A mission goes from the estates to France.

The well-known tragedy of Imbrecourt and Hugonet occurs.

Envoys from the states, they dare to accept secret instructions from the duchess to enter into private negotiations with the French monarch, against their colleagues--against the great charter--against their country.

Sly Louis betrays them, thinking that policy the more expedient.

They are seized in Ghent, rapidly tried, and as rapidly beheaded by the enraged burghers.