While these things were passing, the towns and castles of Montargis and Chevreuse, held by the English, submitted to king Charles. On the other hand, the garrisons of Meaux in Brie, of Creil, Pontois and Gisors, greatly harrassed the country of France, more particularly parts of Santois, Vermandois, Amiennois, Beauvoisis, and other dependances. In like manner, those garrisons which had been posted against the English did great damages, so that the poor people were every way grievously vexed and worn down.

In regard to sir John de Luxembourg, he kept neuter, and joined neither party,—but filled his towns and strong places with men, artillery and provisions, to defend himself against such as should attempt to injure his country.

He had been several times admonished and summoned to take the oaths to king Charles of France, but had never complied, and was waiting the issue of events, to see what might happen. He was in the possession of sealed engagements from the king of England, the duke of York, and several english lords, promising him, on their faith and honour, that should the French attempt to make war upon him, they would come to his relief with so powerful a force that he should be delivered from his enemies, notwithstanding any other business they should have in hand, the which should be laid aside. Sir John de Luxembourg put great faith in these promises.