for three yeares Bayon Burdeaux receaue the English The death of Iaques de Arteuill Valiant resistance made by the English in the Castle of Aguillion Caen in Normandy woÌ„ne by the English The battell of Blanchetaque The memorable battell and victory of King Edward at Cressy Calice besieged David King of Scottes taken prisoner The battell of Cressy Charles of Bloys taken prisoner Calice yeelded to King Edward 1346. Phillip of Valoys dieth and Iohn his Son succeedeth Edward the black Prince during their Kings captiuitie A strange shift in extremitie Priuate conference about a peace 1359. It should seeme to be but twenty thousand Iohannes Roâ—hetaillada King Edward inclineth to peace 1360. Peace concluded and King Iohn set at liberty 1360. 1362. 1362. The death of King Iohn Charles of Bloys slaine in battell The occasion of Prince Edwards expeditioÌ„ into Spain Don Pietro the tyrant expulsed and Henrie the bastard made King of Castile The Earle of Provence taken prisoner The king of Maiorica craveth ayd of Prince Edward and obtayneth promise of the same The birth of King Richard 2. Prince Edward setteth forward on his iourney into Spaine Prince Edwards victorie against Henry king of Castile Don Pietro restored The ingratitude of the Tyrant The Lords of Gascoigne rebell against Prince Edward The death of Don Pietro and recovery of the kingdome by Hen ry the Bastard The peace broken and warres againe renued betweene England Franc King Charles commended for his curtesie A truce taken with Scotland â—or 9. yeeres Lymoges recouerd by the French Conquered againe vtterly raced by the English Prince Edward returneth into England The Duke of Lancaster marrieth Constance one of the daughters of Don Pietro Edmond of Langly The Duke of Lancaster returneth into England 1372. The English men overcome at Sea the Earle of Pembroke taken prisoner Ivan the son of Ammon Prince of VVales The I le of Garnesâ—y Poytiers yeeldeth to the French Rochell yeeldeth to the French The Duke of Brittaine flyeth into England 1373. The Duke of Lancaster arriueth at Calice 1376. The death of Prince Edward King Edward the thirds death and commendation King Richard 2. 1377. The French King poysoned 1378. 1379. The Castle of Barwicke surprised by the Scottish Againe recocouered by the English Great tumult about the election of a Pope King Richard entreth into league with the King of Navarre Ivan of VVales trecherously muthered by one Iames Laube a welch man as he lay at the siege of a certaine castle called Moctaine Saint Maloes besieged Henrie the bastard King of Castile deceaseth and Iohn his Son succeedeth Edmond of Langly He is called Siluester Budaeus Fross Chro. Liâ— 2. The Queene of Naples coÌ„meth to the Pope The Queene of Naples coÌ„ueyeth her inheritance to the Pope The occasion of the Flemish warres Iohn Lyon a seditious fellow in Gaunt bringeth vp the faction of the white cappes The death of Lon. The Earle of Flaunders besieged by his subiects The Duke of Britaine returneth into his country King Richard aydeth the Duke of Britaine Thomas of VVoodstocke the Earle of Buckingham King Charles the 5. dyeth of poysontaken long before His speech at his death 1380. 1380. The coronation of Charles the fixt The coÌ„mendation of King Charles the 5. Thomas Earle of Buckingham Nants besieged The Duke of Britaine recoÌ„ciled to the French king forsaketh the English 1381. Peter de Boys Phillip of Arteuill Edmond of Langly Sir Iohn Newton captaine of the Castle of Rochester At Black-heath VVat Tiler Iack Strawe Iohn Ball. The Sauoy At Saint Katherines Mile end VVat Tiler Iack Straw Iohn Ball. Simon Sudbury It was in Smith sield VVat Tiler VVilliam VValworth Gaunt besieged by the Earle of Flaunders Commotion in Paris The Lord Coucy King Richard marrieth Anne sister to Charles King of Bohemia The Duke of Aniow taketh his iourny into Italy Zeuf an enchaunted castle see Fros Chro Lib 2. Cap 391. This enchaunter by such like illusions had before caused the Queene of Naples and her husband to yeild vp the same castle into the hands of Charles Fross Chro. lib. 2. cap 346. 392. The death of Ferdinando king of Portingale The Gauntoyes kept from victuall and brought to great extremity by the Earle of Flaunders A hard choise See the effects of desperate resolution 1382. The Earle ouerthrowne and Bruges taken by the Gauntoys Strange alteration in the Earles fortune The Duke of Burgundy The French King taketh vppon him the Earles quarell against the Gauntoys They were in all not aboue soure or fiue hundreth Fros Chro. lib. 2. Cap. 414. Ipre receiueth the French king The French kings victorie against the Gauntoyes Phillip de Arteuill slaine Bruges yeeldeth to the french King Schisme in the Church The practises of Pope Vrbane against Clement his aduersarie He sent no lesse then 30. as appeareth Fross