may not dishonour you." + +The third son, Jacques, said that he wished to follow in the steps of his +uncle, Monseigneur d'Ainay, the prior of a rich abbey near Lyons. The +youngest boy, Philippe, made the same choice, and said that he would wish +to be like his uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble. + +After this conversation with his four sons the lord of Bayard, not being +able to ride forth himself, sent one of his servants on the morrow to +Grenoble, about eighteen miles distant, with a letter to his brother-in-law +the Bishop, begging him to come to his Castle of Bayard as he had important +things to say to him. The good Bishop, who was always delighted to give +pleasure to any one, readily agreed. He set off as soon as he had received +the letter, and arrived in due time at the castle, where he found Aymon de +Bayard seated in his great chair by the fire. They greeted each other +warmly and spent a very pleasant evening together with several other +gentlemen of Dauphiné, guests of the house. + +At the end of dinner, the venerable lord of Bayard thus addressed the +company: "My lord Bishop, and you, my lords, it is time to tell you the +reason for which I have called you together. You see that I am so oppressed +with age that it is hardly possible I can live two years. God has given me +four sons, each of whom has told me what he would like to do. My son Pierre +told me that he would follow the calling of arms, and thus gave me singular +pleasure. He greatly resembles my late father, and if he is like him in his +deeds he cannot fail to be a great and noble knight. It is needful for his +training that I should place him in the household of some prince or lord +where he may learn aright his profession. I pray you that you will each +tell me what great House you advise." + +Then said one of the ancient knights: "He must be sent to the King of +France." Another suggested that he would do very well with the Duke of +Bourbon; and thus one after another gave his advice. At last the Bishop of +Grenoble spoke: "My brother, you know that we are in great friendship with +the Duke Charles of Savoy, and that he holds us in the number of his +faithful vassals. I think that he would willingly take the boy as one of +his pages. He is at Chambéry, which is near here; and if it seems good to +you, and to the company, I will take him there to-morrow morning." + +This proposal of the Bishop of Grenoble seemed excellent to all present, +and Pierre Bayard was formally presented to him by his father, who said: +"Take him, my lord, and may God grant that he prove a worthy gift and do +you honour by his life." The Bishop at once sent in haste to Grenoble with +orders to his own tailor to bring velvet, satin, and all things needful to +make a noble page presentable. It was a night to be long remembered in the +castle, for cunning hands were pressed into the service under the eyes of +the master tailor, who stitched away through the long hours in such style +that next morning all was ready. A proud and happy boy was Bayard the next +morning when, after breakfast, clad in his fine new clothes, he rode the +chestnut horse into the courtyard before the admiring gaze, of all the +company assembled to look upon him. + +[Illustration: A fine exhibition of horsemanship.] + +When the spirited animal felt that he had such a light weight upon his +back, while at the same time he was urged on with spurs, he began to prance +about in the most lively fashion, and everybody expected to see the boy +thrown off. But Bayard kept his seat like a man of thirty, spurred on his +horse, and galloped round and round the court, as brave as a lion, his eyes +sparkling with delight. An old soldier like his father thoroughly +appreciated the lad's nerve and spirit, and could scarcely help betraying +the pride he felt in him. But the wise Bishop probably thought that the lad +had received quite as much notice as was good for him, and announced that +he was ready to start, adding to his nephew: "Now, my friend, you had +better not dismount, but take leave of all the company." + +Bayard first turned to his father with a beaming countenance. "My lord and +father, I pray God that He may give you a good and long life, and trust +that before you are taken from this world you may have good news of me." +"My son, such is my prayer," was the old man's reply as he gave the boy his +blessing. Bayard then took leave of all the gentlemen present, one after +the other. Meantime the poor lady his mother was in her tower chamber, +where she was busy to the last moment packing a little chest with such +things as she knew her boy would need in his new life. Although she was +glad of the fair prospect before him, and very proud of her son, yet she +could not restrain her tears at the thought of parting from him; for such +is the way of mothers. + +Yet when they came and told her, "Madame, if you would like to see your son +he is on horseback all ready to start," the good lady went bravely down to +the little postern door behind the tower and sent for Pierre to come to +her. As the boy rode up proudly at her summons and bending low in his +saddle took off his plumed cap in smiling salutation, he was a gallant +sight for loving eyes to rest upon. Bayard never forgot his mother's +parting words. "Pierre, my boy, you are going into the service of a noble +prince. In so far as a mother can rule her child, I command you three +things, and if you do them, be assured that you will live triumphantly in +this world. The first is that above all things you should ever fear and +serve God; seek His help night and morning and He will help you. The second +is that you should be gentle and courteous to all men, being yourself free +from all pride. Be ever humble and helpful, avoiding envy, flattery, and +tale-bearing. Be loyal, my son, in word and deed, that all men may have +perfect trust in you. Thirdly, with the goods that God may give you, be +ever full of charity to the poor, and freely generous to all men. And may +God give us grace that while we live we may always hear you well spoken +of." + +In a few simple words the boy promised to remember, and took a loving +farewell of her. Then his lady mother drew from her sleeve a little purse, +in which were her private savings: six gold crowns and one in small +change,[1] and this she gave to her son. Also, calling one of the +attendants of the Bishop, she entrusted him with the little trunk +containing linen and other necessaries for Bayard, begging him to give it +in the care of the equerry who would have charge of the boy at the Duke of +Savoy's Court, and she gave him two crowns. There was no time for more, as +the Bishop of Grenoble was now calling his nephew. As he set forth on that +Saturday morning, riding his spirited chestnut towards Chambéry, with the +sun shining and the birds singing, and all his future like a fair vision +before him, young Bayard thought that he was in paradise. + +[Footnote 1: The gold crown was then worth 1 livre 15 sous. Multiplying +this by 31, in order to find its present value, we learn that the sum which +Bayard received from his mother would to-day be worth 266 francs, or about +10 guineas.] + +Pierre Bayard had set forth from his home in the early morning, soon after +breakfast, and he rode all day by the side of his uncle until, in the +evening, they reached the town of Chambéry, where all the clergy came out +to meet the Bishop of Grenoble, for this was part of his diocese, where he +had his official dwelling. That night he remained at his lodging without +showing himself at Court, although the Duke was soon informed of his +arrival, at which he was very pleased. The next morning, which was Sunday, +the Bishop rose very early and went to pay his respects to the Duke of +Savoy, who received him with the greatest favour, and had a long talk with +him all the way from the castle to the church, where the Bishop of Grenoble +said Mass with great ceremony. When this was over, the Duke led him by the +hand to dine with him, and at this meal young Bayard waited upon his uncle +and poured out his wine with much skill and care. The Duke noticed this +youthful cup-bearer and asked the Bishop, "My lord of Grenoble, who is this +young boy who is serving you?" + +"My lord," was the reply, "this is a man-at-arms whom I have come to +present to you for your service if you will be pleased to accept him. But +he is not now in the condition in which I desire to give him to you; after +dinner, if it is your pleasure, you will see him." + +"It would be very strange if I refused such a present," said the Duke, who +had already taken a fancy to the boy. + +Now young Bayard, who had already received instructions from his uncle, +wasted no time over his own dinner, but hurried back to get his horse +saddled and in good order, then he rode quietly into the courtyard of the +castle. The Duke of Savoy was, as usual, resting after dinner in the long +gallery, or _perron_, built the whole length of the keep, on a level with +the first floor, and overlooking the great courtyard below. It was like a +cloister, with great arched windows, and served for a general meeting-place +or lounge in cold or wet weather. From thence he could see the boy going +through all his pretty feats of horsemanship as if he had been a man of +thirty who had been trained to war all his life. He was greatly pleased, +and turning to the Bishop of Grenoble he said to him, "My lord, I believe +that is your little favourite who is riding so well?" + +"You are quite right, my lord Duke," was the answer. "He is my nephew, and +comes of a race where there have been many gallant knights. His father, who +from the wounds he has received in battle, and from advancing age, is +unable to come himself to your Court, recommends himself very humbly to +your good grace, and makes you a present of the boy." + +"By my faith!" exclaimed the Duke, "I accept him most willingly; it is a +very fine and handsome present. May God make him a great man!" + +He then sent for the most trusty equerry of his stables and gave into his +charge young Bayard, with the assurance that one day he would do him great +credit. The Bishop of Grenoble, having accomplished his business, did not +tarry long after this, but having humbly thanked the Duke of Savoy, took +leave of him and of his nephew, and returned to his own home. + +Those spring and summer months spent at the Court of Savoy remained a happy +memory to Bayard all his life. On feast-days and holidays the whole company +would go out into the woods or the meadows, the Duchess Blanche with her +young maidens and attendant ladies, while the knights and squires and pages +waited upon them as they dined under the trees, and afterwards played games +and made the air ring with their merry songs. Or there were hunting and +hawking parties which lasted for more than one day, or river excursions +down as far as the Lake of Bourget, where the Duke had a summer palace. It +must have been on occasions such as these when the gallant young Bayard met +with the maiden who caught his boyish fancy, and to whom he remained +faithful at heart until the end of his days. Yet this pretty old-world +story of boy-and-girl affection made no farther progress, and when the +knight and lady met in the years to come, once more under the hospitable +care of the good Duchess Blanche, they met as congenial friends only. The +fair maiden of Chambéry is known to history solely by her later married +name of Madame de Frussasco (or Fluxas), and in the records of chivalry +only by the tournament in which the "Good Knight without Fear and without +Reproach" wore her colours and won the prize in her name. + + + + +[Illustration: CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER II + + +The King heard that the Duke of Savoy was coming to his Court, and he sent +the Comte de Ligny to conduct the Duke on his way, and to receive him with +due honour. They met him about six miles from Lyons, and gave him a warm +welcome, after which the two princes rode side by side, and had much talk +together, for they were cousins and had not met for a long time. Now this +Monseigneur de Ligny was a great general, and with his quick, observant eye +he soon took notice of young Bayard, who was in the place of honour close +to his lord, and he inquired: "Who is that gallant little lad riding his +horse so well that it is quite a pleasure to see him?" + +"Upon my word," replied the Duke, "I never had such a delightful page +before. He is a nephew of the Bishop of Grenoble, who made me a present of +him only six months ago. He was but just out of the riding-school, but I +never saw a boy of his age distinguish himself so much either on foot or on +horseback. And I may tell you, my lord and cousin, that he comes of a grand +old race of brave and noble knights; I believe he will follow in their +steps." Then he cried out to Bayard: "Use your spurs, my lad, give your +horse a free course and show what you can do." + +The lad did not want telling twice, and he gave such a fine exhibition of +horsemanship that he delighted all the company. "On my honour, my lord, +here is a young gentleman who has the making of a gallant knight," +exclaimed de Ligny; "and in my opinion you had better make a present of +both page and horse to the King, who will be very glad of them, for if the +horse is good and handsome, to my mind the page is still better." + +"Since this is your advice," replied Charles of Savoy, "I will certainly +follow it. In order to succeed, the boy cannot learn in a better school +than the Royal House of France, where honour may be gained better than +elsewhere." + +With such pleasant talk they rode on together into the city of Lyons, where +the streets were full of people, and many ladies were looking out of the +windows to see the coming of this noble prince and his gay company. That +night the Duke gave a banquet in his own lodging, where the King's +minstrels and singers entertained the guests, then there were games and +pastimes, ending with the usual wine and spices being handed round, and at +last each one retired to his own chamber until the dawn of day. + +The next morning the Duke rose early and set forth to seek the King, whom +he found on the point of going to Mass. The King greeted him at once most +warmly and embraced him, saying, "My cousin, my good friend, you are indeed +welcome, and if you had not come to me I should have had to visit you in +your own country...." Then, after more polite talk, they rode together on +their mules to the convent, and devoutly heard Mass, after which the King +entertained the Duke of Savoy, Monsieur de Ligny, and other nobles to +dinner with him, and they had much merry talk about dogs and falcons, arms +and love-affairs. Presently de Ligny said to the King: "Sire, I give you my +word that my lord of Savoy wishes to give you a page who rides his chestnut +better than any boy I ever saw, and he cannot be more than fourteen, +although his horsemanship is as good as that of a man of thirty. If it +pleases you to go and hear vespers at Ainay you will have your pastime in +the fields there afterwards." "By my faith," cried the King, "I do wish +it!" and he heard the whole story of this wonderful boy from the Duke of +Savoy. + +When young Bayard heard that the King was to see him he was as much +delighted as if he had won the city of Lyons; and he went in haste to the +head groom of the Duke of Savoy and prayed him to get his horse ready for +him, offering his short dagger as a present. But this the man refused and +made reply: "Go and comb and clean yourself, my friend, and put on your +best clothes, and if, by God's help, the King of France takes you in +favour, you may some day become a great lord and be able to serve me." +"Upon my faith! You may trust me never to forget all the kindness you have +shown me," replied the boy; "and if God ever gives me good fortune you +shall share it." It seemed a long time to his impatience before the hour +arrived when he rode his horse, attended by his equerry, to the meadow +where he was to await the King and his company, who arrived by boat on the +Saône. As soon as Charles VIII. had landed he cried: "Page, my friend, +touch up your horse with your spurs!" which the lad did at once, and to see +him you would have thought that he had been doing it all his life. At the +end of his race Bayard made his clever horse take a few jumps, and then he +rode straight towards the King and gracefully drew up before him with a low +bow. All the company was delighted with the performance, and the King bade +him do it again. "Picquez! Picquez!" (Prick up your horse!), he cried, and +all the pages shouted: "Picquez! Picquez!" with enthusiasm, so that for +some time the name stuck to him. + +Then Charles turned to the Duke of Savoy and said: "I see that my cousin of +Ligny told me the truth at dinner, and now I will not wait for you to give +me this page and his horse, but I demand it of you as a favour." + +"Most willingly, my lord," answered the Duke, "and may God give him grace +to do you true service." After this young Bayard was given into the special +charge of the lord of Ligny, who was greatly pleased and felt sure that he +would make of him a noble knight. + +Meantime, the Duke of Savoy remained for awhile at the Court of Charles +VIII., with whom he was in great favour, and they were like brothers +together. This young King was one of the best of princes, courteous, +generous, and beloved of all men. At length the day of departure came, and +the good Duke went back to his own country, laden with beautiful and +honourable presents. + +During three years young Bayard remained as a page in the service of the +Seigneur de Ligny, being trained with the utmost care in all that would be +needful to him in his profession of arms. + +He won so much favour from his lord that at the early age of seventeen he +was raised from his position as a page to that of a squire, and appointed +man-at-arms in the General's company, being retained at the same time as +one of the gentlemen of the household, with a salary of 300 livres. As a +man-at-arms Bayard would have under him a page or varlet, three archers, +and a soldier armed with a knife (called a "coutillier"). Thus, when we +find a company of men-at-arms spoken of, it means for each "lance garnie," +or man-at-arms, really six fighting men on horseback. + +When King Charles VIII. found himself once more in his loyal city of Lyons, +it chanced that a certain Burgundian lord, Messire Claude de Vauldray, a +most famous man-at-arms, came to the King and proposed that he should hold +a kind of tournament, called a "Pas d'Armes," to keep the young gentlemen +of the Court from idleness. He meant by this a mimic attack and defence of +a military position, supposed to be a "pas" or difficult and narrow pass in +the mountains. It was a very popular test of chivalry, as the defender hung +up his escutcheons on trees or posts put up for the purpose, and whoever +wished to force this "pas" had to touch one of the escutcheons with his +sword, and have his name inscribed by the King-at-arms in charge of them. + +There was nothing that King Charles VIII. loved better than these +chivalrous tournaments, and he gladly gave his consent. Messire Claude de +Vauldray at once set about his preparations, and hung up his escutcheons +within the lists which had been arranged for the coming tournament. + +Young Bayard, whom every one called Picquet, passed before the shields and +sighed with longing to accept the challenge and so improve himself in the +noble science of arms. As he stood there silent and thoughtful, his +companion, called Bellabre, of the household of the Sire de Ligny, asked +him what he was thinking of. He replied: "I will tell you, my friend. It +has pleased my lord to raise me from the condition of page into that of a +squire, and I long to touch that shield, but I have no means of obtaining +suitable armour and horses." Then Bellabre, a brave young fellow some years +older than himself, exclaimed: "Why do you trouble about that, my +companion? Have you not your uncle, that fat Abbé of Ainay? I vow that we +must go to him, and if he will not give you money we must take his cross +and mitre! But I believe that when he sees your courage he will willingly +help you." + +Bayard at once went and touched the shield, whereupon Mountjoy, King-at-arms, +who was there to write down the names, began to reason with him. "How is +this, Picquet, my friend; you will not be growing your beard for the next +three years, and yet you think of fighting against Messire Claude, who is +one of the most valiant knights of all France?" But the youth replied +modestly: "Mountjoy, my friend, what I am doing is not from pride or +conceit, but my only desire is to learn how to fight from those who can +teach me. And if God pleases He will grant that I may do something to +please the ladies." Whereupon Mountjoy broke out into a hearty laugh, +which showed how much he enjoyed it. + +The news soon spread through Lyons that Picquet had touched the shield of +Messire Claude, and it came to the ears of the Sire de Ligny, who would not +have missed it for ten thousand crowns. He went at once to tell the King, +who was greatly delighted and said: "Upon my faith! Cousin de Ligny, your +training will do you honour again, if my heart tells me true." "We shall +see how it will turn out," was the grave reply; "for the lad is still very +young to stand the attack of a man like Messire Claude." + +But that was not what troubled young Bayard; it was the question how to +find money for suitable horses and accoutrements. So he went to his +companion, Bellabre, and asked for his help. "My friend, I beg of you to +come with me to persuade my uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, to give me money. I +know that my uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble, would let me want for nothing +if he were here, but he is away at his Abbey of St. Sernin at Toulouse, +which is so far off that there would be no time for a man to go there and +back." "Do not trouble," said his friend, "you and I will go to Ainay, and +I trust we shall manage it." This was some comfort, but the young warrior +had no sleep that night. He and Bellabre, who shared the same bed, rose +very early and took one of the little boats from Lyons to Ainay. On their +arrival, the first person they met in the meadow was the Abbé himself, +reading his prayers with one of his monks. The two young men advanced to +salute him, but he had already heard of his nephew's exploit, and received +him very roughly. "Who made you bold enough to touch the shield of Messire +Claude?" he asked angrily. "Why, you have only been a page for three years, +and you can't be more than seventeen or eighteen. You deserve to be flogged +for showing such great pride." To which his nephew replied: "Monseigneur, I +assure you that pride has nothing to do with it, but the desire and will to +follow in the steps of your brave ancestors and mine. I entreat you, sir, +that, seeing I have no other friends or kindred near, you will help me with +a little money to obtain what is needful." + +"Upon my word!" exclaimed the Abbé, "go and seek help elsewhere; the funds +of my abbey are meant to serve God and not to be spent in jousts and +tournaments." Bellabre now put in his word and remonstrated. + +"Monseigneur, if it had not been for the virtue and the valour of your +ancestors you would never have been Abbé of Ainay, for by their merits and +not yours it was gained. Your nephew is of the same noble race, and +well-beloved of the King; it is absolutely necessary that you should help +him...." After more talk of this kind the Abbé at last consented, and took +the two squires into his own room, where he opened a little cupboard, and +from a purse which was inside he took out a hundred crowns and gave them to +Bellabre, saying: "I give you this to buy two horses for this brave +man-at-arms, for he has not enough beard to handle money himself. I will +also write a line to Laurencin,[1] my tailor, to supply him with needful +accoutrements." "You have done well, my lord," said Bellabre, "and I assure +you that every one will honour you for this." When the young gentlemen had +their letter they took leave with many humble thanks, and returned at once +to Lyons in their little boat, highly pleased with their success. + +[Footnote 1: The most important and wealthy merchant of Lyons.] + +"We are in good luck," said Bellabre, "and we must make the most of it. Let +us go at once to the merchant before your good uncle changes his mind, for +he will soon remember that he has put no limit to your expenses, and he can +have no idea what a proper outfit will cost. You may be sure that you will +never see any more of his money." So they took their boat on to the +market-place, found the merchant at home, lost no time in telling of the +good Abbé's generosity, and encouraged Laurencin to exert himself to the +utmost in the way of splendid suits of clothing and armour, to do honour to +his patron's gallant nephew, for there seemed to be no question of economy. +Bayard was measured and fitted with cloth of silver, velvet, and satin, +and then went gaily home with his friend, both of them thinking it an +excellent jest. + +When the Abbé of Ainay bethought himself later of what he had done, and +sent a messenger in haste to the tailor, he found that it was too late and +that his bill would come to hundreds of crowns. He was furious, and vowed +that his nephew should never have another penny from him; but that did not +mend matters, for the story got about, to the intense amusement of the King +and his Court, and the rich old miser met with no sympathy. + +The young men were fortunate enough to buy two excellent horses for much +less than their value from a brave knight who had broken his leg, and not +being able to figure in the contests himself, was willing to help so +gallant a youth. + +The time was drawing near for the great tournament, which would be a high +festival for the town and was looked forward to with much eagerness and +excitement. The course on which the knights were to fight was surrounded +and duly laid out with richly-painted posts. At one side of this enclosed +field, stands were put up and made very bright and gay with coloured +hangings, carpets, embroidered banners, and escutcheons. It was here that +the royal and noble company would sit and watch the proceedings. + +Meantime, by permission of the King, Messire Claude de Vauldray had caused +it to be published and declared throughout the city that he would hold the +"pas" against all comers, both on foot and on horseback, on the approaching +Monday. + +A tournament was always a gorgeous and brilliant spectacle, but on this +occasion, being held by the King's desire and graced by his presence, it +was more splendid than usual. In our day, when it is the custom of men to +avoid all show and colour in their dress, we can scarcely picture to +ourselves the magnificence of those knights of the Renaissance. When the +gallant gentleman actually entered the lists for fighting, he wore his suit +of polished armour, often inlaid with gold or silver, a coloured silken +scarf across his shoulders richly embroidered with his device, and on his +head a shining helmet with a great tuft of flowing plumes. But in the +endless stately ceremonies which followed or preceded the tournament, the +knight wore his doublet of fine cloth, overlaid with his coat-of-arms +embroidered in silk or gold thread, and an outer surcoat of velvet, often +crimson slashed with white or violet satin, made without sleeves if worn +over the cuirass and finished with a short fluted skirt of velvet. Over +this a short cloak of velvet or satin, even sometimes of cloth of gold, was +worn lightly over one shoulder. + +If this was the usual style of costume, which had also to be varied on +different festivals, we can easily understand how impossible it was for +young Bayard to procure such costly luxuries on his small means, and we can +almost forgive him for the audacious trick he played on his rich relation +the Abbé of Ainay. Not only was the knight himself richly clad, but we are +told that to appear in a grand tournament even the horse had to have +sumptuous trappings of velvet or satin made by the tailor. We have not +mentioned the suit of armour, which was the most expensive item of all; +being made at this period lighter and more elaborate, with its flexible +over-lying plates of thin, tempered steel, it was far more costly than it +had ever been before. The bravest knights at the Court were proud to try +their fortune against Messire Claude. It was the rule that after the +contest each champion was to ride the whole length of the lists, with his +visor raised and his face uncovered, that it might be known who had done +well or ill. Bayard, who was scarcely eighteen and had not done growing, +was by nature somewhat thin and pale, and had by no means reached his full +strength. But with splendid courage and gallant spirit, he went in for his +first ordeal against one of the finest warriors in the world. The old +chronicler cannot tell how it happened, whether by the special grace of God +or whether Messire Claude took delight in the brave boy, but it so fell out +that no man did better in the lists, either on foot or on horseback, than +young Bayard, and when it came to his turn to ride down with his face +uncovered, the ladies of Lyons openly praised him as the finest champion of +all. He also won golden opinions of all the rest of the company, and King +Charles exclaimed at supper: + +"By my faith! Picquet has made a beginning which in my opinion promises a +good end." Then, turning to the Sire de Ligny, he added: "My cousin, I +never in my life made you so good a present as when I gave him to you." +"Sire," was the reply, "if he proves himself a worthy knight it will be +more to your honour than mine, for it is your kind praise which has +encouraged him to undertake such a feat of arms as this. May God give him +grace to continue as he has begun." Then the General added, turning round +with a smile to the assembled company: + +"But we all know that his uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, does not take great +pleasure in the youth's exploits, for it was at the old gentleman's expense +that he procured his accoutrements." This remark was received with a roar +of laughter, in which the King himself joined, for he had already heard the +story and was very much amused at it. Soon after the tournament the Sire +de Ligny sent for young Bayard one morning and said to him: "Picquet, my +friend, you have begun with rare good fortune; you must carry on the +pursuit of arms, and I retain you in my service with three hundred francs a +year and three war-horses, for I have placed you in my company. Now I wish +you to go to the garrison and meet your companions, assuring you that you +will find as gallant men-at-arms there as any in Christendom; they often +have jousts and tournaments to keep in practice of arms and acquire honour. +It seems to me that while awaiting any rumour of war you cannot do better +than stay there." + +Bayard, who desired nothing more, replied: "My lord, for all the goods +and honours which you have bestowed upon me I can only at this present +time return you thanks.... My greatest desire is to go and join the +company which you speak of, and if it is your good pleasure I will start +to-morrow." "I am quite willing," said the Sire de Ligny; "but you must +first take leave of the King, and I will bring you to him after dinner." +Which was done, and the youth was thus presented: "Sire, here is your +Picquet, who is going to see his companions in Picardy, and he is come to +say good-bye to you." Young Bayard knelt before the King, who said to him +with a smile: "Picquet, my friend, may God continue in you that which I +have seen begun, and you will be a gallant knight; you are going into a +country where there are fair ladies, be courteous and chivalrous to them, +and farewell, my friend." After this, all the princes and lords crowded +round to take leave of the young soldier, with much affection and regret at +losing him. When he reached his lodging, he found that the King had sent +him a purse of three hundred crowns, and also one of the finest war-horses +in the royal stable. With his usual impulsive generosity Bayard gave +handsome presents to the messengers, and then went to spend the evening +with the Sire de Ligny, who treated him as though he were his own son, +giving him wise advice for his future life, and above all bidding him keep +honour always before his eyes. This command did he keep in very truth until +his death. At last, when it grew late, de Ligny said to him: "Picquet, my +friend, I think you will be starting to-morrow morning before I have risen, +may God bless you!" and embraced him with tears, while Bayard on his knees +said good-bye to his kind master. + +More presents awaited him, for that night there arrived two complete and +costly suits from the Sire de Ligny, who also sent his own favourite +chestnut horse, so that when the young squire set forth at daybreak he was +splendidly equipped in every way with horses, servants, armour, and clothes +suitable to his position. As we have seen, dress was a very expensive thing +in those days, when gentlemen of rank wore velvet, brocade, and satin, both +for evening and riding costume as a matter of course. + +It was a slow journey into Picardy, for Bayard wished his horses to arrive +in good condition, and only travelled a moderate distance every day. When +he arrived at the little town of Aire, his destination, all the young +officers of the garrison came out to meet him, for the fame of his jousting +with Messire Claude de Vauldray had already reached them. They would not +listen to his modest disclaimers, but feasted and made much of their new +comrade. One lively young noble of the company, probably quite deceived by +the fine show that Bayard made with all his handsome parting gifts, and +taking him for a man of wealth, said to him: "My good companion, you must +make people talk about you, and endeavour to acquire the good favour of +all the fair ladies of this country, and you cannot do better than give us +a tournament, for it is a long time since we have had one in this town." +The poor boy must have been somewhat taken aback by this suggestion, but he +was far too plucky to show it, so he replied with ready goodwill, "On my +faith, Monsieur de Tardieu, is that all? You may be sure that this will +please me even more than yourself. If you will have the goodness to send me +the trumpeter to-morrow morning, and if we have leave of our captain, I +will take care that you shall be satisfied." + +All that night Bayard was too excited to sleep, and when Tardieu came +to his lodging in the morning with the trumpeter of the company, he +had already settled exactly what he would do and had written out his +announcement, which ran thus: "Pierre de Bayard, young gentleman and +apprentice of arms, native of Dauphiné, of the army of the King of France, +under the high and puissant lord the Sire de Ligny--causeth to be +proclaimed and published a tournament to be held outside the town of Aire, +close to the walls, for all comers, on the 20th day of July. They are to +fight with three charges of the lance without 'lice'" (meaning in this +instance a barrier), "with sharpened point, armed at all points; afterwards +twelve charges with the sword, all on horseback. And to him who does best +will be given a bracelet enamelled with his arms, of the weight of thirty +crowns. The next day there shall be fought on foot a charge with the lance, +at a barrier waist-high, and after the lance is broken, with blows of the +axe, until it is ended at the discretion of the judges and those who keep +the camp. And to him who does best shall be given a diamond of the value of +forty crowns." + +This sounds more like real war than courtly pastime, and we see how +terribly in earnest this young soldier was. The allusion to "those who keep +the camp" is to the marshals of the tournament and the heralds-at-arms who +kept a very close watch on the combatants. They also maintained on this +miniature battlefield the laws of chivalry and courtesy, giving help to +those who needed it. + +When a young squire first entered the lists he was warned by the cry: +"Remember of what race you come and do nothing contrary to your honour." +There were many strict rules to be observed; for instance, it was forbidden +to strike your adversary with the point, although it was usually blunted +(but not in this tournament of Bayard's). It was forbidden to attack the +horse of your opponent, and this we can quite understand, for in those +days, when a knight wore complete and heavy armour, if his horse were +killed he was absolutely at the mercy of his enemy. It was always made a +ground of complaint against the Spaniards that they attacked the horses of +the foe. In a tournament it was the rule only to strike at the face or the +chest, both well protected by the visor and the breastplate, and to cease +at once if the adversary raised the visor of his helmet. Also no knight was +to fight out of his rank when making a rush together. This was very +important when the champions were divided into two companies under the +order of two chiefs, and were placed exactly opposite each other, at the +two ends of the arena. On a signal made by the marshals of the tournament, +they charged impetuously upon each other, with their horses at full gallop. +They held the lances straight out until the signal came, then lowering the +lances, they rushed forward amid a cloud of dust with loud war-cries and +the fight became a furious scuffle. The knights who had stood the first +shock without being unhorsed or wounded, pressed forward and fought with +the sword, until one of the marshals threw his wand of office into the +arena to show that the contest was over. + +In these tournaments the horses were frequently armed as well as their +riders, and they were often gaily caparisoned with emblazoned housings, +sometimes of very costly material, such as satin embroidered with gold or +silver. + +At the time when young Bayard joined his company at Aire, there were +stationed in Picardy at no great distance about seven or eight hundred +men-at-arms in these regulation companies (compagnies d'ordonnance) as they +were called. When they were not actually employed on duty, they were very +glad to take their pleasure in all sorts of warlike games. As we may +suppose, they were delighted to take part in the proposed tournament. +Amongst these companies there were some of the famous Scotch Guards, who +had first been taken into the service of France by Charles VII. + +The time fixed was only eight days off, but all the same about forty or +fifty men-at-arms gave in their names. Fortunately, before the expected +day, that gentle knight, the Captain Louis d'Ars, arrived, and he was much +delighted to have come in time for this entertainment. When Bayard heard of +his captain's arrival he went to pay his respects to him at once, and was +most warmly welcomed, for the boy's fame had gone before him. To make the +festival more complete, his friend Bellabre also appeared, having been +delayed by waiting for two splendid horses which he expected from Spain. At +length the eventful day arrived, and the gentlemen who wished to take part +in the tournament were divided into two equal ranks, there being +twenty-three on one side and twenty-three on the other. The judges chosen +were the Captain Louis d'Ars and the lord of St. Quentin, captain of the +Scotch company. + +At this point it will be interesting to give a full account of the details +needful for a tournament of this period, the close of the fifteenth +century. These tournaments were first started as training-schools for the +practice of arms, and were later tempered by the rules of chivalry. Jousts +were single combats, often a succession of them, for a prize or trial of +skill, while the tourney was troop against troop. These warlike games were +very popular in France especially, but very strict rules had to be made to +prevent the "joust of peace" becoming the deadly "joust a l'outrance" (to +the death). + +The "lists," or tournament grounds, were in Bayard's time usually of a +square shape rather longer than broad, and were surrounded by palisades, +often adorned with tapestry and heraldic devices. The marshals of the lists +took note of all that happened and enforced the rules of chivalry. Varlets +were in attendance to help the esquires in looking after their masters, and +helping them up, with their heavy armour, if unhorsed. + +It was common to hold a "passage of arms" for three days: two for the +contest on horseback, first with lances, second with swords and maces; +while on the third day, on foot, pole-axes were used. A specially heavy +kind of armour was worn, sometimes nearly 200 lbs. in weight, so that a +knight once unhorsed lay on the ground absolutely helpless, and could not +rise without help. This armour was made still stronger by "reinforcing +armour"--pieces screwed on over the left side, chiefly, which received most +blows--making a double defence for the head, chest, and left shoulder. +"Pauldrons" or shoulder-guards buckled on, that on the right arm being +smaller to leave freedom for using the lance. Then we have brassards or +arm-guards; the rere-brace for the upper arm, the vam-brace for the lower, +and the elbow-piece called a "coudiere." + +When all was ready on the appointed day for the tournament at Aire, the +trumpet sounded, and then the order of the Tourney was declared aloud. +Bayard had to appear first in the lists, and against him rode forth a +neighbour of his in Dauphiné, by name Tartarin, a powerful man-at-arms. +They rushed at each other so vehemently that Tartarin broke his lance half +a foot from the iron, and Bayard struck him above the arm-piece of his +armour and broke his lance into five or six pieces, upon which the trumpets +sounded forth triumphantly, for the joust was wonderfully good. After +having finished their first attack they returned to face each other for the +second. Such was the fortune of Tartarin that with his lance he forced in +Bayard's arm-piece, and every one thought that he had his arm pierced. But +he was not hurt, and succeeded in returning the attack by a stroke above +the visor, which carried off the bunch of plumes from his adversary's +helmet. The third bout with the lance was as good or even better than the +others, for the lance was more completely shivered into fragments. + +When these two knights had finished, next came the lord of Bellabre, and +against him a Scotch man-at-arms, named the Captain David of Fougas, and +these likewise did with their three jousts of the lance all that it was +possible for gentlemen to do. Thus, two by two, all the company went +through the same contest. + +This jousting with the lance was one of the most popular exercises for +knights of that day, and the proper use of this weapon was one of the most +important accomplishments for a warrior. We shall often notice, in the +accounts of Bayard's adventures on the field of battle, how extremely +expert he was with his lance. The supreme triumph with this weapon was to +use such skill and force as to break the lance shaft--made of ash or +sycamore--into as many pieces as possible; in fact, to "shiver" it +completely, and thus break as many lances as possible. The tilting lance +was often made hollow, and was from 12 to 15 feet long; but the lance used +with the object of unhorsing instead of splintering was much stronger, +heavier, and thicker in the stem, and instead of a pointed head had a +"coronal," which was blunt. + +The first part of the tournament having come to an end, then followed the +battle of the swords. According to the rules, this began with Bayard, who, +on the third stroke he gave, broke his sword into two pieces, but he made +such good use of the stump that he went through the number of strokes +commanded, and did his duty so well that no man could have done better. +After this came the others according to their order, and for the rest of +that day there was such a succession of vigorous fighting that the two +judges declared "never had there been finer lance work or contests with the +sword." When the evening came they retired to young Bayard's lodging, where +a great supper was prepared, to which came many ladies, for within ten +miles round all those of Picardy, or the greater number, had come to see +this fine tournament. After the supper there were dances and other +entertainments, and the company was so well amused that it struck one hour +after midnight before they broke up. It was late next morning before they +woke up, and you may believe that they were never weary of praising Messire +de Bayard, as much for his skill at arms as for his good hospitality. + +The next morning, in order to complete that which had begun so well, all +the soldiers assembled at the dwelling of their Captain Louis d'Ars, where +Bayard had already arrived, having come to invite him to dinner at his +lodging, in company with the ladies of the previous evening. First they all +went to hear Mass, and when that was over, "you should have seen the young +gentlemen taking the ladies' arms, and with much pleasant talk leading them +to Bayard's lodging, where if they had supped well the night before, at +dinner they did still better." There was no lingering after this meal, and +towards two o'clock all those who were to take part in the second day's +tournament retired to arm themselves and make ready to fight. The +combatants all approached on horseback, and gravely went round to salute +the company before the contest began. + +It was Bayard's place to begin, and against him came a gentleman from +Hainault, Hannotin de Sucker, of great repute. They fought with their +lances, one on each side of the barrier, and gave such tremendous strokes +that the lances were soon broken to pieces; after this they took their +battle-axes, which each of them had hanging by their sides, and dealt each +other great and terrible blows. This appears to us an extremely rough form +of entertainment, but we must remember that these knights were clad in +armour, and so thoroughly covered up from head to foot that there was not +supposed to be a place where a pin could pierce between the joints of the +armour. Under the helmet a smaller close-fitting steel cap was often worn. +This fierce contest went on until Bayard gave his opponent a blow near the +ear, which caused him to waver, and worse still, to fall on his knees, +when, pursuing his success, the victor charged again over the barrier, and +caused Hannotin to kiss the ground. + +When the judges saw this they cried, "Hola! Hola! that is enough; now you +may retire." After these two came Bellabre and Arnaulton of Pierre Forade, +a gentleman of Gascony, who did wonders with their lances until they were +both broken; and then they came to the battle-axes, but Bellabre broke his, +after which the judges parted them. After these two came Tardieu and David +the Scotchman, and they did their duty very well. So did others in turn, so +that it was seven o'clock before it was all finished and, for a small +tournament, the lookers-on never saw better jousting in their lives. + +When all was over, each man went to his lodging to disarm and change; then +they all came to Bayard's lodging, where the banquet was ready, and there +were also the two judges, the lords of Ars and of St. Quentin, and all the +ladies. After supper it had to be decided and declared by the judges who +should have the prizes. Some of the gentlemen most experienced in arms were +asked to give their opinion "on their faith," and afterwards the ladies on +their conscience, without favouring one more than another. At last it was +agreed that, although each one had done his duty well, yet in their +judgment during the two days Messire de Bayard had done best of all; +wherefore they left it to him, as the knight who had gained the prizes, to +give his presents where it seemed good to him. There was a discussion +between the judges as to who should pronounce sentence, but the Captain +Louis d'Ars persuaded the lord of St. Quentin to do so. + +The trumpet was sounded to command silence, and St. Quentin said: "My lords +who are here assembled, and especially those who have been in the Tourney +of which Messire Pierre Bayard has given the prizes for two days ... we +would have you know that after due inquiry of the virtuous and brave +gentlemen who were present and saw the contests, and of the noble ladies +here present ... we have found that although each one has very well and +honestly done his duty, yet the common voice is that the lord of Bayard has +done best in these two days; wherefore the lords and ladies leave to him +the honour of giving the prizes where it seems good to him." Then he added: +"My lord of Bayard, decide where you will give them." The young knight +blushed modestly and was quite troubled. Then he said: + +"My lord, I do not know why this honour should come to me, for I think that +others have deserved it more than I. But as it pleases the lords and ladies +that I should be judge, I hope that the gentlemen, my companions, will not +be displeased if I give the prize for the first day to my lord of Bellabre, +and for the second day to the Captain David of Scotland." He therefore gave +the gold bracelet to his friend Bellabre, and the diamond to the Scotch +Captain David, and his decision was greatly applauded. There was again +feasting and dancing afterwards, and the ladies could not say enough in +praise of their gallant young host. We may imagine the penniless condition +in which all this extravagant generosity left him, but his extreme +liberality appears to have been one great feature of his character which +made him beloved through life by all who had to do with him. + +He never could see one of his companions thrown without giving him another +horse; if he had a crown left, every one shared it. He never refused the +request of any man if he could possibly grant it, and in his gifts was +always gentle and courteous. His chronicler makes a special point of his +piety from early youth; the first thing when he rose in the morning was +always a prayer to God, as he had promised his mother. + + + + +[Illustration: LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER III + + +During two years Bayard remained with the garrison at Aire, and made great +progress in all warlike training. At the end of this time, in the year +1494, Charles VIII. undertook his first expedition to Italy, and as the +company of the Count de Ligny was commanded to join him, young Bayard +looked forward with great delight to his first taste of real warfare. + +The young King of France, in his eager desire for military glory, forsook +the wise policy of his father, Louis XI., and resolved to claim the kingdom +of Naples, in assertion of the rights bequeathed to him by René of Anjou. +In order to prevent any opposition from Spain he yielded to King Ferdinand +the provinces of Roussillon and Cerdagne, and on the same principle gave up +to the Emperor Maximilian, Artois and Franche-Comté. Having made these real +sacrifices as the price of a doubtful neutrality, he set forth on his wild +dreams of conquest at a distance, which could be of no permanent advantage +to him. + +Charles VIII. had soon collected a magnificent army and crossed the Alps +in August 1494; it was composed of lances, archers, cross-bow men, Swiss +mercenaries, and arquebusiers. These last used a kind of hand-gun which had +only been in common use for about twenty years, since the battle of Morat. +The arquebus had a contrivance, suggested by the trigger of the cross-bow, +to convey at once the burning match to the trigger. Before that the match +had been held in the hand in using the hand-gun as well as the hand-cannon. +Many of these arquebusiers were on horseback. Besides a number of small +pieces of artillery, the French army had 140 big cannons. The use of these +fire-arms in war had been gradually increasing since the days when Louis +XI. made such use of his "bombards" in the wars in Flanders. + +When we read of the wonderful success which at first attended the French +army, we must remember how greatly superior it was to the troops which +opposed it in Italy, which were mostly bands of adventurers collected by +mercenary leaders, named Condottieri, who fought for gain rather than for +glory, and had no special zeal or loyalty for the prince who employed them. +The soldiers in their pay were, for the time being, their own personal +property, and their great desire was to save them "to fight another day," +while it was not to their interest to kill the men of another band (who +might be on the same side next time), and they only sought to make +prisoners for the sake of their ransom. The impetuosity and real warlike +spirit of the French was a new and alarming thing in Italy, which had been +so long accustomed to the mere show of war. + +Charles passed as a conqueror through Pisa and Florence to Rome, then +victorious at Capua, he entered Naples in triumph. During the spring months +of 1495, spoilt by his easy victory, he gave himself up to pleasure in +that fair southern land, idly dreaming of distant conquest. His success +awakened the jealous alarm of Europe, and a formidable league was formed +against him by all the Italian States, the Emperor Maximilian, and the +Kings of Spain and England. Suddenly roused to a sense of his danger, +Charles VIII. left his new kingdom in the charge of his cousin, Gilbert de +Montpensier, with a few thousand men, and hastily set forth on his homeward +way. He left garrisons in various conquered cities, and his army consisted +of barely 10,000 men. They crossed the Apennines with great labour and +difficulty, to find their passage barred by the confederates on the Emilian +plain near the village of Fornovo. + +[Illustration: Battle of Forvono.] + +Never was battle more fiercely contested than on that Monday, 6th July, +when the French succeeded in breaking through the host of their enemies. +The actual fighting lasted little more than an hour, amid a scene of the +wildest confusion, which was increased by a storm of thunder and lightning, +with rain falling in torrents. We are told that Bayard, the Good Knight, +who had accompanied the King through the whole campaign, distinguished +himself in the first charge at the head of de Ligny's company, and had two +horses killed under him, then continued fighting on foot, and in the thick +of the battle he took the standard of the horsemen opposing him, and +covered himself with glory. The King, hearing afterwards of his gallant +deed, sent him a present of five hundred crowns. Charles could appreciate a +kindred spirit as he too fought with splendid courage on that eventful day. +The French camp, with all its rich treasures of armour, gorgeous clothing, +rare tapestries and plate, was looted; but Charles VIII. and the greater +part of his army, with all the artillery, made good their passage through +an overwhelming host of foes and raised the siege of Novara, where Lodovico +Sforza was besieging the Duke of Orleans. + +The French King was soon to receive news of the defeat and destruction of +the small army he had left to hold Naples, and the death of the gallant +Viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier. Such was the sad ending of the first of +those glorious and fatal expeditions to Italy, in which four kings wasted +in vain so much treasure and so many precious lives. Charles VIII. did not +long survive this bitter disappointment. He died at Amboise on 7th April +1498, at the age of twenty-eight. As he left no children he was succeeded +by his cousin, the Duke of Orleans, under the name of Louis XII. Louis XII. +was crowned on the 1st of July 1498. + +If there was one trait of character which, more than any other, +distinguished Bayard the Good Knight, it was his absolute loyalty towards +the lord he served, and his undying gratitude for any kindness which he had +received. He never forgot those six happy months he had spent at the Court +of Savoy when he first went there to take up the profession of arms as a +young lad of thirteen. It was not by his own choice that he left the +service of his earliest master, who in a fit of generosity had presented +his favourite page to the King, in the hope that by so doing he would best +further the career of Bayard. + +But Charles I., Duke of Savoy, did not live to see this, for he had died in +1490, and the Duchess, his widow, had left Chambéry and retired to her +dower house in the pleasant town of Carignano, in Piedmont, about seventeen +miles to the south of Turin. This lady, Blanche Paleologus, had been a most +kind friend to young Bayard, and when she heard that he was stationed in +the neighbourhood, she invited him to visit her, and received him with the +utmost courtesy, treating him as if he were a member of her family. She was +greatly beloved and honoured in Carignano, where she was lady suzerain, and +where there may still be seen, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a +splendid monument to her memory. + +We may imagine the satisfaction with which the good Duchess found that her +page of bygone days had blossomed out into a valiant and famous knight, and +they must both have had much to hear and tell of all that had happened +since they parted. Here Bayard also met with another friend, the young lady +who had been one of the maids-of-honour of the Duchess at Chambéry and who +had won the boyish affection of the Good Knight. If the young folks had +been able to follow their inclinations it is probable that in time to come, +when they were of suitable age, marriage would have followed, so the "Loyal +Servitor" tells us in his chronicle. But circumstances parted them, as +Bayard went to the King's Court, and the fair maiden was married later to a +very good and honourable gentleman, the Seigneur de Frussasco (or Fluxas), +who was governor of the household to the Duchess of Savoy, a man of wealth +and high position. + +We have a simple, touching story of the delight with which the lady of +Frussasco welcomed her dear friend, the Good Knight, of their eager talk +about old times, and their high ideal of honour and duty. She told him how +she had followed the story of his achievements, from his first joust with +Messire Claude de Vauldray, his tournament at Aire in Picardy, and the +honour which he received on the day of Fornovo, which had spread his fame +throughout France and Italy, and she gave him so much praise and honour +that the poor gentleman blushed for very shame. + +Then the lady said to him: "Monseigneur de Bayard, my friend, this is the +great house in which you were first brought up; would it not be well for +you to distinguish yourself here as you have done so nobly elsewhere?" + +The Good Knight made answer: "Madame, you know how from my youth I have +always loved and honoured you, and I hold you to be so wise and so kind +that you would only advise me for my good. Tell me, therefore, if you +please, what you would have me do to give pleasure to my good mistress, the +Duchess Blanche, to you above all, and to the rest of the noble company +here at this time?" + +Then the lady of Frussasco said: "It seems to me, my lord of Bayard, that +you would do well to arrange some tournament in this town for the honour of +Madame of Savoy, who will be very grateful to you. You have here in the +neighbourhood many French gentlemen, your companions, and there are other +gentlemen of this country who I am assured would all most willingly join +you." + +"If it is your wish," replied the Good Knight, "it shall be done. You +are the one lady in this world who has first conquered my heart by your +grace and kindness.... I pray of you that you will give me one of the +under-sleeves from your dress, as I have need of it."[1] The lady gave it +him, and he put it into the sleeve of his doublet without a word. + +[Footnote 1: This was fastened with a little lacing under the hanging +sleeve, and was the usual favour asked for and worn by the knight on his +helmet.] + +The Duchess Blanche was never weary of talking with the Good Knight, who +had always been so great a favourite of hers. But Bayard could not sleep +all that night, for his mind was full of plans for carrying out the request +of his lady. When the morning came he sent a trumpeter round to all the +towns of the neighbourhood where there were garrisons, to make known to +the gentlemen that if they would make their way within four days, on the +next Sunday, to the town of Carignano, in the costume of men-at-arms, he +would give a prize, which was the cuff of his lady, from whence hung a ruby +of the value of a hundred ducats, to him who should be victorious in three +encounters with the lance, without a barrier, and twelve turns with the +sword. + +On the appointed day, about an hour after noon, the Good Knight was at his +place in the ranks, armed at all points, with three or four of his +companions, but only those were with him who were prepared to take part in +the coming contest. Bayard began first, and against him came the lord of +Rovastre, a gallant gentleman who bore the ensign of the Duke Philibert of +Savoy. He was a very hardy and skilful knight, who gave a fine thrust with +his lance to begin with, but the Good Knight gave him such a blow on the +broad band, which protected his right arm, that he disarmed him, and caused +his lance to fly in five or six pieces. The lord of Rovastre regained his +band and tilted with the second lance, with which he did his duty +thoroughly ... but the Good Knight struck him on the visor, and carried off +his plume of feathers (panache) and made him tremble, although he kept his +seat on horseback. At the third lance the lord of Rovastre missed his aim, +and Bayard broke his lance, which went to pieces. + +After them came Mondragon and the lord of Chevron, who did their tilting so +well that everybody applauded. Then came two others, and so on until all +the company were satisfied. + +The lances being broken it was now time for the contest with swords; but +the Good Knight had only struck two blows when he broke his own, and sent +that of his opponent flying out of his hand. The gracious Duchess +requested the lord of Frussasco to invite all the gentlemen who had taken +part in the tournament to supper. After supper the hautboys sounded, and +the minstrels began to tune up in the gallery, but before the dancing +began, it was decided to award the prize to him who had gained it. The +lords of Grammont and Frussasco were the judges, and they asked all the +company--gentlemen, ladies, and the combatants themselves--and they were +all of opinion that the Good Knight himself, by right of arms, had gained +the prize. But when they presented it to him he said that he did not +deserve it, but that if he had done anything well, Madame de Frussasco was +the cause, as she had lent him her sleeve, and that it was her place to +give the prize as she chose. + +The lady, who was well versed in the laws of honour and chivalry, humbly +thanked the Good Knight for the honour which he had done her, and said: "As +M. de Bayard has shown me this courtesy I will keep the sleeve all my life +for love of him, while as for the ruby, I advise that it should be given to +M. de Mondragon, for he is considered to have done the next best." + +This was accomplished as she wished, to the content of all, and the Duchess +Blanche rejoiced greatly in the success of the Good Knight, who had begun +his career in her household. The Good Knight took leave of his noble +mistress, the lady of Savoy, telling her that he owed her service and +obedience next to the King, his sovereign lord. Then he said farewell to +the lady who had been his first love, and they parted with much regret, but +their warm friendship lasted till death. We do not hear that they ever met +again, but not a year passed without presents being sent from one to the +other. + + + + +[Illustration: LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE of MILAN _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER IV + + +While the French army felt such absolute security of their dominion in +Italy as to suffer the young captains to join in amusements, the fugitive +Duke Lodovico Sforza of Milan, who had lost his duchy by treachery, was +watching events and preparing to return. + +When Lodovico arrived he was received with acclamation, and entered Milan +in triumph. + +If this sudden revolution took all Italy by surprise, we can understand the +dismay of Louis XII., who found that he had all his work to do over again. +For not only had Milan rebelled, but all the other towns which he had +conquered. + +King Louis sent the Sire de Ligny as his chief general, and as a matter of +course the Good Knight went with him. I must tell you the story of an +adventure he had. He was in a garrison about twenty miles from Milan with +other young men-at-arms, and they were constantly making small expeditions. +One day Bayard heard that in the little town of Binasco, near the Certosa +di Pavia, there were about three hundred good horses, which he thought +might be easily taken, and therefore he begged his companions to join him +in this adventure. He was so much beloved that forty or fifty gentlemen +gladly accompanied him. But the castellan of the fortress at Binasco had +news of this through his spies, and laid a trap for the Frenchmen; he had a +strong troop placed in ambuscade on the road, and made sure of success. +But, though taken by surprise, the Good Knight fought like a lion, and with +cries of "France! France!" led his little company again and again to the +attack, for, as he told them, if news of this reached Milan not one would +escape. In fact, so fierce was their charge that they drove back the +defenders mile after mile to the very gates of Milan. Then one of the older +soldiers, who saw the enemy's plan, shouted, "Turn, men-at-arms, turn!" and +the others heard in time, but the Good Knight, thinking only of pursuing +his foes, entered pell-mell with them into the city, and followed them to +the very palace of the lord Lodovico. As he was wearing the white cross of +France, he was soon surrounded on all sides and taken prisoner. Lodovico +had heard the cries, and sent for this brave foe, who was disarmed before +being taken to the palace. + +The Duke of Milan was surprised to see such a young warrior, and asked him +what brought him into the city. The Good Knight, who was never put out by +anything, replied, "By my faith, my lord, I did not think I was coming in +alone, but believed my companions were following me. They understood war +better than I did, otherwise they would have been prisoners as I am...." +Then Lovodico asked him how big was the French army, and he made answer, +"As far as I know, my lord, there must be fourteen or fifteen hundred +men-at-arms and sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot; but they are all +picked men, quite determined to win back the State of Milan for the King, +our master. And it seems to me, my lord, that you would be much safer in +Germany than you are here, for your men are not fit to fight us." + +He spoke with so much confidence that Lodovico was much amused, and +remarked that he should like to see the two armies face to face. "And so +indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner." "Really, if that is +all," replied the Duke, "I will at once set you free, and make it up to the +captain who took you prisoner. But tell me, if you desire anything else I +will give it to you." + +The Good Knight bent his knee in thanks for this generous offer, and +replied: "My lord, I ask nothing else save that of your courtesy you will +be good enough to return to me my horse and my arms which I brought into +this town; and if you will send me to my garrison, which is twenty miles +from here, you will thus render me a great service, for which I shall be +grateful all my life; and saving my honour and the service of my King, I +would do anything you command in return." + +"On my faith!" exclaimed the lord Lodovico, "you shall have what you ask +for at once." Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken +him prisoner. "Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and +all his accoutrements at once" + +"My lord," was the reply, "that is a very easy matter for all is at my +lodging." So he sent two or three servants, who brought the horse, and the +armour, which the Duke caused to be put on before him. This arming took +place in the great courtyard, at least as far as the gallant prisoner was +disarmed, and when Bayard was fully accoutred he sprang on his horse +without touching the stirrup, and asked for his lance, which was given +him--a steel-headed weapon about fourteen feet long, the shaft being of +ash or sycamore with a little flag (pennoncelle) waving at the top. Then, +raising his visor, he said to the Duke: "My lord, I thank you for the great +courtesy you have shown me. May God repay you!" + +The Good Knight spurred his horse, who pranced about in the most wonderful +way, and then Bayard gave a small exhibition of his skill with the lance +which amazed the bystanders and did not please the lord Lodovico overmuch, +for he remarked: "If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should +have a poor chance." However, he took gracious leave of the Good Knight, +and sent him forth with a trumpeter in attendance to conduct him back to +his garrison. + +They had not gone very far, only about twelve miles from Milan, when they +met the main body of the French army. Every one was greatly surprised to +see Bayard, for there had been great sorrow at the rumour that the gallant +knight had been too rash and had been taken prisoner through his youthful +boldness and rashness. When he reached the camp he found that the news of +his exploit had preceded him, for the Sire de Ligny, his good leader, came +forward to meet him with a smile, saying: "Hallo! Picquet, who has got you +out of prison? Have you paid your ransoms' I was on the point of sending +one of my trumpeters to pay it and fetch you back." + +"My lord," replied the Good Knight, "I thank you humbly for your good will; +but the lord Lodovico set me free by his great courtesy." + +It was at Novara that Lodovico Sforza met the army of France. The Duke's +forces were composed of different races--German "landsknechte," Burgundians +who were commanded by the same Claude de Vauldray who had fought with the +Good Knight in his first tournament, and Swiss mercenaries. There were +bands of Swiss fighting on the side of the French, and those within the +city declared that they would not fight against their fellow-countrymenn in +the other camp. They laid down their arms, and neither threat nor promise +availed. Soon it was discovered that one of the gates of Novara had been +opened by treachery, and that the French were entering the city. Then, as a +last hope, Lodovico and his companions put on the dress of common soldiers +and mixed with them in the ranks. But the unfortunate Duke was betrayed by +one of the Swiss captains, who was put to death later by his own countrymen +as a traitor. + +On the occasion of Louis' former conquest of this land he had given several +important towns and estates to his general, the Sire de Ligny. These had +revolted with the rest of the duchy, to the great annoyance of de Ligny, +and a report reached the citizens of Tortona and Voghera that their homes +were to be sacked and pillaged. This was of course in those days the usual +penalty of rebellion, but the French general was a generous and merciful +man who had no such cruel intentions. However, the inhabitants of Voghera +took counsel together, and twenty of the chief merchants went forth to meet +their lord and humbly pray for mercy, two miles outside the city gates. But +de Ligny took no notice of them and rode on in silence with his men-at-arms +to his lodging within the city. One of his captains, to whom they appealed, +Louis d'Ars, promised to do his best for them, and advised that they should +plead again on the morrow. This time about fifty of the chief men came to +him as suppliants, bare-headed, and fell on their knees before the General. +They made a long and lamentable petition, ending with the offer of the +richest silver plate, cups, goblets, bowls, and precious vessels to the +value of more than three hundred marks. + +Without deigning to look at the presents they had brought, their offended +lord turned upon them, reproached them bitterly for their treachery in +rebelling against him before the usurper, Lodovico, had even approached +their walls. What fate was too terrible for such cowards and traitors? The +kneeling citizens trembled and thought their last hour had come, when the +captain, Louis d'Ars, pleaded for mercy as a special favour to himself, +promising that henceforth they would prove themselves faithful and loyal +subjects. Then at length de Ligny suffered his anger to cool down, and +yielded to the wish of his good captain by granting a pardon. "But as for +your present, I do not deign to accept it for you are not worthy," he +exclaimed. Then, looking round the hall, his eyes fell upon the Good +Knight, to whom he said: "Picquet, take all this plate, I give it you for +your kitchen." To which he made instant reply: "My lord, I thank you humbly +for your kindness, but with God's help the goods of such evil-doers shall +never enter my house for they would bring me misfortune." + +Thereupon the Good Knight took one piece of silver after another from the +table and made a present of it to each one of the assembled company, not +keeping a single thing for himself, to the amazement of every one. When he +had given away everything, he quietly left the chamber, as did many of the +others. The Sire de Ligny turned to those who remained and asked: "What do +you think of this, gentlemen? Did you ever see such a generous soul as my +Picquet? God should have made him king over some great realm. Believe me +that he will some day be one of the most perfect knights in the world." +All the company agreed, and could not praise young Bayard enough. And when +the Sire de Ligny had thought over the matter, he sent him next morning a +beautiful costume of crimson velvet lined with satin brocade, a most +excellent war-horse, and a purse with three hundred crowns--which did not +last him long, for he shared it all with his companions. + +Louis XII. had been so much engaged with his conquest of Milan that for a +time he had not done much towards recovering the kingdom of Naples. This +had been lost after the retreat of Charles VIII., who died before he had +been able to make another fight for it, after the disastrous fate of his +viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier, and his brave little army. At this time +Frederick of Aragon was King of Naples, having succeeded his nephew, +Ferdinand II., in 1496. + +The king gave the command of his great army to the lord of Aubigny, who had +brought back the broken ranks of the first expedition to Naples. The +company of de Ligny, under his lieutenant, Captain Louis d'Ars, was ordered +to form part of it. Bayard, the Good Knight, who could not bear to be left +behind when fighting was going on, asked the permission of his dear master +to accompany the lieutenant's men. + +On this important occasion Louis XII., doubtful of his own strength, made +the great mistake of forming an alliance with Ferdinand, King of Spain. + +King Frederick of Naples knew nothing of the secret compact between France +and Spain, and he expected Gongalvo de Cordova, known as the Great Captain, +to come to his help with the troops of Spain. + +As the alliance between France and Spain was founded on treachery, we +cannot be surprised that they soon fell out over the division of their +spoils. King Ferdinand of Aragon was never bound by any contract which did +not profit him, and by his orders the Great Captain, Gonzalvo de Cordova, +invaded the province of Naples itself. The lord of Aubigny had placed his +various companies as garrisons in different towns, and those which belonged +to the Count de Ligny were in the hands of his company, amongst whom, as we +know, was Bayard, the Good Knight. We shall now understand how it was that +he found himself at war with the Spaniards, who had been at first the +allies of France. + +Pierre de Bayard, the Good Knight, had been placed in command of a garrison +at a place called Monervine, by his captain, Louis d'Ars. There had been no +fighting in his neighbourhood for some little time, and he began to get +rather weary. So he said one evening to his companions: "Gentlemen, it +seems to me that we have been too long in one place without seeing our +foes. We shall grow weak for want of using our arms, and our enemies will +grow bolder than ever, thinking that we dare not go out of our fort. So I +propose that to-morrow we ride out towards the nearest Spanish garrisons, +Andria or Barletta, and have a little fighting if possible." The others +readily agreed, and about thirty of them arranged to start early the next +morning. It was a merry party of young gentlemen who galloped over the +country at daybreak, and it so chanced that the same idea had occurred +to a Spanish knight of Andria, Don Alonzo of Soto-Mayor, who wished to +exercise his company of men-at-arms. Such was the fortune of the two +captains, that as they turned a corner by some rising ground they suddenly +came within arrow-shot of each other, and joyful indeed they were to have +such a chance. When the Good Knight saw the red crosses he turned to his +followers and cried: "My friends, here is our chance to win honour ... +we will not wait for them to attack!" + +With a shout of delight they all lowered their visors, and crying, +"_France, France_!" they galloped forward and charged their foes, +who came proudly on to meet them with the cry of "_Spain! St. Iago_!" +gaily receiving them on the point of their lances. In the shock of this +first meeting many on both sides were borne to earth. The combat lasted a +good half-hour before either side seemed to have the best of it, for they +were well matched in numbers and strength. But in the end one side must +win, and it chanced that the courage and skill of the Good Knight, and the +enthusiasm with which he inspired his men, at last succeeded in breaking +the ranks of the Spaniards, of whom about seven were killed and the same +number taken prisoner, while the rest took to flight, and amongst them +their captain, Don Alonzo. The Good Knight pursued, crying out to him: +"Turn, man-at-arms, it would be a shame to die while running away." +Presently Alonzo, like a fierce lion, turned against his pursuer with +terrible force; and they fought desperately with sword-thrusts. + +At length the horse of Don Alonzo backed and refused to advance any more, +when the Good Knight, seeing that all the other Spaniards were gone, +leaving their captain alone, said, "Surrender, man-at-arms, or you are +dead." "To whom must I surrender?" he asked. "To the Captain Bayard," was +the reply. Then Don Alonzo, who had already heard of that famous name, and +knew that he had no chance of escape, gave up his sword and was taken with +the other prisoners to the garrison, where with his usual chivalrous +courtesy, the Good Knight gave Don Alonzo one of the best rooms of the +castle, and supplied him with all that he needed, on receiving his parole +that he would make no attempt to escape. + +The Spanish captain was treated with the greatest kindness, being suffered +to join in all the doings of the other gentlemen, and his ransom was fixed +at 1000 crowns. But after a fortnight or more he grew tired of this life +and persuaded an Albanian in the garrison to procure him a horse and help +him to gain his freedom, for it was only fifteen or twenty miles to his own +quarters. The man agreed, tempted by a high bribe, and Don Alonzo, who was +allowed to come and go as he pleased, had no difficulty in passing out +through the gateway in the early morning, when he and his companion put +spurs to their horses and felt assured of success. But if the Good Knight +was courteous he was not careless, and when he paid his usual morning call +on his prisoner he was nowhere to be found. The watch was sounded, and the +absence of the Albanian was also discovered, whereupon Bayard sent off in +instant pursuit and Don Alonzo was overtaken within two miles of Andria, +where he had dismounted to fasten the girth of his saddle which was broken. +The Albanian managed to reach the Spanish quarter, for he knew that the +penalty of his treachery would be hanging, and the Spanish knight was +brought back to Monervine. + +When Bayard met him he said: "How is it that you have broken your faith, my +lord Don Alonzo? I will trust you no more, for it is not a knightly deed to +escape from a place when you are on parole." The prisoner tried to excuse +himself by vowing that he only went to fetch his ransom as he was troubled +by receiving no news of his own people. But this did not avail him much, +for he was kept in close confinement in a tower, but otherwise very well +treated in the way of food and drink. After about another fortnight a +trumpeter arrived to announce that the ransom was coming, and when this was +duly paid, Don Alonzo took a friendly leave of his captors, having had time +to notice that the Good Knight kept not a penny of the money for himself, +but divided it all amongst his soldiers. + +But the story does not end here, for this recreant knight was ungrateful +enough to complain to his friends in the most outrageous manner of the +treatment which he had received during his captivity. When this came to the +knowledge of the Good Knight he was justly indignant, as were all his +companions, and he at once wrote a letter to Don Alonzo, calling upon him +to withdraw these untrue words, or to accept a challenge to mortal combat. +This he sent by a trumpeter, and also offered his foe the choice of +weapons, and whether the contest should be on foot or on horseback. + +The Spanish captain sent back an insolent answer, saying that he would not +withdraw anything he had said, and that he would prove his words in mortal +combat within twelve days, two miles from the walls of Andria. In fixing +this date he knew that Bayard was ill at the time with a quartan fever. But +the Good Knight would not let such a small matter interfere with his +knightly honours, and when the day arrived he rode to the spot appointed, +with the Sire de la Palisse and his friend Bellabre as his seconds, and +about two hundred men-at-arms as a guard of honour. + +Bayard was clothed in white as a mark of humility and rode a splendid +horse, but as Don Alonzo had not appeared, a trumpeter was sent to hasten +his coming. When he was told that the Good Knight was on horseback with +the usual armour, he exclaimed: "How is this? I was to choose the arms. +Trumpeter, go and tell him that I will fight on foot." He said this, +thinking that the illness of Bayard would make it quite impossible for him; +and the trumpeter was greatly surprised, as all had been arranged for a +duel on horseback, and this looked like a way of retreat for the Spaniard. +Ill as he was Bayard showed no hesitation, and with the courage of a lion +declared that he was willing to avenge his honour in any guise. The arms +chosen were a sharp-pointed sword or rapier and a poignard, while the +armour used included a throat-piece (gorgerin) and a secrète.