and 1370. From a desire to preserve the | sequence of events unbroken, we have abstained from any particular notice of the younger daughters of Henry the Third, or the children of Edward the First. To one alone we shall briefly revert-Beatrice, second daughter of Henry the Third, and wife of Lord John of Brittany. This princess's life was a short but happy one; she did not live to become Duchess of Brittany; but her children and children's children long ruled over this important province. To one of them, allied to her in blood, and still more nearly by marriage, we shall now direct the reader's attention-the Lady Mary, fourth daughter of Edward the Third, and Philippa of Hainault. This princess was, from the hour of her birth, the destined bride of Lord John de Montford, then in his fourth year. He was resident at her father's court; while his heroic mother, "who had the courage of a man and the heart of a lion," combated for the rights of her absent son and captive husband with the rival claimant to the duchy of Brittany, Lord Charles of Blois, d'Artois, and to the council, the manner of his seizing and taking possession of the duchy of Brittany, which had devolved to him as next heir however, that the Lord Charles of Blois and the to his brother lately deceased. He suspected, King of France would attempt to deprive him of it by force, for which reason he had come to hold the duchy of the King of England, and to do him homage for it, provided he should be secured against the King of France, or any others that should attempt to molest him in his rights. The King of England, considering that his war against France would be strengthened by this means; that he could not have a better entry into that kingdom than through Brittany; that the Germans and Brabanters had done nothing for him, but cost him large sums; and that the lords of the Empire had led him up and down, taking his money, without making any return for it--was and received his homage for the duchy by the very happy to comply with the Earl's request, hand of the Earl, who was called and addressed by the title of Duke. The King then gave his promise in the presence of the lords who had accompanied him, as well as before those barons of England that were there, that he would aid, defend, and preserve him, as his liege man, against the uttermost of his royal power. These promises any one-the King of France, or any other-to and homage were written and sealed, and each party had a copy of them. After this, the King and Queen made such rich presents of jewels and other gifts to the Earl, and to those who had come over with him, that they pronounced him a gallant King, and fit to reign many years in great barked, and landed at Roscoff, a town in Brittany, prosperity. They afterwards took leave, emthe place whence they had sailed; and thence he went to Nantes, where his Countess had remained, who told him that he had done well, and, had acted wisely."--Sir John Froissart's Chronicles," vol. i. p. 92. 66 The Earl of Montford, husband of this enterprising lady, was the youngest brother of Duke John the Third. His competitor had married Jeanne, only daughter of Guy de Penthièvre, an elder brother. The Earl of Montford, finding the claim of Lord Charles of Blois pronounced by King Philip of France superior to his own, resolved, in order to secure a powerful ally in the impending struggle, to do homage to the King of England for the duchy of Brittany. Immediately on his brother's death, he contrived, by aid of his wife, to get himself ac- Rumor had informed the King of France. knowledged in Nantes, the capital of the of this defection. To assure himself on the duchy, and also at Limoges, as rightful suc- subject, Philip summoned the Earl of Montcessor to Duke John the Third. The inhab- ford to Paris. The crafty noble obeyed, itants of these towns not only did him hom-aware that positive intelligence of his treaage as their liege lord, but placed the treasury at his disposal. Thus furnished with the sinews of war, he possessed himself of Rennes by force, and of the strong castle of Hennebon by stratagem. We cannot resist giving his further proceedings in the naïve narrative of Froissart : son could not then have reached the ears of his sovereign. However, after an interview with the King, in which he professed himself submissive to his will, De Montford privately returned to Brittany; giving out that he was confined by sickness to his hotel at Paris. Once more in security, he vigorously prepared for war. 