V. Entre i3i4 et i3i6, lors de l'affaire d'Auinay

i3ii.

1 Regum Francis. H. F. XXII, so H et leq.

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L'one des canses ds la légende erronée de la Tour de Hesles,

au siyet des gens soi-disant noyés par Hargaerite

de Boorgogna et la comtesse

de la Marche.

MCCCXIV... Postmodum {après l'enquête sur les complices des princesses et le supplice des frères d'Aulnay)^ juxia eos, ostiarius, quasi qui fautor et conscius prœdicti sceleris mérito videbatur, multi etiam tam nobiHuai quam ignobilium utriusque sexu, qui prœfad fautoris consentientes videbantur aut conscii plerîque, tormentis quœstionati fuerunt ; aliqut vero in aquis vehementibut submersi, plurimi vero occultis mortibus, perierunt ; plerique innocentes penitus evaserunt. inter quos prœcipue quidam Frater Prœdicator, dictus episcopus Sancti Georgii '...

Thomas de la Marche à Chjrpre. — Sa querelle et son duel avec

Jean Tisconti.

(D'après l'historien anglais Joshua Bames) '.

Now it is to be noted that in thèse dajrs there was bot war betweea the soldan of Babylon and Constantîne, King of Armeoia, the former invading tbe King of Armenia's dominions, with wast and numcrous armies, and the latter endeavouring by the united strength of hîs own subjects, the Cypriotes and Rhodians to repell

I ContiH. Chnm. Guill. de Nangis, 1, 404. Edition Géraud.

, chtp. X, n- VI-VIU, pp. 451-454.

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the Tiolence of the said Heathen invaders or at least to stop their

progress which then began to ihreaten ail christendom. Among ' the

several grcal men, who together with the Christian princes were

engaged in this holy war, whereof Hugh the vahant King of Cyprus

wa» the most notable ; there was a Cypriote Knight, named John

de Vesconti, of the King of Cyprus his blood. and a Knight of

France called Thomas de la Marche bastard-brother to John de

Valois the French Kittff; both who had a considérable command in

the Christian army. It so fell out, that John de Vesconti laid flat

treason to the charge of the Bastard of France namely, ihat he had

secretely appointed in considération of a certain summ of gold to be

paid unto him before-hand in part of a greater summ to be paid

afterward, to betray the Christian army to the Turks. The défendant

strenuously denied the charge, which the appellant as eagerly urged,

but there was no other proof on either side, save only thcir single

asscverations. Whereupon a challenge being dwiounced and accepted

betwcen the parties, the Christian captains, fearing eiiher to dis-

please, the King of Cyprus, or the King of France to whom they

were allied, or at least doubting some dissention might happen

thereupon among themselves by rcason of part taking on either side,

made theni both swear to stand to their award, as it should be

dctcrmined by the confederates in council. The judgement was

that they should take and carry letiers importing their cause fully

and clearly from the said Christian princes unto King Edward of

England, and to submit themselves to be tried by combat befoie

him, as the most worthy and honourable prince in ail christendom

ing to remain as pcrfect friends untill that timc.

s determined, so thèse generous Knights performed, and

England in the beglnning of september, and forthwith

heir letters unto King Edward in the name of the King

i and Cyprus, and the rest of the princes and captains of

ans, containing the whole différence between them, and

tere to détermine the matter by combat before him, as

:. And then again sir John de Vesconti openly before

;gan to accuse sir Thomas de la Marche of the ireasonable

purpose aforesaid, challenging to prove it upon his body,

Hist., p. 160, n* ih. — Slow : p. iho, n' fi6, ei Holinab. p. 945, n* 10.

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and thereupon flung down his gauntlet ; which the said sirThomas as boldly took up, and accepted the challenge in proof of his innocency. King Edward having read the letters, and seriously considered the whole matter set them a day namely the fourth of october, being the monday after St Michael, wherein to décide their quarrel in close field within the lists at his palace of Westminster.

On the day appointed they met accordingly, armed at ail points on horsebacks, the King, the prince ofWales, and the whole court of England being spectators. There presently upon sound of trumpet began a most gallant combat between thèse two gentlemen, for at the tilt both their spears brake on each others shield, yet neithcr of them was moved from his saddle, wherefore as it were by consent, they both alighted at one instant, and renewed the combat on foot, till having wïth'equal valour and discrétion fought a considérable while both their weapons were rendered useless,and they were obliged to come to close grapple, till by wrestling both fell locked together, still contending for the victory. Now the visors of both their helmets weredefended beforewith small distant barsofsteel, thrô which they might see and breathe more freely, ail the resi of iheir bodies being wholly cover'd with armour : wherefore sir Thomas de la Marche, the Knight of France, who only of the two had certain short but sharp pricks of steel called gadlings ', enclosed in the joints of his right gauntlet struck therewith at the viser of sir John de Vesconti, as often as he could come at him and grievously tormented him in the face. Insomuch that being himself unprovided of the like gadlings, he was forced thrô extremity of pain to cry out aloud, as one that could not help himself. At that King Edward flung down his wardour, and the marshal cried ho, and so the combat ceased. The King adjudging the victory to the Frenchman, and the vanquished to bc at his mercy, according to the law of arms ! Sir Thomas de la Marche however being satisfied with so plain and honourable a proof of his innocency, before so great a présence, forbore to use his power over his enemy, and only took him and made a présent of him unto the Black Prince, to use at his discrétion : which done with great dévotion he dedicated his own suit ot armour to the English patron St George, in the famous cathedral of St Paul at London.

