f Auray. An
idea occurred to him that the valiant Breton might be of use to him in
extricating France from the deplorable condition to which she had been
reduced by the bands of plunderers roaming everywhere over her soil. We
find in the Chronicle in verse of Bertrand Guesclin, by Cuvelier, a
troubadour of the fourteenth century, a detailed account of the king's
perplexities on this subject, and of the measures he took to apply a
remedy. We cannot regard this account as strictly historical; but it is
a picture, vivid and morally true, of events and men as they were
understood and conceived to be by a contemporary, a mediocre poet, but a
spirited narrator. We will reproduce the principal features, modifying
the language to make it more easily intelligible, but without altering
the fundamental character.

"There were so many folk who went about pillaging the country of France
that the king was sad and doleful at heart. He summoned his council, and
said to them, 'What shall we do with this multitude of thieves who go
about destroying our people? If I send against them my valiant baronage
I lose my noble barons, and then I shall never more have any joy of my
life. If any could lead these folk into Spain against the miscreant and
tyrant Pedro, who put our sister to death, I would like it well, whatever
it might cost me.'

[Illustration: Bertrand du Guesclin----388]

"Bertrand du Guesclin gave ear to the king, and 'Sir King,' said he, 'it
is my heart's desire to cross over the seas and go fight the heathen with
the edge of the sword; but if I could come nigh this folk which Both
anger you, I would deliver the kingdom from them.' 'I should like it
well,' said the king. 'Say no more,' said Bertrand to him; 'I will learn
their pleasure; give it no further thought.'

"Bertrand du Guesclin summoned his herald, and said to him, 'Go thou to
the Grand Company and have all the captains assembled; thou wilt go and
demand for me a safe-conduct, for I have a great desire to parley with
them.' The herald mounted his horse, and went a-seeking these folk
toward Chalon-sur-la-Saone. They were seated together at dinner, and
were drinking good wine from the cask they had pierced. 'Sirs,' said the
herald, 'the blessing of Jesus be on you! Bertrand du Guesclin prayeth
you to let him parley with all in company.' ' By my faith, gentle
herald,' said Hugh de Calverley, who was master of the English, 'I will
readily see Bertrand her