Never did struggle appear more unequal or native king more inferior to foreign pretender.
Sagacious observers, however, would have easily discerned in the cause which appeared the stronger and the better supported many seeds of weakness and danger.

When Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, heard at Arras, that Charles VI.

was dead, it occurred to him immediately that if he attended the obsequies of the English King of France he would be obliged, French prince as he was, and cousin-german of Charles VI., to yield precedence to John, Duke of Bedford, regent of France, and uncle of the new king, Henry VI.

He resolved to hold aloof, and contented himself with sending to Paris chamberlains to make his excuses and supply his place with the regent.

On the 11th of November, 1422, the Duke of Bedford followed alone at the funeral of the late king of France, and alone made offering at the mass.