1 Ab Anglo-Saxon gadd, masse chalybii.

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A few days after this, King Edward haviog graclously entertatned and rewarded the Bastard of France sent him home honourably with com me n dations to King John his brother. And as for the captive Knight of Cyprus, some while after the generous prince of Wales, for the sake of the King of Cyprus, gave him his full liberty, and let him go at his leisure.

Now King John of France, before the return o{\\\s bastard-brother, had heard of ail his business, and taking it in deep indignation, that a Frenchman of his blood should yield to try a combat before a King, his enemy, was mortally displeased at him, and thô he had gain'd such honour, both in the holy wars, and in the late duel, absolutely deny'd to admit him into his présence. But, after a few days, having with much ado, and earnest intercession obtain'd admittance, the said lord Thomas, as one that was désirons to shew himself a true subject and so to recover his brothers favour, besides his declaring the necessity, which the Christian lords had put upon him to go into England, began among his excuses, highly to extoU the generosity of King Edward and to shew how justly his famé was spread throughout the whole world ; nor did he forget to commend his equity which he had shewn in his cause, not at ail accepting the person of the Cypriote (althô it was well known what a friand he was to the King of Cyprus himself), but preferred and honoured and rewarded me, said he, thô I am a Frenchman, and brother, and servant to you, my lord the King of France. »

Thèse words the noble earl of Ewe ' and of Guisnes, and constable of France, then présent, not knowing how distastfull they were to King John, confirmed by his own expérience, and rose up and shew'd among other instances^ « how far that noble King had banish'd ail envy and hatred from his breast, insomuch that lately in a solemn lourneament at Windsor, he had not only admitted him being a prisoner to that honourable exercise, but gave him in allowance of ail necessary accoutrements, and at last rewarded him with a rich prize, and now had sent him home upon his parole, in trust of a small ransom and rather as negotiator for the rédemption of others.

t Raoul comte d'Eu et de Guines.

) Knigbton, p. 1607, n* 1.

than a prisoner himself ; whereby, said he, I am put in a capacity to serve your majesly, as I served your falher of blessed memory. » Thèse irae praises of King Edwards princely disposition, en()amed the cnvious heart of King John with madness ; so that immediately without any further considération or processe of law, he caused them both to be apprehended and flung in prison, and the third day after ', namely on the 19 of november, to be beheaded by night, in the présence of the duke of Bourbon and seven or eight other lords of note, before whom the earl of Ewe, is said to hâve confessed certain points of treason, whereof he stood guilty. But however ail the treason, that envy itself could lay to the Bastards charge, was oniy that (as he was bound by oath to ail the Christian princes in the holy war) he had accordingly committed his cause to the arbitration of the King of England. And as for the earl of Ewe, whatever at that lime was devis'd to blacken him, he was notoriously a person of such gallantry and had already so eminenily signaliz'd his loyalty that to this day it could never be believ'd, that he could be really guilty of any manner of treason, thô some rather by way of conjecture than proof, prétend to cojour the matter, that his fréquent passing to and fro between England and France {which he did in order to hasten the rédemption of his fellow-prisoners) was with designs in favour of the English.

Others say^ that he was suspected of being over famiiiar with the French Queen and that therefore King John, after the fall of thèse two great, but unfortunate gentlemen, famished his Queen to death ; thô she was daughter to John of Luxemburgh, that noble King of Bohemia who lost his life at the battle of Cressy, in the cause of France. But this is a most false and irrational story; for King Johns lîrst wife who ïndeed was daughter to the said King of Bohemia, died, as we shewed, two years before, and his second wife, his Queen at this time, who was daughter to William earl of Boulogne, lived in his favour, and died not till many years after. However the earl of Ewe's lands and honours3 were parcelled out to others ; his office

I Froissart, c. [53, et Mézeraj', ad hune aanum.

3 Slow, p. 35i.

3 FroUsart, C. iS3. — Mfzeray, anno i35i>. — Martin, p. ia5. — ICnighton, p. 3607.

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ofconstableof France in januaryfollowing,wasbytheKingconferred on the lord Don Carlos de la Cerda of Spain, whom aiready he had maid earl of Angoulesme; his earldom of Euhegave to the lord Joho of Artois, eldest son to sir Robert of Artois, of whose revolt from France, and friendship to King Edward, we hâve spoken in the first part of this history.

Annales or a gênerai cbronicle of England

(John Stow) '.

Two hyred souldiers of the King of Armenîa came into England into the présence of the King where they shewed the letiers of the foresaid King of Armenia, wherein it was signified that the one of them, to wit, John de Viscount, a man borne in Cipres, had slanderously charged the other, that is, Thomas de la March, a French man borne and bastard sonne lo Philip late King of France, saying that the said Thomas should hâve received of the Turkes, a certaine sumrne of gold, for the betraying the army of the Christians unto the Emperour of the Turkes, etc. ^

Juin-Octobre i35o

la querelle de Thomas de la Marche avec Jean Tisconti

en Sicile et de leur dnel en Angleterre

(Par l'historien anglais George James)'i.