'He related to his Countess all that had happened, and wrote, according to her advice, to all the towns and castles which had been surrendered to him; established in each able captains, with plenty of soldiers, cavalry as well as infantry, and paid them handsomely.". The War of Succession in Brittany derives most of its interest from the characters of long expected and wished for, coming!" It was even so; the English fleet, which had been detained by contrary winds, proudly hove in sight; and the citizens of Hennebon hastened to receive these welcome allies. The Countess, in the meantime, prepared and handsomely the lords and barons of England whom she saw coming, and sent out a noble company to meet them. When they were landed, she went herself to give them welcome, respectfully thanking each knight and squire, and led them into the town and castle, that they might have convenient lodging; on the morrow she gave them a magnifcent entertainment.", the two remarkable women who were its virtual leaders. The captivity of her husband, which proved a lengthened one, did not crush the dauntless spirit of the Countess of Montford. He was taken prisoner at Nantes; but his masculine wife, dissembling her grief and terror, took her young son in her arms, and addressed her friends and adhe-hung with tapestry, halls and chambers to lodge rents. "O gentlemen," she said, "do not be cast down by what we have suffered through the loss of my lord; he was but one man. Look at my little child here: if it please God he shall be his restorer, and shall do you much service. I have plenty of wealth, which I will distribute among you, and will seek out for such a leader as may give you a proper confidence." But the mother feared to intrust her boy to the uncertain fortunes of war, and sent him to England, where, as we have mentioned, he grew up at the court of Edward III., with his affianced bride, the little Princess Mary. Meantime the resolute Countess threw herself into Hennebon, a strongly fortified place, open to the sea, which she hoped to defend against the armies of France until the arrival of expected succor from England. She rode through the town in complete armor, mounted on a war-steed, encouraging the inhabitants by her presence and example. During this siege, Froissart informs us, "the Countess performed a very gallant deed:" she ascended a tower to observe the motions of the enemy, and watching her opportunity, while the assailants were engaged elsewhere, she sallied forth at the head of 300 horsemen, attacked their camp and set fire to the tents, and then, finding herself unable to regain the city-gate, made for Brest, which she reached safely before her pursuers could overtake her. By a still more masterly countermarch she re-entered Hennebon the next day in triumph. But the forces of Lord Charles of Blois pressed the siege with such vigor, that the garrison of Hennebon were soon reduced to extremities, and some of the most influential citizens were disposed to insist on a capitulation. The Countess entreated and remonstrated in vain; at last she implored them to grant her the respite of a few days more; and begged of the lords of Brittany, for the love of God, that they would not doubt but she should receive succors before three days were over." It was a period of cruel suspense to the heroic lady; she gazed anxiously from the ramparts of the castle on the broad expanse of ocean. At last she joyfully exclaimed, "I see the succors 1 have so This reception seems to have pleased the English mightily. After the banquet Sir Walter Manny, their commander, sallied forth, attacked and destroyed the aggressive constructions, machines, &c., of the enemy. Many legs were made to kick the air," Froissart tells us in his picturesque description of the passage of arms-" many brilliant actions, captures, and rescues might have been seen.' The enemy was compelled to retreat, and Sir. Walter Manny re-entered Hennebon in triumph. "The Countess of Montford came down from the castle to meet them, and with a most cheerful countenance kissed Sir Walter Manny and all his companions, one after the other, like a noble and valiant dame." What knight could prove recreant so rewarded! But the Countess of Montford was not the only one of her sex who possessed an indomitable spirit, and other characteristics of a “noble and valiant dame" of the fourteenth century. Her competitor, Jeanne de Penthièvre, wife of Lord Charles of Blois, was no less pertinacious in contending for her rights. It will be remembered that this lady was only child of Guy, elder brother of the Earl of Montford, and claimed to be a nearer representative of the defunct Duke John III. When her lord was taking leave of her for the tented field, she impressed on him on no account to consent to a compromise of her rights; nor listen" to any treaty or composition which may be offered, so that the whole body of the duchy may be ours." On many occasions during this prolonged struggle, both the rival claimants would gladly have arbitrated the points in dispute, but Lord Charles, however solicitous for peace, could not yield, from motives which Froissart