Upon this, the usual proclamation was made by an herald, for all persons to clear the lists, and to give no hindrance to the champions on pain of death. Lyonnel de Wandonne then, as appellant, issued from his tent, his battle-axe on his wrist, and marched with long strides toward his adversary, who, seeing him approach, advanced to meet him. Lyonnel made a gallant attack, and gave Poton many back-hand strokes with his battle-axe, without drawing breath. Poton coolly received and parried them as well as he could; but, watching his opportunity, closed with Lyonnel, and struck him such repeated blows with the point of his axe under the vizor of his helmet that he broke it, and the face of his opponent was clearly seen. On finding his danger, Lyonnel grappled and seized the end of the axe under his arm, and Poton, taking hold of the broken part of the helmet, scratched his face with his gauntlet. While the struggle lasted, Lyonnel nearly replaced his vizor but the duke put an end to the contest, by causing them both to be conducted to him by those who had charge of the lists, and ordered them henceforth to be good friends, for that they had well performed their combat. On this, they returned to their lodgings, where Poton kept up a great expense with his companions. The next day a tilting took place with lances between Rifflard de Champremy, attached to king Charles, and the bastard de Rosebecque. They broke many lances, but, in the end, Rifflard was pierced through his armour and side but not mortally hurt. The duke then put an end to the business; and each party retired to his lodgings with his friends. Within a few days after this last combat, Poton, with his companions went back to the county of Guise. CHAP. X. THE EARL OF SALISBURY BESIEGES THE CASTLE OF MONT-AQUILON, WHICH SURRENDERS TO HIM.--OTHER MATTERS. At this period, the earl of Salisbury, by orders from the duke of Bedford, who called himself regent of France, laid siege to the castle of Mont Aquilon in Champagne. Lord Salisbury was then governor of the countries of Champagne and of Brie. This siege, notwithstanding the many attacks that were made, and the warlike engines employed, lasted for six months, or thereabout. The garrison consisted of full six score combatants, under the command of the lords de la Bourbe, de Cotigny, and a man at arms named Bourghenon. Very many of these six score left the place, so that toward the end no more than about thirty remained, who were so much distressed that they were forced to eat their horses.