[1 the month of june, letters were received by the English

■écil du combat. John Stow dit avoir emprunté cet épisode de Thomas de la Chronique de Thomas de la More. Il ne peut s'asir que de la continuation [um ridieé en français, puis traduit en laiin par Walter Baker abas Swrneline de l'abbaye d'Osnej' près d'Onlord, à la prière de Thomas de la More,

Northmoore ( Oxford shire). et terminé à Osney le vendredi fête de Sainte lo iuillelj 1347. U duel de Thomas de la Marche n'a eu lieu, nous

qu en i35o, le 4 octobre. Stow a donc utilisé la continuation intitulée ' - i35S. r- ■--'- - "

„ „ - V. Celle terminée en 1347 est désignée Chroniculum. La

e Thomas de la More a été éditée récemment par M. Thompson, A^ Britisk

tory of Ihe lift of Edward the Black Prince, t. [I, pp. 75-7

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THOMAS DE LA MARCHE azg

monarch signed by Thomas de la Marche, a natural son, t't is said, of Philip of Valois, praying that a safe conduci might be granted to him and thirty anendants to visit Engtand, he being bound by oath to meet in arms John de Visconti, for the purpose of repelling, in jadicial combat, to take place in the présence of Edward himself, certain accusations brougiu against him by the Italian '. The King's letters of protection were immediately issued, and the two advcrsaries soon after arrived at Westminster, when it appeared that each had held a high station in the army of the King of Sicely, thea labouring to subdue the southern part of that island^. Whlle lying before Catania, Visconti had, in présence of the assembled council of the army, charged the Bastard de France wîih holding negotiations with the ennemy, and with receiving bribes to deliver the Sicilian King and sevcral members of his council into the hands of his adversaries. A number of other accusations were added to thèse senous imputations, but were insupported by proof ; and to ail and each the Bastard gave the lie direct. To prevent the evïl conséquences which such charges, and the quarrels cor.sequent ihereon, might cause in the army, the council bound the two opponents by oath to submit to ils decree, and, after a long délibération, ordered them to proceed peacefuUy to England and there, in présence of the chivairous court of Edward III, to terminate their différence by single combat.

The accusation and the déniai were repeated before the King; and Edward immediatly named the 4th of october as the day, and the tilt-yard of the palace of Westminster as the place, for deciding the quarrel of the two strangers 3.

At the appointed time, Edward himself, the Black Prince, the whole court, and an immense concourse of people being présent.

I Rymer : Fadera, cottventionei, etc., t. III, part. I, p. 54.

1 The whnle account of this quarrel, as given by Barnes Trom Ihe atatements of our awn chroniclers, ia shown to be erroneous by the manifeste of Edward himself (Rymer: III, part. I, p. 5!J) in which he sets forih the cause of the duel, the principal circumttancea and the eveni. Ry this document it appears thaï insiead of sErving in Armettia, ■s stated by Barnes, the two combalants had been servina in ihe arroy oC ihe Kine of Sicîly, then besiesine Catania, The charge brought by Visconti against Ihe Batlard of Franc* was ihal he had combined with a certain Léonard de Assis to seize the King, ■nd to deliver htm ïnto the hands of the enemy.

3 Rymer, vol. II, pan. 1, p. 5S.

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the combatants appeared, armed at ail points, and having taken the usual oaths against employing secret weapons, charms, or other unlawful means, they were admitted to the Hsta. The lances were then delivered, the signal given, and, spurring forward their horses, they met in full career. Though both knights kept their seaï, the tough ash spears were shivered in a moment, and, springing to the ground, they recommenced the strife on foot. At the first shock, Visconti was hurled to the ground ; but again starting up, he maintained the combat for several minutes, till, closing with each other, they went down together, and rolled in deadly struggle upon the ground. At length, however, the Bastard obtained ihe superiority, and holding down his foe, was about to put him to death', ^hen Edward, at the prayers of his nobles, who unantmously declared Visconti vanquished, dropped his wardour, as a signal that the combat was at an end. The heralds then inierposed, and the innocence of the Bastard being held as clearly established, the Italian according to the articles of battle, became his lawful prisoner.

The Victor contented himself, however, with yielding his fallea accuser to the Black Prince ; and having, as a deed of dévotion, dedicaied the armour in which he had fought to the English patron St George, he was entertained for some days at the court of Edward, with chivalrous splendour, and then dismissed with présents to his native land, where a less happy fate awaited him'.

1 ttames déclares thaï ihe Beutard of Franct had short spjk«i attached to hii right gauntlet, which a» they rolled in the ground, he struck through the bars of Visconti'» visor. The accoutii of Edward, however, is more honourable to the French knight. Hc sayt speakine nf the Batlarà : SuUam omnino m dicta pugna habuit laetionem ; *td tam gratiose dtvKit, quod opui divinum vidêbetur potiut quam humanum.

! thaï Thomas de la Marche, the bastaid brolher o/King JoAh, was l'Ut lo de^ilh bj' ihat monarch aftcr his return froni TCnfjland ; and al) aeree that he was disijratcd for submitliiig to lialit under ihe judament of anj aiiother king thon that of France. A pclty act of jcalouay unworihy of King John.

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î4 Juin i35o

Sauf-condait accordé par le roi Edouard III à Thomas de la Marche,

Bâtard de France, chevalier, ponr Tenir en Angleterre avec

30 hommes, 30 cheTaaz et les pages qui loi seront

nécessaires, et y séjourner s'il le veut dn 15 août

an 25 décembre 1350, à l'occasion de son

duel STec Jean Visconti, chsTalier,

qni doit BToir tien dans son

royaume «t devant lui (Westminster, 24 Juin iSSoJ.

Pro Thomas le Bastard de Francia, veniente in Angliam ad duellum inler Ipsum et Johannem Viscontes vadlatutn.

