[1][2] It is thought to have been written around 1495 insofar as the author is inspired by the reign of Charles VIII of France, and in particular by the military campaigns carried out by him in Italy.
[3] The story begins with an episode in the life of the king of France, father of the titular hero Jehan of Paris.
Jehan of Paris, who in turn becomes King, is informed by his mother of the oath and decides to enforce it.
He prepares his army, and, concealing his true identity, heads toward the Spanish town of Burgues.
On the way, Jehan of Paris crosses the path of the king of England whom he ridicules with a few verbal tricks.