The two most important of the disputed towns on the Somme were, however, in Louis’s possession, and Charles of Burgundy, ready to reduce Amiens by siege on March 10, 1471, consented to stay his proceedings by striking a truce which was renewed in July.  This afforded a valuable respite to the king, and he busied himself in energetic efforts to detach his brother from the group of malcontents.  Various disquieting rumours about the prince’s marriage projects caused his royal brother deep anxiety, and induced him to despatch a special envoy to Guienne.  To that envoy Louis wrote as follows[5]: 

    “MONSEIGNEUR DU BOUCHAGE: 

“Guiot du Chesney[6] has brought me despatches from Monsg. de Guienne and Mons. de Lescun and has, further, mentioned three points to me:  First, in behalf of Mme. de Savoy,[7] ... second, in regard to M. d’Urse ... third, touching the mission of Mons. de Lescun to marry Monsg. of Guienne to the daughter of Monsg. de Foix....  The Urse matter I will leave to you, and will agree to what you determine upon.  On the spot you will be a better judge of what I ought to say and what would be advantageous to me, than I can here.

“In regard to the third point, the Foix marriage, you know what a misfortune it would be to me.  Use all your five senses to prevent it.  I am told that my brother does not really like the idea, and it has occurred to me that Mons. de Lescun has brought him to consent in order to further the marriage of the duchess,[8] so that in taking the sister, the duke will be relieved of this sum, a condition that would please him greatly because he has nothing to pay it with.  I would prefer to pay both it and all the accompanying claims and then be through with it.  In effect, I beg you make him agree to another [bride] before you leave, and do not be in any hurry to come to me.  If this Aragon affair[9] can be arranged you will place me in Paradise.

“Item. I have thought that Monsg. de Foix would not approve this Aragon girl, because he himself has some hopes of the kingdom of Aragon through his wife.  If Monsg. of Guienne were advised of this, I believe it would help along our case.

“Item. It seems to me that you have a splendid opportunity to be very frank with my brother.  For he has informed me through this man that the duke [of Brittany] has paid no attention to the representations made him in my behalf, through Corguilleray, and since my brother himself confides this to me, you have an opportunity to assure him that I thank him, and that I never cherish him so highly as when he tells me the truth, and that I now recognise that he does not desire to deceive me, since he does not spare the duke [of Brittany] and that, since he sees him opposed to me, he should return the seal that you know of and refuse to take his sister [Eleanor de Foix, the sister of the Duchess of Brittany], or to enter into any