Financial stress was not the duke’s only difficulty in 1476.  The defection of his allies continued, Yolande—­that former good friend of his—­was now a fervent suppliant to Louis XI., begging him to restore her to freedom and to her son’s estates.  Not that her restraint was in itself hard to bear.  At Rouvre, whither she had been removed from Rochefort, she was free to do what she wished, except to depart.  Couriers, too, were at her service apparently, who carried uninspected letters to Milan, Geneva, Nice, Turin, and to Louis XI.  Commines says that she hesitated to take refuge with the last lest he should promptly return her to Burgundian “protection.”  Yet her brother’s hatred to Charles seemed a fairly strong assurance against such action.  Louis XI. was never so genial as when hearing some ill of Charles.  “From what I have learned, I believe his Turk, his devil in this world, the person he loathes most intensely, is the Duke of Burgundy, with whom he can never live in amity.”  These words were sent by Petrasanta to the Duke of Milan,[8] who was also turning slowly, with some periods of hesitation, to an alliance with Louis, now engaged in “following the hare with a cart."[9]

On his side the king declared that he had no intention of troubling further about his obligations to the Duke of Burgundy.  “He has himself broken the truce repeatedly.  I can begin a war when I please.  But I have thought it best to temporise.”

[Illustration:  COLUMN COMMEMORATING CHARLES AT NANCY AFTER THE DRAWING BY PERNOT]

In the succeeding weeks Louis plunged deeper and deeper into negotiations with any and every one whom he could turn against Charles.  In October, Sire de Chamont, governor of Champagne, —­the territory that Edward IV. had failed to consign to the duke’s sovereignty,—­made a descent on Rouvre and rescued Yolande of Savoy.  There was no attempt to stay her departure, and she was scrupulous, so it is said, in leaving money behind to pay for the Burgundian property carried off in her train—­though it were nothing but an old crossbow.  “Welcome, Madame the Burgundian,” was the fraternal salutation which she received on her arrival at her brother’s court.  She replied that she was a good French woman and quite ready to obey his majesty’s commands.[10]

During the summer, Charles remained at La Riviere exerting every effort to levy an army.  It was no easy task, and the review held on July 27th showed a meagre return for his exertions.  But he did not slacken his efforts.  Lists were immediately drawn up showing the vacancies in each company, and his money stress did not prevent his offering increased pay as an extra inducement to recruits.  “An excellent means of encouragement,” comments Panigarola.