The battle of Pavia was fought on
February 14th, 1525, and Charles of Alencon did not die till April 11th,
more than a month after his arrival at Lyons. He was carried off in five
days by pleurisy, and some hours before his death was still able to rise
and partake of the communion. Margaret bestowed the most tender care
upon him, and the Regent herself came to visit him, the Duke finding
strength enough to say to her, "Madam, I beg of you to let the King know
that since the day he was made a prisoner I have been expecting nothing
but death, since I was not sufficiently favoured by Heaven to share his
lot or to be slain in serving him who is my king, father, brother, and
good master." After kissing the Regent's hand he added, "I commend to
you her who has been my wife for fifteen years, and who has been as good
as she is virtuous towards me." Then, as Louise of Savoy wished to take
Margaret away, Charles turned towards the latter and said to her, "Do
not leave me."
The Duchess refused to follow her mother, and embracing her dying
husband, showed him the crucifix placed before his eyes.
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