(For the Parterre).

THE BATTLE OF AURAI.

A short time since a paragraph appeared in the English newspapers, stating that an agricultural society was about to be formed, by some of our countrymen resident on the Continent, for the purpose of turning to account the immense tracts of land which remain uncultivated in the province of Brittany. "Strange would it be," observes some French journalist, "should the English system of farming be applied to the cultivation of those extensive plains which have been so often sprinkled with their blood!"

It would, indeed, be strange to see the English plough gliding over those vast plains, upon which the bravest of the rival countries have so often contended; to hear the whistle of the English ploughman where in old times the deadly cloth yard arrow whirred, and to behold where lances glittered, and pennons and standards once fluttered in hostile array, the waving of the bright corn studded with

the scarlet flower of Ceres.

Brittany is almost terra incognita to our countrymen at the present day, and is but little known even to Frenchmen, although five centuries since this fine province was often the scene of sanguinary conflicts, in which the chivalry of France and England vented their mutual animosity. Even the traditions of these frays are now fast wearing away; but the manners of the Bretons remain nearly unchanged, and the province is seldom visited by the traveller of either nation..

During the reign of Edward the Third, two claimants appeared for the dukedom of Brittany. The last duke (John) having died without an heir, Charles Duke of Blois, nephew of the French king, who had married his daugh.. ter, claimed the dukedom in right of his wife. On the other hand, John Count of Montfort, nephew of duke John, asserted his claim to the coronet of Brittany; and the result was an appeal to arms.

The friends of either party had vainly endeavoured to settle the dispute in an amicable manner. The Count of Montfort would have made terms with his

rival; but duke Charles, backed by the King of France, and supported by a fine army, resolved to decide the question by the sword. The Count was not without friends, the King of England having sworn to support his "dear son ;" and the bravest English captains followed his banner. But when at length the two armies came in sight of each other, the count and the duke appeared irresolute, and seemed to dread coming to an engagement.

On Saturday, the 28th of October, 1364, the two hosts lay in the plain near Aurai, and the Marshal de Beaumanoir, who had been made prisoner by the English, and liberated on his parole not to bear arms, endeavoured to negotiate a peace between the rival noblemen. He might, probably, have succeeded, but the English captains were anxious for a battle, having, as they alleged, spent all they had since their arrival in France, and being reduced to poverty. Beaumanoir performed his part well, and most laudably used his best endeavours to prevent the effusion of blood; but the die was cast.

On the morrow, it being Sunday, both armies at an early hour heard mass, shrived themselves, and prepared for battle, when Beaumanoir again rode to the English camp. Making his way towards the tent of the English General Sir John Chandos, which was next to that of Count Montfort, Sir John rode forth to meet him, being unwilling that the Count should overhear the message.

"Sir John Chandos," said the Marshal, making a profound obeisance, "I beseech you to use your endeavours to bring these two parties to an agreement, Let not, I pray you, so many gallant men engage in mortal strife on their

account.

"Monsieur de Beaumanoir," replied Chandos, "'t is now too late; and let me advise you to ride no farther about this business, for our men are determined to slay you if they can get you in among them. Pr'ythee return, and tell the Lord Charles of Blois that the Count Montfort is resolved to come to battle; that he renounces all treaty, and will either be Duke of Brittany to-day, or die upon the field."

Beaumanoir made answer that Charles of Blois had as much courage to fight as his rival, and that since all terms of peace were refused, the strife must begin. He immediately rode back to the Lord Charles, who forthwith ordered his banner to be advanced in the name of God.

In the meantime Count Montfort having inquired of the English General the purport of the message, Sir John deceived him, by attributing to the Lord of Blois the speech which he had returned by Beaumanoir to that nobleman. Whereupon Count Montfort indicated his impatience to begin the battle.

"Let them go to it," said he: "in the name of God and St. George, advance banners!"

Then the banner of Bretagne (ermine) went forward, and the standard of Sir John Chandos, (or, a pile gules), was borne next to it.

About mid-way the two hosts met. The Frenchmen were wedged in such a close phalanx, that, according to Froissart, a glove could not have been thrown among them without alighting on the point of a spear. Each man beside his spear had a short axe hanging at his girdle, and as they advanced the Englishmen perceived that they had to contend with a well armed, well disciplined, and powerful enemy.

