A remarkable lady, who seems to have possessed in her own person all the excellent qualities of both sexes, the wife of John de Mountfort, a competitor for the dukedom of Brittany upon the death of John III. This duke, dying without issue, left his dominions to his niece Jane, married to Charles de Blois nephew to the king of France; but John de Mountfort, brother to the late duke though by a second marriage, claimed the duchy, and was received as successor by the people of Nantes. The greatest part of the nobility swore fealty to Charles de Blois, thinking him best supported. This dispute occasioned a civil war; in the course of which John was taken prisoner, and sent to Paris. This misfortune would have entirely ruined his party, had not his interest been supported by the extraordinary abilities of his wife, Jane of Flanders. Bold, daring, and intrepid, she fought like a warrior in the field; shrewd, sensible, and sagacious, she spoke like a politician in the council; and endowed with the most amiable manners and winning address, she was able to move the minds of her subjects by the force of her eloquence, and mold them exactly according to her pleasure. She happened to be at Rennes when she received the news of her husband’s captivity; but that disaster, instead of depressing her spirits, served only to rouse her native courage and fortitude. She forthwith assembled the citizens; and, holding in her arms her infant son, recommended him to their care and protection in the most pathetic terms, as the male heir of their ancient dukes, who had always governed them with lenity and indulgence, and to whom they had ever professed the most zealous attachment. She declared herself willing to run all hazards with them in so just a cause; pointed out the resources that still remained in the alliance of England; earnestly beseeching them to make one vigorous effort against an usurper, who being forced upon them by the intrigues of France, would, as a mark of his gratitude, sacrifice the liberties of Brittany to his protector. The people moved by the affecting appearance, and animated by the noble conduct of the princess, vowed to live and die with her in defending the lights of her family; and their example was followed by almost all the Bretons. The countess went from place to place, encouraging the garrisons of the several fortresses, and providing them with everything necessary for their subsistence: after which she shut herself up with her son in Hennebon, where she resolved to wait for the succours which the king of England (Edward III.) had promised to send to her assistance. Charles de Blois, accompanied by the dukes of Burgundy and Bourbon, and many other noblemen, took the field with a numerous army, and having reduced Rennes, laid siege to Hennebon, which was defended by the countess in person. This heroine repulsed the assailants in all their attacks with the most undaunted courage; and observing one day that their whole army had left the camp to join in a general storm, she rushed forth at a postern-gate, with 300 horse, set fire to their tents and baggage, killed their sutlers and servants, and raised such a terror and consternation through all their quarters, that the enemy gave over their assault, and getting betwixt her and the walls, endeavoured to cut off her retreat to the city. Thus intercepted, she put the spurs to her horse, and without halting, galloped directly to Brest, which lay at the distance of two-and-twenty miles from the scene of action. There being supplied with a body of 500 horse, she immediately returned, and fighting her way through one part of the French camp, was received into Hennebon, amidst the acclamations of the people. Soon after this the English succours appeared, and obliged the enemy to raise the siege.
