tho regned he in pees xiiij yere and after he died and lieth at karlille ¶ Howe xxxiij kynges regned in pees eche after othir after the deth of Hesidur Ca. xxxiij AFter the deth of Hesidur regned xxxiij kynges euery aftâ—r othir in pees without any long tarieng I shal tell hem all howe long eche of hem regned as the storie telleth The fyrst kyng of tho xxxiij was called Gerbodia he regned xij yere aft hym regned Morgan ij yere after hym regned Cighnus vj. yere after hym regned Idwalan viij yere after hym regned Rohugo xj yere And after hym regned â—oghen xiij yere And after hym regned Catill xv yere And after hym regned Porrex ij yere And after hym regned Cheryn xvij yere And after hym regned Coyll xij yere And after hym regned Sulgenis xiiij yere And after hym regned Esdad xx yere And after hym regned Andragie xv.ij. yere And after hym regned â—rian v. yere And after hym regned Elind ij yere And after hym regned Eldagan xv yere And after hym regned Claten xij yere And aft hym regned Quirgunde viij yere And after hym regâ—ed Mortan vj. yere And after hym regned Bledagh iij. yere And after hym regned Caph j. yere And after hym regned Gen ij yere And after hym regned Seisell kyng Bled xxij yere And kyng Tabreth xj yere And Archinal xiiij yere And Groll xxx yere And Rodingu xxxij yerÌ„ And Hertâ—r v. yere And Hampir vj. yere And Carâ—our vij yere And Digneill iij. yere And Samuel xxiiij yere Rede ij yere Eln vij monthes this Ely had iij. soneâ—lud caâ—sibalaÌ„ enemyoÌ„ ¶ Howe lud was made kyng after the deth of Ely his fadre Capitulo xxâ—iiij AFter the deth of Ely regned lud his sone and gouerned wel â—he land and moche honoured good folk teÌ„pred ameÌ„ded wikked folke This lud loued more to duelle at Troie than in any othir place of the land wherfor the name of newe Troie was lefte and tho was the Cite called ludstone But the name is changed thurgh variance of lrÌ„ez and now is called london And this kyng made in the Cite a fair gate called it ludgate after his name and the folke of the Cite hete it loundres and when he had regned xj yere he deide and lieth at london he had ij yong sones Andâ—aghen and Tormace but they coude nethir speke ne go for yongth therfor the britons crouned a strong knyght that was called lud that was Cassibalamus brother made hym kyng of Britaigne ¶ How the britons grauÌ„ted to cassibalam that was ludes brother the land in whos tyme Iulius Cesar come twyes for to conquere the land Ca. xxxv AFter the deth of kyng lud regned his brother Cassibalam become a good man moche beloued of his britons so yâ— for his goodnesse curtesie they graunted hym the Reame for euermore to hym to his heires the kyng of his goodnesse bet norissh worthelich bothe sones that were lud his brothers after made the eldest sone erle of Cornewaill that othir erle of london And while this kyng Cassibalam regned come Iulius cesar that was Emê‘our of Rome in to this land with a poer of Romayns and wolde haue had this land thurgh strength but CassibalaÌ„ oâ—come hym in bataille thurgh helpe of the britons drofe hym out of thiâ— lande he went ayene to Rome assembled a grete poer an othir tyme come ayene in to this land for to yeue bataille to CassibalaÌ„ but he was discoÌ„fited thurgh strength of the britons thurgh helpe of the erle of Corne waill the erle of london his brother thurgh helpe of Gudian kyng of Scotland Corband kyng of north walys of bretaill kyng of southwales in this bataill was slaynÌ„ Nennon that was Cassibalams brother wherfor he made moch sorwe And so wâ—nt Iulius cesar oute of this land with a sewe of romayns that were left a lyue And tho Cassibalam went ayene to london made a fest vn to all his folk that tho had hym holpe and whan that feste was done eche man went in to his owne contre ¶ Of the debate that was bitwene Cassibalam the Erle of london and of the truage that was paied to Rome Ca. xxxvj ANd after it befell thus vpon a day that the gentilmeÌ„ of the kynges houshold gentilmen of the Erles houshold of london after mete wente in fere for to play and thurgh debate that arose among hem Enelyn that was the Erles cosin of london queld Irenglas that was the kynges cosin wherfor the kyng swore that Enelin sholde bene honged but the Erle of london that was Enelinê° lord wold nat suffre it wherfor the kyng was wroth to ward the Erle thought hym destroie preuely the Erle sent lrÌ„ez to Iulius cesar that he sholde come in to this lande for to helpe hym and hym a venge vpon the kyng he wolde helpe hym with all his myght And when the Emê‘our herde this tydyng he was full glad and ordeyned a strong poer come ayen the thrid tyme in to this land and the Erle of london halp hym with vij M. men and at the thrid tyme was Cassâ—balan ouercomÌ„ and discomfited and made pees to the Emê‘our for iij. M. ponde of siluer yeldyng by yere for truage for this lande for euermore half ayere passed the Emê‘our went to Rome and the Erle of london with hym for he durst not abide in this lond and after Cassâ—balan regned xvij yere in pees and tho died he the xvij yere of his regne and lieth at york ¶ Howe lordes of the lande after the deth of cassibalan for encheâ—on that he had none heir made Andragen kyng Ca. xxxvij AFter the deth of Cassibalan for as moche as he had non heir of his body the lordes of the land by comune assent crouned Andragen Erle of Cornwaille and made hym kyng and he regned well and worthely was a good man well gouerned the land when he had regned viij yere he died lieth at london ¶ Of kymbalyn that was Andragenys sone a good man wel gouerned the lande Ca. xxxviij AFter the deth of Andragen regned Kymbalyn his sone that was a good man and well gouerned the lande in moche â— sperite and pees all his lifes tyme and in his tyme was borne IhuÌ„ crist our sauyour of that swete virgin Marie This kyng kymbelyn had ij sones Guider and Armoger good knyghtes and worthy and when this kyng kymbalyn had regned xxij yere he died and lieth at london ¶ Of kyng Gynder that was kymbalynê° sone that wolde nat pay the truage to Rome for the lande that Cassibalan had graunted and howe he was slayne of a romayne Ca. xxxix ANd after the deth of this kymbalyn regned Gynder his sone 〈◊〉 good man and a worthy and he was of so high hert that he wolde nat pare to Rome that
they yeuen hym good hostages ¶ And Arthur by coÌ„ceill of his meÌ„ graunted this thyng and resseyued the hostages And her vpon the other weÌ„t to hir shippes ¶ And when they were in the hie see her wyll chaÌ„ged as the deuel it wolde and they retourned hir nauye and come a yene in to this lande and arrined at Toâ—tenesse and went out of hir shippes and noÌ„me the land and clene robbed it and moche peple slew and token all the armure that they myght fynde and so they went forth till they comen to Bathe But the men of the toune shitten fast hir yates and wolde not suffre hem come with yn the toune and they defended hem well and orpedly ayens hem ¶ Howe Arthur yafe bataill to the saxones when they come ayen and beseged the toune of Bathe and hem ouercome Capitulo lxxiiij WHen Arthur herde this tydynge he let honge anone the hostages and lefte hoel of britayne his nepheu for to keâ—e the marche to ward Scotland with half his peple him selfe weÌ„t to helpe reskew the toune of bathe when be come thidder he yaf a stronge bataill to cheldrik queld all most al the peple that he had for no man myÈt hym withstond ne endure vnâ— the stroke of his swerd ¶ And ther bothe were slayne Colegryne and Bladud his brother ¶ And Cheldryk fledde thens wolde haue gone to his shippes But when Arthur it wyst he toke x. M. knygh 〈◊〉 to Cador that was Erle of Cornewaille for to lette stoppe his comyng ¶ And Arthur hym selfe went toward the marche of scotland For messagiers told hym that the scottes had beseged Hoell of britaigne ther that he lay sike and therfor he hasted thidderward ¶ And Cador pnrsued after Cheldryke toke hym er he myght come to his shippes and queld Cheldryke and his peple Aud when Cador had done this viage he hasted hym ayene as faste as he myght towardes Arthur and fonde hym in Scotland ther that he had rescued hoel of britaigne But the scottes were all ferre with in Mounref And ther they held hem a while but Arthur hem pursued they fled thens in to lymoigne that were in that contre lx Iles and grete plente of briddes grete plente of Egles that were woned to crie fight to gedres make grete noyse whan folke come to robbe that land and werren as moch as they myght and so they diden for the Scottes were so grete rauenours that they toâ—e all that they myght fynde in the land of lymoigne without any sparyng and ther with they charged ayene the folke in to scotland for to wende ¶ How kyng Arthur axed of Merlyn the auentures of vj. the last kynges that weren to regne in England and how the land sholde ende Ca. lxxv SIr qd Merlyn In the yere of incarnacion of Ihesu criste M.CC.xv. shall come a lambe oute of wynchestre yâ— shall haue a white tonge trewe lippes and he shall haue writen in his herte holynesse ¶ This lambe shall make many goddes houses he shall haue pees the most ê‘t of all his lyfe And he shall make one of the fairest places of the world that in his tyme shall nat fully be made an ende ¶ And in the ende of his lyfe a wolf of a strang land shall do him moche harme sorwe thurgh werre but at the ende the lambe shall be mastir thurgh helpe of a rede fox that shall come oute of the northwest and hym shall ouercome and the wolfe shall die in water and after that tyme the lambe shall lyue no while that he ne shall die ¶ His sede than shall be in a strange land the land shall be withoute a gouernour a litell while ANd after his tyme shall come a dragon melled with mercy and 〈◊〉 with wodenesse that shall haue a â—erd as a goot 〈◊〉 shall yeue in englond shade we and shall kepe the land from colde hete his one scot shall be sette in wyke that othir in london and he shall enbrace in babitacions and he shall open his mouth toward walis the trembling of the hidour of his mouth his ere 's shall strech toward many habitacions and contries his breth shall be full swete in strange lande ¶ And in hiz tyme shall the rivers renne with blode and with brayne and he shall make in places of his land walles that shâ—lle done moch harme vn to his seed after his tyme ¶ Then shall ther come a peple out of the northwest during his regne that shall be lad thurgh out a wikked hare that the dragon shall done croune kyng that afterwad shall â—lee ouer the see without comyng ayen for drede of the dragon ¶ And in that tyme the soÌ„ne shall be as reede as blode as meÌ„ shull see thurgh all the world that shall betoken grete pestilence and deth of folk thurgh dent of swerde and that peple shall ben fadreles till the tyme that the dragon shall die thurgh an hare that shall meue ayens hym werre vn to the end of his lyfe that shall not fully bene ended in his tyme This dragon shall be hold in his tyme the best body of the world and he shall die besides the marches of a strange lande and the lande shall duelle fadreles without a good gouernour and me shall were for his deth from the I le of shepey vn to the hauen of Marall ¶ Wherfor Allas shall be the commune songe of fadrelees folk that shull ouerlynen in his land destroied ANd after this dragon shall come a goot out of kar that shall haue hornes and a berde of siluer and ther shall come out of his nostrell adomp that shall betoken hunger for we and grete deth of the peple and mochel of his lande in the begynnyng of his regne shall be wasted ¶ This goot shall go ouer to feaunce and shall opene the flour of his lyfe and of deth In his tyme ther shall arise an egle in Corne waille that shall haue fethers of golde that of pride shall be with out pere of the lande and he shall despise lordes of blode and after he shall flee shamfully by a bere at Gauersech and after shull be made brigges of men vpon the costes of the see and stones shull fall fro Castelles and many othir tounes shull be made playne In his tyme shall seme that the bere shall brenne and a bataille shall be done vpon the armes of the see in a feld ordeyned as a sheld And at that bataille shall die many white heedes Wherfor his bataill shall be called the white bataille ¶ And the forsaid bere shall done this goot mochel harme and if shall come oute of the southwest of his blood than shall the goot lese moche of his land till at the tyme that shendshipp shall hym oâ— come and than shall he cloth hym in a lyon skynne and than shall he wynne that he had lost and more ther
fyght with Belyn his brother and Belyn come ayens hym with a grete poer of bretons wold tho haue yeuen hym bataill but hir moder CornewenÌ„ that tho liued had herd that that one brother wolde haue destroied that othir and went bitwene hir sones and hem made accorded with moche peyne So that at the last tho ij bretheren with michel blis went to gedre in to grete Troye that nowe is called london and ther they duelled ayere and after they noÌ„me hir conseill for to gone conquere all fraunce so they diden and brent tounes and destroied the lande both in length brede the kyng of frauÌ„ce yaf hem bataill with his poer but he was ouercome yaf truage vn to Belyn and to his brother And after that they wenten forth to Rome coÌ„quered Rome all luÌ„bardie Germanie and toke homage feaulte of Erles Barons of all othir aft they come in to this lande of Britaigue duelled with hir britons in Ioye aud rest tho made Brenne the toune of Bristowe and sith he went ouer to his owne lordshipp ther duelled he all his lyfâ— and Belyn duelled at newe Troye and ther he made a fair gate that is called Belyngesgate aft his owne name wheÌ„ this belin had regned nobely xj yere he died lieth atte newe Troie How kyng Cormbatrus quelled the kyng of denmark for encheson that he wold not pay hym his truage Ca. xxiiij ANd after this Belyn regned his sone cormbatrus a good man a worthy the kyng of denmarâ—â— wolde not paye hym his truage that is to sey a M. pounde as he had sworne by oth for to pay it also by writing recorded to Belyn his fadre wherfor he was euell paied wroth assembled a grete host of britons went in to denmarke slow the kyng Gutlagh brouÈt the land in subiection all newe toke of folke feautes homages after went ayene in to his land and as he come forth by Orkeney he fonde xxx shippes full of men women besides the cost of the see the kyng axed what they were An erle that was mastir of hem all courteisly ansuerd vn to the kyng said that they were exiled oute of spayne so that they had trauailled half a yere more in the see to witen yf they myght fynde any kyng in any londe that of hem wolde haue pite or mercy to yeue hem any lande in any contre wherin they myghten duelle haue rest and become his liâ—ge men and to hym wolde done homage and feaulte whiles that 〈◊〉 and to his heires after hym and hym and of his heires holden that lande And when the kyng this herde he had pite of hem and yafe hem an I le all wildernesse ther that no man was duellyng saufe only wilde bestes and the Erle thanked moch the kyng and become his man did hym homage and feaulte and toke all his folke and went in to the same I le and the Erle was called Irlamal therfor he let calle yâ— land Irlande aft his owne name The kyng Cormbatrus come ayene in to this land regned xxv yere after he died and lieth at newe Troie ¶ How the kyng Guentholen regned in goodnesse and well goâ—ned the land all his lyfes tyme Ca. xxv ANd whan Cormbatrus was dede regned Guentholen his sone a man of good coÌ„dicions welbeloued he goâ—ned the land well wyâ—ely he regned xxvj yere and after died and lieth at newe Troie ¶ How kyng seisell regned and well gouerned the lande after Guentholen ¶ Ca. xxvj ANd after this Guentholen regned his sone Seisell well worthely and well gouerned the land as his fadre had done beforne hym and he regned xv yere and died and lith at newe Troie ¶ How kymor regned after seisell his fadre and he begate howan that regned after Ca. xxvij ANd after seisell regned his sone kymor well nobely xix yere in pees howan his sone x. yere and died and lieth at Ikaldoune ¶ How kyng Mor with died thurgh meschaunce thurgh a best for his wikednesse Ca. xxviij AFter this Howan regned morwith become wikked so sterne till at the last grete vengeaunce come to hym for as â—e went vpon a tyme by the see side he mete a grete 〈◊〉 that was blak horrible hidous he went that it had bene a whale of the see bent an arblast wold haue slaynÌ„ that best with a quarell but he myght not smyte him And when he had shot all his quarelles the beste anone come to hym in a grete hast hym deuoured a lyfe so he died for his wiâ—kenesse thurgh vengeaunce of god aft that he had regned ix yere ¶ Of Grandobodian that was morwiths sone that made the toune of Cambrigge Ca. xxix AFter this morwith was dede the britons crouÌ„ed GraÌ„dobodi an his sone this GraÌ„dobodiaÌ„ long tyme regned in goodnesse made temples tounes this Grandobodian made the toune of Cambrigge the toune of Grauntham was welbe loued of rich poer for he honoured the rich and helpe the poer This Grandobodian had iiij sones Arthogaill Hesidur Higamus petitur when he had regned xj yere he died lieth at newe Troie ¶ Of Artogaill that was Grandobodianus sone how he was made kyng â—â—th put a doune for his wikkednesse Ca. xxx AFter Grandobodian regned his sone Artogaille v. yere he become so wikked so sterne that the britons wold not suffre hym to be kyng but put hym a doune made Hesidur his brother kyng he become so good merciable that meÌ„ him called kyng of pite And whan he had regned v. yere he had so grete pite of his brother Artogaille that was kyng before anone he forsoke his dignite toke his brother the crounÌ„ ayene made him kyng ayens all the britons wyll And afterward Artogaille become so good of condicion that he was welbeloued of all the land for he become so debonair fre did right reson to all maner of men and he regned vj. yere and died and lieth at Grantham ¶ How Hesidur was made kyng after the deth of Artogaill his brother Ca. xxxj AFter the deth of Artogaill the Bretons â—rouned an othir tyâ—e Hesidur but his ij brethernÌ„ Higamus Petitur haddeÌ„ of hym grete despite eke scorne ordeyned hem helpe foâ— to werre vpon the kyng hir brother and so they token hym put hym in to prison the seconde yere of his regne they deê‘ted all 〈◊〉 bitwene hem both but Higamus leuyd but vij yere tho had petitur all the land he made the toune of Pykeryng ¶ Howe the Britons nomen Hesidur out of prâ—son made hym kyng the thridde tyme Ca. xxxij ANd when this Petitur was dede Britons noÌ„me anone yâ—t Hesidur made hym kyng the thrid tyme
