old the whole affair to
Louis, who exhibited great joy. Another time, one dark and rainy night,
there was an alarm, about midnight, of a general attack upon the whole
Burgundian camp. The duke was soon up, and a moment afterwards the king
arrived. There was great disorder. "The Liegese sallied by this gate,"
said some; "No," said others, "it was by that gate!" there was nothing
known for certain, and there were no orders given. Charles was impetuous
and brave, but he was easily disconcerted, and his servants were somewhat
vexed not to see him putting a better countenance on things before the
king. Louis, on the other hand, was cool and calm, giving commands
firmly, and ready to assume responsibility wherever he happened to be.
"Take what men you have," said he to the constable St. Poi, who was at
his side, "and go in this direction; if they are really coming upon us,
they will pass that way." It was discovered to be a false alarm. Two
days afterwards there was a more serious affair. The inhabitants of a
canton which was close to the city, and was called Franchemont, resolved
to make a desperate effort, and go and fall suddenly upon the very spot
where the two princes were quartered. One night, about ten P. M., six
hundred men sallied out by one of the breaches, all men of stout hearts
and well armed. The duke's quarters were first attacked. Only twelve
archers were on guard below, and they were playing at dice. Charles was
in bed. Commynes put on him, as quickly as possible, his breastplate and
helmet, and they went down stairs. The archers were with great
difficulty defending the doorway, but help arrived, and the danger was
over. The quarters of King Louis had also been attacked; but at the
first sound the Scottish archers had hurried up, surrounded their master,
and repulsed the attack, without caring whether their arrows killed
Liegese or such Burgundians as had come up with assistance. The gallant
fellows from Franchemont fell, almost to a man. The duke and his
principal captains held a council the next day; and the duke was for
delivering the assault. The king was not present at this council, and
when he was informed of the resolution taken he was not in favor of an
assault. "You see," said he, "the courage of these people; you know how
murderous and uncertain is street fighting; you will lose many brave men
to no purpose. Wait two or three days, and the Liegese will infallibly
come to terms."