naïvely, aequaints us with: "Lord Charles was very courteous and polite, and perhaps would willingly have listened to terms | history of the important battle of Auray, of peace, and been contented with a part of Britta (1364.) ny, without much wrangling; but he was, in God's name, so hard pressed by the last words of the lady his wife, and the knights of his party, that he could neither draw back nor dissemble." The campaign did not terminate with the death of the Earl of Montford, nor the captivity of Lord Charles of Blois. Their dauntless wives ceased not to animate their respective adherents to fresh combats. The Countess of Montford, we are told, "was equal to a man, for she had the heart of a lion; and, with a rusty sharp sword in her hand, she combated bravely;" while the Countess of Penthièvre fiercely asserted her claims, and reproached her husband with pusillanimity in consenting, even in thought, to waive them. Sire, what would you do?" she exclaimed. By God, you haven ot the heart of a valiant knight, if you will thus give away, like a recreant, the pleasant heritage of your wife. No knight, be he who he may, is worthy to hold lands unless he will defend them with drawn sword." Battle of Auray, in which Sir Bertrand du "A little before eight in the morning, the two armies advanced near to each other. It was a very fine sight, as I have heard those relate who saw it; for the French were in such close order that one could scarcely throw an apple among them without falling on a helmet or lance. Each man-at-arms carried his spear right before him, cut down to the length of five feet; a battle-axe, sharp, strong, and well steeled, with a short handle, was at his side, or hung from his neck. They advanced thus handsomely a foot's pace, each lord in array and among his people, with his banner or pennon before him, well knowing what they were to do. On the other hand, the English were drawn up in the handsomest order. "In this first onset there were hard blows be tween the lancemen, and a sharp scuffle. True it is that the English archers shot well at the commencement, but their arrows hurt not, as the French were too well armed and shielded from them. Upon this they flung away their bows, and, being light and able men, they mixed with the men-at-arms of their party, and attacked those of the French who had battle-axes. Being men several of these axes, with which they afterwards of address and courage, they immediately seized fought valiantly and successfully. There were many gallant feats of arms performed; many a struggle, many a capture, and many a rescue. Under such leadership the war was a protracted one. In the meantime, years fled by, and the young De Montford had grown to man's estate. His promised bride, the Princess Mary, had attained the age of seventeen; their nuptials were no longer deferred, and were solemnized at Windsor in the year 1361. The young and interesting Duchess did not live to visit Brittany. She died a few months after her marriage, sincerely lamented by her husband, as we learn from Guillaume de St. Andre, chronicler to the Duke of Brit-ing for and engaging his enemies. His adversary, taný: The French and Bretons fought in earnest with their battle-axes. The Lord Charles showed himself a marvellously good knight, eagerly seekthe Earl of Montford, fought with equal gallantry; and each person spoke of them according to their deserts. Battalions and banners rushed against each other, and sometimes were overthrown and then up again." At last the fortunes of war proved adverse to Lord Charles de Blois. He fell on the battle field of Auray, and with him perished the hopes of his party. Three years after Mary's decease, John de Montford became undisputed master of Brit-day tany by the death of his formidable opponent. Some of the most graphic chapters in Froissart's Chronicles are devoted to this important event. Even the readers to whom this delightful book is accessible may, in the multiplicity of its details, have passed heedlessly over this part of Sir John's narrative. We feel sure we shall give pleasure to many by quoting the most vivid passages from his "The whole flower of chivalry who had that taken the side of Lord Charles de Blois were either prisoners or slain, particularly the bannerets of Brittany.. . In a word, the defeat and loss were immense. Numbers were slain in the field, as well as in the pursuit, which continued for eight good leagues, even as far as Vannes. A variety of accidents happened this day, which had never come to my knowledge, and many a man was killed or made prisoner. Some fell into good hands, where they met with kind and civil masters." De Montford had the remains of his unfortunate rival honorably interred, which was "but his due, as he was a good, loyal, and valiant knight." His body was afterwards sanctified