ss Isabel "was conducted in a handsome chariot, whereof
the tires of the wheels were of silvern stuff." King, uncles, and
courtiers were far from a thought of the crimes and shame which would be
connected in France with the name of Isabel of Bavaria. There is still
more levity and imprudence in the marriages of kings than in those of
their subjects.

Whilst this marriage was being celebrated, the war with England, and her
new king, Richard II., was going on, but slackly and without result.
Charles VI. and his uncle of Burgundy, still full of the proud confidence
inspired by their success against the Flemish and Parisian communes,
resolved to strike England a heavy blow, and to go and land there with a
powerful army. Immense preparations were made in France for this
expedition. In September, 1386, there were collected in the port of
Ecluse (Sluys) and at sea, between Sluys and Blankenberg, thirteen
hundred and eighty-seven vessels, according to some, and according to
others only nine hundred, large and small; and Oliver de Clisson had
caused to be built at Trdguier, in Brittany, a wooden town which was to
be transported to England and rebuilt after landing, "in such sort," says
Froissart, "that the lords might lodge therein and retire at night, so as
to be in safety from sudden awakenings, and sleep in greater security."
Equal care was taken in the matter of supplies. "Whoever had been at
that time at Bruges, or the Dam, or the Sluys would have seen how ships
and vessels were being laden by torchlight, with hay in casks, biscuits
in sacks, onions, peas, beans, barley, oats, candles, gaiters, shoes,
boots, spurs, iron, nails, culinary utensils, and all things that can be
used for the service of man." Search was made everywhere for the various
supplies, and they were very dear. "If you want us and our service,"
said the Hollanders, "pay us on the nail; otherwise we will be neutral."
To the intelligent foresight shown in these preparations was added
useless magnificence. "On the masts was nothing to be seen but paintings
and gildings; everything was emblazoned and covered with armorial
bearings. But nothing came up to the Duke of Burgundy's ship; it was
painted all over outside with blue and gold, and there were five huge
banners with the arms of the duchy of Burgundy and the countships of
Flanders, Artois, Rethel, and Burgundy, and everywhere the duke's device,
'I'm a-longing.'" The young king, too, displayed grea