[1] + +[Footnote 1: Secrète, a kind of steel skull-cap, often worn under the +helmet.] + +When the camp was duly prepared and the champions in face of each other, +Bayard knelt down and made his prayer to God, then he bent to kiss the +earth, and rising, made the sign of the cross before he advanced to meet +his enemy. Don Alonzo addressed him in these words: "Lord of Bayard, what +do you seek from me?" And he replied: "I wish to defend my honour." Then +began the mortal combat between these two valiant men-at-arms, and never +was seen more splendid skill and courage. The rapier of the Good Knight +slightly wounded the face of Don Alonzo, who carefully guarded this most +vulnerable part, but his foe waited until he raised his arm for the next +attack, and then aimed at his neck, and notwithstanding the tempered steel +of his armour, Bayard's onslaught was so tremendous that the throat-piece +(gorgerin) was pierced and the rapier, having no sharp edges (it was only +used for thrusting) was driven in so far that it could not be withdrawn. +Don Alonzo, feeling himself wounded unto death, dropped his sword and +seized the Good Knight in his arms, the two wrestling fiercely until they +both fell on the ground. + +The terrible struggle lasted for some time, until Bayard struck his foe on +the visor with his poignard and cried: "Don Alonzo, recognise your fault +and cry for mercy to God...." But the Spanish knight made no reply, for he +was already dead. + +Then his second, Don Diego, said: "Seigneur Bayard, he is dead, you have +conquered;" which was proved, for they took off his visor and he breathed +no more. This was a sad trouble to the victor, for he would have given all +he had in the world to have vanquished him alive. Then the Good Knight +knelt down and thanked God humbly for his success. Afterwards he turned to +the dead knight's second and asked: "My lord Don Diego, have I done +enough?" + +"Too much, indeed, my lord Bayard, for the honour of Spain," was the +pitiful reply. Then the Good Knight gave leave that honourable burial +should be accorded to Don Alonzo, and his friends bore away the body of +their champion with sad lamentation. But we may imagine the joy and triumph +with which the noble company present and the French men-at-arms accompanied +their hero back to the castle of Monervine. + +This duel and the passages-of-arms before with Don Alonzo spread the fame +of Bayard throughout all Europe; indeed, his wonderful renown as the flower +of all chivalry really dates from this time. You may imagine how bitter the +Spaniards were and how they sought for revenge. + +After the battle of Cerignola, fought on April 28, 1503, Gonzalvo, the +Great Captain, entered Naples in triumph. When this disastrous news reached +France, Louis XII. hastened to send a fresh army, commanded by la +Trémouille, to reinforce the troops already in Apulia and Calabria. The +French general fell ill, and his authority passed into the hands of the +Marquis of Mantua, who found himself opposed and beaten back at every point +by the genius of Gonzalvo. + +At length the two armies came to a stand on either side of the River +Garigliano, one of the broadest rivers of Southern Italy, falling into the +Gulf of Gaeta. The French had possession of the right bank of the river, +close to the rising ground, and had therefore a more favourable position +than the marshy swamp on the lower side, in which the Spanish forces +remained encamped for fifty days. It was a fearful time, in the dead of +winter, with excessive rains, and the soldiers in both camps were driven to +the last verge of endurance, while numbers sickened and died. Under these +depressing circumstances the bright, cheerful spirit of Bayard, the Good +Knight, was invaluable, and his mere presence kept his company in hope and +courage. He never missed an opportunity of engaging in any feat of arms, +and his famous defence of the bridge is perhaps the best known of all his +exploits. + +There was a bridge across the Garigliano which was in the hands of the +French, and one day a certain Don Pedro de Pas, a Spanish captain, small +and dwarfish in body but great in soul, conceived a plan for obtaining +possession of it. With about a hundred horsemen he set off to cross the +river by a ford which he knew of, and behind each horseman he had placed a +foot-soldier, armed with an "arquebuse." Don Pedro did this in order to +raise an alarm in the French camp, so that the whole army might rush to +defend it, and leave unprotected the bridge, which would then be seized by +the Spaniards. Bayard, who always chose the post of danger, was encamped +close to the bridge, and with him was a brave gentleman, named le Basco. +When they heard the noise they armed themselves at once, and mounted their +horses in haste to rush to the fray. But as the Good Knight happened to +look across the river he caught sight of about two hundred Spanish horsemen +riding straight towards the bridge, which they would certainly have taken +without much resistance, and this would have meant the total destruction of +the French army. + +[Illustration: Bayard defends the Bridge.] + +Then the Good Knight cried to his companion, "My lord the Equerry, my +friend, go instantly and fetch our men to guard this bridge, or we are all +lost; meantime I will do my best to amuse them until you come, but make all +haste." This he did, and the Good Knight, lance in rest, galloped across +the bridge to the other end, where the Spaniards were on the point of +passing. But, like a lion in his rage, Bayard rushed at them with so +furious an onset that two or three of the foremost men were driven back and +hurled into the water, from whence they rose no more, for the river was +wide and deep. For a moment they were driven back, but seeing there was +only one knight they attacked him so furiously that it was a marvel he +could resist them. But he came to a stand against the barrier of the bridge +that they might not get behind him, and made so desperate a fight with his +sword, raining blows on all who came near, that he seemed to the Spaniards +more a demon than a man. + +In vain they cast pikes, lances, and other arms against him; the Good +Knight seemed to bear a charmed life. In fact, so well and so long did he +defend himself that his foes began to feel a superstitious dread of this +invincible champion when, after the space of full half an hour, his friend, +le Basco, arrived with a hundred men-at-arms. + +The historian Champier adds that when Bayard saw help approaching he +cried, with a loud voice, "Haste ye, noble Frenchmen, and come to my help." +Not satisfied with driving back the Spaniards from the bridge, the gallant +little company pursued them for a good mile, and would have done more but +they saw in the distance a great company of seven or eight hundred Spanish +horsemen. + +With all his dauntless courage, Bayard had the instinct of a good general, +and he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, we have done enough to-day in +saving the bridge; let us now retire in as close order as possible." His +advice was taken, and they began to retreat at a good pace, the Good Knight +always remaining the last and bearing all the brunt of the rear attack. +This became more difficult every minute, as his horse, on which he had +fought all that day, was so worn out that it could scarcely stand. + +All of a sudden there was a great rush of the enemy, sweeping like a +flood over the French men-at-arms, so that many were thrown to the ground. +The horse of the Good Knight was driven back against a ditch, where he +was surrounded by twenty or thirty horsemen, who cried: "Surrender, +surrender, my lord!" Still fighting to the last, he could only make answer: +"Gentlemen, I must indeed yield to you, for, being alone, I can no longer +fight against your might." + +If all the accounts of contemporary historians did not agree on the subject +we could hardly believe that one hero could keep back two hundred men at +the narrow entrance of the bridge for close upon half an hour. That after +so tremendous a fight Bayard could pursue the enemy, and defend the rear of +his retiring companions, is indeed a marvellous achievement. The wonder is +not that he was taken prisoner at last, but that he should have held out so +long. + +Meantime all his companions had ridden straight to their bridge, believing +that the Good Knight was amongst them, but of a sudden a certain gentleman +from Dauphiné exclaimed: "We have lost all, my friends! The Captain Bayard +is dead or taken, for he is not in our company. I vow to God that if I am +to go alone I will return and seek him...." On hearing this the whole troop +turned their horses and set off at full gallop after the Spaniards, who +were bearing away with them the flower of all chivalry. But they did not +know it, for Bayard was aware that if they heard his name he should never +escape alive, and to all their inquiries he only made answer that he was a +gentleman. They had not even taken the trouble to disarm him. + +Of a sudden he heard his companions arrive in pursuit, shouting: "France! +France! Turn, turn, ye Spaniards; not thus shall you carry away the flower +of chivalry." Taken by surprise, the enemy received the French charge with +some disorder, and as men and horses gave way, the Good Knight saw his +opportunity, and without putting his foot in the stirrup, sprang upon a +fine horse whose rider was thrown, and as soon as he was mounted, cried: +"France! France! Bayard! Bayard! whom you have let go!" When the Spaniards +heard the name and saw what a mistake they had made to leave him his +arms (without requiring his parole, which he would certainly have kept), +they lost heart and turned back towards their camp, while the French, +overjoyed at having recovered their "Good Knight without Fear and without +Reproach"--their one ideal of chivalry and honour--galloped home over the +famous bridge. We do not wonder that for many days after they could talk of +nothing but this thrilling adventure and the gallant exploits of Bayard. + +[Illustration: The Page presents his Prisoner.] + + + + +[Illustration: THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +_from the portrait by Albert Durer_.] + +CHAPTER V + + +The wars of Italy had a wonderful fascination for Louis XII., and he +eagerly united with the Emperor, the King of Spain, and the Pope in the +League of Cambray against Venice, hated for her great wealth and success. + +In the spring of 1509 the King collected another army, in which he made a +great point of the foot-soldiers, whose importance he fully appreciated, +and for the first time he chose captains of high renown to command them. He +sent for Bayard and said to him: "You know that I am crossing the mountains +to fight the Venetians, who have taken Cremona from me, and other places. I +am giving you the command of a company of men-at-arms ... but that can be +led by your lieutenant, Captain Pierre du Pont, while I wish you to take +charge of a number of foot-soldiers." + +"Sire," replied the Good Knight, "I will do what you wish; but how many +foot-soldiers do you propose to give me?" + +"One thousand," said the King; "no man has more." + +But Bayard suggested that five hundred of these soldiers, carefully +chosen, would be quite enough for one man to command if he did his duty +thoroughly, and to this the King agreed, bidding the Good Knight bring them +to join his army in the duchy of Milan. + +The important city of Padua, which had been restored to the Emperor +Maximilian, was left through his carelessness with a small garrison of only +800 "landsknechte" (German foot-soldiers). Two Venetian captains contrived +an ingenious stratagem for recovering the city. It was the month of July by +this time, and immense waggons of hay, from the second mowing, were +entering Padua every day. A number of Venetians made an ambush under some +thick trees about a bow-shot from the walls, then they hid behind the +hay-waggons and crept in through the gates, which at a given signal they +opened to their comrades. The German soldiers, taken by surprise, were put +to death, and the command was given to the brave General Pitigliano, who +repaired and strengthened the fortifications, knowing of what immense +importance this city was to his Republic. + +Maximilian was extremely annoyed by the loss of Padua, and collected a +great army, composed of men from all the allies, to besiege it. He also +brought to bear against it the strongest artillery ever used--one hundred +and six pieces of cannon and six immense mortars, "so heavy that they could +not be raised on gun-carriages, they could only be loaded with stones, and +were fired off not more than four times a day." The city was strongly +fortified and defended, and it was decided to attack the most important +gate which led to Vicenza. This being a most perilous enterprise, the +command was given to Bayard of the attacking party. The gate was approached +by a long, straight road between deep ditches, and there were four great +barriers at two hundred steps from each other, all thoroughly defended. +There was a fierce contest at every one of these barriers, and many gallant +knights fell in the attack, but the last one was the worst, for it was only +a stone's-throw from the battlements. The besieged rained stones on them +with their artillery, and the assault lasted more than an hour with pike +and battle-axe. + +Then the Good Knight, seeing that this became tedious, cried to his +companions: "Gentlemen, these men give us too much play; let us charge on +foot and gain this barrier." Thirty or forty men-at-arms sprang from their +horses and with raised visors dashed at the barrier with their lances, but +the Venetians met them again and again with fresh relays of men. Then +Bayard shouted: "At this rate, gentlemen, they will keep us here for six +years; we must give them a desperate assault and let each man do as I do!" +This they promised, and the trumpet was sounded, when with one tremendous +rush they drove back the defenders by the length of a lance, and with a +ringing war-cry Bayard sprang over the barrier followed by his friends. +When the French saw the danger in which these gallant men were, there was +such a charge against the final barrier that the enemy was driven back in +disorder into the town. Thus the approaches were gained, and the Emperor's +artillery was brought forward, and remained there for six weeks until the +siege was raised. + +A few days later the Good Knight heard, through one of his spies, that in +the castle of Bassano, about thirty miles off, there was a strong company +of cross-bowmen and horsemen, who made a point of sallying out from the +castle and seizing all the supplies of cattle which were on the way to the +camp. They were said to have four or five hundred oxen and cows already +within their walls. Bayard felt that this must be put a stop to, and his +picked companions readily joined him, for this fighting was their very life +and they asked for nothing better. So they set forth an hour before +daybreak and rode steadily towards Bassano, till they reached a place where +the spy pointed out to them a little wooden bridge which the band from +Treviso would have to cross, where two men could keep five hundred in +check. This the Good Knight left to be defended by a few men-at-arms and +archers, who were to remain in ambush until they had seen the troop from +Treviso go by, and await their return. Then Bayard gave directions to one +of his company to take thirty archers with him, and when he saw the enemy +well on their way he was to advance as though to skirmish with them, then +suddenly pretend to be frightened and ride off at full gallop in the +direction where the main French force was hidden behind rising ground. This +was all carried out, and the Good Knight with his men rushed forth upon the +pursuers, taking many prisoners, while the rest escaped in the direction of +Treviso, but were stopped at that wooden bridge and compelled to fight or +yield. + +When the fighting was over, Bayard said: "Gentlemen, we really must take +that castle with all the spoils in it." When it was pointed out to him that +it was very strong and they had no artillery, he remarked that he knew a +way by which they might possess it in a quarter of an hour. So he sent for +the two captains who were taken and said to them: "I insist that the castle +be surrendered to me at once, for I know that you have the power to command +it, otherwise you will lose your heads." They saw that he was in earnest, +and one, who was the seneschal, sent orders to his nephew and the gates +were opened. + +The Good Knight took possession of the castle, and within the walls of +Treviso found more than five hundred head of cattle and much other booty, +which was all sold later at Vicenza and divided amongst the victors. As +Bayard sat at table with the two Venetian captains, a young page of his, +named Boutières, came in to show a prisoner he had taken during the +fighting--a big man twice his size. The boy had seen this standard-bearer +trying to escape, had made a rush at him with his lance, struck him to the +ground, and called upon him to surrender. He had given up his sword, to +Boutières' great delight, and the lad of sixteen, with the standard he had +taken and his sturdy-looking prisoner, had caused great amusement in the +French company. When he was thus brought into the dining-hall before his +own captains, the standard-bearer looked very much ashamed of himself, and +protested that he had simply yielded to the force of numbers, not to that +boy. Thereupon Boutières offered to give the man back his horse and his +arms and to fight him in single combat. If the standard-bearer won he +should go free without ransom; but if the young page won the man should +die. The Good Knight was delighted at this brave offer, but the Venetian +was afraid to accept it, and all the honour remained with the boy, who was +known to come of a brave race and proved himself worthy in the days to +come. + +Most of the French army retired into the duchy of Milan, but Bayard appears +to have remained behind with the garrison of Verona. By one of those rapid +changes so common in Italian politics, before the end of the year Louis +XII. found himself deserted by most of the allies, the Pope, the King of +Spain, Henry VIII., and the Swiss having joined the "Holy League" to drive +the French out of Italy. + + + + +[Illustration: ANDREA GRITTI DOGE _of_ VENICE +_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.] + +CHAPTER VI + + +While Bayard was with the garrison at Verona, in command of three or four +hundred men-at-arms who had been lent to the Emperor by the King of France, +he had some stirring adventures. It was winter time, and that year, 1509, +was long remembered for its severity. The soldiers in the town were obliged +to send for their horses' forage sometimes to a great distance, and they +were constantly losing both horses and varlets, who were waylaid by the +enemy, so that a large escort was necessary, for not a day passed without +some encounter. + +Now there was a village called San Bonifacio about fifteen miles from +Verona, where a certain Venetian captain, named Giovanni Paolo Manfroni, +was stationed with a number of men, and he amused himself by chasing the +foraging parties up to the very gates of Verona. The Good Knight at last +became very angry at this bold defiance, and he resolved to put an end to +these raids by going out with the escort himself the next time that hay was +fetched from the farms round. He kept his plans as secret as possible, but +Manfroni had a spy in the city who managed to let him know what was on +foot, and he resolved to take so strong a force that he would make sure of +capturing the famous Bayard. + +One Thursday morning the foragers set forth from Verona as usual, and in +their train were thirty or forty men-at-arms and archers under the command +of the captain, Pierre du Pont, a very wise and capable young man. The +party soon left the highroad to look out for the farms where they were to +receive the usual loads of hay. Meantime, the Good Knight, not suspecting +that his plan was betrayed, had taken a hundred men-at-arms and gone to a +little village called San Martino about six miles from Verona. From thence +he sent out some scouts, who were not long in returning with the news that +the enemy was in sight, about five hundred horsemen, who were marching +straight after the foragers. The Good Knight was delighted to hear it, and +at once set out to follow them with his company. + +But Manfroni, who had heard of the whole manoeuvre from his spy, had +prepared an ambush in a deserted palace near, where he had about six +hundred pikemen and arquebusiers. These men were not to stir until they saw +him and his party in retreat, pretending to flee from the French pursuit; +then they were at once to follow and so completely enclose and defeat +Bayard's company. + +The Good Knight had not gone two miles through the fields when he overtook +the Venetians and marched straight towards them, shouting, "Empire and +France!" They made some show of resistance, but soon began to retreat along +the lane towards their ambush, where they halted just beyond it, crying +"Marco! Marco!" and began to make a valiant defence. On hearing the +familiar cry of Venice, the foot-soldiers gave a tremendous shout and +rushed furiously upon the French, shooting with their arquebuses, a shot +from which struck Bayard's horse between the legs and killed him. Seeing +their dear master on the ground, his men-at-arms, who would all have died +for him, made a mighty charge, and a gentleman of Dauphiné, named Grammont, +sprang from his horse and fought side by side with Bayard. But the two were +of no avail against the Venetians, who took them prisoners and were about +to disarm them. + +Captain Pierre du Pont, who was with the forage party, heard the noise and +instantly galloped up, finding his captain and Grammont in evil case; for +already they were being drawn out of the crowd to be taken to a place of +safety. He was only just in time, but he struck out at the captors like a +lion, and the men, taken by surprise, let their prisoners escape, and +retreated to their troop, which was having a furious fight with the French. +The Good Knight and Grammont were soon on horseback again, and hastened +back to the relief of their men, who were now attacked front and back, with +four to one against them, and the arquebusiers were doing them a lot of +damage. Then the Good Knight said to his nephew, Captain Pierre du Pont: +"My friend, we are lost if we do not gain the highroad, but if we are once +there, we will retire in spite of them, and shall be saved, with the help +of God." + +"I agree with you," replied his nephew. Then they began to retreat +steadily, step by step, towards the highroad, fighting all the way, and +they reached it at last, though not without much trouble, while the enemy +lost both foot-soldiers and horsemen. When the French at length reached the +highroad which led to Verona, they closed in together, and began to retire +very gently, turning upon the foe with a gallant attack every two hundred +feet. + +But all the time they had those arquebusiers at their heels constantly +firing upon them, so that at the last charge once more the Good Knight +had his horse killed under him. Before it fell he sprang to the ground +and defended himself in a wonderful way with his sword; but he was +soon surrounded and would have been killed, but at that moment his +standard-bearer, du Fay, with his archers, made so desperate a charge that +he rescued his captain from the very midst of the Venetians, set him upon +another horse, and then closed in with the others. + +The night was drawing near, and the Good Knight commanded that there should +be no more charging, as they had done enough for their honour, and the +gallant little party found a safe refuge in the village of San Martino, in +the midst of cypresses, whence they had started in the morning. This was +about four miles from Verona, and the Venetian captain felt that further +pursuit would be dangerous as help would probably arrive from Verona. So he +caused the retreat to sound, and set out to return to San Bonifacio, but on +the way his foot-soldiers, who were quite worn out, having fought for about +five hours, begged to be allowed to stay at a village some miles short of +San Bonifacio. Manfroni did not much approve of this, but he let them have +their way, while he and his horsemen rode on to their usual quarters, +feeling much disgusted that they had been galloped about all day with so +little to show for it. + +That night the French lodged in the village of San Martino, and they +feasted joyfully upon such provisions as they could find, feeling very +proud of their success, for they had scarcely lost any men in comparison +with the enemy. They were still at supper when one of their spies arrived +from San Bonifacio, and he was brought before Bayard, who asked what the +Venetians were doing. He replied: + +"Nothing much; they are in great force inside San Bonifacio, and the rumour +goes that they will soon have Verona, for they have a strong party within +the city. As I was starting the Captain Manfroni arrived, very hot and +angry, and I heard him say that he had been fighting against a lot of +devils from hell and not men. As I was coming here I passed through a +village which I found quite full of their foot-soldiers, who are spending +the night there, and to look at them I should say that they are quite tired +out." + +Then said the Good Knight: "I warrant that those are their foot-soldiers we +fought against to-day, who would not walk any further. If you feel disposed +we will go and take them. The moon is bright to-night, let us feed our +horses and at about three or four o'clock we will go and wake them." + +This suggestion was quite approved of; they all did their best with the +horses, and after having set the watch, they all went to rest. But Bayard +was too full of his enterprise to take any sleep; so towards three hours +after midnight he quietly roused his men and set forth with them on +horseback, riding in perfect silence to the village where the Venetian +foot-soldiers were staying. He found them, as he had expected, fast asleep +"like fat pigs," without any watch as far as he could see. The new-comers +began to shout, "Empire! Empire! France! France!" and to this joyous cry +the bumpkins awoke, coming one by one out of their shelter to be slain like +beasts. Their captain, accompanied by two or three hundred men, threw +himself into the market-place and tried to make a stand there; but no time +was given him, for he was charged from so many directions that he and all +his men were attacked and defeated, so that only three remained alive. +These were the captain and two other gentlemen, who were brothers, and +afterwards were exchanged for French gentlemen who were in prisons at +Venice. + +Having accomplished their work, the Good Knight and his company made their +way back to Verona, where they were received with great honour. On the +other hand, when the Venetians heard of the loss of their men they were +furious, and the Doge Andrea Gritti sharply blamed Manfroni for leaving +them behind. + +We may mention here that this Giovanni Paolo Manfroni was a splendid +soldier and one of the finest captains of men-at-arms in Italy at this +period. + +Manfroni had a certain spy, who often went backwards and forwards between +Venona and San Bonifacio, and who served both him and the Good Knight; but +those treacherous spies always serve one better than the other, and this +one hoped for the most gain from the Venetian. + +So one day Manfroni said to him: "You must go to Verona and let Captain +Bayard know that the Council of Venice wish me to be sent in command of +Lignano, a fortified town on the Adige, as the present governor is ordered +to the Levant with a number of galleys. Tell Bayard that you know for +certain that I start to-morrow at dawn with three hundred light horsemen, +and that I shall have no foot-soldiers with me. I am sure that he will +never let me pass without a skirmish, and if he comes I trust he will be +killed or taken, for I shall have an ambush at Isola della Scale (about +fifteen miles south of Verona) of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand +foot-soldiers. If you manage for him to meet me there I promise on my faith +to give you two thousand ducats of gold." + +This precious scoundrel readily promised that he would not fail to do so. +He went off straight to Verona, and to the lodging of the Good Knight, +where he was admitted at once, for all the people there believed him to be +entirely in the service of their master. They brought him in as soon as +Bayard had finished supper, and he was warmly welcomed. "Well, Vizentin, I +am glad to see you. You do not come without some reason; tell me, what news +have you?" + +[Illustration: Seizure of the Spy.] + +"My lord, I have very good news, thank God!" was the reply. The Good Knight +at once rose from table and drew the spy on one side, to learn what was +going on, who repeated the lesson he had learned. Bayard was delighted at +the prospect before him, and gave orders that Vizentin was to be well +feasted. Then he called together the Captain Pierre du Pont, La Varenne, +his flag-bearer du Fay, and a certain Burgundian captain of "landsknechte," +Hannotin de Sucker, who had fought with him in most of his Italian wars. He +told these friends what he had heard from the spy, and how Manfroni was +going to Lignano on the morrow with only three hundred horsemen. Then he +added that, if his good companions would join him, these Venetians would +not finish their journey without a little fighting, but the matter must be +seen to at once. + +It was settled that they should start at daybreak and take two hundred +men-at-arms. Hannotin de Sucker had his lodging at the other end of the +town, and while he was on his way home he chanced to see the spy coming out +of the house of a man who was known to be on the Venetian side. The +Burgundian captain at once suspected treason; he seized Vizentin by the +collar and asked him what he was doing. The man, taken by surprise, changed +colour and prevaricated so much that the captain at once took him back to +Bayard's lodging. He found his friend just going to bed, but the two sat +together over the fire, while the spy was carefully guarded. + +Hannotin explained why he felt sure that there was something wrong. Bayard +at once sent for the spy, of whom he inquired his reason for going to the +house of Messire Baptiste Voltege, the suspected person. In his fright the +spy gave five or six different explanations; but the Good Knight said to +him: "Vizentin, tell the truth without hiding anything, and I promise, on +the word of a true gentleman, that whatever it may be, even if my death has +been conspired for, I will do you no harm. But, on the other hand, if I +catch you in a lie, you will be hung to-morrow at break of day." + +The spy saw that he was caught, so he knelt down and begged for mercy, +which was again positively promised him. Then he told the whole story from +beginning to end of the proposed treachery; how Manfroni would have an +ambush of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand foot-soldiers to make +sure of Bayard's destruction. The spy owned that he had been to the house +of Baptiste to tell him of this enterprise, and to advise him to find means +some night to have one of the city gates opened to the Venetians, but he +added that Baptiste had refused to do this. + +When he had made an end of his confession the Good Knight said to him: +"Vizentin, my money has certainly been wasted upon you, for you are a bad +and treacherous man ... You have deserved death, but I will keep my promise +and you shall be safe with me, but I advise you to keep out of sight, for +others may not spare you." + +The spy was taken away to be closely guarded, and Bayard said to his +friend, the Burgundian captain: + +"What shall we do to this Captain Manfroni who thinks to take us by a +trick? We must pay him out, and if you do what I ask you we will carry out +one of those splendid adventures which were done a hundred years ago." "My +lord, you have only to command and you will be obeyed," was the simple +reply. + +"Then go at once to the lodging of the Prince of Hainault, and with my +compliments tell him the whole story. Then you must persuade him to send us +to-morrow morning two thousand of his 'landsknechte,' and we will take them +with us and leave them somewhere in ambush. If something wonderful does not +result you may blame me!" + +Hannotin de Sucker started at once and went to the quarters of the Prince, +who was asleep in bed. He was roused immediately and soon heard all that +his visitor had to tell. This courteous Prince, who loved war better than +anything else, was also such a devoted admirer of the Good Knight that he +could have refused him nothing. He replied that he only wished he had heard +of this sooner, as he would have joined the party himself, but Bayard could +dispose of his soldiers as if they were his own. He instantly sent his +secretary to four or five of his most trusted captains, who, to make a long +story short, were ready at daybreak to meet the men-at-arms who had known +of the expedition overnight. They all met at the city gate and set forth +from the city towards Isola della Scala, and the Good Knight said to +Hannotin: "You and the 'landsknechte' must remain in ambush at Servode (a +little village two miles from Isola), and do not be uneasy for I will draw +our foes under your very nose, so that you will have plenty of honour +to-day if you are a gallant comrade." + +All was carried out as arranged, for when the men in ambush were left +behind, all the rest of the brave company galloped on to Isola, as if they +knew nothing of what awaited them. They were in an open plain, where there +was a good view from all sides, and presently they saw the Captain Manfroni +riding towards them with his small company of light horsemen. The Good +Knight sent forward his standard-bearer, du Fay, with some archers for a +little skirmish, while he rode after them at a good pace with the +men-at-arms. But he had not gone far when he saw, coming briskly out of the +town of Isola, the Venetian foot-soldiers and a troop of men-at-arms. He +made a show of being surprised, and bade the trumpeter sound to recall his +standard. When du Fay heard this, according to his orders, he began to +retire with his company, which closed up round him, and pretended to be +going straight back to Verona, but really went slowly towards the village +where their "landsknechte" were hiding. An archer had already been sent on +to tell Captain Sucker to make ready for the fight. + +Meantime the men of Venice, with their combined troops, charged the small +company of Frenchmen, making such a noise that thunder would not have been +heard, for they felt quite sure that their prey could not escape them. The +French kept well together and skirmished so cleverly that they were soon +within a bow-shot from Servode, when the "landsknechte" of the Prince of +Hainault rushed forth in close ranks from their ambush, and at the word of +command from Bayard charged the Venetians, who were astounded. But they +were good fighting men and made a bold stand, although many were borne to +the ground by the terrible long spears of their enemies. Manfroni made a +splendid resistance, but he could do nothing to help his foot-soldiers, +who could not escape by flight, as they were too far from any refuge; and +he was compelled to see them cut up and destroyed before his eyes. The +Venetian captain soon saw that his only chance was to retreat or he must be +killed, if not taken prisoner, so he galloped off at full speed towards San +Bonifacio. He was followed for some distance, but the Good Knight then +caused the retreat to be sounded, and the pursuers returned, but with great +spoils of prisoners and horses. + +The loss of the Venetians was very great, for none of the foot-soldiers +escaped, and there were about sixty prisoners of importance who were taken +to Verona, where the successful French, Burgundians, and "landsknechte" +were received with the utmost joy by their companions, whose only regret +was that they had missed the fray. Thus ended this gallant adventure which +brought great honour and praise to the Good Knight. When he returned to his +lodging he sent for the spy, to whom he said: + +"Vizentin, according to my promise I will set you free. You can go to the +Venetian camp and ask the Captain Manfroni if the Captain Bayard is as +clever in war as he is. Say that if he wants to take me he will find me in +the fields." + +He sent two of his archers to conduct the spy out of the town, and the man +went at once to San Bonifacio, where Manfroni had him taken and hung as a +traitor, without listening to any excuse. + + + + +[Illustration: POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +_from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio_.] + +CHAPTER VII + + +When war began again in Italy at the close of the year 1510, Louis XII. +found that he had no allies except the Duke of Ferrara and some Swiss +mercenaries. Pope Julius II. had joined forces with the Venetians in his +eager desire to drive the French out of Italy, and he was also extremely +wroth with Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara. He sent word to the widowed Countess +of Mirandola that she should give up her city into his hands, as he +required it for his attack upon Ferrara. + +When at length the brave defenders had been compelled to yield their +citadel, Pope Julius refused to take possession of the conquered city in +the usual way by riding in through the gate; he had a bridge thrown across +the frozen moat and climbed in through a breach in the walls. It must have +been a gallant sight to look upon, when he politely escorted the angry +Countess of Mirandola out of the home she had so bravely defended, while +she held her head high and boldly spoke her mind, with pride and assurance +as great as his own. + +When news of the fall of Mirandola reached the Duke of Ferrara he expected +that the next move would be an attack on Ferrara itself. He therefore +destroyed the bridge which he had made across the Po, and retreated with +all his army to his own strong city. The Castello of Ferrara, in the very +heart of the city, standing four-square with its mighty crenellated towers, +was one of the most famous fortresses of Italy and was believed to be +impregnable; only by famine could it be taken. + +The Pope's wisest captains and his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, pointed out +that Ferrara was thoroughly fortified, well provided with artillery of the +newest make, and was defended by an army of well-tried soldiers, amongst +whom was the French company commanded by Bayard. One noted Venetian captain +thus gave his opinion: "Holy Father, we must prevent any provisions +arriving at Ferrara by the river, and also from Argenta and the country +round, which is very rich and fertile. But this we shall scarcely +accomplish unless we take La Bastida, a place about twenty-five miles from +Ferrara; but if once this fortress is in our hands we can starve out the +city in two months, considering what a number of people are within its +walls." + +Pope Julius saw the point at once and exclaimed: "Certainly, we must have +that place; I shall not rest until it is taken." + +We may imagine the dismay of the governor of La Bastida when he saw a +formidable army arrive, for it happened at the time that he had only a weak +garrison. He instantly sent off a messenger to Ferrara, before the castle +was surrounded and the artillery set in position, pointing out the extreme +peril and the absolute need of immediate help. The trusty man made such +haste that he reached Ferrara about noon, having taken hardly six hours on +the way. It so chanced that he met Bayard at the city gate, and on the Good +Knight asking what news he brought, he replied: + +"My lord, I come from La Bastida, which is besieged by seven or eight +thousand men, and the commander sends me to tell the Duke that if he does +not receive help he will not be able to hold the place until to-morrow +night if they try to take it by assault ... for he has only twenty-five men +of war within the walls...." + +Bayard at once hastened with him to the Duke, whom he met riding in the +market-place with the lord of Montboison. They thought at first that a spy +had been taken, but soon learnt that he was the bearer of bad news. As the +Duke read the letter which the commander had written he turned pale, and +when he had finished he shrugged his shoulders and said: "If I lose La +Bastida I may as well abandon Ferrara, and I do not see how we can possibly +send help within the time mentioned, for he implores assistance before +to-morrow morning, and it is impossible." + +"Why?" asked the lord of Montboison. + +"Because it is five-and-twenty miles from here, and in this bad weather it +will be more than that," replied the Duke. "There is a narrow way for about +half a mile where the men will have to go one after the other. Besides, +there is another thing, for if our enemies knew of a certain passage twenty +men could hold it against ten thousand, but I trust they will not discover +it." + +When the Good Knight saw how distressed the Duke was, he said: + +"My lord, when a small matter is at stake we may hesitate; but when we are +threatened with utter destruction we must try any means. The enemies are +before La Bastida, and they are quite confident that we shall not dare to +leave this city to raise the siege, knowing that the great army of the Pope +is so near us. I have thought of a plan which will be easy to carry out, if +fortune is with us. + +"You have in this town four or five thousand foot-soldiers, well hardened +and good soldiers; let us take two thousand of them with eight hundred +Swiss under Captain Jacob and send them this night in boats up the river. +You are still master of the Po as far as Argenta; they will go and wait for +us at the passage you spoke of. If they arrive there first they will take +it, and the men-at-arms who are in this town will ride by the road all this +night. We shall have good guides and will so manage as to arrive by +daybreak and thus join the others; our enemies will have no suspicion of +this enterprise. From the passage you spoke of it is three miles or less to +La Bastida; before they have time to put themselves in order of battle we +will attack them sharply, and my heart tells me that we shall defeat them." + +The Duke, delighted, replied with a smile: "Upon my word, Sir Bayard, +nothing seems impossible to you! But I believe that if the gentlemen who +are here agree with you, we shall indeed win...." No one made any +difficulty; on the contrary, the captains of the men-at-arms were so +delighted that, as the chronicler says, "they thought they were in +Paradise." The boats were all prepared as quietly and secretly as possible, +for in the city there were known to be many friends of the Pope. + +Fortunately it was the dead of winter, when the nights were long. As soon +as it was dark the foot-soldiers embarked in the boats, which were provided +with trusty and experienced boatmen. The horsemen, led by the Duke in +person, also set forth as soon as the twilight came; they took good guides, +and had a safe journey notwithstanding the stormy weather. Thus it +happened that half an hour before dawn they arrived at the narrow passage, +where all was lonely and quiet, at which they rejoiced greatly. They had +not been waiting half an hour before the boats arrived with the +foot-soldiers. + +The men landed and then marched slowly by a narrow path until they reached +a very deep canal between the Po and La Bastida, where they had to cross a +little bridge so narrow that they had to go one after the other. This took +a whole hour to cross, so that it was now quite daylight, which made the +Duke anxious, more especially as, hearing no sound of artillery, he feared +the fortress had been taken. But just as he was speaking about it there +thundered forth three cannon shots, at which all the company was delighted. +They were now only a mile from the enemy, and the Good Knight said: + +"Gentlemen, I have always heard it said that he is a fool who makes light +of his foes; we are now close to ours, and they are three to one. If they +knew of our enterprise it would be very bad for us, as they have artillery +and we have none. Besides, I believe that on this occasion all the flower +of the Pope's army is before us; we must take them by surprise if possible. +I would propose sending du Fay with fifteen or twenty horsemen to sound the +alarm on the side from which the enemy came, and Captain Pierre du Pont +with a hundred men-at-arms should be within a bow-shot to support him, and +we will also send him Captain Jacob with his Swiss. You, my lord," he said +to the Duke, "with my lord of Montboison, my companions and myself, we will +go straight to the siege, and I will go in front to give the alarm. If du +Fay is first in position and they attack him, we will go forward and +enclose them; but if our party is first, Captain Pierre du Pont and the +Swiss will do so on their side. That will astonish them so much that they +will not know what to do, for they will think we are three times as many +men as we are, and especially when all our trumpets sound forth at once." + +No one had anything better to suggest, for indeed the Good Knight was so +great an authority in war that all were glad to follow where he led. + +The attack was thus made on both sides, du Fay giving such a tremendous +alarm on the outer side of the camp that the enemies hastily began to put +on their armour, to mount their horses, and go straight towards where they +heard the trumpets. The foot-soldiers set about arranging themselves in +battle order, but fortunately this took so long that meantime the +assailants of du Fay were attacked and driven back by Pierre du Pont, while +the Swiss poured down upon the foot-soldiers, whose number would have +overwhelmed them had not the men-at-arms rode down upon the papal infantry +from the other side. + +The Duke and the French company, with two thousand foot-soldiers, who had +arrived under the walls without being observed, now joined in the fray from +the other side, to the utter confusion of the enemy, who were completely +surrounded and cut to pieces. Some of the horsemen of the papal army made a +desperate attempt to rally, but Bayard and another captain called their +ensigns and rode straight at them, with the cry of: "France! France! The +Duke! the Duke!" and charged them with such vehemence that most of them +were brought to the ground. The fighting went on for a good hour, but at +last the camp was lost and those escaped who could, but they were not many. +This battle cost the Pope about three thousand men, all his artillery and +camp furnishing, and was the salvation of the duchy of Ferrara. More than +three hundred horses remained in the hands of the conquerors, besides many +prisoners of importance. + +Indeed, we do not wonder that so much stress is laid upon this victory by +the chronicler of Bayard, as it was solely due to his energy and +resolution. The battle took place on February 11, 1511. + +It was at the siege of Brescia that the fame of Bayard reached its highest +point. His splendid courage in volunteering to place himself in the +forefront of battle and face the dreaded hand-guns of the arquebusiers is +the more striking as he had a special hatred of these new arms which were +coming more and more into use. All this gunpowder business was detestable +to the great knight, who had been trained in the old school of chivalry, +where gentlemen showed their skill in the use of arms, and fought bravely +against each other, while a battle was a kind of glorified tournament. "It +is a shame," he used to say, "that a man of spirit should be exposed to be +killed by a miserable stone or iron ball against which he cannot defend +himself." + +Bayard always seems to us singularly free from the superstitions of his +day, but we cannot forget that an astrologer had foretold his death from +one of these new machines of war. + +When all preparations had been made for the assault of the city, the Duke +of Nemours said to the captains of the army: "My lords, there is one thing +that for God's sake we must consider. You know that if this town is taken +by assault, it will be ruined and pillaged, and many will be put to death, +which seems a great pity. We must try once, before they put it to the +touch, whether they will surrender." + +This was agreed to, and the next morning a trumpeter was sent forth from +the citadel, who marched down to the first rampart of the enemy where the +Doge, Messire Andrea Gritti, and his captains came to meet him. The +trumpeter asked if he might enter the town, but was told that he might say +what he liked to those present who had the authority to answer him. Then he +gave his message, saying that if they would give up the city they should +all be free to go forth and their lives would be safe, but if it were taken +by assault they would probably all be killed. + +The answer they gave was to bid him return, for the town belonged to the +Republic of Venice, and so would remain, and they would take good care that +no Frenchman should ever set foot within. + +The trumpeter brought back his answer, and when it was heard, there was no +more delay for the men were already in battle order. + +"Well, gentlemen, we must all do our best.... Let us march," said Gaston de +Foix, Duc de Nemours, "in the name of God and my lord St. Denis." Drums, +trumpets, and bugles sounded an alarm. The enemy replied with a burst of +artillery, and the attacking party from the citadel began their descent +down the hill, where the ground was very slippery, for there had been rain +in the night. The general and many other knights took off their broad, +plated shoes to gain a firmer hold with the felt slippers worn under the +armour, for no one wished to be left behind. At the first rampart there was +a fierce conflict, for it was splendidly defended, and while the Good +Knight's company cried "Bayard! Bayard! France!" the enemy replied with +"Marco! Marco!" making so much noise as to drown the sound of the +hand-guns. The Doge, Andrea Gritti, encouraged his followers by saying to +them in the Italian tongue: "Hold firm, my friends, the French will soon +be tired, and if we can defeat this Bayard, the others will never come on." + +But in spite of all his encouragement his men began to give way, and seeing +this the Good Knight cried: "Push on, push on, comrades! It is ours; only +march forward and we have won." He himself was the first to enter and cross +the rampart with about a thousand men following after him, and so with much +fighting the first fort was taken with great loss of life to the defenders. + +But in the very moment of victory the Good Knight was wounded, receiving +the blow of a pike in his thigh, which entered in so deeply that the iron +was broken and remained in the wound. He believed himself stricken to death +from the pain he suffered, and turning to his friend, the lord of Molart, +he said: "Companion, advance with your men, the city is gained; but I can +go no further for I am dying." He was losing so much blood that he felt he +must either die without confession, or else permit two of his archers to +carry him out of the mêlée and do their best to staunch the wound. + +When the news spread that their hero and champion was mortally wounded the +whole army, captains and men alike, were all moved to avenge his death, and +fought with fierce courage. Nothing could resist them, and at length they +entered pell-mell into the city, where the citizens and the women threw +great stones and boiling water from the windows upon the invaders, doing +more harm than all the soldiers had done. But the men of Venice were +utterly defeated, and many thousands remained in their last sleep in the +great piazza and the narrow streets where they had been pursued by the +enemy. Of that proud army which had held Brescia with bold defiance, such +as were not slain were taken prisoners, and among these was the Doge of +Venice himself. Then followed an awful time of pillage and every form of +cruelty and disorder, as was ever the way in those days when a city was +taken by storm. The spoils taken were valued at three millions of crowns, +and this in the end proved the ruin of the French power in Italy, for so +many of the soldiers, demoralised by plunder, deserted with their +ill-gotten gains and went home. + +Meantime the wounded Bayard was borne into the city by his two faithful +archers and taken to a quiet street from whence the tide of battle had +passed on. Here they knocked at the door of a fine house whose master had +fled to a monastery, leaving his wife in charge. The good lady opened it at +once to receive the wounded soldier, and Bayard, turning to his men, bade +them guard the house against all comers, being assured that when they heard +his name none would attempt to enter. "And rest assured that what you lose +in the matter of spoil I will make good to you," he added. The lady of the +house led the way to her guest-chamber, whither the Good Knight was +carried, and she threw herself on her knees before him, saying: "Noble +lord, I present to you this house and all that is in it, for it is yours by +right of war, but I pray you to spare my honour and my life and that of my +two young daughters...." She had hidden away the poor girls in an attic +under the hay, but Bayard soon set her mind at rest, and gave her his +knightly word that her house would be as safe as a sanctuary. Then he asked +if she knew of a surgeon, and she went to fetch her own doctor, under the +escort of one of the archers. When he arrived he dressed the wound, which +was very deep and jagged, but he assured his patient that he was in no +danger of death, and would probably be on horseback again in less than a +month. + +Great was the joy of the Duc de Nemours and of all the French army when +this good report reached them, and the general, who remained in Brescia for +about a week, paid him a visit every day. He tried to comfort him by the +prospect of another battle before long against the Spaniards, and bade him +be quick and get well, for they could not do without him. The Good Knight +made reply that if there should be a battle he would not miss it for the +love he bore to his dear Gaston de Foix and for the King's service; rather +he would be carried thither in a litter. + +Before leaving, when he had placed the hapless city in some kind of order +and government, Gaston sent the Good Knight many presents and five hundred +crowns, which he at once gave to his faithful archers. The Duke had, +indeed, no choice about his movements, for he received most urgent letters +from the King of France, who wanted the Spaniards to be driven out of +Lombardy as soon as possible, for France was threatened on every side, by +the King of England and by the Swiss. + +The Good Knight was compelled to remain in bed for nearly five weeks, to +his great annoyance, for he received news from the French camp every day, +and there was constant talk of an approaching battle. So he sent for the +surgeon who attended him and told him that all this worry was making him +much worse, and that he must be allowed to join the camp. Seeing what kind +of warrior he had to deal with, the good man replied that the wound was not +closed but was healing well, and that there would be no danger in his +sitting on horseback, but the wound must be carefully dressed night and +morning by his barber. If any one had given Bayard a fortune he would not +have been so delighted, and he settled to start in two days' time. On the +morning when he was to leave after dinner, the good lady of the house came +to speak to him. She knew that by the laws of war she, her daughters, and +her husband (who had long since returned from the monastery where he had +taken refuge) were all prisoners of this French knight, and all that was in +the house belonged to him. But she had found him so kind and courteous that +she hoped to gain his favour by a handsome present, and she brought with +her one of her servants bearing a steel casket containing 2500 ducats. On +entering the Good Knight's chamber she fell on her knees before him, but he +would not suffer her to speak a word until she was seated by his side. Then +she poured out all her gratitude for his knightly courtesy and protection, +and at last offered him the casket, opening it to show what it contained. +But Bayard put it aside with a friendly smile, and replied: + +"On my word, dear lady, I have never cared for money all my life! No riches +could ever be so precious to me as the kindness and devoted care which you +have shown to me during my stay with you, and I assure you that so long as +I live you will always have a faithful gentleman at your command. I thank +you very much for your ducats, but I pray that you will take them back...." +However, the lady was so much distressed at his refusal that he at length +accepted the casket, but begged her to send her daughters to wish him +good-bye. When they came and would have fallen on their knees before him, +he would not suffer such humility, but thanked them for all their kindness +in cheering him with their lute and spinet and singing during his illness, +and begged them to accept the ducats contained in their mother's casket, +which he poured out into their aprons whether they would or not. Overcome +by his courteous persuasion, the mother thanked him with tears in her eyes: +"Thou flower of knighthood to whom none can compare, may the Blessed +Saviour reward thee in this world and the next." When the Good Knight's +horses were brought round at mid-day, after dinner, the two fair maidens +brought him some presents of their own needlework, bracelets made with hair +bound with gold and silver threads, and a little embroidered purse, which +he gallantly placed in his sleeve, and the bracelets on his arms, with many +thanks, to the great delight of the girls. Thus with friendly words and +courtly farewells he took his leave, and rode away with a goodly company of +friends towards the camp near Ravenna, where he was welcomed with the +greatest joy and honour by all the French army. + +When Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours, arrived at the camp before Ravenna he +assembled all the captains together to consider what was to be done, for +the French army began to suffer very much on account of the scarcity of +provisions, which could only be obtained with great difficulty. They were +very short of bread and wine, because the Venetians had cut off the +supplies from one side and the Spanish army held all the coast of Romagna. + +There was also another reason for haste, which was not yet known to the +French leaders. Maximilian had long been uncertain and vacillating in his +alliances, but had now definitely decided to join the side of Pope Julius +and the King of Spain. As usual there were companies of German and Swiss +mercenaries both in the Italian army and also with the French, and these +owed some kind of allegiance to the sovereign of their land. Thus it was +that the Emperor had sent word to the companies of German "landsknechte" +that they were to retire home at once and were not to fight against the +Spaniards. Now it so happened that this letter had only been seen by the +Captain Jacob, who commanded these mercenaries in the French army, and he, +being a great friend of Bayard, privately asked his advice, first telling +him that having accepted the pay of the French King he had no intention of +thus betraying him in the hour of battle. But he suggested that it would be +well to hurry on the impending battle before other letters should come from +the Emperor and give the men an excuse for retiring. The Good Knight saw +how urgent the matter was and advised him to declare it to the general, the +Duc de Nemours. + +Duke Gaston, who had now heard of the Emperor's letter, said that they had +no choice, and also that his uncle, the King of France, was sending +constant messengers to hurry on war operations as he was in sore straits. +Bayard was asked to give his opinion, and he modestly replied that he had +only just arrived and others might know more, but as far as he could learn, +the besieged were promised that a large army from Naples and Rome would +come to their help in a few days, certainly before Easter, and this was +Maundy Thursday. "And on the other hand," he added, "our men have no +provisions and the horses are reduced to eating willow leaves, so that each +day's delay makes it worse for us. You see, too, the King our master writes +to us every day to hasten our movements, therefore I advise that we give +battle. But we must use all caution for we have to do with brave and good +fighting men, and we cannot deny the risk and danger. There is one comfort: +the Spaniards have been in Romagna for a year, fed like fish in the water +till they are fat and full, while our men, having undergone much hardship, +have longer breath. Remember that to him who fights longest the camp will +remain." + +At this every one smiled, for Bayard always had such a bright and pleasant +way of putting things that men loved to hear him. His advice was followed +and all was made ready for a determined assault on the city next day, which +was Good Friday. The captains and their men set forth in gallant mood, as +though they went to a wedding, and so fierce was the attack of the +artillery that before long a small breach was made in the fortification, +but the defenders fought so well that it was not possible to break through +and at length the retreat was sounded. This was really a fortunate thing, +as if the soldiery had begun pillaging the place the coming battle would +certainly have been lost, and the relieving army was now within two miles +of Ravenna. + +It would be too long to follow the whole story of that fierce and desperate +conflict, where both sides fought with the utmost skill and valour. The +Spaniards certainly carried out their usual tactics of constantly taking +aim at the horses of the French riders, for they have a proverb which says: +"When the horse is dead the man-at-arms is lost." Their war-cry was: +"Spain! Spain! St. Iago!" to which the other side replied by another +furious onslaught to the shouts of "France! France!" And wherever the Good +Knight passed, "Bayard! Bayard!" was the clarion note which cheered on his +company, ever in the forefront of battle. The French artillery was used +with great success, and as for the young general, Gaston de Foix, he led +forward his men again and again with splendid success. It was late in the +day and already the tide of victory was on the side of the French, when the +Good Knight, who was riding in pursuit of the flying enemy, said to the +Duke: "Praise be to God, you have won the battle, my lord, and the world +will ring with your fame. I pray you to remain here by the bridge and rally +your men-at-arms to keep them from pillaging the camp. But do not leave, I +entreat, till we return." It would have been well, indeed, if he had +remembered this, but some time later, in the tumult and confusion, he saw +some Gascons being driven across the canal by a few Spanish fugitives, and +with his usual impetuous chivalry, Gaston threw himself to their rescue, +without waiting to see who followed him. + +He found himself hemmed in between the canal and a deep ditch, attacked by +desperate men with pikes; his horse was killed and he fought on foot with +only his sword. His companions, who had quickly seen his danger, were +trampled down or thrust into the water, and in vain his cousin, de Lautrec, +shouted to the Spaniards, "Do not kill him; he is our general, the brother +of your Queen" (Germaine de Foix). The gallant young Duke fell covered with +wounds, and de Lautrec was left for dead, before their assailants turned +and continued their flight to Ravenna. It so chanced that some distance +farther the Good Knight met them, and would have attacked them, but they +pleaded humbly for their lives, which could make no difference now the +battle was won. Bayard let them go, little knowing that they had done to +death his dear lord and beloved friend, Gaston de Foix. + +The Good Knight wrote to his uncle on April 14, 1512: + + +"Sir, if our King has gained the battle I vow to you that we poor gentlemen +have lost it; for while we were away in pursuit of the enemy ... my lord +of Nemours ... was killed and never was there such grief and lamentation +as overwhelms our camp, for we seem to have lost everything. If our dear +lord had lived to his full age (he was but twenty-four) he would have +surpassed all other princes, and his memory would have endured so long as +the world shall last.... Sir, yesterday morning the body of my lord +(Gaston de Foix, Duc de Nemours) was borne to Milan with the greatest +honour we could devise, with two hundred men-at-arms, the many banners +taken in this battle carried trailing on the ground before his body, with +his own standards triumphantly floating behind him.... We have lost many +other great captains, and amongst them my friend Jacob of the German +foot-soldiers ... and I assure you that for a hundred years the kingdom of +France will not recover from our loss....