condicions well gouerned his lande of all men he had loue pees in his tyme was neuer contak debate ne werre in Britaigne he regned was kyng in pees all his lyfes tyme whan he had bene kyng xj yere he died and lieth at yorke ¶ How kyng lucie regned after Coill his fadre that was a good man after he become cristen Ca. xliiij AFter kyng coill regned lucie his sone that was a goodmaÌ„ to god to all yâ— peple he sent to rome to yâ— apostle euleÌ„thre that tho was pope and said that he wold become a cristen man resceyue baptisme in the name of god torne to the right beâ—eu◠¶ Eulenthre sent ij begat that were called Pagan ElibaynÌ„ in to this land baptised the kyng all his mayne and after weÌ„t fro toune to toune and baptised the peple till alle the lande was baptised and this was in the C.lvj. yere after the incarnacion of our lord IhuÌ„ crist and this kyng lucie made tho in this land ij erche bysshoppes â—n at Canterburie an othir at york and othir many bysshoppes that yet bene in this lande ¶ And whan thees ij legatz had baptized all that lande they ordeyned prestz for to baptaze children and for to make the sacrament after they went ayenÌ„ to Rome and the kyng duelled in his lande and regned with mochel honour x.ij. yere and after died and lieth at Gloucestre ¶ How this land was longe wyth out a kyng and howe the bretons chosen a kyng Ca. xl THis kyng lucie had nonÌ„ heir of his body bygoten that was afterward grete harme and sorwe to the land For aftir this kyng lucies deth nonÌ„ of the grete of the land wold suffre an othir to be kyng but liued in werre and in debate amonges hem .l. yere without kyug But it befell afterward that a grete Prince come fro Rome in to this land that me called seuerie nought for to werre but for to saue the right of Rome but natheles he had nat duelled halfe a yere in this lande that the bretonz ne quelled hym when tho of Rome wyst that seuerie was so slayne they sent an othir grete lord in to this land that me called Allec that was a strong man aud a myghty of body and duelled in this land long tyme and did moche sorwe to the Bretons so that after for pure malice they chosen hem a kyng amonges hem that me called astlepades assembled a grete host of britons and went to londonÌ„ to seche Allec there they founden hym and queld hym and all his felaws one called walon defended hym fersely and fought longe with the britons but at the last he was discomfited and the britons noÌ„me hym and bonde handes aud feet and cast hym in to a water wher for that water afterward was called euermore walbcoke Tho regned astlepades in quiete till one of his Erles that me called coill made a fair toun ayens the kynges wyll and leâ— call the touÌ„ne Colchestre after his name wherfor the kyng was full wroth and thought destroie the erle and bigan to werre vpon hym brought grete power and yaf bataill to the erle and the Erle defended hym fersely with his power slowe the kyng hym self in that bataill and tho was Coill crouned and made kyng of this land This Coill regned and gouerned the royalme well and nobely for he was a noble man and welbeloued among the britonâ— When tho of rome herde that Astlepodes was slaynÌ„ they were wonder glad and sent an othir grete Prince of Romanis that was called Constance and he come to the kyng Coill for to chalenge the truage that was woned to be paied to Rome And the kyng ansuerd wel and wysely and said that he wolde paye to Rom â—all that right and reson wolde with good will And so they accorded tho with good will and withoute any contak and both they duelled to gedees in loue ¶ The kyng Coyll yaf his doughter EleynÌ„ to Constance for to haue hir to his spouse that was both fair wyse and good and well lettred And this Constance spoused hir ther with moche honour And it befell sone afterward that this kyng Coyll died in the yere of his regne xiij and lieth at Colcestre entierd ¶ Of kyng Constance that was a Romayne that was chosen kyng aft the deth of Coyl for as moche that he had spoused Eleyn thas was kyng Coyles doughter ¶ Ca. xlvj AFter this kyng Coyl Constance was made kyng and crouâ—ed for as moche that he had spoused kyng Coyles doughter that was heir of the lande the whiche Constance regned well and worthely gouerned the lande and he bigate on his wif Eleyn a sone that was called Constantine and this kyng bare tre we fayth and truly did to hem of rome all his lyfe and when he had regned xv yere he died and lieth at york ¶ How Constantine that was kyng Constances sone and the sone of seint Eleyn gouerned and ruled the lande and was Emâ—our of Rome ¶ Ca. xlvij AFter kyng Constances deth Constantine his sone and the one of seint Eleyn that fonde the holy crosse in the holy laÌ„de and howe Conseantine bicame Emê‘our of Rome Hit befell so in that tyme ther was an Emê‘our at Rome a Sarazyne a tiraunt that was called Maxence that put to deth all that beleued in god destroied holy chyrche by all his poer and slough alle CristeÌ„ men that he myght fynde And among all othir he let martre seint katerine and many othir cristen peple that had drede of deth that fled de and come in to this lande to kyng Constantine and tolde hym of the sorwe that Maxence dyde to Cristiente wherfor Constantine had pite and grete sorwe made and assembled a grete holt and a grete power and went ouer to Rome and noÌ„me the Citee and quelled all that ther in were of mysbeleue that he myght fynde And tho was he made Emê‘our and was a good man and gouerned hym so well that all landes to hym were attendaunt for to bene vnder his gouernaill And this deuell tiraunt Maxence that tyme was in the lande of Grecâ— and herde this tydynge he become wode and sodenâ—ch he died and so he ended his lyfe when Costantine went fro this land to Rome he toke with hym his moder Eleyne for the mochel wisdome that she coude and iij. othir grete lordes that he most loued that one was called Hoel an othir was called Dalerne and the thridde Morhin and toke all his lande to kepe vn to the Erle of Cornewaille that was called Octauian And anone as this Octauian wist that his lord was duellyng at Rome he seised all the land in to his hand and ther with did all his wyll among high and lowe and they helde hym for kyng whaÌ„ this tydynge come to Costantine the emê‘our he was wonder wroth to ward the erle Octauian and sente â—aberne with xij
to For a peple shall come oute of the northwest that shall make the goot sore adrad he shall venge him of his enemies thurgh counceill of two owles that first shall be in ê‘ill for to bene vn done but the olde oule shall wende a certayne tyme and after he shall come ayene in to this land ¶ These two owles shullen do grete harme to many on and so they shall counceill the goot that he shall arere werre ayens the forsaid bere and at the last the goot the owles shall come at Burton vp Trent and shull wende ouer and for drede the bere shall flee and aswan with hym fro his companie to Burton toward the north ther they shull bene with an hard shour and than the swan shall be slayne with forwe and the bere taken and he heded alther next his nest that shall stonde vpon a broken brngge on whom the sonnÌ„ shall cast hir bemes and many shall hym seke for vertu that fro him shall come ¶ In the same shall die for sorwe and care a peple of his land so that many landes shull bene on hym the more bolder afterward and tho two owles shulle do moche harme to the forsaid flour of lyse and hir shull lede in distresse so that she shall passe oâ— in to fraunce for to make pees bitwene the goot and the flour delise and ther she shall duelle till a tyme that hir seed shall come seche hir they shullen be stille till a tyme that they shull hem cloth with grace and they shull seche the owles and shull put hem to despitouâ— deth ¶ And after shall this goot bene brought to disese and grete augnyssh and in sorwe he shall leue all his lyfe AFter this Goot shall come oute of wyndesore a bore that shall haue an hede of white a lyons herte and a pitous â—okyng his visage shall be reste to sike men his worde shall bene stanchyng of therst to hem that bene a therst his worde shall be gospell his beryng shall be meke as a lombe In the fyrst yere of his regne he shall haue grete payne to Iustifie hem that bene vntrewe And in his tyme shall his lande be multiplied with aliens ¶ And this bore thurgh fersenesse of herte that he shall haue shall make wolfes become lambes and he shall be called thurgh out the world boor of holynesse fersenesse of nobilesse and of mekenesse and he shall done mesurably all that he shall haue to done vn to burgh of IhrlmÌ„ and he shall whett his teth vpon the yates of Paris and vpon iiij landes Spaigne shall tremble for drede Gastoyne shall swete In fraunce he shall put his wynge his gret taille shall rest in England softely Almayne shall quake for drede of hym This boor shall yeue mantels to ij tounes of Englond and shall make the Riuer renne with blood and with brayne he shall make many medewes reed and he shall gete as moche as his Auncestres diden and er that he be dede he shall bere iij. cronÌ„es and he shall put a land in to grete subiectione and after it shall be releued but not in his tyme ¶ This boor after he is dede for his doughtynesse shall be entered at Coloigne and his land shall be than fullfylled of all good AFter this Boor shall come a lambe that shall haue feet of leed an hede of bras an hert of a loppe a swynes skyn and an harde and in his tyme his laÌ„de shall bene in pees the fyrst yere of his regne he shall do make a cite that all the world shall speke ther of ¶ This lambe shall leue in his tyme a grete part of his lande thurgh an hidons wolfe but he shall recouer it yeue a lordshipp to an Egle of and this Egle shall well gouerne it till the tyme that pride shall hym ouergone Allas the sorwe For he shall deye of his brothers suerd and after shall the lande fall to the forsaid lambe that shall gouerne the land in pees all his lyfes tyme and after he shall die and the land be full fylled of all maner good AFter this lambe shall come a molde warpe cursed of goddes mouthe a caytyfe a coward an hare he shall haue an Elderly skyne as a gote and vengeauÌ„ce shall fall vpon hym for synne In the fyrst yere of his regne he shall haue of all good grete pleute in his lande and toward hym also and in his lande he shall haue grete preisyng till the tyme that he shall suffre his peple lyue in to moche pride without chastisyuge wherfor god wull be wroth ¶ Than shall aryse vp a dragon of the north that shall bene full fers and shall meâ—â— werre ayens the forsaid Molde warpe and shall yeue hym bataill vpon a stone ¶ This dragon shall gadre ayene in to his companye a wolfe that shall out come of west to begynne werre ayens the forsaid Molde werpe in his side and so shull the dragon and he bynde hir tailles to gedre ¶ Than shall come a lion oute of Irland that shall falle in companie with hem and than shall tremble the land that than shall be called Englond as an aspen leef And in that tyme shall castelles be felled a doune vpon thamyse and it shall seme that seuerne shall be drie for the bodies that shull falle dede therin The iiij chief flodes in Englond shull renne in bloode and grete dred shull be and angnyssh that shull arisen ¶ After the molde warpee shall flee and the dragon ¶ The lyon and the wolfe hem shull driue a way and the land shall be withoute hem And the Moldewarpe shall haue no maner power sauf only a shippe wher to he may wende And after that he shall gone to londe whan the see is withdrawe And after that he shall yeue the thridde part of his lande for to haue the fourth part in pees and rest and after he shall leue in sorwe all his lyfes tyme And in his tyme the hote bathes shullen becomen colde and after that shall the Molde warpe die auentoursly and sodenly Allas the sorwe for he shall be draynt in a flode of the see His seed shall become fadrelees in strange land for euermore And than shall the land be departed in iij. parties that is to sey to the wolfe to the dragon and to the lyon and so shall it be for euermore and than shall this land be called the land of conqueste And so shull the rightfull heires of Englond ende ¶ How Arthur ouercome Guyllomere that was kyng of Irland and how the scottes becomen his men Capitulo septuagesimosexto WHen Guillomer that was kyng of Irland had tydynge that kyng Arthur was entred at Glastenbury he ordeyned a grete power of Irisshmen come to the see with his Irissh peple so come in to Scotland ouer the see and arriued fastâ— by ther that kyng Arthur was with his hoost anone as he wyste ther of he wente towardes hym and
one of hir knyghtes to whom she had told moch of hir counceill bitwene hem both they comen to the kyng and courtously him resseyued and the kyng told that he was come hir to visite and also for to speke with Eldred his brother The Quene many tymes him thanked and him praied for to aliÈte and herburgh with hir all that nygâ—t ¶ The kyng said that he myght not but ayene he wolde wende vn to his folke if he myght hem finde ¶ And when the Quene saw that he wolde nat abide she praied him that he wold ones drynke he graunted hir and anone as the drinke come the quene dranke vn to the kyng and the kyng toke the cuppe and set it to his mouth and in the mene tyme whiles that he dranke the knyght that was with the Quene with a knyfe smote euen the kyng vn to the hert and there he fyll a doune dede of his palfray vn to the erâ—h The quene for this dede yaf to the knyght gold and siluer grete plente and of othir ricchesse y nowe And the knyght anone as this was done he went him ouer the see and so escaped he oute of this land ¶ When this kyng Edward thus was matred Hit was in the yere of incarnacion after our lord â—hesu crist ix C.lxxx yere and he had regned xij yere and an halfe and lieth at Glastâ—nbury ¶ Of kyng Eldred and how the kyng Swyne of denmarke helde Englond and how Eldred that was seint Edwardes brother waâ— nat beloued in his reame and therfor he fledde in to Normandie Capitulo Centesimo decimoquintâ— AFter this kyng Edward regned Eldred his brother seint dunston crouned hym his seint dunston died sone after that he had foryeue the quene hir trespace Estrild for encheson that she was cause of kyng Edwards deth seint duÌ„ston had hir assoyled penaunce hir emoyued she lyved aft chast lyfe clen◠¶ This kyng Eldred wedded an Englissh woman and on hir begate Edmond Irenside an othir sone that was called Edewyne And after died the quene hir modre And in that tyme come in to England Swyn that was kyng of denmark for to chalenge and conquer all that his auncestres had before that tymÌ„ and so he conquered had it all at his axyng ¶ For the good erle Cutbert of lyndesey all the peple of northumberland and almost all the grete of England helde with Swyne that was kyng of deÌ„mark for as moche as they loued not kyng Eldred for encheson that his good brother Edward was slayne falsely for enâ—heson of hym and therfor no man sette but litell by hym Wherfor kyng Swyne had all his wylle and toke all the land And Eldred the kyng fledde tho in to Normandie and so spake to the duke richard that the duke yaf hym his sustre Emma to wyfe vpon the whiche he begate ij sones that one was called Alured and that othir Edward And when Swyn had conqâ—ered all the land he regned noâ—ely and leued but xv yere died and lieth at york ¶ Howe kyng Eldred came ayene from Normandie and how knoght the danois regned and of the werre bitwene hym and Edmond Irenside Ca. C.xvj. AFter the deth of Swyne that was a danois knoght his sone duelled in Englond and wolde haue be kyng and â—ho come ayene Eldred oute of Normandie with moche peple and with a strong meynye that knoght durst nat abyde but fley thens in to denmark The kyng Eldred had ayene his reame helde so grete lordshipp that he began to destroie all tho that holpe Swyn that was a danois ayens hym ¶ And afterward come ayene this knoght from denmark with a grete power so that kyng Eldred durst nat with hym fight but fledde fro thens in to london and ther held hym Tho come knoght and hym beseged so long till kyng Eldred died in the cite of london and lieth at seint paulus he regned ix yere Of kyng knoght Ca. C.xvij AFter the deth of this Eldrâ—d knoght that was a danois â—â—gan tho for to regne but Edmond Irenside that waâ— kyng Eldredis sone be his fyrst wif ordeyned a gretâ— host and began to werre vpon kyng knoght so he did many tymes ofte the werre was so stronge hard that wonder it was to wite and the Quene Emme that dnelled tho at westmynstre had grete drede of hir ij sones of the werre Alured and Edward lest they shold be defoilled mysdone thurgâ— this werre whâ—â—for she sente heÌ„ ouer see in to Normandie to the duke Richard hir vncle and ther they duelled in saâ—fte and pees longe tym◠¶ This Edmond Irenside knoght werred stroÌ„gely to gedres but at the last they were accorded in this maner that they shold depart the reame bitwene heÌ„ and so they diden and after they becomen good frendes so well loued that they becomen sworne brethren so well loued to gâ—dres as they had he bretheren geten of o body and of one moder y borne ¶ How kyng Edmond â—renside traitoursly was slayne thurgh a traitour that was called Edrich of stratton ¶ Ca. C.xviij. ANd after tho regned kyng Edmond Irenside knoght the danois but thus it befell afterward that in the same yere that they were accorded so moch loued to gedre wher for a false thef traitour had enuie vn to the loue that was bitwene hem frendshipp whos name was Edrik of stâ—atton that was a grete lord that was Edmond Irensides man and of him helde alle the land that he had and notheles he thought his lord to bitraie make knoght kyng of the land in entent richely to benâ— auaunced and with hym â—ene welbeloued wherfor he praied his lord Edmond Irenside vpon a day with him for to eten and to duellâ— and the kyng courtously him graunted and to him come at his praier and at the mete the kyng rially was serued with diuerse metes and drinkes And whan nyght come that he shold goo to bedde the kyng toke his owne meyne wente in to chambre aâ— he loked aboute he saw a wondre fair Image well made in semblaÌ„t as it were an archier with a bowe bent in his hond in yâ— bowe a fyne arwe Kyng EdmoÌ„d went tho nerre to behold it better what it myght bene and anone the arwe him sâ—ote thurgh the body and ther slowe the kyng for that eugyn was made to quelle his owne lord traitoursly And when kyng Edmond this was dede and slayne he nad regned but y. yere and his peple for him made moch sorwe and his body they bere vn to Glastenburi and ther they hym entered And this fals traitour Edrith anone went to the Quene that was kyng Edmondes wife that wyst of hir lordes deth anonÌ„ he noÌ„me from hir ij sones that were fair yong that hir lord had vpon hir goten that one was called Edward and that othir Edewyne lad hem with hym
coÌ„maunded all his men that were with hym that when they were come vpon GildesdonÌ„ that they shold slee all that were in Alureds coÌ„panie that comÌ„ with hym from normandie and after that taken Alured and lede hym in to the I le of Ely and ther put onte both his yien of his hede and afterward bring hym vn to deth And they diden so for they quelled all yâ— companie that xij were in noÌ„bre of gentilmen that were comen with Alured from normandie ¶ And after noÌ„men Alured lad hym in to the I le of Ely and put out his yien oute of his hede and rent his wombe and noÌ„meÌ„ the chief of his boels put a stake in to the grounde an ende of the boels ther to fastned And with nedles of â—ren prikked the good child so made hym go aboute the stake till that all his bowelles were drawen all oute And so died ther Alured thurgh treson of the erle Godewyne ¶ When the lordes of Englond had herd wyst how Alured that shold haue bene hir kyng was put vn to the deth thurgh the fals traitour Godewyne they were all wonder wroth swore bitwene hem god by his holy names that he shold die in more werse deth than did Edrith of strattonÌ„ that had betraied his lord Edmond Irenside they wold haue put hym to dethe but the thefe traitour fâ—ey thennes in to denmarke and there helde him iiij yere mâ—re and lost all his land in Englond ¶ Of seint Edward the confessour that was Aluredes brother how he was kyng of Englond ¶ Ca. C.xxv ANd when this was done all the barons of Englond senten an othir tyme in to normandie for that Edward shold come in to Englond with mochel honour And this Edward in his childehode loued almyghty god hym drad And in honeste clennesse lad his lyfe and hated sinne as deth And wheÌ„ he was crouned and annoynted with a riall power he foryate nat his good maners condicions that he first vsed and foryate nat all good customs for no maner honour ne for no ricchesse ne for no maner higness bâ—t euer more more yaf hym to goodnesse wel loued god and all mekenesse and loued god and holy churche passing all maner thyng and poure men also aâ—d hem loued and helde as they had hene his owne bretheren and to hem ofte yafe grete â—lmesse with good wyll ¶ Of the first specialte that god shewed for seint Edwardes loue by his lyfe Ca. C.xxvj IT befell on a day as he went from the churche of westmynstre and had herde masse of seint â—ohan Euangelist for as moche as he loued seint Iohan Eâ—angelist more specially after god and our lady than he did any othir seint And so ther come to hym a pilgryme and praied hym for the loue of god and of seint Iohan Enangeliste some good hym for to yeue And the kyng preuely toke his ringe of his fynger that no man ê‘ceyued it and yafe it to the pilgryme and he hit vnderfenge and went thennes This kyng Edward made all the good lawes of Englond that yit bene most holden And was so merciable and so full of pite that no man myght be more ¶ How the Erle Godewyne come ayene in to Englond and had ayene all his land and afterward seint Edward wedded his doughter Ca. C.xxvij WHen the Erle Godewyne that was duellyng in denmark had mochel herde of the goodnesse of kyng Edward and that he was full of mercy and of pite And thought that he wold gone ayene in to Englond for to seche and to haue gâ—acâ— of hym and that he myght haue his land aâ—ene in pees and arraied hym as moch as he myght put hym toward the see come in to England to london ther that the kyng was that tyme and all the lordes of Englong and helde a parlement ¶ Godewyne sent to hem that were his frendes and were the most grettest lordes of the land and praied hem to beseche the kynges grace for hym and that he wold his pees and his land graunt hym his enemies ladden hym before the kyng to seche grace And anone as the kyng hym saw he appeled hym of treson and of the deth of Alured his brother and these wordes vn to hym said Traitour Godewyne quod the kyng I the appele that thou hast betraied and slayne my brother Alured ¶ Certes sir qd Godewyne saue your grace and your pees and your lordshipp I neuer hym betraied ne slew him ther for I put me in reward of the court Nowe fair lordes qd the kyng ye that bien my lieges Erles and barons of the laÌ„d that here ben all assembled Full well ye haue herd myne Appele and the ansuere also of Godwyne And therfor I wyll that ye award and doth right The Erles barons tho drowen hem all to gedre for to done this award by hem selfe so they speken diuersely amonges hem For somme said ther was neu neuer alliaunce by homage serment seruice ne by lordshipp bitwene Godewyne Alured for which thyng they myÈt hym drawe ¶ And at the last they devised demed that he shold put hym in the kynges mercy all to gedres Tho spake the erle â—euerich of CoueÌ„tre a good maÌ„ to god to all the world told his reson in this maner said The Erle Godewyne is the best freuded man of Englond after the kyng and well myÈt it not bene gayn said that withoute conseill of godewynÌ„ Alured was neu neuer put to the deth wherfor I award as touchyng my part that hym self his sone euery of vs xij erles that bene his fredes wend before the kyng charged with as moche gold silâ— as we mowe bere bitwen our hondes prayeng the kyng for yeue his euell wyll to the erle godewynÌ„ receyue his homage his land yeld ayene ¶ And all they accorded vn to that award comen in this maner as is aboue said euery of hem with gold silâ— as moche as they myÈt bere bitwene hir hondes before the kyng they saiden the forme and the maner of hir accord of hir award ¶ The kyng wolde not hem gayn say but as moche as they ordeyned he graunted and confermed And so was the Erle Godewyne accorded with the kyng and had ayene all his lande And afterward he bere hym so well and so wysely that the kyng â—oned hym wonder moche and with hym was full priuee And withyn a litell tyme the kyng loued hym so moche that he spoused Godewynes doughter made hir quenâ— And notheles for all that tho the kyng had a wife he lyued euer more in chastite and in clennesse of body withoute any flesshly dede doyng with his wiâ— and the quene also in hir halfe lad holy lyfe ij yere deide ¶ And afterward the kyng lyued all his lyfe withoute any wif◠¶ The kyng yafe the erledome of Oxenford to Harold that