Rex, universis et singulis, admirallis etc.. Salutem. Supplicavit nobis Thomas le Bastard de France, miles, ut cum duellum inter ipsum et Johannem Viscontes militem, super aljquibus controversiis inter eos motis, sit prestita fide mutua vadiatum, coram nobis in Anglia faciendum, velimus eidem Thomfe, ut ipse propter hoc, in regnum nostrum Anglife, cum triginta hominibus et tôt equis suis ac garcionibus sibi necessariis, citra fesium Assumptionis beatfe Mariœ Virginis proxime futurum, venire possit, licentiam concedere gratiose ; Nos ad instantiam quorumdam nobitium, nobis assistentium, volentes supplicationi sux annuere in hac parte, licentiam illam ei duximus concedendam, suscipientes cumdem Thomam ac homines suos prEedtctos, in terra et in mari, veniendo cum trigenta equis, ac quibuscumque hernesiis, rébus et bonis suis, in regnum nostrum Anglîœ, ibidem ex causa predicta morando, et exinde ad propria redeundo, in protectionem et defensionem nostram specialem, necnon in salvum et securum conductum nostrum ; et ideo vobis mandamus quod prefato etc.. (prout in similibus litteris de conductu) in cujus etc.. usque ad festum Natîvitatis béate Marise Virginis duraturos.

Datum in Palatio régis Wcstm. vicesima quarta die junii '.

I Rymer : Fcedtra, comwnHmej, etc., lU, part. I, p. 54.

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4 Octobre i35o

Duel de Thomas de la Marche et de Jean Yisconti à Westminateri

devant le roi Edouard III d'Angleterre- — Lettres do

ce prince contenant le récit du combat, des

causes qui l'ont amené, et proclamant

l'innocence de Thomas

de la Marche

C Westminster, 12 Octobre i35o).

De duello inter Bastardum Franciœ et Johannem Viscount. i ad quos praesentes literœ pervenerint, Salutem. s famœ levitas. invidorum conductu relattbus, ple- :m obnubebat, congruum quin immo debitutn repulem bonorum attollendam, et eorum innocentiam ipergestis per eos veridicum testimonîum perhibere, tibus pridem coram nobis Thoma de Marchia Bas-

nuncupato, et Johanne Viscount, militibus, idem ito Thome înstanter imposuit quod, cum dominus tris staret, cuna exercitu suo, antc civitatem Catana;,

civitatis, in subversionem dîcti régis conspirantes m quodam Leonardo de Assis, ut ipse, cum ducentis rma, dictum exercitum noctanter intraret, et caperet

nobilem virum Henricum de Claromontc, summum ti regni, et alios sibî resistentes intcrficeret ; et quod lerant de conniventia dicti Léonard! loquebantur :, ut ipse, cum suis ad complendum dictum flagitium

promissa fuerant prœfato Leonardo et suis compli-

completione sceleris, triginta milia florenorum, et mardus sororem ipsius Henrici haberet in uxorem ; homas, tune stipendiarius fuerat dicti régis et prœfato ïceptis ab eo beneficiis, multipliciter obligatus, pro- 1 contra eos, ut prœdicitur, mnchinatam et ab eo

detegere non curavit, lîdelitaiis sus debitum infrin-

iam praîfatus Johannes pra:dicto Thomae diversa

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perjuria, videlicet quod fecit scribere falsas litteras super ipso facto in insula Sicilias, et licet juraverat quod litteras illas miserai Napolim, et quod iret, et illas remitteret infra spatium trium mensium et dimidii, et quod illas litteras nemini detegeret, et quod propter hoc daret obsides compétentes, hœc omnia facere praîtermisit.

Quœ omnia dictus Johannes versus dictum Thomam, per corpus suum se obtulit probaturum ; et prœfatus Thoma omnia et singula sibi imposita constanter negavit, paratum ac offerens contra dictum Johannem suam defendere innocentiam per duellum.

Super quo dicti Johannes et Thoma nobis cum instantia suppHcarunt ut coram nobis dictum possint decidere negatum per duellum, et quod eis ad sic pugnandum vellemus diem et locum congruos assignare, ac nostris jurisdictioni, sententia:, decreto et ordination! super omnibus prasdictum contingeret negoiium, plenarie submittentes, pacto inito inter eos quod victus vincentis prisonarius existeret. Et quia ipsorum amicos ad concordîam nequimus, ut voluimus, inclinare, submissionem corum admisimus, et eis, ad dimicandum, quartam dîem octobris proxime tune sequentem in palatio nostro Westmonasteriensi, infra licias clausas illuc ordinatas, duximus assignandum.

Quibus die et loco venerunt dicti milites coram nobis, ac comitibus, baronibus ac aliis nobilibus et populariis dicti regni nostri Anglice, ibidem in hac causa congregaiis, in equis decentcr armati ; et, praïstitis ab eis juramentis solitis, et concurrentibus omnibus quîe de more requrruntur in hac parte, ad pugnam se pararunt. Et statim prjefatus Johannes, lancea et clipeo ab eo projcctis, de equo suo dissiluit ; et hoc perpendens alius, similiter dissiluit. et statim [in] pedessuntcongres3i,et in primo aggressu excidit idem Johannes; et statim se erigens, iterum sunt congressi, et demum dictus Thoma dictum Johannem prostravit et ad intcrficiendum eum festinavit. Et cum videremus dictum Johannem penitus confutatum et inevitabili mortis articulo constitutum, nos, pietate motu, et ad supplicationem nobilium nobis asststantium, volentes vitam ejus salvare, retrahere fccimus dictum Thomam, qui nullam omnino in dicta pugna habuit lœsionenn, sed tam graciose devicit quod opus divinum videbatur potius quam humanum.

