when his brother's death
freed him from the dread of dangerous alliance between Charles of
France and Charles of Burgundy. As late as May 8th, he was still
uncertain as to the decree of fate and wrote as follows to the
Governor of Rousillon[19]:

"Keep cool for the present I implore you. If the Duke of Burgundy
declares war against me, I will set out immediately for that
quarter [Brittany], and in a week we will finish the matter. On
the other hand, if peace be made we shall have everything without
a blow or without any risk of restoration. However, if you can get
hold of anything by negotiating and manoeuvring, why do it. As
to the artillery, it is close by you, and when it is time, and I
shall have heard from my ambassador, you shall have it at once."

Ten days later he is more hopeful.[20]

"Since my last letter to you I have had news that Monsieur de
Guienne is dying and that there is no remedy for his case. One
of the most confidential persons about him has advised me by a
special messenger that he does not believe he will be alive a
fortnight hence.... The person who gave me this information is
the monk who repeated his Hours with M. de G[uienne.] I am much
abashed at this and have crossed myself from head to foot.

"Written at Moutils-les-Tours, May 18th."

This prognostic was correct. In less than a fortnight the Duke of
Guienne lay dead, and the heavy suspicion rested upon his royal
brother of having done more than acquiesce in the decree of fate.
Whether or not there was any truth in this charge the king was
certainly not heartbroken by the loss. Indeed, the event interested
him less than the question of making the best use of the remainder of
his truce with Charles. The following letters to Dammartin and the
Duke of Milan belong to this time.

"Thank you for the pains you have taken but pray, as speedily as
you can, come here to draw up your ordinance for we only have
a fortnight more of the truce. I have sent the artillery and
soldiers to Angers. Monsg. the grand master, strengthen Odet's
forces, do not let one man go, and see to it that the seneschal of
Guienne enrols sufficient to fill his company. Then if there are
more at large, form them into a body and send them to me and I
will find them a captain and pay all those who are willing to
stay.

"As to him,[21] make him talk on the way and learn