that was well knowen when the scottes were slayne ¶ And sith said Merlyn that ylke dragon shold norissh a fox that shold meue grete werre ayenst hym that shold not in his tyme bene ended And that semed well by Robert the Brus that kyng Edward norisshed in his chambre that sithenes stale away and meued grete werre ayens hym which werre was nat ended in his tyme ¶ And afterward Merlyn told that this dragon shold bene hold the best body of all the world be said sothe for the good kyng Edward was the worthiest knyght of all the world in his tyme ¶ And yit said Merlyn that the dragon shold die in the marche of an othir laÌ„d yâ— his laÌ„d shold be longe withoute any good keper that men shold weâ—e for his dethe from the I le of she pey vn to the I le of marcyll ¶ Wherfor allas sholde be hir coÌ„mune songe amonge peple fadreles in the land wasted that ê“fecie was knowe ouerall full well For the good kyng Edward died at Burgh vp sandes that is vpon the marche of Scotland wherfor the Englishmen were discomforted sorowed in northumber land ¶ For encheson that kyng Edwardes sone sette by the Scottes no force for the Riott of piers of Ganaston wherfor allas waz the songe thurgh oute all englond For defaute of a good wardeyn from the I le of shepey vn to the I le of marcyll the peple made moche sorwe for good kyng Edwardes deth ¶ For they wende that good kyng Edward sholde haue gone in to the holy lande for that was hollyche his purposse vpon whos soule god for his high grace haue mercy ¶ Of kyng Edward yâ— was kyng edwardes sone Ca. C.lxxxvij ANd after this kyng Edward regned Edward his sone that was bore in Carnariuan and this Edward went in to fraunce spoused Isabell the kynges dought of frauÌ„ce the xxv day of Ianiuer at the churche of our lady at Boloigne In the yere of our lord Ihesu crist a. M.CCC.vij and the xx day of Feuerer the next yere that come after he was crouned solemplich at westmynstre of the Erchebisshoppe Robert of wynchelsee and of the Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury and ther was so grete prece of peple that Sir Iohan Bacwell was dede and murdred ¶ And anone as the good kyng Edward was dede Sir Edward his sone kyng of Englond sente after Piers of Ganastone in to Gascoyne and so moche loued hym that he called him his brother and anone after he yafe hym the lordshipp of wallyngford and it was not longe after that he ne yafe hym the Erledome of Cornewaille ayens alle the lordes wyll of the Royaâ—â—e ¶ And tho brought he Sir walter of langeton bisshopp of Chestre in to prison in to the tour of london with two knaues allone hym to serue For the kyng was wroth with hym for cause that Sir walter made compleint vpon hym to his fadre wherfore he was put in to prison in the tyme of Troilebastone And the forsaid Piers of Ganastone made so grete mastries that he wente in to the kynges tresorie in the Abbey of westmynstre and toke the table of gold with the trestelles of the same and many othir riche â—eweles that some tyme were the noble and good kyng Arthures and toke hem to a marchant that was called Aymery of Friscombande For he shold bere hem ouer the see in to Gascoigne so he wente thens and they come neuer ayene after wherfor it was a grete losse vn to this land ¶ And whan this Piers was so richely auaunced he become so proude and so stoute wher of alle the grete lordes of the Reame had hym in despite for his grete beryng wher for Sir Henry the lacy Erle of Nichol and Sir Gny Erle of warrewyke the whiche good lordes the good kyng Edward Sir Edwardis kyng of Englond his fadre charged that Piers of ganastone shold not come in to Englond for to bringe his sone Edward in to Riott ¶ And alle the lordes of Englond assembled hem at a certayn day at the freres prechours at london and speken of the dishonour that kyng Edward did vn to his Royame and to his croune and so they assented all bothe Erles and coÌ„munes that the forsaid Piers of Ganastone sholde bene exiled oute of Englond for euer more and so it was done for he forswore Englond and wente in to Irland and ther the kyng made hym 〈◊〉 uetayne and gouernour of the land by his commission and 〈◊〉 this Piers was chiuetayne of all the land and did ther aâ—le 〈◊〉 hym lyked and had power what â—e wolde and that tyme were the templers exiled thurgh all cristiente for encheson that men put vp on hem that they sholde donÌ„ thyng ayens the feyth and good be leue ¶ Kyng Edward loued Piers of Ganestoâ— so moche that he myght nat forlete his companie so moche the kyng yafe behight to the peple of Englond that the exilyng of the forsaid piers sholde bene reuoked at stamford thurgh hem that hym had exiled wherfor piers of Ganastone come ayene in to Englond And wheÌ„ he was come ayene in to this land he despised the grettest lordis of this land and called sir Robert of Clare Erle of Gloucestre horesone And the Erle of Nicholl sir henry the lacy brostebely and sir Gny Erle of warrewik the blake hounde of Arderne and also he called the noble erle and gentill Thomas of Lancastre Cherle and many othir scornes and shame hem said and by many othir grete lordis of englond Wherfor they were to wardys hym full angry sore annoied And in the same tyme died the Erle of Nichol but he charged or he was dede Thomas of Lancastre Erle that was his sone in lawe that he shold maynten his quarell ayens the same Piers of Ganastone vpon his beneson ¶ And so it was ordeyned thurgh helpe of the Erle of Lancastre and of the Erle of warrewyke that forsaid sir Piers was beheded at gauersich besides warrewyke the xix day of IunÌ„ in the yere of grace a M.ccc and xij wherfor the kyng was sore annoied and praied god that he myÈt see that day to bene a venged vpon the deth of the forsaid Piers ¶ And so it befell afterward as ye shâ—ll here allas the tyme For the forsaid Erle of Lancastre and many othir grete barons were put to Pitons deth and martred for encheson of the forsaid querell ¶ The kyng was tho at london and helde a parlement and ordeyned the lawes of sir Symond Moâ—nfort wherfor the Erle of lancastre and the Erlys and all the clergie of Englond maden an othe thurgh counceill of Robert of wynchelsee for to maynten tho ordinaunces for euermore ¶ How Robert the Brus come ayene in to Scotland gadred a grete power of men for to werre vpon kyng Edward Capitulo Centesimo lxxxviij ANd when sir Robert the Brus that made hym kyng of Scotland that was fled in to Norwey
tyme Ye be a lord of our linage and a strong man and a myghty be ye our captayn and lorde and we wull bicome your men and your coÌ„mandementz done in all maner thynges and brynge ye vs oute of this wrecchednesse and bondage and fyght we wyth the kyng for thorgh the grace of the grete god we shal hym ouercome and we shul make yon kyng of the lande and to you done homage and of you we shull holde euermore Brut had tho grete pite of hir bondage that they were brought yn and preuelich went hym from the kynges court and all tho that were of Troye went and put hem in to wodes and in to montaignes and hem helde and sent vn to kyng Pandras that he sholde yeue hem leue sauelich for to Wend out of the lande for they nold no lenger duelle in his bondage The kyng Pandras wax tho sore annoied and tho swore that he wolde slee hem euerichone and ordeyned a gret poer and went to wardes hem al for to fight but Brut and his men manâ—â—che hem defended and fersely foughten and quelled all the kynges men that none of hem ascaped and token the kyng and hym helde in prison and ordeyned counceill bitwene hem what they myght done somme said that he shold be put to deth and somme said that he shold be exiled oute of the lande and somme said that he shold be brent And tho spake a wyse knyght that was called Menpris and said to Brute and to all tho of Troye yf kyng Pandras wolde yelde hym and haue his lyfe I counceill that he yeue vn to Brute that is our duke and our soueraigne his doughter Gennogen to a wife and in mariage with hir an honderd shippes well araied and all his tresoure of gold and siluer of corne and of wyne and as moche as vs nedeth to haue of o thyng and othir and than go we oute of his land and ordeyne we vs lande elles wherefor we ne none of our kynred that comen after vs shall neuer haue pees in this lande amonges hem of Grece for we haue slayne so many of hir knyghtes and of her othir frendes that euermore werre and contake sholde bene amonges vs Brute tho and alle his folke consented well to that counceille and this thyng they tolden to kyng Pandras and ther for to haue his lyfe graunted as moche as they axrd and anone yaf vn to Brute Gennogen his doughter to wife and the hondred shippes with as moche as hem neded of all vitailles as before was ordeyned Brute tho toke his wife and all his men that forsoke the land of Grece and wenten hem vn to the see and hadden wynde and weder at wyll and comen the thridde day in to an I le that was called Lorgers Brute anone senâ—e of his men a londe for to aspie the maner of the contre and they founden an olde Cite all wasted and forlet that nas therynne nethir man ne woman ne no thyng duellyng and in the myddell of this Cite they founden an olde temple of a faire ladie that was called Diane the goddesse and they comen ayene vn to Brute and tolde hym what they had seyne and founden and councâ—illed hym to gone and to done sacrifice vn to dame Diane For she was woned to yeue ansuere of what thyng that euer men prayed hir and namely vn to them that her honoured with sacrifice Brute went to that ymage and said Diane noble goddesse lady that all thyng hast in myght and in thy poer wyndes watres wodes feldes and all thynges of the world and allâ— maner bestes that ther in bene to yowe I make my praier that â—e me councelle and telle where and in what place I shall haue a couenable duellyng for me and for my peple and ther I shall make in honour of yow a well faire temple and a noble wherynne ye shull euermore bene honoured when he had done his praier Diane ansuered in this maner Brute quod she go euen forth thy wey ouer the see in to fraunce to ward the weâ—â— and ther ye shull fynâ—e an I le that is called Albion and that I le is bicompassed all with the see and no man may come therin but it bene by shippes And in that londe were woned to be geantz but nowe it is nat so but all wildernesse and that land is yowe destenyed and ordeyned for yow and for your peple ¶ How Coryn became Brutes man and how kyng Goffar was discomfited Capitulo tercio WHen Brute herde this ansuere of diane the goddesse anone he let the ancres wynde vp and sailed 〈◊〉 to the high see when he and his men had sailled xx daies and moo they fouÌ„den fast beside a cost of the see a thousand men of the linage and kynred of Troye and hir soueraigne hir master of all was called Corin And whan Brute wiste whennes they were he tho vnderfeng hem with mochel â—oye in to his shippes and hem lad forth with hym This Coryn tho become Brutes man and to hym did feaulte and homage and so longe they sailled forth in the see till they comen in to Gascoyne and anone they arriued in the hauen of liegers and ther they duelled viij daies hem for to resten and hir sailles to amende ther that it was nede Tydynge sone come to kyng Goffar that was lord of the lande how that mochel folke of strange lande weren arriued in his lande in the hauen of liegers wherfor he was sore angred and anoied that they comen and arriued in his lande withoute leue and anone he ordeyned hym a grete poer to driuen oute and to shend Brute with his peple but kung Goffar was discomfited and all his folke and hym selfe fledde in to feauÌ„ce to seke helpe and socour And in that tyme regned in feauÌ„oe xij kynges the xj assembled a grete poer for to helpe Goffar for to fight ayens Brute Goffar duelled with hem of fraunce halfe ayere and more And Brute in the mene tyme and his companie destroied all the lond of gascoyne and let take alle the tresour that kyng goffar had and let bringe it in to his shippes And this Brute founde in that lande a faire place and a couenable and there Brute made a faire Castell and a stronge ¶ When that was done kyng Goffar come fro fraunce and xj kynges with hym and broughten xx M. men for to fyght with Brut and his companie and Brut had but vij M. 〈◊〉 mâ—n Nothelees when the ij hostes metten to gedre Brutâ—◠〈◊〉 thoâ—gh helpe of hym self of Turyn his cosin and of Corin and manlich hym defended and fought so that in litel tyme they had quelled of the fâ—enshmen .ij. M. and mo and tho that were alyue fledden away ¶ And in this bataill Turyn that was Brutes cosin was slayne and Brute let enteer worthili hym when he had space leiser in the castell that he had made and tho let calle
derewent of Northfolk and Southfolke of keftefen and of lyndessey and when they were all ensembled they sped fast to ward their enemies for to yeue hem bataill Lotrine had sent to Camber his brother that he shold come also to hym with alle the power that he myght make hym for to helpe and so he did with good wyll and so they comen all to gedres and toke her wey preuelich for to seche Humbar wher they myght hym fynde ¶ And so it befell that this Humbar was besides a water that was a grete Riuer with his folke hym for to disporte and tho come Lotrine and Camber his brother with all hir folke sodenly er that any of that othir wist ¶ And whan Humbar saw hem come he was sore adrad For as moche as his men wist it not and also they were vnarmed And anone Humbar for drede lept in to the water and drenched hym selfe and so died he and his men were alle slayne that none of hem ascaped and therfore is that water called Humbar and euermore shall be called thus for encheson that kyng humbar was therynne drenched ¶ And after that Lotryne wente to his shippes and toke there gold and siluer and as moche as he fand vn to hym selfe aud all that othir pilfre he yaf vn to othir folke of the hoost and they founden in one of the shippes a faire damisell that was kyng humbars doughter and was called Estrilde ¶ And whan Lotryne saw hir he toke hir with hym for hir fairnesse and for her was oâ—â— taken with loue and wolde haue wâ—dded hir This tydynges come to Corin anonâ— he thought to auenge hym vpon Lotrine For as moche as Lotrine had made couenaunt for to spousen Corines doughter that was called Guentolen And Coryn in haste wente to hym vn to the newe Troye and thus said to Lotryne nowe certes quod he ye rewarde me full euell for all the peynes that I suffred and haue had many tymes for Brute your fadre and therfore I wull nowe auenge me vpon yowe and drowe his fauchon an high and wold haue slayne Lotryne but the damisell wente bitwâ—nâ— hem and made hem acorded in this maner that Lotrine sholde spouse Guentolen that was Corynes doughter And so Lotryne did And nethelees that he had spoused Guentolen Corynes dought preuelich he come to Estrilde and brought hir with childe and gate on hir a doughter thas was called Abren ¶ Hit befell anone after that Corin died and anone as he was dede Lotrine for soke Guentolen his wife and made Estrilde quene And Guentolen wente thens all in wrath in to Cornewaille and seised all the londe in to hir honde for as moche as she was hir fadres eir and vnderfong feaultes and homages of all the men of the land and after assembled a grete host a grete poer for to ben vpon lotryne auenged that was hir lorde and to hym come yaf hym a strong bataill and ther was lotryn slayne and his men discomfited the v. yere of his regne Guentelon let take Estrild and Abram hir doughter and bynde bothe hondes fete and cast hem in to a water and so they were drenched wherfor that water was euermore called aftir abram aftir the name of the damisel that was Estril dys doughter and Englisshmen calleth that water seuerne and walshmen calle it abram in to this day ¶ And when this was done Guentelon let croune hir quene of that lande and gouerned the land full wel wisely vn to the tyme that Madhon hir sone that lotryne had beget vpon hir were of xx witer age that he myght be kyng so that the quene regned xv yere and tho let she croune hir sone and he regned and gouerned the land wel and honourabely she went in to corn waille ther she duelled all hir lyfes tyme. ¶ Of kyng Madan howe he regned in pees all his lyfe and of Menpris and of Maulyn his sones and howe Menpris slowe Maulyn his brother how wolues drou hym al to peces Ca. vj WHen Madan had regned xxx yere he died and lieth in newe troie and he had ij sones that one me called Menpris and yâ— othir Maulyn and thes ij bredren after hir fadreâ— deth strinen fast for the lande And menpris for encheson that he was the eldest sone wolde haue had all that londe and Maulyn wold not suffre hym so that they token a day of loue and acorde And at this day MeÌ„pris let quelle his brother thurgh treson and hym self afterward helde the londe and a none let croune hym kyng and regned and after bicame so lither a man that he destroied in a while all yâ— men of his londe And at the last he bicame so wikked and so lecherous that he forsoke his ownÌ„ wif and vsed the synne of sodomie wher for almyghty god was wroth and vpon hym toke vengeamice For on a day as he went in a wode an huntyng he lost his folke and went allone vp and doune crieng after his men and ther comÌ„ wolfes and all to drou hym in to peces whenÌ„ he had regned xxiiij yere and when his peple wist that he was dede they made â—oy y nowe and anone made Ebrac his son kyng and he regned with mochel â—onour ¶ Of kyng Ebrac how he conquerd frannce and bigate xx sones and xxiij doughtres Ca. vij THis Ebrac regned lx yere and a strong man was and a myghty And this Ebraâ— thurgh his myght and helpe of his bretons conquerd all fraÌ„nce and wan ther so moche gold and siluer that whan he come ayen in to this lande he made a noble cite and after his name let calle it Ebrac that is called euery wik and this kyng made the castell of maidenes that now is called Edenburgh This kyng had xx sones and xxiij doughtres by diuerse wymen goten and the sones wer called as ye shall here Brute Grâ—nescheld Margand Seisel Morgh wyth Flengham Bladud Iakâ—n â—â—ymbar Rocelm Spadogh Godeherl Thormnan Gldaugh Iorkanghut Haibor ketin Rother kaier and assaruth And the doughtres highten as ye shull here after Elegyne ymogen oghdas Guenbran gnardich Augarel guenthold Tangustel gorghon michel medhan mailour Ondur Cambredan Ragan Renthely Neesâ— Cheghan Skaldud Gladus Heberhyn Abalaghe and Blandan and thees were tho xxiij doughtres and the bretheren bicame good knyghtes and worthy in meny contres ¶ Of the kyng brute grenesheld the fyrst sone of Ebrac the kyng Capitulo octauo AFter the deth of kyng Ebrac regned Brute grenesheld his sone xxx yere that was Ebrakes fyrst sone that wel and nobly regned and whan tyme came he died and lieth at york ¶ Of kyng leyl Ca.ix. ANd whan Brute grenesheld was dede regned his sone leyl xxij yere and he made a fair towne and let calle it karlille after his name and was a worthy man and moche beloued of his peple and whan he had regned xxij yere he died and lieth at Carlille And in his tyme regned