--Your humble servitor, BAYARD." + +The brilliant victory won outside the walls of Ravenna was the last +successful engagement of the French army which, threatened on every side, +was soon "to melt away like mist flying before the wind." The day after the +battle Ravenna was pillaged by the French adventurers and "landsknechte" +with the usual unfortunate result, that they forsook their masters and +returned home with their booty. + +This gallant young prince was indeed a terrible loss both to his friends +and to his country. His uncle, Louis XII., is said to have exclaimed, on +hearing of the death of the Duke of Nemours: "Would to God that I had lost +Italy, and that Gaston and the others who fell at Ravenna were still +alive!" + +It was difficult to fill his place, but Chabannes la Palisse was chosen to +the command of the army, as Lautrec had been grievously wounded and was now +at Ferrara, where he ultimately recovered. + +The French army was already weary and dispirited when the troops of the +Pope and his allies bore down upon them in great numbers; and after several +attempts at resistance they were compelled to retire to Pavia, which they +hoped to defend. However, they had barely time to fortify the various gates +before the enemy was upon them, two days later. By the advice of Bayard, a +bridge of boats was made across the river as a way of retreat, for the +stone bridge was sure to be guarded by the enemy, and, as we shall see, +this proved to be of immense value. By some means, the Swiss managed to +enter the town by the citadel and advanced to the market-place, where, on +the alarm being sounded, they were met by the foot-soldiers and some +men-at-arms, amongst whom were the Captain Louis d'Ars, who was Governor, +La Palisse, and the lord of Imbercourt. But, above all, the Good Knight did +incredible things, for with about twenty or thirty men-at-arms he held all +the Swiss at bay for about two hours in a narrow passage, fighting the +whole time with such desperate energy that he had two horses killed under +him. + +It was now that the bridge of boats came into use, and the artillery was +first preparing to cross when Captain Pierre du Pont, Bayard's nephew, who +was keeping a watch on the enemy, came to tell the company fighting in the +market-place: "Gentlemen, retire at once; for above our bridge a number of +Swiss are arriving in little boats, ten at a time, and when they have +enough men they will enclose us in this city and we shall all be cut to +pieces." + +He was so wise and valiant a leader that his words were obeyed, and the +French retreated, always fighting, as far as their bridge, hotly pursued, +so that there was heavy skirmishing. However, the horsemen passed over +safely, while about three hundred foot-soldiers remained behind to guard +the entrance of the bridge. But a great misfortune happened, for when the +French had just succeeded in taking across the last piece of artillery, a +long "culverin"[1] (cannon), named _Madame de Forli_,[2] which had been +re-taken from the Spaniards at Ravenna, was so heavy that it sank the first +boat, and the poor soldiers, seeing they were lost, escaped as best they +could, but many were killed and others drowned. + +[Footnote 1: Cannon of 5-1/2 inches bore; weight of the shot 17-1/2 lbs.] + +[Footnote 2: Named after the famous Catarina Sforza, the warlike Lady of +Forli.] + +When the French had crossed the bridge they destroyed it, although they +were no longer pursued, but a great misfortune befell Bayard. He was, as +usual, in the place of danger, protecting the retreat of his company, when +he was wounded by the shot from the town of a small cannon called a +"fowler." It struck him between the shoulder and the neck with such force +that all the flesh was torn off to the bone, and those who saw the shot +thought he was killed. But although he was in agony and knew that he was +seriously wounded, he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, it is nothing." +They tried to staunch the wound with moss from the trees, and some of his +soldiers tore up their shirts for bandages, as there was no surgeon at +hand. It was in this unfortunate condition that the Good Knight accompanied +the French army on that sad retreat from place to place, until at last they +reached Piedmont and crossed the Alps. + +Less than three months after the victory of Ravenna the triumphant allies +had re-taken Bologna, Parma, and Piacenza without a blow; had encouraged +Genoa to assert her independence; and Italy, with the exception of a few +citadels, had escaped from French rule. + +Bayard, who suffered much from his wound, was carried to Grenoble, where +his good uncle the Bishop, who had first started him in his career of arms, +received him with the greatest affection. He was warmly welcomed and made +much of in his native land, and possibly the excitement, combined with his +serious wound, was too much for him, as he fell ill with fever and for more +than a fortnight his life was despaired of. + +Prayers and supplications were made for him throughout the whole country, +especially in all the churches of Grenoble itself, and, as the chronicler +remarks, "there must have been some good person whose prayers were heard," +for the Good Knight gradually grew better, and before many weeks he was as +well and as gay as ever. Never was any one more feasted and entertained +than he was during the three months when he remained with his uncle, the +Bishop of Grenoble. A very interesting letter has been preserved which this +good prelate wrote to the Queen of France at this time. He thanks her for +her great kindness in sending her doctor, Maitre Pierre, whose skill has +had so much effect in curing his nephew. He also informs Her Majesty that +he has spoken to Bayard about the marriage she suggests for him, but with +all due gratitude he does not find himself in a position to marry, and has +never given the subject a thought.... + +This is exactly what we might have expected from the good Anne of Brittany. +She had such a passion for match-making that she had obtained from the Pope +a "portable" altar, which always travelled with her, that she might have a +marriage solemnised at any time. + +[Illustration: Bayard presented to the King of England.] + + + + +[Illustration: HENRY _the_ EIGHTH KING OF ENGLAND +_from the portrait by Hans Holbein_.] + +CHAPTER VIII + + +The next war in which Bayard was engaged was that in which Louis XII. was +attacked by the King of Spain in Navarre. Henry VIII. was at the same time +preparing to invade the north of France, landing near Calais, and the Swiss +were already pouring into Burgundy. + +As we may expect, Bayard was not long without being sent on some perilous +adventure. He was at the siege of Pampeluna with the deposed King Jean +d'Albret of Navarre and the lord of La Palisse, when they told him there +was a certain castle about four leagues off which it would be well for him +to take, as the garrison was a constant annoyance to the French. The Good +Knight at once set off with his own company, that of Captain Bonneval, a +certain number of adventurers, and two troops of "landsknechte." When he +arrived before the fortress, he sent a trumpeter to proclaim to those +within that they must yield it to their rightful sovereign, the King of +Navarre, in which case they would save their lives and goods, but if the +place had to be taken by assault they would have no mercy. + +The Spaniards were valiant men and loyal subjects of the King of Spain, +and they made reply that they would not yield the fortress and still less +themselves. Upon this Bayard put his artillery in position and made such +good use of it that a breach was soon made in the walls, but it was high up +and not easy to make use of. The Good Knight then sounded the order to +assault and commanded the "landsknechte" to advance. Their interpreter said +that it was their rule, when a place was to be taken by assault, that they +should have double pay. The Good Knight would have nothing to do with their +rules, but he promised that if they took the place they should have what +they asked for. But not a single man of them would mount the breach. +Thereupon Bayard sounded the retreat, and then made an attack with the +artillery as though he wished to enlarge the breach, but he had another +plan. He called one of his men-at-arms, by name Little John, and said to +him: "My friend, you can do me a good service which will be well rewarded. +You see that tower at the corner of the castle; when you hear the assault +begin take ladders, and with thirty or forty men scale that tower, which +you will find undefended." So it turned out, for all the garrison went to +defend the breach, while Little John and his men mounted the tower unseen +and cried out, "France! France! Navarre! Navarre!" The defenders, finding +themselves assailed on every side, did their best; but the castle was soon +taken, and the whole place was pillaged and left in charge of the King of +Navarre's men. + +In this year, 1513, died Julius II., the great warrior Pope, a constant foe +to the French, and he was succeeded by the Cardinal dei Medici, Pope Leo X. + +Louis XII., having most reluctantly withdrawn his troops from Italy, now +prepared to meet an invasion of Picardy by the English. He sent a large +body of troops to the assistance of the lord of Piennes, Governor of +Picardy, commanded by the finest captains of the kingdom, and amongst these +was Bayard. In the month of June 1513 a large army had landed with Henry +VIII. near Calais; a most convenient place for the invasion of France, as +it was in possession of the English. A strong force was sent on to besiege +the town of Thérouanne in Artois, but the King himself remained behind at +Calais for some tournaments and festivities. When he set forth, a few weeks +later, to join his army he had a very narrow escape of being taken prisoner +by Bayard, who met him on the way. + +It happened that the English King was accompanied by about 12,000 +foot-soldiers, of whom 4000 were landed, but he had no horsemen, while +Bayard commanded a detachment of nearly 1200 men-at-arms. The two armies +came within a cannon-shot of each other, and Henry VIII., seeing his +danger, dismounted from his horse and placed himself in the middle of the +"landsknechte." The French were only too eager to charge through the +foot-soldiers, and Bayard implored the Governor of Picardy, under whose +orders he was, to allow him to lead them on. "My lord, let us charge them!" +he exclaimed; "if they give way at the first charge we shall break through, +but if they make a strong stand we can always retire, for they are on foot +and we on horseback." But the lord of Piennes only replied: "Gentlemen, the +King my master has charged me on my life to risk nothing, but only to +defend his land; do what you please, but for my part I will never give my +consent." + +The Good Knight, brought up in strict military discipline, was not one to +break the law of obedience, and he yielded with bitter disappointment in +his heart. The timid caution of the Governor of Picardy had thus lost him, +in all probability, the chance of a splendid adventure, for the capture of +King Henry VIII. at the very beginning of the war might have changed the +whole history of Europe. + +As it was, the King was suffered to pass on his way, but Bayard obtained +leave to harass the retreating army, and with his company took possession +of a piece of artillery called _Saint John_, for Henry VIII. had twelve of +these big cannons, to which he gave the name of "his twelve apostles." + +The King of England reached the camp outside Thérouanne in safety, and a +few days later was joined by the Emperor Maximilian, who was welcomed with +much feasting. Their combined forces are said to have amounted to 40,000 +men, and they soon began a vigorous bombardment of the city, which was +bravely defended with a strong garrison, who did their best with the +limited means at their disposal. Thérouanne was a strongly-fortified city, +but the massive walls, which had formerly been impregnable, could not stand +against a long siege with this new artillery. + +The besieged city was very short of provisions and the great object of the +French was to supply these; indeed Louis XII., who had advanced as far as +Amiens, was sending constant orders that this must be done at any risk. At +the same time he was very anxious to avoid a general engagement as his army +would be no match for the combined English and Burgundian forces. French +historians tell us that this was the cause of that disastrous encounter +which, to their great annoyance, has been called the "Battle of Spurs." +They point out that the troops were not sent to fight, but only to +revictual a besieged place, and that the King's orders were that, if +attacked, "they were to retreat at a walk, and if they were pressed, go +from a walk to a trot, and from a trot to a gallop, for they were to risk +nothing." + +This was the French plan to send provisions for the beleaguered city, a +very difficult enterprise on account of the immense army which surrounded +it. It was arranged that the cavalry should make a feigned attack on the +side of Guinegaste, in order to draw the enemy in that direction, while +eight hundred "stradiots" (light horse, chiefly Albanians in the service of +France) were to make a dash on the other side, gallop through the defending +force, reach the moat and throw in the bundles of provisions which they +carried on the necks of their horses. This we are told the Albanians +actually succeeded in doing, and it seemed as if this bold stroke would be +successful, for the besieged, under cover of night, would be able to fetch +in the much-needed provisions. + +The French men-at-arms, meantime, had advanced to the attack and, after +some skirmishing with the English and Imperial troops, were beginning to +retreat somewhat carelessly, when they suddenly saw a number of +foot-soldiers with artillery appearing on the top of the hill of +Guinegaste, preparing to bar their way. Only then did they become fully +aware of the imminent danger in which they were, and understood that, by +some treachery, their plans had been made known to the enemy, who had thus +made all preparations for their destruction. + +King Henry VIII. had heard of the plan of relief, and before daybreak had +placed ten or twelve thousand English archers and four or five thousand +German foot-soldiers on a hillock with eight or ten pieces of artillery, in +order that when the French had passed by, his men might descend and +surround them, while in front he had ordered all the horsemen, both English +and Burgundian, to attack them. When the French soldiers found themselves +caught in this ambush, and the retreat was sounded by the trumpeters, they +turned back, but were so hotly pursued that the gentle trot soon became a +wild gallop and they fled in disorder, notwithstanding the cries of their +captains: "Turn, men-at-arms, turn, it is nothing!" The Good Knight's +company was hurried along with the others, but again and again he rallied +them, until at last he was left with only fourteen or fifteen men-at-arms +on a little bridge only wide enough for two horsemen to pass at a time, +while the stream was too deep to ford as it was dammed up to turn a mill. +Here Bayard came to a stand and cried to his companions: "My friends, we +can hold this bridge for an hour, and I will send an archer to tell my lord +of La Palisse that we have checked the enemy and this is the place to +attack them." + +We can picture to ourselves how gallantly he fought, for he loved nothing +better than to defend a narrow bridge, but the pursuing army proved too +overwhelming, for a company of horsemen went round beyond the mill and +attacked the brave little party of defenders from behind. When Bayard saw +that their position was desperate, he cried: "Gentlemen, we yield +ourselves, for our valour will serve us nothing. Our horses are done up, +our friends are three leagues away, and when the English archers arrive +they will cut us to pieces." One by one the knights yielded, but Bayard saw +a Burgundian gentleman on the bank who, overcome by the great heat of that +August day, had taken off his "armet" (helmet) and was too exhausted to +think about taking prisoners. The Good Knight rode straight at him, held +his sword at the man's throat and cried: "Yield, man-at-arms, or you are +dead." Never was man more surprised than this Burgundian, who thought that +all the fighting was over, but with the cold steel threatening him there +was nothing for him but surrender. "I yield, as I am taken in this way, but +who are you?" he asked. + +"I am the Captain Bayard and I also yield myself to you," was the reply. +"Take my sword, and I pray you let me go with you." So he was taken to the +English camp and well treated by the gentleman in his tent; but on the +fifth day Bayard said to him: "Sir, I should like to return to my own camp +for I grow weary of this." "But we have said nothing about your ransom," +exclaimed the other. "My ransom?" said the Good Knight. "But what about +yours, for you were my prisoner first? We will fight out the matter, if you +like." But the gentleman had heard of Bayard's fame and was by no means +anxious to fight, surprised as he was at this new point of view. But he was +a courteous gentleman, and offered to abide by the decision of the +captains. Meantime the rumour spread that the great Bayard was in the camp, +and there was much excitement. The Emperor Maximilian sent for him and +feasted him well, expressing great delight at meeting him again. After much +pleasant talk he remarked: "In the days when we fought together it seems to +me that we were told Bayard never fled." "If I had fled, sire, I should not +be here now," he replied. + +Presently the King of England arrived and desired that the Good Knight +might be presented to him, as he had always wished to make his acquaintance. +Then they began to talk about the French defeat, and both Henry and +Maximilian made some severe remarks, upon which the Good Knight exclaimed: +"Upon my soul! the French men-at-arms were in no wise to blame, for they +had express commands from their captains not to fight, because our force +was not to be compared with yours, for we had neither foot-soldiers nor +artillery. And indeed, high and noble lords, you must know that the +nobility of France is famous throughout the world. I do not speak of +myself." + +"Indeed, my lord of Bayard," said the King of England, "if all were like +you I should soon have to raise the siege of this town. But now you are a +prisoner." "I do not own to it, sire, and I will appeal to the Emperor and +yourself." He then told the whole story in the presence of the gentleman +with whom he had the adventure, and who answered for the truth of it. The +Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first, +saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still, +all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good +Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this +suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his +word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he +could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the +towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly +thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during +which he was treated with great honour. Henry VIII. made secret proposals +to Bayard that he should enter into his service, offering him high position +and great possessions. But this was labour lost, for, as the chronicler +says, "he was a most loyal Frenchman." + +Thérouanne, whose walls had been constantly bombarded with much destruction, +was soon compelled by famine to capitulate. The garrison were to march out +freely, with all their arms and armour; but the fortifications were +destroyed and the town partly burnt. + + + + +[Illustration: FRANCIS _the_ FIRST KING _of_ FRANCE +_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.] + +CHAPTER IX + + +The next year, 1514, brought many changes in France. First came the death +of the good Queen Anne of Brittany, who was greatly lamented by her husband +and mourned by all her people. The next notable event was the marriage of +the Princess Claude, her daughter, to the young Duke of Angoulème, who was +to succeed to the throne under the name of Francis I. + +He had not long to wait for his inheritance as Louis XII., having made an +alliance with England, was induced for political reasons to marry the +Princess Mary, sister of Henry VIII. The poor King was already in +ill-health, and he only survived his wedding three months, dying on New +Year's day, 1515. He had a splendid funeral at St. Denis, which was +scarcely over before all the great nobles of the realm put off their +mourning and hastened in splendid magnificence to Rheims to the coronation +of the new King, Francis I., a gay and handsome youth of twenty. + +The young King at once set about carrying out the desire of his heart--the +conquest of Milan. Charles de Bourbon was made Constable of France, and a +great army was collected at Grenoble. But secret news was received that the +Swiss were guarding on the other side the only passes which were then +thought possible for the crossing of armies. One was the Mont Cenis, where +the descent is made by Susa, and the other was by the Mont Genèvre. +Bourbon, however, heard of a new way by the Col d'Argentière, and meantime +sent several French generals and the Chevalier Bayard to cross the +mountains by the Col de Cabre and make a sudden raid upon Prospero Colonna, +who with a band of Italian horsemen was awaiting the descent of the French +army into Piedmont. The gallant little company rode across the rocky Col, +where cavalry had never passed before, descended by Droniez into the plain +of Piedmont, crossed the Po at a ford, where they had to swim their horses, +inquired at the Castle of Carmagnola and found that Prospero Colonna and +his company had left barely a quarter of an hour before. + +The captains considered what they should do: some were for advancing, +others hesitated, for if Colonna had any suspicion of their plan he +would call the Swiss to his help, for there was a large force in the +neighbourhood. It was Bayard who settled the question by saying: "Since we +have come thus far, my advice is that we continue the pursuit, and if we +come across them in the plain, it will be a pity if some of them do not +fall into our hands." + +All cried that he was quite right, and that they must start as soon as +possible, but first it would be well if some one were sent on in advance, +in disguise, to find out the exact position of the enemy. This duty was +given to the lord of Moretto, who carried out the inquiry very quickly, +bringing back word that Colonna and his escort were preparing to dine at +Villafranca in full security. + +They next settled the order of their match: Humbercourt was to go in front +with one hundred archers; a bow-shot behind him Bayard would follow with +one hundred men-at-arms, and then Chabannes de la Palisse and d'Aubigny +would bring up the rest of their men. + +Prospero Colonna had good spies, and he heard from them as he was going to +Mass at Villafranca that the French were in the fields in great numbers. He +replied that he was quite sure it could only be Bayard and his company, +unless the others were able to fly over the mountains. As he was returning +from Mass, other spies came up to him with the news: "My lord, I have seen +close by more than a thousand French horsemen, and they are coming to find +you here." He was a little taken aback, and turned to one of his gentlemen, +to whom he said: "Take twenty horsemen and go along the road to Carmagnola +for two or three miles, and see if there is anything to alarm us." + +All the same he commanded the Marshal of his bands to have the trumpet +sounded, and to start for Pignerol, where he would follow when he had eaten +a mouthful. Meantime the French were marching forward in haste, and were +about a mile and a half from Villafranca, when, coming out of a little +wood, they met the scouts sent by the lord Prospero to find them. When +these caught sight of the approaching enemy they turned straight round and +galloped off as hard as they could go. The lord of Humbercourt and his +archers pursued them at full speed, sending word to Bayard to make haste. + +The French knights rode at such a pace that they reached the gate of the +town at the same time as the Italians, and with their cry of "France! +France!" they managed to keep the gate open until the arrival of the Good +Knight and the rest of their company, when after some sharp fighting it +was strongly held. They also secured the other gate of the town, but two +Albanians managed to escape and carry news of the disaster to a company of +four thousand Swiss about three miles off. + +Prospero Colonna was surprised at dinner, and would have defended himself, +but when he saw that defence was hopeless he yielded himself most +reluctantly to this Bayard, whom he had vowed "that he would catch like a +pigeon in a cage." As he cursed his ill-fortune in having been thus taken +by surprise, instead of meeting the French in the open field, the Good +Knight with his usual courteous chivalry tried to comfort him, saying: "My +lord Prospero, it is the fortune of war! You lose now, and will win next +time! As for meeting us in the open field, it would be a great pleasure to +us French, for if you knew our men when they are roused to battle you would +not find it easy to escape...." The Italian lord replied coldly: "In any +case I should have been glad to have the chance of meeting!" + +Besides Colonna, several great captains were taken prisoners, and the place +was found to be full of rich spoils, gold and silver plate, splendid +equipments, and above all in value, six or seven hundred valuable horses. +Unfortunately for the French they were not able to carry away all this, for +news arrived of the approach of the Swiss troop which had been summoned; +indeed they entered Villafranca at one gate as the French rode out with +their prisoners on the other side, but there could be no pursuit as the +Swiss were all on foot. + +The chief military advantage of this wonderful raid was that it kept all +these Italian horsemen away from the coming battle at Marignano. + +Francis I. was delighted to hear of Bayard's success, and finding that the +Swiss were retreating towards Milan he followed in pursuit of them, took +Novara on the way, and advanced with his army as far as Marignano. + +A terrible mêlée followed, for as the light failed confusion increased. We +hear of a most striking adventure which befell the Good Knight Bayard late +in the evening. His horse had been killed under him, and the second which +he mounted became so frantic when his master charged the Swiss lances that +he broke his bridle and dashed into the midst of the enemy until he became +entangled in the vines trained from tree to tree. Bayard kept his presence +of mind, and in order to escape instant death, slipped gently from his +horse, cast off his helmet and the thigh-pieces of his armour, and then +managed to creep on hands and knees along a ditch until he reached his own +people. The first man he met was the Duke of Lorraine, who was much +surprised to see him on foot, and at once gave him a wonderful horse which +had once belonged to the Good Knight himself, and had been left for dead on +the field of Ravenna, but was found next day and brought back to Bayard, +who cured him. This was a most unexpected piece of good fortune, and he was +able to borrow a helmet from another friend and so return to the fight, +which continued for a while by moonlight. + +We have a vivid account of the weird and strange night which followed, when +the trumpets of France sounded the retreat and the Swiss blew their +cowhorns, as is their custom, and the two armies, with neither ditch nor +hedge between them, awaited the coming day within a stone's-throw of each +other. Those who were mounted sat on their horses with only such food or +drink as they chanced to have with them ... "and it is the firm belief that +no man slept during all those hours." In the King's letter to his mother, +Louise of Savoie, he says "that he remained on horseback with his helmet +on, until he was compelled to rest for a while on a gun-carriage, under the +care of an Italian trumpeter ... when the young King asked for water, it +could only be obtained from the ditch close by." + +When the morning broke, the battle began again with fresh vigour on both +sides; thousands of brave men fell, and the noblest names of France were +amongst the slain on that fatal field. In the end the victory remained with +the French, and the survivors of the vanquished Swiss retreated in good +order, for the King, who never knew when he might need their services, gave +orders that they were not to be pursued. When all was over, on the Friday +evening, Francis I., who had fought throughout with gallant spirit and +valour, requested the honour of knighthood from the noble Bayard. In this +the young King showed his just appreciation of his most gallant subject, +the very flower of French chivalry, the hero of so many battles. + +The French army now continued its victorious march to Milan, which +surrendered at once, and the King, after leaving Charles de Bourbon as his +Lieutenant-General, went to meet Pope Leo X. at Bologna and soon after +returned to his own land. Bayard was left in Milan and did good service +when it was attacked later by the Emperor Maximilian. + +In 1519 the Emperor Maximilian died, and was succeeded in his dominions by +his grandson, Charles V., already King of Spain. It was a great blow to +Francis I., who had used every effort to obtain this honour himself; and +the rivalry then started continued all his life. As Mézières was in danger +of being attacked, Francis I. immediately issued orders that Bayard should +be sent to defend it, as there was no man in his kingdom he would sooner +trust for so important an enterprise. + +This city was of immense importance at that moment, if it could be held +against the might of the Emperor until the French army should be made up to +its full strength and reach the frontier, where the Germans had arrived, +commanded by two great captains, the Count of Nassau and the famous +_condottiere_, Franz von Sickingen. + +Bayard most gladly obeyed the King's command and lost no time in making his +way to Mézières with certain young nobles, amongst whom was the young lord +Montmorency, and with a goodly company of men-at-arms. When he arrived he +found the place in a very poor condition to stand a siege, and he at once +set to work with his usual enthusiasm to improve the fortifications. He +worked himself as hard as any day labourer to encourage the others, and +there was never a man-at-arms or a foot-soldier who did not eagerly follow +his example. The Good Knight would say to them: "It shall not be our fault +if this place is taken, seeing what a fine company we are. Why, if we had +to defend a field with only a four-foot ditch round it, we would fight a +whole day before we should be beaten. But, thank God, here we have ditches, +walls, and ramparts, and I believe that before the enemy enters many of +their men will sleep in those ditches." + +In short, such was the magic of his eloquence, that all his men thought +they were in the strongest place in the world. This was soon put to the +test when it was besieged on two sides, from beyond the River Meuse and +from the land. Count Sickingen had about fifteen thousand men, and the +other captain, Count Nassau, more than twenty thousand. A herald was sent +to Bayard to point out to him that he could not hold Mézières against their +arms, that it would be a pity for so great and famous a knight to be taken +by assault, and that they would give him excellent terms. And much more of +the same flattering nature. + +When the Good Knight had heard all the herald had to say, he asked no +man's advice, but replied with a smile: "My friend, I am surprised at +these gracious messages from your masters, whom I do not know. Herald, +you will return and say to them that as the King has done me the honour +to trust me, I hope with God's help to keep this frontier town so long +that your captains will be more tired of besieging it than I shall to be +besieged...." Then the herald was well feasted and sent away. He bore to +the camp the Good Knight's reply, which was by no means pleasant to my +lords, and there was present a captain who had seen service under Bayard in +Italy. He assured the company that so long as the Good Knight was alive +they would never enter into Mézières; that when cowards fought under him +they became brave men, and that all his company would die with him at the +breach before the enemy set foot in the town ... and that his mere presence +was of more value than two thousand men.... + +This was not pleasant to hear, and the Emperor's captains made a furious +attack with their artillery on the ramparts, which continued during four +days. The Good Knight noticed that special damage was done to the walls +from the camp of Count Sickingen, and considered by what means he could be +induced to go back the other side of the river. So he wrote a letter to the +lord Robert de la Marck, who was at Sedan, in which he hinted at a rumour +he had heard that the Count might be persuaded to become an ally of the +King of France. Bayard added that he desired nothing more, but Sickingen +must lose no time, for his camp would soon be hemmed in by the approaching +Swiss and by a sortie well timed from the town. This information was to be +kept quite private.... + +The letter was written giving other particulars, and was then given to a +peasant with a crown and the order to take it at once to Sedan from the +Captain Bayard. The good man set off with it, but, as Bayard had foreseen, +he had not gone far before he was taken and gave up the letter to save his +life. This message greatly troubled Count Sickingen, who was already +suspicious of the other general, and was not slow to imagine that he had +been betrayed and left in the post of danger. The more he thought of it the +more his rage increased, and at last he gave orders to sound the retreat +and cross the river, to the dismay and indignation of Count Nassau, who saw +that this was practically raising the siege. Angry messages passed between +the two generals, until at length they were on the point of actual +fighting. + +The Good Knight had been watching all this from the ramparts to his great +amusement, and he now thought it time to add to the confusion by a +well-aimed attack of artillery, which so added to the nervous alarms of the +besiegers that next morning they packed up their tents and camp equipment, +and the two Counts went off in different directions, while it was a long +time before they became friends again. Thus it was that Bayard kept at bay +the overwhelming forces of the enemy for three weeks, until the King of +France himself arrived with a great army. We see how it was that enemies of +the Good Knight could never get over a kind of supernatural terror both of +his splendid valour and his endless resources. King Francis sent for Bayard +to his camp, and on his way thither the indomitable captain retook the town +of Mouzon. He was received with the greatest honour by the King, who +bestowed on him the famous order of St. Michael and the command of a +hundred men-at-arms. He also made many promises of future greatness, and +both he and his mother, the Queen Louise, praised Bayard to the skies. But, +unfortunately, the only results of all this praise were a few empty honours +and an immense amount of jealousy and ill-feeling amongst the courtiers. +Indeed, we find that after this time Bayard never had any important charge +given to him, and never attained the position, which he so richly deserved, +of commander in time of war. It is very interesting to notice that the +"Loyal Servitor"--that faithful chronicler who followed Bayard through all +his campaigns, and probably often wrote at his dictation--never allows us +to suspect that the Good Knight felt any bitterness at this neglect. Not +one word of complaint is ever heard; he never murmured, he asked for +nothing; his only anxiety was to serve his country and his king. + +If Bayard was not rewarded with the prizes of his profession he was +certainly always chosen when any dangerous or wearisome business was on +hand. + +The Good Knight was not recalled to Court, and it is supposed that, besides +the jealousy which his brilliant deeds had awakened, he was also in +disgrace on account of his warm friendship for Charles de Bourbon, who was +now being driven to despair and ruin through the hatred of Louise de +Savoie. + +Bayard having been made lieutenant of the Governor of Dauphiné in 1515, it +was easy to keep him at a distance from Paris at his post, and with his +keen and devoted interest in all matters that concerned his country, these +years in a far-off province were a veritable exile. Several of his letters +written during this period have been preserved, and we have also a friendly +note from the King, written in December 1523, when he had settled to make +another expedition to Italy to recover his former conquests there and to +restore his prestige. It is evidently written in answer to an urgent appeal +from Bayard to be allowed to join him, and, probably in a moment of +impulse, he warmly agrees to employ his bravest captain; but, alas for +France! it was not to be in the position of command and responsibility +which his splendid talents and courage demanded. It was to be his last +expedition, with a hero's death as his only guerdon. + +In the beginning of the year 1524 the King of France sent an army into +Italy under the command of the lord of Bonnivet, his admiral, who had no +qualifications for his high post beyond personal courage. He was a man +of narrow views, wilful and obstinate, and from these faults in a +commander-in-chief great disasters followed. A strong Imperial party, +supported by Charles de Bourbon and Giovanni dei Medici, held the city of +Milan, and the French camp was at a little town called Biagrasso, when +Bonnivet said to the Good Knight: "My lord Bayard, you must go to Rebec +with two hundred men-at-arms and the foot-soldiers of de Lorges, and so +find out what is going on in Milan and check the arrival of their +provisions." Now the Good Knight never murmured at any command given him, +but he saw at once what a wild and foolish scheme this was, and replied: +"My lord, the half of our army would scarcely be sufficient to defend that +village, placed where it is. I know our enemies, they are brave and +vigilant, and you are sending me to certain shame; I pray you therefore, my +lord, that you consider the matter well." But the Admiral persisted that it +would be all right, for not a mouse could leave Milan without his hearing +of it, until, much against his own judgment, Bayard set forth with the men +given to him. But he only took two of his own horses, for his mules and the +rest of his train he sent to Novara, as though foreseeing the loss of all +he had with him. + +When he had reached this village of Rebec he considered how he could +fortify it; but there was no means of doing so except by putting up a few +barriers, for it could be entered on every side. The Good Knight wrote to +Bonnivet several times, pointing out what a dangerous place it was and that +he must have reinforcements if he was to hold it long, but he received no +answer. Meantime the enemy in Milan had learnt through spies that the Good +Knight was at Rebec with a small company, and greatly rejoiced, for it was +decided to go and surprise him by night. This was exactly what Bayard +feared, and he always placed half his men on the watch, and himself +remained on the look-out for several nights, until he fell ill and was +compelled to remain in his chamber. However, he ordered the captains who +were with him to keep a good watch on all sides, and they went, or +pretended to do so, until there came on a little rain, which sent them all +back except a few archers. + +It was this very time which the Spaniards and Italians had chosen for their +attack. They marched on through the night, which was very dark, and in +order to recognise each other they all wore a white shirt over their +armour. When they arrived near the village they were amazed to see no one, +and began to fear that the Good Knight had heard of their enterprise and +had retired to Biagrasso. A hundred steps farther on they came upon the few +poor archers on the watch, who fled, crying, "Alarm! Alarm!" But they were +so hotly pursued that the foe was at the barriers as soon as they were. + +The Good Knight, who in such danger never slept without his steel +gauntlets and thigh-pieces, with his cuirass by his side, was soon armed, +and mounted his horse, which was already saddled. Then, with five or six of +his own men-at-arms, he rode straight to the barrier, and was joined by de +Lorges and some of his foot-soldiers, who made a good fight. The village +was already surrounded, and eager search was made for Bayard, who was the +sole object of the expedition, and there was much shouting and confusion. +When the Good Knight at the barrier heard the drums of the enemy's +foot-soldiers, he said to the Captain Lorges: "My friend, if they pass this +barrier we are done for. I pray you, retire with your men, keep close +together and march straight for Biagrasso, while I remain with the horsemen +to protect your rear. We must leave the enemy our baggage, but let us save +the men." Lorges at once obeyed, and the retreat was carried out so +cleverly that not ten men we're lost. The Emperor's people were still +seeking for the Good Knight when he had already reached Biagrasso and +spoken his mind to the Admiral. Bayard was quite broken-hearted at the +misfortune which had befallen him, although it was certainly not his fault, +but there is more chance in war than in anything else. + +Still, there was more than chance in these disasters of the French in +Italy. They had quite miscalculated the strength of their enemies, amongst +whom was now the famous general, Charles de Bourbon, late Constable of +France. The young French King, at a time when Spain, England, and Italy +were all against him, had most unwisely deprived Bourbon of the whole of +his vast estates by means of a legal quibble; and his greatest subject, +driven to desperation by this ungrateful treatment, had passed over to the +service of Charles V., and was now in command of the Spanish army. It was +he who urged the immediate pursuit of the French when Bonnivet, discouraged +by ill success and sickness in his camp, retreated from his strong position +at Biagrasso. He made one blunder after another, for now that it was too +late he sent a messenger to raise a levy of six thousand Swiss to join him +by way of Ivria. + +According to his usual gallant custom, as the army retired with forced +marches towards the Alps, Bayard took command of the rear-guard, and as the +Spaniards followed day by day he bore all the brunt of the constant +skirmishing which took place. It was a most perilous office, for the enemy +was well provided with artillery, and when the Good Knight made a gallant +charge with his company and drove back the men-at-arms, he would be +attacked by a shower of stones from the arquebusiers. He seemed to bear a +charmed life, though ever in the post of danger, for others were wounded or +killed while he escaped unhurt until a certain fatal day when the +retreating French army had reached the valley of the Sesia beyond Novara. +Here it was that Bonnivet saw his expected troop of Swiss allies on the +opposite bank of the river, and at once sent word to them to cross over and +join him. But what was his dismay when the Swiss captains replied that the +King of France had not paid them or kept his word, and they had come to +fetch away their comrades who were in the French army. Worse still, when +this became known, all the Swiss mercenaries in his camp rose in open +rebellion against Bonnivet, and lost no time in crossing the river, +overjoyed to leave a losing cause and go back to their homes with so good +an excuse. + +The unfortunate French commander was in despair and hoping to hide the +catastrophe from the pursuing enemy, he ordered a brisk skirmish, in which +he took part with plenty of courage and was severely wounded in the arm. +The Good Knight Bayard did prodigies of valour, driving back a whole +company of arquebusiers, but in the moment of triumph he was struck by the +stone from an arquebus and received mortal injury. Raising the hilt of his +sword in the sign of the cross, he cried aloud: "Miserere mei, Deus +secundum magnam misericordiam tuam!" He refused to be taken away, saying +that he had never turned his back on his enemy, and his faithful steward +Jacques Jeffrey and his squire lifted him from his horse and placed him +with his back to a tree, still facing the foe with a brave countenance. + +We have a most pathetic and touching account of this last scene, in which +the Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach died as he had lived, +bearing himself with humble devotion towards God and loving care and +thought towards all men. His friends would have borne him away, but he +implored them to leave him and seek their own safety, for he was in such +terrible pain that he could not endure to be moved. He sent his last +salutations to the King his master, and to all his companions, and took an +affectionate leave of his heart-broken friends, who obeyed his command, all +but the one faithful attendant who remained with him to the end. This was +his steward, Jacques Jeffrey, and we are told of the poor man's grief and +despair, while his master sought to comfort him with brave and noble words. +"Jacques, my friend, cease your lament, for it is the will of God to take +me away from this world where by His grace I have long dwelt and received +more good things and honours than I deserve. The only regret that I have in +dying is that I have failed in my duty ... and I pray my Creator in His +infinite mercy to have pity on my poor soul...." + +Nothing could exceed the consternation and sorrow which spread through the +French camp when the news reached them that Bayard was wounded and in +mortal agony. The same feeling was shared by his enemies, for to them the +name of Bayard represented the most perfect knight in all the world, the +pattern of chivalry whom every true man sought to imitate from afar. + +In sad procession the captains of Spain and Italy came to do honour and +reverence to the dying hero. Amongst them the Marquis of Pescara (the +husband of Vittoria Colonna) found noble words to speak the praise and +admiration which filled the hearts of all. "Would to God, my gentle lord of +Bayard, that I had been wounded nigh unto death if only you were in health +again and my prisoner; for then I could have shown you how highly I esteem +your splendid prowess and valour ... since I first made acquaintance with +arms I have never heard of any knight who even approached you in every +virtue of chivalry.... Never was so great a loss for all Christendom.... +But since there is no remedy for death, may God in His mercy take your soul +to be with Him...." Such were the tender and pitiful regrets from the +hostile camp for the cruel loss to all chivalry of the Good Knight without +Fear and without Reproach. + +They would have tended him with devoted service, but Bayard knew that he +was past all human help, and only prayed that he might not be moved in +those last hours of agony. A stately tent was spread out above him to +protect him from the weather, and he was laid at rest beneath it with the +gentlest care. He asked for a priest, to whom he devoutly made his +confession, and with touching words of prayer and resignation to the will +of his heavenly Father, he gave back his soul to God on April 30, 1524. + +With the greatest sorrow and mourning of both armies, his body was carried +to the church, where solemn services were held for him during two days, and +then Bayard was borne by his own people into Dauphiné. + +A great company came to meet the funeral procession at the foot of the +mountains, and he was borne with solemn state from church to church until +Notre Dame of Grenoble was reached, and here all the nobles of Dauphiné and +the people of the city were gathered to do honour to their beloved hero +when the last sad rites were performed. He was mourned and lamented for +many a long day as the very flower of chivalry, the Good Knight without +Fear and without Reproach. + +[Illustration: The Death of Bayard.] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear +And Without Reproach, by Christopher Hare + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAYARD: THE GOOD KNIGHT *** + +***** This file should be named 11363-8.txt or 11363-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/6/11363/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Andrea Ball, Thomas Ruley and the Online + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear And Without Reproach + +Author: Christopher Hare + +Release Date: February 28, 2004 [EBook #11363] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAYARD: THE GOOD KNIGHT *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Andrea Ball, Thomas Ruley and the Online + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1>BAYARD</h1> +<h2> + THE GOOD KNIGHT WITHOUT + FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH +</h2> +<h3> + BY<br /> + CHRISTOPHER HARE +</h3> +<p> </p> +<a name="image-1"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/bayard.jpg" width="228" height="356" +alt="BAYARD"> +</p> +<h3> + WITH COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS BY<br /> + HERBERT COLE +</h3> +<p> </p> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> +<p> + That courtesy title which flies to the mind whenever the name Bayard is + mentioned—"The Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach"—is no fancy + name bestowed by modern admirers, but was elicited by the hero's merits in + his own day and from his own people. +</p> +<p> + The most valuable chronicle of the Good Knight's life and deeds was written + with charming simplicity by a faithful follower, who, in single-hearted + devotion to his beloved master's fame, took no thought for himself, but + blotted out his own identity, content to remain for all time a nameless + shadow—merely the LOYAL SERVITOR. It is from his record that the incidents + in the following pages are retold. +</p> +<p> + The "Loyal Servitor" is now believed from recent research to have been + Jacques de Mailles, his intimate friend and companion-at-arms, probably his + secretary. He certainly learnt from Bayard himself the story of his early + years, which he tells so delightfully, and he writes with the most minute + detail about the later events which happened in his presence, and the + warlike encounters in which he himself took part; and a most vivid and + interesting account he makes of it. In an ancient catalogue of the Mazarine + Library, his book is first set down as the <i>Histoire du Chevalier Bayard, + par</i> Jacques de Mailles, Paris, in 4to, 1514 (probably a mistake for 1524). + The better-known edition, with only the name of the "Loyal Servitor," was + published in 1527, under the title of +</p> +<h4> + THE VERY JOYFUL AND VERY DELIGHTFUL<br /> + HISTORY<br /> + OF THE LIFE, THE HEROIC DEEDS, THE TRIUMPHS<br /> + AND THE VALOUR OF THE GOOD KNIGHT<br /> + WITHOUT FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH<br /><br /> + BAYARD + </h4> + <a name="image-2"></a> + <p class="ctr"><img src="images/chevalier.jpg" width="180" height="257" + alt="BAYARD: Le bon Chevalier sans peur +et sans reproche"> +</p> +<p> </p> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-1">CHAPTER I</a><br /> +Illustration: LE CHEVALIER BAYARD +Sans peur et sans reproche</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-2">CHAPTER 2</a><br /> +Illustration: CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE +from a medallion</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-3">CHAPTER 3</a><br /> +Illustration: LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE +from a medallion</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-4">CHAPTER 4</a><br /> +Illustration: LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE OF MILAN +from a medallion</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-5">CHAPTER 5</a><br /> +Illustration: THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +from the portrait by Albert Durer</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-6">CHAPTER 6</a><br > +Illustration: ANDREA GRITTI DOGE of VENICE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-7">CHAPTER 7</a><br > +Illustration: POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-8">CHAPTER 8</a><br > +Illustration: HENRY the EIGHTH KING of ENGLAND +from the portrait by Hans Holbein</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#chapimage-9">CHAPTER 9</a><br > +Illustration: FRANCIS the FIRST KING of FRANCE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli</p> +<p> </p> +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-1"> + BAYARD +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-2"> + BAYARD: LE BON CHEVALIER SANS PEUR ET SANS REPROCHE +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-3"> + A FINE EXHIBITION OF HORSEMANSHIP +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-4"> + BATTLE OF FORNOVO +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-5"> + BAYARD DEFENDS THE BRIDGE +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-6"> + THE PAGE PRESENTS HIS PRISONER +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-7"> + SEIZURE OF THE SPY +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-8"> + BAYARD PRESENTED TO HENRY VIII +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-9"> + THE DEATH OF BAYARD +</a> +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-1"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap1.jpg" width="187" height="96" +alt="LE CHEVALIER BAYARD +Sans peur et sans reproche"> +</p> +<h3>THE STORY OF BAYARD</h3> +<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> +<p> + Pierre Terrail, the renowned Bayard of history, was born at the Castle of + Bayard, in Dauphiné, about the year 1474, when Louis XI. was King of + France. He came of an ancient and heroic race, whose chief privilege had + been to shed their blood for France throughout the Middle Ages. +</p> +<p> + The lord of Bayard had married Hélène Alleman, a good and pious lady of a + noble family, whose brother Laurent was the Bishop of Grenoble. Pierre + Bayard, the hero of this story, was the second son of a large family; he + had three brothers and four sisters. His eldest brother, Georges, was five + or six years older than himself, then came his sisters, Catherine, Jeanne, + and Marie, while younger than himself were Claudie, and two brothers, + Jacques and Philippe. +</p> +<p> + Like so many other mediaeval strongholds, the Castle of Bayard was built + upon a rocky hill, which always gave an advantage in case of attack. It had + been erected by the great-grandfather and namesake of our Pierre Bayard, + probably on the site of an earlier stronghold, in the year 1404. No better + position could have been chosen, for it commanded a deep valley on two + sides, in a wild and mountainous district of Dauphiné, near the village of + Pontcharra in the Graisivaudan. Even now we can still see from its ruins + what a powerful fortress it was in its time, with massive towers three + stories high, standing out well in front of the castle wall, and defended + by a strong drawbridge. Well fortified, it could have stood a siege before + the days of artillery. +</p> +<p> + But towards the end of the fifteenth century, when Bayard's childhood was + spent here, such castles as these were not looked upon as mainly places of + defence and refuge, they were gradually becoming more like the later + manor-houses—family homes, with comfortable chambers and halls, where once + there had chiefly been the rude dwelling of a garrison used for defence and + stored with missiles and arms. +</p> +<p> + Each story of the castle, as well as the towers, would contain various + chambers, well lighted with windows pierced in the thick stone walls. On + the first floor, approached by a broad flight of steps from the court, we + find the oratory—scarcely large enough to be dignified by the name of + chapel—the dining-hall, and the private chamber of the lord of the castle. + On the floor above this the lady of Bayard had her own apartment, the + "garde-robe" or closet where her dresses were kept, and the place where her + daughters as they grew up, and any maidens who were brought up under her + care, sat at their needlework, and where they slept at night. On the upper + story were the rooms for the young children with their maids, and the + various guest-chambers. +</p> +<p> + The ground floor below the dining-halls was a dark place given up to + store-rooms and the servants' quarters, and below this again were cellars + and grim dungeons, which could only be reached by trap-doors. The kitchen, + usually a round building, stood in an outer court, and here great wood + fires could be used for the needful hospitality of a country house. The + stables and the rough quarters for the serving-men were beyond. +</p> +<p> + The dining-hall was used as a court of justice when the lord of the castle + had to settle any difficulties, to receive his dues, or reprimand and + punish any refractory vassal. At one end of this hall was a great hearth, + where most substantial logs of wood could be laid across the fire-dogs, and + burn with a cheerful blaze to light and warm the company in the long, cold + winter evenings. At meal-times trestle tables were brought in, and on these + the food was served, the long benches being placed on each side of them. On + the special occasions of important visits or unusual festivities, a high + table was set out at the upper end. The floor was covered with fresh + rushes, skins of wolf or bear being laid before the fire, and the walls + were stencilled in white and yellow on the higher part, and hung with serge + or frieze below. Only in the lady's chamber do we find carpets and hangings + of tapestry or embroidery, part of her wedding dowry or the work of her + maidens. Here, too, were a few soft cushions on the floor to sit upon, some + carved chairs, tables, and coffers. The master of the house always had his + great arm-chair with a head, and curtains to keep off the draughts, which + were many and bitterly cold in winter-time. +</p> +<p> + The chronicler of Bayard, known as the "Loyal Servitor," begins his story + on a spring day of the year 1487. +</p> +<p> + Aymon Terrail, lord of Bayard, sat by the fireside in his own chamber, the + walls of which were hung with old arms and trophies of the chase. He felt + ill and out of spirits. He was growing old—he had not long to live: so he + assured his good wife. +</p> +<p> + What was to become of his sons when he was gone? A sudden thought occurred + to him. "I will send for them at once, and we will give them a voice in the + matter." +</p> +<p> + To this the lady of Bayard agreed, for she never crossed her lord's will, + and at least it would distract his gloomy thoughts. It chanced that all the + four lads were at home, and ready to obey their father's command. As they + entered the room and came forward, one by one, in front of the great chair + by the hearth, somewhat awed by this hasty summons, they were encouraged by + a smile from their mother, who sat quietly in the background with her + embroidery. +</p> +<p> + The assembled group made a striking picture. The grand old man, a massive + figure seated in his canopied arm-chair, with white hair and flowing beard + and piercing black eyes, was closely wrapped in a long dark robe lined with + fur, and wore a velvet cap which came down over his shaggy brows. Before + him stood his four well-grown, sturdy, ruddy-faced boys, awaiting his + pleasure with seemly reverence, for none of them would have dared to be + seated unbidden in the presence of their father. Aymon de Bayard turned to + his eldest son, a big, strongly-built youth of eighteen, and asked him what + career in life he would like to follow. Georges, who knew that he was heir + to the domain and that he would probably not have long to wait for his + succession, made answer respectfully that he never wished to leave his + home, and that he would serve his father faithfully to the end of his days. + Possibly this was what the lord of Bayard expected, for he showed no + surprise, but simply replied, "Very well, Georges, as you love your home + you shall stay here and go a-hunting to fight the bears." +</p> +<p> + Next in order came Pierre, the "Good Knight" of history, who was then + thirteen years of age, as lively as a cricket, and who replied with a + smiling face, "My lord and father, although my love for you would keep me + in your service, yet you have so rooted in my heart the story of noble men + of the past, especially of our house, that if it please you, I will follow + the profession of arms like you and your ancestors. It is that which I + desire more than anything else in the world, and I trust that by the help + of God's grace I may not dishonour you." +</p> +<p> + The third son, Jacques, said that he wished to follow in the steps of his + uncle, Monseigneur d'Ainay, the prior of a rich abbey near Lyons. The + youngest boy, Philippe, made the same choice, and said that he would wish + to be like his uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble. +</p> +<p> + After this conversation with his four sons the lord of Bayard, not being + able to ride forth himself, sent one of his servants on the morrow to + Grenoble, about eighteen miles distant, with a letter to his brother-in-law + the Bishop, begging him to come to his Castle of Bayard as he had important + things to say to him. The good Bishop, who was always delighted to give + pleasure to any one, readily agreed. He set off as soon as he had received + the letter, and arrived in due time at the castle, where he found Aymon de + Bayard seated in his great chair by the fire. They greeted each other + warmly and spent a very pleasant evening together with several other + gentlemen of Dauphiné, guests of the house. +</p> +<p> + At the end of dinner, the venerable lord of Bayard thus addressed the + company: "My lord Bishop, and you, my lords, it is time to tell you the + reason for which I have called you together. You see that I am so oppressed + with age that it is hardly possible I can live two years. God has given me + four sons, each of whom has told me what he would like to do. My son Pierre + told me that he would follow the calling of arms, and thus gave me singular + pleasure. He greatly resembles my late father, and if he is like him in his + deeds he cannot fail to be a great and noble knight. It is needful for his + training that I should place him in the household of some prince or lord + where he may learn aright his profession. I pray you that you will each + tell me what great House you advise." +</p> +<p> + Then said one of the ancient knights: "He must be sent to the King of + France." Another suggested that he would do very well with the Duke of + Bourbon; and thus one after another gave his advice. At last the Bishop of + Grenoble spoke: "My brother, you know that we are in great friendship with + the Duke Charles of Savoy, and that he holds us in the number of his + faithful vassals. I think that he would willingly take the boy as one of + his pages. He is at Chambéry, which is near here; and if it seems good to + you, and to the company, I will take him there to-morrow morning." +</p> +<p> + This proposal of the Bishop of Grenoble seemed excellent to all present, + and Pierre Bayard was formally presented to him by his father, who said: + "Take him, my lord, and may God grant that he prove a worthy gift and do + you honour by his life." The Bishop at once sent in haste to Grenoble with + orders to his own tailor to bring velvet, satin, and all things needful to + make a noble page presentable. It was a night to be long remembered in the + castle, for cunning hands were pressed into the service under the eyes of + the master tailor, who stitched away through the long hours in such style + that next morning all was ready. A proud and happy boy was Bayard the next + morning when, after breakfast, clad in his fine new clothes, he rode the + chestnut horse into the courtyard before the admiring gaze, of all the + company assembled to look upon him. +</p> +<a name="image-3"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/horsemanship.jpg" width="210" height="283" +alt="A fine exhibition of horsemanship."> +</p> +<p> + When the spirited animal felt that he had such a light weight upon his + back, while at the same time he was urged on with spurs, he began to prance + about in the most lively fashion, and everybody expected to see the boy + thrown off. But Bayard kept his seat like a man of thirty, spurred on his + horse, and galloped round and round the court, as brave as a lion, his eyes + sparkling with delight. An old soldier like his father thoroughly + appreciated the lad's nerve and spirit, and could scarcely help betraying + the pride he felt in him. But the wise Bishop probably thought that the lad + had received quite as much notice as was good for him, and announced that + he was ready to start, adding to his nephew: "Now, my friend, you had + better not dismount, but take leave of all the company." +</p> +<p> + Bayard first turned to his father with a beaming countenance. "My lord and + father, I pray God that He may give you a good and long life, and trust + that before you are taken from this world you may have good news of me." + "My son, such is my prayer," was the old man's reply as he gave the boy his + blessing. Bayard then took leave of all the gentlemen present, one after + the other. Meantime the poor lady his mother was in her tower chamber, + where she was busy to the last moment packing a little chest with such + things as she knew her boy would need in his new life. Although she was + glad of the fair prospect before him, and very proud of her son, yet she + could not restrain her tears at the thought of parting from him; for such + is the way of mothers. +</p> +<p> + Yet when they came and told her, "Madame, if you would like to see your son + he is on horseback all ready to start," the good lady went bravely down to + the little postern door behind the tower and sent for Pierre to come to + her. As the boy rode up proudly at her summons and bending low in his + saddle took off his plumed cap in smiling salutation, he was a gallant + sight for loving eyes to rest upon. Bayard never forgot his mother's + parting words. "Pierre, my boy, you are going into the service of a noble + prince. In so far as a mother can rule her child, I command you three + things, and if you do them, be assured that you will live triumphantly in + this world. The first is that above all things you should ever fear and + serve God; seek His help night and morning and He will help you. The second + is that you should be gentle and courteous to all men, being yourself free + from all pride. Be ever humble and helpful, avoiding envy, flattery, and + tale-bearing. Be loyal, my son, in word and deed, that all men may have + perfect trust in you. Thirdly, with the goods that God may give you, be + ever full of charity to the poor, and freely generous to all men. And may + God give us grace that while we live we may always hear you well spoken + of." +</p> +<p> + In a few simple words the boy promised to remember, and took a loving + farewell of her. Then his lady mother drew from her sleeve a little purse, + in which were her private savings: six gold crowns and one in small + change,<a href="#note-1"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + and this she gave to her son. Also, calling one of the + attendants of the Bishop, she entrusted him with the little trunk + containing linen and other necessaries for Bayard, begging him to give it + in the care of the equerry who would have charge of the boy at the Duke of + Savoy's Court, and she gave him two crowns. There was no time for more, as + the Bishop of Grenoble was now calling his nephew. As he set forth on that + Saturday morning, riding his spirited chestnut towards Chambéry, with the + sun shining and the birds singing, and all his future like a fair vision + before him, young Bayard thought that he was in paradise. +</p> +<a name="note-1"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> + [The gold crown was then worth 1 livre 15 sous. Multiplying + this by 31, in order to find its present value, we learn that the sum which + Bayard received from his mother would to-day be worth 266 francs, or about + 10 guineas.] +</p> +<p> + Pierre Bayard had set forth from his home in the early morning, soon after + breakfast, and he rode all day by the side of his uncle until, in the + evening, they reached the town of Chambéry, where all the clergy came out + to meet the Bishop of Grenoble, for this was part of his diocese, where he + had his official dwelling. That night he remained at his lodging without + showing himself at Court, although the Duke was soon informed of his + arrival, at which he was very pleased. The next morning, which was Sunday, + the Bishop rose very early and went to pay his respects to the Duke of + Savoy, who received him with the greatest favour, and had a long talk with + him all the way from the castle to the church, where the Bishop of Grenoble + said Mass with great ceremony. When this was over, the Duke led him by the + hand to dine with him, and at this meal young Bayard waited upon his uncle + and poured out his wine with much skill and care. The Duke noticed this + youthful cup-bearer and asked the Bishop, "My lord of Grenoble, who is this + young boy who is serving you?" +</p> +<p> + "My lord," was the reply, "this is a man-at-arms whom I have come to + present to you for your service if you will be pleased to accept him. But + he is not now in the condition in which I desire to give him to you; after + dinner, if it is your pleasure, you will see him." +</p> +<p> + "It would be very strange if I refused such a present," said the Duke, who + had already taken a fancy to the boy. +</p> +<p> + Now young Bayard, who had already received instructions from his uncle, + wasted no time over his own dinner, but hurried back to get his horse + saddled and in good order, then he rode quietly into the courtyard of the + castle. The Duke of Savoy was, as usual, resting after dinner in the long + gallery, or <i>perron</i>, built the whole length of the keep, on a level with + the first floor, and overlooking the great courtyard below. It was like a + cloister, with great arched windows, and served for a general meeting-place + or lounge in cold or wet weather. From thence he could see the boy going + through all his pretty feats of horsemanship as if he had been a man of + thirty who had been trained to war all his life. He was greatly pleased, + and turning to the Bishop of Grenoble he said to him, "My lord, I believe + that is your little favourite who is riding so well?" +</p> +<p> + "You are quite right, my lord Duke," was the answer. "He is my nephew, and + comes of a race where there have been many gallant knights. His father, who + from the wounds he has received in battle, and from advancing age, is + unable to come himself to your Court, recommends himself very humbly to + your good grace, and makes you a present of the boy." +</p> +<p> + "By my faith!" exclaimed the Duke, "I accept him most willingly; it is a + very fine and handsome present. May God make him a great man!" +</p> +<p> + He then sent for the most trusty equerry of his stables and gave into his + charge young Bayard, with the assurance that one day he would do him great + credit. The Bishop of Grenoble, having accomplished his business, did not + tarry long after this, but having humbly thanked the Duke of Savoy, took + leave of him and of his nephew, and returned to his own home. +</p> +<p> + Those spring and summer months spent at the Court of Savoy remained a happy + memory to Bayard all his life. On feast-days and holidays the whole company + would go out into the woods or the meadows, the Duchess Blanche with her + young maidens and attendant ladies, while the knights and squires and pages + waited upon them as they dined under the trees, and afterwards played games + and made the air ring with their merry songs. Or there were hunting and + hawking parties which lasted for more than one day, or river excursions + down as far as the Lake of Bourget, where the Duke had a summer palace. It + must have been on occasions such as these when the gallant young Bayard met + with the maiden who caught his boyish fancy, and to whom he remained + faithful at heart until the end of his days. Yet this pretty old-world + story of boy-and-girl affection made no farther progress, and when the + knight and lady met in the years to come, once more under the hospitable + care of the good Duchess Blanche, they met as congenial friends only. The + fair maiden of Chambéry is known to history solely by her later married + name of Madame de Frussasco (or Fluxas), and in the records of chivalry + only by the tournament in which the "Good Knight without Fear and without + Reproach" wore her colours and won the prize in her name. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-2"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap2.jpg" width="193" height="88" +alt="CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE +from a medallion"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> +<p> + The King heard that the Duke of Savoy was coming to his Court, and he sent + the Comte de Ligny to conduct the Duke on his way, and to receive him with + due honour. They met him about six miles from Lyons, and gave him a warm + welcome, after which the two princes rode side by side, and had much talk + together, for they were cousins and had not met for a long time. Now this + Monseigneur de Ligny was a great general, and with his quick, observant eye + he soon took notice of young Bayard, who was in the place of honour close + to his lord, and he inquired: "Who is that gallant little lad riding his + horse so well that it is quite a pleasure to see him?" +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word," replied the Duke, "I never had such a delightful page + before. He is a nephew of the Bishop of Grenoble, who made me a present of + him only six months ago. He was but just out of the riding-school, but I + never saw a boy of his age distinguish himself so much either on foot or on + horseback. And I may tell you, my lord and cousin, that he comes of a grand + old race of brave and noble knights; I believe he will follow in their + steps." Then he cried out to Bayard: "Use your spurs, my lad, give your + horse a free course and show what you can do." +</p> +<p> + The lad did not want telling twice, and he gave such a fine exhibition of + horsemanship that he delighted all the company. "On my honour, my lord, + here is a young gentleman who has the making of a gallant knight," + exclaimed de Ligny; "and in my opinion you had better make a present of + both page and horse to the King, who will be very glad of them, for if the + horse is good and handsome, to my mind the page is still better." +</p> +<p> + "Since this is your advice," replied Charles of Savoy, "I will certainly + follow it. In order to succeed, the boy cannot learn in a better school + than the Royal House of France, where honour may be gained better than + elsewhere." +</p> +<p> + With such pleasant talk they rode on together into the city of Lyons, where + the streets were full of people, and many ladies were looking out of the + windows to see the coming of this noble prince and his gay company. That + night the Duke gave a banquet in his own lodging, where the King's + minstrels and singers entertained the guests, then there were games and + pastimes, ending with the usual wine and spices being handed round, and at + last each one retired to his own chamber until the dawn of day. +</p> +<p> + The next morning the Duke rose early and set forth to seek the King, whom + he found on the point of going to Mass. The King greeted him at once most + warmly and embraced him, saying, "My cousin, my good friend, you are indeed + welcome, and if you had not come to me I should have had to visit you in + your own country...." Then, after more polite talk, they rode together on + their mules to the convent, and devoutly heard Mass, after which the King + entertained the Duke of Savoy, Monsieur de Ligny, and other nobles to + dinner with him, and they had much merry talk about dogs and falcons, arms + and love-affairs. Presently de Ligny said to the King: "Sire, I give you my + word that my lord of Savoy wishes to give you a page who rides his chestnut + better than any boy I ever saw, and he cannot be more than fourteen, + although his horsemanship is as good as that of a man of thirty. If it + pleases you to go and hear vespers at Ainay you will have your pastime in + the fields there afterwards." "By my faith," cried the King, "I do wish + it!" and he heard the whole story of this wonderful boy from the Duke of + Savoy. +</p> +<p> + When young Bayard heard that the King was to see him he was as much + delighted as if he had won the city of Lyons; and he went in haste to the + head groom of the Duke of Savoy and prayed him to get his horse ready for + him, offering his short dagger as a present. But this the man refused and + made reply: "Go and comb and clean yourself, my friend, and put on your + best clothes, and if, by God's help, the King of France takes you in + favour, you may some day become a great lord and be able to serve me." + "Upon my faith! You may trust me never to forget all the kindness you have + shown me," replied the boy; "and if God ever gives me good fortune you + shall share it." It seemed a long time to his impatience before the hour + arrived when he rode his horse, attended by his equerry, to the meadow + where he was to await the King and his company, who arrived by boat on the + Saône. As soon as Charles VIII. had landed he cried: "Page, my friend, + touch up your horse with your spurs!" which the lad did at once, and to see + him you would have thought that he had been doing it all his life. At the + end of his race Bayard made his clever horse take a few jumps, and then he + rode straight towards the King and gracefully drew up before him with a low + bow. All the company was delighted with the performance, and the King bade + him do it again. "Picquez! Picquez!" (Prick up your horse!), he cried, and + all the pages shouted: "Picquez! Picquez!" with enthusiasm, so that for + some time the name stuck to him. +</p> +<p> + Then Charles turned to the Duke of Savoy and said: "I see that my cousin of + Ligny told me the truth at dinner, and now I will not wait for you to give + me this page and his horse, but I demand it of you as a favour." +</p> +<p> + "Most willingly, my lord," answered the Duke, "and may God give him grace + to do you true service." After this young Bayard was given into the special + charge of the lord of Ligny, who was greatly pleased and felt sure that he + would make of him a noble knight. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, the Duke of Savoy remained for awhile at the Court of Charles + VIII., with whom he was in great favour, and they were like brothers + together. This young King was one of the best of princes, courteous, + generous, and beloved of all men. At length the day of departure came, and + the good Duke went back to his own country, laden with beautiful and + honourable presents. +</p> +<p> + During three years young Bayard remained as a page in the service of the + Seigneur de Ligny, being trained with the utmost care in all that would be + needful to him in his profession of arms. +</p> +<p> + He won so much favour from his lord that at the early age of seventeen he + was raised from his position as a page to that of a squire, and appointed + man-at-arms in the General's company, being retained at the same time as + one of the gentlemen of the household, with a salary of 300 livres. As a + man-at-arms Bayard would have under him a page or varlet, three archers, + and a soldier armed with a knife (called a "coutillier"). Thus, when we + find a company of men-at-arms spoken of, it means for each "lance garnie," + or man-at-arms, really six fighting men on horseback. +</p> +<p> + When King Charles VIII. found himself once more in his loyal city of Lyons, + it chanced that a certain Burgundian lord, Messire Claude de Vauldray, a + most famous man-at-arms, came to the King and proposed that he should hold + a kind of tournament, called a "Pas d'Armes," to keep the young gentlemen + of the Court from idleness. He meant by this a mimic attack and defence of + a military position, supposed to be a "pas" or difficult and narrow pass in + the mountains. It was a very popular test of chivalry, as the defender hung + up his escutcheons on trees or posts put up for the purpose, and whoever + wished to force this "pas" had to touch one of the escutcheons with his + sword, and have his name inscribed by the King-at-arms in charge of them. +</p> +<p> + There was nothing that King Charles VIII. loved better than these + chivalrous tournaments, and he gladly gave his consent. Messire Claude de + Vauldray at once set about his preparations, and hung up his escutcheons + within the lists which had been arranged for the coming tournament. +</p> +<p> + Young Bayard, whom every one called Picquet, passed before the shields and + sighed with longing to accept the challenge and so improve himself in the + noble science of arms. As he stood there silent and thoughtful, his + companion, called Bellabre, of the household of the Sire de Ligny, asked + him what he was thinking of. He replied: "I will tell you, my friend. It + has pleased my lord to raise me from the condition of page into that of a + squire, and I long to touch that shield, but I have no means of obtaining + suitable armour and horses." Then Bellabre, a brave young fellow some years + older than himself, exclaimed: "Why do you trouble about that, my + companion? Have you not your uncle, that fat Abbé of Ainay? I vow that we + must go to him, and if he will not give you money we must take his cross + and mitre! But I believe that when he sees your courage he will willingly + help you." +</p> +<p> + Bayard at once went and touched the shield, whereupon Mountjoy, King-at-arms, + who was there to write down the names, began to reason with him. "How is + this, Picquet, my friend; you will not be growing your beard for the next + three years, and yet you think of fighting against Messire Claude, who is + one of the most valiant knights of all France?" But the youth replied + modestly: "Mountjoy, my friend, what I am doing is not from pride or + conceit, but my only desire is to learn how to fight from those who can + teach me. And if God pleases He will grant that I may do something to + please the ladies." Whereupon Mountjoy broke out into a hearty laugh, + which showed how much he enjoyed it. +</p> +<p> + The news soon spread through Lyons that Picquet had touched the shield of + Messire Claude, and it came to the ears of the Sire de Ligny, who would not + have missed it for ten thousand crowns. He went at once to tell the King, + who was greatly delighted and said: "Upon my faith! Cousin de Ligny, your + training will do you honour again, if my heart tells me true." "We shall + see how it will turn out," was the grave reply; "for the lad is still very + young to stand the attack of a man like Messire Claude." +</p> +<p> + But that was not what troubled young Bayard; it was the question how to + find money for suitable horses and accoutrements. So he went to his + companion, Bellabre, and asked for his help. "My friend, I beg of you to + come with me to persuade my uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, to give me money. I + know that my uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble, would let me want for nothing + if he were here, but he is away at his Abbey of St. Sernin at Toulouse, + which is so far off that there would be no time for a man to go there and + back." "Do not trouble," said his friend, "you and I will go to Ainay, and + I trust we shall manage it." This was some comfort, but the young warrior + had no sleep that night. He and Bellabre, who shared the same bed, rose + very early and took one of the little boats from Lyons to Ainay. On their + arrival, the first person they met in the meadow was the Abbé himself, + reading his prayers with one of his monks. The two young men advanced to + salute him, but he had already heard of his nephew's exploit, and received + him very roughly. "Who made you bold enough to touch the shield of Messire + Claude?" he asked angrily. "Why, you have only been a page for three years, + and you can't be more than seventeen or eighteen. You deserve to be flogged + for showing such great pride." To which his nephew replied: "Monseigneur, I + assure you that pride has nothing to do with it, but the desire and will to + follow in the steps of your brave ancestors and mine. I entreat you, sir, + that, seeing I have no other friends or kindred near, you will help me with + a little money to obtain what is needful." