powers to resist,
taunted the assailants from the walls, and specially enraged the
Spaniards and Don Louis by allusions to the defeat at Quimperle.

So furious did the Spanish prince become that he took a step
unprecedented in those days of chivalry. He one morning entered the tent
of Charles of Blois, where a number of French nobles were gathered,
and demanded a boon in requital of all his services. Charles at once
assented, when, to his surprise and horror, Prince Louis demanded that
two English knights, Sir John Butler and Sir Hubert Frisnoy, who had
been captured in the course of the campaign and were kept prisoners at
Faouet, should be delivered to him to be executed. "These English," he
said, "have pursued, discomforted, and wounded me, and have killed the
nephew whom I loved so well, and as I have none other mode of vengeance
I will cut off their heads before their companions who lie within those
walls."

Charles of Blois and his nobles were struck with amazement and horror
at the demand, and used every means in their power to turn the savage
prince from his purpose, but in vain. They pointed out to him that his
name would be dishonoured in all countries where the laws of chivalry
prevailed by such a deed, and besought him to choose some other boon.
Don Louis refused to yield, and Charles of Blois, finding no alternative
between breaking his promise and delivering his prisoners, at last
agreed to his request.

The prisoners were sent for, and were informed by Don Louis himself of
their approaching end. At first they could not believe that he was in
earnest, for such a proceeding was so utterly opposed to the spirit
of the times that it seemed impossible to them. Finding that he was in
earnest they warned him of the eternal stain which such a deed would
bring upon his name. The Spaniard, however, was unmoved either by their
words or by the entreaties of the French nobles but told them that he
would give them a few hours to prepare for death, and that they should
be executed in sight of the walls after the usual dinner hour of the
army.

In those days sieges were not conducted in the strict manner in which
they are at present, and non-combatants passed without difficulty to
and fro between town and camp. The news, therefore, of what was intended
speedily reached the garrison, whom it filled with indignation and
horror. A council was immediately called, and Sir Walter Manny proposed
a plan, which was instantly