that lightely I let hir gone fro me withoute any rewarde or yiftes and she said that she loued me as moche as she ought to loue hir fadre by all maner of reson and tho I sholde haue axâ—d of hir nomore tho that me othirwise behighten thurgh hir fals speche nowe haue me disceyued In this maner Leir long tyme began to make his mone and at the last he shope hym to the see and passed ouer in to fraunce and asked and aspied wher the Qâ—ene myght be founden and men tolde hym wher she was And whan he come to the Cite that she was in preuelich he sent his squyer vn to the quene to telle hir that hir fadre was comen to hir for grete nedes And when the squyer come to the quene he tolde hir euery dele of hir sustres from the begynnyng vn to the ende Cordeill the quene anone toke gold and siluer plente and toke it to the squyer in counceille that he shold gone and bere it vn to hir fadrâ— and that 〈◊〉 shold go in to a certain Cite and hym araien laten and wasshen than come ayene to hir and bring with hym an honest companye of knyghtes xl atte lest with her meyne and than he shold sende to hir lord the kyng and sayne that he were comen for to speke with his doughter and hym for to seen and so he did And whan the kyng and the qâ—ene herde that they comen with mochel honour they hym resseyued And the kyng of fraunce tho let sende thurgh alle his Reame and commaunded that all men sholde to hym bene entendant to kyng Leir the Quenes fadre in all maner of thyng as it were to hym selfe When kyng Leir had duelled ther a moneth more he tolde to the kyng and to the Quene his doughter how his two eldest doughtres had hym serued Agampe anone let ordeyne a grete host of fraunce and sent it in to Britaigne with leir the quenes fadre for to conquer his land ayene his kyngdom Cordeill also come with hir fadre in to britaigâ—e for to haue the royame after hir fadres deth And anone they went to shipp and passed the see and come in to britaigue and foughten with the felons hem scomfited and queld And tho had he his land ayen after leued iij. yere and helde his royalme in pees and afterward died Cordeill his doughter hym let entier with mikel honour at leicestre ¶ Howe morgan and Conedage that were newus to Cordeill wrrred vpon hir and put hir in to prison Ca. xiiij WHen that kyng leir was dede Cordeill his yongest doughter helde and had the land v yere and in the mene tyme died hir lord AgamÌ„p that was kyng of fraunce and after his deth she left widue And tho came Morgan and Conedage that were Cordeill sustre sones and to hir had Enymite for as moche as there aunte sholde haue the lande So that bitwene hem they ordeyned a grete power and vpon hir werred gretly and neuer they rest till they had hir taken and put hir vn to deth And tho Morgan and Conedage seised all the laâ—de and deê‘ted it bitwene hem And they helde it xij yere and when tho xij yere were gone ther bigan bitwene hem a grete debate so that werred strongely yfere euery of hem did othir moche disese For Morgan wolde haue had all the lande fro beyonde humbrÌ„ that Conedage helde But he come ayens hym with a strong poâ—r so that Morgan durst nat abide but fled awey in to wales and Conedage pursued hym and toke hym and queld hym Tho come Conedage ayen and seised alle the lande in to his hande and helde it and regned after xxxiij yere and tho died and lieth at newe Troye ¶ Howe Reignold that was Conedages sone regned after his fadre and in his tyme it rayned blode iij. dayes in tokenyng of grete deth Ca. xv ANd after this Conedage regned Reignold his sone a wise knyght an hardy curteis that well nobely goâ—ned the land wonder well made hym beloued of all maner of folke in his tyme it rayned blode that lasted iij. dayes as god wolde sone after ther come grete deth of peple for hostes without nombre of peple foughten till that they were dede wherof no man myght haue lette til that almyghty god therof toke mercy and pite and thogan it cese this Reignold regned xxij yere died lieth at york ¶ How Gorbodian regned in pees that was Reignoldes sone aft he died lith at york ca. xvj AFter this Reignold regned Gorbodian his sone xv yere died and lieth at york ¶ How Gorbodian had ij sones how that one sâ—owe that othir for to haue the heritage how ydoyne hir moder quelled that othir wherfor the land was destroied Ca. xvij WHen this Gorbodian was dede his ij sones that he had becomen stoute proude euer werred to gedre for the land that one was called ferres that othir porres And this ferres wold haue all the land but that othir wolde nat suffre him Ferres had a felons hert and thought thurgh treson to slee his brother but preuelich he went in to fraunce ther abode with the kyng Syward till vpon a tyme whan he come ayene faught with his brother ferres but full euell it happed tho for he was slayne fyrst When ydoyne hir moder wist that Porres was dede she made grete sorwe for encheson that she loued hym more than that othir thought hym for to quelle preuely preuely she come to hir sone vpon a nyght with ij knyues therwith cutte his throte the body also in to smale peces who herd euer suche a cursed modre that quelled with hir owne hondes hir owne sone and longe tyme after laste the reproue shame to the moder that for encheson of that one sone murdred that othir so lost hem both ¶ How iiij kyngis courtesly helde all Britaine and which bene hir names Ca. xviij WHen the ij bretheren were so dede they nad left behynd hem nethir sone ne doughter ne none othir of the kynred that myght haue the heritage for as moch as the strengest meÌ„ driuen and scomfited the feblest and token all hir landes so that in euery contrey they had grete werre strife vnder hem but among all othir thynges ther were amonges hem in the contre that ouercome all tho othir and thurgh hir strenght and myght they token all the landes and euery of hym toke a certayn contre and in his contre let calle hym kyng one of hem was called Scater and he was kyng of Scotland and that othir was called Dawalliere and he was kyng of loegers of alle the lande that was Lotrinus that was Brutes sone The thridde was called Rudac and he was kyng of walys and the iiij was called Cloten and he was kyng of Cornewaille But this Cloten
shold haue had all the lande by reson for ther was no man that wist none so rightfull heir as he was But they that were strengest set litell by hem that ware of lesse estate therfor this cloten had nomore land among hem than Cornewaille ¶ Of kyng Donebaut that was Clotes sone and how he had woÌ„ne the land Ca. xix THis Cloten had a sone that was called Doneband that af the deth of his fadre bicome an hardy man and a fair curteis so that he passed all the kynges of britaigue of fairnesse of worthinesse And anone as he was knyght he wist wel whan that his fadre liued he was most rightfull heir of all the lande sholde haue had by reson but othir kynges that were of more strength than he benoÌ„me hym his lande And afterward this Doneband ordeyned hym poer and fyrst conquered all the lande of logiers after he wolde haue couquered all Scotland and walys and scater came with his men and yaf hym bataill and Rudac come ayen with his walshmen for to helpe hym But so it befell that Rudac was queld and Scater also in pleyn bataill so Donebant had the victorie and conquerd all the lande and wel maintened it in pees and in quiete that neuer before it was so wel mayntened Howe Doneband was fyrste kyng that euer wered croune of golde in Britaigue ¶ Ca.xx. THis Doneband let make hym a croune of golde and wered the cronÌ„e vpon his hede as neu neuer kyng did before he ordeyned a statut that had a man done neu neuer so moche harme he myÈt come in to the temple shold no man hym mysdoo but gone theryn sauf and in pees and after gone in to what coÌ„tre that he wolde without eny harme and yf any man set any honde vpon hym he than sholde lese his life And this Doneband made the toune of Malmesbury and the toune of the vise And when he had regned wel worthely xl yere he died and lieth at newe Troye Howe Brenne and belin deê‘ted bitwene hem the land aft the deth of Doneband hir fadre and of the werre Ca. xxj And after that thiâ— Doneband was dede his sones that he had departed the land bitwene hem as hir fadre had ordeyned so that Belyn his eldest sone had all the londe of britaigue on this half humber his brother Brenne had all the land from humber vn to scotland but for as moche that Belin had the bett part brenne therfor wax wroth wolde had more of the land Belin his brother wold graunte hym no more Wherfor contak werre arose bitwene hem two But brenne the yonger brother had no myÈt ne strenght aâ—ens belin and therfor brenne thurgh coÌ„ceill of his folk went fro thens in to norwey to te kyng Olsinges praid hym of helpe socour for to conquer all the land vpon belyn his brother vpon that couenaÌ„t that he wolde haue his doughter to wife the kyng Olsinges hym grauÌ„ted Belyn anonÌ„ as his brother was go to norwey he seised in to his honde all the lande of northumberland and toke all the Castelles and let hem arraie and kepe the costes of the see that Brenne shold not arriue in no side but that he were take ¶ The kyng Olfynges lete assemble a grete host and delinered his doughter to Brenne and all the peple that he had ordeyned this damisell Samye had longe tyme loued a kyng that was called gutlaghen and to hym she tolde all hir counceill how that Brenne sholde hir haue and hir lede with hym for euermore so he shold lese hir bnt that she myght forsake Brenne And whan Gutlagh had herd this tydyng he lay for to aspie Brenue with as many shippes as he myght haue so that the ij fletes metten to gedre long tyme foughten so that Brenne and his shippes turned ayene and were discoÌ„fited And kyng Gutlagh toke Samye put hir in to his shippe Brenne shamfully fley thennes as a man discomfited ¶ And Gutlagh wolde haue went in to his owne contre but ther come vp on hym a grete teÌ„pest that v. daies lastid so that thurgh that teÌ„pest he was driuen in to Britaigne with iij. shippes and no mo And tho that kepte the costes of the see token Gutlagh and Samye and all his folke and hem presented to Belyn and Belyn put hem in to prison ¶ How Belyn drofe oute of this lande kyng Gutlagh of Denmarke and Samye Ca. xxij HIt was not longe after that Brenne ne come aâ—ene with a grete nauye sente to his brother Belyn yâ— he shold yeld â—yen his lande to his wife and to his folke and his castelles also or elles he wold destroie his lande Belyn drade no thyng his manace and wold no thyng done after that he said wherfore Brenne come with his folke fought with belyn Brenne was discomfited and his folke slayne and hym selfe fledde with xij meÌ„ in to Fraunce And this Belyn that was Brennes brother weÌ„t tho to yorke and toke counceill what he myght done with kyng gutlagh for kyng Gutlagh profâ—ed to become his man and to holde hiâ— lande of hym yelding by yere a thousand pounde of siluer for euermore and for sikernesse of this couenaunt to behold Gutlagh shold bring him good hostages and to him shold done homage and all his folke And yit shold swere vpon the boke that these couenantz shold neuer bene broke ne falsed ¶ Belyn tho by counceill of his folke graunted hym his axyng And so Gutlagh become his man and Belyn vnderfeng of hym his homage by othe and by writing the same couenants And vpon these couenants kyng Gutlagh noÌ„me samye his folke and went thens turned ayen to denmaâ—c Euermore after were the couenaÌ„ts holden and the truage payed til the tyme that honelos was kyng of denmarc and also of this lande thurgh his wif Gildeburgh that he had spoused for she waâ— the right heir of this lande ¶ This Belyn duelled tho in pees wurshippfully hym helde among his barons and he made iiij real weyes one from the Est in to west and that was called watlyng strete and an othir from the north vn to the south that was called Ikelmestrete and ij othir weyes he made in bossynge thurgh oute the lande that on is called fosse and that othir fossedike and he maintened wel the good lawes that Doneband his fadre had made and ordeyned in his tyme as byfore is said ¶ Howe accord was made betwene Brenne and Belyn thurgh Cornewen hir moder Ca. xxiij GRenne that was Belynê° brother had long tyme duelled in fraunce and ther had conquered a grete lordshipp thurgh mariage For he was duke of Burgoyne thurgh the doughter of the duke Fewyn that he had spoused that was right heir of the lande and this Brenne ordeyned a grete poer of his folk and also of fraunce and come in to this land for to
Enemies he wolde yeue hem resonable londes wher they sholde duell for euermore Engist thanked hym goodly and in this maner he and his companye xj M. shold dnell with the kyng Vortiger and so moche they did thurgh hir boldenesse that they deliuered the lande clene of his ennemyes Tho praied Engist the kyug of so moche land that he myght make to hym a Cite for hym and for his meyne ¶ The kyng ansuerd it was not to done with out concâ—ill of his britons ¶ Engist praied hym eftsones of as moche place as he myght compase with a thonge of a skynne whervpon he myght make hym a maner and for him to duell on And the kyng graunted hym feely ¶ Tho noÌ„me Engist a bull skynne and cut it as smale as he myÈt all in to a thwonge all a rounde and ther with compased he as moche lande as he made vpon a fair castell and when this castell was y made he let call it â—hwongcastell For as moche as the place was marked with a thonge ¶ Of Ronewen that was Engistes doughter and howe the kyng Vortiger spoused hir for hir beaute Capitulo quinqnagesimo sepfimo WHen this Castell was maked and fnll well araied Engist preuely sent by leter in to the contre that he came of after an houndred shippes fylled with strange men that ware bolde and well fyghtyng in all batailles and that they shold bring with hem Rone wen his doughter that was the fairest creature that a man myght see ¶ And when the peple was comen that he had sente after he toke hem in to the Castell with moch Ioye And hym selfe vpon a day wente vn to the kyng and praied him ther worthely that he wolde come and see his newe maner that he had made in the place that he compassed with a thonge of the skynÌ„ ¶ The kyng anone graunted it hym frely and with hym wente thidder and was well a paied with the Castell and with the fair werke and to gedres ther they eten and dronken with mochel Ioye ¶ And whan nyght come that the kyng Vortiger shold gone in to his chambre for to take ther his nyghtes reste Ronewen that was Engistes doughter come with a coupe of gold in hir honde and kneled beforne the kyng and said to hym wassaille and the kyng wist not what it was to mene ne what he sholde ansuere for as moch as hym selfe ne none of his Britons yit coude none Englissh speken ne vnderstond it but speken tho the same langage that Britons yit done ¶ Nothelees a latymer tolde the kyng the full vnderstondyng ther of wassaille and that othir sholde an suere drynke haille ¶ And that was the fyrst tyme that was saille and drynkhaille come vp in this land and from that tyme vn to this tyme it is will vsed in this lande ¶ The kyng Vortiger sawe the fairnesse of Rone wen and his armes laid aboute hir nekke and iij. swetely kylled hir and anone right he was anamered vpon hir that be desided to haue hir to wife and asked of Engist hir fadr◠¶ And Engiste graunted hym vpon this couenaunt that the kyng shold yeue hym all the coÌ„tre of kent that he myght duelle in and his peple ¶ The kyng hym graunted preuely with a good will And anone after he spoused the damisell that was moche confusion to hym selfe ¶ And therfore all the Britons become so wroth for encheson that he had spoused a woman of mysbeleue wherfor they went all from hym and no thyng to hym toke kepe ne helpe hym in thyng that he had to done ¶ Howe Vortymer that was Vortigerâ— sone was made kyng Engist druien ouâ—â— and howe Vortymer was slayne Capitulo lviij THis Engist went in to kent and seised all the land in to his hande for hym and for his men and bicome in a litel whyl of so grete poer and so moche peple had that men wyst not in litell tyme which were the kynges men and whiche were Engistes meÌ„ wherfor all britaigne had of hym drede said among hem that yf they ne toke othir couÌ„ceill bitwene hem all the lande sholde be betraied thurgh Engist and his peple ¶ â—ortiger the kyng had bigoten on his fyrst wife iij. sones the fyrst was callet Vortimer that seconde Catagren and the thridde passent ¶ The britons euerychon by one assent chosen Vortimer to be hir lorde and souerayne and hir couÌ„ceiller in euery bataille crouned hym and made hym kyng and wolde suffre Vortiger no lenger to regne for encheson of the Alliance bitwene Engist and hym The briâ—onâ— ordeyned a grete host to driue oute Engist and his coÌ„panie of the lande and yafe hym iij. batailles that fyrst was in kent ther he was lorde The second wat at Tette forde And the thrid de was in a shire athishalf Cool in a more ¶ And in this bataill hem met Catagren and horsse Engistes brother so that eche of heÌ„ slewe othir ¶ But for as moche as the contre was yeuen long before to horne thurgh Vortiger tho he had spoused his cosin ther hâ— had made a fair castell that me called hornecastell after his owne name ¶ And Vortimer was so aÌ„noied for his brothers deth Catagren that he was dede in such a maner ¶ Wherfor anone he let felle the castell to grounde ¶ And after that he ne left nyght ne day till he had driuen out Engist all his peple of the lande And when Engist was driuen away Ronewen his doughter made forwey nowe and quentelyn spake to hem that were next the kyng Vortimer and priuyest with hym and so moche she yaf hym of yiftes that he was enpoisened and died at london the iiij yere of his regne and ther he lieth ¶ Howe the britous chosen an othir tyme Vortiger to bene hir kyng and Engist came in to this lande open and they foughten to gedre Ca. lix ¶ Fter Vortimers deth the Britons by hir commune assent eftsones made Vortiger hir kyng vpon this couenant that he shold neuer after suffre Engist ne none of his eftsones to come in to this land ¶ And whan all this was done Ronewen the Quene preuely sente by letter to Engist that she had enpoisened Vortimer and that Vortiger hir lord ayene bare the corone and regned and that he shold come in to this lande well arraied with moche peple for to auenge hym vpon the Britons and to wynne this lande ayene ¶ And whan Engist hered this tydynge he made grete â—oye and apparailled hym hastely with xv thousand men that were doubghty in euery bataille and come in to this land ¶ And whan Vortiger herd telle that Engist was come ayenâ— with a grete poer in to this land he assembled his Britons and tho wente ayens Engist for to haue yeue hym bataille and his folke ¶ But Engiste drad hym sore of the Britons For they had discomficed hym beforne and had driuen hym oute with strength wherfore Engist pâ—aied a
his werk myÈt not stond that he had bigoÌ„ne ner proue ¶ Ca. lxij WHen Merlyn had herde all that his moder had said spakeâ—to the kyng in this maner ¶ Sir howe I was begoten ax ye no more for it falleth nought to ê‘owe ne to none othir to wyt but telleth me encheson wherfor I am to yow y brought and wherfor ye haue sent after me Certes quod the kyng my wyse couÌ„celers haue done me to vnderstonde that the mortier of a werke that I haue bigoÌ„ne behoued to be tempred with your blode or the foundement shall faill for euermore ¶ Sir quod Merlyn wyll ye slee me for my blode for to tempre with your mortier ye qd the kyng orelles shall neuer my castel stande as my couÌ„celers done me to vnderstonde ¶ Tho ansuerde Merlyn to the kyng Sir he said let hem comÌ„ bifore me tho wyse concelers and I wull proue that they say nat wele ne trewly ¶ And when the wyse were y comen Merlyn axed yf his blode were the encheson to make the werke stand and endure All these wyse were abasshed and counde nat ansuere ¶ Merlyn tho said to the kyng Sir I shall tell yow then cheson wherfor your werk thus fayleth and may nat stonde ¶ Ther is vnder the montaigne ther that ye haue bigoÌ„ne your towr a grete ponde of water and in the botome of the ponde vnder the water ther 〈◊〉 dragons that one is white that othir reed that fyghteÌ„ to gedâ—â—â— ayens your werk Do ye myne depe till your men come to the ponce and doth your men take away the water all oute than ye shal se the dragons as I haue yo we tolde that to gedre fyght ayens your werk ¶ And this is the encheson certes wherfor the fundament failleth The kyng anone let digge vnder till that men come to that ponde and let done away all that water ther they founde ij dragons as Merlyn had tolde that egrely foughten to gedres ¶ The white dragon egrely assailled the reede and laid on hym so strongly that he myght nat eÌ„dâ—re but withdrowe hym and rested in the same caue◠¶ And when he had a whyle rested he went before assailled the reed deagon angrely and helde hym so sore that he myÈt not ayens hym endure but wythdrowe hym and rested And after come ayene the white dragon and strongely fought with the reed dragon and â—ote hym euell and hym ouercome that he fleigh thens and no more come ayene ¶ Of the significacionÌ„ of tho ij dragons that were in the bottom of the ponde that foughten to gedre ¶ Ca. lxiij THis kyng Vortiger and his men that faught this bataill had grete mervaille praied Merlyn to telle hym what it myÈt betoken ¶ Sir qd Merlyn I shall yow telle The rede dragon betokeneth your self and the white betokeneth the folk of saxonie that fyrst ye toke and helde in this lande that nowe fighten ayens yowe and yo we haue driuen and enchaced ¶ But britons of your linage ouercomen hem and driuen hem a waye and sithen at the comyng ayen of the saxons they recouered this land and held it for euermore driuen out the britons and did wyth this land hir wyll and destroid cristendome thâ—rgh out this lande ¶ Èœe had had fyrst Ioye with hir comyng but no we it is turned to yow grete damage sorwe ¶ For tho ij bretherne of Constance that was kyng the which ye let slee Shulle come bifor a quinzeme passed with a grete poer from litell britaigne and shullen avenge the deth of hir brother they shull brenne yowe fyrst with sorwe And after they shull slee a grete partie of Saxons shull out driue all the remenaunt of the land therfor abyde ye here no lenger to make castell ne none othir werke but anone goth elles where your lyfe all for to saue to god I yowe bytake for trouth I haue said to yowe of thyng that shall befall ¶ And vnderstandeth well that Aurilambros shall be kyng but he shall be empoisened litell tyme regne ¶ Of kyng Aurilambros howe be pursued Vortigâ—â— Engist howe they diden ¶ Co. lxiiij QErlyn and his moder deê‘ted fro the kyng turned ayen karmardyne ¶ And so after tydyng come to the britons that Aurilambros Vter his brother were arrined at Cottenesse with a grete host ¶ And the britons anonÌ„ assembled hem went to vnderfong Aurilambros Vter with grete nobilesse lad hem to london crouned ther Aurilambros and made hym kyng and diden to hym homage And he axed wher Vortiger that was kyng myÈt be founde for he wolde be a venged of hiâ— brothers deth and after he wolde werre vpon paynyms ¶ And they told hym that Vortiger was in wales so they ladde hym thidderward ¶ Vortiger wist well that the bretherne come hym to conquere flew thens in to a castell that was called Gerneth that stode vpon a hiâ—h montaigne and ther hym helde ¶ AurilaÌ„bros and Vter his brother hir folk had beseged the castell full long tyme for the castell was stronge and well araied ¶ So at the last they cast wyldefire and brent hous and men and all hir arraie and as moch as was withyn the castell So that Vortiger was brend amonge all othir and so died he with mochel sorwe ¶ The was Engist in kent and regned ther and herde this tydyng and anone fledde and wold haue gone in to Scotland for to haue had socour but Anrilambros and his men met with hym in the northcontre and yafe hym bataille and Engist and his men hem defended whiles that they myght but he and his folke weren discomfited and slayne And Otta his sone fley vn to yorke and AurilaÌ„bros hym folowed egrely Otta a litell while ayens hym stode but afterward he putte hym to his mercy ¶ And Aurilambros vnder fenge hym to hym and to his men he yafe the contre of Galewey in Scotland and ther they duelled ¶ The kyng Aurilambros weÌ„t tho thâ—rgh oute the lande and put away the name of EngisteslaÌ„d that Engist after his name had called it before Tho let he it calle ayene grete britaigne and let make ayene churches houses of religioÌ„ Castelles Cites and burghes and tounes that the Saxons had destroied and come to london let make the walles of the Cite which Engist and his folke had cast a doune ¶ The Britons led hym to the monte of Anbrian wher somme tyme was an hous of religion that tho was destroied thurgh paynymes ¶ Wher of a knyÈt was called Anbry that somme tyme was founder of the hous and thâ—r for the hyll was called the mont of Brian and after was called Ambresbury and shall for euermore ¶ How Aurilambros did redresse the land of grete Britaigne that was destroied thurgh saxons Ca. lxv HOw the kyng Aurilambros let amend and redresse the hous of Amlesbury and theryn put monâ—â—es but nowe ther be