Propter quod ipsum reputamus ab impositis sibt crimmibus

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supradictis ipculpabilem penitus et immunem ; et juxta conventîonem inter ipsum et diclum Johannem habitum, ut prsemittitur, ipsum Johannem tanquam ab eo victum, adjudicavimus prsfato Thomee prisonarium, et sibi fore protînus liberandum.

Et sic praîfatus Thotna, de licentia nostra, remeavit ad propria cum honore. Qua: universitati patriœ vestrœ volnmus per présentes, quibus sigiltum nostrum apponi fecimus, in testimonium prœmtssorum.

Ûaium in palatio régis Westm. duodecima die octobris ' .

i35i Rtfcit da contemporain G. Le Baker.

Prefatis in fieri [in diebus] se habentibus, duo milites stipendiarii domini régis Arménie venerunt ad Angliam et régis presenciam, ostendentes literas prefati régis Ciprei, in quibus continebatur quod aller istorum militum, scilicet Johannes de Vicecomite nacione Ciprius, alterum, scilicet Thomam de la Marche, nacione Gallicum et Jilium Philippi nuper régis Francie^, set illegitimum calumniavit de eo quod predictus Thomas debuisset a Turcis quamdam auri summam récépissé ad hoc quod exercitum Christianorum tirannidi Turcorum prodidisset, et quod ad calumnie probacionem Johannes Thomam ad monomachiam provocasset, judicio Edwardi régis Anglîe, tanquam principis fortunalissimi et fortissimi dirimendam..Pro ista causa prefati milites dimicarunt infra lizaticia pallacii regalis Westmonasterii die lune proxima post festum sancti Michaelis, ubi Thomas in declaracionem sue justicie ejus adversarium superavit ; non tamen occidit quia nec potuit sufficienter armatum penetrare alico tormento invasivo, preterquam in facie quam habuit nudam. Post nempe hastiludia et pédestres congressus, luctando simul in aream profusi, Thomas, quibusdam stimulatis curtie et acutîs quos, manum dextram comprimendo, digitorum nodi radicales e cirotecis laminatis expresserunt (et eos

I Rym«r : Fadtra, conventiones, etc., III part, I, p. 58. i Mort en août i35o.

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moderni vocant « gadetinges »), nudam Johannis faciem vulneravit. E contra, Johannes nullum tormentum habuit ita curtum quo posset ledere faciem Thome ; et hinc, orribiliter ipso exclamante, et vulnerante eodem, regio precepto duellum cessavît, et Thome Victoria adjudicatur. Qui victum Johannem principi Wallie dederat captivum, atque suam armaturam Sancto Georgio in ecclesia Sti Pauli obtulit dévote.

Hiis peractis, Ciprio datur libertés manumissionis ; et Thomas ad presenciam sut frai ris coronati Francorum ', confidenter profectus, invenit dictum coronatum et proceres Francis contra ipsum indignâtes pro eo quod coram rege Anglie monomachie consentiebat. Ad hec Thomas, securus putative de faha fratrts sut amicicia, volens ostendere se bene fecisse, inter cetera laudavit régis Edwardi nobîlitatem, famam per totum mundum vemïlatam, et justiciam quam exercuit judicando, n non acceptans pcrsonam Cipdi, qui ipsum regem diligebat preferendam, inquit, mihi Franco atque fratri et amico tibi, domino meo régi Francorum ». Itemque comes de Eut in laudes regias profudit habunde adnumerans solacia et bénéficia que in Anglia recepta'rege tempore sue captivitatis, recensens cum aliis quam longe fuit ab optimo rege invidia relegata, quando ipsî in Anglia captivo hastiludianti,' ubi secum rex hastitudiavit, non invidebat campi graciam acdamari. Laudibus prefatis quantumcumque citra condignum predicatîs, invidebat coronatus Francorum ; et per indignacionem ex invidia noverca: justicie spurso partu progenitum, predictorum laudum precones impie jussit decapitari, fingens comitem cum sua regia uxore nimiam habuisse familiaritatem, atque suum fratrem lèse régie magestatis Francie fuisse reum, quando suam causam duellorum rege Anglie examine commisit. Post predictum fratricidium, uxorem suam, filiam nobilis régis Boemie in prelio de Cressi dudum occisi, famc tarsit usque ad mortem, et deinde cujusdam monialis fedis amplexibus et concubitu suum regium honorem fedavit, usque ad ipsius captivitatem in belle Pictavensi înfra descripto*.

if^'

li Jean, qui avait succédé i s rt de ce prince, et fui coure irel éiajt en Angleterre.

nicon Galfiiiii Le Baktr de Sayaebi-oke, edited by Edward M a un de Thompson, 88y, pp. 112-113.

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Chronicon ÀDglise ab anno domini 1328 osqoe ad annam 1388, auctore qaoDdam monacho SaacU Àlbani'.

Eodem anno i35o factum est duellum in palatio régis apud Wcstmonasterium inier domioum Johannem*, bastard filium Philippi régis Francorum et quemdam militem de Ypres (corr. Cyprès), cessitque Victoria Johanoi prîefati.

I Thompson. London, 1K74. p. 19. col. E. M. Voir aussi : Chronicon motuuterii S. Altemi Thonnr n'alsingham quondam monachi S. Albani. Historia Anghcaïue eccleiiir. H, J. Riley. London, i863, vol. [, p. 373.