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word!" exclaimed the Abbé, "go and seek help elsewhere; the funds + of my abbey are meant to serve God and not to be spent in jousts and + tournaments." Bellabre now put in his word and remonstrated. +</p> +<p> + "Monseigneur, if it had not been for the virtue and the valour of your + ancestors you would never have been Abbé of Ainay, for by their merits and + not yours it was gained. Your nephew is of the same noble race, and + well-beloved of the King; it is absolutely necessary that you should help + him...." After more talk of this kind the Abbé at last consented, and took + the two squires into his own room, where he opened a little cupboard, and + from a purse which was inside he took out a hundred crowns and gave them to + Bellabre, saying: "I give you this to buy two horses for this brave + man-at-arms, for he has not enough beard to handle money himself. I will + also write a line to + Laurencin,<a href="#note-2"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + my tailor, to supply him with needful + accoutrements." "You have done well, my lord," said Bellabre, "and I assure + you that every one will honour you for this." When the young gentlemen had + their letter they took leave with many humble thanks, and returned at once + to Lyons in their little boat, highly pleased with their success. +</p> +<a name="note-2"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[The most important and wealthy merchant of Lyons.] +</p> +<p> + "We are in good luck," said Bellabre, "and we must make the most of it. Let + us go at once to the merchant before your good uncle changes his mind, for + he will soon remember that he has put no limit to your expenses, and he can + have no idea what a proper outfit will cost. You may be sure that you will + never see any more of his money." So they took their boat on to the + market-place, found the merchant at home, lost no time in telling of the + good Abbé's generosity, and encouraged Laurencin to exert himself to the + utmost in the way of splendid suits of clothing and armour, to do honour to + his patron's gallant nephew, for there seemed to be no question of economy. + Bayard was measured and fitted with cloth of silver, velvet, and satin, + and then went gaily home with his friend, both of them thinking it an + excellent jest. +</p> +<p> + When the Abbé of Ainay bethought himself later of what he had done, and + sent a messenger in haste to the tailor, he found that it was too late and + that his bill would come to hundreds of crowns. He was furious, and vowed + that his nephew should never have another penny from him; but that did not + mend matters, for the story got about, to the intense amusement of the King + and his Court, and the rich old miser met with no sympathy. +</p> +<p> + The young men were fortunate enough to buy two excellent horses for much + less than their value from a brave knight who had broken his leg, and not + being able to figure in the contests himself, was willing to help so + gallant a youth. +</p> +<p> + The time was drawing near for the great tournament, which would be a high + festival for the town and was looked forward to with much eagerness and + excitement. The course on which the knights were to fight was surrounded + and duly laid out with richly-painted posts. At one side of this enclosed + field, stands were put up and made very bright and gay with coloured + hangings, carpets, embroidered banners, and escutcheons. It was here that + the royal and noble company would sit and watch the proceedings. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, by permission of the King, Messire Claude de Vauldray had caused + it to be published and declared throughout the city that he would hold the + "pas" against all comers, both on foot and on horseback, on the approaching + Monday. +</p> +<p> + A tournament was always a gorgeous and brilliant spectacle, but on this + occasion, being held by the King's desire and graced by his presence, it + was more splendid than usual. In our day, when it is the custom of men to + avoid all show and colour in their dress, we can scarcely picture to + ourselves the magnificence of those knights of the Renaissance. When the + gallant gentleman actually entered the lists for fighting, he wore his suit + of polished armour, often inlaid with gold or silver, a coloured silken + scarf across his shoulders richly embroidered with his device, and on his + head a shining helmet with a great tuft of flowing plumes. But in the + endless stately ceremonies which followed or preceded the tournament, the + knight wore his doublet of fine cloth, overlaid with his coat-of-arms + embroidered in silk or gold thread, and an outer surcoat of velvet, often + crimson slashed with white or violet satin, made without sleeves if worn + over the cuirass and finished with a short fluted skirt of velvet. Over + this a short cloak of velvet or satin, even sometimes of cloth of gold, was + worn lightly over one shoulder. +</p> +<p> + If this was the usual style of costume, which had also to be varied on + different festivals, we can easily understand how impossible it was for + young Bayard to procure such costly luxuries on his small means, and we can + almost forgive him for the audacious trick he played on his rich relation + the Abbé of Ainay. Not only was the knight himself richly clad, but we are + told that to appear in a grand tournament even the horse had to have + sumptuous trappings of velvet or satin made by the tailor. We have not + mentioned the suit of armour, which was the most expensive item of all; + being made at this period lighter and more elaborate, with its flexible + over-lying plates of thin, tempered steel, it was far more costly than it + had ever been before. The bravest knights at the Court were proud to try + their fortune against Messire Claude. It was the rule that after the + contest each champion was to ride the whole length of the lists, with his + visor raised and his face uncovered, that it might be known who had done + well or ill. Bayard, who was scarcely eighteen and had not done growing, + was by nature somewhat thin and pale, and had by no means reached his full + strength. But with splendid courage and gallant spirit, he went in for his + first ordeal against one of the finest warriors in the world. The old + chronicler cannot tell how it happened, whether by the special grace of God + or whether Messire Claude took delight in the brave boy, but it so fell out + that no man did better in the lists, either on foot or on horseback, than + young Bayard, and when it came to his turn to ride down with his face + uncovered, the ladies of Lyons openly praised him as the finest champion of + all. He also won golden opinions of all the rest of the company, and King + Charles exclaimed at supper: +</p> +<p> + "By my faith! Picquet has made a beginning which in my opinion promises a + good end." Then, turning to the Sire de Ligny, he added: "My cousin, I + never in my life made you so good a present as when I gave him to you." + "Sire," was the reply, "if he proves himself a worthy knight it will be + more to your honour than mine, for it is your kind praise which has + encouraged him to undertake such a feat of arms as this. May God give him + grace to continue as he has begun." Then the General added, turning round + with a smile to the assembled company: +</p> +<p> + "But we all know that his uncle, the Abbé of Ainay, does not take great + pleasure in the youth's exploits, for it was at the old gentleman's expense + that he procured his accoutrements." This remark was received with a roar + of laughter, in which the King himself joined, for he had already heard the + story and was very much amused at it. Soon after the tournament the Sire + de Ligny sent for young Bayard one morning and said to him: "Picquet, my + friend, you have begun with rare good fortune; you must carry on the + pursuit of arms, and I retain you in my service with three hundred francs a + year and three war-horses, for I have placed you in my company. Now I wish + you to go to the garrison and meet your companions, assuring you that you + will find as gallant men-at-arms there as any in Christendom; they often + have jousts and tournaments to keep in practice of arms and acquire honour. + It seems to me that while awaiting any rumour of war you cannot do better + than stay there." +</p> +<p> + Bayard, who desired nothing more, replied: "My lord, for all the goods + and honours which you have bestowed upon me I can only at this present + time return you thanks.... My greatest desire is to go and join the + company which you speak of, and if it is your good pleasure I will start + to-morrow." "I am quite willing," said the Sire de Ligny; "but you must + first take leave of the King, and I will bring you to him after dinner." + Which was done, and the youth was thus presented: "Sire, here is your + Picquet, who is going to see his companions in Picardy, and he is come to + say good-bye to you." Young Bayard knelt before the King, who said to him + with a smile: "Picquet, my friend, may God continue in you that which I + have seen begun, and you will be a gallant knight; you are going into a + country where there are fair ladies, be courteous and chivalrous to them, + and farewell, my friend." After this, all the princes and lords crowded + round to take leave of the young soldier, with much affection and regret at + losing him. When he reached his lodging, he found that the King had sent + him a purse of three hundred crowns, and also one of the finest war-horses + in the royal stable. With his usual impulsive generosity Bayard gave + handsome presents to the messengers, and then went to spend the evening + with the Sire de Ligny, who treated him as though he were his own son, + giving him wise advice for his future life, and above all bidding him keep + honour always before his eyes. This command did he keep in very truth until + his death. At last, when it grew late, de Ligny said to him: "Picquet, my + friend, I think you will be starting to-morrow morning before I have risen, + may God bless you!" and embraced him with tears, while Bayard on his knees + said good-bye to his kind master. +</p> +<p> + More presents awaited him, for that night there arrived two complete and + costly suits from the Sire de Ligny, who also sent his own favourite + chestnut horse, so that when the young squire set forth at daybreak he was + splendidly equipped in every way with horses, servants, armour, and clothes + suitable to his position. As we have seen, dress was a very expensive thing + in those days, when gentlemen of rank wore velvet, brocade, and satin, both + for evening and riding costume as a matter of course. +</p> +<p> + It was a slow journey into Picardy, for Bayard wished his horses to arrive + in good condition, and only travelled a moderate distance every day. When + he arrived at the little town of Aire, his destination, all the young + officers of the garrison came out to meet him, for the fame of his jousting + with Messire Claude de Vauldray had already reached them. They would not + listen to his modest disclaimers, but feasted and made much of their new + comrade. One lively young noble of the company, probably quite deceived by + the fine show that Bayard made with all his handsome parting gifts, and + taking him for a man of wealth, said to him: "My good companion, you must + make people talk about you, and endeavour to acquire the good favour of + all the fair ladies of this country, and you cannot do better than give us + a tournament, for it is a long time since we have had one in this town." + The poor boy must have been somewhat taken aback by this suggestion, but he + was far too plucky to show it, so he replied with ready goodwill, "On my + faith, Monsieur de Tardieu, is that all? You may be sure that this will + please me even more than yourself. If you will have the goodness to send me + the trumpeter to-morrow morning, and if we have leave of our captain, I + will take care that you shall be satisfied." +</p> +<p> + All that night Bayard was too excited to sleep, and when Tardieu came + to his lodging in the morning with the trumpeter of the company, he + had already settled exactly what he would do and had written out his + announcement, which ran thus: "Pierre de Bayard, young gentleman and + apprentice of arms, native of Dauphiné, of the army of the King of France, + under the high and puissant lord the Sire de Ligny—causeth to be + proclaimed and published a tournament to be held outside the town of Aire, + close to the walls, for all comers, on the 20th day of July. They are to + fight with three charges of the lance without 'lice'" (meaning in this + instance a barrier), "with sharpened point, armed at all points; afterwards + twelve charges with the sword, all on horseback. And to him who does best + will be given a bracelet enamelled with his arms, of the weight of thirty + crowns. The next day there shall be fought on foot a charge with the lance, + at a barrier waist-high, and after the lance is broken, with blows of the + axe, until it is ended at the discretion of the judges and those who keep + the camp. And to him who does best shall be given a diamond of the value of + forty crowns." +</p> +<p> + This sounds more like real war than courtly pastime, and we see how + terribly in earnest this young soldier was. The allusion to "those who keep + the camp" is to the marshals of the tournament and the heralds-at-arms who + kept a very close watch on the combatants. They also maintained on this + miniature battlefield the laws of chivalry and courtesy, giving help to + those who needed it. +</p> +<p> + When a young squire first entered the lists he was warned by the cry: + "Remember of what race you come and do nothing contrary to your honour." + There were many strict rules to be observed; for instance, it was forbidden + to strike your adversary with the point, although it was usually blunted + (but not in this tournament of Bayard's). It was forbidden to attack the + horse of your opponent, and this we can quite understand, for in those + days, when a knight wore complete and heavy armour, if his horse were + killed he was absolutely at the mercy of his enemy. It was always made a + ground of complaint against the Spaniards that they attacked the horses of + the foe. In a tournament it was the rule only to strike at the face or the + chest, both well protected by the visor and the breastplate, and to cease + at once if the adversary raised the visor of his helmet. Also no knight was + to fight out of his rank when making a rush together. This was very + important when the champions were divided into two companies under the + order of two chiefs, and were placed exactly opposite each other, at the + two ends of the arena. On a signal made by the marshals of the tournament, + they charged impetuously upon each other, with their horses at full gallop. + They held the lances straight out until the signal came, then lowering the + lances, they rushed forward amid a cloud of dust with loud war-cries and + the fight became a furious scuffle. The knights who had stood the first + shock without being unhorsed or wounded, pressed forward and fought with + the sword, until one of the marshals threw his wand of office into the + arena to show that the contest was over. +</p> +<p> + In these tournaments the horses were frequently armed as well as their + riders, and they were often gaily caparisoned with emblazoned housings, + sometimes of very costly material, such as satin embroidered with gold or + silver. +</p> +<p> + At the time when young Bayard joined his company at Aire, there were + stationed in Picardy at no great distance about seven or eight hundred + men-at-arms in these regulation companies (compagnies d'ordonnance) as they + were called. When they were not actually employed on duty, they were very + glad to take their pleasure in all sorts of warlike games. As we may + suppose, they were delighted to take part in the proposed tournament. + Amongst these companies there were some of the famous Scotch Guards, who + had first been taken into the service of France by Charles VII. +</p> +<p> + The time fixed was only eight days off, but all the same about forty or + fifty men-at-arms gave in their names. Fortunately, before the expected + day, that gentle knight, the Captain Louis d'Ars, arrived, and he was much + delighted to have come in time for this entertainment. When Bayard heard of + his captain's arrival he went to pay his respects to him at once, and was + most warmly welcomed, for the boy's fame had gone before him. To make the + festival more complete, his friend Bellabre also appeared, having been + delayed by waiting for two splendid horses which he expected from Spain. At + length the eventful day arrived, and the gentlemen who wished to take part + in the tournament were divided into two equal ranks, there being + twenty-three on one side and twenty-three on the other. The judges chosen + were the Captain Louis d'Ars and the lord of St. Quentin, captain of the + Scotch company. +</p> +<p> + At this point it will be interesting to give a full account of the details + needful for a tournament of this period, the close of the fifteenth + century. These tournaments were first started as training-schools for the + practice of arms, and were later tempered by the rules of chivalry. Jousts + were single combats, often a succession of them, for a prize or trial of + skill, while the tourney was troop against troop. These warlike games were + very popular in France especially, but very strict rules had to be made to + prevent the "joust of peace" becoming the deadly "joust a l'outrance" (to + the death). +</p> +<p> + The "lists," or tournament grounds, were in Bayard's time usually of a + square shape rather longer than broad, and were surrounded by palisades, + often adorned with tapestry and heraldic devices. The marshals of the lists + took note of all that happened and enforced the rules of chivalry. Varlets + were in attendance to help the esquires in looking after their masters, and + helping them up, with their heavy armour, if unhorsed. +</p> +<p> + It was common to hold a "passage of arms" for three days: two for the + contest on horseback, first with lances, second with swords and maces; + while on the third day, on foot, pole-axes were used. A specially heavy + kind of armour was worn, sometimes nearly 200 lbs. in weight, so that a + knight once unhorsed lay on the ground absolutely helpless, and could not + rise without help. This armour was made still stronger by "reinforcing + armour"—pieces screwed on over the left side, chiefly, which received most + blows—making a double defence for the head, chest, and left shoulder. + "Pauldrons" or shoulder-guards buckled on, that on the right arm being + smaller to leave freedom for using the lance. Then we have brassards or + arm-guards; the rere-brace for the upper arm, the vam-brace for the lower, + and the elbow-piece called a "coudiere." +</p> +<p> + When all was ready on the appointed day for the tournament at Aire, the + trumpet sounded, and then the order of the Tourney was declared aloud. + Bayard had to appear first in the lists, and against him rode forth a + neighbour of his in Dauphiné, by name Tartarin, a powerful man-at-arms. + They rushed at each other so vehemently that Tartarin broke his lance half + a foot from the iron, and Bayard struck him above the arm-piece of his + armour and broke his lance into five or six pieces, upon which the trumpets + sounded forth triumphantly, for the joust was wonderfully good. After + having finished their first attack they returned to face each other for the + second. Such was the fortune of Tartarin that with his lance he forced in + Bayard's arm-piece, and every one thought that he had his arm pierced. But + he was not hurt, and succeeded in returning the attack by a stroke above + the visor, which carried off the bunch of plumes from his adversary's + helmet. The third bout with the lance was as good or even better than the + others, for the lance was more completely shivered into fragments. +</p> +<p> + When these two knights had finished, next came the lord of Bellabre, and + against him a Scotch man-at-arms, named the Captain David of Fougas, and + these likewise did with their three jousts of the lance all that it was + possible for gentlemen to do. Thus, two by two, all the company went + through the same contest. +</p> +<p> + This jousting with the lance was one of the most popular exercises for + knights of that day, and the proper use of this weapon was one of the most + important accomplishments for a warrior. We shall often notice, in the + accounts of Bayard's adventures on the field of battle, how extremely + expert he was with his lance. The supreme triumph with this weapon was to + use such skill and force as to break the lance shaft—made of ash or + sycamore—into as many pieces as possible; in fact, to "shiver" it + completely, and thus break as many lances as possible. The tilting lance + was often made hollow, and was from 12 to 15 feet long; but the lance used + with the object of unhorsing instead of splintering was much stronger, + heavier, and thicker in the stem, and instead of a pointed head had a + "coronal," which was blunt. +</p> +<p> + The first part of the tournament having come to an end, then followed the + battle of the swords. According to the rules, this began with Bayard, who, + on the third stroke he gave, broke his sword into two pieces, but he made + such good use of the stump that he went through the number of strokes + commanded, and did his duty so well that no man could have done better. + After this came the others according to their order, and for the rest of + that day there was such a succession of vigorous fighting that the two + judges declared "never had there been finer lance work or contests with the + sword." When the evening came they retired to young Bayard's lodging, where + a great supper was prepared, to which came many ladies, for within ten + miles round all those of Picardy, or the greater number, had come to see + this fine tournament. After the supper there were dances and other + entertainments, and the company was so well amused that it struck one hour + after midnight before they broke up. It was late next morning before they + woke up, and you may believe that they were never weary of praising Messire + de Bayard, as much for his skill at arms as for his good hospitality. +</p> +<p> + The next morning, in order to complete that which had begun so well, all + the soldiers assembled at the dwelling of their Captain Louis d'Ars, where + Bayard had already arrived, having come to invite him to dinner at his + lodging, in company with the ladies of the previous evening. First they all + went to hear Mass, and when that was over, "you should have seen the young + gentlemen taking the ladies' arms, and with much pleasant talk leading them + to Bayard's lodging, where if they had supped well the night before, at + dinner they did still better." There was no lingering after this meal, and + towards two o'clock all those who were to take part in the second day's + tournament retired to arm themselves and make ready to fight. The + combatants all approached on horseback, and gravely went round to salute + the company before the contest began. +</p> +<p> + It was Bayard's place to begin, and against him came a gentleman from + Hainault, Hannotin de Sucker, of great repute. They fought with their + lances, one on each side of the barrier, and gave such tremendous strokes + that the lances were soon broken to pieces; after this they took their + battle-axes, which each of them had hanging by their sides, and dealt each + other great and terrible blows. This appears to us an extremely rough form + of entertainment, but we must remember that these knights were clad in + armour, and so thoroughly covered up from head to foot that there was not + supposed to be a place where a pin could pierce between the joints of the + armour. Under the helmet a smaller close-fitting steel cap was often worn. + This fierce contest went on until Bayard gave his opponent a blow near the + ear, which caused him to waver, and worse still, to fall on his knees, + when, pursuing his success, the victor charged again over the barrier, and + caused Hannotin to kiss the ground. +</p> +<p> + When the judges saw this they cried, "Hola! Hola! that is enough; now you + may retire." After these two came Bellabre and Arnaulton of Pierre Forade, + a gentleman of Gascony, who did wonders with their lances until they were + both broken; and then they came to the battle-axes, but Bellabre broke his, + after which the judges parted them. After these two came Tardieu and David + the Scotchman, and they did their duty very well. So did others in turn, so + that it was seven o'clock before it was all finished and, for a small + tournament, the lookers-on never saw better jousting in their lives. +</p> +<p> + When all was over, each man went to his lodging to disarm and change; then + they all came to Bayard's lodging, where the banquet was ready, and there + were also the two judges, the lords of Ars and of St. Quentin, and all the + ladies. After supper it had to be decided and declared by the judges who + should have the prizes. Some of the gentlemen most experienced in arms were + asked to give their opinion "on their faith," and afterwards the ladies on + their conscience, without favouring one more than another. At last it was + agreed that, although each one had done his duty well, yet in their + judgment during the two days Messire de Bayard had done best of all; + wherefore they left it to him, as the knight who had gained the prizes, to + give his presents where it seemed good to him. There was a discussion + between the judges as to who should pronounce sentence, but the Captain + Louis d'Ars persuaded the lord of St. Quentin to do so. +</p> +<p> + The trumpet was sounded to command silence, and St. Quentin said: "My lords + who are here assembled, and especially those who have been in the Tourney + of which Messire Pierre Bayard has given the prizes for two days ... we + would have you know that after due inquiry of the virtuous and brave + gentlemen who were present and saw the contests, and of the noble ladies + here present ... we have found that although each one has very well and + honestly done his duty, yet the common voice is that the lord of Bayard has + done best in these two days; wherefore the lords and ladies leave to him + the honour of giving the prizes where it seems good to him." Then he added: + "My lord of Bayard, decide where you will give them." The young knight + blushed modestly and was quite troubled. Then he said: +</p> +<p> + "My lord, I do not know why this honour should come to me, for I think that + others have deserved it more than I. But as it pleases the lords and ladies + that I should be judge, I hope that the gentlemen, my companions, will not + be displeased if I give the prize for the first day to my lord of Bellabre, + and for the second day to the Captain David of Scotland." He therefore gave + the gold bracelet to his friend Bellabre, and the diamond to the Scotch + Captain David, and his decision was greatly applauded. There was again + feasting and dancing afterwards, and the ladies could not say enough in + praise of their gallant young host. We may imagine the penniless condition + in which all this extravagant generosity left him, but his extreme + liberality appears to have been one great feature of his character which + made him beloved through life by all who had to do with him. +</p> +<p> + He never could see one of his companions thrown without giving him another + horse; if he had a crown left, every one shared it. He never refused the + request of any man if he could possibly grant it, and in his gifts was + always gentle and courteous. His chronicler makes a special point of his + piety from early youth; the first thing when he rose in the morning was + always a prayer to God, as he had promised his mother. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-3"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap3.jpg" width="188" height="97" +alt="LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE +from a medallion"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> +<p> + During two years Bayard remained with the garrison at Aire, and made great + progress in all warlike training. At the end of this time, in the year + 1494, Charles VIII. undertook his first expedition to Italy, and as the + company of the Count de Ligny was commanded to join him, young Bayard + looked forward with great delight to his first taste of real warfare. +</p> +<p> + The young King of France, in his eager desire for military glory, forsook + the wise policy of his father, Louis XI., and resolved to claim the kingdom + of Naples, in assertion of the rights bequeathed to him by René of Anjou. + In order to prevent any opposition from Spain he yielded to King Ferdinand + the provinces of Roussillon and Cerdagne, and on the same principle gave up + to the Emperor Maximilian, Artois and Franche-Comté. Having made these real + sacrifices as the price of a doubtful neutrality, he set forth on his wild + dreams of conquest at a distance, which could be of no permanent advantage + to him. +</p> +<p> + Charles VIII. had soon collected a magnificent army and crossed the Alps + in August 1494; it was composed of lances, archers, cross-bow men, Swiss + mercenaries, and arquebusiers. These last used a kind of hand-gun which had + only been in common use for about twenty years, since the battle of Morat. + The arquebus had a contrivance, suggested by the trigger of the cross-bow, + to convey at once the burning match to the trigger. Before that the match + had been held in the hand in using the hand-gun as well as the hand-cannon. + Many of these arquebusiers were on horseback. Besides a number of small + pieces of artillery, the French army had 140 big cannons. The use of these + fire-arms in war had been gradually increasing since the days when Louis + XI. made such use of his "bombards" in the wars in Flanders. +</p> +<p> + When we read of the wonderful success which at first attended the French + army, we must remember how greatly superior it was to the troops which + opposed it in Italy, which were mostly bands of adventurers collected by + mercenary leaders, named Condottieri, who fought for gain rather than for + glory, and had no special zeal or loyalty for the prince who employed them. + The soldiers in their pay were, for the time being, their own personal + property, and their great desire was to save them "to fight another day," + while it was not to their interest to kill the men of another band (who + might be on the same side next time), and they only sought to make + prisoners for the sake of their ransom. The impetuosity and real warlike + spirit of the French was a new and alarming thing in Italy, which had been + so long accustomed to the mere show of war. +</p> +<p> + Charles passed as a conqueror through Pisa and Florence to Rome, then + victorious at Capua, he entered Naples in triumph. During the spring months + of 1495, spoilt by his easy victory, he gave himself up to pleasure in + that fair southern land, idly dreaming of distant conquest. His success + awakened the jealous alarm of Europe, and a formidable league was formed + against him by all the Italian States, the Emperor Maximilian, and the + Kings of Spain and England. Suddenly roused to a sense of his danger, + Charles VIII. left his new kingdom in the charge of his cousin, Gilbert de + Montpensier, with a few thousand men, and hastily set forth on his homeward + way. He left garrisons in various conquered cities, and his army consisted + of barely 10,000 men. They crossed the Apennines with great labour and + difficulty, to find their passage barred by the confederates on the Emilian + plain near the village of Fornovo. +</p> +<a name="image-4"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/fornovo.jpg" width="200" height="279" +alt="Battle of Forvono."> +</p> +<p> + Never was battle more fiercely contested than on that Monday, 6th July, + when the French succeeded in breaking through the host of their enemies. + The actual fighting lasted little more than an hour, amid a scene of the + wildest confusion, which was increased by a storm of thunder and lightning, + with rain falling in torrents. We are told that Bayard, the Good Knight, + who had accompanied the King through the whole campaign, distinguished + himself in the first charge at the head of de Ligny's company, and had two + horses killed under him, then continued fighting on foot, and in the thick + of the battle he took the standard of the horsemen opposing him, and + covered himself with glory. The King, hearing afterwards of his gallant + deed, sent him a present of five hundred crowns. Charles could appreciate a + kindred spirit as he too fought with splendid courage on that eventful day. + The French camp, with all its rich treasures of armour, gorgeous clothing, + rare tapestries and plate, was looted; but Charles VIII. and the greater + part of his army, with all the artillery, made good their passage through + an overwhelming host of foes and raised the siege of Novara, where Lodovico + Sforza was besieging the Duke of Orleans. +</p> +<p> + The French King was soon to receive news of the defeat and destruction of + the small army he had left to hold Naples, and the death of the gallant + Viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier. Such was the sad ending of the first of + those glorious and fatal expeditions to Italy, in which four kings wasted + in vain so much treasure and so many precious lives. Charles VIII. did not + long survive this bitter disappointment. He died at Amboise on 7th April + 1498, at the age of twenty-eight. As he left no children he was succeeded + by his cousin, the Duke of Orleans, under the name of Louis XII. Louis XII. + was crowned on the 1st of July 1498. +</p> +<p> + If there was one trait of character which, more than any other, + distinguished Bayard the Good Knight, it was his absolute loyalty towards + the lord he served, and his undying gratitude for any kindness which he had + received. He never forgot those six happy months he had spent at the Court + of Savoy when he first went there to take up the profession of arms as a + young lad of thirteen. It was not by his own choice that he left the + service of his earliest master, who in a fit of generosity had presented + his favourite page to the King, in the hope that by so doing he would best + further the career of Bayard. +</p> +<p> + But Charles I., Duke of Savoy, did not live to see this, for he had died in + 1490, and the Duchess, his widow, had left Chambéry and retired to her + dower house in the pleasant town of Carignano, in Piedmont, about seventeen + miles to the south of Turin. This lady, Blanche Paleologus, had been a most + kind friend to young Bayard, and when she heard that he was stationed in + the neighbourhood, she invited him to visit her, and received him with the + utmost courtesy, treating him as if he were a member of her family. She was + greatly beloved and honoured in Carignano, where she was lady suzerain, and + where there may still be seen, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a + splendid monument to her memory. +</p> +<p> + We may imagine the satisfaction with which the good Duchess found that her + page of bygone days had blossomed out into a valiant and famous knight, and + they must both have had much to hear and tell of all that had happened + since they parted. Here Bayard also met with another friend, the young lady + who had been one of the maids-of-honour of the Duchess at Chambéry and who + had won the boyish affection of the Good Knight. If the young folks had + been able to follow their inclinations it is probable that in time to come, + when they were of suitable age, marriage would have followed, so the "Loyal + Servitor" tells us in his chronicle. But circumstances parted them, as + Bayard went to the King's Court, and the fair maiden was married later to a + very good and honourable gentleman, the Seigneur de Frussasco (or Fluxas), + who was governor of the household to the Duchess of Savoy, a man of wealth + and high position. +</p> +<p> + We have a simple, touching story of the delight with which the lady of + Frussasco welcomed her dear friend, the Good Knight, of their eager talk + about old times, and their high ideal of honour and duty. She told him how + she had followed the story of his achievements, from his first joust with + Messire Claude de Vauldray, his tournament at Aire in Picardy, and the + honour which he received on the day of Fornovo, which had spread his fame + throughout France and Italy, and she gave him so much praise and honour + that the poor gentleman blushed for very shame. +</p> +<p> + Then the lady said to him: "Monseigneur de Bayard, my friend, this is the + great house in which you were first brought up; would it not be well for + you to distinguish yourself here as you have done so nobly elsewhere?" +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight made answer: "Madame, you know how from my youth I have + always loved and honoured you, and I hold you to be so wise and so kind + that you would only advise me for my good. Tell me, therefore, if you + please, what you would have me do to give pleasure to my good mistress, the + Duchess Blanche, to you above all, and to the rest of the noble company + here at this time?" +</p> +<p> + Then the lady of Frussasco said: "It seems to me, my lord of Bayard, that + you would do well to arrange some tournament in this town for the honour of + Madame of Savoy, who will be very grateful to you. You have here in the + neighbourhood many French gentlemen, your companions, and there are other + gentlemen of this country who I am assured would all most willingly join + you." +</p> +<p> + "If it is your wish," replied the Good Knight, "it shall be done. You + are the one lady in this world who has first conquered my heart by your + grace and kindness.... I pray of you that you will give me one of the + under-sleeves from your dress, as I have need of + it."<a href="#note-3"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + The lady gave it him, and he put it into the sleeve of his doublet + without a word. +</p> +<a name="note-3"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[This was fastened with a little lacing under the hanging + sleeve, and was the usual favour asked for and worn by the knight on his + helmet.] +</p> +<p> + The Duchess Blanche was never weary of talking with the Good Knight, who + had always been so great a favourite of hers. But Bayard could not sleep + all that night, for his mind was full of plans for carrying out the request + of his lady. When the morning came he sent a trumpeter round to all the + towns of the neighbourhood where there were garrisons, to make known to + the gentlemen that if they would make their way within four days, on the + next Sunday, to the town of Carignano, in the costume of men-at-arms, he + would give a prize, which was the cuff of his lady, from whence hung a ruby + of the value of a hundred ducats, to him who should be victorious in three + encounters with the lance, without a barrier, and twelve turns with the + sword. +</p> +<p> + On the appointed day, about an hour after noon, the Good Knight was at his + place in the ranks, armed at all points, with three or four of his + companions, but only those were with him who were prepared to take part in + the coming contest. Bayard began first, and against him came the lord of + Rovastre, a gallant gentleman who bore the ensign of the Duke Philibert of + Savoy. He was a very hardy and skilful knight, who gave a fine thrust with + his lance to begin with, but the Good Knight gave him such a blow on the + broad band, which protected his right arm, that he disarmed him, and caused + his lance to fly in five or six pieces. The lord of Rovastre regained his + band and tilted with the second lance, with which he did his duty + thoroughly ... but the Good Knight struck him on the visor, and carried off + his plume of feathers (panache) and made him tremble, although he kept his + seat on horseback. At the third lance the lord of Rovastre missed his aim, + and Bayard broke his lance, which went to pieces. +</p> +<p> + After them came Mondragon and the lord of Chevron, who did their tilting so + well that everybody applauded. Then came two others, and so on until all + the company were satisfied. +</p> +<p> + The lances being broken it was now time for the contest with swords; but + the Good Knight had only struck two blows when he broke his own, and sent + that of his opponent flying out of his hand. The gracious Duchess + requested the lord of Frussasco to invite all the gentlemen who had taken + part in the tournament to supper. After supper the hautboys sounded, and + the minstrels began to tune up in the gallery, but before the dancing + began, it was decided to award the prize to him who had gained it. The + lords of Grammont and Frussasco were the judges, and they asked all the + company—gentlemen, ladies, and the combatants themselves—and they were + all of opinion that the Good Knight himself, by right of arms, had gained + the prize. But when they presented it to him he said that he did not + deserve it, but that if he had done anything well, Madame de Frussasco was + the cause, as she had lent him her sleeve, and that it was her place to + give the prize as she chose. +</p> +<p> + The lady, who was well versed in the laws of honour and chivalry, humbly + thanked the Good Knight for the honour which he had done her, and said: "As + M. de Bayard has shown me this courtesy I will keep the sleeve all my life + for love of him, while as for the ruby, I advise that it should be given to + M. de Mondragon, for he is considered to have done the next best." +</p> +<p> + This was accomplished as she wished, to the content of all, and the Duchess + Blanche rejoiced greatly in the success of the Good Knight, who had begun + his career in her household. The Good Knight took leave of his noble + mistress, the lady of Savoy, telling her that he owed her service and + obedience next to the King, his sovereign lord. Then he said farewell to + the lady who had been his first love, and they parted with much regret, but + their warm friendship lasted till death. We do not hear that they ever met + again, but not a year passed without presents being sent from one to the + other. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-4"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap4.jpg" width="190" height="101" +alt="LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE OF MILAN +from a medallion"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> +<p> + While the French army felt such absolute security of their dominion in + Italy as to suffer the young captains to join in amusements, the fugitive + Duke Lodovico Sforza of Milan, who had lost his duchy by treachery, was + watching events and preparing to return. +</p> +<p> + When Lodovico arrived he was received with acclamation, and entered Milan + in triumph. +</p> +<p> + If this sudden revolution took all Italy by surprise, we can understand the + dismay of Louis XII., who found that he had all his work to do over again. + For not only had Milan rebelled, but all the other towns which he had + conquered. +</p> +<p> + King Louis sent the Sire de Ligny as his chief general, and as a matter of + course the Good Knight went with him. I must tell you the story of an + adventure he had. He was in a garrison about twenty miles from Milan with + other young men-at-arms, and they were constantly making small expeditions. + One day Bayard heard that in the little town of Binasco, near the Certosa + di Pavia, there were about three hundred good horses, which he thought + might be easily taken, and therefore he begged his companions to join him + in this adventure. He was so much beloved that forty or fifty gentlemen + gladly accompanied him. But the castellan of the fortress at Binasco had + news of this through his spies, and laid a trap for the Frenchmen; he had a + strong troop placed in ambuscade on the road, and made sure of success. + But, though taken by surprise, the Good Knight fought like a lion, and with + cries of "France! France!" led his little company again and again to the + attack, for, as he told them, if news of this reached Milan not one would + escape. In fact, so fierce was their charge that they drove back the + defenders mile after mile to the very gates of Milan. Then one of the older + soldiers, who saw the enemy's plan, shouted, "Turn, men-at-arms, turn!" and + the others heard in time, but the Good Knight, thinking only of pursuing + his foes, entered pell-mell with them into the city, and followed them to + the very palace of the lord Lodovico. As he was wearing the white cross of + France, he was soon surrounded on all sides and taken prisoner. Lodovico + had heard the cries, and sent for this brave foe, who was disarmed before + being taken to the palace. +</p> +<p> + The Duke of Milan was surprised to see such a young warrior, and asked him + what brought him into the city. The Good Knight, who was never put out by + anything, replied, "By my faith, my lord, I did not think I was coming in + alone, but believed my companions were following me. They understood war + better than I did, otherwise they would have been prisoners as I am...." + Then Lovodico asked him how big was the French army, and he made answer, + "As far as I know, my lord, there must be fourteen or fifteen hundred + men-at-arms and sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot; but they are all + picked men, quite determined to win back the State of Milan for the King, + our master. And it seems to me, my lord, that you would be much safer in + Germany than you are here, for your men are not fit to fight us." +</p> +<p> + He spoke with so much confidence that Lodovico was much amused, and + remarked that he should like to see the two armies face to face. "And so + indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner." "Really, if that is + all," replied the Duke, "I will at once set you free, and make it up to the + captain who took you prisoner. But tell me, if you desire anything else I + will give it to you." +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight bent his knee in thanks for this generous offer, and + replied: "My lord, I ask nothing else save that of your courtesy you will + be good enough to return to me my horse and my arms which I brought into + this town; and if you will send me to my garrison, which is twenty miles + from here, you will thus render me a great service, for which I shall be + grateful all my life; and saving my honour and the service of my King, I + would do anything you command in return." +</p> +<p> + "On my faith!" exclaimed the lord Lodovico, "you shall have what you ask + for at once." Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken + him prisoner. "Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and + all his accoutrements at once" +</p> +<p> + "My lord," was the reply, "that is a very easy matter for all is at my + lodging." So he sent two or three servants, who brought the horse, and the + armour, which the Duke caused to be put on before him. This arming took + place in the great courtyard, at least as far as the gallant prisoner was + disarmed, and when Bayard was fully accoutred he sprang on his horse + without touching the stirrup, and asked for his lance, which was given + him—a steel-headed weapon about fourteen feet long, the shaft being of + ash or sycamore with a little flag (pennoncelle) waving at the top. Then, + raising his visor, he said to the Duke: "My lord, I thank you for the great + courtesy you have shown me. May God repay you!" +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight spurred his horse, who pranced about in the most wonderful + way, and then Bayard gave a small exhibition of his skill with the lance + which amazed the bystanders and did not please the lord Lodovico overmuch, + for he remarked: "If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should + have a poor chance." However, he took gracious leave of the Good Knight, + and sent him forth with a trumpeter in attendance to conduct him back to + his garrison. +</p> +<p> + They had not gone very far, only about twelve miles from Milan, when they + met the main body of the French army. Every one was greatly surprised to + see Bayard, for there had been great sorrow at the rumour that the gallant + knight had been too rash and had been taken prisoner through his youthful + boldness and rashness. When he reached the camp he found that the news of + his exploit had preceded him, for the Sire de Ligny, his good leader, came + forward to meet him with a smile, saying: "Hallo! Picquet, who has got you + out of prison? Have you paid your ransoms' I was on the point of sending + one of my trumpeters to pay it and fetch you back." +</p> +<p> + "My lord," replied the Good Knight, "I thank you humbly for your good will; + but the lord Lodovico set me free by his great courtesy." +</p> +<p> + It was at Novara that Lodovico Sforza met the army of France. The Duke's + forces were composed of different races—German "landsknechte," Burgundians + who were commanded by the same Claude de Vauldray who had fought with the + Good Knight in his first tournament, and Swiss mercenaries. There were + bands of Swiss fighting on the side of the French, and those within the + city declared that they would not fight against their fellow-countrymenn in + the other camp. They laid down their arms, and neither threat nor promise + availed. Soon it was discovered that one of the gates of Novara had been + opened by treachery, and that the French were entering the city. Then, as a + last hope, Lodovico and his companions put on the dress of common soldiers + and mixed with them in the ranks. But the unfortunate Duke was betrayed by + one of the Swiss captains, who was put to death later by his own countrymen + as a traitor. +</p> +<p> + On the occasion of Louis' former conquest of this land he had given several + important towns and estates to his general, the Sire de Ligny. These had + revolted with the rest of the duchy, to the great annoyance of de Ligny, + and a report reached the citizens of Tortona and Voghera that their homes + were to be sacked and pillaged. This was of course in those days the usual + penalty of rebellion, but the French general was a generous and merciful + man who had no such cruel intentions. However, the inhabitants of Voghera + took counsel together, and twenty of the chief merchants went forth to meet + their lord and humbly pray for mercy, two miles outside the city gates. But + de Ligny took no notice of them and rode on in silence with his men-at-arms + to his lodging within the city. One of his captains, to whom they appealed, + Louis d'Ars, promised to do his best for them, and advised that they should + plead again on the morrow. This time about fifty of the chief men came to + him as suppliants, bare-headed, and fell on their knees before the General. + They made a long and lamentable petition, ending with the offer of the + richest silver plate, cups, goblets, bowls, and precious vessels to the + value of more than three hundred marks. +</p> +<p> + Without deigning to look at the presents they had brought, their offended + lord turned upon them, reproached them bitterly for their treachery in + rebelling against him before the usurper, Lodovico, had even approached + their walls. What fate was too terrible for such cowards and traitors? The + kneeling citizens trembled and thought their last hour had come, when the + captain, Louis d'Ars, pleaded for mercy as a special favour to himself, + promising that henceforth they would prove themselves faithful and loyal + subjects. Then at length de Ligny suffered his anger to cool down, and + yielded to the wish of his good captain by granting a pardon. "But as for + your present, I do not deign to accept it for you are not worthy," he + exclaimed. Then, looking round the hall, his eyes fell upon the Good + Knight, to whom he said: "Picquet, take all this plate, I give it you for + your kitchen." To which he made instant reply: "My lord, I thank you humbly + for your kindness, but with God's help the goods of such evil-doers shall + never enter my house for they would bring me misfortune." +</p> +<p> + Thereupon the Good Knight took one piece of silver after another from the + table and made a present of it to each one of the assembled company, not + keeping a single thing for himself, to the amazement of every one. When he + had given away everything, he quietly left the chamber, as did many of the + others. The Sire de Ligny turned to those who remained and asked: "What do + you think of this, gentlemen? Did you ever see such a generous soul as my + Picquet? God should have made him king over some great realm. Believe me + that he will some day be one of the most perfect knights in the world." + All the company agreed, and could not praise young Bayard enough. And when + the Sire de Ligny had thought over the matter, he sent him next morning a + beautiful costume of crimson velvet lined with satin brocade, a most + excellent war-horse, and a purse with three hundred crowns—which did not + last him long, for he shared it all with his companions. +</p> +<p> + Louis XII. had been so much engaged with his conquest of Milan that for a + time he had not done much towards recovering the kingdom of Naples. This + had been lost after the retreat of Charles VIII., who died before he had + been able to make another fight for it, after the disastrous fate of his + viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier, and his brave little army. At this time + Frederick of Aragon was King of Naples, having succeeded his nephew, + Ferdinand II., in 1496. +</p> +<p> + The king gave the command of his great army to the lord of Aubigny, who had + brought back the broken ranks of the first expedition to Naples. The + company of de Ligny, under his lieutenant, Captain Louis d'Ars, was ordered + to form part of it. Bayard, the Good Knight, who could not bear to be left + behind when fighting was going on, asked the permission of his dear master + to accompany the lieutenant's men. +</p> +<p> + On this important occasion Louis XII., doubtful of his own strength, made + the great mistake of forming an alliance with Ferdinand, King of Spain. +</p> +<p> + King Frederick of Naples knew nothing of the secret compact between France + and Spain, and he expected Gongalvo de Cordova, known as the Great Captain, + to come to his help with the troops of Spain. +</p> +<p> + As the alliance between France and Spain was founded on treachery, we + cannot be surprised that they soon fell out over the division of their + spoils. King Ferdinand of Aragon was never bound by any contract which did + not profit him, and by his orders the Great Captain, Gonzalvo de Cordova, + invaded the province of Naples itself. The lord of Aubigny had placed his + various companies as garrisons in different towns, and those which belonged + to the Count de Ligny were in the hands of his company, amongst whom, as we + know, was Bayard, the Good Knight. We shall now understand how it was that + he found himself at war with the Spaniards, who had been at first the + allies of France. +</p> +<p> + Pierre de Bayard, the Good Knight, had been placed in command of a garrison + at a place called Monervine, by his captain, Louis d'Ars. There had been no + fighting in his neighbourhood for some little time, and he began to get + rather weary. So he said one evening to his companions: "Gentlemen, it + seems to me that we have been too long in one place without seeing our + foes. We shall grow weak for want of using our arms, and our enemies will + grow bolder than ever, thinking that we dare not go out of our fort. So I + propose that to-morrow we ride out towards the nearest Spanish garrisons, + Andria or Barletta, and have a little fighting if possible." The others + readily agreed, and about thirty of them arranged to start early the next + morning. It was a merry party of young gentlemen who galloped over the + country at daybreak, and it so chanced that the same idea had occurred + to a Spanish knight of Andria, Don Alonzo of Soto-Mayor, who wished to + exercise his company of men-at-arms. Such was the fortune of the two + captains, that as they turned a corner by some rising ground they suddenly + came within arrow-shot of each other, and joyful indeed they were to have + such a chance. When the Good Knight saw the red crosses he turned to his + followers and cried: "My friends, here is our chance to win honour ... + we will not wait for them to attack!" +</p> +<p> + With a shout of delight they all lowered their visors, and crying, + "<i>France, France</i>!" they galloped forward and charged their foes, + who came proudly on to meet them with the cry of "<i>Spain! St. Iago</i>!" + gaily receiving them on the point of their lances. In the shock of this + first meeting many on both sides were borne to earth. The combat lasted a + good half-hour before either side seemed to have the best of it, for they + were well matched in numbers and strength. But in the end one side must + win, and it chanced that the courage and skill of the Good Knight, and the + enthusiasm with which he inspired his men, at last succeeded in breaking + the ranks of the Spaniards, of whom about seven were killed and the same + number taken prisoner, while the rest took to flight, and amongst them + their captain, Don Alonzo. The Good Knight pursued, crying out to him: + "Turn, man-at-arms, it would be a shame to die while running away." + Presently Alonzo, like a fierce lion, turned against his pursuer with + terrible force; and they fought desperately with sword-thrusts. +</p> +<p> + At length the horse of Don Alonzo backed and refused to advance any more, + when the Good Knight, seeing that all the other Spaniards were gone, + leaving their captain alone, said, "Surrender, man-at-arms, or you are + dead." "To whom must I surrender?" he asked. "To the Captain Bayard," was + the reply. Then Don Alonzo, who had already heard of that famous name, and + knew that he had no chance of escape, gave up his sword and was taken with + the other prisoners to the garrison, where with his usual chivalrous + courtesy, the Good Knight gave Don Alonzo one of the best rooms of the + castle, and supplied him with all that he needed, on receiving his parole + that he would make no attempt to escape. +</p> +<p> + The Spanish captain was treated with the greatest kindness, being suffered + to join in all the doings of the other gentlemen, and his ransom was fixed + at 1000 crowns. But after a fortnight or more he grew tired of this life + and persuaded an Albanian in the garrison to procure him a horse and help + him to gain his freedom, for it was only fifteen or twenty miles to his own + quarters. The man agreed, tempted by a high bribe, and Don Alonzo, who was + allowed to come and go as he pleased, had no difficulty in passing out + through the gateway in the early morning, when he and his companion put + spurs to their horses and felt assured of success. But if the Good Knight + was courteous he was not careless, and when he paid his usual morning call + on his prisoner he was nowhere to be found. The watch was sounded, and the + absence of the Albanian was also discovered, whereupon Bayard sent off in + instant pursuit and Don Alonzo was overtaken within two miles of Andria, + where he had dismounted to fasten the girth of his saddle which was broken. + The Albanian managed to reach the Spanish quarter, for he knew that the + penalty of his treachery would be hanging, and the Spanish knight was + brought back to Monervine. +</p> +<p> + When Bayard met him he said: "How is it that you have broken your faith, my + lord Don Alonzo? I will trust you no more, for it is not a knightly deed to + escape from a place when you are on parole." The prisoner tried to excuse + himself by vowing that he only went to fetch his ransom as he was troubled + by receiving no news of his own people. But this did not avail him much, + for he was kept in close confinement in a tower, but otherwise very well + treated in the way of food and drink. After about another fortnight a + trumpeter arrived to announce that the ransom was coming, and when this was + duly paid, Don Alonzo took a friendly leave of his captors, having had time + to notice that the Good Knight kept not a penny of the money for himself, + but divided it all amongst his soldiers. +</p> +<p> + But the story does not end here, for this recreant knight was ungrateful + enough to complain to his friends in the most outrageous manner of the + treatment which he had received during his captivity. When this came to the + knowledge of the Good Knight he was justly indignant, as were all his + companions, and he at once wrote a letter to Don Alonzo, calling upon him + to withdraw these untrue words, or to accept a challenge to mortal combat. + This he sent by a trumpeter, and also offered his foe the choice of + weapons, and whether the contest should be on foot or on horseback. +</p> +<p> + The Spanish captain sent back an insolent answer, saying that he would not + withdraw anything he had said, and that he would prove his words in mortal + combat within twelve days, two miles from the walls of Andria. In fixing + this date he knew that Bayard was ill at the time with a quartan fever. But + the Good Knight would not let such a small matter interfere with his + knightly honours, and when the day arrived he rode to the spot appointed, + with the Sire de la Palisse and his friend Bellabre as his seconds, and + about two hundred men-at-arms as a guard of honour. +</p> +<p> + Bayard was clothed in white as a mark of humility and rode a splendid + horse, but as Don Alonzo had not appeared, a trumpeter was sent to hasten + his coming. When he was told that the Good Knight was on horseback with + the usual armour, he exclaimed: "How is this? I was to choose the arms. + Trumpeter, go and tell him that I will fight on foot." He said this, + thinking that the illness of Bayard would make it quite impossible for him; + and the trumpeter was greatly surprised, as all had been arranged for a + duel on horseback, and this looked like a way of retreat for the Spaniard. + Ill as he was Bayard showed no hesitation, and with the courage of a lion + declared that he was willing to avenge his honour in any guise. The arms + chosen were a sharp-pointed sword or rapier and a poignard, while the + armour used included a throat-piece (gorgerin) and a + secrète.<a href="#note-4"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> +</p> +<a name="note-4"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[Secrète, a kind of steel skull-cap, often worn under the helmet.] +</p> +<p> + When the camp was duly prepared and the champions in face of each other, + Bayard knelt down and made his prayer to God, then he bent to kiss the + earth, and rising, made the sign of the cross before he advanced to meet + his enemy. Don Alonzo addressed him in these words: "Lord of Bayard, what + do you seek from me?" And he replied: "I wish to defend my honour." Then + began the mortal combat between these two valiant men-at-arms, and never + was seen more splendid skill and courage. The rapier of the Good Knight + slightly wounded the face of Don Alonzo, who carefully guarded this most + vulnerable part, but his foe waited until he raised his arm for the next + attack, and then aimed at his neck, and notwithstanding the tempered steel + of his armour, Bayard's onslaught was so tremendous that the throat-piece + (gorgerin) was pierced and the rapier, having no sharp edges (it was only + used for thrusting) was driven in so far that it could not be withdrawn. + Don Alonzo, feeling himself wounded unto death, dropped his sword and + seized the Good Knight in his arms, the two wrestling fiercely until they + both fell on the ground. +</p> +<p> + The terrible struggle lasted for some time, until Bayard struck his foe on + the visor with his poignard and cried: "Don Alonzo, recognise your fault + and cry for mercy to God...." But the Spanish knight made no reply, for he + was already dead. +</p> +<p> + Then his second, Don Diego, said: "Seigneur Bayard, he is dead, you have + conquered;" which was proved, for they took off his visor and he breathed + no more. This was a sad trouble to the victor, for he would have given all + he had in the world to have vanquished him alive. Then the Good Knight + knelt down and thanked God humbly for his success. Afterwards he turned to + the dead knight's second and asked: "My lord Don Diego, have I done + enough?" +</p> +<p> + "Too much, indeed, my lord Bayard, for the honour of Spain," was the + pitiful reply. Then the Good Knight gave leave that honourable burial + should be accorded to Don Alonzo, and his friends bore away the body of + their champion with sad lamentation. But we may imagine the joy and triumph + with which the noble company present and the French men-at-arms accompanied + their hero back to the castle of Monervine. +</p> +<p> + This duel and the passages-of-arms before with Don Alonzo spread the fame + of Bayard throughout all Europe; indeed, his wonderful renown as the flower + of all chivalry really dates from this time. You may imagine how bitter the + Spaniards were and how they sought for revenge. +</p> +<p> + After the battle of Cerignola, fought on April 28, 1503, Gonzalvo, the + Great Captain, entered Naples in triumph. When this disastrous news reached + France, Louis XII. hastened to send a fresh army, commanded by la + Trémouille, to reinforce the troops already in Apulia and Calabria. The + French general fell ill, and his authority passed into the hands of the + Marquis of Mantua, who found himself opposed and beaten back at every point + by the genius of Gonzalvo. +</p> +<p> + At length the two armies came to a stand on either side of the River + Garigliano, one of the broadest rivers of Southern Italy, falling into the + Gulf of Gaeta. The French had possession of the right bank of the river, + close to the rising ground, and had therefore a more favourable position + than the marshy swamp on the lower side, in which the Spanish forces + remained encamped for fifty days. It was a fearful time, in the dead of + winter, with excessive rains, and the soldiers in both camps were driven to + the last verge of endurance, while numbers sickened and died. Under these + depressing circumstances the bright, cheerful spirit of Bayard, the Good + Knight, was invaluable, and his mere presence kept his company in hope and + courage. He never missed an opportunity of engaging in any feat of arms, + and his famous defence of the bridge is perhaps the best known of all his + exploits. +</p> +<p> + There was a bridge across the Garigliano which was in the hands of the + French, and one day a certain Don Pedro de Pas, a Spanish captain, small + and dwarfish in body but great in soul, conceived a plan for obtaining + possession of it. With about a hundred horsemen he set off to cross the + river by a ford which he knew of, and behind each horseman he had placed a + foot-soldier, armed with an "arquebuse." Don Pedro did this in order to + raise an alarm in the French camp, so that the whole army might rush to + defend it, and leave unprotected the bridge, which would then be seized by + the Spaniards. Bayard, who always chose the post of danger, was encamped + close to the bridge, and with him was a brave gentleman, named le Basco. + When they heard the noise they armed themselves at once, and mounted their + horses in haste to rush to the fray. But as the Good Knight happened to + look across the river he caught sight of about two hundred Spanish horsemen + riding straight towards the bridge, which they would certainly have taken + without much resistance, and this would have meant the total destruction of + the French army. +</p> +<a name="image-5"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/bridge.jpg" width="200" height="272" +alt="Bayard defends the Bridge."> +</p> +<p> + Then the Good Knight cried to his companion, "My lord the Equerry, my + friend, go instantly and fetch our men to guard this bridge, or we are all + lost; meantime I will do my best to amuse them until you come, but make all + haste." This he did, and the Good Knight, lance in rest, galloped across + the bridge to the other end, where the Spaniards were on the point of + passing. But, like a lion in his rage, Bayard rushed at them with so + furious an onset that two or three of the foremost men were driven back and + hurled into the water, from whence they rose no more, for the river was + wide and deep. For a moment they were driven back, but seeing there was + only one knight they attacked him so furiously that it was a marvel he + could resist them. But he came to a stand against the barrier of the bridge + that they might not get behind him, and made so desperate a fight with his + sword, raining blows on all who came near, that he seemed to the Spaniards + more a demon than a man. +</p> +<p> + In vain they cast pikes, lances, and other arms against him; the Good + Knight seemed to bear a charmed life. In fact, so well and so long did he + defend himself that his foes began to feel a superstitious dread of this + invincible champion when, after the space of full half an hour, his friend, + le Basco, arrived with a hundred men-at-arms. +</p> +<p> + The historian Champier adds that when Bayard saw help approaching he + cried, with a loud voice, "Haste ye, noble Frenchmen, and come to my help." + Not satisfied with driving back the Spaniards from the bridge, the gallant + little company pursued them for a good mile, and would have done more but + they saw in the distance a great company of seven or eight hundred Spanish + horsemen. +</p> +<p> + With all his dauntless courage, Bayard had the instinct of a good general, + and he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, we have done enough to-day in + saving the bridge; let us now retire in as close order as possible." His + advice was taken, and they began to retreat at a good pace, the Good Knight + always remaining the last and bearing all the brunt of the rear attack. + This became more difficult every minute, as his horse, on which he had + fought all that day, was so worn out that it could scarcely stand. +</p> +<p> + All of a sudden there was a great rush of the enemy, sweeping like a + flood over the French men-at-arms, so that many were thrown to the ground. + The horse of the Good Knight was driven back against a ditch, where he + was surrounded by twenty or thirty horsemen, who cried: "Surrender, + surrender, my lord!" Still fighting to the last, he could only make answer: + "Gentlemen, I must indeed yield to you, for, being alone, I can no longer + fight against your might." +</p> +<p> + If all the accounts of contemporary historians did not agree on the subject + we could hardly believe that one hero could keep back two hundred men at + the narrow entrance of the bridge for close upon half an hour. That after + so tremendous a fight Bayard could pursue the enemy, and defend the rear of + his retiring companions, is indeed a marvellous achievement. The wonder is + not that he was taken prisoner at last, but that he should have held out so + long. +</p> +<p> + Meantime all his companions had ridden straight to their bridge, believing + that the Good Knight was amongst them, but of a sudden a certain gentleman + from Dauphiné exclaimed: "We have lost all, my friends! The Captain Bayard + is dead or taken, for he is not in our company. I vow to God that if I am + to go alone I will return and seek him...." On hearing this the whole troop + turned their horses and set off at full gallop after the Spaniards, who + were bearing away with them the flower of all chivalry. But they did not + know it, for Bayard was aware that if they heard his name he should never + escape alive, and to all their inquiries he only made answer that he was a + gentleman. They had not even taken the trouble to disarm him. +</p> +<p> + Of a sudden he heard his companions arrive in pursuit, shouting: "France! + France! Turn, turn, ye Spaniards; not thus shall you carry away the flower + of chivalry." Taken by surprise, the enemy received the French charge with + some disorder, and as men and horses gave way, the Good Knight saw his + opportunity, and without putting his foot in the stirrup, sprang upon a + fine horse whose rider was thrown, and as soon as he was mounted, cried: + "France! France! Bayard! Bayard! whom you have let go!" When the Spaniards + heard the name and saw what a mistake they had made to leave him his + arms (without requiring his parole, which he would certainly have kept), + they lost heart and turned back towards their camp, while the French, + overjoyed at having recovered their "Good Knight without Fear and without + Reproach"—their one ideal of chivalry and honour—galloped home over the + famous bridge. We do not wonder that for many days after they could talk of + nothing but this thrilling adventure and the gallant exploits of Bayard. +</p> +<a name="image-6"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/prisoner.jpg" width="200" height="270" +alt="The Page presents his Prisoner."></p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-5"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap5.jpg" width="195" height="101" +alt="THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +from the portrait by Albert Durer"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> +<p> + The wars of Italy had a wonderful fascination for Louis XII., and he + eagerly united with the Emperor, the King of Spain, and the Pope in the + League of Cambray against Venice, hated for her great wealth and success. +</p> +<p> + In the spring of 1509 the King collected another army, in which he made a + great point of the foot-soldiers, whose importance he fully appreciated, + and for the first time he chose captains of high renown to command them. He + sent for Bayard and said to him: "You know that I am crossing the mountains + to fight the Venetians, who have taken Cremona from me, and other places. I + am giving you the command of a company of men-at-arms ... but that can be + led by your lieutenant, Captain Pierre du Pont, while I wish you to take + charge of a number of foot-soldiers." +</p> +<p> + "Sire," replied the Good Knight, "I will do what you wish; but how many + foot-soldiers do you propose to give me?" +</p> +<p> + "One thousand," said the King; "no man has more." +</p> +<p> + But Bayard suggested that five hundred of these soldiers, carefully + chosen, would be quite enough for one man to command if he did his duty + thoroughly, and to this the King agreed, bidding the Good Knight bring them + to join his army in the duchy of Milan. +</p> +<p> + The important city of Padua, which had been restored to the Emperor + Maximilian, was left through his carelessness with a small garrison of only + 800 "landsknechte" (German foot-soldiers). Two Venetian captains contrived + an ingenious stratagem for recovering the city. It was the month of July by + this time, and immense waggons of hay, from the second mowing, were + entering Padua every day. A number of Venetians made an ambush under some + thick trees about a bow-shot from the walls, then they hid behind the + hay-waggons and crept in through the gates, which at a given signal they + opened to their comrades. The German soldiers, taken by surprise, were put + to death, and the command was given to the brave General Pitigliano, who + repaired and strengthened the fortifications, knowing of what immense + importance this city was to his Republic. +</p> +<p> + Maximilian was extremely annoyed by the loss of Padua, and collected a + great army, composed of men from all the allies, to besiege it. He also + brought to bear against it the strongest artillery ever used—one hundred + and six pieces of cannon and six immense mortars, "so heavy that they could + not be raised on gun-carriages, they could only be loaded with stones, and + were fired off not more than four times a day." The city was strongly + fortified and defended, and it was decided to attack the most important + gate which led to Vicenza. This being a most perilous enterprise, the + command was given to Bayard of the attacking party. The gate was approached + by a long, straight road between deep ditches, and there were four great + barriers at two hundred steps from each other, all thoroughly defended. + There was a fierce contest at every one of these barriers, and many gallant + knights fell in the attack, but the last one was the worst, for it was only + a stone's-throw from the battlements. The besieged rained stones on them + with their artillery, and the assault lasted more than an hour with pike + and battle-axe. +</p> +<p> + Then the Good Knight, seeing that this became tedious, cried to his + companions: "Gentlemen, these men give us too much play; let us charge on + foot and gain this barrier." Thirty or forty men-at-arms sprang from their + horses and with raised visors dashed at the barrier with their lances, but + the Venetians met them again and again with fresh relays of men. Then + Bayard shouted: "At this rate, gentlemen, they will keep us here for six + years; we must give them a desperate assault and let each man do as I do!" + This they promised, and the trumpet was sounded, when with one tremendous + rush they drove back the defenders by the length of a lance, and with a + ringing war-cry Bayard sprang over the barrier followed by his friends. + When the French saw the danger in which these gallant men were, there was + such a charge against the final barrier that the enemy was driven back in + disorder into the town. Thus the approaches were gained, and the Emperor's + artillery was brought forward, and remained there for six weeks until the + siege was raised. +</p> +<p> + A few days later the Good Knight heard, through one of his spies, that in + the castle of Bassano, about thirty miles off, there was a strong company + of cross-bowmen and horsemen, who made a point of sallying out from the + castle and seizing all the supplies of cattle which were on the way to the + camp. They were said to have four or five hundred oxen and cows already + within their walls. Bayard felt that this must be put a stop to, and his + picked companions readily joined him, for this fighting was their very life + and they asked for nothing better. So they set forth an hour before + daybreak and rode steadily towards Bassano, till they reached a place where + the spy pointed out to them a little wooden bridge which the band from + Treviso would have to cross, where two men could keep five hundred in + check. This the Good Knight left to be defended by a few men-at-arms and + archers, who were to remain in ambush until they had seen the troop from + Treviso go by, and await their return. Then Bayard gave directions to one + of his company to take thirty archers with him, and when he saw the enemy + well on their way he was to advance as though to skirmish with them, then + suddenly pretend to be frightened and ride off at full gallop in the + direction where the main French force was hidden behind rising ground. This + was all carried out, and the Good Knight with his men rushed forth upon the + pursuers, taking many prisoners, while the rest escaped in the direction of + Treviso, but were stopped at that wooden bridge and compelled to fight or + yield. +</p> +<p> + When the fighting was over, Bayard said: "Gentlemen, we really must take + that castle with all the spoils in it." When it was pointed out to him that + it was very strong and they had no artillery, he remarked that he knew a + way by which they might possess it in a quarter of an hour. So he sent for + the two captains who were taken and said to them: "I insist that the castle + be surrendered to me at once, for I know that you have the power to command + it, otherwise you will lose your heads." They saw that he was in earnest, + and one, who was the seneschal, sent orders to his nephew and the gates + were opened. