Nearly all the Burgundian captains sided with the king.
The duke got angry. "He wishes to spare the Liegese," said he; "what
danger is there in this assault? There are no walls; they can't put a
single gun in position; I certainly will not give up the assault; if the
king is afraid, let him get him gone to Namur." Such an insult shocked
even the Burgundians. Louis was informed of it, but said nothing. Next
day, the 30th of October, 1468, the assault was ordered; and the duke
marched at the head of his troops. Up came the king; but, "Bide," said
Charles; "put not yourself uselessly in danger; I will send you word when
it is time." "Lead on, brother," replied Louis; "you are the most
fortunate prince alive; I will follow you." And he continued marching
with him. But the assault was unnecessary. Discouragement had taken
possession of the Liegese, the bravest of whom had fallen. It was
Sunday, and the people who remained were not expecting an attack; "the
cloth was laid in every house, and all were preparing for dinner." The
Burgundians moved forward through the empty streets; and Louis marched
quietly along, surrounded by his own escort, and shouting, "Hurrah for
Burgundy!" The duke turned back to meet him, and they went together to
give thanks to God in the cathedral of St. Lambert. It was the only
church which had escaped from the fury and the pillaging of the
Burgundians; by midday there was nothing left to take in the houses or in
the churches. Louis loaded Duke Charles with felicitations and
commendations: "He knew how to turn them in a fashion so courteous and
amiable that the duke was charmed and softened." The next day, as they
were talking together, "Brother," said the king to the duke, "if you
have still need of my help, do not spare me; but if you have nothing more
for me to do, it would be well for me to go back to Paris, to make public
in my court of parliament the arrangement we have come to together;
otherwise it would run a risk of becoming of no avail; you know that such
is the custom of France. Next summer we must meet again; you will come
into your duchy of Burgundy, and I will go and pay you a visit, and we
will pass a week joyously together in making good cheer." Charles made
no answer, and sent for the treaty lately concluded between them at
Peronne, leaving it to the king's choice to confirm or to renounce it,
and excusing himself in covert terms for having thus constrained him and