Christine de Pizan detailed the daily life of King Charles V of France in her work, describing his morning routine that began around six or seven o'clock. After prayers, the king engaged with his servants before attending mass at eight o'clock. Post-mass, he listened to public petitions in his courtyard, addressing the needs of both rich and poor. As the daughter of a physician at court, Christine had unique access to the king's habits and interactions, capturing a glimpse of royal governance and personal engagements with subjects.
When he had been combed, dressed, and outfitted according to the demands of the day's programme, his chaplain, a distinguished person and honourable priest, brought him his breviary and helped him to say his hours, according to the canonical day of the calendar.
As he came out of the chapel, all sorts of people, rich or poor, ladies or maidens, widows or others who had problems, could make their petitions to him and he very kindly would pause to listen to their supplications, responding charitably to those that were reasonable or piteous.
Around eight o'clock he would go to mass, which was celebrated each day with glorious, solemn singing. After mass had finished, Charles would step outside the chapel and into his courtyard, where members of the public gathered to seek his help.
Christine had a good vantage point to tell this story. Her father, Tommaso di Pizano, was a personal physician and astrologer at Charles's court, so one can assume she was sometimes present at court herself.
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