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight took possession of the castle, and within the walls of + Treviso found more than five hundred head of cattle and much other booty, + which was all sold later at Vicenza and divided amongst the victors. As + Bayard sat at table with the two Venetian captains, a young page of his, + named Boutières, came in to show a prisoner he had taken during the + fighting—a big man twice his size. The boy had seen this standard-bearer + trying to escape, had made a rush at him with his lance, struck him to the + ground, and called upon him to surrender. He had given up his sword, to + Boutières' great delight, and the lad of sixteen, with the standard he had + taken and his sturdy-looking prisoner, had caused great amusement in the + French company. When he was thus brought into the dining-hall before his + own captains, the standard-bearer looked very much ashamed of himself, and + protested that he had simply yielded to the force of numbers, not to that + boy. Thereupon Boutières offered to give the man back his horse and his + arms and to fight him in single combat. If the standard-bearer won he + should go free without ransom; but if the young page won the man should + die. The Good Knight was delighted at this brave offer, but the Venetian + was afraid to accept it, and all the honour remained with the boy, who was + known to come of a brave race and proved himself worthy in the days to + come. +</p> +<p> + Most of the French army retired into the duchy of Milan, but Bayard appears + to have remained behind with the garrison of Verona. By one of those rapid + changes so common in Italian politics, before the end of the year Louis + XII. found himself deserted by most of the allies, the Pope, the King of + Spain, Henry VIII., and the Swiss having joined the "Holy League" to drive + the French out of Italy. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-6"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap6.jpg" width="190" height="97" +alt="ANDREA GRITTI DOGE of VENICE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> +<p> + While Bayard was with the garrison at Verona, in command of three or four + hundred men-at-arms who had been lent to the Emperor by the King of France, + he had some stirring adventures. It was winter time, and that year, 1509, + was long remembered for its severity. The soldiers in the town were obliged + to send for their horses' forage sometimes to a great distance, and they + were constantly losing both horses and varlets, who were waylaid by the + enemy, so that a large escort was necessary, for not a day passed without + some encounter. +</p> +<p> + Now there was a village called San Bonifacio about fifteen miles from + Verona, where a certain Venetian captain, named Giovanni Paolo Manfroni, + was stationed with a number of men, and he amused himself by chasing the + foraging parties up to the very gates of Verona. The Good Knight at last + became very angry at this bold defiance, and he resolved to put an end to + these raids by going out with the escort himself the next time that hay was + fetched from the farms round. He kept his plans as secret as possible, but + Manfroni had a spy in the city who managed to let him know what was on + foot, and he resolved to take so strong a force that he would make sure of + capturing the famous Bayard. +</p> +<p> + One Thursday morning the foragers set forth from Verona as usual, and in + their train were thirty or forty men-at-arms and archers under the command + of the captain, Pierre du Pont, a very wise and capable young man. The + party soon left the highroad to look out for the farms where they were to + receive the usual loads of hay. Meantime, the Good Knight, not suspecting + that his plan was betrayed, had taken a hundred men-at-arms and gone to a + little village called San Martino about six miles from Verona. From thence + he sent out some scouts, who were not long in returning with the news that + the enemy was in sight, about five hundred horsemen, who were marching + straight after the foragers. The Good Knight was delighted to hear it, and + at once set out to follow them with his company. +</p> +<p> + But Manfroni, who had heard of the whole manoeuvre from his spy, had + prepared an ambush in a deserted palace near, where he had about six + hundred pikemen and arquebusiers. These men were not to stir until they saw + him and his party in retreat, pretending to flee from the French pursuit; + then they were at once to follow and so completely enclose and defeat + Bayard's company. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight had not gone two miles through the fields when he overtook + the Venetians and marched straight towards them, shouting, "Empire and + France!" They made some show of resistance, but soon began to retreat along + the lane towards their ambush, where they halted just beyond it, crying + "Marco! Marco!" and began to make a valiant defence. On hearing the + familiar cry of Venice, the foot-soldiers gave a tremendous shout and + rushed furiously upon the French, shooting with their arquebuses, a shot + from which struck Bayard's horse between the legs and killed him. Seeing + their dear master on the ground, his men-at-arms, who would all have died + for him, made a mighty charge, and a gentleman of Dauphiné, named Grammont, + sprang from his horse and fought side by side with Bayard. But the two were + of no avail against the Venetians, who took them prisoners and were about + to disarm them. +</p> +<p> + Captain Pierre du Pont, who was with the forage party, heard the noise and + instantly galloped up, finding his captain and Grammont in evil case; for + already they were being drawn out of the crowd to be taken to a place of + safety. He was only just in time, but he struck out at the captors like a + lion, and the men, taken by surprise, let their prisoners escape, and + retreated to their troop, which was having a furious fight with the French. + The Good Knight and Grammont were soon on horseback again, and hastened + back to the relief of their men, who were now attacked front and back, with + four to one against them, and the arquebusiers were doing them a lot of + damage. Then the Good Knight said to his nephew, Captain Pierre du Pont: + "My friend, we are lost if we do not gain the highroad, but if we are once + there, we will retire in spite of them, and shall be saved, with the help + of God." +</p> +<p> + "I agree with you," replied his nephew. Then they began to retreat + steadily, step by step, towards the highroad, fighting all the way, and + they reached it at last, though not without much trouble, while the enemy + lost both foot-soldiers and horsemen. When the French at length reached the + highroad which led to Verona, they closed in together, and began to retire + very gently, turning upon the foe with a gallant attack every two hundred + feet. +</p> +<p> + But all the time they had those arquebusiers at their heels constantly + firing upon them, so that at the last charge once more the Good Knight + had his horse killed under him. Before it fell he sprang to the ground + and defended himself in a wonderful way with his sword; but he was + soon surrounded and would have been killed, but at that moment his + standard-bearer, du Fay, with his archers, made so desperate a charge that + he rescued his captain from the very midst of the Venetians, set him upon + another horse, and then closed in with the others. +</p> +<p> + The night was drawing near, and the Good Knight commanded that there should + be no more charging, as they had done enough for their honour, and the + gallant little party found a safe refuge in the village of San Martino, in + the midst of cypresses, whence they had started in the morning. This was + about four miles from Verona, and the Venetian captain felt that further + pursuit would be dangerous as help would probably arrive from Verona. So he + caused the retreat to sound, and set out to return to San Bonifacio, but on + the way his foot-soldiers, who were quite worn out, having fought for about + five hours, begged to be allowed to stay at a village some miles short of + San Bonifacio. Manfroni did not much approve of this, but he let them have + their way, while he and his horsemen rode on to their usual quarters, + feeling much disgusted that they had been galloped about all day with so + little to show for it. +</p> +<p> + That night the French lodged in the village of San Martino, and they + feasted joyfully upon such provisions as they could find, feeling very + proud of their success, for they had scarcely lost any men in comparison + with the enemy. They were still at supper when one of their spies arrived + from San Bonifacio, and he was brought before Bayard, who asked what the + Venetians were doing. He replied: +</p> +<p> + "Nothing much; they are in great force inside San Bonifacio, and the rumour + goes that they will soon have Verona, for they have a strong party within + the city. As I was starting the Captain Manfroni arrived, very hot and + angry, and I heard him say that he had been fighting against a lot of + devils from hell and not men. As I was coming here I passed through a + village which I found quite full of their foot-soldiers, who are spending + the night there, and to look at them I should say that they are quite tired + out." +</p> +<p> + Then said the Good Knight: "I warrant that those are their foot-soldiers we + fought against to-day, who would not walk any further. If you feel disposed + we will go and take them. The moon is bright to-night, let us feed our + horses and at about three or four o'clock we will go and wake them." +</p> +<p> + This suggestion was quite approved of; they all did their best with the + horses, and after having set the watch, they all went to rest. But Bayard + was too full of his enterprise to take any sleep; so towards three hours + after midnight he quietly roused his men and set forth with them on + horseback, riding in perfect silence to the village where the Venetian + foot-soldiers were staying. He found them, as he had expected, fast asleep + "like fat pigs," without any watch as far as he could see. The new-comers + began to shout, "Empire! Empire! France! France!" and to this joyous cry + the bumpkins awoke, coming one by one out of their shelter to be slain like + beasts. Their captain, accompanied by two or three hundred men, threw + himself into the market-place and tried to make a stand there; but no time + was given him, for he was charged from so many directions that he and all + his men were attacked and defeated, so that only three remained alive. + These were the captain and two other gentlemen, who were brothers, and + afterwards were exchanged for French gentlemen who were in prisons at + Venice. +</p> +<p> + Having accomplished their work, the Good Knight and his company made their + way back to Verona, where they were received with great honour. On the + other hand, when the Venetians heard of the loss of their men they were + furious, and the Doge Andrea Gritti sharply blamed Manfroni for leaving + them behind. +</p> +<p> + We may mention here that this Giovanni Paolo Manfroni was a splendid + soldier and one of the finest captains of men-at-arms in Italy at this + period. +</p> +<p> + Manfroni had a certain spy, who often went backwards and forwards between + Venona and San Bonifacio, and who served both him and the Good Knight; but + those treacherous spies always serve one better than the other, and this + one hoped for the most gain from the Venetian. +</p> +<p> + So one day Manfroni said to him: "You must go to Verona and let Captain + Bayard know that the Council of Venice wish me to be sent in command of + Lignano, a fortified town on the Adige, as the present governor is ordered + to the Levant with a number of galleys. Tell Bayard that you know for + certain that I start to-morrow at dawn with three hundred light horsemen, + and that I shall have no foot-soldiers with me. I am sure that he will + never let me pass without a skirmish, and if he comes I trust he will be + killed or taken, for I shall have an ambush at Isola della Scale (about + fifteen miles south of Verona) of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand + foot-soldiers. If you manage for him to meet me there I promise on my faith + to give you two thousand ducats of gold." +</p> +<p> + This precious scoundrel readily promised that he would not fail to do so. + He went off straight to Verona, and to the lodging of the Good Knight, + where he was admitted at once, for all the people there believed him to be + entirely in the service of their master. They brought him in as soon as + Bayard had finished supper, and he was warmly welcomed. "Well, Vizentin, I + am glad to see you. You do not come without some reason; tell me, what news + have you?" +</p> +<a name="image-7"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/spy.jpg" width="200" height="280" +alt="Seizure of the Spy."> +</p> +<p> + "My lord, I have very good news, thank God!" was the reply. The Good Knight + at once rose from table and drew the spy on one side, to learn what was + going on, who repeated the lesson he had learned. Bayard was delighted at + the prospect before him, and gave orders that Vizentin was to be well + feasted. Then he called together the Captain Pierre du Pont, La Varenne, + his flag-bearer du Fay, and a certain Burgundian captain of "landsknechte," + Hannotin de Sucker, who had fought with him in most of his Italian wars. He + told these friends what he had heard from the spy, and how Manfroni was + going to Lignano on the morrow with only three hundred horsemen. Then he + added that, if his good companions would join him, these Venetians would + not finish their journey without a little fighting, but the matter must be + seen to at once. +</p> +<p> + It was settled that they should start at daybreak and take two hundred + men-at-arms. Hannotin de Sucker had his lodging at the other end of the + town, and while he was on his way home he chanced to see the spy coming out + of the house of a man who was known to be on the Venetian side. The + Burgundian captain at once suspected treason; he seized Vizentin by the + collar and asked him what he was doing. The man, taken by surprise, changed + colour and prevaricated so much that the captain at once took him back to + Bayard's lodging. He found his friend just going to bed, but the two sat + together over the fire, while the spy was carefully guarded. +</p> +<p> + Hannotin explained why he felt sure that there was something wrong. Bayard + at once sent for the spy, of whom he inquired his reason for going to the + house of Messire Baptiste Voltege, the suspected person. In his fright the + spy gave five or six different explanations; but the Good Knight said to + him: "Vizentin, tell the truth without hiding anything, and I promise, on + the word of a true gentleman, that whatever it may be, even if my death has + been conspired for, I will do you no harm. But, on the other hand, if I + catch you in a lie, you will be hung to-morrow at break of day." +</p> +<p> + The spy saw that he was caught, so he knelt down and begged for mercy, + which was again positively promised him. Then he told the whole story from + beginning to end of the proposed treachery; how Manfroni would have an + ambush of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand foot-soldiers to make + sure of Bayard's destruction. The spy owned that he had been to the house + of Baptiste to tell him of this enterprise, and to advise him to find means + some night to have one of the city gates opened to the Venetians, but he + added that Baptiste had refused to do this. +</p> +<p> + When he had made an end of his confession the Good Knight said to him: + "Vizentin, my money has certainly been wasted upon you, for you are a bad + and treacherous man ... You have deserved death, but I will keep my promise + and you shall be safe with me, but I advise you to keep out of sight, for + others may not spare you." +</p> +<p> + The spy was taken away to be closely guarded, and Bayard said to his + friend, the Burgundian captain: +</p> +<p> + "What shall we do to this Captain Manfroni who thinks to take us by a + trick? We must pay him out, and if you do what I ask you we will carry out + one of those splendid adventures which were done a hundred years ago." "My + lord, you have only to command and you will be obeyed," was the simple + reply. +</p> +<p> + "Then go at once to the lodging of the Prince of Hainault, and with my + compliments tell him the whole story. Then you must persuade him to send us + to-morrow morning two thousand of his 'landsknechte,' and we will take them + with us and leave them somewhere in ambush. If something wonderful does not + result you may blame me!" +</p> +<p> + Hannotin de Sucker started at once and went to the quarters of the Prince, + who was asleep in bed. He was roused immediately and soon heard all that + his visitor had to tell. This courteous Prince, who loved war better than + anything else, was also such a devoted admirer of the Good Knight that he + could have refused him nothing. He replied that he only wished he had heard + of this sooner, as he would have joined the party himself, but Bayard could + dispose of his soldiers as if they were his own. He instantly sent his + secretary to four or five of his most trusted captains, who, to make a long + story short, were ready at daybreak to meet the men-at-arms who had known + of the expedition overnight. They all met at the city gate and set forth + from the city towards Isola della Scala, and the Good Knight said to + Hannotin: "You and the 'landsknechte' must remain in ambush at Servode (a + little village two miles from Isola), and do not be uneasy for I will draw + our foes under your very nose, so that you will have plenty of honour + to-day if you are a gallant comrade." +</p> +<p> + All was carried out as arranged, for when the men in ambush were left + behind, all the rest of the brave company galloped on to Isola, as if they + knew nothing of what awaited them. They were in an open plain, where there + was a good view from all sides, and presently they saw the Captain Manfroni + riding towards them with his small company of light horsemen. The Good + Knight sent forward his standard-bearer, du Fay, with some archers for a + little skirmish, while he rode after them at a good pace with the + men-at-arms. But he had not gone far when he saw, coming briskly out of the + town of Isola, the Venetian foot-soldiers and a troop of men-at-arms. He + made a show of being surprised, and bade the trumpeter sound to recall his + standard. When du Fay heard this, according to his orders, he began to + retire with his company, which closed up round him, and pretended to be + going straight back to Verona, but really went slowly towards the village + where their "landsknechte" were hiding. An archer had already been sent on + to tell Captain Sucker to make ready for the fight. +</p> +<p> + Meantime the men of Venice, with their combined troops, charged the small + company of Frenchmen, making such a noise that thunder would not have been + heard, for they felt quite sure that their prey could not escape them. The + French kept well together and skirmished so cleverly that they were soon + within a bow-shot from Servode, when the "landsknechte" of the Prince of + Hainault rushed forth in close ranks from their ambush, and at the word of + command from Bayard charged the Venetians, who were astounded. But they + were good fighting men and made a bold stand, although many were borne to + the ground by the terrible long spears of their enemies. Manfroni made a + splendid resistance, but he could do nothing to help his foot-soldiers, + who could not escape by flight, as they were too far from any refuge; and + he was compelled to see them cut up and destroyed before his eyes. The + Venetian captain soon saw that his only chance was to retreat or he must be + killed, if not taken prisoner, so he galloped off at full speed towards San + Bonifacio. He was followed for some distance, but the Good Knight then + caused the retreat to be sounded, and the pursuers returned, but with great + spoils of prisoners and horses. +</p> +<p> + The loss of the Venetians was very great, for none of the foot-soldiers + escaped, and there were about sixty prisoners of importance who were taken + to Verona, where the successful French, Burgundians, and "landsknechte" + were received with the utmost joy by their companions, whose only regret + was that they had missed the fray. Thus ended this gallant adventure which + brought great honour and praise to the Good Knight. When he returned to his + lodging he sent for the spy, to whom he said: +</p> +<p> + "Vizentin, according to my promise I will set you free. You can go to the + Venetian camp and ask the Captain Manfroni if the Captain Bayard is as + clever in war as he is. Say that if he wants to take me he will find me in + the fields." +</p> +<p> + He sent two of his archers to conduct the spy out of the town, and the man + went at once to San Bonifacio, where Manfroni had him taken and hung as a + traitor, without listening to any excuse. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-7"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap7.jpg" width="190" height="97" +alt="POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> +<p> + When war began again in Italy at the close of the year 1510, Louis XII. + found that he had no allies except the Duke of Ferrara and some Swiss + mercenaries. Pope Julius II. had joined forces with the Venetians in his + eager desire to drive the French out of Italy, and he was also extremely + wroth with Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara. He sent word to the widowed Countess + of Mirandola that she should give up her city into his hands, as he + required it for his attack upon Ferrara. +</p> +<p> + When at length the brave defenders had been compelled to yield their + citadel, Pope Julius refused to take possession of the conquered city in + the usual way by riding in through the gate; he had a bridge thrown across + the frozen moat and climbed in through a breach in the walls. It must have + been a gallant sight to look upon, when he politely escorted the angry + Countess of Mirandola out of the home she had so bravely defended, while + she held her head high and boldly spoke her mind, with pride and assurance + as great as his own. +</p> +<p> + When news of the fall of Mirandola reached the Duke of Ferrara he expected + that the next move would be an attack on Ferrara itself. He therefore + destroyed the bridge which he had made across the Po, and retreated with + all his army to his own strong city. The Castello of Ferrara, in the very + heart of the city, standing four-square with its mighty crenellated towers, + was one of the most famous fortresses of Italy and was believed to be + impregnable; only by famine could it be taken. +</p> +<p> + The Pope's wisest captains and his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, pointed out + that Ferrara was thoroughly fortified, well provided with artillery of the + newest make, and was defended by an army of well-tried soldiers, amongst + whom was the French company commanded by Bayard. One noted Venetian captain + thus gave his opinion: "Holy Father, we must prevent any provisions + arriving at Ferrara by the river, and also from Argenta and the country + round, which is very rich and fertile. But this we shall scarcely + accomplish unless we take La Bastida, a place about twenty-five miles from + Ferrara; but if once this fortress is in our hands we can starve out the + city in two months, considering what a number of people are within its + walls." +</p> +<p> + Pope Julius saw the point at once and exclaimed: "Certainly, we must have + that place; I shall not rest until it is taken." +</p> +<p> + We may imagine the dismay of the governor of La Bastida when he saw a + formidable army arrive, for it happened at the time that he had only a weak + garrison. He instantly sent off a messenger to Ferrara, before the castle + was surrounded and the artillery set in position, pointing out the extreme + peril and the absolute need of immediate help. The trusty man made such + haste that he reached Ferrara about noon, having taken hardly six hours on + the way. It so chanced that he met Bayard at the city gate, and on the Good + Knight asking what news he brought, he replied: +</p> +<p> + "My lord, I come from La Bastida, which is besieged by seven or eight + thousand men, and the commander sends me to tell the Duke that if he does + not receive help he will not be able to hold the place until to-morrow + night if they try to take it by assault ... for he has only twenty-five men + of war within the walls...." +</p> +<p> + Bayard at once hastened with him to the Duke, whom he met riding in the + market-place with the lord of Montboison. They thought at first that a spy + had been taken, but soon learnt that he was the bearer of bad news. As the + Duke read the letter which the commander had written he turned pale, and + when he had finished he shrugged his shoulders and said: "If I lose La + Bastida I may as well abandon Ferrara, and I do not see how we can possibly + send help within the time mentioned, for he implores assistance before + to-morrow morning, and it is impossible." +</p> +<p> + "Why?" asked the lord of Montboison. +</p> +<p> + "Because it is five-and-twenty miles from here, and in this bad weather it + will be more than that," replied the Duke. "There is a narrow way for about + half a mile where the men will have to go one after the other. Besides, + there is another thing, for if our enemies knew of a certain passage twenty + men could hold it against ten thousand, but I trust they will not discover + it." +</p> +<p> + When the Good Knight saw how distressed the Duke was, he said: +</p> +<p> + "My lord, when a small matter is at stake we may hesitate; but when we are + threatened with utter destruction we must try any means. The enemies are + before La Bastida, and they are quite confident that we shall not dare to + leave this city to raise the siege, knowing that the great army of the Pope + is so near us. I have thought of a plan which will be easy to carry out, if + fortune is with us. +</p> +<p> + "You have in this town four or five thousand foot-soldiers, well hardened + and good soldiers; let us take two thousand of them with eight hundred + Swiss under Captain Jacob and send them this night in boats up the river. + You are still master of the Po as far as Argenta; they will go and wait for + us at the passage you spoke of. If they arrive there first they will take + it, and the men-at-arms who are in this town will ride by the road all this + night. We shall have good guides and will so manage as to arrive by + daybreak and thus join the others; our enemies will have no suspicion of + this enterprise. From the passage you spoke of it is three miles or less to + La Bastida; before they have time to put themselves in order of battle we + will attack them sharply, and my heart tells me that we shall defeat them." +</p> +<p> + The Duke, delighted, replied with a smile: "Upon my word, Sir Bayard, + nothing seems impossible to you! But I believe that if the gentlemen who + are here agree with you, we shall indeed win...." No one made any + difficulty; on the contrary, the captains of the men-at-arms were so + delighted that, as the chronicler says, "they thought they were in + Paradise." The boats were all prepared as quietly and secretly as possible, + for in the city there were known to be many friends of the Pope. +</p> +<p> + Fortunately it was the dead of winter, when the nights were long. As soon + as it was dark the foot-soldiers embarked in the boats, which were provided + with trusty and experienced boatmen. The horsemen, led by the Duke in + person, also set forth as soon as the twilight came; they took good guides, + and had a safe journey notwithstanding the stormy weather. Thus it + happened that half an hour before dawn they arrived at the narrow passage, + where all was lonely and quiet, at which they rejoiced greatly. They had + not been waiting half an hour before the boats arrived with the + foot-soldiers. +</p> +<p> + The men landed and then marched slowly by a narrow path until they reached + a very deep canal between the Po and La Bastida, where they had to cross a + little bridge so narrow that they had to go one after the other. This took + a whole hour to cross, so that it was now quite daylight, which made the + Duke anxious, more especially as, hearing no sound of artillery, he feared + the fortress had been taken. But just as he was speaking about it there + thundered forth three cannon shots, at which all the company was delighted. + They were now only a mile from the enemy, and the Good Knight said: +</p> +<p> + "Gentlemen, I have always heard it said that he is a fool who makes light + of his foes; we are now close to ours, and they are three to one. If they + knew of our enterprise it would be very bad for us, as they have artillery + and we have none. Besides, I believe that on this occasion all the flower + of the Pope's army is before us; we must take them by surprise if possible. + I would propose sending du Fay with fifteen or twenty horsemen to sound the + alarm on the side from which the enemy came, and Captain Pierre du Pont + with a hundred men-at-arms should be within a bow-shot to support him, and + we will also send him Captain Jacob with his Swiss. You, my lord," he said + to the Duke, "with my lord of Montboison, my companions and myself, we will + go straight to the siege, and I will go in front to give the alarm. If du + Fay is first in position and they attack him, we will go forward and + enclose them; but if our party is first, Captain Pierre du Pont and the + Swiss will do so on their side. That will astonish them so much that they + will not know what to do, for they will think we are three times as many + men as we are, and especially when all our trumpets sound forth at once." +</p> +<p> + No one had anything better to suggest, for indeed the Good Knight was so + great an authority in war that all were glad to follow where he led. +</p> +<p> + The attack was thus made on both sides, du Fay giving such a tremendous + alarm on the outer side of the camp that the enemies hastily began to put + on their armour, to mount their horses, and go straight towards where they + heard the trumpets. The foot-soldiers set about arranging themselves in + battle order, but fortunately this took so long that meantime the + assailants of du Fay were attacked and driven back by Pierre du Pont, while + the Swiss poured down upon the foot-soldiers, whose number would have + overwhelmed them had not the men-at-arms rode down upon the papal infantry + from the other side. +</p> +<p> + The Duke and the French company, with two thousand foot-soldiers, who had + arrived under the walls without being observed, now joined in the fray from + the other side, to the utter confusion of the enemy, who were completely + surrounded and cut to pieces. Some of the horsemen of the papal army made a + desperate attempt to rally, but Bayard and another captain called their + ensigns and rode straight at them, with the cry of: "France! France! The + Duke! the Duke!" and charged them with such vehemence that most of them + were brought to the ground. The fighting went on for a good hour, but at + last the camp was lost and those escaped who could, but they were not many. + This battle cost the Pope about three thousand men, all his artillery and + camp furnishing, and was the salvation of the duchy of Ferrara. More than + three hundred horses remained in the hands of the conquerors, besides many + prisoners of importance. +</p> +<p> + Indeed, we do not wonder that so much stress is laid upon this victory by + the chronicler of Bayard, as it was solely due to his energy and + resolution. The battle took place on February 11, 1511. +</p> +<p> + It was at the siege of Brescia that the fame of Bayard reached its highest + point. His splendid courage in volunteering to place himself in the + forefront of battle and face the dreaded hand-guns of the arquebusiers is + the more striking as he had a special hatred of these new arms which were + coming more and more into use. All this gunpowder business was detestable + to the great knight, who had been trained in the old school of chivalry, + where gentlemen showed their skill in the use of arms, and fought bravely + against each other, while a battle was a kind of glorified tournament. "It + is a shame," he used to say, "that a man of spirit should be exposed to be + killed by a miserable stone or iron ball against which he cannot defend + himself." +</p> +<p> + Bayard always seems to us singularly free from the superstitions of his + day, but we cannot forget that an astrologer had foretold his death from + one of these new machines of war. +</p> +<p> + When all preparations had been made for the assault of the city, the Duke + of Nemours said to the captains of the army: "My lords, there is one thing + that for God's sake we must consider. You know that if this town is taken + by assault, it will be ruined and pillaged, and many will be put to death, + which seems a great pity. We must try once, before they put it to the + touch, whether they will surrender." +</p> +<p> + This was agreed to, and the next morning a trumpeter was sent forth from + the citadel, who marched down to the first rampart of the enemy where the + Doge, Messire Andrea Gritti, and his captains came to meet him. The + trumpeter asked if he might enter the town, but was told that he might say + what he liked to those present who had the authority to answer him. Then he + gave his message, saying that if they would give up the city they should + all be free to go forth and their lives would be safe, but if it were taken + by assault they would probably all be killed. +</p> +<p> + The answer they gave was to bid him return, for the town belonged to the + Republic of Venice, and so would remain, and they would take good care that + no Frenchman should ever set foot within. +</p> +<p> + The trumpeter brought back his answer, and when it was heard, there was no + more delay for the men were already in battle order. +</p> +<p> + "Well, gentlemen, we must all do our best.... Let us march," said Gaston de + Foix, Duc de Nemours, "in the name of God and my lord St. Denis." Drums, + trumpets, and bugles sounded an alarm. The enemy replied with a burst of + artillery, and the attacking party from the citadel began their descent + down the hill, where the ground was very slippery, for there had been rain + in the night. The general and many other knights took off their broad, + plated shoes to gain a firmer hold with the felt slippers worn under the + armour, for no one wished to be left behind. At the first rampart there was + a fierce conflict, for it was splendidly defended, and while the Good + Knight's company cried "Bayard! Bayard! France!" the enemy replied with + "Marco! Marco!" making so much noise as to drown the sound of the + hand-guns. The Doge, Andrea Gritti, encouraged his followers by saying to + them in the Italian tongue: "Hold firm, my friends, the French will soon + be tired, and if we can defeat this Bayard, the others will never come on." +</p> +<p> + But in spite of all his encouragement his men began to give way, and seeing + this the Good Knight cried: "Push on, push on, comrades! It is ours; only + march forward and we have won." He himself was the first to enter and cross + the rampart with about a thousand men following after him, and so with much + fighting the first fort was taken with great loss of life to the defenders. +</p> +<p> + But in the very moment of victory the Good Knight was wounded, receiving + the blow of a pike in his thigh, which entered in so deeply that the iron + was broken and remained in the wound. He believed himself stricken to death + from the pain he suffered, and turning to his friend, the lord of Molart, + he said: "Companion, advance with your men, the city is gained; but I can + go no further for I am dying." He was losing so much blood that he felt he + must either die without confession, or else permit two of his archers to + carry him out of the mêlée and do their best to staunch the wound. +</p> +<p> + When the news spread that their hero and champion was mortally wounded the + whole army, captains and men alike, were all moved to avenge his death, and + fought with fierce courage. Nothing could resist them, and at length they + entered pell-mell into the city, where the citizens and the women threw + great stones and boiling water from the windows upon the invaders, doing + more harm than all the soldiers had done. But the men of Venice were + utterly defeated, and many thousands remained in their last sleep in the + great piazza and the narrow streets where they had been pursued by the + enemy. Of that proud army which had held Brescia with bold defiance, such + as were not slain were taken prisoners, and among these was the Doge of + Venice himself. Then followed an awful time of pillage and every form of + cruelty and disorder, as was ever the way in those days when a city was + taken by storm. The spoils taken were valued at three millions of crowns, + and this in the end proved the ruin of the French power in Italy, for so + many of the soldiers, demoralised by plunder, deserted with their + ill-gotten gains and went home. +</p> +<p> + Meantime the wounded Bayard was borne into the city by his two faithful + archers and taken to a quiet street from whence the tide of battle had + passed on. Here they knocked at the door of a fine house whose master had + fled to a monastery, leaving his wife in charge. The good lady opened it at + once to receive the wounded soldier, and Bayard, turning to his men, bade + them guard the house against all comers, being assured that when they heard + his name none would attempt to enter. "And rest assured that what you lose + in the matter of spoil I will make good to you," he added. The lady of the + house led the way to her guest-chamber, whither the Good Knight was + carried, and she threw herself on her knees before him, saying: "Noble + lord, I present to you this house and all that is in it, for it is yours by + right of war, but I pray you to spare my honour and my life and that of my + two young daughters...." She had hidden away the poor girls in an attic + under the hay, but Bayard soon set her mind at rest, and gave her his + knightly word that her house would be as safe as a sanctuary. Then he asked + if she knew of a surgeon, and she went to fetch her own doctor, under the + escort of one of the archers. When he arrived he dressed the wound, which + was very deep and jagged, but he assured his patient that he was in no + danger of death, and would probably be on horseback again in less than a + month. +</p> +<p> + Great was the joy of the Duc de Nemours and of all the French army when + this good report reached them, and the general, who remained in Brescia for + about a week, paid him a visit every day. He tried to comfort him by the + prospect of another battle before long against the Spaniards, and bade him + be quick and get well, for they could not do without him. The Good Knight + made reply that if there should be a battle he would not miss it for the + love he bore to his dear Gaston de Foix and for the King's service; rather + he would be carried thither in a litter. +</p> +<p> + Before leaving, when he had placed the hapless city in some kind of order + and government, Gaston sent the Good Knight many presents and five hundred + crowns, which he at once gave to his faithful archers. The Duke had, + indeed, no choice about his movements, for he received most urgent letters + from the King of France, who wanted the Spaniards to be driven out of + Lombardy as soon as possible, for France was threatened on every side, by + the King of England and by the Swiss. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight was compelled to remain in bed for nearly five weeks, to + his great annoyance, for he received news from the French camp every day, + and there was constant talk of an approaching battle. So he sent for the + surgeon who attended him and told him that all this worry was making him + much worse, and that he must be allowed to join the camp. Seeing what kind + of warrior he had to deal with, the good man replied that the wound was not + closed but was healing well, and that there would be no danger in his + sitting on horseback, but the wound must be carefully dressed night and + morning by his barber. If any one had given Bayard a fortune he would not + have been so delighted, and he settled to start in two days' time. On the + morning when he was to leave after dinner, the good lady of the house came + to speak to him. She knew that by the laws of war she, her daughters, and + her husband (who had long since returned from the monastery where he had + taken refuge) were all prisoners of this French knight, and all that was in + the house belonged to him. But she had found him so kind and courteous that + she hoped to gain his favour by a handsome present, and she brought with + her one of her servants bearing a steel casket containing 2500 ducats. On + entering the Good Knight's chamber she fell on her knees before him, but he + would not suffer her to speak a word until she was seated by his side. Then + she poured out all her gratitude for his knightly courtesy and protection, + and at last offered him the casket, opening it to show what it contained. + But Bayard put it aside with a friendly smile, and replied: +</p> +<p> + "On my word, dear lady, I have never cared for money all my life! No riches + could ever be so precious to me as the kindness and devoted care which you + have shown to me during my stay with you, and I assure you that so long as + I live you will always have a faithful gentleman at your command. I thank + you very much for your ducats, but I pray that you will take them back...." + However, the lady was so much distressed at his refusal that he at length + accepted the casket, but begged her to send her daughters to wish him + good-bye. When they came and would have fallen on their knees before him, + he would not suffer such humility, but thanked them for all their kindness + in cheering him with their lute and spinet and singing during his illness, + and begged them to accept the ducats contained in their mother's casket, + which he poured out into their aprons whether they would or not. Overcome + by his courteous persuasion, the mother thanked him with tears in her eyes: + "Thou flower of knighthood to whom none can compare, may the Blessed + Saviour reward thee in this world and the next." When the Good Knight's + horses were brought round at mid-day, after dinner, the two fair maidens + brought him some presents of their own needlework, bracelets made with hair + bound with gold and silver threads, and a little embroidered purse, which + he gallantly placed in his sleeve, and the bracelets on his arms, with many + thanks, to the great delight of the girls. Thus with friendly words and + courtly farewells he took his leave, and rode away with a goodly company of + friends towards the camp near Ravenna, where he was welcomed with the + greatest joy and honour by all the French army. +</p> +<p> + When Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours, arrived at the camp before Ravenna he + assembled all the captains together to consider what was to be done, for + the French army began to suffer very much on account of the scarcity of + provisions, which could only be obtained with great difficulty. They were + very short of bread and wine, because the Venetians had cut off the + supplies from one side and the Spanish army held all the coast of Romagna. +</p> +<p> + There was also another reason for haste, which was not yet known to the + French leaders. Maximilian had long been uncertain and vacillating in his + alliances, but had now definitely decided to join the side of Pope Julius + and the King of Spain. As usual there were companies of German and Swiss + mercenaries both in the Italian army and also with the French, and these + owed some kind of allegiance to the sovereign of their land. Thus it was + that the Emperor had sent word to the companies of German "landsknechte" + that they were to retire home at once and were not to fight against the + Spaniards. Now it so happened that this letter had only been seen by the + Captain Jacob, who commanded these mercenaries in the French army, and he, + being a great friend of Bayard, privately asked his advice, first telling + him that having accepted the pay of the French King he had no intention of + thus betraying him in the hour of battle. But he suggested that it would be + well to hurry on the impending battle before other letters should come from + the Emperor and give the men an excuse for retiring. The Good Knight saw + how urgent the matter was and advised him to declare it to the general, the + Duc de Nemours. +</p> +<p> + Duke Gaston, who had now heard of the Emperor's letter, said that they had + no choice, and also that his uncle, the King of France, was sending + constant messengers to hurry on war operations as he was in sore straits. + Bayard was asked to give his opinion, and he modestly replied that he had + only just arrived and others might know more, but as far as he could learn, + the besieged were promised that a large army from Naples and Rome would + come to their help in a few days, certainly before Easter, and this was + Maundy Thursday. "And on the other hand," he added, "our men have no + provisions and the horses are reduced to eating willow leaves, so that each + day's delay makes it worse for us. You see, too, the King our master writes + to us every day to hasten our movements, therefore I advise that we give + battle. But we must use all caution for we have to do with brave and good + fighting men, and we cannot deny the risk and danger. There is one comfort: + the Spaniards have been in Romagna for a year, fed like fish in the water + till they are fat and full, while our men, having undergone much hardship, + have longer breath. Remember that to him who fights longest the camp will + remain." +</p> +<p> + At this every one smiled, for Bayard always had such a bright and pleasant + way of putting things that men loved to hear him. His advice was followed + and all was made ready for a determined assault on the city next day, which + was Good Friday. The captains and their men set forth in gallant mood, as + though they went to a wedding, and so fierce was the attack of the + artillery that before long a small breach was made in the fortification, + but the defenders fought so well that it was not possible to break through + and at length the retreat was sounded. This was really a fortunate thing, + as if the soldiery had begun pillaging the place the coming battle would + certainly have been lost, and the relieving army was now within two miles + of Ravenna. +</p> +<p> + It would be too long to follow the whole story of that fierce and desperate + conflict, where both sides fought with the utmost skill and valour. The + Spaniards certainly carried out their usual tactics of constantly taking + aim at the horses of the French riders, for they have a proverb which says: + "When the horse is dead the man-at-arms is lost." Their war-cry was: + "Spain! Spain! St. Iago!" to which the other side replied by another + furious onslaught to the shouts of "France! France!" And wherever the Good + Knight passed, "Bayard! Bayard!" was the clarion note which cheered on his + company, ever in the forefront of battle. The French artillery was used + with great success, and as for the young general, Gaston de Foix, he led + forward his men again and again with splendid success. It was late in the + day and already the tide of victory was on the side of the French, when the + Good Knight, who was riding in pursuit of the flying enemy, said to the + Duke: "Praise be to God, you have won the battle, my lord, and the world + will ring with your fame. I pray you to remain here by the bridge and rally + your men-at-arms to keep them from pillaging the camp. But do not leave, I + entreat, till we return." It would have been well, indeed, if he had + remembered this, but some time later, in the tumult and confusion, he saw + some Gascons being driven across the canal by a few Spanish fugitives, and + with his usual impetuous chivalry, Gaston threw himself to their rescue, + without waiting to see who followed him. +</p> +<p> + He found himself hemmed in between the canal and a deep ditch, attacked by + desperate men with pikes; his horse was killed and he fought on foot with + only his sword. His companions, who had quickly seen his danger, were + trampled down or thrust into the water, and in vain his cousin, de Lautrec, + shouted to the Spaniards, "Do not kill him; he is our general, the brother + of your Queen" (Germaine de Foix). The gallant young Duke fell covered with + wounds, and de Lautrec was left for dead, before their assailants turned + and continued their flight to Ravenna. It so chanced that some distance + farther the Good Knight met them, and would have attacked them, but they + pleaded humbly for their lives, which could make no difference now the + battle was won. Bayard let them go, little knowing that they had done to + death his dear lord and beloved friend, Gaston de Foix. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight wrote to his uncle on April 14, 1512: +</p> +<p> + "Sir, if our King has gained the battle I vow to you that we poor gentlemen + have lost it; for while we were away in pursuit of the enemy ... my lord + of Nemours ... was killed and never was there such grief and lamentation + as overwhelms our camp, for we seem to have lost everything. If our dear + lord had lived to his full age (he was but twenty-four) he would have + surpassed all other princes, and his memory would have endured so long as + the world shall last.... Sir, yesterday morning the body of my lord + (Gaston de Foix, Duc de Nemours) was borne to Milan with the greatest + honour we could devise, with two hundred men-at-arms, the many banners + taken in this battle carried trailing on the ground before his body, with + his own standards triumphantly floating behind him.... We have lost many + other great captains, and amongst them my friend Jacob of the German + foot-soldiers ... and I assure you that for a hundred years the kingdom of + France will not recover from our loss....—Your humble servitor, BAYARD." +</p> +<p> + The brilliant victory won outside the walls of Ravenna was the last + successful engagement of the French army which, threatened on every side, + was soon "to melt away like mist flying before the wind." The day after the + battle Ravenna was pillaged by the French adventurers and "landsknechte" + with the usual unfortunate result, that they forsook their masters and + returned home with their booty. +</p> +<p> + This gallant young prince was indeed a terrible loss both to his friends + and to his country. His uncle, Louis XII., is said to have exclaimed, on + hearing of the death of the Duke of Nemours: "Would to God that I had lost + Italy, and that Gaston and the others who fell at Ravenna were still + alive!" +</p> +<p> + It was difficult to fill his place, but Chabannes la Palisse was chosen to + the command of the army, as Lautrec had been grievously wounded and was now + at Ferrara, where he ultimately recovered. +</p> +<p> + The French army was already weary and dispirited when the troops of the + Pope and his allies bore down upon them in great numbers; and after several + attempts at resistance they were compelled to retire to Pavia, which they + hoped to defend. However, they had barely time to fortify the various gates + before the enemy was upon them, two days later. By the advice of Bayard, a + bridge of boats was made across the river as a way of retreat, for the + stone bridge was sure to be guarded by the enemy, and, as we shall see, + this proved to be of immense value. By some means, the Swiss managed to + enter the town by the citadel and advanced to the market-place, where, on + the alarm being sounded, they were met by the foot-soldiers and some + men-at-arms, amongst whom were the Captain Louis d'Ars, who was Governor, + La Palisse, and the lord of Imbercourt. But, above all, the Good Knight did + incredible things, for with about twenty or thirty men-at-arms he held all + the Swiss at bay for about two hours in a narrow passage, fighting the + whole time with such desperate energy that he had two horses killed under + him. +</p> +<p> + It was now that the bridge of boats came into use, and the artillery was + first preparing to cross when Captain Pierre du Pont, Bayard's nephew, who + was keeping a watch on the enemy, came to tell the company fighting in the + market-place: "Gentlemen, retire at once; for above our bridge a number of + Swiss are arriving in little boats, ten at a time, and when they have + enough men they will enclose us in this city and we shall all be cut to + pieces." +</p> +<p> + He was so wise and valiant a leader that his words were obeyed, and the + French retreated, always fighting, as far as their bridge, hotly pursued, + so that there was heavy skirmishing. However, the horsemen passed over + safely, while about three hundred foot-soldiers remained behind to guard + the entrance of the bridge. But a great misfortune happened, for when the + French had just succeeded in taking across the last piece of artillery, a + long "culverin"<a href="#note-5"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> + (cannon), named + <i>Madame de Forli</i>,<a href="#note-6"><small><sup>2</sup></small></a> + which had been + re-taken from the Spaniards at Ravenna, was so heavy that it sank the first + boat, and the poor soldiers, seeing they were lost, escaped as best they + could, but many were killed and others drowned. +</p> +<a name="note-5"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>1</u></sup> +[Cannon of 5-1/2 inches bore; weight of the shot 17-1/2 lbs.] +</p> +<a name="note-6"></a> +<p> +<sup><u>2</u></sup> +[Named after the famous Catarina Sforza, the warlike Lady of Forli.] +</p> +<p> + When the French had crossed the bridge they destroyed it, although they + were no longer pursued, but a great misfortune befell Bayard. He was, as + usual, in the place of danger, protecting the retreat of his company, when + he was wounded by the shot from the town of a small cannon called a + "fowler." It struck him between the shoulder and the neck with such force + that all the flesh was torn off to the bone, and those who saw the shot + thought he was killed. But although he was in agony and knew that he was + seriously wounded, he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, it is nothing." + They tried to staunch the wound with moss from the trees, and some of his + soldiers tore up their shirts for bandages, as there was no surgeon at + hand. It was in this unfortunate condition that the Good Knight accompanied + the French army on that sad retreat from place to place, until at last they + reached Piedmont and crossed the Alps. +</p> +<p> + Less than three months after the victory of Ravenna the triumphant allies + had re-taken Bologna, Parma, and Piacenza without a blow; had encouraged + Genoa to assert her independence; and Italy, with the exception of a few + citadels, had escaped from French rule. +</p> +<p> + Bayard, who suffered much from his wound, was carried to Grenoble, where + his good uncle the Bishop, who had first started him in his career of arms, + received him with the greatest affection. He was warmly welcomed and made + much of in his native land, and possibly the excitement, combined with his + serious wound, was too much for him, as he fell ill with fever and for more + than a fortnight his life was despaired of. +</p> +<p> + Prayers and supplications were made for him throughout the whole country, + especially in all the churches of Grenoble itself, and, as the chronicler + remarks, "there must have been some good person whose prayers were heard," + for the Good Knight gradually grew better, and before many weeks he was as + well and as gay as ever. Never was any one more feasted and entertained + than he was during the three months when he remained with his uncle, the + Bishop of Grenoble. A very interesting letter has been preserved which this + good prelate wrote to the Queen of France at this time. He thanks her for + her great kindness in sending her doctor, Maitre Pierre, whose skill has + had so much effect in curing his nephew. He also informs Her Majesty that + he has spoken to Bayard about the marriage she suggests for him, but with + all due gratitude he does not find himself in a position to marry, and has + never given the subject a thought.... +</p> +<p> + This is exactly what we might have expected from the good Anne of Brittany. + She had such a passion for match-making that she had obtained from the Pope + a "portable" altar, which always travelled with her, that she might have a + marriage solemnised at any time. +</p> +<p class="ctr"><a name="image-8"></a> +<img src="images/henry.jpg" width="180" height="272" +alt="Bayard presented to the King of England."> +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-8"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap8.jpg" width="189" height="92" +alt="HENRY the EIGHTH KING of ENGLAND +from the portrait by Hans Holbein"> +</p> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> +<p> + The next war in which Bayard was engaged was that in which Louis XII. was + attacked by the King of Spain in Navarre. Henry VIII. was at the same time + preparing to invade the north of France, landing near Calais, and the Swiss + were already pouring into Burgundy. +</p> +<p> + As we may expect, Bayard was not long without being sent on some perilous + adventure. He was at the siege of Pampeluna with the deposed King Jean + d'Albret of Navarre and the lord of La Palisse, when they told him there + was a certain castle about four leagues off which it would be well for him + to take, as the garrison was a constant annoyance to the French. The Good + Knight at once set off with his own company, that of Captain Bonneval, a + certain number of adventurers, and two troops of "landsknechte." When he + arrived before the fortress, he sent a trumpeter to proclaim to those + within that they must yield it to their rightful sovereign, the King of + Navarre, in which case they would save their lives and goods, but if the + place had to be taken by assault they would have no mercy. +</p> +<p> + The Spaniards were valiant men and loyal subjects of the King of Spain, + and they made reply that they would not yield the fortress and still less + themselves. Upon this Bayard put his artillery in position and made such + good use of it that a breach was soon made in the walls, but it was high up + and not easy to make use of. The Good Knight then sounded the order to + assault and commanded the "landsknechte" to advance. Their interpreter said + that it was their rule, when a place was to be taken by assault, that they + should have double pay. The Good Knight would have nothing to do with their + rules, but he promised that if they took the place they should have what + they asked for. But not a single man of them would mount the breach. + Thereupon Bayard sounded the retreat, and then made an attack with the + artillery as though he wished to enlarge the breach, but he had another + plan. He called one of his men-at-arms, by name Little John, and said to + him: "My friend, you can do me a good service which will be well rewarded. + You see that tower at the corner of the castle; when you hear the assault + begin take ladders, and with thirty or forty men scale that tower, which + you will find undefended." So it turned out, for all the garrison went to + defend the breach, while Little John and his men mounted the tower unseen + and cried out, "France! France! Navarre! Navarre!" The defenders, finding + themselves assailed on every side, did their best; but the castle was soon + taken, and the whole place was pillaged and left in charge of the King of + Navarre's men. +</p> +<p> + In this year, 1513, died Julius II., the great warrior Pope, a constant foe + to the French, and he was succeeded by the Cardinal dei Medici, Pope Leo X. +</p> +<p> + Louis XII., having most reluctantly withdrawn his troops from Italy, now + prepared to meet an invasion of Picardy by the English. He sent a large + body of troops to the assistance of the lord of Piennes, Governor of + Picardy, commanded by the finest captains of the kingdom, and amongst these + was Bayard. In the month of June 1513 a large army had landed with Henry + VIII. near Calais; a most convenient place for the invasion of France, as + it was in possession of the English. A strong force was sent on to besiege + the town of Thérouanne in Artois, but the King himself remained behind at + Calais for some tournaments and festivities. When he set forth, a few weeks + later, to join his army he had a very narrow escape of being taken prisoner + by Bayard, who met him on the way. +</p> +<p> + It happened that the English King was accompanied by about 12,000 + foot-soldiers, of whom 4000 were landed, but he had no horsemen, while + Bayard commanded a detachment of nearly 1200 men-at-arms. The two armies + came within a cannon-shot of each other, and Henry VIII., seeing his + danger, dismounted from his horse and placed himself in the middle of the + "landsknechte." The French were only too eager to charge through the + foot-soldiers, and Bayard implored the Governor of Picardy, under whose + orders he was, to allow him to lead them on. "My lord, let us charge them!" + he exclaimed; "if they give way at the first charge we shall break through, + but if they make a strong stand we can always retire, for they are on foot + and we on horseback." But the lord of Piennes only replied: "Gentlemen, the + King my master has charged me on my life to risk nothing, but only to + defend his land; do what you please, but for my part I will never give my + consent." +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight, brought up in strict military discipline, was not one to + break the law of obedience, and he yielded with bitter disappointment in + his heart. The timid caution of the Governor of Picardy had thus lost him, + in all probability, the chance of a splendid adventure, for the capture of + King Henry VIII. at the very beginning of the war might have changed the + whole history of Europe. +</p> +<p> + As it was, the King was suffered to pass on his way, but Bayard obtained + leave to harass the retreating army, and with his company took possession + of a piece of artillery called <i>Saint John</i>, for Henry VIII. had twelve of + these big cannons, to which he gave the name of "his twelve apostles." +</p> +<p> + The King of England reached the camp outside Thérouanne in safety, and a + few days later was joined by the Emperor Maximilian, who was welcomed with + much feasting. Their combined forces are said to have amounted to 40,000 + men, and they soon began a vigorous bombardment of the city, which was + bravely defended with a strong garrison, who did their best with the + limited means at their disposal. Thérouanne was a strongly-fortified city, + but the massive walls, which had formerly been impregnable, could not stand + against a long siege with this new artillery. +</p> +<p> + The besieged city was very short of provisions and the great object of the + French was to supply these; indeed Louis XII., who had advanced as far as + Amiens, was sending constant orders that this must be done at any risk. At + the same time he was very anxious to avoid a general engagement as his army + would be no match for the combined English and Burgundian forces. French + historians tell us that this was the cause of that disastrous encounter + which, to their great annoyance, has been called the "Battle of Spurs." + They point out that the troops were not sent to fight, but only to + revictual a besieged place, and that the King's orders were that, if + attacked, "they were to retreat at a walk, and if they were pressed, go + from a walk to a trot, and from a trot to a gallop, for they were to risk + nothing." +</p> +<p> + This was the French plan to send provisions for the beleaguered city, a + very difficult enterprise on account of the immense army which surrounded + it. It was arranged that the cavalry should make a feigned attack on the + side of Guinegaste, in order to draw the enemy in that direction, while + eight hundred "stradiots" (light horse, chiefly Albanians in the service of + France) were to make a dash on the other side, gallop through the defending + force, reach the moat and throw in the bundles of provisions which they + carried on the necks of their horses. This we are told the Albanians + actually succeeded in doing, and it seemed as if this bold stroke would be + successful, for the besieged, under cover of night, would be able to fetch + in the much-needed provisions. +</p> +<p> + The French men-at-arms, meantime, had advanced to the attack and, after + some skirmishing with the English and Imperial troops, were beginning to + retreat somewhat carelessly, when they suddenly saw a number of + foot-soldiers with artillery appearing on the top of the hill of + Guinegaste, preparing to bar their way. Only then did they become fully + aware of the imminent danger in which they were, and understood that, by + some treachery, their plans had been made known to the enemy, who had thus + made all preparations for their destruction. +</p> +<p> + King Henry VIII. had heard of the plan of relief, and before daybreak had + placed ten or twelve thousand English archers and four or five thousand + German foot-soldiers on a hillock with eight or ten pieces of artillery, in + order that when the French had passed by, his men might descend and + surround them, while in front he had ordered all the horsemen, both English + and Burgundian, to attack them. When the French soldiers found themselves + caught in this ambush, and the retreat was sounded by the trumpeters, they + turned back, but were so hotly pursued that the gentle trot soon became a + wild gallop and they fled in disorder, notwithstanding the cries of their + captains: "Turn, men-at-arms, turn, it is nothing!" The Good Knight's + company was hurried along with the others, but again and again he rallied + them, until at last he was left with only fourteen or fifteen men-at-arms + on a little bridge only wide enough for two horsemen to pass at a time, + while the stream was too deep to ford as it was dammed up to turn a mill. + Here Bayard came to a stand and cried to his companions: "My friends, we + can hold this bridge for an hour, and I will send an archer to tell my lord + of La Palisse that we have checked the enemy and this is the place to + attack them." +</p> +<p> + We can picture to ourselves how gallantly he fought, for he loved nothing + better than to defend a narrow bridge, but the pursuing army proved too + overwhelming, for a company of horsemen went round beyond the mill and + attacked the brave little party of defenders from behind. When Bayard saw + that their position was desperate, he cried: "Gentlemen, we yield + ourselves, for our valour will serve us nothing. Our horses are done up, + our friends are three leagues away, and when the English archers arrive + they will cut us to pieces." One by one the knights yielded, but Bayard saw + a Burgundian gentleman on the bank who, overcome by the great heat of that + August day, had taken off his "armet" (helmet) and was too exhausted to + think about taking prisoners. The Good Knight rode straight at him, held + his sword at the man's throat and cried: "Yield, man-at-arms, or you are + dead." Never was man more surprised than this Burgundian, who thought that + all the fighting was over, but with the cold steel threatening him there + was nothing for him but surrender. "I yield, as I am taken in this way, but + who are you?" he asked. +</p> +<p> + "I am the Captain Bayard and I also yield myself to you," was the reply. + "Take my sword, and I pray you let me go with you." So he was taken to the + English camp and well treated by the gentleman in his tent; but on the + fifth day Bayard said to him: "Sir, I should like to return to my own camp + for I grow weary of this." "But we have said nothing about your ransom," + exclaimed the other. "My ransom?" said the Good Knight. "But what about + yours, for you were my prisoner first? We will fight out the matter, if you + like." But the gentleman had heard of Bayard's fame and was by no means + anxious to fight, surprised as he was at this new point of view. But he was + a courteous gentleman, and offered to abide by the decision of the + captains. Meantime the rumour spread that the great Bayard was in the camp, + and there was much excitement. The Emperor Maximilian sent for him and + feasted him well, expressing great delight at meeting him again. After much + pleasant talk he remarked: "In the days when we fought together it seems to + me that we were told Bayard never fled." "If I had fled, sire, I should not + be here now," he replied. +</p> +<p> + Presently the King of England arrived and desired that the Good Knight + might be presented to him, as he had always wished to make his acquaintance. + Then they began to talk about the French defeat, and both Henry and + Maximilian made some severe remarks, upon which the Good Knight exclaimed: + "Upon my soul! the French men-at-arms were in no wise to blame, for they + had express commands from their captains not to fight, because our force + was not to be compared with yours, for we had neither foot-soldiers nor + artillery. And indeed, high and noble lords, you must know that the + nobility of France is famous throughout the world. I do not speak of + myself." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, my lord of Bayard," said the King of England, "if all were like + you I should soon have to raise the siege of this town. But now you are a + prisoner." "I do not own to it, sire, and I will appeal to the Emperor and + yourself." He then told the whole story in the presence of the gentleman + with whom he had the adventure, and who answered for the truth of it. The + Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first, + saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still, + all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good + Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this + suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his + word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he + could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the + towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly + thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during + which he was treated with great honour. Henry VIII. made secret proposals + to Bayard that he should enter into his service, offering him high position + and great possessions. But this was labour lost, for, as the chronicler + says, "he was a most loyal Frenchman." +</p> +<p> + Thérouanne, whose walls had been constantly bombarded with much destruction, + was soon compelled by famine to capitulate. The garrison were to march out + freely, with all their arms and armour; but the fortifications were + destroyed and the town partly burnt. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="chapimage-9"></a> +<p class="toc"><img src="images/chap9.jpg" width="188" height="92" +alt="FRANCIS the FIRST KING of FRANCE +from the portrait by Titian Vecelli"> +</p> +<h3> CHAPTER IX</h3> +<p> + The next year, 1514, brought many changes in France. First came the death + of the good Queen Anne of Brittany, who was greatly lamented by her husband + and mourned by all her people. The next notable event was the marriage of + the Princess Claude, her daughter, to the young Duke of Angoulème, who was + to succeed to the throne under the name of Francis I. +</p> +<p> + He had not long to wait for his inheritance as Louis XII., having made an + alliance with England, was induced for political reasons to marry the + Princess Mary, sister of Henry VIII. The poor King was already in + ill-health, and he only survived his wedding three months, dying on New + Year's day, 1515. He had a splendid funeral at St. Denis, which was + scarcely over before all the great nobles of the realm put off their + mourning and hastened in splendid magnificence to Rheims to the coronation + of the new King, Francis I., a gay and handsome youth of twenty. +</p> +<p> + The young King at once set about carrying out the desire of his heart—the + conquest of Milan. Charles de Bourbon was made Constable of France, and a + great army was collected at Grenoble. But secret news was received that the + Swiss were guarding on the other side the only passes which were then + thought possible for the crossing of armies. One was the Mont Cenis, where + the descent is made by Susa, and the other was by the Mont Genèvre. + Bourbon, however, heard of a new way by the Col d'Argentière, and meantime + sent several French generals and the Chevalier Bayard to cross the + mountains by the Col de Cabre and make a sudden raid upon Prospero Colonna, + who with a band of Italian horsemen was awaiting the descent of the French + army into Piedmont. The gallant little company rode across the rocky Col, + where cavalry had never passed before, descended by Droniez into the plain + of Piedmont, crossed the Po at a ford, where they had to swim their horses, + inquired at the Castle of Carmagnola and found that Prospero Colonna and + his company had left barely a quarter of an hour before. +</p> +<p> + The captains considered what they should do: some were for advancing, + others hesitated, for if Colonna had any suspicion of their plan he + would call the Swiss to his help, for there was a large force in the + neighbourhood. It was Bayard who settled the question by saying: "Since we + have come thus far, my advice is that we continue the pursuit, and if we + come across them in the plain, it will be a pity if some of them do not + fall into our hands." +</p> +<p> + All cried that he was quite right, and that they must start as soon as + possible, but first it would be well if some one were sent on in advance, + in disguise, to find out the exact position of the enemy. This duty was + given to the lord of Moretto, who carried out the inquiry very quickly, + bringing back word that Colonna and his escort were preparing to dine at + Villafranca in full security. +</p> +<p> + They next settled the order of their match: Humbercourt was to go in front + with one hundred archers; a bow-shot behind him Bayard would follow with + one hundred men-at-arms, and then Chabannes de la Palisse and d'Aubigny + would bring up the rest of their men. +</p> +<p> + Prospero Colonna had good spies, and he heard from them as he was going to + Mass at Villafranca that the French were in the fields in great numbers. He + replied that he was quite sure it could only be Bayard and his company, + unless the others were able to fly over the mountains. As he was returning + from Mass, other spies came up to him with the news: "My lord, I have seen + close by more than a thousand French horsemen, and they are coming to find + you here." He was a little taken aback, and turned to one of his gentlemen, + to whom he said: "Take twenty horsemen and go along the road to Carmagnola + for two or three miles, and see if there is anything to alarm us." +</p> +<p> + All the same he commanded the Marshal of his bands to have the trumpet + sounded, and to start for Pignerol, where he would follow when he had eaten + a mouthful. Meantime the French were marching forward in haste, and were + about a mile and a half from Villafranca, when, coming out of a little + wood, they met the scouts sent by the lord Prospero to find them. When + these caught sight of the approaching enemy they turned straight round and + galloped off as hard as they could go. The lord of Humbercourt and his + archers pursued them at full speed, sending word to Bayard to make haste. +</p> +<p> + The French knights rode at such a pace that they reached the gate of the + town at the same time as the Italians, and with their cry of "France! + France!" they managed to keep the gate open until the arrival of the Good + Knight and the rest of their company, when after some sharp fighting it + was strongly held. They also secured the other gate of the town, but two + Albanians managed to escape and carry news of the disaster to a company of + four thousand Swiss about three miles off. +</p> +<p> + Prospero Colonna was surprised at dinner, and would have defended himself, + but when he saw that defence was hopeless he yielded himself most + reluctantly to this Bayard, whom he had vowed "that he would catch like a + pigeon in a cage." As he cursed his ill-fortune in having been thus taken + by surprise, instead of meeting the French in the open field, the Good + Knight with his usual courteous chivalry tried to comfort him, saying: "My + lord Prospero, it is the fortune of war! You lose now, and will win next + time! As for meeting us in the open field, it would be a great pleasure to + us French, for if you knew our men when they are roused to battle you would + not find it easy to escape...." The Italian lord replied coldly: "In any + case I should have been glad to have the chance of meeting!" +</p> +<p> + Besides Colonna, several great captains were taken prisoners, and the place + was found to be full of rich spoils, gold and silver plate, splendid + equipments, and above all in value, six or seven hundred valuable horses. + Unfortunately for the French they were not able to carry away all this, for + news arrived of the approach of the Swiss troop which had been summoned; + indeed they entered Villafranca at one gate as the French rode out with + their prisoners on the other side, but there could be no pursuit as the + Swiss were all on foot. +</p> +<p> + The chief military advantage of this wonderful raid was that it kept all + these Italian horsemen away from the coming battle at Marignano. +</p> +<p> + Francis I. was delighted to hear of Bayard's success, and finding that the + Swiss were retreating towards Milan he followed in pursuit of them, took + Novara on the way, and advanced with his army as far as Marignano. +</p> +<p> + A terrible mêlée followed, for as the light failed confusion increased. We + hear of a most striking adventure which befell the Good Knight Bayard late + in the evening. His horse had been killed under him, and the second which + he mounted became so frantic when his master charged the Swiss lances that + he broke his bridle and dashed into the midst of the enemy until he became + entangled in the vines trained from tree to tree. Bayard kept his presence + of mind, and in order to escape instant death, slipped gently from his + horse, cast off his helmet and the thigh-pieces of his armour, and then + managed to creep on hands and knees along a ditch until he reached his own + people. The first man he met was the Duke of Lorraine, who was much + surprised to see him on foot, and at once gave him a wonderful horse which + had once belonged to the Good Knight himself, and had been left for dead on + the field of Ravenna, but was found next day and brought back to Bayard, + who cured him. This was a most unexpected piece of good fortune, and he was + able to borrow a helmet from another friend and so return to the fight, + which continued for a while by moonlight. +</p> +<p> + We have a vivid account of the weird and strange night which followed, when + the trumpets of France sounded the retreat and the Swiss blew their + cowhorns, as is their custom, and the two armies, with neither ditch nor + hedge between them, awaited the coming day within a stone's-throw of each + other. Those who were mounted sat on their horses with only such food or + drink as they chanced to have with them ... "and it is the firm belief that + no man slept during all those hours." In the King's letter to his mother, + Louise of Savoie, he says "that he remained on horseback with his helmet + on, until he was compelled to rest for a while on a gun-carriage, under the + care of an Italian trumpeter ... when the young King asked for water, it + could only be obtained from the ditch close by." +</p> +<p> + When the morning broke, the battle began again with fresh vigour on both + sides; thousands of brave men fell, and the noblest names of France were + amongst the slain on that fatal field. In the end the victory remained with + the French, and the survivors of the vanquished Swiss retreated in good + order, for the King, who never knew when he might need their services, gave + orders that they were not to be pursued. When all was over, on the Friday + evening, Francis I., who had fought throughout with gallant spirit and + valour, requested the honour of knighthood from the noble Bayard. In this + the young King showed his just appreciation of his most gallant subject, + the very flower of French chivalry, the hero of so many battles. +</p> +<p> + The French army now continued its victorious march to Milan, which + surrendered at once, and the King, after leaving Charles de Bourbon as his + Lieutenant-General, went to meet Pope Leo X. at Bologna and soon after + returned to his own land. Bayard was left in Milan and did good service + when it was attacked later by the Emperor Maximilian. +</p> +<p> + In 1519 the Emperor Maximilian died, and was succeeded in his dominions by + his grandson, Charles V., already King of Spain. It was a great blow to + Francis I., who had used every effort to obtain this honour himself; and + the rivalry then started continued all his life. As Mézières was in danger + of being attacked, Francis I. immediately issued orders that Bayard should + be sent to defend it, as there was no man in his kingdom he would sooner + trust for so important an enterprise. +</p> +<p> + This city was of immense importance at that moment, if it could be held + against the might of the Emperor until the French army should be made up to + its full strength and reach the frontier, where the Germans had arrived, + commanded by two great captains, the Count of Nassau and the famous + <i>condottiere</i>, Franz von Sickingen. +</p> +<p> + Bayard most gladly obeyed the King's command and lost no time in making his + way to Mézières with certain young nobles, amongst whom was the young lord + Montmorency, and with a goodly company of men-at-arms. When he arrived he + found the place in a very poor condition to stand a siege, and he at once + set to work with his usual enthusiasm to improve the fortifications. He + worked himself as hard as any day labourer to encourage the others, and + there was never a man-at-arms or a foot-soldier who did not eagerly follow + his example. The Good Knight would say to them: "It shall not be our fault + if this place is taken, seeing what a fine company we are. Why, if we had + to defend a field with only a four-foot ditch round it, we would fight a + whole day before we should be beaten. But, thank God, here we have ditches, + walls, and ramparts, and I believe that before the enemy enters many of + their men will sleep in those ditches." +</p> +<p> + In short, such was the magic of his eloquence, that all his men thought + they were in the strongest place in the world. This was soon put to the + test when it was besieged on two sides, from beyond the River Meuse and + from the land. Count Sickingen had about fifteen thousand men, and the + other captain, Count Nassau, more than twenty thousand. A herald was sent + to Bayard to point out to him that he could not hold Mézières against their + arms, that it would be a pity for so great and famous a knight to be taken + by assault, and that they would give him excellent terms. And much more of + the same flattering nature. +</p> +<p> + When the Good Knight had heard all the herald had to say, he asked no + man's advice, but replied with a smile: "My friend, I am surprised at + these gracious messages from your masters, whom I do not know. Herald, + you will return and say to them that as the King has done me the honour + to trust me, I hope with God's help to keep this frontier town so long + that your captains will be more tired of besieging it than I shall to be + besieged...." Then the herald was well feasted and sent away. He bore to + the camp the Good Knight's reply, which was by no means pleasant to my + lords, and there was present a captain who had seen service under Bayard in + Italy. He assured the company that so long as the Good Knight was alive + they would never enter into Mézières; that when cowards fought under him + they became brave men, and that all his company would die with him at the + breach before the enemy set foot in the town ... and that his mere presence + was of more value than two thousand men.... +</p> +<p> + This was not pleasant to hear, and the Emperor's captains made a furious + attack with their artillery on the ramparts, which continued during four + days. The Good Knight noticed that special damage was done to the walls + from the camp of Count Sickingen, and considered by what means he could be + induced to go back the other side of the river. So he wrote a letter to the + lord Robert de la Marck, who was at Sedan, in which he hinted at a rumour + he had heard that the Count might be persuaded to become an ally of the + King of France. Bayard added that he desired nothing more, but Sickingen + must lose no time, for his camp would soon be hemmed in by the approaching + Swiss and by a sortie well timed from the town. This information was to be + kept quite private.... +</p> +<p> + The letter was written giving other particulars, and was then given to a + peasant with a crown and the order to take it at once to Sedan from the + Captain Bayard. The good man set off with it, but, as Bayard had foreseen, + he had not gone far before he was taken and gave up the letter to save his + life. This message greatly troubled Count Sickingen, who was already + suspicious of the other general, and was not slow to imagine that he had + been betrayed and left in the post of danger. The more he thought of it the + more his rage increased, and at last he gave orders to sound the retreat + and cross the river, to the dismay and indignation of Count Nassau, who saw + that this was practically raising the siege. Angry messages passed between + the two generals, until at length they were on the point of actual + fighting. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight had been watching all this from the ramparts to his great + amusement, and he now thought it time to add to the confusion by a + well-aimed attack of artillery, which so added to the nervous alarms of the + besiegers that next morning they packed up their tents and camp equipment, + and the two Counts went off in different directions, while it was a long + time before they became friends again. Thus it was that Bayard kept at bay + the overwhelming forces of the enemy for three weeks, until the King of + France himself arrived with a great army. We see how it was that enemies of + the Good Knight could never get over a kind of supernatural terror both of + his splendid valour and his endless resources. King Francis sent for Bayard + to his camp, and on his way thither the indomitable captain retook the town + of Mouzon. He was received with the greatest honour by the King, who + bestowed on him the famous order of St. Michael and the command of a + hundred men-at-arms. He also made many promises of future greatness, and + both he and his mother, the Queen Louise, praised Bayard to the skies. But, + unfortunately, the only results of all this praise were a few empty honours + and an immense amount of jealousy and ill-feeling amongst the courtiers. + Indeed, we find that after this time Bayard never had any important charge + given to him, and never attained the position, which he so richly deserved, + of commander in time of war. It is very interesting to notice that the + "Loyal Servitor"—that faithful chronicler who followed Bayard through all + his campaigns, and probably often wrote at his dictation—never allows us + to suspect that the Good Knight felt any bitterness at this neglect. Not + one word of complaint is ever heard; he never murmured, he asked for + nothing; his only anxiety was to serve his country and his king. +</p> +<p> + If Bayard was not rewarded with the prizes of his profession he was + certainly always chosen when any dangerous or wearisome business was on + hand. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight was not recalled to Court, and it is supposed that, besides + the jealousy which his brilliant deeds had awakened, he was also in + disgrace on account of his warm friendship for Charles de Bourbon, who was + now being driven to despair and ruin through the hatred of Louise de + Savoie. +</p> +<p> + Bayard having been made lieutenant of the Governor of Dauphiné in 1515, it + was easy to keep him at a distance from Paris at his post, and with his + keen and devoted interest in all matters that concerned his country, these + years in a far-off province were a veritable exile. Several of his letters + written during this period have been preserved, and we have also a friendly + note from the King, written in December 1523, when he had settled to make + another expedition to Italy to recover his former conquests there and to + restore his prestige. It is evidently written in answer to an urgent appeal + from Bayard to be allowed to join him, and, probably in a moment of + impulse, he warmly agrees to employ his bravest captain; but, alas for + France! it was not to be in the position of command and responsibility + which his splendid talents and courage demanded. It was to be his last + expedition, with a hero's death as his only guerdon. +</p> +<p> + In the beginning of the year 1524 the King of France sent an army into + Italy under the command of the lord of Bonnivet, his admiral, who had no + qualifications for his high post beyond personal courage. He was a man + of narrow views, wilful and obstinate, and from these faults in a + commander-in-chief great disasters followed. A strong Imperial party, + supported by Charles de Bourbon and Giovanni dei Medici, held the city of + Milan, and the French camp was at a little town called Biagrasso, when + Bonnivet said to the Good Knight: "My lord Bayard, you must go to Rebec + with two hundred men-at-arms and the foot-soldiers of de Lorges, and so + find out what is going on in Milan and check the arrival of their + provisions." Now the Good Knight never murmured at any command given him, + but he saw at once what a wild and foolish scheme this was, and replied: + "My lord, the half of our army would scarcely be sufficient to defend that + village, placed where it is. I know our enemies, they are brave and + vigilant, and you are sending me to certain shame; I pray you therefore, my + lord, that you consider the matter well." But the Admiral persisted that it + would be all right, for not a mouse could leave Milan without his hearing + of it, until, much against his own judgment, Bayard set forth with the men + given to him. But he only took two of his own horses, for his mules and the + rest of his train he sent to Novara, as though foreseeing the loss of all + he had with him. +</p> +<p> + When he had reached this village of Rebec he considered how he could + fortify it; but there was no means of doing so except by putting up a few + barriers, for it could be entered on every side. The Good Knight wrote to + Bonnivet several times, pointing out what a dangerous place it was and that + he must have reinforcements if he was to hold it long, but he received no + answer. Meantime the enemy in Milan had learnt through spies that the Good + Knight was at Rebec with a small company, and greatly rejoiced, for it was + decided to go and surprise him by night. This was exactly what Bayard + feared, and he always placed half his men on the watch, and himself + remained on the look-out for several nights, until he fell ill and was + compelled to remain in his chamber. However, he ordered the captains who + were with him to keep a good watch on all sides, and they went, or + pretended to do so, until there came on a little rain, which sent them all + back except a few archers. +</p> +<p> + It was this very time which the Spaniards and Italians had chosen for their + attack. They marched on through the night, which was very dark, and in + order to recognise each other they all wore a white shirt over their + armour. When they arrived near the village they were amazed to see no one, + and began to fear that the Good Knight had heard of their enterprise and + had retired to Biagrasso. A hundred steps farther on they came upon the few + poor archers on the watch, who fled, crying, "Alarm! Alarm!" But they were + so hotly pursued that the foe was at the barriers as soon as they were. +</p> +<p> + The Good Knight, who in such danger never slept without his steel + gauntlets and thigh-pieces, with his cuirass by his side, was soon armed, + and mounted his horse, which was already saddled. Then, with five or six of + his own men-at-arms, he rode straight to the barrier, and was joined by de + Lorges and some of his foot-soldiers, who made a good fight. The village + was already surrounded, and eager search was made for Bayard, who was the + sole object of the expedition, and there was much shouting and confusion. + When the Good Knight at the barrier heard the drums of the enemy's + foot-soldiers, he said to the Captain Lorges: "My friend, if they pass this + barrier we are done for. I pray you, retire with your men, keep close + together and march straight for Biagrasso, while I remain with the horsemen + to protect your rear. We must leave the enemy our baggage, but let us save + the men." Lorges at once obeyed, and the retreat was carried out so + cleverly that not ten men we're lost. The Emperor's people were still + seeking for the Good Knight when he had already reached Biagrasso and + spoken his mind to the Admiral. Bayard was quite broken-hearted at the + misfortune which had befallen him, although it was certainly not his fault, + but there is more chance in war than in anything else. +</p> +<p> + Still, there was more than chance in these disasters of the French in + Italy. They had quite miscalculated the strength of their enemies, amongst + whom was now the famous general, Charles de Bourbon, late Constable of + France. The young French King, at a time when Spain, England, and Italy + were all against him, had most unwisely deprived Bourbon of the whole of + his vast estates by means of a legal quibble; and his greatest subject, + driven to desperation by this ungrateful treatment, had passed over to the + service of Charles V., and was now in command of the Spanish army. It was + he who urged the immediate pursuit of the French when Bonnivet, discouraged + by ill success and sickness in his camp, retreated from his strong position + at Biagrasso. He made one blunder after another, for now that it was too + late he sent a messenger to raise a levy of six thousand Swiss to join him + by way of Ivria. +</p> +<p> + According to his usual gallant custom, as the army retired with forced + marches towards the Alps, Bayard took command of the rear-guard, and as the + Spaniards followed day by day he bore all the brunt of the constant + skirmishing which took place. It was a most perilous office, for the enemy + was well provided with artillery, and when the Good Knight made a gallant + charge with his company and drove back the men-at-arms, he would be + attacked by a shower of stones from the arquebusiers. He seemed to bear a + charmed life, though ever in the post of danger, for others were wounded or + killed while he escaped unhurt until a certain fatal day when the + retreating French army had reached the valley of the Sesia beyond Novara. + Here it was that Bonnivet saw his expected troop of Swiss allies on the + opposite bank of the river, and at once sent word to them to cross over and + join him. But what was his dismay when the Swiss captains replied that the + King of France had not paid them or kept his word, and they had come to + fetch away their comrades who were in the French army. Worse still, when + this became known, all the Swiss mercenaries in his camp rose in open + rebellion against Bonnivet, and lost no time in crossing the river, + overjoyed to leave a losing cause and go back to their homes with so good + an excuse. +</p> +<p> + The unfortunate French commander was in despair and hoping to hide the + catastrophe from the pursuing enemy, he ordered a brisk skirmish, in which + he took part with plenty of courage and was severely wounded in the arm. + The Good Knight Bayard did prodigies of valour, driving back a whole + company of arquebusiers, but in the moment of triumph he was struck by the + stone from an arquebus and received mortal injury. Raising the hilt of his + sword in the sign of the cross, he cried aloud: "Miserere mei, Deus + secundum magnam misericordiam tuam!" He refused to be taken away, saying + that he had never turned his back on his enemy, and his faithful steward + Jacques Jeffrey and his squire lifted him from his horse and placed him + with his back to a tree, still facing the foe with a brave countenance. +</p> +<p> + We have a most pathetic and touching account of this last scene, in which + the Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach died as he had lived, + bearing himself with humble devotion towards God and loving care and + thought towards all men. His friends would have borne him away, but he + implored them to leave him and seek their own safety, for he was in such + terrible pain that he could not endure to be moved. He sent his last + salutations to the King his master, and to all his companions, and took an + affectionate leave of his heart-broken friends, who obeyed his command, all + but the one faithful attendant who remained with him to the end. This was + his steward, Jacques Jeffrey, and we are told of the poor man's grief and + despair, while his master sought to comfort him with brave and noble words. + "Jacques, my friend, cease your lament, for it is the will of God to take + me away from this world where by His grace I have long dwelt and received + more good things and honours than I deserve. The only regret that I have in + dying is that I have failed in my duty ... and I pray my Creator in His + infinite mercy to have pity on my poor soul...." +</p> +<p> + Nothing could exceed the consternation and sorrow which spread through the + French camp when the news reached them that Bayard was wounded and in + mortal agony. The same feeling was shared by his enemies, for to them the + name of Bayard represented the most perfect knight in all the world, the + pattern of chivalry whom every true man sought to imitate from afar. +</p> +<p> + In sad procession the captains of Spain and Italy came to do honour and + reverence to the dying hero. Amongst them the Marquis of Pescara (the + husband of Vittoria Colonna) found noble words to speak the praise and + admiration which filled the hearts of all. "Would to God, my gentle lord of + Bayard, that I had been wounded nigh unto death if only you were in health + again and my prisoner; for then I could have shown you how highly I esteem + your splendid prowess and valour ... since I first made acquaintance with + arms I have never heard of any knight who even approached you in every + virtue of chivalry.... Never was so great a loss for all Christendom.... + But since there is no remedy for death, may God in His mercy take your soul + to be with Him...." Such were the tender and pitiful regrets from the + hostile camp for the cruel loss to all chivalry of the Good Knight without + Fear and without Reproach. +</p> +<p> + They would have tended him with devoted service, but Bayard knew that he + was past all human help, and only prayed that he might not be moved in + those last hours of agony. A stately tent was spread out above him to + protect him from the weather, and he was laid at rest beneath it with the + gentlest care. He asked for a priest, to whom he devoutly made his + confession, and with touching words of prayer and resignation to the will + of his heavenly Father, he gave back his soul to God on April 30, 1524. +</p> +<p> + With the greatest sorrow and mourning of both armies, his body was carried + to the church, where solemn services were held for him during two days, and + then Bayard was borne by his own people into Dauphiné. +</p> +<p> + A great company came to meet the funeral procession at the foot of the + mountains, and he was borne with solemn state from church to church until + Notre Dame of Grenoble was reached, and here all the nobles of Dauphiné and + the people of the city were gathered to do honour to their beloved hero + when the last sad rites were performed. He was mourned and lamented for + many a long day as the very flower of chivalry, the Good Knight without + Fear and without Reproach. +</p> +<a name="image-9"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/death.jpg" width="203" height="272" +alt="The Death of Bayard."> +</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear +And Without Reproach, by Christopher Hare + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAYARD: THE GOOD KNIGHT *** + +***** This file should be named 11363-h.htm or 11363-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/6/11363/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Andrea Ball, Thomas Ruley and the Online + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear And Without Reproach + +Author: Christopher Hare + +Release Date: February 28, 2004 [EBook #11363] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAYARD: THE GOOD KNIGHT *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Andrea Ball, Thomas Ruley and the Online + + + + +[Illustration: BAYARD.] + + + +BAYARD + +THE GOOD KNIGHT WITHOUT +FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH + + +BY CHRISTOPHER HARE + +WITH COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS +BY HERBERT COLE + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +That courtesy title which flies to the mind whenever the name Bayard is +mentioned--"The Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach"--is no fancy +name bestowed by modern admirers, but was elicited by the hero's merits in +his own day and from his own people. + +The most valuable chronicle of the Good Knight's life and deeds was written +with charming simplicity by a faithful follower, who, in single-hearted +devotion to his beloved master's fame, took no thought for himself, but +blotted out his own identity, content to remain for all time a nameless +shadow--merely the LOYAL SERVITOR. It is from his record that the incidents +in the following pages are retold. + +The "Loyal Servitor" is now believed from recent research to have been +Jacques de Mailles, his intimate friend and companion-at-arms, probably his +secretary. He certainly learnt from Bayard himself the story of his early +years, which he tells so delightfully, and he writes with the most minute +detail about the later events which happened in his presence, and the +warlike encounters in which he himself took part; and a most vivid and +interesting account he makes of it. In an ancient catalogue of the Mazarine +Library, his book is first set down as the _Histoire du Chevalier Bayard, +par_ Jacques de Mailles, Paris, in 4to, 1514 (probably a mistake for 1524). +The better-known edition, with only the name of the "Loyal Servitor," was +published in 1527, under the title of + +THE VERY JOYFUL AND VERY DELIGHTFUL +HISTORY +OF THE LIFE, THE HEROIC DEEDS, THE TRIUMPHS +AND THE VALOUR OF THE GOOD KNIGHT +WITHOUT FEAR AND WITHOUT REPROACH + +BAYARD. + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +BAYARD + +A FINE EXHIBITION OF HORSEMANSHIP + +BATTLE OF FORNOVO + +BAYARD DEFENDS THE BRIDGE + +THE PAGE PRESENTS HIS PRISONER + +SEIZURE OF THE SPY + +BAYARD PRESENTED TO HENRY VIII + +THE DEATH OF BAYARD + + + + +[Illustration: LE CHEVALIER BAYARD _Sans peur et sans reproche_.] + +THE STORY OF BAYARD + +CHAPTER I + + +Pierre Terrail, the renowned Bayard of history, was born at the Castle of +Bayard, in Dauphine, about the year 1474, when Louis XI. was King of +France. He came of an ancient and heroic race, whose chief privilege had +been to shed their blood for France throughout the Middle Ages. + +The lord of Bayard had married Helene Alleman, a good and pious lady of a +noble family, whose brother Laurent was the Bishop of Grenoble. Pierre +Bayard, the hero of this story, was the second son of a large family; he +had three brothers and four sisters. His eldest brother, Georges, was five +or six years older than himself, then came his sisters, Catherine, Jeanne, +and Marie, while younger than himself were Claudie, and two brothers, +Jacques and Philippe. + +Like so many other mediaeval strongholds, the Castle of Bayard was built +upon a rocky hill, which always gave an advantage in case of attack. It had +been erected by the great-grandfather and namesake of our Pierre Bayard, +probably on the site of an earlier stronghold, in the year 1404. No better +position could have been chosen, for it commanded a deep valley on two +sides, in a wild and mountainous district of Dauphine, near the village of +Pontcharra in the Graisivaudan. Even now we can still see from its ruins +what a powerful fortress it was in its time, with massive towers three +stories high, standing out well in front of the castle wall, and defended +by a strong drawbridge. Well fortified, it could have stood a siege before +the days of artillery. + +But towards the end of the fifteenth century, when Bayard's childhood was +spent here, such castles as these were not looked upon as mainly places of +defence and refuge, they were gradually becoming more like the later +manor-houses--family homes, with comfortable chambers and halls, where once +there had chiefly been the rude dwelling of a garrison used for defence and +stored with missiles and arms. + +Each story of the castle, as well as the towers, would contain various +chambers, well lighted with windows pierced in the thick stone walls. On +the first floor, approached by a broad flight of steps from the court, we +find the oratory--scarcely large enough to be dignified by the name of +chapel--the dining-hall, and the private chamber of the lord of the castle. +On the floor above this the lady of Bayard had her own apartment, the +"garde-robe" or closet where her dresses were kept, and the place where her +daughters as they grew up, and any maidens who were brought up under her +care, sat at their needlework, and where they slept at night. On the upper +story were the rooms for the young children with their maids, and the +various guest-chambers. + +The ground floor below the dining-halls was a dark place given up to +store-rooms and the servants' quarters, and below this again were cellars +and grim dungeons, which could only be reached by trap-doors. The kitchen, +usually a round building, stood in an outer court, and here great wood +fires could be used for the needful hospitality of a country house. The +stables and the rough quarters for the serving-men were beyond. + +The dining-hall was used as a court of justice when the lord of the castle +had to settle any difficulties, to receive his dues, or reprimand and +punish any refractory vassal. At one end of this hall was a great hearth, +where most substantial logs of wood could be laid across the fire-dogs, and +burn with a cheerful blaze to light and warm the company in the long, cold +winter evenings. At meal-times trestle tables were brought in, and on these +the food was served, the long benches being placed on each side of them. On +the special occasions of important visits or unusual festivities, a high +table was set out at the upper end. The floor was covered with fresh +rushes, skins of wolf or bear being laid before the fire, and the walls +were stencilled in white and yellow on the higher part, and hung with serge +or frieze below. Only in the lady's chamber do we find carpets and hangings +of tapestry or embroidery, part of her wedding dowry or the work of her +maidens. Here, too, were a few soft cushions on the floor to sit upon, some +carved chairs, tables, and coffers. The master of the house always had his +great arm-chair with a head, and curtains to keep off the draughts, which +were many and bitterly cold in winter-time. + +The chronicler of Bayard, known as the "Loyal Servitor," begins his story +on a spring day of the year 1487. + +Aymon Terrail, lord of Bayard, sat by the fireside in his own chamber, the +walls of which were hung with old arms and trophies of the chase. He felt +ill and out of spirits. He was growing old--he had not long to live: so he +assured his good wife. + +What was to become of his sons when he was gone? A sudden thought occurred +to him. "I will send for them at once, and we will give them a voice in the +matter." + +To this the lady of Bayard agreed, for she never crossed her lord's will, +and at least it would distract his gloomy thoughts. It chanced that all the +four lads were at home, and ready to obey their father's command. As they +entered the room and came forward, one by one, in front of the great chair +by the hearth, somewhat awed by this hasty summons, they were encouraged by +a smile from their mother, who sat quietly in the background with her +embroidery. + +The assembled group made a striking picture. The grand old man, a massive +figure seated in his canopied arm-chair, with white hair and flowing beard +and piercing black eyes, was closely wrapped in a long dark robe lined with +fur, and wore a velvet cap which came down over his shaggy brows. Before +him stood his four well-grown, sturdy, ruddy-faced boys, awaiting his +pleasure with seemly reverence, for none of them would have dared to be +seated unbidden in the presence of their father. Aymon de Bayard turned to +his eldest son, a big, strongly-built youth of eighteen, and asked him what +career in life he would like to follow. Georges, who knew that he was heir +to the domain and that he would probably not have long to wait for his +succession, made answer respectfully that he never wished to leave his +home, and that he would serve his father faithfully to the end of his days. +Possibly this was what the lord of Bayard expected, for he showed no +surprise, but simply replied, "Very well, Georges, as you love your home +you shall stay here and go a-hunting to fight the bears." + +Next in order came Pierre, the "Good Knight" of history, who was then +thirteen years of age, as lively as a cricket, and who replied with a +smiling face, "My lord and father, although my love for you would keep me +in your service, yet you have so rooted in my heart the story of noble men +of the past, especially of our house, that if it please you, I will follow +the profession of arms like you and your ancestors. It is that which I +desire more than anything else in the world, and I trust that by the help +of God's grace I may not dishonour you." + +The third son, Jacques, said that he wished to follow in the steps of his +uncle, Monseigneur d'Ainay, the prior of a rich abbey near Lyons. The +youngest boy, Philippe, made the same choice, and said that he would wish +to be like his uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble. + +After this conversation with his four sons the lord of Bayard, not being +able to ride forth himself, sent one of his servants on the morrow to +Grenoble, about eighteen miles distant, with a letter to his brother-in-law +the Bishop, begging him to come to his Castle of Bayard as he had important +things to say to him. The good Bishop, who was always delighted to give +pleasure to any one, readily agreed. He set off as soon as he had received +the letter, and arrived in due time at the castle, where he found Aymon de +Bayard seated in his great chair by the fire. They greeted each other +warmly and spent a very pleasant evening together with several other +gentlemen of Dauphine, guests of the house. + +At the end of dinner, the venerable lord of Bayard thus addressed the +company: "My lord Bishop, and you, my lords, it is time to tell you the +reason for which I have called you together. You see that I am so oppressed +with age that it is hardly possible I can live two years. God has given me +four sons, each of whom has told me what he would like to do. My son Pierre +told me that he would follow the calling of arms, and thus gave me singular +pleasure. He greatly resembles my late father, and if he is like him in his +deeds he cannot fail to be a great and noble knight. It is needful for his +training that I should place him in the household of some prince or lord +where he may learn aright his profession. I pray you that you will each +tell me what great House you advise." + +Then said one of the ancient knights: "He must be sent to the King of +France." Another suggested that he would do very well with the Duke of +Bourbon; and thus one after another gave his advice. At last the Bishop of +Grenoble spoke: "My brother, you know that we are in great friendship with +the Duke Charles of Savoy, and that he holds us in the number of his +faithful vassals. I think that he would willingly take the boy as one of +his pages. He is at Chambery, which is near here; and if it seems good to +you, and to the company, I will take him there to-morrow morning." + +This proposal of the Bishop of Grenoble seemed excellent to all present, +and Pierre Bayard was formally presented to him by his father, who said: +"Take him, my lord, and may God grant that he prove a worthy gift and do +you honour by his life." The Bishop at once sent in haste to Grenoble with +orders to his own tailor to bring velvet, satin, and all things needful to +make a noble page presentable. It was a night to be long remembered in the +castle, for cunning hands were pressed into the service under the eyes of +the master tailor, who stitched away through the long hours in such style +that next morning all was ready. A proud and happy boy was Bayard the next +morning when, after breakfast, clad in his fine new clothes, he rode the +chestnut horse into the courtyard before the admiring gaze, of all the +company assembled to look upon him. + +[Illustration: A fine exhibition of horsemanship.] + +When the spirited animal felt that he had such a light weight upon his +back, while at the same time he was urged on with spurs, he began to prance +about in the most lively fashion, and everybody expected to see the boy +thrown off. But Bayard kept his seat like a man of thirty, spurred on his +horse, and galloped round and round the court, as brave as a lion, his eyes +sparkling with delight. An old soldier like his father thoroughly +appreciated the lad's nerve and spirit, and could scarcely help betraying +the pride he felt in him. But the wise Bishop probably thought that the lad +had received quite as much notice as was good for him, and announced that +he was ready to start, adding to his nephew: "Now, my friend, you had +better not dismount, but take leave of all the company." + +Bayard first turned to his father with a beaming countenance. "My lord and +father, I pray God that He may give you a good and long life, and trust +that before you are taken from this world you may have good news of me." +"My son, such is my prayer," was the old man's reply as he gave the boy his +blessing. Bayard then took leave of all the gentlemen present, one after +the other. Meantime the poor lady his mother was in her tower chamber, +where she was busy to the last moment packing a little chest with such +things as she knew her boy would need in his new life. Although she was +glad of the fair prospect before him, and very proud of her son, yet she +could not restrain her tears at the thought of parting from him; for such +is the way of mothers. + +Yet when they came and told her, "Madame, if you would like to see your son +he is on horseback all ready to start," the good lady went bravely down to +the little postern door behind the tower and sent for Pierre to come to +her. As the boy rode up proudly at her summons and bending low in his +saddle took off his plumed cap in smiling salutation, he was a gallant +sight for loving eyes to rest upon. Bayard never forgot his mother's +parting words. "Pierre, my boy, you are going into the service of a noble +prince. In so far as a mother can rule her child, I command you three +things, and if you do them, be assured that you will live triumphantly in +this world. The first is that above all things you should ever fear and +serve God; seek His help night and morning and He will help you. The second +is that you should be gentle and courteous to all men, being yourself free +from all pride. Be ever humble and helpful, avoiding envy, flattery, and +tale-bearing. Be loyal, my son, in word and deed, that all men may have +perfect trust in you. Thirdly, with the goods that God may give you, be +ever full of charity to the poor, and freely generous to all men. And may +God give us grace that while we live we may always hear you well spoken +of." + +In a few simple words the boy promised to remember, and took a loving +farewell of her. Then his lady mother drew from her sleeve a little purse, +in which were her private savings: six gold crowns and one in small +change,[1] and this she gave to her son. Also, calling one of the +attendants of the Bishop, she entrusted him with the little trunk +containing linen and other necessaries for Bayard, begging him to give it +in the care of the equerry who would have charge of the boy at the Duke of +Savoy's Court, and she gave him two crowns. There was no time for more, as +the Bishop of Grenoble was now calling his nephew. As he set forth on that +Saturday morning, riding his spirited chestnut towards Chambery, with the +sun shining and the birds singing, and all his future like a fair vision +before him, young Bayard thought that he was in paradise. + +[Footnote 1: The gold crown was then worth 1 livre 15 sous. Multiplying +this by 31, in order to find its present value, we learn that the sum which +Bayard received from his mother would to-day be worth 266 francs, or about +10 guineas.] + +Pierre Bayard had set forth from his home in the early morning, soon after +breakfast, and he rode all day by the side of his uncle until, in the +evening, they reached the town of Chambery, where all the clergy came out +to meet the Bishop of Grenoble, for this was part of his diocese, where he +had his official dwelling. That night he remained at his lodging without +showing himself at Court, although the Duke was soon informed of his +arrival, at which he was very pleased. The next morning, which was Sunday, +the Bishop rose very early and went to pay his respects to the Duke of +Savoy, who received him with the greatest favour, and had a long talk with +him all the way from the castle to the church, where the Bishop of Grenoble +said Mass with great ceremony. When this was over, the Duke led him by the +hand to dine with him, and at this meal young Bayard waited upon his uncle +and poured out his wine with much skill and care. The Duke noticed this +youthful cup-bearer and asked the Bishop, "My lord of Grenoble, who is this +young boy who is serving you?" + +"My lord," was the reply, "this is a man-at-arms whom I have come to +present to you for your service if you will be pleased to accept him. But +he is not now in the condition in which I desire to give him to you; after +dinner, if it is your pleasure, you will see him." + +"It would be very strange if I refused such a present," said the Duke, who +had already taken a fancy to the boy. + +Now young Bayard, who had already received instructions from his uncle, +wasted no time over his own dinner, but hurried back to get his horse +saddled and in good order, then he rode quietly into the courtyard of the +castle. The Duke of Savoy was, as usual, resting after dinner in the long +gallery, or _perron_, built the whole length of the keep, on a level with +the first floor, and overlooking the great courtyard below. It was like a +cloister, with great arched windows, and served for a general meeting-place +or lounge in cold or wet weather. From thence he could see the boy going +through all his pretty feats of horsemanship as if he had been a man of +thirty who had been trained to war all his life. He was greatly pleased, +and turning to the Bishop of Grenoble he said to him, "My lord, I believe +that is your little favourite who is riding so well?" + +"You are quite right, my lord Duke," was the answer. "He is my nephew, and +comes of a race where there have been many gallant knights. His father, who +from the wounds he has received in battle, and from advancing age, is +unable to come himself to your Court, recommends himself very humbly to +your good grace, and makes you a present of the boy." + +"By my faith!" exclaimed the Duke, "I accept him most willingly; it is a +very fine and handsome present. May God make him a great man!" + +He then sent for the most trusty equerry of his stables and gave into his +charge young Bayard, with the assurance that one day he would do him great +credit. The Bishop of Grenoble, having accomplished his business, did not +tarry long after this, but having humbly thanked the Duke of Savoy, took +leave of him and of his nephew, and returned to his own home. + +Those spring and summer months spent at the Court of Savoy remained a happy +memory to Bayard all his life. On feast-days and holidays the whole company +would go out into the woods or the meadows, the Duchess Blanche with her +young maidens and attendant ladies, while the knights and squires and pages +waited upon them as they dined under the trees, and afterwards played games +and made the air ring with their merry songs. Or there were hunting and +hawking parties which lasted for more than one day, or river excursions +down as far as the Lake of Bourget, where the Duke had a summer palace. It +must have been on occasions such as these when the gallant young Bayard met +with the maiden who caught his boyish fancy, and to whom he remained +faithful at heart until the end of his days. Yet this pretty old-world +story of boy-and-girl affection made no farther progress, and when the +knight and lady met in the years to come, once more under the hospitable +care of the good Duchess Blanche, they met as congenial friends only. The +fair maiden of Chambery is known to history solely by her later married +name of Madame de Frussasco (or Fluxas), and in the records of chivalry +only by the tournament in which the "Good Knight without Fear and without +Reproach" wore her colours and won the prize in her name. + + + + +[Illustration: CHARLES VIII KING OF FRANCE _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER II + + +The King heard that the Duke of Savoy was coming to his Court, and he sent +the Comte de Ligny to conduct the Duke on his way, and to receive him with +due honour. They met him about six miles from Lyons, and gave him a warm +welcome, after which the two princes rode side by side, and had much talk +together, for they were cousins and had not met for a long time. Now this +Monseigneur de Ligny was a great general, and with his quick, observant eye +he soon took notice of young Bayard, who was in the place of honour close +to his lord, and he inquired: "Who is that gallant little lad riding his +horse so well that it is quite a pleasure to see him?" + +"Upon my word," replied the Duke, "I never had such a delightful page +before. He is a nephew of the Bishop of Grenoble, who made me a present of +him only six months ago. He was but just out of the riding-school, but I +never saw a boy of his age distinguish himself so much either on foot or on +horseback. And I may tell you, my lord and cousin, that he comes of a grand +old race of brave and noble knights; I believe he will follow in their +steps." Then he cried out to Bayard: "Use your spurs, my lad, give your +horse a free course and show what you can do." + +The lad did not want telling twice, and he gave such a fine exhibition of +horsemanship that he delighted all the company. "On my honour, my lord, +here is a young gentleman who has the making of a gallant knight," +exclaimed de Ligny; "and in my opinion you had better make a present of +both page and horse to the King, who will be very glad of them, for if the +horse is good and handsome, to my mind the page is still better." + +"Since this is your advice," replied Charles of Savoy, "I will certainly +follow it. In order to succeed, the boy cannot learn in a better school +than the Royal House of France, where honour may be gained better than +elsewhere." + +With such pleasant talk they rode on together into the city of Lyons, where +the streets were full of people, and many ladies were looking out of the +windows to see the coming of this noble prince and his gay company. That +night the Duke gave a banquet in his own lodging, where the King's +minstrels and singers entertained the guests, then there were games and +pastimes, ending with the usual wine and spices being handed round, and at +last each one retired to his own chamber until the dawn of day. + +The next morning the Duke rose early and set forth to seek the King, whom +he found on the point of going to Mass. The King greeted him at once most +warmly and embraced him, saying, "My cousin, my good friend, you are indeed +welcome, and if you had not come to me I should have had to visit you in +your own country...." Then, after more polite talk, they rode together on +their mules to the convent, and devoutly heard Mass, after which the King +entertained the Duke of Savoy, Monsieur de Ligny, and other nobles to +dinner with him, and they had much merry talk about dogs and falcons, arms +and love-affairs. Presently de Ligny said to the King: "Sire, I give you my +word that my lord of Savoy wishes to give you a page who rides his chestnut +better than any boy I ever saw, and he cannot be more than fourteen, +although his horsemanship is as good as that of a man of thirty. If it +pleases you to go and hear vespers at Ainay you will have your pastime in +the fields there afterwards." "By my faith," cried the King, "I do wish +it!" and he heard the whole story of this wonderful boy from the Duke of +Savoy. + +When young Bayard heard that the King was to see him he was as much +delighted as if he had won the city of Lyons; and he went in haste to the +head groom of the Duke of Savoy and prayed him to get his horse ready for +him, offering his short dagger as a present. But this the man refused and +made reply: "Go and comb and clean yourself, my friend, and put on your +best clothes, and if, by God's help, the King of France takes you in +favour, you may some day become a great lord and be able to serve me." +"Upon my faith! You may trust me never to forget all the kindness you have +shown me," replied the boy; "and if God ever gives me good fortune you +shall share it." It seemed a long time to his impatience before the hour +arrived when he rode his horse, attended by his equerry, to the meadow +where he was to await the King and his company, who arrived by boat on the +Saone. As soon as Charles VIII. had landed he cried: "Page, my friend, +touch up your horse with your spurs!" which the lad did at once, and to see +him you would have thought that he had been doing it all his life. At the +end of his race Bayard made his clever horse take a few jumps, and then he +rode straight towards the King and gracefully drew up before him with a low +bow. All the company was delighted with the performance, and the King bade +him do it again. "Picquez! Picquez!" (Prick up your horse!), he cried, and +all the pages shouted: "Picquez! Picquez!" with enthusiasm, so that for +some time the name stuck to him. + +Then Charles turned to the Duke of Savoy and said: "I see that my cousin of +Ligny told me the truth at dinner, and now I will not wait for you to give +me this page and his horse, but I demand it of you as a favour." + +"Most willingly, my lord," answered the Duke, "and may God give him grace +to do you true service." After this young Bayard was given into the special +charge of the lord of Ligny, who was greatly pleased and felt sure that he +would make of him a noble knight. + +Meantime, the Duke of Savoy remained for awhile at the Court of Charles +VIII., with whom he was in great favour, and they were like brothers +together. This young King was one of the best of princes, courteous, +generous, and beloved of all men. At length the day of departure came, and +the good Duke went back to his own country, laden with beautiful and +honourable presents. + +During three years young Bayard remained as a page in the service of the +Seigneur de Ligny, being trained with the utmost care in all that would be +needful to him in his profession of arms. + +He won so much favour from his lord that at the early age of seventeen he +was raised from his position as a page to that of a squire, and appointed +man-at-arms in the General's company, being retained at the same time as +one of the gentlemen of the household, with a salary of 300 livres. As a +man-at-arms Bayard would have under him a page or varlet, three archers, +and a soldier armed with a knife (called a "coutillier"). Thus, when we +find a company of men-at-arms spoken of, it means for each "lance garnie," +or man-at-arms, really six fighting men on horseback. + +When King Charles VIII. found himself once more in his loyal city of Lyons, +it chanced that a certain Burgundian lord, Messire Claude de Vauldray, a +most famous man-at-arms, came to the King and proposed that he should hold +a kind of tournament, called a "Pas d'Armes," to keep the young gentlemen +of the Court from idleness. He meant by this a mimic attack and defence of +a military position, supposed to be a "pas" or difficult and narrow pass in +the mountains. It was a very popular test of chivalry, as the defender hung +up his escutcheons on trees or posts put up for the purpose, and whoever +wished to force this "pas" had to touch one of the escutcheons with his +sword, and have his name inscribed by the King-at-arms in charge of them. + +There was nothing that King Charles VIII. loved better than these +chivalrous tournaments, and he gladly gave his consent. Messire Claude de +Vauldray at once set about his preparations, and hung up his escutcheons +within the lists which had been arranged for the coming tournament. + +Young Bayard, whom every one called Picquet, passed before the shields and +sighed with longing to accept the challenge and so improve himself in the +noble science of arms. As he stood there silent and thoughtful, his +companion, called Bellabre, of the household of the Sire de Ligny, asked +him what he was thinking of. He replied: "I will tell you, my friend. It +has pleased my lord to raise me from the condition of page into that of a +squire, and I long to touch that shield, but I have no means of obtaining +suitable armour and horses." Then Bellabre, a brave young fellow some years +older than himself, exclaimed: "Why do you trouble about that, my +companion? Have you not your uncle, that fat Abbe of Ainay? I vow that we +must go to him, and if he will not give you money we must take his cross +and mitre! But I believe that when he sees your courage he will willingly +help you." + +Bayard at once went and touched the shield, whereupon Mountjoy, King-at-arms, +who was there to write down the names, began to reason with him. "How is +this, Picquet, my friend; you will not be growing your beard for the next +three years, and yet you think of fighting against Messire Claude, who is +one of the most valiant knights of all France?" But the youth replied +modestly: "Mountjoy, my friend, what I am doing is not from pride or +conceit, but my only desire is to learn how to fight from those who can +teach me. And if God pleases He will grant that I may do something to +please the ladies." Whereupon Mountjoy broke out into a hearty laugh, +which showed how much he enjoyed it. + +The news soon spread through Lyons that Picquet had touched the shield of +Messire Claude, and it came to the ears of the Sire de Ligny, who would not +have missed it for ten thousand crowns. He went at once to tell the King, +who was greatly delighted and said: "Upon my faith! Cousin de Ligny, your +training will do you honour again, if my heart tells me true." "We shall +see how it will turn out," was the grave reply; "for the lad is still very +young to stand the attack of a man like Messire Claude." + +But that was not what troubled young Bayard; it was the question how to +find money for suitable horses and accoutrements. So he went to his +companion, Bellabre, and asked for his help. "My friend, I beg of you to +come with me to persuade my uncle, the Abbe of Ainay, to give me money. I +know that my uncle, the Bishop of Grenoble, would let me want for nothing +if he were here, but he is away at his Abbey of St. Sernin at Toulouse, +which is so far off that there would be no time for a man to go there and +back." "Do not trouble," said his friend, "you and I will go to Ainay, and +I trust we shall manage it." This was some comfort, but the young warrior +had no sleep that night. He and Bellabre, who shared the same bed, rose +very early and took one of the little boats from Lyons to Ainay. On their +arrival, the first person they met in the meadow was the Abbe himself, +reading his prayers with one of his monks. The two young men advanced to +salute him, but he had already heard of his nephew's exploit, and received +him very roughly. "Who made you bold enough to touch the shield of Messire +Claude?" he asked angrily. "Why, you have only been a page for three years, +and you can't be more than seventeen or eighteen. You deserve to be flogged +for showing such great pride." To which his nephew replied: "Monseigneur, I +assure you that pride has nothing to do with it, but the desire and will to +follow in the steps of your brave ancestors and mine. I entreat you, sir, +that, seeing I have no other friends or kindred near, you will help me with +a little money to obtain what is needful." + +"Upon my word!" exclaimed the Abbe, "go and seek help elsewhere; the funds +of my abbey are meant to serve God and not to be spent in jousts and +tournaments." Bellabre now put in his word and remonstrated. + +"Monseigneur, if it had not been for the virtue and the valour of your +ancestors you would never have been Abbe of Ainay, for by their merits and +not yours it was gained. Your nephew is of the same noble race, and +well-beloved of the King; it is absolutely necessary that you should help +him...." After more talk of this kind the Abbe at last consented, and took +the two squires into his own room, where he opened a little cupboard, and +from a purse which was inside he took out a hundred crowns and gave them to +Bellabre, saying: "I give you this to buy two horses for this brave +man-at-arms, for he has not enough beard to handle money himself. I will +also write a line to Laurencin,[1] my tailor, to supply him with needful +accoutrements." "You have done well, my lord," said Bellabre, "and I assure +you that every one will honour you for this." When the young gentlemen had +their letter they took leave with many humble thanks, and returned at once +to Lyons in their little boat, highly pleased with their success. + +[Footnote 1: The most important and wealthy merchant of Lyons.] + +"We are in good luck," said Bellabre, "and we must make the most of it. Let +us go at once to the merchant before your good uncle changes his mind, for +he will soon remember that he has put no limit to your expenses, and he can +have no idea what a proper outfit will cost. You may be sure that you will +never see any more of his money." So they took their boat on to the +market-place, found the merchant at home, lost no time in telling of the +good Abbe's generosity, and encouraged Laurencin to exert himself to the +utmost in the way of splendid suits of clothing and armour, to do honour to +his patron's gallant nephew, for there seemed to be no question of economy. +Bayard was measured and fitted with cloth of silver, velvet, and satin, +and then went gaily home with his friend, both of them thinking it an +excellent jest. + +When the Abbe of Ainay bethought himself later of what he had done, and +sent a messenger in haste to the tailor, he found that it was too late and +that his bill would come to hundreds of crowns. He was furious, and vowed +that his nephew should never have another penny from him; but that did not +mend matters, for the story got about, to the intense amusement of the King +and his Court, and the rich old miser met with no sympathy. + +The young men were fortunate enough to buy two excellent horses for much +less than their value from a brave knight who had broken his leg, and not +being able to figure in the contests himself, was willing to help so +gallant a youth. + +The time was drawing near for the great tournament, which would be a high +festival for the town and was looked forward to with much eagerness and +excitement. The course on which the knights were to fight was surrounded +and duly laid out with richly-painted posts. At one side of this enclosed +field, stands were put up and made very bright and gay with coloured +hangings, carpets, embroidered banners, and escutcheons. It was here that +the royal and noble company would sit and watch the proceedings. + +Meantime, by permission of the King, Messire Claude de Vauldray had caused +it to be published and declared throughout the city that he would hold the +"pas" against all comers, both on foot and on horseback, on the approaching +Monday. + +A tournament was always a gorgeous and brilliant spectacle, but on this +occasion, being held by the King's desire and graced by his presence, it +was more splendid than usual. In our day, when it is the custom of men to +avoid all show and colour in their dress, we can scarcely picture to +ourselves the magnificence of those knights of the Renaissance. When the +gallant gentleman actually entered the lists for fighting, he wore his suit +of polished armour, often inlaid with gold or silver, a coloured silken +scarf across his shoulders richly embroidered with his device, and on his +head a shining helmet with a great tuft of flowing plumes. But in the +endless stately ceremonies which followed or preceded the tournament, the +knight wore his doublet of fine cloth, overlaid with his coat-of-arms +embroidered in silk or gold thread, and an outer surcoat of velvet, often +crimson slashed with white or violet satin, made without sleeves if worn +over the cuirass and finished with a short fluted skirt of velvet. Over +this a short cloak of velvet or satin, even sometimes of cloth of gold, was +worn lightly over one shoulder. + +If this was the usual style of costume, which had also to be varied on +different festivals, we can easily understand how impossible it was for +young Bayard to procure such costly luxuries on his small means, and we can +almost forgive him for the audacious trick he played on his rich relation +the Abbe of Ainay. Not only was the knight himself richly clad, but we are +told that to appear in a grand tournament even the horse had to have +sumptuous trappings of velvet or satin made by the tailor. We have not +mentioned the suit of armour, which was the most expensive item of all; +being made at this period lighter and more elaborate, with its flexible +over-lying plates of thin, tempered steel, it was far more costly than it +had ever been before. The bravest knights at the Court were proud to try +their fortune against Messire Claude. It was the rule that after the +contest each champion was to ride the whole length of the lists, with his +visor raised and his face uncovered, that it might be known who had done +well or ill. Bayard, who was scarcely eighteen and had not done growing, +was by nature somewhat thin and pale, and had by no means reached his full +strength. But with splendid courage and gallant spirit, he went in for his +first ordeal against one of the finest warriors in the world. The old +chronicler cannot tell how it happened, whether by the special grace of God +or whether Messire Claude took delight in the brave boy, but it so fell out +that no man did better in the lists, either on foot or on horseback, than +young Bayard, and when it came to his turn to ride down with his face +uncovered, the ladies of Lyons openly praised him as the finest champion of +all. He also won golden opinions of all the rest of the company, and King +Charles exclaimed at supper: + +"By my faith! Picquet has made a beginning which in my opinion promises a +good end." Then, turning to the Sire de Ligny, he added: "My cousin, I +never in my life made you so good a present as when I gave him to you." +"Sire," was the reply, "if he proves himself a worthy knight it will be +more to your honour than mine, for it is your kind praise which has +encouraged him to undertake such a feat of arms as this. May God give him +grace to continue as he has begun." Then the General added, turning round +with a smile to the assembled company: + +"But we all know that his uncle, the Abbe of Ainay, does not take great +pleasure in the youth's exploits, for it was at the old gentleman's expense +that he procured his accoutrements." This remark was received with a roar +of laughter, in which the King himself joined, for he had already heard the +story and was very much amused at it. Soon after the tournament the Sire +de Ligny sent for young Bayard one morning and said to him: "Picquet, my +friend, you have begun with rare good fortune; you must carry on the +pursuit of arms, and I retain you in my service with three hundred francs a +year and three war-horses, for I have placed you in my company. Now I wish +you to go to the garrison and meet your companions, assuring you that you +will find as gallant men-at-arms there as any in Christendom; they often +have jousts and tournaments to keep in practice of arms and acquire honour. +It seems to me that while awaiting any rumour of war you cannot do better +than stay there." + +Bayard, who desired nothing more, replied: "My lord, for all the goods +and honours which you have bestowed upon me I can only at this present +time return you thanks.... My greatest desire is to go and join the +company which you speak of, and if it is your good pleasure I will start +to-morrow." "I am quite willing," said the Sire de Ligny; "but you must +first take leave of the King, and I will bring you to him after dinner." +Which was done, and the youth was thus presented: "Sire, here is your +Picquet, who is going to see his companions in Picardy, and he is come to +say good-bye to you." Young Bayard knelt before the King, who said to him +with a smile: "Picquet, my friend, may God continue in you that which I +have seen begun, and you will be a gallant knight; you are going into a +country where there are fair ladies, be courteous and chivalrous to them, +and farewell, my friend." After this, all the princes and lords crowded +round to take leave of the young soldier, with much affection and regret at +losing him. When he reached his lodging, he found that the King had sent +him a purse of three hundred crowns, and also one of the finest war-horses +in the royal stable. With his usual impulsive generosity Bayard gave +handsome presents to the messengers, and then went to spend the evening +with the Sire de Ligny, who treated him as though he were his own son, +giving him wise advice for his future life, and above all bidding him keep +honour always before his eyes. This command did he keep in very truth until +his death. At last, when it grew late, de Ligny said to him: "Picquet, my +friend, I think you will be starting to-morrow morning before I have risen, +may God bless you!" and embraced him with tears, while Bayard on his knees +said good-bye to his kind master. + +More presents awaited him, for that night there arrived two complete and +costly suits from the Sire de Ligny, who also sent his own favourite +chestnut horse, so that when the young squire set forth at daybreak he was +splendidly equipped in every way with horses, servants, armour, and clothes +suitable to his position. As we have seen, dress was a very expensive thing +in those days, when gentlemen of rank wore velvet, brocade, and satin, both +for evening and riding costume as a matter of course. + +It was a slow journey into Picardy, for Bayard wished his horses to arrive +in good condition, and only travelled a moderate distance every day. When +he arrived at the little town of Aire, his destination, all the young +officers of the garrison came out to meet him, for the fame of his jousting +with Messire Claude de Vauldray had already reached them. They would not +listen to his modest disclaimers, but feasted and made much of their new +comrade. One lively young noble of the company, probably quite deceived by +the fine show that Bayard made with all his handsome parting gifts, and +taking him for a man of wealth, said to him: "My good companion, you must +make people talk about you, and endeavour to acquire the good favour of +all the fair ladies of this country, and you cannot do better than give us +a tournament, for it is a long time since we have had one in this town." +The poor boy must have been somewhat taken aback by this suggestion, but he +was far too plucky to show it, so he replied with ready goodwill, "On my +faith, Monsieur de Tardieu, is that all? You may be sure that this will +please me even more than yourself. If you will have the goodness to send me +the trumpeter to-morrow morning, and if we have leave of our captain, I +will take care that you shall be satisfied." + +All that night Bayard was too excited to sleep, and when Tardieu came +to his lodging in the morning with the trumpeter of the company, he +had already settled exactly what he would do and had written out his +announcement, which ran thus: "Pierre de Bayard, young gentleman and +apprentice of arms, native of Dauphine, of the army of the King of France, +under the high and puissant lord the Sire de Ligny--causeth to be +proclaimed and published a tournament to be held outside the town of Aire, +close to the walls, for all comers, on the 20th day of July. They are to +fight with three charges of the lance without 'lice'" (meaning in this +instance a barrier), "with sharpened point, armed at all points; afterwards +twelve charges with the sword, all on horseback. And to him who does best +will be given a bracelet enamelled with his arms, of the weight of thirty +crowns. The next day there shall be fought on foot a charge with the lance, +at a barrier waist-high, and after the lance is broken, with blows of the +axe, until it is ended at the discretion of the judges and those who keep +the camp. And to him who does best shall be given a diamond of the value of +forty crowns." + +This sounds more like real war than courtly pastime, and we see how +terribly in earnest this young soldier was. The allusion to "those who keep +the camp" is to the marshals of the tournament and the heralds-at-arms who +kept a very close watch on the combatants. They also maintained on this +miniature battlefield the laws of chivalry and courtesy, giving help to +those who needed it. + +When a young squire first entered the lists he was warned by the cry: +"Remember of what race you come and do nothing contrary to your honour." +There were many strict rules to be observed; for instance, it was forbidden +to strike your adversary with the point, although it was usually blunted +(but not in this tournament of Bayard's). It was forbidden to attack the +horse of your opponent, and this we can quite understand, for in those +days, when a knight wore complete and heavy armour, if his horse were +killed he was absolutely at the mercy of his enemy. It was always made a +ground of complaint against the Spaniards that they attacked the horses of +the foe. In a tournament it was the rule only to strike at the face or the +chest, both well protected by the visor and the breastplate, and to cease +at once if the adversary raised the visor of his helmet. Also no knight was +to fight out of his rank when making a rush together. This was very +important when the champions were divided into two companies under the +order of two chiefs, and were placed exactly opposite each other, at the +two ends of the arena. On a signal made by the marshals of the tournament, +they charged impetuously upon each other, with their horses at full gallop. +They held the lances straight out until the signal came, then lowering the +lances, they rushed forward amid a cloud of dust with loud war-cries and +the fight became a furious scuffle. The knights who had stood the first +shock without being unhorsed or wounded, pressed forward and fought with +the sword, until one of the marshals threw his wand of office into the +arena to show that the contest was over. + +In these tournaments the horses were frequently armed as well as their +riders, and they were often gaily caparisoned with emblazoned housings, +sometimes of very costly material, such as satin embroidered with gold or +silver. + +At the time when young Bayard joined his company at Aire, there were +stationed in Picardy at no great distance about seven or eight hundred +men-at-arms in these regulation companies (compagnies d'ordonnance) as they +were called. When they were not actually employed on duty, they were very +glad to take their pleasure in all sorts of warlike games. As we may +suppose, they were delighted to take part in the proposed tournament. +Amongst these companies there were some of the famous Scotch Guards, who +had first been taken into the service of France by Charles VII. + +The time fixed was only eight days off, but all the same about forty or +fifty men-at-arms gave in their names. Fortunately, before the expected +day, that gentle knight, the Captain Louis d'Ars, arrived, and he was much +delighted to have come in time for this entertainment. When Bayard heard of +his captain's arrival he went to pay his respects to him at once, and was +most warmly welcomed, for the boy's fame had gone before him. To make the +festival more complete, his friend Bellabre also appeared, having been +delayed by waiting for two splendid horses which he expected from Spain. At +length the eventful day arrived, and the gentlemen who wished to take part +in the tournament were divided into two equal ranks, there being +twenty-three on one side and twenty-three on the other. The judges chosen +were the Captain Louis d'Ars and the lord of St. Quentin, captain of the +Scotch company. + +At this point it will be interesting to give a full account of the details +needful for a tournament of this period, the close of the fifteenth +century. These tournaments were first started as training-schools for the +practice of arms, and were later tempered by the rules of chivalry. Jousts +were single combats, often a succession of them, for a prize or trial of +skill, while the tourney was troop against troop. These warlike games were +very popular in France especially, but very strict rules had to be made to +prevent the "joust of peace" becoming the deadly "joust a l'outrance" (to +the death). + +The "lists," or tournament grounds, were in Bayard's time usually of a +square shape rather longer than broad, and were surrounded by palisades, +often adorned with tapestry and heraldic devices. The marshals of the lists +took note of all that happened and enforced the rules of chivalry. Varlets +were in attendance to help the esquires in looking after their masters, and +helping them up, with their heavy armour, if unhorsed. + +It was common to hold a "passage of arms" for three days: two for the +contest on horseback, first with lances, second with swords and maces; +while on the third day, on foot, pole-axes were used. A specially heavy +kind of armour was worn, sometimes nearly 200 lbs. in weight, so that a +knight once unhorsed lay on the ground absolutely helpless, and could not +rise without help. This armour was made still stronger by "reinforcing +armour"--pieces screwed on over the left side, chiefly, which received most +blows--making a double defence for the head, chest, and left shoulder. +"Pauldrons" or shoulder-guards buckled on, that on the right arm being +smaller to leave freedom for using the lance. Then we have brassards or +arm-guards; the rere-brace for the upper arm, the vam-brace for the lower, +and the elbow-piece called a "coudiere." + +When all was ready on the appointed day for the tournament at Aire, the +trumpet sounded, and then the order of the Tourney was declared aloud. +Bayard had to appear first in the lists, and against him rode forth a +neighbour of his in Dauphine, by name Tartarin, a powerful man-at-arms. +They rushed at each other so vehemently that Tartarin broke his lance half +a foot from the iron, and Bayard struck him above the arm-piece of his +armour and broke his lance into