The English archers, according to custom, began the fight with a shower of arrows; and they had the mortification to perceive that their shafts did but little execution upon their advancing foes, who were defended by broad shields and targets.

It should be mentioned, that Montfort appointed Sir John Chandos commander in chief, who divided his army into three bodies, with a reserve of five hundred men at arms. The first division was headed by Sir Robert Knolles and Sir Walter Hewett, and a Breton knight named Richard Brulé; the second by the two Bretons, Olivier de Clisson and the Sieur de Kaër, with Sir Matthew Gournay. Chandos headed the third body, and gave the command of the reserve to Sir Hugh Calverley, who was much vexed at being thus compelled to remain inactive; but Sir John appeased his wrath, by representing that such a post was always confided to some brave and experienced officer.

The army of Charles of Blois was also formed into three divisions; the first composed of veteran Normans and Bretons, headed by the renowned Bertrand du Guesclin; the second by the Count of Auxerre and the Bègue de Villaines, while Charles himself commanded the third, surrounded by the Breton lords. The reserve, or arriere guarde, was left to the care of the Sieur de Rieux, who

* Froissart, c. 225.

had with him several barons of the provinces.

To return to the English archers. When they saw that their arrows failed in their wonted execution, they cast away their bows in great rage, and rushing on the Frenchmen, tripped up their heels and wrested their axes from them, with which they did much mischief. In the meantime the troops of Bertram du Guesclin joined battle with those of Sir Robert Knolles and his friends, and the standards of the rival noblemen were set up opposite to each other, both bearing the arms of Bretagne. Then Charles of Blois advanced with his company, and so furiously attacked his adversary, that their ranks were broken, and would have been driven back but for the timely arrival of the reserve, headed by Sir Hugh Calverley, who advanced and held them in check until Sir John Chandos had set his men in order again. Sir Hugh then retired, and the battle raged with redoubled fury; but this reserve was called upon to act no less than four times during the day.

While this was passing, the Lords Bourchier and Clisson, Sir Eustace Dambreticourt, and Sir Matthew Gournay, contended against the Earls of Auxerre and Joigny. The Lord de Clisson fought with desperate valour, and armed with a ponderous axe, struck down all before him. He received many severe blows, but his armour of proof preserved him, although he lost an eye by the stroke of an axe, which beat in the visor of his helmet. 66 Still, like Sampson," says the historian, "he sought to revenge the loss of his sight by the death of his enemies."

Sir J. Chandos fought with his usual valour; and being a powerful man, did tremendous execution with a huge battleaxe; at the same time encouraging his followers, and advising the Count how to act; and Montfort followed his directions implicitly. Sir John at length broke through the company of Charles of Blois, and advanced upon the Earls of Auxerre and Joigny, who were also soon overthrown, the principal men being either slain or captured. Among the prisoners were the two earls and a Norman baron, with others of rank and consequence.

Several Frenchmen now rode off upon the spur. The day was lost, but many brave men still fought on. Bertrand du

* Barnes' History of Edward III. c. xi. p. 657.

Guesclint, after fighting valiantly, was taken prisoner under the standard of Sir John Chandos, at which time other men of rank fell into the hands of the English. A stout band of nobles, knights, and 'squires, nevertheless, surrounded Charles of Blois, resolving to sell their lives dearly in defence of him whom they considered their lawful prince; but the whole strength of the victors was now poured upon them, and that gallant little band was quickly overpowered, the ancient slain, and the banner itself thrown down. Charles of Blois fell, it is said, by the hand of an English knight, who struck him through the mouth with his dagger. There perished by his side Sir John of Blois, his natural son, the seigneurs of Rieux, Rochefort, Tournemine, Dinan, Montauban, and Koëtman, and the Viscounts of Rohan and Leon, besides many other gentlemen who had sworn to stand or fall with him. The pursuit was continued for eight leagues, and a vast number of prisoners were. taken.

The lords of the victorious party now assembled in a tent, which was set up for the Count of Montfort, whom fortune had made Duke of Brittany. Scarcely, however, had the count received the congratulations of his friends, when two knights, accompanied by two heralds, entered the tent.

"God give you joy of your dukedom of Bretagne, sir," said the heralds, addressing the count, "we have seen your adversary, Sir Charles of Blois, lying dead on the field."

