JENNET DE POIX AND OTHERS, BY COMMAND OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, MARCH SECRETLY TO SAINT DENIS, AND MAKE INROADS ON DIFFERENT PARTS OF FRANCE.

In the month of June, sir Jennet de Poix, with the approbation of the duke of Burgundy his lord, collected four hundred men, who, hiding their arms in casks, divided themselves into companies, and went by different roads, disguised as merchants, to the frank fair of St Denis. As the king was at St Germain-en-Laye, and the constable in Normandy, many hid themselves on the road-side, and others entered the town as merchants, chiefly with the intention of seizing the chancellor and Tanneguy du ChÂtel provost of Paris. But while they were eating and drinking, the chancellor and Tanneguy passed unmolested through the town and returned to Paris.

When they heard of this, they hastened back in confusion to Picardy, carrying with them some prisoners, and spoils from the king's territories, which greatly incensed the people.

On the other hand, Ferry de Mailly, with many men at arms, invaded the towns of Quesnel and Hangest, in Santerre, where he and sir Martelet had been made prisoners, and carried off a large booty with many captives, whom, after they had miserably tortured them, they set at liberty for heavy ransoms.

In like manner, sir Mauroy de St Leger crossed the Seine, and during the night, formed an ambuscade near to the castle of Chaulnes[46]; and in the morning when the draw-bridge was lowered, his men rushed into the castle, and made themselves masters thereof, which was full of rich effects. Soon afterward, the peasants of Lihons[47], and from other villages who had therein deposited their goods, entered into a treaty with sir Mauroy; and, for a considerable sum of money paid him and his people, he surrendered the castle to the lady-dowager, and marched away.

[46] Chaulnes,—a town of Picardy, election of Peronne.