ï Le prénom de Jean Visconii a pu occasionner la confusion du chroniqueur de Saint-Alban avec celui de Thomas de ta Marche son adversaire, ainsi qu'on Va dît au cours du récii. Cela est d'autant plus possible que Thomas Wnlsin^hûm ne donne pas le prénom de l'adversaire du bâtard. Il est cependant plus probable que l'eiiltence certaine à la dur du roi Jean et de son lils Charles V d'un Jean de la Marche, chev^ier, (ils naturel d'autre Jean, capitaine de la garenne royale de Cachait, â qui ces princes accordèrent la légitimation, Charles V par lettres dû mois de novembre iBSg. le roi Jean par confirmation du mois d'août siiivani, a déterminé l'erreur du chroniqueur anglais. Voici les passages essentiels de ces deux lellrcs paternes, inédites bicu

■ Johannes, Dei gratia Francorum Rei. N< litletas carissimi primogeniti nosiri Karoli, ■ vidisse sub hiis verbis.

■ Karolus, régis Francie primogenitus, regnum regens, dux Noritianic Vienneosistgue delphinus, notum facimus quod Nos, airentis et consideralis bonis et gratuitis lervictis per defunctum dominum Johannem de Marchia, quondam militem, in guerri* necnon pcr Johannem de Marchia, ejus tilium bastardum ex illicilo el dampnato cohitu in corpore seu (lie) Petronille dicte la Flicbarde, ipsis milite et Petronilla non conjugfltis eiistentibus et tempore quod dîcius miles scuiifer exisiebat, |>er ipsum procreatum ac ctiam generatum garennanim que seu cusiodem garennie Catï Campi* ad dictum dominum genitorem nostrum et nos perlinenlis eidem domino nostro et nobis in dicto oflîcio diu e>i impcnsum, et que per ipsum Johannem impendi spcramus in ftiturum ddTcclum natalem, quem ex premissis paiiiur. aucioriiaie regia qua fungimur... araovemuE, el eumdcm Johannem abiliianius el abïlem esse volumus. ut ipse ad quantumcumque sive quorumcumque bonorum mobilium vel immobilium successionem, donacionem, legata, paicrnalem maternalem vel aliter proui debebit de jure venire, queque acquisila per ipsum vel acquirenda relinere. habere ac eciam possidcre pro se heredibus que suis de suo proprio corpore procrcatis vel procreandis duniaïai possit et valeat. et ad qu'islibet acius civiles per qurts:umque regni Francie seculares (udiccs admitli ac si essct vel fuisset în legitimo matrimonio procrcaiis ; abs>4ue eo quod diclo domino «■nïinr; njitim nobls sive iuccessoribus suis et nostris propter hoc ipse vel heredes

iprto corpore procreati vel procreandi aliqualcm lînanciam deincep* r. Mandantes teiiore presentium dîlectîs et lidelibus nostris gentibus cil domini nosiri et nostrorum Parisius prcposito Parisicnsi. (Suit ta atis)... Daium in Castro Lupera, juin Parisius, anno Domini M- CLC"

de serviciis prediciis et atiis meritis dicii Johannis, garennerii nosiri, itj, prefatas tittcrus supra iranscriptas... approbantes el laudentes, eat 'a re^ia. cimtirmamus teniTe presentium liltcrarum. etc.. Dalum apud aruni. anno Domini millesiino CCCXLf, raeose augusti ". nni. d'Arcueil, cant. de Sceaux (Seine).

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Jean Viscooti ou Le Vicomte, condamDé et mis à mort comme

calomniateur de la reine de Chypre en 136S

(Chronique d'Amadi).

1 367. Se misse poi il re ' in ordine per andar a Roma per defîender la lealtà sua in presentia del papa, di chel che il signor de Rochaforte * et il signor de le Scharre3 li voletano imponer ; et ordino per suo governador in Cyprio monsignor el principe, suo fratello ■*, et guardian di casa sua messeryeun Viscomte, un forte cavalier. — Su quel tempo, il papa et il duca de Milan 5 erano in gran discordia et guerra ; et l'imperator era in l'aiudo del duca. li re de Cypro se interpose tra loro et fece li ha accordât!...

i368. Stando il re il ponente, la regina** sepe madona Joanna lAlemane, dama de Chule relita del quondam signor Thomas de Montolipho^ era gravida de otto mei del re, et ta fece venir in presencia sua et li fece gran vergogna ; poi la fece destender in terra et metter supra il suo ventre un morter de marmoro, et fece pestar più cose per gittar el putto ; et non havendo possuto, il di seguente, fece masinar sopra il ditto suo ventre, con un molin de man, quatro cafîsi di formendo, et ancora per questo non lo getto. La lasso poi andar a casa sua et fe guardada, et come fece la creatura fu porta a

I Pierre I" de Lusignan, roi de Chypre et de Jérusalem, couronna le 14 novembre i358, du vivant de son frère Huiçuc iV, ijui ne mourut que le ro octobre ^^i<j. Pierre 1" fut assassiné dans son palais le 16 lanvier 1 369 nouv. style. {Hist, de Chypre. Mas-Latrie. Il, 344J.

1 Btisiron, pp. 165-167). — Pritt

. ~ Florimond de

4 Jean de Lusignan, prince d'Antioche.

b Galéaa II Visconil.

