THE

Rescue of Sir John Boteler

AND

Sir Matthew Trelawney.

I MUST tell you of another gallant action which Sir Walter Manny performed while Hennebon was being besieged.

Lord Charles de Blois had taken prisoner two English knights, by name Sir John Boteler and Sir Matthew Trelawney, whom

he had confined in the strong castle of Faouet. Now it happened one day that the Lord Lewis of Spain came into the tent of Lord Charles, where many of the French nobility were assembled, and requested of him a reward for all the services he had done him. The Lord Charles held himself under many obligations to him, and promised without any hesitation to grant whatever he should ask; upon which the Lord Lewis desired that these two

prisoners might be sent for and delivered up to him, to do with them as he should think best. "This boon I ask," he continued, "because they have discomfited, pursued, and wounded me: they have also slain the Lord Alphonso, my nephew, and I have no other way of being revenged upon them, than by having them beheaded in the sight of their friends who are now shut up in Hennebon." The Lord Charles was much amazed at the request, and replied, "I will certainly give you the prisoners since you ask for them; but you will act very cruelly and be very much to blame if you put to death two such valiant men. Moreover, our enemies will thus have an equal right to do the same to any of our friends, whom they may capture; for we are by no means certain what may happen to any one of us. I therefore entreat you, my dear cousin, that you be better advised." To this the Lord Lewis made answer, that if the Lord Charles did not keep his promise, he would quit the army and never serve him more as long as he lived. When, therefore, the latter saw that he must comply, he sent off messengers to the Castle of Faouet, who soon returned with the two prisoners, whom they brought into the Lord Charles's tent. Again the Lord Lewis was entreated to desist from his cruel purpose; but prayers and entreaties could not move him, and he resolved to have them beheaded after dinner.

Now all this conversation, and indeed every thing that passed between the Lord Charles de Blois and the Lord Lewis of Spain relative to the two prisoners, was

told to Sir Walter Manny and another knight in Hennebon, by name Sir Amauri de Clisson, by friends and spies who represented the great danger in which the two knights were. They bethought themselves what was best to be done: different schemes were proposed, but none appeared practicable; and the matter was about to be abandoned, when Sir Walter Manny said to his companions, "Gentlemen, it would do us great honour if we could rescue these two knights: if we adventure it, and should fail, King Edward will hold himself obliged to us, and all wise men who may hear of it in time to come will thank us for having doue our duty. I will tell you my plan, and I trust you will be able to undertake it; for I think we are bound to risk our lives in endeavouring to save those of two such gallant knights. I propose, therefore, that we arm immediately, and form ourselves into two divisions: one shall set off as soon after dinner as possible by this gate, and draw up near the ditch to skirmish with and alarm the enemy, who will no doubt soon muster to that part. You, Sir Amauri de Clisson, if such is agreeable to you, shall have the command of this division, which shall consist of a thousand good archers, and three hundred men-at-arms. I will have with me a hundred of my companions and five hundred archers, and while you are engaging the attention of the enemy, we will sally out privately at the postern on the opposite side of the town, and coming upon them will fall upon the camp which we shall find unguarded. I will take with me those who are acquainted with the

way to the tent of Lord Charles, where the prisoners are; and I can assure you that I and my companions will do every thing in our power to bring back these two knights in safety, if it so please GOD."

All present agreed to the proposal, and directly separated to arm and prepare themselves. About dinner time Sir Amauri and his party set off, and leaving Hennebon by the principal gate, took the road which went straight to the army of Lord Charles. They rushed forward with a great noise, shouting their war cries; and on reaching the tents and huts, cut them down and slew all who came in their way. The enemy were much alarmed, and putting themselves in motion as quickly as possible, advanced against the English and Bretons, who gave them a warm reception. The skirmish which ensued was very sharp, and many on both sides were killed. When Sir Amauri perceived that almost all the army of the enemy was drawn out, he made a handsome retreat, fighting all the time until he came to the barriers of the town, when he suddenly halted. Then the archers who had been posted beforehand on each side of the ditch, made such good use of their bows, that the engagement was very hot, and all the army of the enemy joined in it, except the servants.

Meanwhile Sir Walter Manny and his company issued out as secretly as possible by the postern, and making a circuit came upon the rear of the enemy's

camp.

The whole matter was so well planned and executed

F

Sir Walter on

that they were not seen by any one. gaining the camp made at once for the tent of Lord Charles, where he found the two knights, Sir John Boteler and Sir Matthew Trelawney, whom to their great joy, he immediately mounted upon two coursers which he had ordered to be brought for them, and then returning as fast as possible, the whole party entered Hennebon by the same way as they had sallied forth.

The Countess of Montfort waited for them at the gate, and was much pleased at seeing them. It was some time before the enemy was aware of this rescue, for the English and Bretons still continued fighting at the barriers, where they gave them sufficient employment. When, however, the information was conveyed to them, they were sorely disappointed, especially the Lord Lewis of Spain, who left the assault and returned to his tent in the greatest possible rage. Sir John Boteler and Sir Matthew Trelawney were very thankful for their escape, and all praised highly the bravery of Sir Walter Manny.