and to his peple so that so moche peple was slayne what of that on half and in that othir that no maÌ„ wyst who had the better ê‘tie But so it be fell at the last that Mordred was slayne and all his folk and the good chiualrie that kyng Arthur had gadred and norisshed of diuerse landes And also the noble knyghtes of the rounde table that so moche was preised thurgh out all the world were there slayne And Arthur hym self was wounded to the deth but he let hym he borne in a litter to a vyoun to be heled of his wonndes yit the britons supposen that he lyue in an othir land and that he shall come yet and conquere all Britaigne but certes this is the proficie of Merlyn he said that his deth shall be doubtous and said soth for men ther of yit haue doubte and shulle for euermore as me â—aith ¶ For men wyt nat whether that he lyueth or is dede ¶ Arthur was borne to AuyonÌ„ the xxij yere of his regne after the Incarnacionn of our lord IhuÌ„ crist vC and xlvj yere ¶ Howe kyng Arthur deliuered the reaulme to Costantyn the sone of Cador his Nepheu Ca. lxxxix WHen kyng Arthur wyst that he myÈt no leÌ„ger regne he let come biforne hym Costantine that was Cadors sone erle Cornewaille his cosin to hym bitoke all his reaume to hym said and bad hym ther of to benÌ„ kyng till that he come ayenÌ„ for as moche as he had none heir of his body begoten and me was it that so noble a kyng and so doubty had no body begoteu but all thyng that god wull haue done whos name be blisshed withouten ende Amen ¶ How kyng Costantine was werred of Mordeâ—â—â—â— Capitulo lxxxx THis Costantine was a noble knyght and a worthy of body tho ij sones that mordred had begoten had grete â—â—uie to Costantine that tho was crouned kyng and so that they begonne to meue werre ayens hym and assembled a grest host of heÌ„ that were before with mordrede and had bene driuen away and that diden moche sorwe thurgh all that land that one brother ordeyned hym to london for to take the Cite and that othir to wynchestre but Costantine come to london and sâ—ow hym that was ther and after he weÌ„t to wynchestre and slow hym that there was also so that both his ennemies were dede And when Costantine had regned worthely iiij yere he died and lieth at london ¶ Of the kynges Adelbright and of Edell Ca. lxxxxj AFter kyng Costatines deth ther were ij kynges in Britaigne that one was called Adelbright that was a danâ—yâ— and helde the contre of Northfolke southfolke that othir hight Edell and was a briton and helde Nichol Lyndesey all the land vn to humbet ¶ These ij kynges fast werred to gedres but after they weâ—en accorded and loued to gedre as they had be borne of o body ¶ The kyng Edell had a sustre that was called Orewenne he yafe hir thurgh grete frendeshipp to kyng Adelbright to wyfe he begate on hir a doughter that was called Argentill And in the iij. yere after come vpon hym a stronge sikenesse that nedes he must die And he sent to kyng Edelf his brother in lawe that he shold 〈◊〉 me speke with hym and be come to hym with good wyll ¶ Tho praied he the kyng and coâ—â—â—red also in the name of god that aft when he were dede he sholde take Argentill his doughter the lande and that he kept hir well and norisshe hir in his chamber ¶ And when she were of age she shold be maried to the strongest and wurthiest man that he myght fynde and than he shold yelde vp hir land arene ¶ Edell it graunted it and by oth confermed his praier And when Adelbright was dede and entered Edell toke the damisell Argentill and norisshed hir in his chambre and she become the fairest creature that myght lyue or any man finde Edell maried the damisell to a knaue of hiz kycheâ— kyng Edelf that was vncle to the damisell ArgeÌ„till 〈◊〉 howe that he myÈt falsely haue the laÌ„d from his nece for euermore falsely ayens his othe thought to disceyne the damisell to marie hir to a knaue of his kychen that was called Curan he bicome the worthiest strengist man of body that any man wyst in any land that tho leued and to hym he thought hir shendfully haue maried for to haue had hir land afterward but he was clene disceyued ¶ For this Curan that was hauelockes sone that was kyng of kyrkelane in denmark this Curan conquered his wâ—fes land shewe kyng Edelf that was his wifes vncle and had all hir land as in an othir place it telleth more openly he ne regned but iij. yere For saxons danoys hym queld that was grete harme to all britaigne britons bare hym to Stâ—nheâ—g ther they hym entered with mochel honour ¶ Of kyng Conan Ca. lxxxxiij AFter this Curan regned Conan that was his coâ—in that was a wonder proude knyght regned coude haue no maner loue but euer he was medelyng with his peple toke his vncle with werre queld his ij children The saxones werred ayens hym oft tymes bnt he hem ouercome at the last aud so he was 〈◊〉 pees all his lyfe tyme he regned xiij yere after he died and lieth at london Of kyng Cortif and of Gurmonde that comen thurgh the paynyms in to Britaigne Ca. lxxxxiiij AFter this Conan regned his cosin Cortif that was bihated of all his peple and no thyug beloued and this cortif lost all britaigne thurgh werre and in his tyme felle that gret myschef in britaigne that crystendome was destroied all the britons were driuen oute and the lande y lost withoute auy recouer but afterward left the land to saxons as ye afterward shall here For in that tyme ther was a paynyme that was called GurmoÌ„d that was the kynges sone Daufrikes of the paynyms folke that had the name after his fadre and was kyng sauf be bequath and yaf it to his brother said that he nolde neu neuer be kyng but yf he myÈt gete conquere a reaume in a strange contre For he was bold and eke stronge of body of hym ê“fecied Merlyn said that he sholde he a wolfe of the see and he let assemble paynyms wythoute nombre and let apparaill shippes and went by many londes and toke homages feautes of many aud so he went by the see and coÌ„quered many diuerse landes so that he come in to Irland 〈◊〉 conquerd that land that ofte tymes werred vpon britons and britons vpon hem and ofte woÌ„nen ofte losten yeue hostages to britons and so they sente to Gurmonde ther that he was in Irland that he shold come in to Britaigne helpe hem ayens the britons to helpe hem deliuer that land of hem and they wolde hym holde
make an hous in honour of almyghty god wherin women sholde be deliuered of hir children at the brugges ende in which hous yit women of the Cite bene deliuered of childe when seint Gregorie had herde telle how the Englisshmen were turned to god and conuerted he sent to seint Austyn his pallione by a bishopp that was called Paulyn and made hym â—mat and Erchebishopp of England and sent word that he than sholde ordeyne and make bishoppes in the land And anone as Austyn had the pallione of the dignite of the Erchebishoppe he made ij bishoppes of his felaws that come with hym from Rome that one was called Mellit he duelled at london And that othir was called Iustyn that held the diguite of Rouchestre this bishopp mellit tho went to preche in to Essexe baptised the kyng of the contre that was called Sicwith that was kyng adelbrightes cosin his susters sone This Iustine went to preche in southsexe turned moche of the peple to god And seint Austyn weÌ„t hym selfe prechyng thurgh out Englond ¶ Howe seint Austyn went in to wales ther that the britons were and howe they nold nat be obbedient to the Erchebishopp of Canterbury Ca. xcviij WHen all Englond was baptised turned to god Seint Anstyn went in to that lond ther that the britons were for to kepe hem from EnglisshmeÌ„ that is to seyne in to walis And ther he founde monkes abbeis vij bishoppes ¶ For the britons destroied all way the cristen peple that seint Austyn had coÌ„uerted said to the bishoppes that he was a legat of rome â—mat of all Englond that they shold by all reson to hym be obedient they said that they nold ¶ But to Erchebishopp of CarlionÌ„ said they nold neuer for no maner thyng bene obedient to the englishmeÌ„ ¶ For the englishmen they said ben our adâ—saries our enemies haue driueÌ„ vs out of our owne coÌ„tre we ben cristen meÌ„ euer haue bene the englishmen haue euer ben paynyms but now late that they bene conuerted ¶ Seint Austyn myÈt of hem none ansuere haue othirwyse but saiden apertely that they nolde neuer heÌ„ meke to hym ne to the pope of Rome And seint Austyn turned a yen tho to kyng Adelbright that was kyng of kent tolde hym that his folk nolde not be to no man obedient but to the Erchebishopp of karlionÌ„ And when the kyng herde this he was sore aÌ„noied and said that he wolde hem destroie and sent to Olferide kyng of RorthumberlaÌ„d that was his frende that he shold come to hym with all the poer that he myght and that he sholde mete hym at leycestre and from thens they wolde gone in to wales and destroie the Erchebishopp of Carlione and all tho that had refused Seint Austyn ¶ How kyng Adelbright and the kyng Olfride queld Breâ—male that was a kyng of britons that helde the contre of leicestre Capitulo lxxxxix HIt befell so that ther was a kyng BritonnÌ„ that helde the contre of leicestre all the coutre aboute named Brecmaâ— And this britonÌ„ herde telle yâ— tho ij englissh kynges wolde meâ—e ther at leicestre for to wende in to walis He let ordeyne all the poer that he had for to fight with thees ij kynges but litell it a vailled hym for his folk that he had were slayne hym self fled lost his landes for eâ—more ¶ And these ij kynges Adelbright Elfride duelled a while at leicestre deê‘ted the lande amonges heÌ„ token homages feautes of folk of the contre And after they weÌ„ten toward wales tho of walys had herd telle of the scomfiture that Brecmal had at leicestre were wonder sore adrad of tho â— kynges And noÌ„me chose amonges hem good men holy of here mites monkes prestes of othir folk grete pleute that wenten baarfoot wellewerd for to haue mercy of the ij kynges But tho kynges were so sterne so wykked that they nold neu neuer speke with hem but queld hem euerichone Allas for sorwe for they ne spared hem no more than the wolf dothe the shepe but smyton of the heedes of euerichoue so all were there martred that to hem come that is to vnderstonde v. C. xl afterward tho ij kynges weÌ„t fro theÌ„s to Baugore for to quelle all tho that they myÈt there fynde of the britons And when the britons that herde that assembled ordeyned all hir poer for to fight with hem Tho was ther a baronÌ„ in wales that was called Bledrik of Cornewaille that somÌ„e tyme waz lord of Denenshire but the kyng Adelbright had driuen hym in to walys yeue hym bataille And at that bataille was kyng adelbright slayne Elfrid wouÌ„ded sore forsoke the felde the most part of his peple slayne And Elfrid fled in to northumberland that was his owne land ¶ And afterward the peple of leicestreshire made with strength Cadewan yâ— was Brecynalis sone kyng of leicestre he after regned nobely with grete honour ¶ How Cadewan kyng of leicestre and Elfride kyng of northuÌ„berlande were frendes and of the debate that after was bitwene Edwyn and Cadwalyn that were both hir sones Capitulo Centesimo ANd after that this bataille was done the britons assembled hem and went thens comeÌ„ vn to leycestre made Cadewan that was Brecinales sone kyng of leycestre of all the contre he toke homages feautes of all the folk of the contre after that he assembled a grete host said he wold gone in to Northumberland to destroie kyng Elfride slee him if he myght when he was comen thidder frendes went so bitwene hem made hem accorded in this maner That Elfrid shold holde all the lande from humber vn to Scotland Cadewan sholde haue all the land athis side humber vn to the south and after that they becomeÌ„ good frendes all hir lyfes during loued to gedre as they had be ij bretheren And this Elfride had a sone that was called Edwyne yâ— hâ—d helde all the land of Northumberland after his fadres deth as his fadre had holde all his lyfes tyme And Cadewan had an othir sone that was called Cadâ—alyn that helde his fadres lande as he it helde whiles he was a lyfe and they loued to gedre as they had be bretheren And the loue last bitwene hem but only ij yere And after began debate bitwene hem thurgh a lither eniuons cosin of Cadwalyne that was called Bâ—â—ens so that they assembled a grete host in both ê‘ties and at the last it befelle that Cadwalyne was discomfited and Edwyn him pursued and drofe him fro place to place so at last he fley in to Irland And this othir destroied his land and cast a doune castelles and brent his maners and deê‘ted all Cadwalyns land amonge his frendes And longe tyme after come Cadwalyn ayene from Irland
to Rome withoute any lettynge and by the weye did many almesse dedes And when he come to Rome also And when he had ben ther and for his synnes done penaunce he come ayene in to Englond and become a good man and an holy and lefte al maner pride and stoutenesse and lyved an holy lyfe all his lyfe after and made ij Abbeis of seint Benet one in Englond that othir in Norewey For as moche as he loued specialy seint Benet before all othir seintes And moche he loued also seint Edmond the kyng and ofte he yaf grete yiftes to the how 's Wherfor it was made riche and when he had regned xx yere he died and lieth at wynchestre ¶ Of kyng Harold that leuer had gone in fote than rite an hors Capitulo Centesimo vicesimo primo THis knoght of whom we haue spoken before had ij sones by his wife Emme that one was called hardyknoght that othir harold he was so light of fote that men called hym comenlich harolde harefoot And this harold had no thyng yâ— condâ—cions maner of kyng knoght that was his fadre for he set but litell pris of chiualrie ne of no curtosie nothir of wurshipp but only by his owne wyll ¶ And he become so wykkâ—d that he exiled his moder Emme she went oute of the land in to flaundres and there duelled with the erle werfor after ther was neuer good loue bitwene hym and his brother for his brother him hated dedly and when he had regned ij yere a litell more he died lieth at westmynstre ¶ Of kyng hardeknoght that was haroldes brother Capitulo Centesimo xxij AFter this harold harefoot regned his brother hardeknoght a noble knyght a worthy moche loued chiualrie all maner goodnesse And when this hardeknoght had regned a litell while he let vncouer his brother harold smyte of his hede that was his brother at westmynstre let cast the hede in to a gonge the body in to thamyse after comÌ„ fisshers toke the body with hir nettes be nyght bere hym to seint clementes church and ther hym beried And in this maner auenged hym hardeknoght of his brother for in none othir maner he myght be auenged ¶ This kyng hardeknoght was so large yeuer of mete and drinke that his tables were sette euery day iij. tymes full with riall metes drinkes for his owne meyne for all that comen vn to his court to be richely serued of riall metes ¶ And this kyng hardeknoght sent after Emme his moder made hir come ayene in to Englond for she was driue oute of Englond whiles that harold hare foot regned thurgh counceill of the erle godewyne that tho was the grettest lord of Englond next the kyng most myght do what he wold thurgh all englond thurgh his coÌ„maundemeÌ„t for as moche as he had spoused the dought of the good kyng knoght that was a danois which doughter he had by his fyrst wife And when this quene was driue ouâ—e of Englond come to the erle of flaundres that was called Balde wyne his cosin he fonde hir there all thyng that hir nâ—dâ—d vn to the tyme that she went ayene in to englond that the kyng hardeknoght had sent for hir that was hir sone and made hir come ayene with mochel honour This kyng hardeknoght when he had regned v. yere he died lieth at wrstmynstre ¶ Of the vilonie that the danois did to the Englisshmen wherfore from that tyme after was no danois made kyng of Englond Capitulo Centesimo xxiij AFter the deth of this kyng hardeknoght for as moch as he nad no thing of his body begote the erles and barons assembled and made a counceill neuer more after no man that was a danois though he were neuer so grete a man amonges hem he shold neuer be kyng of englond for the despite that the danoiz had done to engliâ—shmâ—n ¶ For euer more beforne hand if it were so that englisshmen danâ—is hapeten to mete vpon a brigge the englishmen shold not be so hardy to meue ne sterâ— a foot but stand stille till he danois were appaâ—sed forth ¶ And more ouer if the englisshmen had not abowed doune hir hedes to done reuerence vn to the danois they shold haue bene bet defouled and soch maner despites vilanie diden the danois to our englisshmen wherfor they were driuen oute of the land after tyme that kyng hardeknoght was dede for they had no lord that hem myght maynten In this maner voided the danois englond that neuer they come ayene ¶ The erles barons by hir commnne assent counseill senten vn to Normandie for to seche tho ij kretheren Alured and Edward that were duellyng with the duke Richard that was hir Eme in entent for to croune Alured the elder brother and hym make kyng of englond and of this thyng to make an ende the Erles and Barons made hir o the But the erle Godewyne of westsex falsely and traitoursly thought to slee the ij bretheren anone as they shold come in to englond in entent to make his sone harold kyng the which sone he had begote vpon his wife that was kyng knoghtes doughter that was a danois And this Godewyne preuely went hym in to sout hampton for to mete there the ij bretheren when that they shold come to lond And thus it befell that the messagiers that went in to Normandie fouâ—de not bâ—t only Alured that was the elder brother for Edward his brother gone was to hungerie for to speke with his cosin Edward the outelawe that was edmoÌ„des sone with the Irenside The messagiers told and said to Alured how that the erles and barons of englond sent after hym and that he boldelich shold come in to Englond and vnderfonge the reame For kyng hardeknoght was dede and all the danois driuen were oute of the land ¶ How Godewyne the fals traitour toke Alured vpon Gildesdoune whenne he come fro normandie to bene kyng of Englond and did hym bene martred in the I le of Ely Capitulo C.xxiiij WHen Alured herd this tydyng he thanked god and in to shipp went with all the hast that he myÈt passed the see arriâ—ed at southampton ther that godewynÌ„ the traitour was And tho this traitour saw that he was come he welcomed hym vnderâ—eng hym with mochel â—oie said that he wolde lede hym to london ther that all the barons of Englond hym abode for to make hym kyng so they weÌ„t in hir wey toward london And when they come vpon Gildesdone tho said the traitour Godewyne to Alured take kepe aboute yowe both on the lyfte side and on the right side And of all ye shull be kyng and of such an hunderd more Nowe forsoth qd Alured I behote yowe and yf I be kyng I shall ordeyne and make such lawes wher of god and all folk shullen hem hold wel paied Nowe had the traitour
