Our deputies were as careful of themselves, and made the same difficulty on their side, but would needs have me go and confer with them without further instructions. I told them I could not in discretion go alone, and that I would at least have one witness along with me. Upon which there went with me one of the king’s secretaries called Robertet, a servant of my own, and a herald, with whom I passed the river, in confidence that, if I could not come to any accommodation, I should yet discharge my duty to them, since by my means the conference had been accepted. When I came within hearing, I told them they were not come half-way as they pretended, and that they ought at least to have come to the river’s side; however, since they were so near, I did not think it fit to let them return without being spoken with. They replied that the river was broad, and the noise of the waters so great, that they could not hear us from the other side; and I could use no argument powerful enough to persuade them to advance any farther; but they asked me for my proposals. I answered, that I had no such commission, and that alone I could say nothing to them; but, if they pleased to offer anything, I would acquaint the king with it. While we stood talking in this manner, a herald came to me to let me know that our commissioners were going back, and I might make what overtures I pleased; but I refused to do that, for they understood the king’s pleasure better than I, as being his confidants; besides which, they had whispered in his ear at their coming away; but, as to the business then in discussion, I knew as much as the best of them. The Marquis of Mantua began to discourse about the battle, and asked me if the king would have put him to death if he had taken him prisoner. I told him “No,” but he would have treated him honourably; for the king had reason to esteem him, for the great honour he had gained by attacking him. Then he spoke to me in behalf of the prisoners, and particularly of his uncle the Lord Rodolph, whom he thought to be alive, but I knew the contrary; however, I assured him they should all be civilly used; and then I recommended to him the bastard of Bourbon, who was their prisoner. It was no hard matter to use our prisoners well; for we had none, which perhaps had never been known in any battle before; and the marquis had lost seven or eight of his near relations, and about sixscore of his men-at-arms. After which discourse I took my leave, and promised to return before night; until when we agreed to a cessation of arms.