Count Montfort, upon receiving this intelligence, rose from his chair, and expressed a wish to see the body. He proceeded to the spot where it lay, covered by a shield. As he approached, the shield was raised, and the victor gazed intensely on the corpse of his rival.

"Ah! Sir Charles, my fair cousin," cried the count, as his tears fell in showers on the body of the slain warrior, "what evils have not your obstinancy brought on Bretagne? Alas! that you were yet in a condition to make terms with me!"

Here Sir John Chandos interposed, and hurried the count from the sad spectacle, reminding him that but for the death of Charles of Blois he might have been in the same situation.

Such was the issue of the battle of Aurai, in which Jean la Boiteuse, born

+ Histoire de B. du Guesclin, by Guyard de Berville; liv. ii.

Duchess of Bretagne, lost her own rank, and that of her children, her faithful followers, and her brave and excellent husband. The unhappy princess, abandoned by fortune, was advised by her remaining friends to renounce her pretensions in favour of the victorious Count Montfort; and by a treaty dated at Gue. rande the 12th of August in the following year, ceded to him the duchy of Bretagne.

The body of the unfortunate Charles of Blois was conveyed in great state to Guerande, where, by command of his victorious rival, it was interred with military honours.

It had been mutually resolved by the captains of either side, that that day should make an end of the controversy. The English had determined not to admit Charles to ransom had he been taken alive, but to slay him on the spot; and the Breton leaders had come to the same determination with respect to Montfort, had he fallen into their hands.

The renowned Bertrand du Guesclin remained a prisoner to Sir John Chandos, much to the chagrin of the French, who had good reason to lament the loss of such a leader. At length he was ransomed for the sum of one hundred thousand francs; half of which was raised by du Guesclin himself, and the other by his royal master, Charles the Wise, who, unlike some kings, knew the value of a brave and experienced soldier.

B.

THE WILL AND THE LAWSUIT.

BY W. C. BALDWIN.

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE DUCK, of Duck Hall, was one of the most downright, hearty, and thorough-going patriots that ever mounted a table and spouted about freedom at a ward-meeting.

Liberty," said he, "consists in law. We are not governed by men, but principles. Beshrew those false-hearted knaves who deny the perfectibility of human governments! They are common slanderers of human nature. It is as plain as a pipe-stem," (although Mr. Duck had not been through college, he cherished a natural taste for classical allusions,) "it is as plain as a pipe-stem that a constitution may be constructed philosophically, and laws may be enacted so as to diffuse justice uniformly and universally. Why look you now," continued he to his uncle Peter Crane, "look you, uncle, what can be more perfect than our present form of govern

ment? Our senate is a check upon our house of representatives-our house of representatives is a check upon our senate -the president is a check upon both of them, and both of them are checks upon him. By such a legislature, assisted by the states, no laws can be passed but such as are indubitably for the good of the people; and when passed, what an admirable institution are our courts of jus tice, where learned counsel on each side shew the question in all its bearings, and leave it for judge and jury to decide upon after careful examination."

He

This Mr. Peter Crane was a famous hand for horses. After immense preparations to gain the purse offered at the races just then ensuing, he was prevented from participating in his usual amusement by an unpleasant accident. "died one day" of an apoplectic fit, and left a will, for the drawing of which he had paid twenty-five dollars to his friend, Timothy Fifa, Esq., attorney and counsellor at law, commissioner of deeds, notary public, solicitor in chancery, corporation attorney, and notary to the "Yorkville New-York Washington United States Cahawba Agricultural Bank."

It is reported that Mr. Crane had originally drawn his own will; and being a plain man, and not anticipating any trouble touching the disposition of his estate after he should be gathered to his fathers, had just declared in ordinary English, and in the presence of competent witnesses, that he bequeathed so and so to such and such a person.

Timothy Fifa, Esq., attorney and counsellor, commissioner, and so forth, as aforesaid, dropped in accidentally and detected this fraudulent proceeding against the interest of the profession. When he perceived what they were at, he rested his chin on the top of his cane, then fixed his eyes full upon the testator, and informed him that the phraseology, of the document would invalidate the claims of his heirs.

"Lawyers," said he, "are sharp-eyed people; they'll detect a quibble and ruin the business. I'll prepare a substitute, which shall puzzle the whole fraternity."

