'I likewise promise to make answer in the court of parliament to whatever the king's attorney shall maintain and require from me, touching the succession of my late lord, the count de Ligny, my uncle, whose soul may God pardon! as well in regard to the personal effects of my said uncle, on the day of his death, as to the inheritances which have fallen to me as his heir in the countries of Ligny, Guise, and elsewhere; and I hold myself bounden to obey whatever judgement that court shall pronounce. I have, in consequence, fixed on the 15th day of July, at which time I hold myself adjourned to appear before the said court of parliament, to make my reply to the king's attorney, that he may instantly proceed thereon. 'I do promise generally, by these presents, to conduct myself toward the king my sovereign lord, in a manner becoming a loyal subject,--and that I will not suffer the smallest damage to be done, by any of my garrisons, to any of the king's vassals, or to his territories. I also promise faithfully to restore all I may hold that belongs to others on account of the war; and in regard to Montaigu, my full powers shall be exerted for its restoration. 'All these things I promise most strictly to perform, without the infringement of any one article. In testimony whereof, I have signed these presents with my own hand, and sealed them with the seal of my arms, this 20th day of April, in the year 1441.' FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 84: Ribemont,--a town in Picardy, four leagues from St Quentin.] [Footnote 85: Marle,--a town in Picardy, five leagues from Guise.] CHAP. XLVI. THE DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY WAITS ON THE KING OF FRANCE AT LAON, TO MAKE SOME REQUESTS TO HIM.--OTHER MATTERS. In the month of April, in this year, the duchess of Burgundy, daughter to the king of Portugal, waited on king Charles at Laon, honourably attended by knights, ladies and damsels. As her health was but indifferent, she was carried in a litter. The constable, who had married a sister of the duke of Burgundy, came out a league from Laon to meet her, and conducted her to the town, and to the king, who, as well as the dauphin and courtiers, received her with every attention. After this ceremony, she retired to the abbey of St Martin, where she was lodged. She had several interviews with the king, respecting a general peace, and also respecting the duke of Orleans.