6 Eléonore d'Aragon, fille de Pierre, comte de Rlbagora, frère de Jacques II roi d'Aragon. Pierre 1" de Lusignan l'avait épousée en i35y. {Familles d'Outre-Mer. 81. — Loredano. Trad. française, I, 373}. Ils eurent entr'autres enfents une fille mariée en 1376 à Charles Visconii, seigneur de Parme, fils puîné de Barnabo Viscontï, seigneur de Milan, {t'amilles d'Outre-Mer, 80-

7 Jeanne Alaman (Aleman. l'Alleinan), dame de Choulou, village de Paphos {Chron. d'Amadi, p. 419!, veuve de Thomas de Montolif. Ces Alaman étaient les alliés des ViscoDti de Chypre. 'Faut. dOutre-Mer, 37], etc.).

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i38 THOMAS DE LA MARCHE

la regina, la quai creatura non si sa quai che sia fatta de essa. La dama fu mandata a Cerines ' cosi sanguînosa et fu posta in una stretissima pregion. De la quai cosa fu avisato al re in ponente'; et liebbe gran dispîacer ; et scrisse a la regina crudel littere, de le quai la regina fu molto turbata ; et immédiate fece cavar la ditta dama da la preson et menarea a Nicosia 3, et la fece farsi monaca al monasterio de Santa Chiara. Laquai dama fece in prison circa un anno et al monasterio mesi sel.

Era publicata voce et fama per tutta Nicosia che messer Jean de Morpho, conte de Rochas *• era inamorato délia regina, et la regina di lui. Messer Jean Visconte, che il se haveva lassato per guardian di casa sua, havendo saputa questa cosa, hebbe grandissimo dispiacer ; et si trovo impazato et non sapeva che fare. et cosi confortato et consegliato de alcuni invidiosi, senza pensar plu oltra, scrisse una tettera al re di questo ténor : — « Signor mio molio carissimo, dapoi te recommandatione, sapia la exccllentia vostra che la sua santissima consortc la regina et mei carissimi vostri fratelli stanno bene. De novo de qui maledetto sia il giorno che lo scpi et l'hora che io mi pensai di notificarvelo, et maledetto in giorno me havete ordinato per guardiano ; mi creppa el cuore annunciando le diite nove ; io le celaria a voi, ma temendo che la altezza vostra non lo sapia da altri et io poi represo, io vels notifico et me recommando a la gratia de Dio et a la vostra benignità. E sparso per tutta Nicosia che il conte de Ruchas è inamorato in madona la regina, mo e pare che menteno, et li cio me scuso, et verso lor mi portero corne si richiede humilmente. Et prego vostra signoria, che :o li sia per recommandato, pregando iddio per la longa vita di vostra alteza. Scritta in Nicosia adi i3 settembrio i368 ».

Vedendo il re ditta leltera non demandar si fu dolente e atristato... Monte su la sua galHa et venne in Cyprio et arivet a Famagosia 5 ;

I Cérines, ville épiscopale de Chypre.

3 Par Jean Visconii.

3 Nicoïie, oipitale du royaume.

ÉJeao du Morf ou de Morfo, fief de Chypre auquel était attaché le litre de comie desse, dont le nom arabe était Rohas. Les du Morf étaient une famille d'origine poitevine venue en Orient à la fin du lu* siècle avec Guy de Lusignan. Jean du MorT, comte de Ruhas. était maréchal de Chypre en r36o. (Fam. d'Oulre-Mer, p. 565 et suiv., 568). Sa fille épousa Jean de Lusignan, prince d'Aniioche. [Ibid., 212, 338).

5 Fatnogouite, principal port ec évCché de Chypre, à 3o kilom. sud-est de Nicosie.

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THOMAS DE LA MARCHE aSg

dove fu recevuto graciosamente da tutti et simelmente a Nicosia... Un di, essendo andato il re al monasterio de Santa Chiara, a dir la sua oracion... vide la madona Joana l'Alemana, sua ameda, et subito l'abrazzo et baso, et la fece gitar et poi mandola a casa sua.

Fece il re congregar li baroni et cavalieri suo privato conseglio et poi commincia a far il suo lameaio pertinente a la preditta causa, quanto basso et converta mente potè ; mostrando la lettera de messer Jean Visconte che li haveva scritto in ponente ; et dimando a loro rason et justitia. Li signori, con gran dispiacer, inteseno tal cosa, et dolce et devotamente comminciozno a confortar it loro principe per mollo belle et honeste rason ; et lui li progo che lo dovessemo conseglio a quel che haveva da far in questo caso. Castoron et pregorono il re che si tirasse de canto ; et poi parlorono tra loro, et hebbeno diversi contrasti et opinione insienne per schîvar molti altri pericoli et mail che potriano intravegnir al paese et a loro ; et per coprir una si grant vergogna et dclitto, concluseno che il cavalier che scrisse quella lettera el fece p(!r vergognar la regina, pero che lei si scorrozzo un di con lui, et cio fece lui per disdegno falsamente et contra ogni verita, per che cognosceno la loro signoria esser da ben et molto honesta coma alcuna altra possa esser ; et se il ditto cavalier volesso sustentar la sua lettera, chascun de loro eraprompto de combater con lui, da corpo a corpo, et renderlo morto opentito, coma mentitor de fede di sua madama che la voïse cosi infamiare falsamente ; et in tal modo In cavalier fu recommandato. Il re ordino turcopulli, et di mezza notte fu prezo el cavalier di casa sua et menato a Cerinos, et posto il la preso ditta scutella, dove fece assai tempo, et poi fu menato al castel di Buffavento ' ; et lo miseno in oscura preson, et lo tassorono senza manzar o bever, tanto che morito*.

