Part of the _formula_ ran thus: "And, in case of failing in this promise, they would deny God, _that he might be against them_; and, utterly to damn both their bodies and souls, they would take the devil for their lord, and have their sepulchres in hell, now and for evermore." The young bride, in consideration of twenty thousand francs of gold, which were given her as a dower, renounced all her rights, both paternal and maternal; and the pope, to stop the effusion of blood caused by the quarrels of the two houses, gave all the necessary dispensations required in consequence of parentage.

Then the Bishop of Lescar celebrated the betrothment, that same day, in the Chateau de Monclar.
Both bride and bridegroom were very young, full of hope, and with every prospect of happiness.

_La gaie Armagnoise_, as the young princess was called, lively and happy, and, according to all historians, a lady of the greatest amiability; the Prince of Bearn affectionate, brave, and handsome.

With the whole assembly at Monclar, "All went merry as a marriage bell;" but they had reckoned without Charles the Bad, King of Navarre! Like one of those fell enchanters of romance, who appear suddenly in the midst of rejoicings where they have not been invited, and cast a spell upon the guests, changing joy to mourning, Charles of Navarre's influence blighted the "-- --bud of love in summer's ripening breath," that "should prove a beauteous flower----." Agnes of Navarre, Countess of Foix, had become the victim of the disputes between her husband and brother: she had been sent from Gaston's court to that of Charles, in order to induce the latter to pay a ransom which he owed the count, and which he treacherously and dishonourably withheld.

The unfortunate wife remained at her brother's court, soliciting in vain that he should do justice to the severe husband, to whom she dared not return empty-handed.