the
project could not be effected. I do not know what will happen.
Realising this, I have given subject for thought elsewhere and
I have pitched my camp between Rouen and Neufchatel, intending,
however, to return speedily. If not I will exploit the war in
another quarter more injurious to the enemy, and I will exert
myself to keep them from your route. My Burgundians and
Luxemburgers have done bravely in Champagne. I know, too, that you
have done well on your part, for which I rejoice. I have burned
the territory of Caux in a fashion so that it will not injure you,
nor us, nor others, and I will not lay down arms without you, as
I am certain you will not without me. I will pursue the work
commenced by your advice at the pleasure of Our Lord, may He give
you good and long life with a fruitful victory.

"Written at my camp near Boscise, September 4th.

"Your loyal brother,

"CHARLES."[30]

The duke's course was marked by waste and devastation from the
walls of Rouen to those of Dieppe, but nothing was gained from this
desolation. By September, keen anxiety about his territories led him
to fear staying so far from his own boundaries, and he decided to
return. Through Picardy he marched eastward burning and laying waste
as before.

Hardly had he turned towards the Netherlands, when Louis marched into
Brittany against his weakest foe. There was no fighting, but Francis
found it wise to accept a truce. Odet d'Aydie, who had ridden in hot
haste to Brittany, scattering from his saddle dire accusations of
fratricide against Louis--this same Odet became silenced and took
service with the king.[31] When reconcilations were effected, most
kind to the returning ally or servant did Louis always show himself.

On November 3d, a truce was struck between Louis and Charles, which,
later, was renewed for a year. But never again did the two men come
into actual conflict with each other, though they were on the eve of
doing so in 1475.

The period of the great coalitions among the nobles was at an end.
Charles of France was dead and so, too, were others who were strong
enough to work the king ill. The Duke of Brittany showed no more
energy. When again within his own territories, Charles of Burgundy
became absorbed in other projects which he wished to perfect before he
again measured steel with Louis.

"The Duke of Berry, he is dead,
Brittany doth nod his head,