The substitute which was to puzzle the whole fraternity, to use the language. of Mr. Duck, of Duck-hall,"contained the following claw :"

"And I, the said Peter Crane, of Crane-hall, Craneville, in the county of Crane, on the north border of Crane river, do hereby give and bequeath unto my dearly-beloved nephew, Napoleon

Bonaparte Duck, of Duck-hall, Duck ville, in the county of Duck, all the fourlegged quadrupeds belonging to me, and situate, lying, walking, standing, or in any manner whatsoever or howsoever being upon my estate."

By virtue of this will, Napoleon Bonaparte Duck, of Duck-hall, claimed twenty-seven full-blooded race-horses, belonging to the estate of the testator. But lawyers are not so easily "puzzled." The executors firmly refused to deliver the horses. Mr. Duck was actually thunderstruck. He had set his heart upon them. To lose his uncle was bad enough in all conscience, but to lose the horses too was intolerable.

"Pray, sir," said Mr. Duck to one of the executors, smothering his feelings, "on what ground do you detain my property?"

He was referred to counsellor Capias, of Casa-hall, Casaville. Burning with indignation did Napoleon Bonaparte Duck enter the office of counsellor Capias.

"Counsellor Capias," said he, laying his hand on his heart, "I am Napoleon Bonaparte Duck, of Duck-hall.”

"The devil you are," replied the counsellor," and who said you were not?" "I've come, Mr. Counsellor, to consult you about my horses."

"Horses, sir?" said the counsellor, looking into his face keenly, over his glasses, as if he did not understand what he meant; "horses, my friend, what horses?"

"My uncle's horses, sir-my horses, sir-the horses situate, lying, and being upon Crane-hall, Craneville, sir, in the county of Crane, on the north side of Crane river, sir."

"Crane-hall? Horses!" said the lawyer, pausing and placing his fore-finger on his forehead, as if striving to call some forgotten thing to mind. Then his face lighted up suddenly. "Oh! ah! yes! oh, you 're Mr. Duck?"

"Why, sir, who the devil should I be but Mr. Duck? Every inch a Duck." Mr. Duck was very fond of Shakspeare, and always quoted him when he was getting into a passion.

"Well, Mr. Duck," inquired the counsellor, composedly, "what can I do for you?"

"You can give me my horses, sir." The counsellor laid his pen down upon the table and looked surprised.

"Do you take me for a livery stablekeeper, sir?"

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Duck, drawing from his pocket a copy of the will," there, sir, is my uncle's will; here he bequeaths me, sir, his dearly-beloved nephew, sir, Napoleon Bonaparte Duck, of Duck-hall, sir, all the horses on his farm. The executors have refused them to me, and referred me to you. Will you have the kindness to give me an answer?"

"I see nothing here about horses," said Capias, after humming over the contents of the will.

"Thunder and lightning!" said Duck, losing his patience; "read that claw, sir; don't you see all the four-legged quadrupeds, sir; 'to my dearly-beloved nephew I bequeath all the four-legged quadrupeds,' sir, &c. &c. What do you say to that, sir?"

"Mr. Duck," said the lawyer, mildly, "I perceive you are not much acquainted with these matters. This document entitles a person calling himself Duck, to claim all the four-legged quadrupeds-all the four-legged you see-now we contend that the quadrupeds on the Craneville estate have five legs."

"Fire and fury!" said Napoleon Duck, "quadrupeds with five legs? I did not expect to be insulted, sir. I'll commence a suit instantly—you are a—”

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"Pardon me, Mr. Duck," interrupted the counsellor. I am well aware that, philosophically speaking, quadrupeds have only four legs. But philosophy is one thing, Mr. Duck, and law is another, Mr. Duck. Now Barbeyrac, in his notes on Puffendorf, accedes that four are not five; and your uncle, although de mortuis nil nisi bonum, should have worded his will so as to include all animals, feræ naturæ, as well as others, without any reference to legs whatever, for Justinian, lib. 2, tit. 1, section 12, declares that feræ igitur bestia simul atque—”

"The man's mad," thundered Duck, leaving the room and slamming the door violently after him. He went straightway to counsellor Fifa, gave him fifty dollars, with orders to institute an action immediately against the executors. due time a verdict was recovered for the plaintiff, who, however, had to pay a heavy bill of costs, notwithstanding his

success.

In