The Story of Majorca and MinorcaMarkham, Clements R. (Clements Robert), Sir
History
The Story of Majorca and Minorca
Markham, Clements R. (Clements Robert), Sir
Balearic Islands (Spain) -- History
Philip (_le Hardi_) can hardly have had any heart in the enterprise
which was forced upon him by the Pope. His eldest son, who had a
strong feeling of regard and admiration for his uncle En Pedro, openly
disapproved. When his younger brother, Charles of Valois, talked of
himself as King of Aragon, Philip said to him: ‘You, little brother,
are not fit to take the place of our uncle. You are scarcely fit to
be king of what is under your cap. You will never be King of Aragon.’
There was an angry quarrel, and their father had to separate them. But
Charles got the name of King Cap, ‘_le roi du chapeau_.’ Nevertheless,
it was generally believed that little Aragon would have no chance
against the whole power of France, and that the campaign could have
but one result, and would be over in a few weeks. The oriflamme was
unfurled, and a great army, led by the King of France and accompanied
by the Cardinal Legate, advanced to the Catalonian frontier. A
formidable fleet was also equipped, to overpower the naval forces of
Aragon and to keep up the supplies for the army in the bay of Rosas. In
April 1285 King Philip encamped with his army at Perpignan. The French
were constantly harassed by night attacks from the Aragonese; and at
last, after a fortnight of hesitation, Philip determined to attempt a
passage into Catalonia by the hill of Panisars. Here he was attacked on
all sides, suffering very serious losses. Then young Philip turned to
his brother and said: ‘See now, pretty brother, how glad your subjects
are to see you!’ His father overheard the sneer and was very angry.
‘Hold your tongue, Philip. They will be made to repent what they are
doing.’ ‘Ah, Sire,’ answered his son, ‘I mourn for your honour and for
the evil that is being done you. The Pope and cardinals have brought
this upon you, and have made my brother king of the wind, while they
take their pleasure, caring little for the danger and evil with which
you are menaced.’ The King was silent, for he knew very well that his
son had merely spoken the truth. But it was too late to repent and turn
back.
Following the advice of some monks, Philip got possession of another
pass, known as the ‘Collado de Masona,’ and his army was thus enabled
to invade Catalonia. The little town of Peralada was taken after
a brave resistance, and siege was laid to the city of Gerona. But
the French army was harassed by incessant attacks, and was entirely
dependent for supplies on the navy which guarded the transports
conveying provisions from Marseilles and Cette to the bay of Rosas.
Here was the weak point.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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