26, 27.] They even put up the stake to which he was to be bound.

And yet, before executing the sentence, they judged it well to consult the University of Paris, as in like manner the Bishop of Beauvais was to consult it eighteen months later.[973] Their evil disposition arose from fear.

These unfortunates, who were treated as devils, were afraid of devils.

They suspected the subtle French of being necromancers and sorcerers.

They said that by repeating magic lines the Armagnacs had compassed the death of the great King, Henry V.Fearing lest their enemies should make use of sorcery and enchantment against them, in order to protect themselves from all evil influences, they wore bands of parchment inscribed with the formulae of conjuration and called _periapts_.[974] The most efficacious of these amulets was the first chapter of the Gospel of St.John.At this time the stars were unfavourable to them, and astrologers were reading their approaching ruin in the sky.