The principal lords of France, in conjunction with those of Picardy, solicited the king to conclude a lasting peace with the archduke: terms were, in consequence, agreed on,--and the county of Artois was restored to Maximilian; by which means all Picardy was in perfect union with France, and remains so to this day, which is of very great advantage to the whole realm. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 113: The lord des Cordes--was used to say, that he would willingly pass seven years in hell to recover Calais from the English.] CHAP. XXXIX. KING CHARLES MARRIES ANNE DUCHESS OF BRITTANY.--SHE IS CROWNED QUEEN OF FRANCE IN THE CHURCH OF SAINT DENIS, AND MAKES HER PUBLIC ENTRY INTO PARIS.--THE KING VISITS HIS PROVINCE OF PICARDY.--A PRIEST EXECUTED AND BURNT AT PARIS.--THE DEATH OF POPE INNOCENT VIII.--HE IS SUCCEEDED BY POPE ALEXANDER VI. When king Charles had espoused Anne duchess of Brittany, as a proof of his affection and love, he willed that she should be crowned queen of France with every magnificence. The ceremony began by a grand mass chaunted in the abbey-church of St Denis by a reverend cardinal, assisted by the archbishop of Sens and other bishops. When this was done the queen was solemnly crowned; after which, a magnificent dinner was served and an open court was kept. Having made a short stay at St Denis, she prepared for her public entry into Paris, where she was received with all due honours. The whole of the clergy in their copes of cloth of gold, and bearing holy relics, came out to meet her, as did the bishop of Paris, the provost of marchands, the sheriffs, and all the companies of trades in their holyday dresses. When they had paid their obeisances, the queen entered Paris in triumph. All the streets were hung with tapestries: many pageants and mysteries were exhibited,--and bonfires, and all other usual demonstrations of joy, were made on her arrival. She was conducted in great state toward the cathedral of Nôtre Dame; and at the corner of the rue neuve Nôtre Dame, the rector of the university, attended by all his doctors, was waiting to make his oration; after which, she proceeded to the cathedral to offer up her prayers. She was then conducted to the palace where apartments had been handsomely fitted up for her, becoming her state. During the queen's residence in Paris, a variety of amusements took place, such as justings, tournaments, dancings and feasts. The king lived with her in the greatest harmony and love; and, in course of time, they had three fine boys, who were spared to them but a short time; for they all died in their infancy, during the expedition to Naples, according to the Divine will. May God give them grace to pray for us!