moment of the negotiation of 1471-1472, the duke's preoccupation
was to regain the towns on the Somme. That accomplished, it is not
probable that he would have abandoned his friends, the French
peers, whom he desired to see become petty monarchs each in his own
territory. There seems no doubt that words were used with singular
disregard of their meaning. It is surprising that time was wasted in
concocting elaborate phrases that dropped into nothingness at the
slightest touch. In citing the above passage from Commines referring
to the treaty, the close of the negotiations has been anticipated.
Whether or not any draft of a treaty received the duke's signature,
the king's yearning for peace ceased abruptly when his brother's death
freed him from the dread of dangerous alliance between Charles of
France and Charles of Burgundy. As late as May 8th, he was still
uncertain as to the decree of fate and wrote as follows to the
Governor of Rousillon[19]:

"Keep cool for the present I implore you. If the Duke of Burgundy
declares war against me, I will set out immediately for that
quarter [Brittany], and in a week we will finish the matter. On
the other hand, if peace be made we shall have everything without
a blow or without any risk of restoration. However, if you can get
hold of anything by negotiating and manoeuvring, why do it. As
to the artillery, it is close by you, and when it is time, and I
shall have heard from my ambassador, you shall have it at once."

Ten days later he is more hopeful.[20]

"Since my last letter to you I have had news that Monsieur de
Guienne is dying and that there is no remedy for his case. One
of the most confidential persons about him has advised me by a