five or six pieces, upon which the trumpets +sounded forth triumphantly, for the joust was wonderfully good. After +having finished their first attack they returned to face each other for the +second. Such was the fortune of Tartarin that with his lance he forced in +Bayard's arm-piece, and every one thought that he had his arm pierced. But +he was not hurt, and succeeded in returning the attack by a stroke above +the visor, which carried off the bunch of plumes from his adversary's +helmet. The third bout with the lance was as good or even better than the +others, for the lance was more completely shivered into fragments. + +When these two knights had finished, next came the lord of Bellabre, and +against him a Scotch man-at-arms, named the Captain David of Fougas, and +these likewise did with their three jousts of the lance all that it was +possible for gentlemen to do. Thus, two by two, all the company went +through the same contest. + +This jousting with the lance was one of the most popular exercises for +knights of that day, and the proper use of this weapon was one of the most +important accomplishments for a warrior. We shall often notice, in the +accounts of Bayard's adventures on the field of battle, how extremely +expert he was with his lance. The supreme triumph with this weapon was to +use such skill and force as to break the lance shaft--made of ash or +sycamore--into as many pieces as possible; in fact, to "shiver" it +completely, and thus break as many lances as possible. The tilting lance +was often made hollow, and was from 12 to 15 feet long; but the lance used +with the object of unhorsing instead of splintering was much stronger, +heavier, and thicker in the stem, and instead of a pointed head had a +"coronal," which was blunt. + +The first part of the tournament having come to an end, then followed the +battle of the swords. According to the rules, this began with Bayard, who, +on the third stroke he gave, broke his sword into two pieces, but he made +such good use of the stump that he went through the number of strokes +commanded, and did his duty so well that no man could have done better. +After this came the others according to their order, and for the rest of +that day there was such a succession of vigorous fighting that the two +judges declared "never had there been finer lance work or contests with the +sword." When the evening came they retired to young Bayard's lodging, where +a great supper was prepared, to which came many ladies, for within ten +miles round all those of Picardy, or the greater number, had come to see +this fine tournament. After the supper there were dances and other +entertainments, and the company was so well amused that it struck one hour +after midnight before they broke up. It was late next morning before they +woke up, and you may believe that they were never weary of praising Messire +de Bayard, as much for his skill at arms as for his good hospitality. + +The next morning, in order to complete that which had begun so well, all +the soldiers assembled at the dwelling of their Captain Louis d'Ars, where +Bayard had already arrived, having come to invite him to dinner at his +lodging, in company with the ladies of the previous evening. First they all +went to hear Mass, and when that was over, "you should have seen the young +gentlemen taking the ladies' arms, and with much pleasant talk leading them +to Bayard's lodging, where if they had supped well the night before, at +dinner they did still better." There was no lingering after this meal, and +towards two o'clock all those who were to take part in the second day's +tournament retired to arm themselves and make ready to fight. The +combatants all approached on horseback, and gravely went round to salute +the company before the contest began. + +It was Bayard's place to begin, and against him came a gentleman from +Hainault, Hannotin de Sucker, of great repute. They fought with their +lances, one on each side of the barrier, and gave such tremendous strokes +that the lances were soon broken to pieces; after this they took their +battle-axes, which each of them had hanging by their sides, and dealt each +other great and terrible blows. This appears to us an extremely rough form +of entertainment, but we must remember that these knights were clad in +armour, and so thoroughly covered up from head to foot that there was not +supposed to be a place where a pin could pierce between the joints of the +armour. Under the helmet a smaller close-fitting steel cap was often worn. +This fierce contest went on until Bayard gave his opponent a blow near the +ear, which caused him to waver, and worse still, to fall on his knees, +when, pursuing his success, the victor charged again over the barrier, and +caused Hannotin to kiss the ground. + +When the judges saw this they cried, "Hola! Hola! that is enough; now you +may retire." After these two came Bellabre and Arnaulton of Pierre Forade, +a gentleman of Gascony, who did wonders with their lances until they were +both broken; and then they came to the battle-axes, but Bellabre broke his, +after which the judges parted them. After these two came Tardieu and David +the Scotchman, and they did their duty very well. So did others in turn, so +that it was seven o'clock before it was all finished and, for a small +tournament, the lookers-on never saw better jousting in their lives. + +When all was over, each man went to his lodging to disarm and change; then +they all came to Bayard's lodging, where the banquet was ready, and there +were also the two judges, the lords of Ars and of St. Quentin, and all the +ladies. After supper it had to be decided and declared by the judges who +should have the prizes. Some of the gentlemen most experienced in arms were +asked to give their opinion "on their faith," and afterwards the ladies on +their conscience, without favouring one more than another. At last it was +agreed that, although each one had done his duty well, yet in their +judgment during the two days Messire de Bayard had done best of all; +wherefore they left it to him, as the knight who had gained the prizes, to +give his presents where it seemed good to him. There was a discussion +between the judges as to who should pronounce sentence, but the Captain +Louis d'Ars persuaded the lord of St. Quentin to do so. + +The trumpet was sounded to command silence, and St. Quentin said: "My lords +who are here assembled, and especially those who have been in the Tourney +of which Messire Pierre Bayard has given the prizes for two days ... we +would have you know that after due inquiry of the virtuous and brave +gentlemen who were present and saw the contests, and of the noble ladies +here present ... we have found that although each one has very well and +honestly done his duty, yet the common voice is that the lord of Bayard has +done best in these two days; wherefore the lords and ladies leave to him +the honour of giving the prizes where it seems good to him." Then he added: +"My lord of Bayard, decide where you will give them." The young knight +blushed modestly and was quite troubled. Then he said: + +"My lord, I do not know why this honour should come to me, for I think that +others have deserved it more than I. But as it pleases the lords and ladies +that I should be judge, I hope that the gentlemen, my companions, will not +be displeased if I give the prize for the first day to my lord of Bellabre, +and for the second day to the Captain David of Scotland." He therefore gave +the gold bracelet to his friend Bellabre, and the diamond to the Scotch +Captain David, and his decision was greatly applauded. There was again +feasting and dancing afterwards, and the ladies could not say enough in +praise of their gallant young host. We may imagine the penniless condition +in which all this extravagant generosity left him, but his extreme +liberality appears to have been one great feature of his character which +made him beloved through life by all who had to do with him. + +He never could see one of his companions thrown without giving him another +horse; if he had a crown left, every one shared it. He never refused the +request of any man if he could possibly grant it, and in his gifts was +always gentle and courteous. His chronicler makes a special point of his +piety from early youth; the first thing when he rose in the morning was +always a prayer to God, as he had promised his mother. + + + + +[Illustration: LOUIS XII KING of FRANCE _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER III + + +During two years Bayard remained with the garrison at Aire, and made great +progress in all warlike training. At the end of this time, in the year +1494, Charles VIII. undertook his first expedition to Italy, and as the +company of the Count de Ligny was commanded to join him, young Bayard +looked forward with great delight to his first taste of real warfare. + +The young King of France, in his eager desire for military glory, forsook +the wise policy of his father, Louis XI., and resolved to claim the kingdom +of Naples, in assertion of the rights bequeathed to him by Rene of Anjou. +In order to prevent any opposition from Spain he yielded to King Ferdinand +the provinces of Roussillon and Cerdagne, and on the same principle gave up +to the Emperor Maximilian, Artois and Franche-Comte. Having made these real +sacrifices as the price of a doubtful neutrality, he set forth on his wild +dreams of conquest at a distance, which could be of no permanent advantage +to him. + +Charles VIII. had soon collected a magnificent army and crossed the Alps +in August 1494; it was composed of lances, archers, cross-bow men, Swiss +mercenaries, and arquebusiers. These last used a kind of hand-gun which had +only been in common use for about twenty years, since the battle of Morat. +The arquebus had a contrivance, suggested by the trigger of the cross-bow, +to convey at once the burning match to the trigger. Before that the match +had been held in the hand in using the hand-gun as well as the hand-cannon. +Many of these arquebusiers were on horseback. Besides a number of small +pieces of artillery, the French army had 140 big cannons. The use of these +fire-arms in war had been gradually increasing since the days when Louis +XI. made such use of his "bombards" in the wars in Flanders. + +When we read of the wonderful success which at first attended the French +army, we must remember how greatly superior it was to the troops which +opposed it in Italy, which were mostly bands of adventurers collected by +mercenary leaders, named Condottieri, who fought for gain rather than for +glory, and had no special zeal or loyalty for the prince who employed them. +The soldiers in their pay were, for the time being, their own personal +property, and their great desire was to save them "to fight another day," +while it was not to their interest to kill the men of another band (who +might be on the same side next time), and they only sought to make +prisoners for the sake of their ransom. The impetuosity and real warlike +spirit of the French was a new and alarming thing in Italy, which had been +so long accustomed to the mere show of war. + +Charles passed as a conqueror through Pisa and Florence to Rome, then +victorious at Capua, he entered Naples in triumph. During the spring months +of 1495, spoilt by his easy victory, he gave himself up to pleasure in +that fair southern land, idly dreaming of distant conquest. His success +awakened the jealous alarm of Europe, and a formidable league was formed +against him by all the Italian States, the Emperor Maximilian, and the +Kings of Spain and England. Suddenly roused to a sense of his danger, +Charles VIII. left his new kingdom in the charge of his cousin, Gilbert de +Montpensier, with a few thousand men, and hastily set forth on his homeward +way. He left garrisons in various conquered cities, and his army consisted +of barely 10,000 men. They crossed the Apennines with great labour and +difficulty, to find their passage barred by the confederates on the Emilian +plain near the village of Fornovo. + +[Illustration: Battle of Forvono.] + +Never was battle more fiercely contested than on that Monday, 6th July, +when the French succeeded in breaking through the host of their enemies. +The actual fighting lasted little more than an hour, amid a scene of the +wildest confusion, which was increased by a storm of thunder and lightning, +with rain falling in torrents. We are told that Bayard, the Good Knight, +who had accompanied the King through the whole campaign, distinguished +himself in the first charge at the head of de Ligny's company, and had two +horses killed under him, then continued fighting on foot, and in the thick +of the battle he took the standard of the horsemen opposing him, and +covered himself with glory. The King, hearing afterwards of his gallant +deed, sent him a present of five hundred crowns. Charles could appreciate a +kindred spirit as he too fought with splendid courage on that eventful day. +The French camp, with all its rich treasures of armour, gorgeous clothing, +rare tapestries and plate, was looted; but Charles VIII. and the greater +part of his army, with all the artillery, made good their passage through +an overwhelming host of foes and raised the siege of Novara, where Lodovico +Sforza was besieging the Duke of Orleans. + +The French King was soon to receive news of the defeat and destruction of +the small army he had left to hold Naples, and the death of the gallant +Viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier. Such was the sad ending of the first of +those glorious and fatal expeditions to Italy, in which four kings wasted +in vain so much treasure and so many precious lives. Charles VIII. did not +long survive this bitter disappointment. He died at Amboise on 7th April +1498, at the age of twenty-eight. As he left no children he was succeeded +by his cousin, the Duke of Orleans, under the name of Louis XII. Louis XII. +was crowned on the 1st of July 1498. + +If there was one trait of character which, more than any other, +distinguished Bayard the Good Knight, it was his absolute loyalty towards +the lord he served, and his undying gratitude for any kindness which he had +received. He never forgot those six happy months he had spent at the Court +of Savoy when he first went there to take up the profession of arms as a +young lad of thirteen. It was not by his own choice that he left the +service of his earliest master, who in a fit of generosity had presented +his favourite page to the King, in the hope that by so doing he would best +further the career of Bayard. + +But Charles I., Duke of Savoy, did not live to see this, for he had died in +1490, and the Duchess, his widow, had left Chambery and retired to her +dower house in the pleasant town of Carignano, in Piedmont, about seventeen +miles to the south of Turin. This lady, Blanche Paleologus, had been a most +kind friend to young Bayard, and when she heard that he was stationed in +the neighbourhood, she invited him to visit her, and received him with the +utmost courtesy, treating him as if he were a member of her family. She was +greatly beloved and honoured in Carignano, where she was lady suzerain, and +where there may still be seen, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a +splendid monument to her memory. + +We may imagine the satisfaction with which the good Duchess found that her +page of bygone days had blossomed out into a valiant and famous knight, and +they must both have had much to hear and tell of all that had happened +since they parted. Here Bayard also met with another friend, the young lady +who had been one of the maids-of-honour of the Duchess at Chambery and who +had won the boyish affection of the Good Knight. If the young folks had +been able to follow their inclinations it is probable that in time to come, +when they were of suitable age, marriage would have followed, so the "Loyal +Servitor" tells us in his chronicle. But circumstances parted them, as +Bayard went to the King's Court, and the fair maiden was married later to a +very good and honourable gentleman, the Seigneur de Frussasco (or Fluxas), +who was governor of the household to the Duchess of Savoy, a man of wealth +and high position. + +We have a simple, touching story of the delight with which the lady of +Frussasco welcomed her dear friend, the Good Knight, of their eager talk +about old times, and their high ideal of honour and duty. She told him how +she had followed the story of his achievements, from his first joust with +Messire Claude de Vauldray, his tournament at Aire in Picardy, and the +honour which he received on the day of Fornovo, which had spread his fame +throughout France and Italy, and she gave him so much praise and honour +that the poor gentleman blushed for very shame. + +Then the lady said to him: "Monseigneur de Bayard, my friend, this is the +great house in which you were first brought up; would it not be well for +you to distinguish yourself here as you have done so nobly elsewhere?" + +The Good Knight made answer: "Madame, you know how from my youth I have +always loved and honoured you, and I hold you to be so wise and so kind +that you would only advise me for my good. Tell me, therefore, if you +please, what you would have me do to give pleasure to my good mistress, the +Duchess Blanche, to you above all, and to the rest of the noble company +here at this time?" + +Then the lady of Frussasco said: "It seems to me, my lord of Bayard, that +you would do well to arrange some tournament in this town for the honour of +Madame of Savoy, who will be very grateful to you. You have here in the +neighbourhood many French gentlemen, your companions, and there are other +gentlemen of this country who I am assured would all most willingly join +you." + +"If it is your wish," replied the Good Knight, "it shall be done. You +are the one lady in this world who has first conquered my heart by your +grace and kindness.... I pray of you that you will give me one of the +under-sleeves from your dress, as I have need of it."[1] The lady gave it +him, and he put it into the sleeve of his doublet without a word. + +[Footnote 1: This was fastened with a little lacing under the hanging +sleeve, and was the usual favour asked for and worn by the knight on his +helmet.] + +The Duchess Blanche was never weary of talking with the Good Knight, who +had always been so great a favourite of hers. But Bayard could not sleep +all that night, for his mind was full of plans for carrying out the request +of his lady. When the morning came he sent a trumpeter round to all the +towns of the neighbourhood where there were garrisons, to make known to +the gentlemen that if they would make their way within four days, on the +next Sunday, to the town of Carignano, in the costume of men-at-arms, he +would give a prize, which was the cuff of his lady, from whence hung a ruby +of the value of a hundred ducats, to him who should be victorious in three +encounters with the lance, without a barrier, and twelve turns with the +sword. + +On the appointed day, about an hour after noon, the Good Knight was at his +place in the ranks, armed at all points, with three or four of his +companions, but only those were with him who were prepared to take part in +the coming contest. Bayard began first, and against him came the lord of +Rovastre, a gallant gentleman who bore the ensign of the Duke Philibert of +Savoy. He was a very hardy and skilful knight, who gave a fine thrust with +his lance to begin with, but the Good Knight gave him such a blow on the +broad band, which protected his right arm, that he disarmed him, and caused +his lance to fly in five or six pieces. The lord of Rovastre regained his +band and tilted with the second lance, with which he did his duty +thoroughly ... but the Good Knight struck him on the visor, and carried off +his plume of feathers (panache) and made him tremble, although he kept his +seat on horseback. At the third lance the lord of Rovastre missed his aim, +and Bayard broke his lance, which went to pieces. + +After them came Mondragon and the lord of Chevron, who did their tilting so +well that everybody applauded. Then came two others, and so on until all +the company were satisfied. + +The lances being broken it was now time for the contest with swords; but +the Good Knight had only struck two blows when he broke his own, and sent +that of his opponent flying out of his hand. The gracious Duchess +requested the lord of Frussasco to invite all the gentlemen who had taken +part in the tournament to supper. After supper the hautboys sounded, and +the minstrels began to tune up in the gallery, but before the dancing +began, it was decided to award the prize to him who had gained it. The +lords of Grammont and Frussasco were the judges, and they asked all the +company--gentlemen, ladies, and the combatants themselves--and they were +all of opinion that the Good Knight himself, by right of arms, had gained +the prize. But when they presented it to him he said that he did not +deserve it, but that if he had done anything well, Madame de Frussasco was +the cause, as she had lent him her sleeve, and that it was her place to +give the prize as she chose. + +The lady, who was well versed in the laws of honour and chivalry, humbly +thanked the Good Knight for the honour which he had done her, and said: "As +M. de Bayard has shown me this courtesy I will keep the sleeve all my life +for love of him, while as for the ruby, I advise that it should be given to +M. de Mondragon, for he is considered to have done the next best." + +This was accomplished as she wished, to the content of all, and the Duchess +Blanche rejoiced greatly in the success of the Good Knight, who had begun +his career in her household. The Good Knight took leave of his noble +mistress, the lady of Savoy, telling her that he owed her service and +obedience next to the King, his sovereign lord. Then he said farewell to +the lady who had been his first love, and they parted with much regret, but +their warm friendship lasted till death. We do not hear that they ever met +again, but not a year passed without presents being sent from one to the +other. + + + + +[Illustration: LUDOVICO SFORZA DUKE of MILAN _from a medallion_.] + +CHAPTER IV + + +While the French army felt such absolute security of their dominion in +Italy as to suffer the young captains to join in amusements, the fugitive +Duke Lodovico Sforza of Milan, who had lost his duchy by treachery, was +watching events and preparing to return. + +When Lodovico arrived he was received with acclamation, and entered Milan +in triumph. + +If this sudden revolution took all Italy by surprise, we can understand the +dismay of Louis XII., who found that he had all his work to do over again. +For not only had Milan rebelled, but all the other towns which he had +conquered. + +King Louis sent the Sire de Ligny as his chief general, and as a matter of +course the Good Knight went with him. I must tell you the story of an +adventure he had. He was in a garrison about twenty miles from Milan with +other young men-at-arms, and they were constantly making small expeditions. +One day Bayard heard that in the little town of Binasco, near the Certosa +di Pavia, there were about three hundred good horses, which he thought +might be easily taken, and therefore he begged his companions to join him +in this adventure. He was so much beloved that forty or fifty gentlemen +gladly accompanied him. But the castellan of the fortress at Binasco had +news of this through his spies, and laid a trap for the Frenchmen; he had a +strong troop placed in ambuscade on the road, and made sure of success. +But, though taken by surprise, the Good Knight fought like a lion, and with +cries of "France! France!" led his little company again and again to the +attack, for, as he told them, if news of this reached Milan not one would +escape. In fact, so fierce was their charge that they drove back the +defenders mile after mile to the very gates of Milan. Then one of the older +soldiers, who saw the enemy's plan, shouted, "Turn, men-at-arms, turn!" and +the others heard in time, but the Good Knight, thinking only of pursuing +his foes, entered pell-mell with them into the city, and followed them to +the very palace of the lord Lodovico. As he was wearing the white cross of +France, he was soon surrounded on all sides and taken prisoner. Lodovico +had heard the cries, and sent for this brave foe, who was disarmed before +being taken to the palace. + +The Duke of Milan was surprised to see such a young warrior, and asked him +what brought him into the city. The Good Knight, who was never put out by +anything, replied, "By my faith, my lord, I did not think I was coming in +alone, but believed my companions were following me. They understood war +better than I did, otherwise they would have been prisoners as I am...." +Then Lovodico asked him how big was the French army, and he made answer, +"As far as I know, my lord, there must be fourteen or fifteen hundred +men-at-arms and sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot; but they are all +picked men, quite determined to win back the State of Milan for the King, +our master. And it seems to me, my lord, that you would be much safer in +Germany than you are here, for your men are not fit to fight us." + +He spoke with so much confidence that Lodovico was much amused, and +remarked that he should like to see the two armies face to face. "And so +indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner." "Really, if that is +all," replied the Duke, "I will at once set you free, and make it up to the +captain who took you prisoner. But tell me, if you desire anything else I +will give it to you." + +The Good Knight bent his knee in thanks for this generous offer, and +replied: "My lord, I ask nothing else save that of your courtesy you will +be good enough to return to me my horse and my arms which I brought into +this town; and if you will send me to my garrison, which is twenty miles +from here, you will thus render me a great service, for which I shall be +grateful all my life; and saving my honour and the service of my King, I +would do anything you command in return." + +"On my faith!" exclaimed the lord Lodovico, "you shall have what you ask +for at once." Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken +him prisoner. "Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and +all his accoutrements at once" + +"My lord," was the reply, "that is a very easy matter for all is at my +lodging." So he sent two or three servants, who brought the horse, and the +armour, which the Duke caused to be put on before him. This arming took +place in the great courtyard, at least as far as the gallant prisoner was +disarmed, and when Bayard was fully accoutred he sprang on his horse +without touching the stirrup, and asked for his lance, which was given +him--a steel-headed weapon about fourteen feet long, the shaft being of +ash or sycamore with a little flag (pennoncelle) waving at the top. Then, +raising his visor, he said to the Duke: "My lord, I thank you for the great +courtesy you have shown me. May God repay you!" + +The Good Knight spurred his horse, who pranced about in the most wonderful +way, and then Bayard gave a small exhibition of his skill with the lance +which amazed the bystanders and did not please the lord Lodovico overmuch, +for he remarked: "If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should +have a poor chance." However, he took gracious leave of the Good Knight, +and sent him forth with a trumpeter in attendance to conduct him back to +his garrison. + +They had not gone very far, only about twelve miles from Milan, when they +met the main body of the French army. Every one was greatly surprised to +see Bayard, for there had been great sorrow at the rumour that the gallant +knight had been too rash and had been taken prisoner through his youthful +boldness and rashness. When he reached the camp he found that the news of +his exploit had preceded him, for the Sire de Ligny, his good leader, came +forward to meet him with a smile, saying: "Hallo! Picquet, who has got you +out of prison? Have you paid your ransoms' I was on the point of sending +one of my trumpeters to pay it and fetch you back." + +"My lord," replied the Good Knight, "I thank you humbly for your good will; +but the lord Lodovico set me free by his great courtesy." + +It was at Novara that Lodovico Sforza met the army of France. The Duke's +forces were composed of different races--German "landsknechte," Burgundians +who were commanded by the same Claude de Vauldray who had fought with the +Good Knight in his first tournament, and Swiss mercenaries. There were +bands of Swiss fighting on the side of the French, and those within the +city declared that they would not fight against their fellow-countrymenn in +the other camp. They laid down their arms, and neither threat nor promise +availed. Soon it was discovered that one of the gates of Novara had been +opened by treachery, and that the French were entering the city. Then, as a +last hope, Lodovico and his companions put on the dress of common soldiers +and mixed with them in the ranks. But the unfortunate Duke was betrayed by +one of the Swiss captains, who was put to death later by his own countrymen +as a traitor. + +On the occasion of Louis' former conquest of this land he had given several +important towns and estates to his general, the Sire de Ligny. These had +revolted with the rest of the duchy, to the great annoyance of de Ligny, +and a report reached the citizens of Tortona and Voghera that their homes +were to be sacked and pillaged. This was of course in those days the usual +penalty of rebellion, but the French general was a generous and merciful +man who had no such cruel intentions. However, the inhabitants of Voghera +took counsel together, and twenty of the chief merchants went forth to meet +their lord and humbly pray for mercy, two miles outside the city gates. But +de Ligny took no notice of them and rode on in silence with his men-at-arms +to his lodging within the city. One of his captains, to whom they appealed, +Louis d'Ars, promised to do his best for them, and advised that they should +plead again on the morrow. This time about fifty of the chief men came to +him as suppliants, bare-headed, and fell on their knees before the General. +They made a long and lamentable petition, ending with the offer of the +richest silver plate, cups, goblets, bowls, and precious vessels to the +value of more than three hundred marks. + +Without deigning to look at the presents they had brought, their offended +lord turned upon them, reproached them bitterly for their treachery in +rebelling against him before the usurper, Lodovico, had even approached +their walls. What fate was too terrible for such cowards and traitors? The +kneeling citizens trembled and thought their last hour had come, when the +captain, Louis d'Ars, pleaded for mercy as a special favour to himself, +promising that henceforth they would prove themselves faithful and loyal +subjects. Then at length de Ligny suffered his anger to cool down, and +yielded to the wish of his good captain by granting a pardon. "But as for +your present, I do not deign to accept it for you are not worthy," he +exclaimed. Then, looking round the hall, his eyes fell upon the Good +Knight, to whom he said: "Picquet, take all this plate, I give it you for +your kitchen." To which he made instant reply: "My lord, I thank you humbly +for your kindness, but with God's help the goods of such evil-doers shall +never enter my house for they would bring me misfortune." + +Thereupon the Good Knight took one piece of silver after another from the +table and made a present of it to each one of the assembled company, not +keeping a single thing for himself, to the amazement of every one. When he +had given away everything, he quietly left the chamber, as did many of the +others. The Sire de Ligny turned to those who remained and asked: "What do +you think of this, gentlemen? Did you ever see such a generous soul as my +Picquet? God should have made him king over some great realm. Believe me +that he will some day be one of the most perfect knights in the world." +All the company agreed, and could not praise young Bayard enough. And when +the Sire de Ligny had thought over the matter, he sent him next morning a +beautiful costume of crimson velvet lined with satin brocade, a most +excellent war-horse, and a purse with three hundred crowns--which did not +last him long, for he shared it all with his companions. + +Louis XII. had been so much engaged with his conquest of Milan that for a +time he had not done much towards recovering the kingdom of Naples. This +had been lost after the retreat of Charles VIII., who died before he had +been able to make another fight for it, after the disastrous fate of his +viceroy, Gilbert de Montpensier, and his brave little army. At this time +Frederick of Aragon was King of Naples, having succeeded his nephew, +Ferdinand II., in 1496. + +The king gave the command of his great army to the lord of Aubigny, who had +brought back the broken ranks of the first expedition to Naples. The +company of de Ligny, under his lieutenant, Captain Louis d'Ars, was ordered +to form part of it. Bayard, the Good Knight, who could not bear to be left +behind when fighting was going on, asked the permission of his dear master +to accompany the lieutenant's men. + +On this important occasion Louis XII., doubtful of his own strength, made +the great mistake of forming an alliance with Ferdinand, King of Spain. + +King Frederick of Naples knew nothing of the secret compact between France +and Spain, and he expected Gongalvo de Cordova, known as the Great Captain, +to come to his help with the troops of Spain. + +As the alliance between France and Spain was founded on treachery, we +cannot be surprised that they soon fell out over the division of their +spoils. King Ferdinand of Aragon was never bound by any contract which did +not profit him, and by his orders the Great Captain, Gonzalvo de Cordova, +invaded the province of Naples itself. The lord of Aubigny had placed his +various companies as garrisons in different towns, and those which belonged +to the Count de Ligny were in the hands of his company, amongst whom, as we +know, was Bayard, the Good Knight. We shall now understand how it was that +he found himself at war with the Spaniards, who had been at first the +allies of France. + +Pierre de Bayard, the Good Knight, had been placed in command of a garrison +at a place called Monervine, by his captain, Louis d'Ars. There had been no +fighting in his neighbourhood for some little time, and he began to get +rather weary. So he said one evening to his companions: "Gentlemen, it +seems to me that we have been too long in one place without seeing our +foes. We shall grow weak for want of using our arms, and our enemies will +grow bolder than ever, thinking that we dare not go out of our fort. So I +propose that to-morrow we ride out towards the nearest Spanish garrisons, +Andria or Barletta, and have a little fighting if possible." The others +readily agreed, and about thirty of them arranged to start early the next +morning. It was a merry party of young gentlemen who galloped over the +country at daybreak, and it so chanced that the same idea had occurred +to a Spanish knight of Andria, Don Alonzo of Soto-Mayor, who wished to +exercise his company of men-at-arms. Such was the fortune of the two +captains, that as they turned a corner by some rising ground they suddenly +came within arrow-shot of each other, and joyful indeed they were to have +such a chance. When the Good Knight saw the red crosses he turned to his +followers and cried: "My friends, here is our chance to win honour ... +we will not wait for them to attack!" + +With a shout of delight they all lowered their visors, and crying, +"_France, France_!" they galloped forward and charged their foes, +who came proudly on to meet them with the cry of "_Spain! St. Iago_!" +gaily receiving them on the point of their lances. In the shock of this +first meeting many on both sides were borne to earth. The combat lasted a +good half-hour before either side seemed to have the best of it, for they +were well matched in numbers and strength. But in the end one side must +win, and it chanced that the courage and skill of the Good Knight, and the +enthusiasm with which he inspired his men, at last succeeded in breaking +the ranks of the Spaniards, of whom about seven were killed and the same +number taken prisoner, while the rest took to flight, and amongst them +their captain, Don Alonzo. The Good Knight pursued, crying out to him: +"Turn, man-at-arms, it would be a shame to die while running away." +Presently Alonzo, like a fierce lion, turned against his pursuer with +terrible force; and they fought desperately with sword-thrusts. + +At length the horse of Don Alonzo backed and refused to advance any more, +when the Good Knight, seeing that all the other Spaniards were gone, +leaving their captain alone, said, "Surrender, man-at-arms, or you are +dead." "To whom must I surrender?" he asked. "To the Captain Bayard," was +the reply. Then Don Alonzo, who had already heard of that famous name, and +knew that he had no chance of escape, gave up his sword and was taken with +the other prisoners to the garrison, where with his usual chivalrous +courtesy, the Good Knight gave Don Alonzo one of the best rooms of the +castle, and supplied him with all that he needed, on receiving his parole +that he would make no attempt to escape. + +The Spanish captain was treated with the greatest kindness, being suffered +to join in all the doings of the other gentlemen, and his ransom was fixed +at 1000 crowns. But after a fortnight or more he grew tired of this life +and persuaded an Albanian in the garrison to procure him a horse and help +him to gain his freedom, for it was only fifteen or twenty miles to his own +quarters. The man agreed, tempted by a high bribe, and Don Alonzo, who was +allowed to come and go as he pleased, had no difficulty in passing out +through the gateway in the early morning, when he and his companion put +spurs to their horses and felt assured of success. But if the Good Knight +was courteous he was not careless, and when he paid his usual morning call +on his prisoner he was nowhere to be found. The watch was sounded, and the +absence of the Albanian was also discovered, whereupon Bayard sent off in +instant pursuit and Don Alonzo was overtaken within two miles of Andria, +where he had dismounted to fasten the girth of his saddle which was broken. +The Albanian managed to reach the Spanish quarter, for he knew that the +penalty of his treachery would be hanging, and the Spanish knight was +brought back to Monervine. + +When Bayard met him he said: "How is it that you have broken your faith, my +lord Don Alonzo? I will trust you no more, for it is not a knightly deed to +escape from a place when you are on parole." The prisoner tried to excuse +himself by vowing that he only went to fetch his ransom as he was troubled +by receiving no news of his own people. But this did not avail him much, +for he was kept in close confinement in a tower, but otherwise very well +treated in the way of food and drink. After about another fortnight a +trumpeter arrived to announce that the ransom was coming, and when this was +duly paid, Don Alonzo took a friendly leave of his captors, having had time +to notice that the Good Knight kept not a penny of the money for himself, +but divided it all amongst his soldiers. + +But the story does not end here, for this recreant knight was ungrateful +enough to complain to his friends in the most outrageous manner of the +treatment which he had received during his captivity. When this came to the +knowledge of the Good Knight he was justly indignant, as were all his +companions, and he at once wrote a letter to Don Alonzo, calling upon him +to withdraw these untrue words, or to accept a challenge to mortal combat. +This he sent by a trumpeter, and also offered his foe the choice of +weapons, and whether the contest should be on foot or on horseback. + +The Spanish captain sent back an insolent answer, saying that he would not +withdraw anything he had said, and that he would prove his words in mortal +combat within twelve days, two miles from the walls of Andria. In fixing +this date he knew that Bayard was ill at the time with a quartan fever. But +the Good Knight would not let such a small matter interfere with his +knightly honours, and when the day arrived he rode to the spot appointed, +with the Sire de la Palisse and his friend Bellabre as his seconds, and +about two hundred men-at-arms as a guard of honour. + +Bayard was clothed in white as a mark of humility and rode a splendid +horse, but as Don Alonzo had not appeared, a trumpeter was sent to hasten +his coming. When he was told that the Good Knight was on horseback with +the usual armour, he exclaimed: "How is this? I was to choose the arms. +Trumpeter, go and tell him that I will fight on foot." He said this, +thinking that the illness of Bayard would make it quite impossible for him; +and the trumpeter was greatly surprised, as all had been arranged for a +duel on horseback, and this looked like a way of retreat for the Spaniard. +Ill as he was Bayard showed no hesitation, and with the courage of a lion +declared that he was willing to avenge his honour in any guise. The arms +chosen were a sharp-pointed sword or rapier and a poignard, while the +armour used included a throat-piece (gorgerin) and a secrete.[1] + +[Footnote 1: Secrete, a kind of steel skull-cap, often worn under the +helmet.] + +When the camp was duly prepared and the champions in face of each other, +Bayard knelt down and made his prayer to God, then he bent to kiss the +earth, and rising, made the sign of the cross before he advanced to meet +his enemy. Don Alonzo addressed him in these words: "Lord of Bayard, what +do you seek from me?" And he replied: "I wish to defend my honour." Then +began the mortal combat between these two valiant men-at-arms, and never +was seen more splendid skill and courage. The rapier of the Good Knight +slightly wounded the face of Don Alonzo, who carefully guarded this most +vulnerable part, but his foe waited until he raised his arm for the next +attack, and then aimed at his neck, and notwithstanding the tempered steel +of his armour, Bayard's onslaught was so tremendous that the throat-piece +(gorgerin) was pierced and the rapier, having no sharp edges (it was only +used for thrusting) was driven in so far that it could not be withdrawn. +Don Alonzo, feeling himself wounded unto death, dropped his sword and +seized the Good Knight in his arms, the two wrestling fiercely until they +both fell on the ground. + +The terrible struggle lasted for some time, until Bayard struck his foe on +the visor with his poignard and cried: "Don Alonzo, recognise your fault +and cry for mercy to God...." But the Spanish knight made no reply, for he +was already dead. + +Then his second, Don Diego, said: "Seigneur Bayard, he is dead, you have +conquered;" which was proved, for they took off his visor and he breathed +no more. This was a sad trouble to the victor, for he would have given all +he had in the world to have vanquished him alive. Then the Good Knight +knelt down and thanked God humbly for his success. Afterwards he turned to +the dead knight's second and asked: "My lord Don Diego, have I done +enough?" + +"Too much, indeed, my lord Bayard, for the honour of Spain," was the +pitiful reply. Then the Good Knight gave leave that honourable burial +should be accorded to Don Alonzo, and his friends bore away the body of +their champion with sad lamentation. But we may imagine the joy and triumph +with which the noble company present and the French men-at-arms accompanied +their hero back to the castle of Monervine. + +This duel and the passages-of-arms before with Don Alonzo spread the fame +of Bayard throughout all Europe; indeed, his wonderful renown as the flower +of all chivalry really dates from this time. You may imagine how bitter the +Spaniards were and how they sought for revenge. + +After the battle of Cerignola, fought on April 28, 1503, Gonzalvo, the +Great Captain, entered Naples in triumph. When this disastrous news reached +France, Louis XII. hastened to send a fresh army, commanded by la +Tremouille, to reinforce the troops already in Apulia and Calabria. The +French general fell ill, and his authority passed into the hands of the +Marquis of Mantua, who found himself opposed and beaten back at every point +by the genius of Gonzalvo. + +At length the two armies came to a stand on either side of the River +Garigliano, one of the broadest rivers of Southern Italy, falling into the +Gulf of Gaeta. The French had possession of the right bank of the river, +close to the rising ground, and had therefore a more favourable position +than the marshy swamp on the lower side, in which the Spanish forces +remained encamped for fifty days. It was a fearful time, in the dead of +winter, with excessive rains, and the soldiers in both camps were driven to +the last verge of endurance, while numbers sickened and died. Under these +depressing circumstances the bright, cheerful spirit of Bayard, the Good +Knight, was invaluable, and his mere presence kept his company in hope and +courage. He never missed an opportunity of engaging in any feat of arms, +and his famous defence of the bridge is perhaps the best known of all his +exploits. + +There was a bridge across the Garigliano which was in the hands of the +French, and one day a certain Don Pedro de Pas, a Spanish captain, small +and dwarfish in body but great in soul, conceived a plan for obtaining +possession of it. With about a hundred horsemen he set off to cross the +river by a ford which he knew of, and behind each horseman he had placed a +foot-soldier, armed with an "arquebuse." Don Pedro did this in order to +raise an alarm in the French camp, so that the whole army might rush to +defend it, and leave unprotected the bridge, which would then be seized by +the Spaniards. Bayard, who always chose the post of danger, was encamped +close to the bridge, and with him was a brave gentleman, named le Basco. +When they heard the noise they armed themselves at once, and mounted their +horses in haste to rush to the fray. But as the Good Knight happened to +look across the river he caught sight of about two hundred Spanish horsemen +riding straight towards the bridge, which they would certainly have taken +without much resistance, and this would have meant the total destruction of +the French army. + +[Illustration: Bayard defends the Bridge.] + +Then the Good Knight cried to his companion, "My lord the Equerry, my +friend, go instantly and fetch our men to guard this bridge, or we are all +lost; meantime I will do my best to amuse them until you come, but make all +haste." This he did, and the Good Knight, lance in rest, galloped across +the bridge to the other end, where the Spaniards were on the point of +passing. But, like a lion in his rage, Bayard rushed at them with so +furious an onset that two or three of the foremost men were driven back and +hurled into the water, from whence they rose no more, for the river was +wide and deep. For a moment they were driven back, but seeing there was +only one knight they attacked him so furiously that it was a marvel he +could resist them. But he came to a stand against the barrier of the bridge +that they might not get behind him, and made so desperate a fight with his +sword, raining blows on all who came near, that he seemed to the Spaniards +more a demon than a man. + +In vain they cast pikes, lances, and other arms against him; the Good +Knight seemed to bear a charmed life. In fact, so well and so long did he +defend himself that his foes began to feel a superstitious dread of this +invincible champion when, after the space of full half an hour, his friend, +le Basco, arrived with a hundred men-at-arms. + +The historian Champier adds that when Bayard saw help approaching he +cried, with a loud voice, "Haste ye, noble Frenchmen, and come to my help." +Not satisfied with driving back the Spaniards from the bridge, the gallant +little company pursued them for a good mile, and would have done more but +they saw in the distance a great company of seven or eight hundred Spanish +horsemen. + +With all his dauntless courage, Bayard had the instinct of a good general, +and he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, we have done enough to-day in +saving the bridge; let us now retire in as close order as possible." His +advice was taken, and they began to retreat at a good pace, the Good Knight +always remaining the last and bearing all the brunt of the rear attack. +This became more difficult every minute, as his horse, on which he had +fought all that day, was so worn out that it could scarcely stand. + +All of a sudden there was a great rush of the enemy, sweeping like a +flood over the French men-at-arms, so that many were thrown to the ground. +The horse of the Good Knight was driven back against a ditch, where he +was surrounded by twenty or thirty horsemen, who cried: "Surrender, +surrender, my lord!" Still fighting to the last, he could only make answer: +"Gentlemen, I must indeed yield to you, for, being alone, I can no longer +fight against your might." + +If all the accounts of contemporary historians did not agree on the subject +we could hardly believe that one hero could keep back two hundred men at +the narrow entrance of the bridge for close upon half an hour. That after +so tremendous a fight Bayard could pursue the enemy, and defend the rear of +his retiring companions, is indeed a marvellous achievement. The wonder is +not that he was taken prisoner at last, but that he should have held out so +long. + +Meantime all his companions had ridden straight to their bridge, believing +that the Good Knight was amongst them, but of a sudden a certain gentleman +from Dauphine exclaimed: "We have lost all, my friends! The Captain Bayard +is dead or taken, for he is not in our company. I vow to God that if I am +to go alone I will return and seek him...." On hearing this the whole troop +turned their horses and set off at full gallop after the Spaniards, who +were bearing away with them the flower of all chivalry. But they did not +know it, for Bayard was aware that if they heard his name he should never +escape alive, and to all their inquiries he only made answer that he was a +gentleman. They had not even taken the trouble to disarm him. + +Of a sudden he heard his companions arrive in pursuit, shouting: "France! +France! Turn, turn, ye Spaniards; not thus shall you carry away the flower +of chivalry." Taken by surprise, the enemy received the French charge with +some disorder, and as men and horses gave way, the Good Knight saw his +opportunity, and without putting his foot in the stirrup, sprang upon a +fine horse whose rider was thrown, and as soon as he was mounted, cried: +"France! France! Bayard! Bayard! whom you have let go!" When the Spaniards +heard the name and saw what a mistake they had made to leave him his +arms (without requiring his parole, which he would certainly have kept), +they lost heart and turned back towards their camp, while the French, +overjoyed at having recovered their "Good Knight without Fear and without +Reproach"--their one ideal of chivalry and honour--galloped home over the +famous bridge. We do not wonder that for many days after they could talk of +nothing but this thrilling adventure and the gallant exploits of Bayard. + +[Illustration: The Page presents his Prisoner.] + + + + +[Illustration: THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN +_from the portrait by Albert Durer_.] + +CHAPTER V + + +The wars of Italy had a wonderful fascination for Louis XII., and he +eagerly united with the Emperor, the King of Spain, and the Pope in the +League of Cambray against Venice, hated for her great wealth and success. + +In the spring of 1509 the King collected another army, in which he made a +great point of the foot-soldiers, whose importance he fully appreciated, +and for the first time he chose captains of high renown to command them. He +sent for Bayard and said to him: "You know that I am crossing the mountains +to fight the Venetians, who have taken Cremona from me, and other places. I +am giving you the command of a company of men-at-arms ... but that can be +led by your lieutenant, Captain Pierre du Pont, while I wish you to take +charge of a number of foot-soldiers." + +"Sire," replied the Good Knight, "I will do what you wish; but how many +foot-soldiers do you propose to give me?" + +"One thousand," said the King; "no man has more." + +But Bayard suggested that five hundred of these soldiers, carefully +chosen, would be quite enough for one man to command if he did his duty +thoroughly, and to this the King agreed, bidding the Good Knight bring them +to join his army in the duchy of Milan. + +The important city of Padua, which had been restored to the Emperor +Maximilian, was left through his carelessness with a small garrison of only +800 "landsknechte" (German foot-soldiers). Two Venetian captains contrived +an ingenious stratagem for recovering the city. It was the month of July by +this time, and immense waggons of hay, from the second mowing, were +entering Padua every day. A number of Venetians made an ambush under some +thick trees about a bow-shot from the walls, then they hid behind the +hay-waggons and crept in through the gates, which at a given signal they +opened to their comrades. The German soldiers, taken by surprise, were put +to death, and the command was given to the brave General Pitigliano, who +repaired and strengthened the fortifications, knowing of what immense +importance this city was to his Republic. + +Maximilian was extremely annoyed by the loss of Padua, and collected a +great army, composed of men from all the allies, to besiege it. He also +brought to bear against it the strongest artillery ever used--one hundred +and six pieces of cannon and six immense mortars, "so heavy that they could +not be raised on gun-carriages, they could only be loaded with stones, and +were fired off not more than four times a day." The city was strongly +fortified and defended, and it was decided to attack the most important +gate which led to Vicenza. This being a most perilous enterprise, the +command was given to Bayard of the attacking party. The gate was approached +by a long, straight road between deep ditches, and there were four great +barriers at two hundred steps from each other, all thoroughly defended. +There was a fierce contest at every one of these barriers, and many gallant +knights fell in the attack, but the last one was the worst, for it was only +a stone's-throw from the battlements. The besieged rained stones on them +with their artillery, and the assault lasted more than an hour with pike +and battle-axe. + +Then the Good Knight, seeing that this became tedious, cried to his +companions: "Gentlemen, these men give us too much play; let us charge on +foot and gain this barrier." Thirty or forty men-at-arms sprang from their +horses and with raised visors dashed at the barrier with their lances, but +the Venetians met them again and again with fresh relays of men. Then +Bayard shouted: "At this rate, gentlemen, they will keep us here for six +years; we must give them a desperate assault and let each man do as I do!" +This they promised, and the trumpet was sounded, when with one tremendous +rush they drove back the defenders by the length of a lance, and with a +ringing war-cry Bayard sprang over the barrier followed by his friends. +When the French saw the danger in which these gallant men were, there was +such a charge against the final barrier that the enemy was driven back in +disorder into the town. Thus the approaches were gained, and the Emperor's +artillery was brought forward, and remained there for six weeks until the +siege was raised. + +A few days later the Good Knight heard, through one of his spies, that in +the castle of Bassano, about thirty miles off, there was a strong company +of cross-bowmen and horsemen, who made a point of sallying out from the +castle and seizing all the supplies of cattle which were on the way to the +camp. They were said to have four or five hundred oxen and cows already +within their walls. Bayard felt that this must be put a stop to, and his +picked companions readily joined him, for this fighting was their very life +and they asked for nothing better. So they set forth an hour before +daybreak and rode steadily towards Bassano, till they reached a place where +the spy pointed out to them a little wooden bridge which the band from +Treviso would have to cross, where two men could keep five hundred in +check. This the Good Knight left to be defended by a few men-at-arms and +archers, who were to remain in ambush until they had seen the troop from +Treviso go by, and await their return. Then Bayard gave directions to one +of his company to take thirty archers with him, and when he saw the enemy +well on their way he was to advance as though to skirmish with them, then +suddenly pretend to be frightened and ride off at full gallop in the +direction where the main French force was hidden behind rising ground. This +was all carried out, and the Good Knight with his men rushed forth upon the +pursuers, taking many prisoners, while the rest escaped in the direction of +Treviso, but were stopped at that wooden bridge and compelled to fight or +yield. + +When the fighting was over, Bayard said: "Gentlemen, we really must take +that castle with all the spoils in it." When it was pointed out to him that +it was very strong and they had no artillery, he remarked that he knew a +way by which they might possess it in a quarter of an hour. So he sent for +the two captains who were taken and said to them: "I insist that the castle +be surrendered to me at once, for I know that you have the power to command +it, otherwise you will lose your heads." They saw that he was in earnest, +and one, who was the seneschal, sent orders to his nephew and the gates +were opened. + +The Good Knight took possession of the castle, and within the walls of +Treviso found more than five hundred head of cattle and much other booty, +which was all sold later at Vicenza and divided amongst the victors. As +Bayard sat at table with the two Venetian captains, a young page of his, +named Boutieres, came in to show a prisoner he had taken during the +fighting--a big man twice his size. The boy had seen this standard-bearer +trying to escape, had made a rush at him with his lance, struck him to the +ground, and called upon him to surrender. He had given up his sword, to +Boutieres' great delight, and the lad of sixteen, with the standard he had +taken and his sturdy-looking prisoner, had caused great amusement in the +French company. When he was thus brought into the dining-hall before his +own captains, the standard-bearer looked very much ashamed of himself, and +protested that he had simply yielded to the force of numbers, not to that +boy. Thereupon Boutieres offered to give the man back his horse and his +arms and to fight him in single combat. If the standard-bearer won he +should go free without ransom; but if the young page won the man should +die. The Good Knight was delighted at this brave offer, but the Venetian +was afraid to accept it, and all the honour remained with the boy, who was +known to come of a brave race and proved himself worthy in the days to +come. + +Most of the French army retired into the duchy of Milan, but Bayard appears +to have remained behind with the garrison of Verona. By one of those rapid +changes so common in Italian politics, before the end of the year Louis +XII. found himself deserted by most of the allies, the Pope, the King of +Spain, Henry VIII., and the Swiss having joined the "Holy League" to drive +the French out of Italy. + + + + +[Illustration: ANDREA GRITTI DOGE _of_ VENICE +_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.] + +CHAPTER VI + + +While Bayard was with the garrison at Verona, in command of three or four +hundred men-at-arms who had been lent to the Emperor by the King of France, +he had some stirring adventures. It was winter time, and that year, 1509, +was long remembered for its severity. The soldiers in the town were obliged +to send for their horses' forage sometimes to a great distance, and they +were constantly losing both horses and varlets, who were waylaid by the +enemy, so that a large escort was necessary, for not a day passed without +some encounter. + +Now there was a village called San Bonifacio about fifteen miles from +Verona, where a certain Venetian captain, named Giovanni Paolo Manfroni, +was stationed with a number of men, and he amused himself by chasing the +foraging parties up to the very gates of Verona. The Good Knight at last +became very angry at this bold defiance, and he resolved to put an end to +these raids by going out with the escort himself the next time that hay was +fetched from the farms round. He kept his plans as secret as possible, but +Manfroni had a spy in the city who managed to let him know what was on +foot, and he resolved to take so strong a force that he would make sure of +capturing the famous Bayard. + +One Thursday morning the foragers set forth from Verona as usual, and in +their train were thirty or forty men-at-arms and archers under the command +of the captain, Pierre du Pont, a very wise and capable young man. The +party soon left the highroad to look out for the farms where they were to +receive the usual loads of hay. Meantime, the Good Knight, not suspecting +that his plan was betrayed, had taken a hundred men-at-arms and gone to a +little village called San Martino about six miles from Verona. From thence +he sent out some scouts, who were not long in returning with the news that +the enemy was in sight, about five hundred horsemen, who were marching +straight after the foragers. The Good Knight was delighted to hear it, and +at once set out to follow them with his company. + +But Manfroni, who had heard of the whole manoeuvre from his spy, had +prepared an ambush in a deserted palace near, where he had about six +hundred pikemen and arquebusiers. These men were not to stir until they saw +him and his party in retreat, pretending to flee from the French pursuit; +then they were at once to follow and so completely enclose and defeat +Bayard's company. + +The Good Knight had not gone two miles through the fields when he overtook +the Venetians and marched straight towards them, shouting, "Empire and +France!" They made some show of resistance, but soon began to retreat along +the lane towards their ambush, where they halted just beyond it, crying +"Marco! Marco!" and began to make a valiant defence. On hearing the +familiar cry of Venice, the foot-soldiers gave a tremendous shout and +rushed furiously upon the French, shooting with their arquebuses, a shot +from which struck Bayard's horse between the legs and killed him. Seeing +their dear master on the ground, his men-at-arms, who would all have died +for him, made a mighty charge, and a gentleman of Dauphine, named Grammont, +sprang from his horse and fought side by side with Bayard. But the two were +of no avail against the Venetians, who took them prisoners and were about +to disarm them. + +Captain Pierre du Pont, who was with the forage party, heard the noise and +instantly galloped up, finding his captain and Grammont in evil case; for +already they were being drawn out of the crowd to be taken to a place of +safety. He was only just in time, but he struck out at the captors like a +lion, and the men, taken by surprise, let their prisoners escape, and +retreated to their troop, which was having a furious fight with the French. +The Good Knight and Grammont were soon on horseback again, and hastened +back to the relief of their men, who were now attacked front and back, with +four to one against them, and the arquebusiers were doing them a lot of +damage. Then the Good Knight said to his nephew, Captain Pierre du Pont: +"My friend, we are lost if we do not gain the highroad, but if we are once +there, we will retire in spite of them, and shall be saved, with the help +of God." + +"I agree with you," replied his nephew. Then they began to retreat +steadily, step by step, towards the highroad, fighting all the way, and +they reached it at last, though not without much trouble, while the enemy +lost both foot-soldiers and horsemen. When the French at length reached the +highroad which led to Verona, they closed in together, and began to retire +very gently, turning upon the foe with a gallant attack every two hundred +feet. + +But all the time they had those arquebusiers at their heels constantly +firing upon them, so that at the last charge once more the Good Knight +had his horse killed under him. Before it fell he sprang to the ground +and defended himself in a wonderful way with his sword; but he was +soon surrounded and would have been killed, but at that moment his +standard-bearer, du Fay, with his archers, made so desperate a charge that +he rescued his captain from the very midst of the Venetians, set him upon +another horse, and then closed in with the others. + +The night was drawing near, and the Good Knight commanded that there should +be no more charging, as they had done enough for their honour, and the +gallant little party found a safe refuge in the village of San Martino, in +the midst of cypresses, whence they had started in the morning. This was +about four miles from Verona, and the Venetian captain felt that further +pursuit would be dangerous as help would probably arrive from Verona. So he +caused the retreat to sound, and set out to return to San Bonifacio, but on +the way his foot-soldiers, who were quite worn out, having fought for about +five hours, begged to be allowed to stay at a village some miles short of +San Bonifacio. Manfroni did not much approve of this, but he let them have +their way, while he and his horsemen rode on to their usual quarters, +feeling much disgusted that they had been galloped about all day with so +little to show for it. + +That night the French lodged in the village of San Martino, and they +feasted joyfully upon such provisions as they could find, feeling very +proud of their success, for they had scarcely lost any men in comparison +with the enemy. They were still at supper when one of their spies arrived +from San Bonifacio, and he was brought before Bayard, who asked what the +Venetians were doing. He replied: + +"Nothing much; they are in great force inside San Bonifacio, and the rumour +goes that they will soon have Verona, for they have a strong party within +the city. As I was starting the Captain Manfroni arrived, very hot and +angry, and I heard him say that he had been fighting against a lot of +devils from hell and not men. As I was coming here I passed through a +village which I found quite full of their foot-soldiers, who are spending +the night there, and to look at them I should say that they are quite tired +out." + +Then said the Good Knight: "I warrant that those are their foot-soldiers we +fought against to-day, who would not walk any further. If you feel disposed +we will go and take them. The moon is bright to-night, let us feed our +horses and at about three or four o'clock we will go and wake them." + +This suggestion was quite approved of; they all did their best with the +horses, and after having set the watch, they all went to rest. But Bayard +was too full of his enterprise to take any sleep; so towards three hours +after midnight he quietly roused his men and set forth with them on +horseback, riding in perfect silence to the village where the Venetian +foot-soldiers were staying. He found them, as he had expected, fast asleep +"like fat pigs," without any watch as far as he could see. The new-comers +began to shout, "Empire! Empire! France! France!" and to this joyous cry +the bumpkins awoke, coming one by one out of their shelter to be slain like +beasts. Their captain, accompanied by two or three hundred men, threw +himself into the market-place and tried to make a stand there; but no time +was given him, for he was charged from so many directions that he and all +his men were attacked and defeated, so that only three remained alive. +These were the captain and two other gentlemen, who were brothers, and +afterwards were exchanged for French gentlemen who were in prisons at +Venice. + +Having accomplished their work, the Good Knight and his company made their +way back to Verona, where they were received with great honour. On the +other hand, when the Venetians heard of the loss of their men they were +furious, and the Doge Andrea Gritti sharply blamed Manfroni for leaving +them behind. + +We may mention here that this Giovanni Paolo Manfroni was a splendid +soldier and one of the finest captains of men-at-arms in Italy at this +period. + +Manfroni had a certain spy, who often went backwards and forwards between +Venona and San Bonifacio, and who served both him and the Good Knight; but +those treacherous spies always serve one better than the other, and this +one hoped for the most gain from the Venetian. + +So one day Manfroni said to him: "You must go to Verona and let Captain +Bayard know that the Council of Venice wish me to be sent in command of +Lignano, a fortified town on the Adige, as the present governor is ordered +to the Levant with a number of galleys. Tell Bayard that you know for +certain that I start to-morrow at dawn with three hundred light horsemen, +and that I shall have no foot-soldiers with me. I am sure that he will +never let me pass without a skirmish, and if he comes I trust he will be +killed or taken, for I shall have an ambush at Isola della Scale (about +fifteen miles south of Verona) of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand +foot-soldiers. If you manage for him to meet me there I promise on my faith +to give you two thousand ducats of gold." + +This precious scoundrel readily promised that he would not fail to do so. +He went off straight to Verona, and to the lodging of the Good Knight, +where he was admitted at once, for all the people there believed him to be +entirely in the service of their master. They brought him in as soon as +Bayard had finished supper, and he was warmly welcomed. "Well, Vizentin, I +am glad to see you. You do not come without some reason; tell me, what news +have you?" + +[Illustration: Seizure of the Spy.] + +"My lord, I have very good news, thank God!" was the reply. The Good Knight +at once rose from table and drew the spy on one side, to learn what was +going on, who repeated the lesson he had learned. Bayard was delighted at +the prospect before him, and gave orders that Vizentin was to be well +feasted. Then he called together the Captain Pierre du Pont, La Varenne, +his flag-bearer du Fay, and a certain Burgundian captain of "landsknechte," +Hannotin de Sucker, who had fought with him in most of his Italian wars. He +told these friends what he had heard from the spy, and how Manfroni was +going to Lignano on the morrow with only three hundred horsemen. Then he +added that, if his good companions would join him, these Venetians would +not finish their journey without a little fighting, but the matter must be +seen to at once. + +It was settled that they should start at daybreak and take two hundred +men-at-arms. Hannotin de Sucker had his lodging at the other end of the +town, and while he was on his way home he chanced to see the spy coming out +of the house of a man who was known to be on the Venetian side. The +Burgundian captain at once suspected treason; he seized Vizentin by the +collar and asked him what he was doing. The man, taken by surprise, changed +colour and prevaricated so much that the captain at once took him back to +Bayard's lodging. He found his friend just going to bed, but the two sat +together over the fire, while the spy was carefully guarded. + +Hannotin explained why he felt sure that there was something wrong. Bayard +at once sent for the spy, of whom he inquired his reason for going to the +house of Messire Baptiste Voltege, the suspected person. In his fright the +spy gave five or six different explanations; but the Good Knight said to +him: "Vizentin, tell the truth without hiding anything, and I promise, on +the word of a true gentleman, that whatever it may be, even if my death has +been conspired for, I will do you no harm. But, on the other hand, if I +catch you in a lie, you will be hung to-morrow at break of day." + +The spy saw that he was caught, so he knelt down and begged for mercy, +which was again positively promised him. Then he told the whole story from +beginning to end of the proposed treachery; how Manfroni would have an +ambush of two hundred men-at-arms and two thousand foot-soldiers to make +sure of Bayard's destruction. The spy owned that he had been to the house +of Baptiste to tell him of this enterprise, and to advise him to find means +some night to have one of the city gates opened to the Venetians, but he +added that Baptiste had refused to do this. + +When he had made an end of his confession the Good Knight said to him: +"Vizentin, my money has certainly been wasted upon you, for you are a bad +and treacherous man ... You have deserved death, but I will keep my promise +and you shall be safe with me, but I advise you to keep out of sight, for +others may not spare you." + +The spy was taken away to be closely guarded, and Bayard said to his +friend, the Burgundian captain: + +"What shall we do to this Captain Manfroni who thinks to take us by a +trick? We must pay him out, and if you do what I ask you we will carry out +one of those splendid adventures which were done a hundred years ago." "My +lord, you have only to command and you will be obeyed," was the simple +reply. + +"Then go at once to the lodging of the Prince of Hainault, and with my +compliments tell him the whole story. Then you must persuade him to send us +to-morrow morning two thousand of his 'landsknechte,' and we will take them +with us and leave them somewhere in ambush. If something wonderful does not +result you may blame me!" + +Hannotin de Sucker started at once and went to the quarters of the Prince, +who was asleep in bed. He was roused immediately and soon heard all that +his visitor had to tell. This courteous Prince, who loved war better than +anything else, was also such a devoted admirer of the Good Knight that he +could have refused him nothing. He replied that he only wished he had heard +of this sooner, as he would have joined the party himself, but Bayard could +dispose of his soldiers as if they were his own. He instantly sent his +secretary to four or five of his most trusted captains, who, to make a long +story short, were ready at daybreak to meet the men-at-arms who had known +of the expedition overnight. They all met at the city gate and set forth +from the city towards Isola della Scala, and the Good Knight said to +Hannotin: "You and the 'landsknechte' must remain in ambush at Servode (a +little village two miles from Isola), and do not be uneasy for I will draw +our foes under your very nose, so that you will have plenty of honour +to-day if you are a gallant comrade." + +All was carried out as arranged, for when the men in ambush were left +behind, all the rest of the brave company galloped on to Isola, as if they +knew nothing of what awaited them. They were in an open plain, where there +was a good view from all sides, and presently they saw the Captain Manfroni +riding towards them with his small company of light horsemen. The Good +Knight sent forward his standard-bearer, du Fay, with some archers for a +little skirmish, while he rode after them at a good pace with the +men-at-arms. But he had not gone far when he saw, coming briskly out of the +town of Isola, the Venetian foot-soldiers and a troop of men-at-arms. He +made a show of being surprised, and bade the trumpeter sound to recall his +standard. When du Fay heard this, according to his orders, he began to +retire with his company, which closed up round him, and pretended to be +going straight back to Verona, but really went slowly towards the village +where their "landsknechte" were hiding. An archer had already been sent on +to tell Captain Sucker to make ready for the fight. + +Meantime the men of Venice, with their combined troops, charged the small +company of Frenchmen, making such a noise that thunder would not have been +heard, for they felt quite sure that their prey could not escape them. The +French kept well together and skirmished so cleverly that they were soon +within a bow-shot from Servode, when the "landsknechte" of the Prince of +Hainault rushed forth in close ranks from their ambush, and at the word of +command from Bayard charged the Venetians, who were astounded. But they +were good fighting men and made a bold stand, although many were borne to +the ground by the terrible long spears of their enemies. Manfroni made a +splendid resistance, but he could do nothing to help his foot-soldiers, +who could not escape by flight, as they were too far from any refuge; and +he was compelled to see them cut up and destroyed before his eyes. The +Venetian captain soon saw that his only chance was to retreat or he must be +killed, if not taken prisoner, so he galloped off at full speed towards San +Bonifacio. He was followed for some distance, but the Good Knight then +caused the retreat to be sounded, and the pursuers returned, but with great +spoils of prisoners and horses. + +The loss of the Venetians was very great, for none of the foot-soldiers +escaped, and there were about sixty prisoners of importance who were taken +to Verona, where the successful French, Burgundians, and "landsknechte" +were received with the utmost joy by their companions, whose only regret +was that they had missed the fray. Thus ended this gallant adventure which +brought great honour and praise to the Good Knight. When he returned to his +lodging he sent for the spy, to whom he said: + +"Vizentin, according to my promise