shewed many fair miracles And this was in the yere of incarnacion of our lord â—huÌ„ crist M.lxv. yere And after he was translated put in to the shrine thurgh the noble martir seint Thomas of Caunterbury ¶ How Harolde that was Godewynes sone was made kyng and how he scaped fro the duke of Britayne Ca. C.xxxi WHen seint Edward was gone oute of this world was gone to god and worthely entered as it aê‘teyned to such a lord for to be the baroÌ„s of the laÌ„d wold haue had edward Helyngus sone to Edward the Outelawe that was Edmonde Irensides sone to be kyng for as moche as he was most kyndest kynges blode of the reame But haroldus sone thurgh the erle go dewyne aud the strength of his fadre gode wyne and thurgh othir grete lordes of the royame that were of his kyn and vn to hym sibbe seised all Englâ—nd to his hande and anonâ— let croune hym kyng aft the eÌ„teremeÌ„t of seint Edward ¶ This Harolde that was gode wynes sone the secoÌ„de yere after that seint Edward was dede welde haue gone in to Flaundres but he was driue thurgh tempest in to the contre of Pountyfe and there he was take and broght to the duke william And this harold went tho that Duke william wolde haue bene a venged vpon hym for encheson that the erle Gode wyne that was haroldus fadre had let quelle alured that was seint Edwardes brother and principaly for encheson that Alured was quene Emmes sone that was Richardus moder duke of normandie that was Aiell to the duke william ¶ And nothelees whenne the duke williaÌ„ had harolde in prison and vnder his poer for as moche as this harolde was a noble knyght wyse and worthy of body and that his fadre and he were accorded with good kyng Edward therfor wolde not mysdone hym but all maner thynges that bitwene hem were spoken ordeyned harolde by his good wylle swore vpon a boke vpon holy saintes that he sholde spouse wedde duke williams doughter after the deth of seint Edward that he shold besily done his deuer for to kepe saue the royame of englond to the ê“fite a vauntage of duke williaÌ„ ¶ And when harold had thus made his othe vn to duke williaÌ„ he let hym go yaf hym many riche yiftes And he tho went thennes come in to England and anone ded in this maner when seint Edward was dede and as a man falsely forswore he let croune hym kyng of England and falsely brak the couenantz that he had made before with duke williaÌ„ Wherfor he was with hym wonder wroth and swore that he wolde vpon hym bene a venged what euer so hym be fell ¶ And anone duke williaÌ„ let assemble a grete host come in to England to a venge hym vpon harold to conquere the land yf that he myght ¶ And in the same yere that harold was cronned harolde harestrenge kyng of denmark arrined in scotlaÌ„d thouÈt to haue bene kyng of Englond he come in to englond queld robbed and destroied all that he myÈt till that he comâ— to yorke ther he quelled meny men of Armes a thousand and an C. prestes When this tydynge come to the kyng he assembled a strong poer went for to fight with harold of Denmark and with his owne honde hym queld the danois were discomfited tho that left alyue with moche sorwe fley to hir shippes And thus kyng harold of Englond queld kyng harold of denmark ¶ How william bastard duke of Normandie come in to EngloÌ„d and quelled kyng harold Ca. C. xxxâ—j ANd when this bataill was done harold bicome so proud wold no thyng part with his peple of thyng that he had goten but held it all to ward hym self wherfor the most ê‘tie of his peple were wroth and from hym deê‘ted so that only with hym left no mo but his saudiourâ— And vâ—on a day as he sate at mete a messagier come to hym and said that william bastard duke of Normandie was arrined in Englond with a grete host and had taken all the lande aboute hastynge and also myned the castell Whenne the kyng had herd this tydynge he went thidder with a litell peple with all the hast that he myght for a litell peple was with hym left ¶ And when he was come thidder he ordeyned for to ye ve bataill to the duke william But the duke axâ—d hym of these iij. thynges yf that he wolde haue his doughter to wyfe as he had made and swore his othe behight or that he wolde hold the laÌ„d of hym in truage or that he wolde detmynÌ„ this thyng thurgh bataill◠¶ This harold was a proude man and a stoute and trusted wonder moche vpon his strength and faught with the duke and with his peple but harold and his men in this bataille were discomfited and hym self was ther slayne and this bataille was ended at Tonbrigge in the secoÌ„de yere of his regne vpon seint kalixtes day and he lith at waltham ¶ Of kyng william bastard and how he gouened hym well wysely and of the werre bitweue hym and the kyng of fâ—aunce Capitulo C.xxxiij WHen william bastard duke of Normandie hod conquered all the land vpon Cristesmasse day tho next Sueng he let â—roune hym kyng at westmynster was a worthy kyng and yaf to Englisshmen largely londes and to his knyghtes ¶ And afterward he went ouer the see and come in to Normandie ther duelled a whyl and in the seconde yere of his regne he come ayene in to Englond and broght with hym Mouâ—e his wyfe and let cronÌ„e hir quene of England on withsonday ¶ And tho anone after the kyng of Scotland that was called Mancolyn began to striue and werre with the duke william And he ordeyned hym tho to ward Scotland with his men bothe by land and by see for to destroie the kyng Mancolyn but they were accorded And the kyng of Scotland become his man and helde all his land of him And kyng william ressâ—yued of hym his homage and come ayene in to Englond And whan kyng william had be kyng xvij yere â—aude the Quene died on whom kyng william had begoten many fair children that is for to seyne Robert curthose williaÌ„â—e Rous Richard also that deide Henry beauclerc and Maude also yâ— was the erles wife of Bleynes othir iiij doughtres after his wifes deth grete debate began bitwene hym the kyng of fâ—aunce Phâ—lip but at the last they were accorded And tho duelled the kyng of Englond in Normandie and no man hym werred and he no maÌ„longe tyme And the kyng of frauÌ„ce said vpon a day in scorne of kyng william that kyng william had longe tym leyne in child bed and longe tyme had rested hym ¶ And this worde come to the kyng of englond ther that he lay in normandie at Roen and for this word was tho ille paid and ekâ—
kynges chaunceler of Englond ¶ The seconde yere that he was crouned he let 〈◊〉 adoune all the newe Castelles that were longyug to the crâ—â—ne the whiche kyng Stephen had yeue vn to diuerse men and hem had made Erles and baronâ— for to holde with hym 〈◊〉 to helpe hym ayenst Henry the Emê‘esse sone ¶ And the iiij yere of his regne he put vnder his owne lordshipp the kyng of wales And in the same yere when the kyng of Scotland had in his owne honde that is to seyn the Cite of karlille the Castell of Banburgh the newe Castell vpon Tyne and the Erldome of laucastre ¶ The same yere the kyng with a grete powrr went in to walyâ— let cast a doune woles and make weyes and made stronge the Castell of Rutland basyng werke and amoÌ„ge the Castells he made an hous of the temple ¶ And in the same yere was Richard his sone borne that afterward was erle of Oxenford and the fourthe yere of his regne he made Gaufride erle of Britaigne and in that yere he chaunged his money and the vj. yere of his regne he lad an huge hoste vn to Tolouse and conquere by it And the vij yere of his regne deide Thebault the Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury And tho all the Cite of caunterbury all most thurgh meschief was breÌ„d The ix yere of his regne Thomas Beket his Chaunceler was chosen to bene Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury ¶ And vpon seint bar nardis day he was sacred and in that yere was borne Alienore the kyuges doughter ¶ And the x. yere of his regne seint Edward the kyng was translated with mochel honour And the xj yere of his regne he helde his parlement of Northampton And from thens fled seint Thomas Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury for the grete debate that was bitwene the kyng and hym for yf he had bene founden in the morne he had be slayye and therfor he fledde thens with iij. felawes on fote only that no man wist wher he was and wente ouer the see to the pope of Rome And this was the principall encheson for as moch as the kyng wolde haue put clerkes to dethe that were atteint of felonie withoute any priuelege of holy church And the xij yere of his regne was Iohan his sone borne And the xiâ—j yere of his regne deide Maude the Emê‘esse that was his modâ—◠¶ And in that same yere was Iohan his doughter borne ¶ The xiiij yere of his regne the duke henry of Saxone spoused Maude his doughter And he begate on hir iij. sones Henry Othus and william And in the xv yere of his regne deide the good Erle Robert of Gloucestre that founded the Abbey of nonnes of Eton ¶ And in the same yere Marike kyng of Iherusalem conquered Babiloigne The xvj yere of his regne he let croune his sone Henry at westmynstre and hym crouned Rogier Erchebisshopp of yorke in harmyng of Thomas Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury wherfore the same Rogier was acursed of the Pope ¶ Of kyng Henry that was sone of kyng Henry the Emê‘esse sonâ— and of the debate that was bitwene hym and his fadâ—â— while that he was in normandie Capitulo Centesimo xlij AFter the coronacion of kyng Henry the sone of kyng henry the Emê‘esse sone ¶ Tat same Henry the Emê‘esse sonÌ„ went ouer in to Normandie and ther he let marâ—e Elienore the doughter of the Dolfyne that was kyng of Almaigne And in the vij yere that the Erchebisshopp seint Thomas had bene outelawed the kyng of frannce made the kyng and seint thomas accorded And tho come Thomas the Erchebisshopp to Canterbury ayene to his owne chyrche And this accord was made in the begynnyng of aduent And afterward he was quelled and martred the vâ—day of Cristemasse that tho next come ¶ For kyng Henry thought vpon seint Thomas Erchebisshope vpon Cristemasse day as he sate at mete and thees wordes said That yf he had any good knyght with hym he had be many day passed avenged vpon the Erchebisshopp Thomas ¶ And anone Sir william breton ¶ Sir hugh morvile Sir william Tracy And Sir Reignold fitz vese beres sone in Englissh priuely went vn to the see and comen in to Englond to the chyrch of Canterbury and hym ther they martred at seint Benettes Autre in the modre chyrche And that was in the yere of Incarnacion of Ihesu crist M.C.lxxij yere ¶ And anone after Henry the newe kyng began for to make were vpon Henry his fadre and eke vpon his brethren also ¶ And so vpon a day the kyng of fraunce and aâ—l the kynges sones and the kyng of Scotland and the grettest lordes of englond were arisen ayens the kyng Henry the fadre and at the last as god wolde he conquered all his enemies ¶ And the kyng of fraunce and he were accorded And tho sent kyng Henry the fadre specialy vn to the kyng of Fraunce and praied hym hertely for his loue that he wolde send to hym by letter the names of hem that begonnen the werre vpon hym ¶ And the kyng of fraunce sent ayene to hym by a letter the names of hem that bygonnen the werre ¶ The fyrst was Iohan his sone and Richard his brother and Henry his sone the newe kyng Tho was Henry the kyng wonder wrothe and cursed the tyme that euer he hem bigate ¶ And whyle the werre dured Henry his sone the newe kyng died sore repentyng his mysdede and most sorwe made of onymaÌ„ for cause of seint Thomas deth of Caunterbury ¶ And praied his fadre with moche sorwe of hert mercy for his trespas and his fadre for yaf it hym And had of hym grete pite and after he died the xxxvj yere of his regne and lieth at Redyng ¶ How the cristen lost the holy land in the forsaid kynges tyme thurgh a fals cristen man that become a sarazene Ca. C.xliij ANd while that kyng henry the Emê‘esse sone lyued regned the grete bataille was in the holy land bitwene the cristen men the sarazenes but the cristeÌ„ men were ther quelled thurgh grete treson of the erle Tirpe that wolde haue had to wife the qâ—ene of â—hrlmÌ„ that some tyme was Baldewynes wife but she forsoke hym toke to hir lord a knyght a worthy man that waz called sir Gny ê‘ches wherfor the erle Tirpe was wroth wente anone right to Soladyne that was soudan of Babiloigne become sarazene his man forsoke his cristendome all cristen lawe and the cristen men wist not of this dedes bâ—t went for to haue had grete helpe of hym as they were woned to haue before And when they comen to the bataille this fals cristen man turned vn to the sarazenes forsoke his owne nacions so were the cristen men ther quelled with the sarazenes thus were the cristen men slayne put to horrible deth the cite of â—hâ—lmÌ„ destroied and the holy crosse borne away The kyng of fraunce
all the grete lordes of the land let hem crosse for to go in to the holy land And amonges hem wente Richard kyng henries sone first after the kyng of fraunce that toke the crosse to the Erchebisshopp of tours but he toke nat the viage at that tyme for encheson that he was let by othir maner weyes and nedes to be done ¶ And whan kyng henry his fadre had regned xxxv yere v. monthes iiij daies he died lieth at foundenerard ¶ Of kyng Richard that conquerd all the holy lande that cristen men had 〈◊〉 Ca. C.xliiij ANd after this kyng henry regned Richard his sone a stronge man a worthy and also bolde and he was crouned at westmynster of the Erchebisshopp Baldewyne of CauÌ„terbury the iij. day of Septembre the ij yere of his regne kyng Richard hym selfe and Baldewyne the Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury and Hubert bisshopp of Salisbury and Raudulphe Erle of Gloucestre and othir many lordes of englond went in to the hooly land and in that viage deide the Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury ¶ And kyng Richard went before in to the holy land and rest not till that he come forth in his way vn to Cipres and toke Cipres with grete force and sithen kyng Richard wente forth toward the holy land and gete there as moche as the Cristen men hadden lost before conquered the land ayene thurgh grete myght sauf only the holy crosse ¶ And when kyng Rihard come to the toune of Acres for to gete the cite Agrete debate a rose bitwene hym the kyng of fraunce so that kyng of frauÌ„ce went ayene in to fraunce was wroth toward the kyng Richard but er kyng Richard went ayene he toke the cite of Acres ¶ And whenne he had taken it he duelled in the cite a whyl but to hym come tydynge that the erle â—ohan of OxuÌ„ford his brother wolde haue seised all Englond in to his hand And Normandie also and wold croune hym kyng of the land ¶ And whenne kyng Richard herde this tydynge he went a yeâ—e toward Englond with all the spede that he myÈt but the duke of Ostriche met with hym and toke hym and brought hym to the Emê‘oâ—r of Almaigne And the Emê‘our brought hym in to his prison And afterward he was deliuered for an huge raunsone that is for to say an hounderd thousand pounde And for whiche raunsone to be paied eche othir chalice of Englond was molte made in to money all the moÌ„kes of the ordre of cisteanx yeuen all hir â—okes thurgh englond to donÌ„ heÌ„ to selle the rauÌ„sone for to pay ¶ How kyng Richard come ayene from the holy land avenged hym of his enemies Ca. C.xlvj WHiles this kyng Richard was in prison the kyng of frauÌ„ce werred vpon hym strongely in Normandie and Iohan his brother werred vâ—on hym in Englond but the bishoppes barons of Englond withstode hym with all the power that they myght gete geten the castell of wyndesore all othir castelles ¶ And the forsaid Iohan saw that he had no myght ne poer ayens the barons of Englond for to fight but anone went hym ouer see vn to the kyng of fraunce And when kyng Richard comÌ„ out of prison and was deliuered and come in to Englond Anone after CaÌ„delmasse in grete hast he went vn to Notyngham and the castell of Notyngham to hym was yolden And tho discomfited he Iohan his brother and that with hym helde And after he went vn to the Cite of wynchestre and ther he let hym croune kyng of Englond and after he went in to Normandie for to werre vpon the kyng of fraunce ¶ And the kyng of fraunce come with vj. C. knyghtâ—s toward Gisors and the kyng Richard met hym and tho wolde haue yeue hym bataille but the kyng of fraunce fledde and an hundred knyghtes of his were take and ij hundred stedes were trapped with yren And anonÌ„ after went kyng Richard for to besege the Castell of Gaillard And as he rode vpon a day by the Castell to take auisement of the Castell an arbalastier smote hym with a quarell that was enuenyned the kyng drofe oute the shafte of the quarell but the quarellys hede aboode still in his hede it began for to rancle that â—e myght not helpe hym selfe ne meue his arme◠¶ And tho he wist that he had dethes wounde that he myÈt not be hole for no maner thyng he commaunded anone sharpely all his men fo to assaill the Castell So that the castell was taken oâ— that he died so manlich his men diden that all the peple that were in the castell were all takâ—n the kyng did with heÌ„ what he wold coÌ„maunded his men that they shold bringe before him the maÌ„ that him so hurt so wouÌ„ded And when he come before the kyng yâ— kyng axed what was his name And he said my name is Bartram gurdone wherfor said the kyng hast thou me slayne sith that I did the neuer none harme ¶ Sir said he though ye did me neuer none harme ye your selfe with your honde quelled my fodre my brother And therfor I haue qnytte nowe your trauaill ¶ Tho said kyng Richard he that died vpon the crosse to bringe maÌ„nes soule from pyne of helle foryeue the my deth I also foryeue it the ¶ Tho coÌ„mauÌ„ded the kyng that no man shold hym mysdo But for all the kynges defending some of his men him folowed preuely hym quelled the vj. day afâ— the kyng did shriuen him sore repeutauÌ„ce hauyng of his mysdedes was houseled annoynted this kyng ne regned but ix rere xxxix wekes deide lieth besides his fadre at founteâ—erard ¶ Of kyng Iohan that in the first yere of his regne loste alle Normandie Ca. C.lxvj WHen kyng Richard was dede for eâ—chesan that he had none heire nothir sone ne doughter his brother â—ohan was made kyng crouned at westmynstre of Huberd that was tho Erchebisshopp of Caunterbury ¶ And whan he began to regne he become so meruaillous man went ouer in to NormaÌ„die werred vpon the kyng of fraunce so longe they werred to gedre till at the last kyng Iohan lost Normandie and Angeon wherfor â—e was sore annoied it was no meruaille ¶ Tho let he assemble be fore him at london erchebisshoppes bisshoppes abbotes â—ours erles barons helde there a grete â—lemeÌ„t axed ther of the clergie the tenthe of euery church of englond for to conâ—uere gete ayene normaÌ„die Augeon that he had lost And thy wold not graunte yâ— thyng wherfor he was wonder wrothe And in the same tyme died bisshopp Hubert the â—our the couâ—t of Canterbury chosen ayens the kyngs wyll to to bene erchebisshop mastir stephaÌ„ of langeton a good clere that woned at the court of rome send to the pope hir Election the pope coÌ„fermed it sacred him at viterbe when yâ—
