The actual tourney was held on the market-place in Brussels before a
distinguished assembly. Count Charles was escorted into the arena by
his cousin, the Count d'Estampes, and other nobles. Seigneur d'Auxy,
his tutor, stood near to watch the maiden efforts of the prince and
his mates. He had reason to be proud of Charles, both for his bearing
and his skill. He gave and received excellent thrusts, broke more
than ten lances, and did his duty so valiantly that in the evening he
received the prize from two princesses, and "Montjoye" was cried
by the heralds in his honour. From that time forth, the count was
considered a puissant and rude jouster and gained great renown.

"And that is the reason why I commence my memoirs about him and
his deeds[9] [continues La Marche, on concluding his description
of the tournament], and I do not speak from hearsay and rumour.
As one who has been brought up with him from his youth in his
father's service and in his own, I will touch upon his education,
his morals, his character, and his habits from the moment when I
first saw him as appears above in my memoirs.

"As to his character, I will commence at the worst features. He
was hot, active, and impetuous: as a child he was very eager to
have his own way. Nevertheless, he had so much understanding and
good sense that he resisted his inclinations and in his youth no
one could be found sweeter or more courteous than he. He did not
take the name of God or the saints in vain, and held God in great
fear and reverence. He learned well and had a retentive memory. He
was fond of reading and of hearing read the stories of Lancelot
and Gawain, but to both he preferred the sea and boats. Falconry,
too, he loved and he hunted whenever he had leave. In archery he