In the preceding year, the duke of Burgundy, as earl of Hainault, had taken possession of the lands of Enghien, belonging to the count de Saint Pol, and situated in the country of Hainault, although he had not touched any other lands of the count, situated in France or in the other territories of the duke. The count de St Pol was much displeased at this conduct; but, wishing to avoid an open rupture with the duke, he sent to require, if it were his good pleasure, that he might appear in his presence to hear what he had been guilty of, and to make such answers and defence as became him,--and for this purpose he demanded a passport from the duke. The duke replied, that he had no occasion to require a passport, unless he reputed himself his enemy. The count, in answer, said, that so far from reputing himself his enemy, he was his true and loyal subject, but that he had demanded a passport for the security of his person, to avoid the effects of the anger of his prince; for that he was surrounded by counsellors who loved him little, and who were seeking to create trouble between the duke and him,--and he had, therefore, been advised not to appear before him without first having a passport. The passport was at length sent him. It was reported that the count de St Pol considered the lord de Croy, first chamberlain and principal minister to the duke, as his chief enemy, although, a long time before, a marriage had been agreed to between the eldest son of the lord de Croy and the daughter of the count de St Pol; and the lady of Croy had received the damsel, and had educated her as her own child, because she was too young for marriage. I know not whether the count repented of this match, but he wanted to have his daughter again, probably to match her more nobly,--and he sent secretly one of his sons to the place where she was, to bring his sister back; but the lord de Croy, having had intimation of this, managed matters so dexterously that the young couple were married and bedded before the count de Saint Pol could provide a remedy. This was the cause of their hatred. The count, having received his passport from the duke, came to Brussels grandly attended by noble men, and by more than two hundred horse. The next day, which was about the middle of September, he had an audience of the duke, and was accused of having slain, or caused to be slain, certain persons, and of having taken, or caused to be taken, effects wrongfully and contrary to justice. It was on these grounds the duke had laid hands on the lands of Enghien; and he was told that he made but a sorry return for the numerous acts of kindness that had been done to him and to his family by the duke and his predecessors.