enemies of our faith. It is three years
now since the distress of our Church was presented to the Knights
of the Golden Fleece at Mons. My lord there dedicated his person
and his wealth to her service. Since then occurred the rebellion
of Ghent, which entailed upon him a loss of time and money. Thanks
be to God, he has attained there a good and honourable peace, as
every one knows. Now it has chanced that, during this very period,
the Turks have encroached on Christianity still further in their
capture of Constantinople. The need of succour is very pressing
and all that you have witnessed to-day is proof that the good duke
is intent on the weal of Christendom.'"

During the progress of this conversation, a new company was ushered
into the hall, preceded by musicians. Here came _Grace Dieu_, clad
as a nun followed by twelve knights dressed in grey and black velvet
ornamented with jewels. Not alone did they come. Each gentleman
escorted a dame wearing a coat of satin cramoisy over a fur-edged
round skirt _a la Portuguaise. Grace Dieu_ declared in rhyme that God
had heard the pious resolution of Duke Philip of Burgundy. He had
forthwith sent her with her twelve attendants to promise him a happy
termination to his enterprise. Her ladies, Faith, Charity, Justice,
Reason, Prudence, and their sisters, were then presented to him.
_Grace Dieu_ departs alone and no sooner has she disappeared than
Philip's new attributes begin to dance to add to the good cheer. Among
the knights was Charles and one of his half-brothers; among the ladies
was Margaret, Bastard of Burgundy, and the others were all of high
birth. Not until two o'clock did the revels finally cease.

It must be noted that La Marche's reflections upon the extravagance of
the entertainment occur also in Escouchy's memoirs. Probably both
drew their moralising from another author. It is stated by several
reputable chroniclers that Olivier de la Marche himself represented
the Church. That he merely wrote her lines is far more probable.
Female performers certainly appeared freely in these as in other
masques, and there was no reason for putting a handsome youth in this
role of the captive Church. In mentioning the plans that La Marche
claims to have heard discussed in the council meeting, he says plainly
that he was to play the role of Holy Church, but as he makes no
further allusion to the fact, it may be dismissed as one of his
care