Philip, long inactive, resolved to assist at the reduction of this place in person.  Too feeble to ride, he was carried to the Meuse in a litter, and arrived at Namur on August 14th.  Then attended by a small escort only, he proceeded to Bouvignes, a splendid vantage point whence he could command a view of the scene of his son’s intended operations.  As the crisis became imminent there were a few further efforts to effect a reconciliation.  When these failed, the town prepared to meet the worst.[19] Stories gravely related by Du Clercq[20] represent the people of Dinant goaded to actual fury of resistance.

By August 7th, the Burgundian troops made their appearance, winding down to the river.  Conspicuous among the standards—­and nobles from all Philip’s dominions were in evidence—­was the banner of the Count of Charolais, displaying St. George slaying the dragon.

On Tuesday, August 19th, Dinant was invested and the siege began.  Within the walls the most turbulent element had gained complete control of affairs.  All thought of prudence was thrown to the winds.  From the walls they hurled words at the foe: 

“Is your old doll of a duke tired of life that you have brought him here to perish?[21] Your Count Charlotel is a green sprout.  Bid him go fight the King of France at Montl’hery.  If he waits for the noble Louis or the Liegeois he will have to take to his heels,” etc.

It was a heavy siege and the town was riddled with cannon-balls but there was no assault.  By the sixth day the magistrates determined to send their keys to the Count of Charolais and beg for mercy.  The captain of the great gild of coppersmiths, Jean de Guerin, tried to encourage the faint-hearted to protest openly against this procedure.  Seizing the city colours he declared:  “I will trust to no humane sentiment.  I am ready to carry this flag to the breach and to live or die with you.  If you surrender, I will quit the town before the foe enter it.”  It was too late, the capitulation was made.

When the keys were brought to Charles he remembered that he was not yet duke and ordered them presented to his father in his stead, and to his half-brother Anthony was entrusted the task of formally accepting the surrender.

It was late in the evening when the Bastard of Burgundy marched in.  At first he held the incoming troops well under control, but the stores of wine were easy to reach, and by the morning there were wild scenes of disorder.  When Charles arrived, however, on the morrow, Tuesday, just a week after the beginning of the siege, lawlessness was checked with a strong hand.  Any ill treatment of women was peculiarly repugnant to him, and he did not hesitate to execute the sternest justice upon offenders.[22]

[Illustration:  ANTHONY OF BURGUNDY AFTER HANS MEMLING.  DRESDEN GALLERY]