ness and clemency of God,
we inform you of the events so that you may render thanks
by public processions, solemn masses, sermons, and prayers,
beseeching Him devoutly and from the heart that He will always
guard and defend our person, our lands, seigniories, and subjects
from such plots.

"May God protect you, dear subjects. Written in our castle of
Hesdin, December 13, 1470.

"CHARLES.

"LE GROS."

It was not long before Charles had less reason to fear French
"subtleties." At an assembly of notables[24] convened at Tours at the
end of 1470, Louis dropped the mask of friendship worn uneasily for
just two years, and made an open brief of his grievances against the
duke.

His case was cited with a luxury of detail more or less authentic. The
interview at Peronne was a simple trap conceived by Balue and the Duke
of Burgundy. The treaties of 1465 and 1468, both obtained by undue
pressure, had not been respected by Charles, etc. The assembly was
obedient to suggestion. It was a packed house.

Even Commines shows that it is not surprising that there was
unanimity[25] in the declaration that according to God and his
conscience in all honour and justice the king was released from those
treaties, and the way was paved for an invasion into Picardy as soon
as possible.

Charles's public accusations of plots against him did not go
unanswered. Jehan de Chassa promptly issued a rejoinder:

"As Charles, soi-disant Duke of Burgundy, has sent to divers
places letters signed by himself and his secretary, Jehan le
Gros, written at Hesdin, December 13th, falsely charging me with
plotting against his life with Baldwin, Bastard of Burgundy,
and Jehan d'Arson, I, considering that it is matter touching my
honour, feel bound to reply.... By God and by my soul I declare
that these charges against me made by Charles of Burgundy are
false and disloyal lies"[26]

Baldwin, too, expressed righteous indignation at the slur on his
character, but he remained in the French court as did many others who
had formerly served Charles.

Meanwhile, the Earl of Warwick, having left his daughter in the hands
of Margaret of Anjou, openly aided by Louis, sailed back to England in
September But there had been one further change of base of which the
earl was still unconscious. His elder son-in-law had not rejoiced in
the Warwick-Lancaster alliance. It brought young Prince Edward to