In January, 1483, the ambassadors from the estates of Flanders and from Maximilian, who then for the first time assumed the title of archduke, came to France for the ratification of the treaty.

Having been first received with great marks of satisfaction at Paris, they repaired to Plessis-les-Tours.

Great was their surprise at seeing this melancholy abode, this sort of prison, into which "there was no admittance save after so many formalities and precautions." When they had waited a while, they were introduced, in the evening, into a room badly lighted.
In a dark corner was the king, seated in an arm-chair.

They moved towards him; and then, in a weak and trembling voice, but still, as it seemed, in a bantering tone, Louis asked pardon of the Abbot of St.
Peter of Ghent and of the other ambassadors for not being able to rise and greet them.

After having heard what they had to say, and having held a short conversation with them, he sent for the Gospels for to make oath.
He excused himself for being obliged to take the holy volume in his left hand, for his right was paralyzed and his arm supported in a sling.
Then, holding the volume of the Gospels, he raised it up painfully, and placing upon it the elbow of his right arm, he made oath.