succour each other for ever.  Also on the same cross we have ratified the treaty of Arras with its corrections and other points which seemed productive of peace and amity.

“Immediately after this the Duke of Burgundy ordered thanksgivings in the churches of his lands, and in this town he has already had great solemnity.  And because my brother of Burgundy has heard that the Liegeois have taken prisoner my cousin the bishop of Liege, whom he is determined to deliver as quickly as possible, he has besought me as a favour to him, and also because the bishop is my kinsman whom I ought to aid, to accompany him to Liege, not far from here.  This I have agreed to, and have chosen as my escort a portion of the troops under monseigneur the constable, in the hopes of a speedy return by the aid of God.

“And because it is for my weal and that of my subjects I write to you at once, because I am sure you will be pleased, and that you will order like solemnities.  Moreover, monseigneur the grand master, as I lately wrote to you, pray as quickly as possible disband my arriere ban together with the free lances, and do every possible thing for the mass of poor folks; appoint well-to-do men as leaders in every bailiwick and district.  Above all, see to it that they do not indulge in any new and startling conduct.  That done, if you wish to come to Bohan, to be nearer me, I would be glad, so as to be able to provide for any further action that may arise.  Written at Peronne October 14th.

    “Loys MEURIN.

    “To our dear and beloved cousin the Count of Dammartin, grand
    master of France."[19]

Dammartin thought that this letter was phrased for the purpose of passing Charles’s censorship.  He took the liberty of disregarding his master’s orders; the troops were not disbanded, and he held himself in readiness to go to fetch the errant monarch if he did not return speedily from the enemy’s country.  His letter to the king and the unwritten additions delivered by his confidential messengers terrified his liege lest too much zeal on his behalf in France might work him ill in Liege.  A week later Louis writes again: 

    NAMUR, Oct. 22nd.

    “MONSEIGNEUR THE GRAND MASTER: 

“I have received your letter by Sire du Bouchage. Be assured that I make this journey to Liege under no constraint, and that I never took any journey with such good heart as I do this. Since God and Our Lady have given me grace to be friends with Monseigneur of Burgundy, be sure that never shall our rabble over there take arms against me.  Monseigneur the grand master, my friend, you have proved that you love me, and you have done me the greatest service that you can, and there is another service that you can do.  The people of Monseigneur of Burgundy think that I mean to deceive them, and people there [in France] think that I am a prisoner.  Distrust between the two would