by the grace of God, and venerated as St. Charles. But before it was removed from the bloody field, the young Duke visited the mangled corse. He approached the spot where he was lying apart from the others, covered by a shield, which he ordered to be taken away, and looked at him very sorrowfully. After having paused awhile, he exclaimed, Ha! my Lord Charles, sweet cousin, how much mischief has happened to Brittany from your having supported by arms your pretensions. God help me, I am truly unhappy at finding you in this situation, but at present this cannot be amended.' Upon which, he burst into tears. Sir John Chandos, perceiving this, pulled him by the skirt and said,My lord, my lord, let us go away and return thanks to God for the success of the day; for without, the death of this person, you never would have gained your inheritance of Brittany.'" a lengthened period she secured, by her temperate but vigorous administration, the tranquillity of that country, so torn by internal convulsions. She died in 1321, and is highly eulogized by her biographer:—, "The death of this indefatigable woman, whose strong intellect, keen foresight, and disinterested zeal, had so often preserved the kingdom when on the verge of ruin, was lamented throughout the nation. Maria, if we consider the age in which she lived, was truly a prodigy. In her were blended the masculine virtues of the stronger sex, and the mild ones of her own. She united the talents of the experienced politician, and the art of the great general and tactician. The firm support of a tottering throne, yet the conscientious advocate of the rights of the people; neither daunted by reverses nor elated by prosperity; wise, humane, and pious, amidst a host of ambitions, selfish contenders for power, she alone was unmoved by motives of self-interest, and from the first to the last day of her long and useful career, steadily kept on her undeviating path of rectitude. In the history of nations her name shines with a radiance dimmed by no one blot. Justly surnamed The Great; placed in a situation as perilous as it deemed excusable, if not praiseworthy, to do evil was exalted; living in times when it was often for the sake of effecting good, this Queen has left a memory unstained by crimes, unsullied by foibles."-Senora George's" Queens of Spain," vol. i. pp. 236-7. Her grandson, Alfonso XII., had been betrothed, in childhood, to Costanza Manuel, daughter of Don Juan Manuel, one of the highest nobles in Castile. When this prince attained years of discretion he repented of his engagement, and married Maria of Portugal, while the rejected bride became wife of Pedro, Crown Prince, and afterwards King of Portugal. So terminated this protracted war. Its historians cease to interest themselves in the future fortunes of the two remarkable women who may be said to have originated it; and the names of Jeanne de Montford and Jeanne de Penthièvre henceforth sink into oblivion. The province so fiercely contested became, in the next century, a fief of the crown of France, by the marriage of its inheritrix, Anne of Brittany, with two successive monarchs, Charles VIII. and Louis XII. This warfare to the death developed the martial qualities of the Bretons; they have ever been a hardy race, vigorous in thought, as well as prompt in action. Their sterile country, with its rock-bound coast, and Celtic population, Maria of Portugal was an unhappy wife. les Bretons bretonnant, has nurtured an in- Her disposition was cruel and vindictive, and domitably brave and loyal people. Among jealousy-but too well founded-called into the illustrious sons of the soil we may name, active exercise all the evil passions of her in war, Nomenoe, Barbetote, Du Guesclin, nature. The early years of her married life De Richemont, Moreau. On the sea, Du- were childless; her husband had never loved quay-Tronin. In science and literature, Abe- her, and neglected her for his beautiful mislard, Descartes, Maupertius, Chateaubriand,tress, Leonor de Guzman. This lady was and Lauennais. . While the transactions we have been recounting took place in Brittany, female influence was no less paramount in other parts of Europe. In Spain and Portugal a succession of energetic queens played a prominent part in the affairs of the Peninsula. In Castile, Maria La Grande, wife of Sancho IV., and regent during the minority of her son Ferdinand IV., and grandson, Alfonso XII., proved herself a wise and enlightened ruler. During the loveliest woman of her time. Her rank was exalted, her manners were gentle and fascinating, and her intellect highly cultivated. Leonor maintained her empire in the heart of Alfonso for upwards of twenty years; but her great influence was ever exercised with moderation and wisdom. The King, it is said, wished to repudiate his unloved wife, and raise her