tained so many
dishonorable implications, Francis one day took with him two gentlemen
and a page, and rode directly into Guisnes. The guards were surprised at
the presence of the monarch, who called aloud to them, "You are all my
prisoners: carry me to your master." Henry was equally astonished at the
appearance of Francis; and taking him in his arms, "My brother," said
he, "you have here played me the most agreeable trick in the world,
and have showed me the full confidence I may place in you: I surrender
myself your prisoner from this moment." He took from his neck a collar
of pearls, worth fifteen thousand angels;[**] and putting it about
Francis's, begged him to wear it for the sake of his prisoner.

* Memoires de Fleuranges.

** An angel was then estimated at seven shillings,* or near
twelve of our present money.

Francis agreed, but on condition that Henry should wear a bracelet
of which he made him a present, and which was double in value to
the collar.[*] The king went next day to Ardres without guards or
attendants; and confidence being now fully established between the
monarchs, they employed the rest of the time entirely in tournaments and
festivals.

A defiance had been sent by the two kings to each other's court, and
through all the chief cities in Europe, importing, that Henry and
Francis, with fourteen aids, would be ready, in the plains of Picardy,
to answer all comers that were gentlemen, at tilt, tournament, and
barriers. The monarchs, in order to fulfil this challenge, advanced
into the field on horseback, Francis surrounded with Henry's guards, and
Henry with those of Francis. They were gorgeously apparelled; and were
both of them the most comely personages of their age, as well as the
most expert in every military exercise. They carried away the prize at
all trials in those rough and dangerous pastimes; and several horses and
riders were overthrown by their vigor and dexterity. The ladies were
the judges in these feats of chivalry, and put an end to the rencounter
whenever they judged it expedient. Henry erected a spacious house of
wood and canvas, which had been framed in London; and he there feasted
the French monarch. He had placed a motto on this fabric, under the
figure of an English archer embroidered on it, "Cui adhaereo praeest," He
prevails whom I favor;[**] expressing his own situation, as holding in
his hands the balance of power among the potentates of Europe. In the