I will set you free. You can go to the +Venetian camp and ask the Captain Manfroni if the Captain Bayard is as +clever in war as he is. Say that if he wants to take me he will find me in +the fields." + +He sent two of his archers to conduct the spy out of the town, and the man +went at once to San Bonifacio, where Manfroni had him taken and hung as a +traitor, without listening to any excuse. + + + + +[Illustration: POPE JULIUS THE SECOND +_from the portrait by Raphael Sanzio_.] + +CHAPTER VII + + +When war began again in Italy at the close of the year 1510, Louis XII. +found that he had no allies except the Duke of Ferrara and some Swiss +mercenaries. Pope Julius II. had joined forces with the Venetians in his +eager desire to drive the French out of Italy, and he was also extremely +wroth with Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara. He sent word to the widowed Countess +of Mirandola that she should give up her city into his hands, as he +required it for his attack upon Ferrara. + +When at length the brave defenders had been compelled to yield their +citadel, Pope Julius refused to take possession of the conquered city in +the usual way by riding in through the gate; he had a bridge thrown across +the frozen moat and climbed in through a breach in the walls. It must have +been a gallant sight to look upon, when he politely escorted the angry +Countess of Mirandola out of the home she had so bravely defended, while +she held her head high and boldly spoke her mind, with pride and assurance +as great as his own. + +When news of the fall of Mirandola reached the Duke of Ferrara he expected +that the next move would be an attack on Ferrara itself. He therefore +destroyed the bridge which he had made across the Po, and retreated with +all his army to his own strong city. The Castello of Ferrara, in the very +heart of the city, standing four-square with its mighty crenellated towers, +was one of the most famous fortresses of Italy and was believed to be +impregnable; only by famine could it be taken. + +The Pope's wisest captains and his nephew, the Duke of Urbino, pointed out +that Ferrara was thoroughly fortified, well provided with artillery of the +newest make, and was defended by an army of well-tried soldiers, amongst +whom was the French company commanded by Bayard. One noted Venetian captain +thus gave his opinion: "Holy Father, we must prevent any provisions +arriving at Ferrara by the river, and also from Argenta and the country +round, which is very rich and fertile. But this we shall scarcely +accomplish unless we take La Bastida, a place about twenty-five miles from +Ferrara; but if once this fortress is in our hands we can starve out the +city in two months, considering what a number of people are within its +walls." + +Pope Julius saw the point at once and exclaimed: "Certainly, we must have +that place; I shall not rest until it is taken." + +We may imagine the dismay of the governor of La Bastida when he saw a +formidable army arrive, for it happened at the time that he had only a weak +garrison. He instantly sent off a messenger to Ferrara, before the castle +was surrounded and the artillery set in position, pointing out the extreme +peril and the absolute need of immediate help. The trusty man made such +haste that he reached Ferrara about noon, having taken hardly six hours on +the way. It so chanced that he met Bayard at the city gate, and on the Good +Knight asking what news he brought, he replied: + +"My lord, I come from La Bastida, which is besieged by seven or eight +thousand men, and the commander sends me to tell the Duke that if he does +not receive help he will not be able to hold the place until to-morrow +night if they try to take it by assault ... for he has only twenty-five men +of war within the walls...." + +Bayard at once hastened with him to the Duke, whom he met riding in the +market-place with the lord of Montboison. They thought at first that a spy +had been taken, but soon learnt that he was the bearer of bad news. As the +Duke read the letter which the commander had written he turned pale, and +when he had finished he shrugged his shoulders and said: "If I lose La +Bastida I may as well abandon Ferrara, and I do not see how we can possibly +send help within the time mentioned, for he implores assistance before +to-morrow morning, and it is impossible." + +"Why?" asked the lord of Montboison. + +"Because it is five-and-twenty miles from here, and in this bad weather it +will be more than that," replied the Duke. "There is a narrow way for about +half a mile where the men will have to go one after the other. Besides, +there is another thing, for if our enemies knew of a certain passage twenty +men could hold it against ten thousand, but I trust they will not discover +it." + +When the Good Knight saw how distressed the Duke was, he said: + +"My lord, when a small matter is at stake we may hesitate; but when we are +threatened with utter destruction we must try any means. The enemies are +before La Bastida, and they are quite confident that we shall not dare to +leave this city to raise the siege, knowing that the great army of the Pope +is so near us. I have thought of a plan which will be easy to carry out, if +fortune is with us. + +"You have in this town four or five thousand foot-soldiers, well hardened +and good soldiers; let us take two thousand of them with eight hundred +Swiss under Captain Jacob and send them this night in boats up the river. +You are still master of the Po as far as Argenta; they will go and wait for +us at the passage you spoke of. If they arrive there first they will take +it, and the men-at-arms who are in this town will ride by the road all this +night. We shall have good guides and will so manage as to arrive by +daybreak and thus join the others; our enemies will have no suspicion of +this enterprise. From the passage you spoke of it is three miles or less to +La Bastida; before they have time to put themselves in order of battle we +will attack them sharply, and my heart tells me that we shall defeat them." + +The Duke, delighted, replied with a smile: "Upon my word, Sir Bayard, +nothing seems impossible to you! But I believe that if the gentlemen who +are here agree with you, we shall indeed win...." No one made any +difficulty; on the contrary, the captains of the men-at-arms were so +delighted that, as the chronicler says, "they thought they were in +Paradise." The boats were all prepared as quietly and secretly as possible, +for in the city there were known to be many friends of the Pope. + +Fortunately it was the dead of winter, when the nights were long. As soon +as it was dark the foot-soldiers embarked in the boats, which were provided +with trusty and experienced boatmen. The horsemen, led by the Duke in +person, also set forth as soon as the twilight came; they took good guides, +and had a safe journey notwithstanding the stormy weather. Thus it +happened that half an hour before dawn they arrived at the narrow passage, +where all was lonely and quiet, at which they rejoiced greatly. They had +not been waiting half an hour before the boats arrived with the +foot-soldiers. + +The men landed and then marched slowly by a narrow path until they reached +a very deep canal between the Po and La Bastida, where they had to cross a +little bridge so narrow that they had to go one after the other. This took +a whole hour to cross, so that it was now quite daylight, which made the +Duke anxious, more especially as, hearing no sound of artillery, he feared +the fortress had been taken. But just as he was speaking about it there +thundered forth three cannon shots, at which all the company was delighted. +They were now only a mile from the enemy, and the Good Knight said: + +"Gentlemen, I have always heard it said that he is a fool who makes light +of his foes; we are now close to ours, and they are three to one. If they +knew of our enterprise it would be very bad for us, as they have artillery +and we have none. Besides, I believe that on this occasion all the flower +of the Pope's army is before us; we must take them by surprise if possible. +I would propose sending du Fay with fifteen or twenty horsemen to sound the +alarm on the side from which the enemy came, and Captain Pierre du Pont +with a hundred men-at-arms should be within a bow-shot to support him, and +we will also send him Captain Jacob with his Swiss. You, my lord," he said +to the Duke, "with my lord of Montboison, my companions and myself, we will +go straight to the siege, and I will go in front to give the alarm. If du +Fay is first in position and they attack him, we will go forward and +enclose them; but if our party is first, Captain Pierre du Pont and the +Swiss will do so on their side. That will astonish them so much that they +will not know what to do, for they will think we are three times as many +men as we are, and especially when all our trumpets sound forth at once." + +No one had anything better to suggest, for indeed the Good Knight was so +great an authority in war that all were glad to follow where he led. + +The attack was thus made on both sides, du Fay giving such a tremendous +alarm on the outer side of the camp that the enemies hastily began to put +on their armour, to mount their horses, and go straight towards where they +heard the trumpets. The foot-soldiers set about arranging themselves in +battle order, but fortunately this took so long that meantime the +assailants of du Fay were attacked and driven back by Pierre du Pont, while +the Swiss poured down upon the foot-soldiers, whose number would have +overwhelmed them had not the men-at-arms rode down upon the papal infantry +from the other side. + +The Duke and the French company, with two thousand foot-soldiers, who had +arrived under the walls without being observed, now joined in the fray from +the other side, to the utter confusion of the enemy, who were completely +surrounded and cut to pieces. Some of the horsemen of the papal army made a +desperate attempt to rally, but Bayard and another captain called their +ensigns and rode straight at them, with the cry of: "France! France! The +Duke! the Duke!" and charged them with such vehemence that most of them +were brought to the ground. The fighting went on for a good hour, but at +last the camp was lost and those escaped who could, but they were not many. +This battle cost the Pope about three thousand men, all his artillery and +camp furnishing, and was the salvation of the duchy of Ferrara. More than +three hundred horses remained in the hands of the conquerors, besides many +prisoners of importance. + +Indeed, we do not wonder that so much stress is laid upon this victory by +the chronicler of Bayard, as it was solely due to his energy and +resolution. The battle took place on February 11, 1511. + +It was at the siege of Brescia that the fame of Bayard reached its highest +point. His splendid courage in volunteering to place himself in the +forefront of battle and face the dreaded hand-guns of the arquebusiers is +the more striking as he had a special hatred of these new arms which were +coming more and more into use. All this gunpowder business was detestable +to the great knight, who had been trained in the old school of chivalry, +where gentlemen showed their skill in the use of arms, and fought bravely +against each other, while a battle was a kind of glorified tournament. "It +is a shame," he used to say, "that a man of spirit should be exposed to be +killed by a miserable stone or iron ball against which he cannot defend +himself." + +Bayard always seems to us singularly free from the superstitions of his +day, but we cannot forget that an astrologer had foretold his death from +one of these new machines of war. + +When all preparations had been made for the assault of the city, the Duke +of Nemours said to the captains of the army: "My lords, there is one thing +that for God's sake we must consider. You know that if this town is taken +by assault, it will be ruined and pillaged, and many will be put to death, +which seems a great pity. We must try once, before they put it to the +touch, whether they will surrender." + +This was agreed to, and the next morning a trumpeter was sent forth from +the citadel, who marched down to the first rampart of the enemy where the +Doge, Messire Andrea Gritti, and his captains came to meet him. The +trumpeter asked if he might enter the town, but was told that he might say +what he liked to those present who had the authority to answer him. Then he +gave his message, saying that if they would give up the city they should +all be free to go forth and their lives would be safe, but if it were taken +by assault they would probably all be killed. + +The answer they gave was to bid him return, for the town belonged to the +Republic of Venice, and so would remain, and they would take good care that +no Frenchman should ever set foot within. + +The trumpeter brought back his answer, and when it was heard, there was no +more delay for the men were already in battle order. + +"Well, gentlemen, we must all do our best.... Let us march," said Gaston de +Foix, Duc de Nemours, "in the name of God and my lord St. Denis." Drums, +trumpets, and bugles sounded an alarm. The enemy replied with a burst of +artillery, and the attacking party from the citadel began their descent +down the hill, where the ground was very slippery, for there had been rain +in the night. The general and many other knights took off their broad, +plated shoes to gain a firmer hold with the felt slippers worn under the +armour, for no one wished to be left behind. At the first rampart there was +a fierce conflict, for it was splendidly defended, and while the Good +Knight's company cried "Bayard! Bayard! France!" the enemy replied with +"Marco! Marco!" making so much noise as to drown the sound of the +hand-guns. The Doge, Andrea Gritti, encouraged his followers by saying to +them in the Italian tongue: "Hold firm, my friends, the French will soon +be tired, and if we can defeat this Bayard, the others will never come on." + +But in spite of all his encouragement his men began to give way, and seeing +this the Good Knight cried: "Push on, push on, comrades! It is ours; only +march forward and we have won." He himself was the first to enter and cross +the rampart with about a thousand men following after him, and so with much +fighting the first fort was taken with great loss of life to the defenders. + +But in the very moment of victory the Good Knight was wounded, receiving +the blow of a pike in his thigh, which entered in so deeply that the iron +was broken and remained in the wound. He believed himself stricken to death +from the pain he suffered, and turning to his friend, the lord of Molart, +he said: "Companion, advance with your men, the city is gained; but I can +go no further for I am dying." He was losing so much blood that he felt he +must either die without confession, or else permit two of his archers to +carry him out of the melee and do their best to staunch the wound. + +When the news spread that their hero and champion was mortally wounded the +whole army, captains and men alike, were all moved to avenge his death, and +fought with fierce courage. Nothing could resist them, and at length they +entered pell-mell into the city, where the citizens and the women threw +great stones and boiling water from the windows upon the invaders, doing +more harm than all the soldiers had done. But the men of Venice were +utterly defeated, and many thousands remained in their last sleep in the +great piazza and the narrow streets where they had been pursued by the +enemy. Of that proud army which had held Brescia with bold defiance, such +as were not slain were taken prisoners, and among these was the Doge of +Venice himself. Then followed an awful time of pillage and every form of +cruelty and disorder, as was ever the way in those days when a city was +taken by storm. The spoils taken were valued at three millions of crowns, +and this in the end proved the ruin of the French power in Italy, for so +many of the soldiers, demoralised by plunder, deserted with their +ill-gotten gains and went home. + +Meantime the wounded Bayard was borne into the city by his two faithful +archers and taken to a quiet street from whence the tide of battle had +passed on. Here they knocked at the door of a fine house whose master had +fled to a monastery, leaving his wife in charge. The good lady opened it at +once to receive the wounded soldier, and Bayard, turning to his men, bade +them guard the house against all comers, being assured that when they heard +his name none would attempt to enter. "And rest assured that what you lose +in the matter of spoil I will make good to you," he added. The lady of the +house led the way to her guest-chamber, whither the Good Knight was +carried, and she threw herself on her knees before him, saying: "Noble +lord, I present to you this house and all that is in it, for it is yours by +right of war, but I pray you to spare my honour and my life and that of my +two young daughters...." She had hidden away the poor girls in an attic +under the hay, but Bayard soon set her mind at rest, and gave her his +knightly word that her house would be as safe as a sanctuary. Then he asked +if she knew of a surgeon, and she went to fetch her own doctor, under the +escort of one of the archers. When he arrived he dressed the wound, which +was very deep and jagged, but he assured his patient that he was in no +danger of death, and would probably be on horseback again in less than a +month. + +Great was the joy of the Duc de Nemours and of all the French army when +this good report reached them, and the general, who remained in Brescia for +about a week, paid him a visit every day. He tried to comfort him by the +prospect of another battle before long against the Spaniards, and bade him +be quick and get well, for they could not do without him. The Good Knight +made reply that if there should be a battle he would not miss it for the +love he bore to his dear Gaston de Foix and for the King's service; rather +he would be carried thither in a litter. + +Before leaving, when he had placed the hapless city in some kind of order +and government, Gaston sent the Good Knight many presents and five hundred +crowns, which he at once gave to his faithful archers. The Duke had, +indeed, no choice about his movements, for he received most urgent letters +from the King of France, who wanted the Spaniards to be driven out of +Lombardy as soon as possible, for France was threatened on every side, by +the King of England and by the Swiss. + +The Good Knight was compelled to remain in bed for nearly five weeks, to +his great annoyance, for he received news from the French camp every day, +and there was constant talk of an approaching battle. So he sent for the +surgeon who attended him and told him that all this worry was making him +much worse, and that he must be allowed to join the camp. Seeing what kind +of warrior he had to deal with, the good man replied that the wound was not +closed but was healing well, and that there would be no danger in his +sitting on horseback, but the wound must be carefully dressed night and +morning by his barber. If any one had given Bayard a fortune he would not +have been so delighted, and he settled to start in two days' time. On the +morning when he was to leave after dinner, the good lady of the house came +to speak to him. She knew that by the laws of war she, her daughters, and +her husband (who had long since returned from the monastery where he had +taken refuge) were all prisoners of this French knight, and all that was in +the house belonged to him. But she had found him so kind and courteous that +she hoped to gain his favour by a handsome present, and she brought with +her one of her servants bearing a steel casket containing 2500 ducats. On +entering the Good Knight's chamber she fell on her knees before him, but he +would not suffer her to speak a word until she was seated by his side. Then +she poured out all her gratitude for his knightly courtesy and protection, +and at last offered him the casket, opening it to show what it contained. +But Bayard put it aside with a friendly smile, and replied: + +"On my word, dear lady, I have never cared for money all my life! No riches +could ever be so precious to me as the kindness and devoted care which you +have shown to me during my stay with you, and I assure you that so long as +I live you will always have a faithful gentleman at your command. I thank +you very much for your ducats, but I pray that you will take them back...." +However, the lady was so much distressed at his refusal that he at length +accepted the casket, but begged her to send her daughters to wish him +good-bye. When they came and would have fallen on their knees before him, +he would not suffer such humility, but thanked them for all their kindness +in cheering him with their lute and spinet and singing during his illness, +and begged them to accept the ducats contained in their mother's casket, +which he poured out into their aprons whether they would or not. Overcome +by his courteous persuasion, the mother thanked him with tears in her eyes: +"Thou flower of knighthood to whom none can compare, may the Blessed +Saviour reward thee in this world and the next." When the Good Knight's +horses were brought round at mid-day, after dinner, the two fair maidens +brought him some presents of their own needlework, bracelets made with hair +bound with gold and silver threads, and a little embroidered purse, which +he gallantly placed in his sleeve, and the bracelets on his arms, with many +thanks, to the great delight of the girls. Thus with friendly words and +courtly farewells he took his leave, and rode away with a goodly company of +friends towards the camp near Ravenna, where he was welcomed with the +greatest joy and honour by all the French army. + +When Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours, arrived at the camp before Ravenna he +assembled all the captains together to consider what was to be done, for +the French army began to suffer very much on account of the scarcity of +provisions, which could only be obtained with great difficulty. They were +very short of bread and wine, because the Venetians had cut off the +supplies from one side and the Spanish army held all the coast of Romagna. + +There was also another reason for haste, which was not yet known to the +French leaders. Maximilian had long been uncertain and vacillating in his +alliances, but had now definitely decided to join the side of Pope Julius +and the King of Spain. As usual there were companies of German and Swiss +mercenaries both in the Italian army and also with the French, and these +owed some kind of allegiance to the sovereign of their land. Thus it was +that the Emperor had sent word to the companies of German "landsknechte" +that they were to retire home at once and were not to fight against the +Spaniards. Now it so happened that this letter had only been seen by the +Captain Jacob, who commanded these mercenaries in the French army, and he, +being a great friend of Bayard, privately asked his advice, first telling +him that having accepted the pay of the French King he had no intention of +thus betraying him in the hour of battle. But he suggested that it would be +well to hurry on the impending battle before other letters should come from +the Emperor and give the men an excuse for retiring. The Good Knight saw +how urgent the matter was and advised him to declare it to the general, the +Duc de Nemours. + +Duke Gaston, who had now heard of the Emperor's letter, said that they had +no choice, and also that his uncle, the King of France, was sending +constant messengers to hurry on war operations as he was in sore straits. +Bayard was asked to give his opinion, and he modestly replied that he had +only just arrived and others might know more, but as far as he could learn, +the besieged were promised that a large army from Naples and Rome would +come to their help in a few days, certainly before Easter, and this was +Maundy Thursday. "And on the other hand," he added, "our men have no +provisions and the horses are reduced to eating willow leaves, so that each +day's delay makes it worse for us. You see, too, the King our master writes +to us every day to hasten our movements, therefore I advise that we give +battle. But we must use all caution for we have to do with brave and good +fighting men, and we cannot deny the risk and danger. There is one comfort: +the Spaniards have been in Romagna for a year, fed like fish in the water +till they are fat and full, while our men, having undergone much hardship, +have longer breath. Remember that to him who fights longest the camp will +remain." + +At this every one smiled, for Bayard always had such a bright and pleasant +way of putting things that men loved to hear him. His advice was followed +and all was made ready for a determined assault on the city next day, which +was Good Friday. The captains and their men set forth in gallant mood, as +though they went to a wedding, and so fierce was the attack of the +artillery that before long a small breach was made in the fortification, +but the defenders fought so well that it was not possible to break through +and at length the retreat was sounded. This was really a fortunate thing, +as if the soldiery had begun pillaging the place the coming battle would +certainly have been lost, and the relieving army was now within two miles +of Ravenna. + +It would be too long to follow the whole story of that fierce and desperate +conflict, where both sides fought with the utmost skill and valour. The +Spaniards certainly carried out their usual tactics of constantly taking +aim at the horses of the French riders, for they have a proverb which says: +"When the horse is dead the man-at-arms is lost." Their war-cry was: +"Spain! Spain! St. Iago!" to which the other side replied by another +furious onslaught to the shouts of "France! France!" And wherever the Good +Knight passed, "Bayard! Bayard!" was the clarion note which cheered on his +company, ever in the forefront of battle. The French artillery was used +with great success, and as for the young general, Gaston de Foix, he led +forward his men again and again with splendid success. It was late in the +day and already the tide of victory was on the side of the French, when the +Good Knight, who was riding in pursuit of the flying enemy, said to the +Duke: "Praise be to God, you have won the battle, my lord, and the world +will ring with your fame. I pray you to remain here by the bridge and rally +your men-at-arms to keep them from pillaging the camp. But do not leave, I +entreat, till we return." It would have been well, indeed, if he had +remembered this, but some time later, in the tumult and confusion, he saw +some Gascons being driven across the canal by a few Spanish fugitives, and +with his usual impetuous chivalry, Gaston threw himself to their rescue, +without waiting to see who followed him. + +He found himself hemmed in between the canal and a deep ditch, attacked by +desperate men with pikes; his horse was killed and he fought on foot with +only his sword. His companions, who had quickly seen his danger, were +trampled down or thrust into the water, and in vain his cousin, de Lautrec, +shouted to the Spaniards, "Do not kill him; he is our general, the brother +of your Queen" (Germaine de Foix). The gallant young Duke fell covered with +wounds, and de Lautrec was left for dead, before their assailants turned +and continued their flight to Ravenna. It so chanced that some distance +farther the Good Knight met them, and would have attacked them, but they +pleaded humbly for their lives, which could make no difference now the +battle was won. Bayard let them go, little knowing that they had done to +death his dear lord and beloved friend, Gaston de Foix. + +The Good Knight wrote to his uncle on April 14, 1512: + + +"Sir, if our King has gained the battle I vow to you that we poor gentlemen +have lost it; for while we were away in pursuit of the enemy ... my lord +of Nemours ... was killed and never was there such grief and lamentation +as overwhelms our camp, for we seem to have lost everything. If our dear +lord had lived to his full age (he was but twenty-four) he would have +surpassed all other princes, and his memory would have endured so long as +the world shall last.... Sir, yesterday morning the body of my lord +(Gaston de Foix, Duc de Nemours) was borne to Milan with the greatest +honour we could devise, with two hundred men-at-arms, the many banners +taken in this battle carried trailing on the ground before his body, with +his own standards triumphantly floating behind him.... We have lost many +other great captains, and amongst them my friend Jacob of the German +foot-soldiers ... and I assure you that for a hundred years the kingdom of +France will not recover from our loss....--Your humble servitor, BAYARD." + +The brilliant victory won outside the walls of Ravenna was the last +successful engagement of the French army which, threatened on every side, +was soon "to melt away like mist flying before the wind." The day after the +battle Ravenna was pillaged by the French adventurers and "landsknechte" +with the usual unfortunate result, that they forsook their masters and +returned home with their booty. + +This gallant young prince was indeed a terrible loss both to his friends +and to his country. His uncle, Louis XII., is said to have exclaimed, on +hearing of the death of the Duke of Nemours: "Would to God that I had lost +Italy, and that Gaston and the others who fell at Ravenna were still +alive!" + +It was difficult to fill his place, but Chabannes la Palisse was chosen to +the command of the army, as Lautrec had been grievously wounded and was now +at Ferrara, where he ultimately recovered. + +The French army was already weary and dispirited when the troops of the +Pope and his allies bore down upon them in great numbers; and after several +attempts at resistance they were compelled to retire to Pavia, which they +hoped to defend. However, they had barely time to fortify the various gates +before the enemy was upon them, two days later. By the advice of Bayard, a +bridge of boats was made across the river as a way of retreat, for the +stone bridge was sure to be guarded by the enemy, and, as we shall see, +this proved to be of immense value. By some means, the Swiss managed to +enter the town by the citadel and advanced to the market-place, where, on +the alarm being sounded, they were met by the foot-soldiers and some +men-at-arms, amongst whom were the Captain Louis d'Ars, who was Governor, +La Palisse, and the lord of Imbercourt. But, above all, the Good Knight did +incredible things, for with about twenty or thirty men-at-arms he held all +the Swiss at bay for about two hours in a narrow passage, fighting the +whole time with such desperate energy that he had two horses killed under +him. + +It was now that the bridge of boats came into use, and the artillery was +first preparing to cross when Captain Pierre du Pont, Bayard's nephew, who +was keeping a watch on the enemy, came to tell the company fighting in the +market-place: "Gentlemen, retire at once; for above our bridge a number of +Swiss are arriving in little boats, ten at a time, and when they have +enough men they will enclose us in this city and we shall all be cut to +pieces." + +He was so wise and valiant a leader that his words were obeyed, and the +French retreated, always fighting, as far as their bridge, hotly pursued, +so that there was heavy skirmishing. However, the horsemen passed over +safely, while about three hundred foot-soldiers remained behind to guard +the entrance of the bridge. But a great misfortune happened, for when the +French had just succeeded in taking across the last piece of artillery, a +long "culverin"[1] (cannon), named _Madame de Forli_,[2] which had been +re-taken from the Spaniards at Ravenna, was so heavy that it sank the first +boat, and the poor soldiers, seeing they were lost, escaped as best they +could, but many were killed and others drowned. + +[Footnote 1: Cannon of 5-1/2 inches bore; weight of the shot 17-1/2 lbs.] + +[Footnote 2: Named after the famous Catarina Sforza, the warlike Lady of +Forli.] + +When the French had crossed the bridge they destroyed it, although they +were no longer pursued, but a great misfortune befell Bayard. He was, as +usual, in the place of danger, protecting the retreat of his company, when +he was wounded by the shot from the town of a small cannon called a +"fowler." It struck him between the shoulder and the neck with such force +that all the flesh was torn off to the bone, and those who saw the shot +thought he was killed. But although he was in agony and knew that he was +seriously wounded, he said to his companions: "Gentlemen, it is nothing." +They tried to staunch the wound with moss from the trees, and some of his +soldiers tore up their shirts for bandages, as there was no surgeon at +hand. It was in this unfortunate condition that the Good Knight accompanied +the French army on that sad retreat from place to place, until at last they +reached Piedmont and crossed the Alps. + +Less than three months after the victory of Ravenna the triumphant allies +had re-taken Bologna, Parma, and Piacenza without a blow; had encouraged +Genoa to assert her independence; and Italy, with the exception of a few +citadels, had escaped from French rule. + +Bayard, who suffered much from his wound, was carried to Grenoble, where +his good uncle the Bishop, who had first started him in his career of arms, +received him with the greatest affection. He was warmly welcomed and made +much of in his native land, and possibly the excitement, combined with his +serious wound, was too much for him, as he fell ill with fever and for more +than a fortnight his life was despaired of. + +Prayers and supplications were made for him throughout the whole country, +especially in all the churches of Grenoble itself, and, as the chronicler +remarks, "there must have been some good person whose prayers were heard," +for the Good Knight gradually grew better, and before many weeks he was as +well and as gay as ever. Never was any one more feasted and entertained +than he was during the three months when he remained with his uncle, the +Bishop of Grenoble. A very interesting letter has been preserved which this +good prelate wrote to the Queen of France at this time. He thanks her for +her great kindness in sending her doctor, Maitre Pierre, whose skill has +had so much effect in curing his nephew. He also informs Her Majesty that +he has spoken to Bayard about the marriage she suggests for him, but with +all due gratitude he does not find himself in a position to marry, and has +never given the subject a thought.... + +This is exactly what we might have expected from the good Anne of Brittany. +She had such a passion for match-making that she had obtained from the Pope +a "portable" altar, which always travelled with her, that she might have a +marriage solemnised at any time. + +[Illustration: Bayard presented to the King of England.] + + + + +[Illustration: HENRY _the_ EIGHTH KING OF ENGLAND +_from the portrait by Hans Holbein_.] + +CHAPTER VIII + + +The next war in which Bayard was engaged was that in which Louis XII. was +attacked by the King of Spain in Navarre. Henry VIII. was at the same time +preparing to invade the north of France, landing near Calais, and the Swiss +were already pouring into Burgundy. + +As we may expect, Bayard was not long without being sent on some perilous +adventure. He was at the siege of Pampeluna with the deposed King Jean +d'Albret of Navarre and the lord of La Palisse, when they told him there +was a certain castle about four leagues off which it would be well for him +to take, as the garrison was a constant annoyance to the French. The Good +Knight at once set off with his own company, that of Captain Bonneval, a +certain number of adventurers, and two troops of "landsknechte." When he +arrived before the fortress, he sent a trumpeter to proclaim to those +within that they must yield it to their rightful sovereign, the King of +Navarre, in which case they would save their lives and goods, but if the +place had to be taken by assault they would have no mercy. + +The Spaniards were valiant men and loyal subjects of the King of Spain, +and they made reply that they would not yield the fortress and still less +themselves. Upon this Bayard put his artillery in position and made such +good use of it that a breach was soon made in the walls, but it was high up +and not easy to make use of. The Good Knight then sounded the order to +assault and commanded the "landsknechte" to advance. Their interpreter said +that it was their rule, when a place was to be taken by assault, that they +should have double pay. The Good Knight would have nothing to do with their +rules, but he promised that if they took the place they should have what +they asked for. But not a single man of them would mount the breach. +Thereupon Bayard sounded the retreat, and then made an attack with the +artillery as though he wished to enlarge the breach, but he had another +plan. He called one of his men-at-arms, by name Little John, and said to +him: "My friend, you can do me a good service which will be well rewarded. +You see that tower at the corner of the castle; when you hear the assault +begin take ladders, and with thirty or forty men scale that tower, which +you will find undefended." So it turned out, for all the garrison went to +defend the breach, while Little John and his men mounted the tower unseen +and cried out, "France! France! Navarre! Navarre!" The defenders, finding +themselves assailed on every side, did their best; but the castle was soon +taken, and the whole place was pillaged and left in charge of the King of +Navarre's men. + +In this year, 1513, died Julius II., the great warrior Pope, a constant foe +to the French, and he was succeeded by the Cardinal dei Medici, Pope Leo X. + +Louis XII., having most reluctantly withdrawn his troops from Italy, now +prepared to meet an invasion of Picardy by the English. He sent a large +body of troops to the assistance of the lord of Piennes, Governor of +Picardy, commanded by the finest captains of the kingdom, and amongst these +was Bayard. In the month of June 1513 a large army had landed with Henry +VIII. near Calais; a most convenient place for the invasion of France, as +it was in possession of the English. A strong force was sent on to besiege +the town of Therouanne in Artois, but the King himself remained behind at +Calais for some tournaments and festivities. When he set forth, a few weeks +later, to join his army he had a very narrow escape of being taken prisoner +by Bayard, who met him on the way. + +It happened that the English King was accompanied by about 12,000 +foot-soldiers, of whom 4000 were landed, but he had no horsemen, while +Bayard commanded a detachment of nearly 1200 men-at-arms. The two armies +came within a cannon-shot of each other, and Henry VIII., seeing his +danger, dismounted from his horse and placed himself in the middle of the +"landsknechte." The French were only too eager to charge through the +foot-soldiers, and Bayard implored the Governor of Picardy, under whose +orders he was, to allow him to lead them on. "My lord, let us charge them!" +he exclaimed; "if they give way at the first charge we shall break through, +but if they make a strong stand we can always retire, for they are on foot +and we on horseback." But the lord of Piennes only replied: "Gentlemen, the +King my master has charged me on my life to risk nothing, but only to +defend his land; do what you please, but for my part I will never give my +consent." + +The Good Knight, brought up in strict military discipline, was not one to +break the law of obedience, and he yielded with bitter disappointment in +his heart. The timid caution of the Governor of Picardy had thus lost him, +in all probability, the chance of a splendid adventure, for the capture of +King Henry VIII. at the very beginning of the war might have changed the +whole history of Europe. + +As it was, the King was suffered to pass on his way, but Bayard obtained +leave to harass the retreating army, and with his company took possession +of a piece of artillery called _Saint John_, for Henry VIII. had twelve of +these big cannons, to which he gave the name of "his twelve apostles." + +The King of England reached the camp outside Therouanne in safety, and a +few days later was joined by the Emperor Maximilian, who was welcomed with +much feasting. Their combined forces are said to have amounted to 40,000 +men, and they soon began a vigorous bombardment of the city, which was +bravely defended with a strong garrison, who did their best with the +limited means at their disposal. Therouanne was a strongly-fortified city, +but the massive walls, which had formerly been impregnable, could not stand +against a long siege with this new artillery. + +The besieged city was very short of provisions and the great object of the +French was to supply these; indeed Louis XII., who had advanced as far as +Amiens, was sending constant orders that this must be done at any risk. At +the same time he was very anxious to avoid a general engagement as his army +would be no match for the combined English and Burgundian forces. French +historians tell us that this was the cause of that disastrous encounter +which, to their great annoyance, has been called the "Battle of Spurs." +They point out that the troops were not sent to fight, but only to +revictual a besieged place, and that the King's orders were that, if +attacked, "they were to retreat at a walk, and if they were pressed, go +from a walk to a trot, and from a trot to a gallop, for they were to risk +nothing." + +This was the French plan to send provisions for the beleaguered city, a +very difficult enterprise on account of the immense army which surrounded +it. It was arranged that the cavalry should make a feigned attack on the +side of Guinegaste, in order to draw the enemy in that direction, while +eight hundred "stradiots" (light horse, chiefly Albanians in the service of +France) were to make a dash on the other side, gallop through the defending +force, reach the moat and throw in the bundles of provisions which they +carried on the necks of their horses. This we are told the Albanians +actually succeeded in doing, and it seemed as if this bold stroke would be +successful, for the besieged, under cover of night, would be able to fetch +in the much-needed provisions. + +The French men-at-arms, meantime, had advanced to the attack and, after +some skirmishing with the English and Imperial troops, were beginning to +retreat somewhat carelessly, when they suddenly saw a number of +foot-soldiers with artillery appearing on the top of the hill of +Guinegaste, preparing to bar their way. Only then did they become fully +aware of the imminent danger in which they were, and understood that, by +some treachery, their plans had been made known to the enemy, who had thus +made all preparations for their destruction. + +King Henry VIII. had heard of the plan of relief, and before daybreak had +placed ten or twelve thousand English archers and four or five thousand +German foot-soldiers on a hillock with eight or ten pieces of artillery, in +order that when the French had passed by, his men might descend and +surround them, while in front he had ordered all the horsemen, both English +and Burgundian, to attack them. When the French soldiers found themselves +caught in this ambush, and the retreat was sounded by the trumpeters, they +turned back, but were so hotly pursued that the gentle trot soon became a +wild gallop and they fled in disorder, notwithstanding the cries of their +captains: "Turn, men-at-arms, turn, it is nothing!" The Good Knight's +company was hurried along with the others, but again and again he rallied +them, until at last he was left with only fourteen or fifteen men-at-arms +on a little bridge only wide enough for two horsemen to pass at a time, +while the stream was too deep to ford as it was dammed up to turn a mill. +Here Bayard came to a stand and cried to his companions: "My friends, we +can hold this bridge for an hour, and I will send an archer to tell my lord +of La Palisse that we have checked the enemy and this is the place to +attack them." + +We can picture to ourselves how gallantly he fought, for he loved nothing +better than to defend a narrow bridge, but the pursuing army proved too +overwhelming, for a company of horsemen went round beyond the mill and +attacked the brave little party of defenders from behind. When Bayard saw +that their position was desperate, he cried: "Gentlemen, we yield +ourselves, for our valour will serve us nothing. Our horses are done up, +our friends are three leagues away, and when the English archers arrive +they will cut us to pieces." One by one the knights yielded, but Bayard saw +a Burgundian gentleman on the bank who, overcome by the great heat of that +August day, had taken off his "armet" (helmet) and was too exhausted to +think about taking prisoners. The Good Knight rode straight at him, held +his sword at the man's throat and cried: "Yield, man-at-arms, or you are +dead." Never was man more surprised than this Burgundian, who thought that +all the fighting was over, but with the cold steel threatening him there +was nothing for him but surrender. "I yield, as I am taken in this way, but +who are you?" he asked. + +"I am the Captain Bayard and I also yield myself to you," was the reply. +"Take my sword, and I pray you let me go with you." So he was taken to the +English camp and well treated by the gentleman in his tent; but on the +fifth day Bayard said to him: "Sir, I should like to return to my own camp +for I grow weary of this." "But we have said nothing about your ransom," +exclaimed the other. "My ransom?" said the Good Knight. "But what about +yours, for you were my prisoner first? We will fight out the matter, if you +like." But the gentleman had heard of Bayard's fame and was by no means +anxious to fight, surprised as he was at this new point of view. But he was +a courteous gentleman, and offered to abide by the decision of the +captains. Meantime the rumour spread that the great Bayard was in the camp, +and there was much excitement. The Emperor Maximilian sent for him and +feasted him well, expressing great delight at meeting him again. After much +pleasant talk he remarked: "In the days when we fought together it seems to +me that we were told Bayard never fled." "If I had fled, sire, I should not +be here now," he replied. + +Presently the King of England arrived and desired that the Good Knight +might be presented to him, as he had always wished to make his acquaintance. +Then they began to talk about the French defeat, and both Henry and +Maximilian made some severe remarks, upon which the Good Knight exclaimed: +"Upon my soul! the French men-at-arms were in no wise to blame, for they +had express commands from their captains not to fight, because our force +was not to be compared with yours, for we had neither foot-soldiers nor +artillery. And indeed, high and noble lords, you must know that the +nobility of France is famous throughout the world. I do not speak of +myself." + +"Indeed, my lord of Bayard," said the King of England, "if all were like +you I should soon have to raise the siege of this town. But now you are a +prisoner." "I do not own to it, sire, and I will appeal to the Emperor and +yourself." He then told the whole story in the presence of the gentleman +with whom he had the adventure, and who answered for the truth of it. The +Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first, +saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still, +all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good +Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this +suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his +word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he +could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the +towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly +thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during +which he was treated with great honour. Henry VIII. made secret proposals +to Bayard that he should enter into his service, offering him high position +and great possessions. But this was labour lost, for, as the chronicler +says, "he was a most loyal Frenchman." + +Therouanne, whose walls had been constantly bombarded with much destruction, +was soon compelled by famine to capitulate. The garrison were to march out +freely, with all their arms and armour; but the fortifications were +destroyed and the town partly burnt. + + + + +[Illustration: FRANCIS _the_ FIRST KING _of_ FRANCE +_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.] + +CHAPTER IX + + +The next year, 1514, brought many changes in France. First came the death +of the good Queen Anne of Brittany, who was greatly lamented by her husband +and mourned by all her people. The next notable event was the marriage of +the Princess Claude, her daughter, to the young Duke of Angouleme, who was +to succeed to the throne under the name of Francis I. + +He had not long to wait for his inheritance as Louis XII., having made an +alliance with England, was induced for political reasons to marry the +Princess Mary, sister of Henry VIII. The poor King was already in +ill-health, and he only survived his wedding three months, dying on New +Year's day, 1515. He had a splendid funeral at St. Denis, which was +scarcely over before all the great nobles of the realm put off their +mourning and hastened in splendid magnificence to Rheims to the coronation +of the new King, Francis I., a gay and handsome youth of twenty. + +The young King at once set about carrying out the desire of his heart--the +conquest of Milan. Charles de Bourbon was made Constable of France, and a +great army was collected at Grenoble. But secret news was received that the +Swiss were guarding on the other side the only passes which were then +thought possible for the crossing of armies. One was the Mont Cenis, where +the descent is made by Susa, and the other was by the Mont Genevre. +Bourbon, however, heard of a new way by the Col d'Argentiere, and meantime +sent several French generals and the Chevalier Bayard to cross the +mountains by the Col de Cabre and make a sudden raid upon Prospero Colonna, +who with a band of Italian horsemen was awaiting the descent of the French +army into Piedmont. The gallant little company rode across the rocky Col, +where cavalry had never passed before, descended by Droniez into the plain +of Piedmont, crossed the Po at a ford, where they had to swim their horses, +inquired at the Castle of Carmagnola and found that Prospero Colonna and +his company had left barely a quarter of an hour before. + +The captains considered what they should do: some were for advancing, +others hesitated, for if Colonna had any suspicion of their plan he +would call the Swiss to his help, for there was a large force in the +neighbourhood. It was Bayard who settled the question by saying: "Since we +have come thus far, my advice is that we continue the pursuit, and if we +come across them in the plain, it will be a pity if some of them do not +fall into our hands." + +All cried that he was quite right, and that they must start as soon as +possible, but first it would be well if some one were sent on in advance, +in disguise, to find out the exact position of the enemy. This duty was +given to the lord of Moretto, who carried out the inquiry very quickly, +bringing back word that Colonna and his escort were preparing to dine at +Villafranca in full security. + +They next settled the order of their match: Humbercourt was to go in front +with one hundred archers; a bow-shot behind him Bayard would follow with +one hundred men-at-arms, and then Chabannes de la Palisse and d'Aubigny +would bring up the rest of their men. + +Prospero Colonna had good spies, and he heard from them as he was going to +Mass at Villafranca that the French were in the fields in great numbers. He +replied that he was quite sure it could only be Bayard and his company, +unless the others were able to fly over the mountains. As he was returning +from Mass, other spies came up to him with the news: "My lord, I have seen +close by more than a thousand French horsemen, and they are coming to find +you here." He was a little taken aback, and turned to one of his gentlemen, +to whom he said: "Take twenty horsemen and go along the road to Carmagnola +for two or three miles, and see if there is anything to alarm us." + +All the same he commanded the Marshal of his bands to have the trumpet +sounded, and to start for Pignerol, where he would follow when he had eaten +a mouthful. Meantime the French were marching forward in haste, and were +about a mile and a half from Villafranca, when, coming out of a little +wood, they met the scouts sent by the lord Prospero to find them. When +these caught sight of the approaching enemy they turned straight round and +galloped off as hard as they could go. The lord of Humbercourt and his +archers pursued them at full speed, sending word to Bayard to make haste. + +The French knights rode at such a pace that they reached the gate of the +town at the same time as the Italians, and with their cry of "France! +France!" they managed to keep the gate open until the arrival of the Good +Knight and the rest of their company, when after some sharp fighting it +was strongly held. They also secured the other gate of the town, but two +Albanians managed to escape and carry news of the disaster to a company of +four thousand Swiss about three miles off. + +Prospero Colonna was surprised at dinner, and would have defended himself, +but when he saw that defence was hopeless he yielded himself most +reluctantly to this Bayard, whom he had vowed "that he would catch like a +pigeon in a cage." As he cursed his ill-fortune in having been thus taken +by surprise, instead of meeting the French in the open field, the Good +Knight with his usual courteous chivalry tried to comfort him, saying: "My +lord Prospero, it is the fortune of war! You lose now, and will win next +time! As for meeting us in the open field, it would be a great pleasure to +us French, for if you knew our men when they are roused to battle you would +not find it easy to escape...." The Italian lord replied coldly: "In any +case I should have been glad to have the chance of meeting!" + +Besides Colonna, several great captains were taken prisoners, and the place +was found to be full of rich spoils, gold and silver plate, splendid +equipments, and above all in value, six or seven hundred valuable horses. +Unfortunately for the French they were not able to carry away all this, for +news arrived of the approach of the Swiss troop which had been summoned; +indeed they entered Villafranca at one gate as the French rode out with +their prisoners on the other side, but there could be no pursuit as the +Swiss were all on foot. + +The chief military advantage of this wonderful raid was that it kept all +these Italian horsemen away from the coming battle at Marignano. + +Francis I. was delighted to hear of Bayard's success, and finding that the +Swiss were retreating towards Milan he followed in pursuit of them, took +Novara on the way, and advanced with his army as far as Marignano. + +A terrible melee followed, for as the light failed confusion increased. We +hear of a most striking adventure which befell the Good Knight Bayard late +in the evening. His horse had been killed under him, and the second which +he mounted became so frantic when his master charged the Swiss lances that +he broke his bridle and dashed into the midst of the enemy until he became +entangled in the vines trained from tree to tree. Bayard kept his presence +of mind, and in order to escape instant death, slipped gently from his +horse, cast off his helmet and the thigh-pieces of his armour, and then +managed to creep on hands and knees along a ditch until he reached his own +people. The first man he met was the Duke of Lorraine, who was much +surprised to see him on foot, and at once gave him a wonderful horse which +had once belonged to the Good Knight himself, and had been left for dead on +the field of Ravenna, but was found next day and brought back to Bayard, +who cured him. This was a most unexpected piece of good fortune, and he was +able to borrow a helmet from another friend and so return to the fight, +which continued for a while by moonlight. + +We have a vivid account of the weird and strange night which followed, when +the trumpets of France sounded the retreat and the Swiss blew their +cowhorns, as is their custom, and the two armies, with neither ditch nor +hedge between them, awaited the coming day within a stone's-throw of each +other. Those who were mounted sat on their horses with only such food or +drink as they chanced to have with them ... "and it is the firm belief that +no man slept during all those hours." In the King's letter to his mother, +Louise of Savoie, he says "that he remained on horseback with his helmet +on, until he was compelled to rest for a while on a gun-carriage, under the +care of an Italian trumpeter ... when the young King asked for water, it +could only be obtained from the ditch close by." + +When the morning broke, the battle began again with fresh vigour on both +sides; thousands of brave men fell, and the noblest names of France were +amongst the slain on that fatal field. In the end the victory remained with +the French, and the survivors of the vanquished Swiss retreated in good +order, for the King, who never knew when he might need their services, gave +orders that they were not to be pursued. When all was over, on the Friday +evening, Francis I., who had fought throughout with gallant spirit and +valour, requested the honour of knighthood from the noble Bayard. In this +the young King showed his just appreciation of his most gallant subject, +the very flower of French chivalry, the hero of so many battles. + +The French army now continued its victorious march to Milan, which +surrendered at once, and the King, after leaving Charles de Bourbon as his +Lieutenant-General, went to meet Pope Leo X. at Bologna and soon after +returned to his own land. Bayard was left in Milan and did good service +when it was attacked later by the Emperor Maximilian. + +In 1519 the Emperor Maximilian died, and was succeeded in his dominions by +his grandson, Charles V., already King of Spain. It was a great blow to +Francis I., who had used every effort to obtain this honour himself; and +the rivalry then started continued all his life. As Mezieres was in danger +of being attacked, Francis I. immediately issued orders that Bayard should +be sent to defend it, as there was no man in his kingdom he would sooner +trust for so important an enterprise. + +This city was of immense importance at that moment, if it could be held +against the might of the Emperor until the French army should be made up to +its full strength and reach the frontier, where the Germans had arrived, +commanded by two great captains, the Count of Nassau and the famous +_condottiere_, Franz von Sickingen. + +Bayard most gladly obeyed the King's command and lost no time in making his +way to Mezieres with certain young nobles, amongst whom was the young lord +Montmorency, and with a goodly company of men-at-arms. When he arrived he +found the place in a very poor condition to stand a siege, and he at once +set to work with his usual enthusiasm to improve the fortifications. He +worked himself as hard as any day labourer to encourage the others, and +there was never a man-at-arms or a foot-soldier who did not eagerly follow +his example. The Good Knight would say to them: "It shall not be our fault +if this place is taken, seeing what a fine company we are. Why, if we had +to defend a field with only a four-foot ditch round it, we would fight a +whole day before we should be beaten. But, thank God, here we have ditches, +walls, and ramparts, and I believe that before the enemy enters many of +their men will sleep in those ditches." + +In short, such was the magic of his eloquence, that all his men thought +they were in the strongest place in the world. This was soon put to the +test when it was besieged on two sides, from beyond the River Meuse and +from the land. Count Sickingen had about fifteen thousand men, and the +other captain, Count Nassau, more than twenty thousand. A herald was sent +to Bayard to point out to him that he could not hold Mezieres against their +arms, that it would be a pity for so great and famous a knight to be taken +by assault, and that they would give him excellent terms. And much more of +the same flattering nature. + +When the Good Knight had heard all the herald had to say, he asked no +man's advice, but replied with a smile: "My friend, I am surprised at +these gracious messages from your masters, whom I do not know. Herald, +you will return and say to them that as the King has done me the honour +to trust me, I hope with God's help to keep this frontier town so long +that your captains will be more tired of besieging it than I shall to be +besieged...." Then the herald was well feasted and sent away. He bore to +the camp the Good Knight's reply, which was by no means pleasant to my +lords, and there was present a captain who had seen service under Bayard in +Italy. He assured the company that so long as the Good Knight was alive +they would never enter into Mezieres; that when cowards fought under him +they became brave men, and that all his company would die with him at the +breach before the enemy set foot in the town ... and that his mere presence +was of more value than two thousand men.... + +This was not pleasant to hear, and the Emperor's captains made a furious +attack with their artillery on the ramparts, which continued during four +days. The Good Knight noticed that special damage was done to the walls +from the camp of Count Sickingen, and considered by what means he could be +induced to go back the other side of the river. So he wrote a letter to the +lord Robert de la Marck, who was at Sedan, in which he hinted at a rumour +he had heard that the Count might be persuaded to become an ally of the +King of France. Bayard added that he desired nothing more, but Sickingen +must lose no time, for his camp would soon be hemmed in by the approaching +Swiss and by a sortie well timed from the town. This information was to be +kept quite private.... + +The letter was written giving other particulars, and was then given to a +peasant with a crown and the order to take it at once to Sedan from the +Captain Bayard. The good man set off with it, but, as Bayard had foreseen, +he had not gone far before he was taken and gave up the letter to save his +life. This message greatly troubled Count Sickingen, who was already +suspicious of the other general, and was not slow to imagine that he had +been betrayed and left in the post of danger. The more he thought of it the +more his rage increased, and at last he gave orders to sound the retreat +and cross the river, to the dismay and indignation of Count Nassau, who saw +that this was practically raising the siege. Angry messages passed between +the two generals, until at length they were on the point of actual +fighting. + +The Good Knight had been watching all this from the ramparts to his great +amusement, and he now thought it time to add to the confusion by a +well-aimed attack of artillery, which so added to the nervous alarms of the +besiegers that next morning they packed up their tents and camp equipment, +and the two Counts went off in different directions, while it was a long +time before they became friends again. Thus it was that Bayard kept at bay +the overwhelming forces of the enemy for three weeks, until the King of +France himself arrived with a great army. We see how it was that enemies of +the Good Knight could never get over a kind of supernatural terror both of +his splendid valour and his endless resources. King Francis sent for Bayard +to his camp, and on his way thither the indomitable captain retook the town +of Mouzon. He was received with the greatest honour by the King, who +bestowed on him the famous order of St. Michael and the command of a +hundred men-at-arms. He also made many promises of future greatness, and +both he and his mother, the Queen Louise, praised Bayard to the skies. But, +unfortunately, the only results of all this praise were a few empty honours +and an immense amount of jealousy and ill-feeling amongst the courtiers. +Indeed, we find that after this time Bayard never had any important charge +given to him, and never attained the position, which he so richly deserved, +of commander in time of war. It is very interesting to notice that the +"Loyal Servitor"--that faithful chronicler who followed Bayard through all +his campaigns, and probably often wrote at his dictation--never allows us +to suspect that the Good Knight felt any bitterness at this neglect. Not +one word of complaint is ever heard; he never murmured, he asked for +nothing; his only anxiety was to serve his country and his king. + +If Bayard was not rewarded with the prizes of his profession he was +certainly always chosen when any dangerous or wearisome business was on +hand. + +The Good Knight was not recalled to Court, and it is supposed that, besides +the jealousy which his brilliant deeds had awakened, he was also in +disgrace on account of his warm friendship for Charles de Bourbon, who was +now being driven to despair and ruin through the hatred of Louise de +Savoie. + +Bayard having been made lieutenant of the Governor of Dauphine in 1515, it +was easy to keep him at a distance from Paris at his post, and with his +keen and devoted interest in all matters that concerned his country, these +years in a far-off province were a veritable exile. Several of his letters +written during this period have been preserved, and we have also a friendly +note from the King, written in December 1523, when he had settled to make +another expedition to Italy to recover his former conquests there and to +restore his prestige. It is evidently written in answer to an urgent appeal +from Bayard to be allowed to join him, and, probably in a moment of +impulse, he warmly agrees to employ his bravest captain; but, alas for +France! it was not to be in the position of command and responsibility +which his splendid talents and courage demanded. It was to be his last +expedition, with a hero's death as his only guerdon. + +In the beginning of the year 1524 the King of France sent an army into +Italy under the command of the lord of Bonnivet, his admiral, who had no +qualifications for his high post beyond personal courage. He was a man +of narrow views, wilful and obstinate, and from these faults in a +commander-in-chief great disasters followed. A strong Imperial party, +supported by Charles de Bourbon and Giovanni dei Medici, held the city of +Milan, and the French camp was at a little town called Biagrasso, when +Bonnivet said to the Good Knight: "My lord Bayard, you must go to Rebec +with two hundred men-at-arms and the foot-soldiers of de Lorges, and so +find out what is going on in Milan and check the arrival of their +provisions." Now the Good Knight never murmured at any command given him, +but he saw at once what a wild and foolish scheme this was, and replied: +"My lord, the half of our army would scarcely be sufficient to defend that +village, placed where it is. I know our enemies, they are brave and +vigilant, and you are sending me to certain shame; I pray you therefore, my +lord, that you consider the matter well." But the Admiral persisted that it +would be all right, for not a mouse could leave Milan without his hearing +of it, until, much against his own judgment, Bayard set forth with the men +given to him. But he only took two of his own horses, for his mules and the +rest of his train he sent to Novara, as though foreseeing the loss of all +he had with him. + +When he had reached this village of Rebec he considered how he could +fortify it; but there was no means of doing so except by putting up a few +barriers, for it could be entered on every side. The Good Knight wrote to +Bonnivet several times, pointing out what a dangerous place it was and that +he must have reinforcements if he was to hold it long, but he received no +answer. Meantime the enemy in Milan had learnt through spies that the Good +Knight was at Rebec with a small company, and greatly rejoiced, for it was +decided to go and surprise him by night. This was exactly what Bayard +feared, and he always placed half his men on the watch, and himself +remained on the look-out for several nights, until he fell ill and was +compelled to remain in his chamber. However, he ordered the captains who +were with him to keep a good watch on all sides, and they went, or +pretended to do so, until there came on a little rain, which sent them all +back except a few archers. + +It was this very time which the Spaniards and Italians had chosen for their +attack. They marched on through the night, which was very dark, and in +order to recognise each other they all wore a white shirt over their +armour. When they arrived near the village they were amazed to see no one, +and began to fear that the Good Knight had heard of their enterprise and +had retired to Biagrasso. A hundred steps farther on they came upon the few +poor archers on the watch, who fled, crying, "Alarm! Alarm!" But they were +so hotly pursued that the foe was at the barriers as soon as they were. + +The Good Knight, who in such danger never slept without his steel +gauntlets and thigh-pieces, with his cuirass by his side, was soon armed, +and mounted his horse, which was already saddled. Then, with five or six of +his own men-at-arms, he rode straight to the barrier, and was joined by de +Lorges and some of his foot-soldiers, who made a good fight. The village +was already surrounded, and eager search was made for Bayard, who was the +sole object of the expedition, and there was much shouting and confusion. +When the Good Knight at the barrier heard the drums of the enemy's +foot-soldiers, he said to the Captain Lorges: "My friend, if they pass this +barrier we are done for. I pray you, retire with your men, keep close +together and march straight for Biagrasso, while I remain with the horsemen +to protect your rear. We must leave the enemy our baggage, but let us save +the men." Lorges at once obeyed, and the retreat was carried out so +cleverly that not ten men we're lost. The Emperor's people were still +seeking for the Good Knight when he had already reached Biagrasso and +spoken his mind to the Admiral. Bayard was quite broken-hearted at the +misfortune which had befallen him, although it was certainly not his fault, +but there is more chance in war than in anything else. + +Still, there was more than chance in these disasters of the French in +Italy. They had quite miscalculated the strength of their enemies, amongst +whom was now the famous general, Charles de Bourbon, late Constable of +France. The young French King, at a time when Spain, England, and Italy +were all against him, had most unwisely deprived Bourbon of the whole of +his vast estates by means of a legal quibble; and his greatest subject, +driven to desperation by this ungrateful treatment, had passed over to the +service of Charles V., and was now in command of the Spanish army. It was +he who urged the immediate pursuit of the French when Bonnivet, discouraged +by ill success and sickness in his camp, retreated from his strong position +at Biagrasso. He made one blunder after another, for now that it was too +late he sent a messenger to raise a levy of six thousand Swiss to join him +by way of Ivria. + +According to his usual gallant custom, as the army retired with forced +marches towards the Alps, Bayard took command of the rear-guard, and as the +Spaniards followed day by day he bore all the brunt of the constant +skirmishing which took place. It was a most perilous office, for the enemy +was well provided with artillery, and when the Good Knight made a gallant +charge with his company and drove back the men-at-arms, he would be +attacked by a shower of stones from the arquebusiers. He seemed to bear a +charmed life, though ever in the post of danger, for others were wounded or +killed while he escaped unhurt until a certain fatal day when the +retreating French army had reached the valley of the Sesia beyond Novara. +Here it was that Bonnivet saw his expected troop of Swiss allies on the +opposite bank of the river, and at once sent word to them to cross over and +join him. But what was his dismay when the Swiss captains replied that the +King of France had not paid them or kept his word, and they had come to +fetch away their comrades who were in the French army. Worse still, when +this became known, all the Swiss mercenaries in his camp rose in open +rebellion against Bonnivet, and lost no time in crossing the river, +overjoyed to leave a losing cause and go back to their homes with so good +an excuse. + +The unfortunate French commander was in despair and hoping to hide the +catastrophe from the pursuing enemy, he ordered a brisk skirmish, in which +he took part with plenty of courage and was severely wounded in the arm. +The Good Knight Bayard did prodigies of valour, driving back a whole +company of arquebusiers, but in the moment of triumph he was struck by the +stone from an arquebus and received mortal injury. Raising the hilt of his +sword in the sign of the cross, he cried aloud: "Miserere mei, Deus +secundum magnam misericordiam tuam!" He refused to be taken away, saying +that he had never turned his back on his enemy, and his faithful steward +Jacques Jeffrey and his squire lifted him from his horse and placed him +with his back to a tree, still facing the foe with a brave countenance. + +We have a most pathetic and touching account of this last scene, in which +the Good Knight without Fear and without Reproach died as he had lived, +bearing himself with humble devotion towards God and loving care and +thought towards all men. His friends would have borne him away, but he +implored them to leave him and seek their own safety, for he was in such +terrible pain that he could not endure to be moved. He sent his last +salutations to the King his master, and to all his companions, and took an +affectionate leave of his heart-broken friends, who obeyed his command, all +but the one faithful attendant who remained with him to the end. This was +his steward, Jacques Jeffrey, and we are told of the poor man's grief and +despair, while his master sought to comfort him with brave and noble words. +"Jacques, my friend, cease your lament, for it is the will of God to take +me away from this world where by His grace I have long dwelt and received +more good things and honours than I deserve. The only regret that I have in +dying is that I have failed in my duty ... and I pray my Creator in His +infinite mercy to have pity on my poor soul...." + +Nothing could exceed the consternation and sorrow which spread through the +French camp when the news reached them that Bayard was wounded and in +mortal agony. The same feeling was shared by his enemies, for to them the +name of Bayard represented the most perfect knight in all the world, the +pattern of chivalry whom every true man sought to imitate from afar. + +In sad procession the captains of Spain and Italy came to do honour and +reverence to the dying hero. Amongst them the Marquis of Pescara (the +husband of Vittoria Colonna) found noble words to speak the praise and +admiration which filled the hearts of all. "Would to God, my gentle lord of +Bayard, that I had been wounded nigh unto death if only you were in health +again and my prisoner; for then I could have shown you how highly I esteem +your splendid prowess and valour ... since I first made acquaintance with +arms I have never heard of any knight who even approached you in every +virtue of chivalry.... Never was so great a loss for all Christendom.... +But since there is no remedy for death, may God in His mercy take your soul +to be with Him...." Such were the tender and pitiful regrets from the +hostile camp for the cruel loss to all chivalry of the Good Knight without +Fear and without Reproach. + +They would have tended him with devoted service, but Bayard knew that he +was past all human help, and only prayed that he might not be moved in +those last hours of agony. A stately tent was spread out above him to +protect him from the weather, and he was laid at rest beneath it with the +gentlest care. He asked for a priest, to whom he devoutly made his +confession, and with touching words of prayer and resignation to the will +of his heavenly Father, he gave back his soul to God on April 30, 1524. + +With the greatest sorrow and mourning of both armies, his body was carried +to the church, where solemn services were held for him during two days, and +then Bayard was borne by his own people into Dauphine. + +A great company came to meet the funeral procession at the foot of the +mountains, and he was borne with solemn state from church to church until +Notre Dame of Grenoble was reached, and here all the nobles of Dauphine and +the people of the city were gathered to do honour to their beloved hero +when the last sad rites were performed. He was mourned and lamented for +many a long day as the very flower of chivalry, the Good Knight without +Fear and without Reproach. + +[Illustration: The Death of Bayard.] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bayard: The Good Knight Without Fear +And Without Reproach, by Christopher Hare + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAYARD: THE GOOD KNIGHT *** + +***** This file should be named 11363.txt or 11363.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/6/11363/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Andrea Ball, Thomas Ruley and the Online + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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