The much longed for Dauphin was born on the 6th of February, 1391, at the hôtel St. Paul. The King was asleep, for it was in the middle of the night, but the tidings were soon brought to him and to all Paris, which was at once plunged into a tumult of rejoicing. The bells of all the churches were ringing, couriers were starting for all parts of the kingdom, the streets were filled with people and torches, and set with tables covered with wine and food at which stood ladies of the highest rank, offering them freely to all who passed.
The Dauphin was baptized next day in the church of St. Paul, his god-parents being Blanche, Duchess-dowager of Orléans, the Duke of Burgundy, and Comte de Daumartin.
In the following May was born, also at the hôtel St. Paul, the eldest son of Louis and Valentine. He was also named Charles. The Duc de Bourbon was his godfather. He afterwards married the Princess Isabelle, eldest daughter of Charles VI.[135]
The Duchess-dowager of Orléans, Blanche de France, died in February, 1392, after a long and painful illness. She was greatly respected and honoured, and her funeral at St. Denis was attended by the whole of the royal family and court. She was daughter of Charles IV. and Jeanne d’Evreux, and, as she on one occasion remarked to King Philippe de Valois, if she had been a man she would have been king instead of him. She was proud, high-spirited, and so charitable that she had given away nearly all her fortune before she died.[136]
The King gave the duchy of Orléans to his brother instead of that of Touraine.
A conference was held at Amiens between the Dukes of Lancaster and York, uncles of Richard II., and the French King with the Dukes of Burgundy and Berry. The four dukes entered Amiens riding side by side so as to avoid questions of precedence. It was remarked that the English dukes were dressed with great simplicity in cloth of greenish brown, while the Duke of Burgundy had his clothes covered with pearls, rubies, and sapphires. They could not agree on terms of lasting peace, so they arranged a truce for a year longer, and then separated. But Charles, who, during the whole fortnight had not troubled himself at all about the negotiations, but passed the time in feasting and amusements, had made himself very ill with an attack of fever and had to be taken in a litter to Beauvais, where he stayed in the bishop’s palace till he was well again.[137]