Emperor and the King looked at each other, and Maximilian spoke first,
saying that Bayard was not a prisoner, but rather the other knight; still,
all things considered, he thought that they were quits, and that the Good
Knight might depart when it seemed well to the King of England. To this
suggestion Henry VIII. agreed, but required that Bayard should give his
word to remain for six weeks without bearing arms, after which time he
could return to his company. Meantime he should be free to visit all the
towns of Flanders. For this gracious permission the Good Knight humbly
thanked both the princes, and took leave of them after a few days, during
which he was treated with great honour. Henry VIII. made secret proposals
to Bayard that he should enter into his service, offering him high position
and great possessions. But this was labour lost, for, as the chronicler
says, "he was a most loyal Frenchman."

Thérouanne, whose walls had been constantly bombarded with much destruction,
was soon compelled by famine to capitulate. The garrison were to march out
freely, with all their arms and armour; but the fortifications were
destroyed and the town partly burnt.




[Illustration: FRANCIS _the_ FIRST KING _of_ FRANCE
_from the portrait by Titian Vecelli_.]

CHAPTER IX


The next year, 1514, brought many changes in France. First came the death
of the good Queen Anne of Brittany, who was greatly lamented by her husband