One valiant actor in these tourneys where were revived the ancient traditions of knighthood, was Jacques de Lalaing, a chevalier with all the characteristics of times past, fighting for fame in the present.  In his youth, this aspirant for reputation swore a vow to meet thirty knights in combat before he attained his thirtieth year.  Dominated by a desire to fulfil his vow, Lalaing haunted the court of Burgundy, because the Netherlands were on the highroad between England and many points in Germany, Italy, and the East, and there he had the best chance of falling in with all the prowess that might be abroad.  For stay-at-home prowess he cared naught.  A delightful personage is Messire Jacques and a brave role does he play in the series of jousts, sporting gaily on the pages of the various Burgundian chroniclers, who recorded in their old age what they had seen in their youth.  One description, however, of these encounters reads much like another and they need not be repeated.

During his childhood Charles was a spectator only on the days of mimic battle.  In his seventeenth year he was permitted to enter the lists as a regular combatant, a permission shared by his fellow pupils all eager to flesh their maiden spears.  The duke arranged that his son should have a preliminary tilt a few days before the public affair in order to test his ability.  All the courtiers—­and apparently ladies were not excluded from the discussion on the matter—­agreed that no better knight could be found for this purpose than Jacques de Lalaing, who, on his part, was highly honoured by being selected to gauge the untried capabilities of the prince.[7]

In the park at Brussels with the duke and duchess as onlookers, the preliminary encounter took place.  At the very first attack, Charles struck Messire Jacques on the shield and shattered his lance into many pieces.  The duke was displeased because he thought that the knight had not exerted his full strength and was favouring his son.  He accordingly sent word to Jacques that he must play in earnest and not hold his force in leash.  Fresh lances were brought; again did the count withstand the attack so sturdily that both lances were shattered.  This time the boy’s mother was the dissatisfied one, thinking that the knight was too hard with his junior, but the duke only laughed.

“Thus differed the parents.  The one desired him to prove his manhood, the other was preoccupied with his safety.  With these two courses the trial ended amid rounds of applause for the prince."[8]

The actual tourney was held on the market-place in Brussels before a distinguished assembly.  Count Charles was escorted into the arena by his cousin, the Count d’Estampes, and other nobles.  Seigneur d’Auxy, his tutor, stood near to watch the maiden efforts of the prince and his mates.  He had reason to be proud of Charles, both for his bearing and his skill.  He gave and received excellent thrusts, broke more than ten lances, and did his duty so valiantly that in the evening he received the prize from two princesses, and “Montjoye” was cried by the heralds in his honour.  From that time forth, the count was considered a puissant and rude jouster and gained great renown.