worthy knyght and a bolde of body and the englisshmen pursued euer sore in euery side and queld the stede that sir Symond Frisell rode vpon aud they toke him and lad him vn to the hoste ¶ And sir Symond began for to flatâ—r speke faire and said lordes I shall yeue yow iijj M. marc of siluer and myn horse myne harneis all myue armure and become a begger ¶ Tho ansuerd Theobaude of Peuenes that was the kynges archier Nowe god me so helpe it is for nought that thou spekest for all th◠〈◊〉 in englond I wolde the nat let gone withoute commaundement of kyng Edward ¶ And tho was he lad to kyng Edward and the kyng wold not see hym but commaunded to â—ede hym a way to haue his dome at london and on our ladies euen natiuitâ— he was honged and drawen and his heed smyten of and honged ayene with cheynes of yren vpon the galewes And his hede was sette vpon london hâ—ugge vpon a spere and ayenst Cristemasse the body was brend for encheson that the men that kâ—â—te the body by nyght they sawe so many deueles raumpand with grete Iren crokes rennyng vpon the Gale wes and horribeâ—â—ch turmented the body and many that hem saw anone after they died for drâ—de and some woxen madde or sore sikenesse they had And in that bataille was take the bisshopp of Baston the bisshopp of seint Andrâ—wâ—s and the Abbot of scone all armed with yren as men of armes as fals traitours and fals prelatz ayens hir othe they were brouÈt to the kyng and the kyng sent hem to the Pope of Rome that he shold done with hem what his wyll were ¶ How â—ohan erle of atheles wat take put to the deth Capitulâ— Centesimo lxxxij ANd at that bataille fled Sir Iohan Erle of Atheles went in to a chyrche ther hyd hym for drede but he myÈt haue there no refute for encheson that the chyrch was endited thurgh a generall sentence in the same chyrche he was take ¶ And this sir Iohan went well haue had scaped from the deth for encheson that he claymed kynered of kyng Edward And the kyng nold no lenger be taried of his traitours but sent hym to london in hast there he was honged his hede smyâ—en of his body brent all to assâ—his But at the praier of the Quene Margarete for encheson that he claymed of kyng Edward kynred his drawyng was foryeue hym ¶ How Iohan that was william walleys brother was put to the deth Ca. C.lxxxiij WHen the grettest mastirs of Scotland were thus done to euel deth shended for hir falsenesse Iohan that was wiliam walleis brother was take and done to deth as Sir Iohan erle of atheles was ¶ How Robert the brus fled from scotland to Norwey Capitulo Centesimo lxxxiiij ANd at that same tyme was Robert the brus moche hated amonge the peple of ScotlaÌ„d So he wyst not what was for to done for to hide hym he went in to Norwey to the kyng that had spoused his suster ther helde hym socour for to haue ¶ And Robert the brus myght not befounde in ScotlaÌ„d kyng Edward tho let crie his pese thurgh oute all the land his lawes were vsed and his ministres serued thurgh oute all the land ¶ How kyng Edward died Ca. C.lxxxv WHen kyng Edward had abated his enemies he turned a yene southward a maladie toke hym at burgh vp sand in the marche of ScotlaÌ„d he wyst well that his deth waz full nygh called to him sir henry the lacy erle of Nichol sir Guyerle of warrewyke sir Aymer vaâ—ence erle of penbroke and sir Robert of Clifford baronn praied hem vpon the faith that they hym owed that they shold make Edward of Carnariuan kyng of Englond his sone as rathe as they myÈt and that they shold nat suffre piers of Ganeston come ayene in to englond for to make his sone to vse riotte and they graunted him with good wyll And the kyng toke the sacrament of holy church as a good cristen maÌ„ shold deide in verray repeÌ„taunce when he had be kyng xxxv yere he deid and was buried at westmestre with mochel solempnite vpon whos soule god haue mercy Amen ¶ Of Merlyns ê“phecies that were declared of kyng edward that was kyng â—enries sone Ca â–ª C.lxxxvj ANd of this kyng Edward ê“phecied Merlyn called him a dragon the second kyng of the vi last kynges that shold be for to regne in englond and said that he shold be medled with mercy also with strength sternesse that shold kepe engloÌ„d fro colde hete that he shold open his mouth toward walis that he sholde set his o foot in wyke that he shold closen with walles yâ— shold do moch harme to his seed And he said soth for the good kyng Edward was medled with mercy with fersenesse with mercy a yens his enemies of walys and after of Scotland with fersenesse whan he put hem to deth for hir falsenesse traitrie as they had deserued it ¶ And well kept he englond from colde hete sith he kepte it from all maner enemies that ronne vpon hym to done hym any wronge ¶ And well he opened his mouth toward walys made it quake thurgh the hidour of his mouth when he coÌ„querd it thurgh dynt of swerd for the prince â—ewelyne and Dauid his brother Riâ— and morgan were put vn to the deth for hir falsenesse and hir foly ¶ And he sette his o foot in to wyke and conquered Berewyke at the which conquest were slayne xxv thousand and vii houndred outetake hem that were brend in the reed halle ¶ And the walles that he let make shall be noyous vn to his â—eed as men shull here after see in the lyfe of Sir Edward of Carnariuan his sone ¶ And yit Merlyn saide that he shold make riuers renne in blode with brayne and that semed well in his werres ther that he had the mastrie ¶ And yit Merlyn said that ther shold come a peple oute of the north west during the regne of the forsaid dragon that shuld be lad by an ylle grehounde that shold the dragon Croune kyng that afterward shold flee ouer the see for drede of the dragâ—n withoute comyng ayene and that was proued by Sir Iohan bailloll that kyng Edward made for to bene kyng of scotland that falsely arose ayens hym and after he fledde vn to his owne landes of fraunce neuer come ayene in to scotlaâ—d for drede of kyng Edward ¶ And yit said Merlyn that peple that shold bede the forsaid Grehond shold be faderles vn till a certeyne tyme he said soth for the peple of scotlaÌ„d gretely were disesed sith that sir Iohan bailloll hir kyng fled from scotland ¶ And yit said Merlyn that the sonÌ„e shold become in his tyme as reede as any blode in tokenyng of gret mortalite of peple
of men of london also of helpe of southerne men the kyng gate the Castell mangre heÌ„ all that were therin toke with hym all that he myght finde And whan the barons of englond herd of this thyng sir Rogier Mortimer and othir many lordes toke the toune of Brugge worth with strength wherfor the kyng was wonder wroth let outelawe Thomas of lancastre vmfrey de Bohoune erle of hertford all tho that were assentant to the same quarell And the kyng assembled an huge host come ayenst the lordes of englond wherfor the mortimerz put hem to the kynges mercy his grace anone they were sent to the tour of london ther kept in prison And when the barons herd of this thyng they comen to Pounfret ther that erle Thomas soiourned told hym how that Mortimers both had yelde hem to the kyng and put hem in his grace ¶ Of the siege of Tykhille Ca. C. lxxxxvj WHen Thomas erle of lancastre herde this they were woÌ„der wroth all that were of his companie gretly they were discoÌ„fited ordeyned hir power to gedre beseged the Castell of Tykhill but tho that were withynne so manlich defended hem that the barons myght not gete the Castell when the kyng herd that his Castell was beseged he swore by god by his names that the siege sholde be remeued and assembled a huge power of peple and went thidderward to â—eskewe the Castell and his poer encresed from day to day ¶ Whenne the Erle of lancastre and the Erle of Herford and the barons of hir companie herd of this thyng they assembled all hir power and went hem to Burton vp Trent and kepte the brigge that the kyng shold nat passe ouer But it befell so on the x. day of March In the yere of grace M.ccc and xxj The kyng and the spencer Sir Aymer â—alaunce Erle of Penbroke and Iohan Erle of Arundell and hir power went onâ—â— the water and discomfited the Erle Thomas and his companye and they fledde to the Castell of Tutbery and fro thennes they went to Pounfret And in that viage died Sir Rogier DaÌ„morie in the Abbey of Tutbery And in that same tyme the Erle Thomas had a traitour with hym that was called Robert of Holand a knyght that the Erle had brought vp of nought and had norrisshed hym in his botelerie had yeuen hym a thousand marâ— of land by yere and so moche the Erle loued hym that he myght done in the Erles court all thyng that hym lyked bothe amonge hie and lowe and so queyntelich the thefe bare hym ayens his lord that he trusted more vpon hym than vpon any man a lyve And the Erle had ordeyned by his lettres for to wende in to the Erledome of lancastre for to make men arise to helpe hym in that viage that is to seyne v. C. men of Armes But the fals traitour come not ther no maner men for to warne ne to make arise for to helpe his lorde And when the traitour herde telle that his lorde was discomfited at Burtone as a fals thefe traitour he stale a way and robbed in Rauenesdale his lordes men that come fro the scomfiture and toke of hem hors and harneis and all that they had and queld of hem all that he myght take and tho come and yelde hym vn to the kyng When the good Erle Thomas wyst that he was so betraied he was sore abasshed and said to hym selfe O almyghty god quod he how myght Robert holand fynde in his hert me to betraie sithenes that I haue loued hym so moch O god wele may nowe a man see by hym that no man may desceyue an othir rather than he that he trust most vpon he hath full euel yeld my goodnesse and the wurshipp that I to hym haue done and thurgh my kendenesse haue hym a vaunced and made hie from lowe and â—e maketh me go from high vn to lowe but yit shall he die in euill deth Of the scomfiture of Burbrugge Ca. C. lxxxxvij THe good Erle Thomas of lancastre Humfrey de BohonnÌ„ Erle of herford and the barons that with hem were token counceill bitwene hem at frere prechours at pounfrete Tho thought Thomas vpon the traitrie of Robert Holand and said in reproue Allas holand had me hetraied Ay is in the reed of some euell shrede and by coÌ„mune assent they shold all wende to the castell of Dunstanburgh the which ê‘teyned to the Erledome of lancastre and that they shold abide there till that the kyng had foryeue hem hir male talent ¶ But when the good Erle Thomas this herde he ansuâ—rd in this maner and said lordes qd he yf we go toward the north the northren men wyll seyne that we go toward the scottes so we shull be hold traitours for cause of distaunce that is bitwene kyng Edward and Robert the Brus that made hym kyng of scotland and therfor I sey as touchyng my selfe that I wull goo no ferâ—her in to the north than to myne owne Castell of Pounfrete ¶ And whan sir Rogier Clifford herde this he aroos vp anone in wrath and drowe his swerd and swore by almyghty god and by his holy names but if that he wolde gone with hem he sholde â—e dede and that he wold slee hym there ¶ The noble and gentill Erle Thomas of lancastre was sore adrad and said fair sires I wyll gone with yowe whidder so euer ye me lede ¶ Tho went thâ—y to gedreâ—â— in to the north and with hem they had vij C. men of armes and come to Burbrugge ¶ And whan Sir Andrewe of herkela that was in the northcontre thurgh ordinaunce of the kyng for to kepe the contre of scotland herde telle how that Thomas of lancastre was discomfited and his companie at Burton vpon Trent he ordeyned hym a stronge power and sir Symond ward also that was tho shereue of yorke and come and mette the barons at burbrugge and anone they breke the brugge that was made of tree â— And whan Sir Thomas of Lancastre â—erde that Sir Anâ—â—ewe of herkela had brought with hym suche power he was sore adâ—ad and sent for sir Andrâ—we of Herkela and with hym spake and said to hym in this maner Sir Andrewe quod â—e ye mowe well vnderstonde how that onr lorde the kyng ys lad and mysgouerned by moche fals counceille thurâ—â—h Sir Hugh the Sâ—â—ncer the fadre and Sir hugh his sone and Sir Iohan Erle of Arundell and thurgh Mastir Robert 〈◊〉 a fals â—iled clerke that now is in the kynges court duellyng wherfor I pray yowe that ye wolde come with vs with all the power that ye haue ordeyned and helpe to destroie the venym of Englond and the traitours that ben therynne and we wull yeue vn to yow the best part of v. Erldomes that we haue holde and we wull make vn to yowâ— an othe that we wull neueâ— done thyng withoute your counceill so
had made therin many a fair fest both to riche eke to poure And these were his â—ustices Sir hugh 〈◊〉 the fadrâ— Aymer of valaunce Erle of Penbroke Sir Edmond of wodestoke Erle of kent Sir Iohan of Britaigne Erle of Richemond and Sir Robert of Malemethorppe Iustice and Sir Robert hym acoulped in this maner Thomas at the firste our lord the kyng and this court excludeth yowe of all maner ansuere Thomas our lord the kyng put vpon yowe that ye haue in his lande riden with baner displaied ayene his pees as a traitour And with that worde the gentill erle Thomas with an high vois said nay lordes forsoth and by seint Thomas I was neuer traitour ¶ The Iustice said ayene tho ¶ Thomas our lord the kyng put vpon yowe that ye haue robbed his folk and mordred his peple as a thefe ¶ Thomas the kyng also put vpon yowe that he discomfited yowe and your peple with his folk in his owne reame wherfor ye went and fled to the wode as an outelawe And also ye were taken as an outelawe ¶ And Thomas as a traitour ye shull he honged by reson but the kyng hath foryeue yowe that Iewes for loue of quene Isabell And Thomas reson wolde also that ye sholde be honged but the kyng hath foryeue yowe that Iewes for cause and loue of your lynage But Thomas For as moche as ye were take fleyng and as an outelawe the kyng wyll that your hede shall be smyten of as ye haue well deserued Anone doth hym oute of prece and anone bryng hym to his Iugement ¶ The gentill knyght Thomas he had herde all these wordes with an high vois he cried sore wepyng And said Allas Seint Thomas â—aire fadre Allas shall I be deed thus ¶ Graunte me nowe blissefull god ansuere but all availled hym no thyng For the cursed Gascoynes put hym hidder and thidder and on hym cried with an high vois O kyng Arthur most dredfull well knowen is nowe thyn open traytrie an euell deth shalt thou die as thou hast well deserued ¶ Tho sette they vpon his hede in scorne an olde Chapelet all to rent and to torne that was nat worth an halpenye And after they sette hym vpon a leue white Palfrey full vn semelich and eke all bare and with an olde bridell and with an horrible noise they drove hym oute of the Castell toward his deth and cast vpon hym many balles of snowe ¶ And as the turmentours lad hym oute of the Castell tho said he this pitonse wordes and his hondes helde vpon high towardes heven Nowe the kyng of heven yeue vs mercy For the Erthely kyng hath vs forsake And a frere prechour went with hym oute of the Castell till that he come to the place that he ended his lyfe vn to whom he shrofe hym all his lyfe ¶ And the gentill Erle helde the frere wonder fast by the clothes and said faire fadre abide with vs till that I be ded for my flessh quaketh for drede of deth And soth for to say the gentill Erle sette hym vpon his knees turned hym toward the Est but a ribaude that was called Higone of Mostone set hande vpon the gentill Erle and said in despite of hym Sir traitour turne the toward the Scottes thy â—ouâ—e dede to vnderfong and turned hym toward the north ¶ The noble Erle Thomas ansuerd tho with a mylde vois said now fair lordes I shall done all your wylle and with that worde the frere went fro hym sore wepyng and anone a râ—baude wente to hym and smote of his hede the xj â—al of Auerill in the yere of grace M.CCC.xxj Allas that euer such a gentill blode shalâ— bene done to deth withoute cause and reson And traitoursly was the kyng counseiled when he thurgh the fals counceill of the spencers suffred Sir Thomas his vnclesâ— sone bene put to such a deth and so ben beheded ayenâ— all man of reson and grete pite it was also that such a noble kyng shold bene desceyued and mysgouerned thurgh couÌ„ceill of the false spencers the which he mayntened thurgh loselrie ayens his honour and eke ê“fite For afterward ther fill grete vengeaunce in englond for encheson of the forsaid Thomas deth ¶ When the gentill erle of his lyfe was passed The priour and the monkes of Pountfrete geten the body of sir Thomas of the kyng and they buried it before the high Auter on the right side ¶ 〈◊〉 same day that this gentill lord was dede ther were honged and drawe for the sameâ—quarell at Pountfrete Sir william tuchet Sir william Fitz william sir watreyne of ysille Sir Henry of Bradborne and sir william cheynie barons alle and â—ohan page squyer ¶ And sone after at yorke were drawe and hongâ—d Sir Rogier Clifford Sir Iohan of Mombâ—â—y barons And Sir Gosselm dauill knyght ¶ And at Bristowe were drawe and honged Sir henry of wymyngton and sir henry MouÌ„tfort barons And at Gloucestre were drawe and honged Sir Iohan Giffard aud Sir william of Elmebrugge barons ¶ And at london were honged and drawe Sir Henry Tyes baron And at wynchelsee sir Thomas Colepepir knyght And at wyndesore Sir Fraunceis â—f waldenham baron And at Caunterbury was drawe and honged Sir Bartholomewe of Badelesmere and sir Barthâ—lomewe of asshebourneham barons And at kerdyfe in walys Sir william fleÌ„myng baron ¶ How kyng Edward went in to scotland with an hondrâ—d thousand men of armes myght not spede Ca. C. lxxxxix ANd when kyng Edward of Englond had brought the floure of Chiualrie vâ— to hir dethe thurgh couuceille of Sir hugh the spencer the fadre and Sir hugh the sone he become as wode as any lyonne And what so euer the spencers wolde haue it was done and so well the kyng loued hem that they myght done with hym all thynge that they wolde Wherfor the kyng 〈◊〉 vn to Sir hugh spencer the fadre the Erledome of wynchestre and to sir Andrewe of harkela the Erledome of Cardoilâ— in preiudice and in harmyng of his croune ¶ And â—yng Edward tho thurgh conseille of the spencers disherited all hem that had bene ayens hym in any quarell with Thomas of Lancastre many othir were disherited also for encheson that the spencers coueited for to haue hir landes so they had all that they wolde desire with wronge and ayens all reson ¶ Tho made the kyng Robert of Baldok a fals piâ—ed clerke chaunceler of England thurgh counceill of the forsaid spencers he was a fals ribaud and a coueitons so they counceilled the kyng moche that the kyng let take to his owne ward all the goodes of the lordes that wrongfully were put to the deth in to his owne hande and as well they token the goodes that were in holy chyrche as the goodes that were withoute and let hem be put in to his tresorie in london and let hem calle his forfaittz and by hir couÌ„ceill the kyng wrought for
to the deth and he shold haue his sight ayene so he dremed iij. nyghtes sewyng the prest let tho lede hym to the same hylle when he come to that place that he was martred onâ—deuoutely he made ther his praiers praid god seint Thomas that he must haue his sight ayen was in his praiers he laid his right honde vpon the same place yâ— the good man was matred on a drope of drye blode smale sand cleued on his honde ther with striked his yien anone thurgh the myÈt of god of seint Thomas of lancastre he had his sight ayen thanked tho almyghty god seint Thomas And when this miracle was knowen amonge men the peple come thidder on euery side kneled and made hir praiers at his tombe that is in the priorie of Pounfret praied that holy martir of socour of helpe god herd hir praier ¶ Also ther was a yonge child drenched in a welle in the toune of Pountfrete was dede iij. daies iij. nyghtes men comen and laid the dede child vpon seint Thomas tombe the holy martir the child arose ther from deth to lyfe as many a man it saw and also moch peple were oute of hir mynde god hath sent hem hir mynde ayene thurgh vertue of that holy martir And also god hath yeuen ther to to creples hir goyug to croked hir hondes hir feet and to blynde also hir sight to many sike folke hir hele of diuerse maladies for the loue of his good martir ¶ Also ther was a rich man in Coundom in gascoyne such a maladie he had that all his right side roted fell awey from hym that men myÈt see his lyuer also his hert so he stanke that vuneth men myÈt come nye hym wherfor his frendes were for hym wondre sory But at the last as god wolde they praied to seint Thomas of lancastre that he wollde pray to almyghty god for that prisoner behight to gone to pountfrete for to done hir pilgrymage that the martir seint Thomas come vn to hym annoynted ouer all his sike body And ther with the good man awoke was all hole his flessh was restored ayen that before was roted falle away For which miracle the good man his frendes loued god and seint Thomas euer more after And this good man come in to Englond and toke with hym iiij felawes come to Pounfreete vn to that holy martir and did hir pilgrymage but the good man that was sike come thidder all naked sauf his 〈◊〉 when they had donâ— they turned home ayene in to hir contre tolde of the miracle wher so euer they come ¶ And also ij men haue â—â—heled ther of the mormal thurgh helpe of that holy martir though that euell behold incurable ¶ When the spencers herd that god did such miracles for this hoâ—y martir they wold be leue it in no maner wyse-but said openlich that it was grete heresie such vertue of hym to beleue ¶ And when Sir hugh the spencer the sone saw alle this doynge anone he sente his missagier from Pountfrete ther that he duelled to the kyng Edward that tho was at Grauâ—â—e at Skipton for cause that the kyng shold vn do that pilgrymage ¶ And as the Ribaude the messagier wente to ward the kyng for to done his message he come by the hulle on the which the good martir waz done to dethe and in the same place he made his ordure and whan he had done he went toward the kyng And a stronge flix hym come vpon er he come to yorke and shedde all his boweles at his fundement And whan Sir hugh the spencer herde this tydyng somedâ—ell he was adâ—ad and thought for to vndone the pilgrymage yf he myght by any maner way aâ—d to the kyng wente and said that they shold be in grete sklaundre thurgh oute all cristendome for the deth of Thomas of lancastre yf that he suffred the peple done hir pilgrymage at Pountfrete and so he counceilled the kyng that he coÌ„mauÌ„ded to closse the church dores of pountfrete in the which chirch the holy martir seint Thomas was entered and thus they diden ayene all fraunchises of holy church so that iiij yere after myÈt no pilgryme come vn to that holy body ¶ And for encheson that the monkes suffred men come and honour that holy body of seint Thomas the martir thurgh counceill of Sir hugh the spencer the sone and thurgh counceill also of mastir Robert of Baldoke the false piled clerke that was the kynges chaunceler the kyng consented that they shold be sette to hir wages and let make wardeins ouer hir owne good longe tyme and thurgh commaundement of the forsaid Sir hugh the spencer xiiij Gascoynes well armed kept the hulle ther that the good maÌ„ seint Thomas was done vn to his deth so that no pilgrime myÈt come by that way ¶ Full well wente be to haue be take cristes myght his power and the grete looâ— of miracles that he shewed for his martir seint Thomas thurgh all cristendome And that same tyme the kyng made Robert of Baldok the piled clerke and fals thurgh praier of Sir hugh the spencer the sone Chauncelere of Englond And in the same tyme was the Castell of walynford holden ayens the kyng thurgh the prisoners that were withynne the castell for seint Thomas quarell of Lancastre wherfor the peple of the contre come toke the castell vp on the forsaid prisoners wherfor sir Iohan of Goldington knyght sir Edmond of the beche prisoner a squyer that was called Rogier of walton were take sent to the kyng to Punfrete and ther they were done in to prison And the forsaid Rogier was sent vn to yorke ther he was drawe honged And anone after sir Rogier mortimer of wygmore krake oute of the toure of london in this maner the forsaid sir Rogier herd that he sholde be drawe honged at london in the morne after seint laurence day and on the day before he helde a faire fest in the toure of london ther was sir Stephen segraue constable of yâ— tour many grete men with hem And wheÌ„ they shold sope the forsaid Stephen sent for alle the officers of the tour and they come and souped with hym And when they shold take hir leue of hym a squyer that was called Stephen that was fâ—ll priuee with the forsaid Rogier thurgh his connceill yafe hem all suche drinke that the beste of hem all slept ij daies and ij nyghtes in the mene tyme be scaped away by water yâ— is to say by the thamyse weÌ„t ouer the see helde hym in frauÌ„ce Wherfor the kyng was sore aÌ„noied tho put the same Stephen out of his coÌ„stablery ¶ How the quene Isabell went in to fraunce for to treten of pees bitwene hir lord the
