Charles duc d Orleans

Charles Orléans, duc d' , 1391-1465, French prince and poet; nephew of King Charles VI . After the assassination of his father, Louis d' Orléans , he became (1407) titular head of the Armagnacs (see Armagnacs and Burgundians ). After the English invasion of France in 1415, Charles was captured at the battle of Agincourt and remained in captivity in England until 1440, when he was ransomed.

In retirement at Blois, he devoted the rest of his life to writing verse and to the society of literary men. Among his poems, which are remarkable for their polish and charm, is the rondeau, "Le temps a laissié son manteau" [the season has shed its cloak]. There are translations of his poems by Andrew Lang, W. E. Henley, and Ezra Pound. Charles's son was King Louis XII .

Bibliography: See biography by E. McLeod (1970).

Charles, duc d'Orléans (1394–1465), French poet, and a member of the French royal family. He fought at the battle of Agincourt in 1415, was captured, and held prisoner in England until 1440. On his return to France he established his court at Blois, where he received many literary figures. He is often considered to be the last important poet in the French courtly tradition; he wrote numerous elegant ballades, chansons, complaints, and rondeaux. A large number of English poems, many of which are versions of Charles's French lyrics, are also probably to be attributed to him.