The old Count had considered all of this and did not hide from himself the likely consequences of his journey; but the sorrow he felt over the imprisonment of his younger daughter did not allow him to neglect this means, which could set her free. The safe-conduct given to him by Charles de Valois also gave him some reassurance.
He set off on his way with his two sons, Robert and William, and fifty Flemish nobles. Charles de Valois, with a great number of French knights, accompanied him on the journey.
Arrival in Compiègne and Reception by Charles de Valois
Upon arriving in Compiègne with his nobles, the Count was warmly received by the efforts of Monsieur de Valois, while awaiting a royal summons to the Court. The noble Frenchman did so much on behalf of the Count with the King, his brother, that he softened toward mercy and summoned Guy alone to the Court.
The old Count, full of hopeful thoughts, went to the royal palace with confidence.
The Meeting between the Count and King Philippe le Bel
He was led into a large and splendid hall. At the far end of this room stood the royal throne: hangings of azure velvet woven with golden lilies descended from both sides of it to the floor, and a carpet interwoven with gold and silver thread lay before the steps of that rich seat. Philippe le Bel paced up and down the hall with his son Louis Hutin. Behind them followed many French lords, among whom was one who often joined in the King's conversations. This favorite was Monsieur de Nogaret, who dared, at Philippe’s order, to capture and mistreat Pope Boniface.
As soon as Guy was announced, the King stepped near the throne but did not ascend it. His son Louis remained by his side; the other lords lined up in two rows along the walls. Then the old Count of Flanders slowly approached and bent one knee before the King.
Dialogue between King Philippe le Bel and Count Guy
"Vassal!" said the King, "Such humble posture befits you, after all the sorrow you have caused us. You deserve death and are condemned; yet it pleases us in our royal mercy to hear you. Stand and speak!"
The old Count rose and replied, "My lord and Sovereign! Trusting in your royal justice, I have come before the feet of Your Majesty, so that she may deal with me as she sees fit."
Guy Pleads for Mercy and Philippe's Doubt
"That submission," replied the King, "comes late; you have allied yourself with Edward of England, my enemy, against me: as a disloyal vassal, you have risen against your Lord—and you were proud enough to declare war on him: your land is forfeited due to your disobedience."
"O Sovereign," said Guy, "let me find mercy in your eyes. May Your Majesty consider the pain and suffering a father feels when his child is torn from him.—Did I not pray with deep sorrow? Did I not beg to have her returned? O King! If your son, my future Lord Louis, who now stands so manfully by your side; if he were torn from you and imprisoned in a foreign land, would not grief drive Your Majesty to do all that was needed to avenge and save this blood that has come from you? Oh yes, your father’s heart understands me—I shall find mercy before you."
Philippe le Bel gazed at his son with tenderness; at that moment, he pondered Guy’s misfortunes and felt deep compassion for the unfortunate Count.
"Sire," cried Louis with emotion, "oh, be merciful for my sake! Show compassion for him and his child—I beg you."
The King Shows Stern Doubt and Cautious Consideration
The King composed himself and resumed a stern expression: "Do not be so easily swayed by the words of a disobedient vassal, my son," he said. "However, I do not wish to be inflexible; if it can be proven that he acted out of fatherly love and not out of pride."
"Sire," Guy replied, "Your Majesty knows that I did all that was possible to regain my child. None of my efforts succeeded; my pleading, my praying was rejected, and all, including the intervention of the Pope, was in vain. What else could I do? I clung to the hope that weapons might achieve my daughter’s liberation, but fate was not on my side; Your Majesty won the victory."
"But," the King interrupted, "what can we do for you? You have set a dangerous example for our vassals: if we show you mercy, they may all rise against us, and perhaps you will ally yourself with our enemies again?"
"O my Sovereign," replied Guy, "may it please Your Majesty to return the unfortunate Philippa to her father—and I swear to you, by the honor of my House, that unbreakable loyalty shall bind me to your Crown."
Philippe le Bel's Reflections and Deferred Decision
"And will Flanders raise the required sums, and will you provide us with the necessary funds to cover the costs your disobedience has caused us?"
"The grace Your Majesty can show me will never be too costly. I will respectfully carry out your commands. But my child, O King,—my child!"
"Your child?" repeated Philippe le Bel doubtfully. He now thought of Joanna of Navarre, who would not willingly release the Count of Flanders' daughter. He dared not follow the good impulse in his heart, fearing the wrath of the proud Queen Joanna too much. Thus, wishing not to make any firm promises regarding this matter to Guy, he said, "Well then, the good words of our beloved brother have done much for you. Have good hope; for your fate moves me. You were guilty; but your punishment is bitter; I shall try to temper it. Yet it does not please us to receive you into grace today: further investigation must precede this important matter. We also desire that you, in the presence of all the lords, our vassals, show your submission; so that they may take you as an example. Go and leave us now, so we may consider what can be done for a disloyal liege lord."