Southfolk Sir Hugh the spencer the fadre spake to the messagier and said telle soth in good faith to the messagier my fair frende is she come with a strength Certys Sir soth for to say she ne hath in hir companie but vij houndred 〈◊〉 of armes and with that worde Sir hugh the spencer the fadre cried with an high vois and said Allas allas we bene all betraied for certys with so litell power she had neuer come to londe but folke of this londe were to hir consent ¶ And therfor after the mete they toke hir couÌ„ceill went toward walys for to arere the walshmen ayene quene Isabell and edward hir sone all for to fight so they were in purpose euerichon ¶ How mastir waltier Stapilton bisshopp of excestre that was the kynges tresorer was beheded at london Ca. CC.viij ANd in the same tyme kyng Edward was sore adrad best men of london wold yelde hem vn to the quene Isabell to hir sone edward wherfor he sent mastir walter stapiltoÌ„ his tresorer for to be wardeyne and keper of the cite of london with the maire And so he come to the Gildehall of london and axed the keies of the yates of the cite thurgh vertue strength of his coÌ„mission and wolde haue had the kepyng of the cite And the coÌ„muners ansuerd said that they wolde kepe the cite to the honour of kyng Edward and of Isabell the Quene and of the duke the kynges sone withouten any mo The bisshopp was so sore annoied swore othe that they all shold abie it anone as kyng Edward were come oute of walys ¶ And the coÌ„muners all anone of the cite token the bisshopp lad hym amyddes chepe and there they smyten of his hede and set his heed in his right hond ¶ And after they beheded ij of his squyers that helde with the bisshopp and one of hem was called williaÌ„ of walle that was the bisshoppes nepheu That othir was called Iohan of Padyngton And also they toke a burgeis of london that was called Iohan marchall that was sir hugh the spencers aspie the fadre smyten of his hede also And in that same tyme that same bisshopp had in london a faâ—r tour in makyng in his close vpon the riuer of the thamyse that was withoute templebarre and hym failled stone to make ther of an ende wherfor he coÌ„maunded his men to gone to the chyrche of frere carmes and ther they token stone to make ther with the towre and moche sand and mortier and olde robous that was left ¶ And for the despite that the bishop had done vn to holy chyrch he and his ij squyers were buried in that sand as though they had bene houndes And they ther leyen xj wekes till that the quene Isabell sent hir lrÌ„es to the coÌ„muners praied hem that they wuld suffre graunte that the bisshopp must betaken oute of that place and bene buried at excestre at his owne chyrche and so he was and his ij squyers were buried at seint clemeÌ„tz chyrch withoute teÌ„ple barre it was no woÌ„der though yâ— bisshopp died an euell deth For he was a coueitous man and had with hym no mercy euell counceilled the kyng ¶ And sone afâ— was arnold of spayne taken he that was assentaut to haue lad the v. M pounde of siluer in v. barelles ferriers vn to the douzepers of fraunce for to helpe hast the quene Isabell to hir deth Edward hir sone also And this arnold was put vn to deth withoute the Cite of london ¶ How kyng Edward sir hugh spencer and the Erle of arundell were taken Ca. CC.ix. WHen kyng Edward had sent mastir walt Stapilton his tresorer in to london for to kepe the cite vn to hym ayene yâ— quene Isabell his wife ayene Edward hir sone anone hym selfe toke with hym sir hugh spencer the sone and sir Iohan erle of arundell mastir robert baldoke his chaunceler a fals pilled prest token hir way toward bristowe And ther the kyng abode a litell terme made sir hugh the spencer the fadre as conestable keper of the castell And the kyng that othir spencer went in to the shipp sailled toward walys toke no â—eue of the stiward ne of none in the kynges housold And ouer in to walys for to arere the walshmen ayene dame Isabell the quene the duke hir sone the Erle of kent and sir Iohan of henaude and they wâ—nt pursued after hem and hir power encresed euery day So at the last the kyng was taken vpon an hylle in walys and sir hugh the spencer the sone in that othir side of the same hylle and the fals piled clerc mastir Robert baldok there fast besides hem and were brouÈt ayene in to Englond as almyghty god wold the kyng hym selfe was in sauf kepyng in the castell of kenilworth and hym kept sir henry that was seint Thomas brother of lancastre ¶ And sir hugh spencer the fadre came and put hym in the quenes grace and Sir Edward hir sone duke of gnyhenne But sir hugh the spencer aft the tyme that he was take nolde ete no maner mete nothir drinke no maner drinke for he wyst to haue no mercy sauf only to be dede And the Quene and hir counceille tho had ordeyned that he sholde haue bene do to deth at london but he was so feble for his moche fastyng that he was dede almost And therfor it was ordeyned that he sholde haue his Iugement at herford And at a place of the toure his hood was take from his heed and also from Robert of baldok that was a pilled clerk and a fals and the kynges Chauncelere and men set vpon hir hedes chapp clettz of sharpe netteles and two squyers blewe in hir ere 's with ij grete bugles hornes vpon tho ij prisoners that men myght here ther blowyng oute with hornes mo than a Myle And one Symond of Reding the kynges marchall before hem bare hir armes vpon a spere reuersed in token that they sholde be vndone for euer more ¶ And vpon the morwe was Sir hugh spencer the sone dampned to the deth and was drawe and honged â—eâ—â—ded and his boweles taken oute of his body and brend and after he was quartred and his iiij qnartiers were sent to iiij tounes of Englond and his hede sent to london brugge ¶ And this Symond for encheson that he despised Quene Isabell he was drawe and honged in a stage made amydde the forsaid sir hughes galewes ¶ And the same day a litell fro thens was sir Iohan of Aruudell beheded for he was of sir hugh spencers councelers ¶ And anone after was sir hugh spencer the fadre drawe honged and beheded at Bristowe and after honged ayene by the armes with ij stronge ropes and the iiij day after he was hewen all to peces and houndes eten hym and for that encheson that the kyng had yeuen hym the
had folden afore to gedre and red it openly word by word in heryng of hem all And when the letter was red he said lo sires ye haue herde all what is here writen and that he hath knowelecheth that this is his letter and his seal and may not go ther from ¶ And than they all cried and yafe dome that he shold be honged and drawe and his heed smyt of in maner of a traitour and he and his heires disherited for euermore And so he was lad forth and put in to prison ¶ And when this was done and the quene wyst that he was dampned by wey of lawe both of lyfe and lymme and his heires disherited for euermore thurgh open knowelechyng in pleine court ¶ Wherfor hem thought that were good that the forsaid sir Edmond were hastely y quelled withoute wityng of the kyng or elles the kyng lightely wolde for yeue hym his dethe and than that shold turne hem to moche sorwe so as he was empeched ¶ And anone the Quene thurgh couÌ„ceill of the Mortimer and withoute any othir counceill sent in hast to the Baillifs of wynchestre that they shold smyte of sir Edmondes hede of wodestoke Erle of kent withoute any maner abydyng or respite vp payne of lyfe and lymme and that he shold haue none othir execucion be cause of tarieng nat withstandyng the IugemeÌ„t Tho token the baillifs sir Edmond oute of prison and lad hym best des the Castell of wynchestre and there they made a gongfermer smyte of his hede for none othir man durst it done so died he ther Allas the tyme that is to seyne the x. day of October the iij. yere of kyng edwardes regne when the kyng wyst ther of he was wonâ— â—ory let entier hym at the frere menors at wynchestre ¶ Of the deth of sir Rogier mortimer erle of the marche Capitulo ducentesimo xxij ANd so it be fell at that tyme that sir Rogier mortimer Erle of the marche was so proude so hauteyne that he helde no lord of the reame his pere tho become he so couetous that be folowed Dame Isabell the Quenes court that was kyng Edwardes moder besette his peny worthes with the officers of yâ— quenes houshold in the same maner that the kynges officers did so he made his takyng as touching vitailles also of cariages â—lle he did for cause of spences for to gadre tresour so he did withoute nombre in all that he myght Tho made he him wondre priue with the quene Isabâ—ll so moch lordship reteune had so that all the grete lordes of englond of him were adrad wherfor the kyng his couÌ„ceill towardes hym were agreued ordeyned amonge hem to vndo hym thurgh pure reson lawe for cause that kyng Edward that was the kynges fadre traitouresly thurgh hym was mordred in the castell of Berkelee as before is said more plenarly in the CC.xvij chapitre of this boke ¶ And some that were of the kynges counceill loued the mortimer tolde hym in â—uete how that the kyng and his counceill were aboute from day to day him for to shend and vndone wherfor the mortimer was sore aÌ„noied angry as the deuell ayens hem that were of the kynges counceill said that he wold on hem bene auenged how so euer he toke on ¶ Hit was not longe afterward that kyng Edward Dame Phelipp his wife Dame Isabell the kynges modre sir Rogier the mortimer ne went vn to No tyngham ther for to soiourne so it befell that the Quene Isabell thurgh counceill of the Mortimer toke to hir the keyes of the yates of the Castell of Notyngham so that no man myght come nethir in ne oute by nyght but thurgh commaundement of the Mortimer ne the kyng ne none of his counceill ¶ And that tyme it fell so that the Mortimer as a deuell for wrath bolled and also for wrath that â—e had ayens the kynges men edward principally ayens â—em that had hym accused to the kyng of the deth of Sir Edward his fadre And preuely a counceill was take bitwene Quene Isabell the Mortimer and the bisshopp of Lincolne sir Symond of Bereford and sir hugh of Trumpyngton othir priue of hir counceill for to vndone hem all that had accused the Mortimer vn to the kyng of his fadres dethe of treson and of felonie Wherfor alle tho that were of the kynges counceill whan they wist of the Mortimers casting preuely come to kyng Edward seide that the Mortimer wold hem destroie for cause that they had accused hym of kyng Edwardes deth his fadre praied hym that he wold maynten hem in hir right ¶ And these were the lordes to pursue this quarell Sir william mountagu Sir humfrey de â—oghun Sir william his brother Sir Rauf of stafford Sir Robert of herfford Sir william of Clynton Sir Iohan Neuille of horneby and many othir of hir consent and all these sworne vpon the boke to maynten the quarell in as moche as they myght ¶ And it befell so after that sir william mountagu ne none of the kynges frendes must not bene herburghed in the Castell for the Mortimer but went and toke hir herbuâ—ghe in diuerse places in the toune of Notyngham ¶ And tho were they sore adrad left that the mortimer shold hem destroie And in hast ther come vn to kyng Edward Sir william mountagu ther that he was in 〈◊〉 Castell and preuely told him that he ne none of his companie shold not take the Mortimer withoute couÌ„ceill helpe of willam of eland Constable of the same Castell Now certes qd the kyng â— loue yow well and therfor I counceill yow that ye goo to the forsaid Constable commaunde hym in my name that he be your frend your helpe for to take the Mortimer all thing y left vpon ê‘ill of lyfe and lymme ¶ Tho said Mountagu Sir my lord graunte mercy ¶ Tho went forth the forsaid Mountagu come to the Conestable of the Castell and tolde hym the kynges wylle And he ansuerd said that the kynges wyll shold â—e done in as moch as he myght that he wolde not spare for no mauer dethe and so he swore made his oth◠¶ Tho said Sir william Mountagu to the Conestable in â—eryng of all hem that were helpyng vn to the quarell ¶ Now certes dere frende vs behoueth for to wurch do by your queyntise for to take the Mortimer sith that ye be keper of the Castell and haue the keyes in your ward sir qd the Conestable wull ye vnderstoÌ„d that the gates of the Castell hen lokked with the lokkes that Dame Isabell send hidder and be nyght she hath the keyes ther of leith him vnder the leuesell of the bedde vn to the morwe and so ye may nat come in to the Castell by the yates in no maner wyse But I knowe an Aley that streccheth
oute of the warde vnder the erthe in to the forsaid Castell that goth in to the weste whiche Aley Dame Isabell the Quenâ— ne none of hir men ne the Mortimer ne none of his companine knoweth it not And so I shall lede yowe thurgh that Aley and so ye shull come in to the Castell withoute aspies of any man that ben your enemies ¶ And the same nyght sir william Mountagu and all the lordes of his quarell and the same Conestable also went hem to hors and maden sembland as it were for to wende oute of the Mortimers sight ¶ But anâ—ne as the mortimer herde this tydyng he weÌ„t that they wold haue gone ouer the see for drede of hym and anone he and his companie token counceill amonges hem for to let hir passage sent lrÌ„ez anone to the portes so that none of the grete lordes sholde wende home to hir owne contre but yf they were arested and take ¶ And among othir thynges william Eland Conestable of the forsaid Castell priuely lad Sir william Mountagu and his coÌ„panie by the forsaid wey vnder erthe so till they comen in to the Castell and went vp in to the toure there that the mortimer was in ¶ But sir hugh of Trumpyngton hem ascried hidously and said A traitours it is all for nought that ye ben comen in to this Castell Ye shull die yit an euell dethe euerychone And anone one of hem that was in Mountagu is companie vp with a mace smote the same hugh vpon the hede that the brayne brest oute and fell on the grounde and so was he dede an euell deth ¶ Tho toke they the Mortimer as he armed hym at the toures dore when he herde the noyse of hym for drede And when the Quene Isabell saw that the Mortimer was take she made moche sorwe in hert and the wordes vn to hem said ¶ Nowe faire sires I pray yowe that ye done none harme to his body a worthy knyght our welbeloued frende and our dere cosin Tho went they thennes and comen and brought the Mortimer and presented hym vn to the kyng Edward and he commaunded to bring hym in sauf ward But anone as they that were consent vn to the Mortimers doyng herd telle that he was take they went and hid hem and priuely by nyght went oute of the toune eche in his side with heuy hert and mornyng and lyued vp on hir landes as well as they myght ¶ And so that same yere that the Mortimer was take he had at his retenue ix score knyghtes withoute squyers and seriauntes of armes and footmen And tho was the Mortimer lad to london And Sir Symond of Bereford was lad with hym and was take to the Conestable of the toure to kepe ¶ But afterward was the mortimers lyf examined at westmynster bâ—fore the kyng before all the grete lordes of englond for ê‘ill that myght fall to the Reame and to enquere also whiche were assenting to sir Edwardes deth the kynges fadre and also thurgh whom the scottes ascaped from stanhope in to scotland withoute the wyll of kyng Edward ¶ And also how the chartre of Rageman was deliâ—ed vn to the scottes wherin the homages feautes of scotland were conteyned that the scottes shold done euer more vn to the kynges of englond for the reame of scotland wherfor in his absence he was dampned to be drawe honged for this treson And this meschief come vn to hym on seint Andrewes euen in the yere of â—ncarnacion of our lord Ihesu crist a M.CCC and xxx ¶ How kyng Edward gete ayene vn to hym graciousely the homages feautes of scotland wher of he was put oute thurgh fals counceill of Isabell his modre aud sir Rogier Mortimer that was newe made Erle of the marche Ca. cc.xxiij NOwe ye haue herd lordes how sir Iohan of Bailloll in tyâ—e of â—ees was chosen to be kyng of scotland for encheson that he come of the eldest doughter of the erle Dauid of hontyngton that was kyng alisaundres brother of scotland that deide withoute heire of his body begoten how this Iohan made feaute homage to kyng Edward Henries sone the iij. for his landes of scotland And how he afterward withsaid his homage thurgh counceill of the scottes in the yere of our lorde M.ccc.lxxij sent vn to yâ— pope thurgh a fals suggescioÌ„ that he made his othe vn to the forsaid kyng edward ouer his â—state his wyll of which othe the pope him assoilled thurgh his bulles to hym y sent ¶ And anone as kyng Edward wyst ther of he ordeyned anone his barons come vn to Bâ—re wyke conquered the toune â—t which conquâ—st ther were slayne xxv M. vij C. And the Baill all that was kyng of scotland come yelde hym vn to kyng Edward And the kyng afterward deliuered hym oute of the toure of london and all the grete lordes of scotland with hym that were take at Berewyke yafe hem saufcoÌ„duyt to go in to scotland ¶ And the scottes sith thurgh hir falsenesse werred vpon kyng Edward ¶ And whan sir Iohan Bailloll kyng of scotland saw all this 〈◊〉 went put hym ouer the see vn to Dunpier and lyued ther vpon his owne londes as welle as he myght till that the Scottes wolde amende hem of hir mysdedes and trespace and lad with hym Sir Edward his sone wherfor the Scottes in despite of hym called hym Sir Iohan Turnelabard for cause that be wolde not offende ne trespace ayens kyng Edward of Englond And so he forsoke his Reame of Scotland and 〈◊〉 ther of but litell pris ¶ And this Sir Iohan duelled in fraunce till that he died there And sir edward his sone vnderfeng his heritage did homage vn to the kyng of fraunce for his landes of Dunpier so it fell afterward that edward that was Iohan baillols sone had with hym a squyer of englond that was bore in yorkeshire that was called Iohan of barnaby this Edward bailloll loued hym moche was nye hym full priue ¶ And so this Iohan of barnaby was in debate with a freÌ„shman in the toune of Dunpicr so he quelled hym went in his way in all that he myght in to the Castell for to haue socour helpe of his lorde And anone come the officers of the tounÌ„ to take â—ohan of barnaby as aâ— felon sir edward his lord halpe hym rescued hym by nyÈt made hym wende oute of the Castell so he went his way come in to Englond with outen any harme ¶ And when the kyng of fraunce sawe that sir edward had resened his felon he become wonder wroth ayens sir edward and anone let hym be areste â— toke in to his hande all his londes ¶ Tho duelled sir Edward in prison vn to the tyme that sir Henry of Beaumout come in to frauÌ„ce the which Henry somtyme was erle of angos in scotlaÌ„d thurgh his wyfe was