peace, as every one knows.  Now it has chanced that, during this very period, the Turks have encroached on Christianity still further in their capture of Constantinople.  The need of succour is very pressing and all that you have witnessed to-day is proof that the good duke is intent on the weal of Christendom.’”

During the progress of this conversation, a new company was ushered into the hall, preceded by musicians.  Here came Grace Dieu, clad as a nun followed by twelve knights dressed in grey and black velvet ornamented with jewels.  Not alone did they come.  Each gentleman escorted a dame wearing a coat of satin cramoisy over a fur-edged round skirt a la Portuguaise.  Grace Dieu declared in rhyme that God had heard the pious resolution of Duke Philip of Burgundy.  He had forthwith sent her with her twelve attendants to promise him a happy termination to his enterprise.  Her ladies, Faith, Charity, Justice, Reason, Prudence, and their sisters, were then presented to him. Grace Dieu departs alone and no sooner has she disappeared than Philip’s new attributes begin to dance to add to the good cheer.  Among the knights was Charles and one of his half-brothers; among the ladies was Margaret, Bastard of Burgundy, and the others were all of high birth.  Not until two o’clock did the revels finally cease.

It must be noted that La Marche’s reflections upon the extravagance of the entertainment occur also in Escouchy’s memoirs.  Probably both drew their moralising from another author.  It is stated by several reputable chroniclers that Olivier de la Marche himself represented the Church.  That he merely wrote her lines is far more probable.  Female performers certainly appeared freely in these as in other masques, and there was no reason for putting a handsome youth in this role of the captive Church.  In mentioning the plans that La Marche claims to have heard discussed in the council meeting, he says plainly that he was to play the role of Holy Church, but as he makes no further allusion to the fact, it may be dismissed as one of his careless statements.

This pompous announcement of big plans was the prelude to nothing!  Yet it was by no means a farce when enacted.  Philip fully intended to make this crusade the crowning event of his life, and his proceedings immediately after the great fete were all to further that end.  To obtain allies abroad, to raise money at home, and to ensure a peaceful succession for his son in case of his own death in the East—­such were the cares demanding the duke’s attention.

The twenty-year-old Count of Charolais was entrusted with the regency for the term of his father’s sojourn abroad in quest of allies, and he hastened to Holland to assume the reins of government, but he was speedily recalled to Lille to submit once more to paternal authority before being left to his own devices and to maternal bias.