The king departed extremely well pleased, and was conducted by the Lords des Cordes, and d’Aimeries[263] (Grand Bailiff of Hainault) out of the Duke of Burgundy’s territories, who himself continued at Liege.[264] That city indeed was barbarously treated, but they had used his subjects with the same cruelty ever since his grandfather’s time, never keeping any promise, nor observing any peace that they made; and it was now the fifth year that the duke had been there in person, and made peace with them every time, and the next year they would be sure to break it. Besides they had stood excommunicated a long time for their insolence to their bishop; yet they could never be restrained, nor brought to receive the commands of the Church with either reverence or obedience. As soon as the king was gone, the duke resolved (with a small detachment of his forces), to march into the country of Franchemont, which is steep, hilly, full of woods, and lies a little beyond Liege, from whence the best soldiers which they had, came, and particularly those who made that desperate sally which I mentioned before. Before the duke left the city, a great number of those poor creatures, who had hid themselves in the houses when the town was taken, and were afterwards made prisoners, were drowned. He also resolved to burn the city, which had always been very populous; and orders were given for firing it in three different places, and 3000 or 4000 foot of the country of Limbourg (who were their neighbours, and used the same habit and language), were commanded to effect this desolation, but to secure the churches. The first thing they did was to demolish a great bridge over the River Maes; then a strong body was appointed to protect such houses of the canons as were near the great church, that they might have lodging and convenience for the performing of divine service. Other parties were likewise ordered for the preservation of the rest of the churches. All things being thus ordered, the duke began his march into the country of Franchemont: he was no sooner out of the town, but immediately we saw a great number of houses on fire beyond the river; the duke lay that night four leagues from the city, yet we could hear the noise as distinctly as if we had been upon the spot; but whether it was the wind which lay that way, or our quartering upon the river that was the cause of it, I know not. The next day the duke marched on, and those who were left in the town continued the conflagration according to their orders[265]: but all the churches (except some few) were preserved, and above 300 houses belonging to the priests and officers of the churches, which was the reason it was so soon re-inhabited, for many flocked thither to live with the priests.