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The chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 04 [of 13] : $b containing an account of the cruel civil wars between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, their expulsion thence, and of other memorable events that happened in the kingdom of France, as well as in other countriesMonstrelet, Enguerrand de

History

The chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 04 [of 13] : $b containing an account of the cruel civil wars between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, their expulsion thence, and of other memorable events that happened in the kingdom of France, as well as in other countries

Name: The chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 04 [of 13] : $b containing an account of the cruel civil wars between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, their expulsion thence, and of other memorable events that happened in the kingdom of France, as well as in other countries
Author: Monstrelet, Enguerrand de

Monstrelet, Enguerrand de

Europe -- History -- 476-1492 -- Sources; France -- History -- House of Valois, 1328-1589; Hundred Years' War, 1339-1453

'It is not true, under respect to the king, that such towns have been
forbidden to pay any of the taxes due to the crown; but it may have
been that they were ordered not to pay them to those false traitors the
present ministers, but to reserve them to be employed for the king's
service at proper times and places,--and this should be considered
as praise-worthy; for of all the immense sums they have received,
the greater part have been shamefully mismanaged, and taken from the
king to be divided among themselves and the enemies of France, to the
irreparable loss of the king, his realm and chivalry, as is well known
to all the world. The duke, however intends, when he shall be admitted
to the presence of the king, to propose the abolishing of the most
oppressive taxes, and that the good subjects of the realm may again
enjoy their ancient rights and privileges in a reasonable manner.

'Item, in regard to the charge made against the duke of Burgundy, that
his conduct has been influenced by his friendship for England, and that
what he has done has been with a view to support the English in their
invasion of France, and that the duke of Burgundy is their sworn ally,--

'The duke replies, that such an imagination could not have been formed
in the heart of any honest man. The English have formerly invaded
France without opposition, (although the same traitorous ministers
governed the king and his realm), and to the great loss of the french
chivalry. It is therefore to be supposed that since the English gained
such success from the weak administration of his majesty's ministers,
they intend to persevere in hopes of further advantages; and they have
even taken the town of Harfleur, one of the strongest sea-ports in
Normandy.

'This ought to be treasured up in the memories of all the noble
chivalry attached to the duke of Burgundy, whom these wicked traitors
wish to denounce as being disinclined to make any resistance to the
English; and, with all due respect to the king, those who shall say
that the duke of Burgundy is the sworn ally of the English, lie
wickedly and damnably.

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