rival, who had borne him nine sons and a daughter, to the throne; but Leonor urgently dissuaded him Pedro, however, was not insensible to female fascination. Maria de Padilla long reigned mistress of his affections; and, after her death, the King legitimized her children, asserting that he had privately married her before his union with Blanche of Bourbon. Their daughters, Constance and Maria, were wedded to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Edmund, Duke of York, sons of Edward III, of England, and brothers to the Black Prince, who combated so heroically for the King of Castile against his rebel brother, Henry of Trastamare. from a course which would prove detrimental | by poison, or the dagger, or from natural to his kingdom, by exciting the enmity of the causes, is a question of which the true soluPortuguese monarch, father to Queen Maria. tion is shrouded in impenetrable mystery. Maria of Portugal was consoled for her husband's indifference by the birth of an heir to the throne. She devoted herself to the education of her son, and instilled into the mind of the young Pedro the sentiment of bitter hatred and thirst for revenge, with which her own breast was animated. The death of Alfonso afforded the long desired opportunity for gratifying these vindictive feelings. Ere his corse was cold the hapless Leonor de Guzman was thrown into prison, separated from her children, and finally strangled by order of the Queen. Maria of Portugal is even said to have witnessed herself the death agonies of her detested rival. Many royal mistresses have played an important part in state affairs; few have been so distinguished in history as Leonor de Guzman. The beautiful lady, so loved by Alfonso, was ancestress of an illustrious line of kings. Her son Henry, Count of Trasta-trand du Guesclin, taken prisoner, the reader mare, wore, though illegitimate, his father's crown, and became the founder of that mighty though bastard race who long swayed the sceptre of Castile; and, after the union of Castile and Arragon, gave to Spain a succession of its most illustrious sovereigns. On the accession of Pedro IV. he treated his brothers with kindness and leniency. Henry and Frederic, the twin sons of Leonor, had fled to Portugal after the death of their mother. Pedro permitted them to return and reside on their estates; and conferred on Frederic the grand mastership of Santiago, a post of trust and dignity. It is said that on the betrothal of Pedro to Blanche of Bourbon, the Master of Santiago was one of the envoys sent to escort the affianced bride to Castile; and that, on the journey, a criminal attachment was formed between Frederic and his brother's destined queen. To this circumstance is ascribed the aversion felt by Pedro for his young wife of eighteen, whom he forsook three days after their marriage, and never re-visited. If this tradition be true, Frederic, though treacherously dealt with, was not the innocent victim of his brother's thirst for blood. Pedro stabbed him in cold blood, and for this, and similar actions, was branded with the opprobrious name of "The Cruel." The fate of Blanche of Bourbon was tragi; cal in the extreme. She endured a long and rigorous captivity, and died in prison ten years after her luckless marriage; whether VOL XXV. NO. IL Pedro the Cruel had many enemies. The Pope, with whom he was on the worst possible terms, legitimized Henry, and conferred on him the kingdom of Castile! The King of France permitted the bastard of Trastamare to levy troops in his territory to carry on the war, and aided in ransoming Sir Ber will remember, in the battle of Auray, to lead the Free Companies. These mercenaries gladly consented to hire their services to the Count of Trastamare, provided they were commanded by so redoubtable a leader as the Sicur du Guesclin, who, they felt assured, would conduct them to certain victory. A short campaign followed. It resulted in Pedro's overthrow, who had the mortification to see his bastard brother ascend the throne from which he had been so summarily ejected. The discrowned King in his distress applied for aid to Edward the Black Prince, then holding his court at Bordeaux. This gallant commander hastened to the succor of the exiled monarch; for, said he, "I do not think it either decent or proper that a bastard should possess a kingdom as an inheritance, nor drive out of his realm his own brother, heir to the country by lawful marriage; and no king, or king's son, ought ever to suffer it, as being of the greatest prejudice to royalty." Scarcely had the English champion crossed the Pyrenees to assist his ally, when a letter from Henry of Trastamare, then King of Castile, reached him. This singular epistle was addressed—~ "To the High, Puissant, and Honorable Lord, the have with an army passed the mountains, and 17 All |