1 Chtieau de Chypre, près du mont Pentedactylon.

1 Chronique tPAmadi. Mort à Veoiie, son pays. (Impr. nat,, 1U9I1 pp. 410-433, — V. aussi Plorio Buatron, pp. 367-36)$, el Machaul, p. 331 : Poème de ta Priit Siitxandrit).

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Novembre i35o

Autorisation de porter les armes da comté de la Marche, donnée

par le roi Jean à Thomas de la Marche ,

son chevalier et membre de

son Conseil.

a domino Thome de Marchia quod ipse possit déferre us Marchie.

ei gratia Francorum rex. Ex tradite nobis régie poteslos libenter prosequimur favon'bus graciosis quos ad :untur mérita probitatîs, ut et ipsi se gaudeant virtue, dum propter hoc conserint [sic] commodatibus et refectos, et alii eorum cxemplo ad imitanda proborum icius animentur. — Notum itaque facimus universis us quam futuris quod nos, attenlis bonis virtutibus et us quibus persona dilecti et fidelis militis nostrî jrchia decoratur, prout per experienciam facti didinostro proprio, de plenitudine potestatis régie, ei et ex certa scicntia, eidem Thome et ejus posteritati ;gitimo matrimonio, concedinaus perpétue, ut possint ado arma comitatus Marchie ubjque, palam et publiée t uti, proclamatione înde consueta, impune et absque quacumque, sed poiîus libère, ex donc regio liberalî. >it firmum et stabile in futurum, presentibus litteris inte susceptum regni nostri rcginem utabamur fecimus poni sigiltum, salvo in aliis jure nostro et in omnibus

isius, anno Domini millésime trecentesimo quinqua-

e novembris.

im regem, ad reiaiionem consJlij, in quo vos eratis.

rifOT des Chartes. Reg. JJ 80, n- i35.

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2 3 Août i35f

Certificat délivré par Jeanne ta Boiteuse, duchesse de Bretagne,

constatent que son consin Thomas de la Harche a servi

gratuitement et loyalement dans son armée en

Bretagne, et qu'il rentre en France.

Nous, Jehanne, duchesse de Bretaigne, vicomtesse de Lymoges ', dame de Guise et de Maenne, faisons savoir à louz que noslre ami cousin Mons. Thomas de la Marche a esté en Bretaigne et a servi Mons. de Bretaigne et nous en noz guerres bien et loialment, et en faisant moult grant réconfort au pays, dès le vendredi ahouré darain passé jusques à présent, à trente et un hommes d'armes en sa compaignie, senz qu'il eust en paiement de ses gaiges par nous ; lequel vact en France pour certaine cause.

Donné à Lehon, le xv jour daoust lan MCCC cinquante et un.

Posé et sellé du propre comandement de Madame la duchesse, présent Mons. Morice de Manyguet*.

I Jeanne de Bretagne, dite de Pcnthièvre et la Boiieusc, lïlle unique de Guy d« Brelaane, vicomte de Limoges jusqu'en i3i7, dît ensuite comte de Penihiàvre. Mariée vers i33; à Charles de Blois, rils puiné de Guy de CKâlillon comte de Blois ei de Marguenie de Valois fille de Charles de France comte de Valois, sœur par eonsé-

aueni du roi de France Philippe VI de Valois. Jeanne était ainsi la niâce par alliance e Philippe VI el la cousine germaine de ses enfants. Devenue légirime héritière du duché de Bretagne et de la vicomte de Limoges, en iH't par la mort du frère aine de son père Jean 111 duc de Bretagne, fils d'Arthur 11, mort sans autre postérité qu'un bâtard, elle se vit contester ses droits par Jean de Bretagne comte de Montfort, fils d'un second mariage d'Arthur II avec Yolande. On sait que Charles de Blois ayant été fait prisonnier pa'r son adversaire à la bataille de la Roche-Oerrien le iS juin 1347, Jeanne la Boiteuse continua vaillamment la guerre. Charles de Blois fui tué à la bataille d'Auray (1364). Jeanne lui survécut.

1 Bibi. nat., coll. Clairambault, r. 3i, p. ibi-j.

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Paris, 29 Août i35i

Quittance d'nne avance de solde par Thomas de la Marche, retenu

an service dn Roi pour la campagne de Poitoa

et de Saintonge, sons les ordres du

connétable de France.

Sachent tuit que nous, Thomas de la Marche, chevalier, avons eu et reçu de Jehan Chauvel, trésorier des guerres du roy monseigneur, par la main de Benoist Caillemonton, son lieutenant, en prest sur les gaiges de nous baneret, n chevaliers bachelers et xiii escuiers de nostre compaignie à deservir es partiez de Poitou et de Xaintonge, sous le gouvernement de monseigneur le conestable de France, lieutenant de mondit seigneur èsdites parties, huit vins onze livres ffîyypût soulz, quatre deniers tournois, eus compte pour droiture V livres tournois et poignies vin soulz un deniers tournois desquelles .T„iï j(, livres vin souz ini deniers tournois nous nous tenons à bien

!^'A!lDonné à Paris, sous nostre scel, le xix= jourd'aoust l'an MCCC ■^i Tiquante et un '.

t6 Février 1355

lomas de la Marche béDéficiaire pour moitié des créances da monastère d'Argenteatl, près Paris.

Johannes Dei graiia Francorum Rex universis présentes Utteras

specturis salutem.

Notum facimus quod a partibus xnfra scriplis de licencia nostre

.. . s de la Marche

n bureJd au franc quartier de Frs

:c la légende : [THO] MAS LO...