Chro lib. 2. cap. 428. Henry Spencer Bishop of Norwich Nine thousand flemings slaine by the English in a battell not farre from Duakirk 1383. The French King agayne vndertaketh the Earle of Flaunders cause 1383. The death of Lewis Earle of Flaunders The Duke of Aniow dyeth in Italy Her name was Phillip whom he had by Blaunch his first wife The Admirall of France sent with a power into Scotland Charles the French king marryeth Isabell daughter of Stephen Duke of Bauier The French and Scottish men together inuade the borders of England The Earle of Oxenford 1358. The Gauntoies receiued to sauour and their peace made vvith their Lord the Duke of Burgoigne Sir Iohn Bourchier The Earle of Foys The strange story of Gascone Earle of Foys and his sonne Gascone The Earle of Foys killeth his owne son vnwittingly Pag. 110. Iohn King of Spaine layeth claime to the crowen of Portingale besieged Lisbone The King of Portugale through the English mens ayde obtaineth a notable victorie Pope Vrbane besieged Page 127. The Duke of Lancaster sayleth into Portugall Bristowe The Duke of Lancaster arri-Seth in paine The French King maketh great preparation to inuade England Jaquesle Gris sir Iohn de Carogne A notable example of diuine iustice The French king was present with most of his nobility The death of Peter King of Arragon The Duke of Lancasters ambassadour imprisoned by the King of Arragon Phillip the Duke of Lancasters daughter marryed to the King of Portugall John of Bloys marryeth the Constables daughter of Fraunce The Castle of Ermine The Lord de laval 1390. At Saint Georges feast at VVindsore Sir Robert Tresilian Sir Robert Beachampe sir John Salisbury sir Nicholas Brambre The Englishmens miseries vnder the Duke of Lancaster in Spaine Sir John Holland The Duke of Lancaster returneth out of Spaine Bertold of Machline Reignold Earle of Gelders marryed Mary daughter to Bertold of Machline Langue fride VVenceslaus Duke of Braband taken pri soner Edward Duke of Gelders slaine in battell 1383. The Spanyards recouer againe all that the Duke of Lancaster had gotten in Castile Charles King of Nauarre by a strange misfortune burned in his bed The Duke of Britaine restoreth all that he had taken from the Constable Graue besieged by the Brabanders The notable victory of the Duke of Gelders against the Brabanders 1388. The French king goeth against the Duke of Gelders The Duke of Gelders submits himselfe to the French king The Scottes inuade England The Duke of Gelders taken prisoner Katherine the Duke of Lancasters daughter married to Henry Prince of Castile Truce for three yeeres between England Fraunce their confederates The Duke of Berries treasurer burned The death of Pope Vrbane 1390. The French King aydeth the Genowayes against the Moores and Barbarians The death of Iohn king of Castile The Earle of Arminacke passeth into Italy against the Duke of Millaine Guy Earle of Bloys The suddaine death of Gascone Earle of Foys 1391. A treaty of peace at Amience Sir Peter of Craon Sir Oliuer Clisson treacherously assaulted and almost slaine by sir Peter of Craon Euer since the Parisians met the King in armes at his returne out of Flaunders when to curb their boldnes he caused all their armour to be taken from them the chaines of the streetes to bee carried away and the foure principall gates of the citie from thence foorth to be left alwayes open The French King falleth sodaynly into a frensie 1391. Sir John Mericer A truce for foure yeeres between England France The death of pope Clement King Richard giueth all Aquitaine to the duke of â—ancaster The Gascones refuse to accept the duke of Lancaster for their soueraigne K. Richards voyage into Ireland 1394. Otherwise called Lamorabaquy Iohn the duke of Burgoignes sonne sent by the French king to ayde the King of Hangary against the Turkes Nicopolis besieged Fifteen thousand Turkes 〈◊〉 slaine by one thousand christians vnder the conduct of the Lorde Cowâ—y A discourse ot the Duke of Millaine Pag. 127. Friseland subdewed by the Earle of Henault 1396. King Richard marrieth Isabel the french kings daughter One mans pride causeth many mens destruction The siege before Nicopolis raised and all the Frenchmen slaine or taken prisoners The Lord Cowcies death 1397. At the marriage of King Richard to the French Kings daughter a truce was agreed vpon for thirtie yeeres The Earle of Saint Paul The duke of Glow ester murdered in the castle of Calice 1397. Richard earle of Arundell Thomas Mow bray Duke of Norffolke The Earle of Derby the Erle Marshall banished The Duke of Burgoignes sonne Pope Benedict besieged and taken prisoner by the Frenchmen The death of John of GauÌ„t Duke of Lancaster 1399. Henry Pâ—rcie earle of Northumberland and his sonne Thomas Arundell Hee should haue vsde the benefit of oportunity 1399. King Richard deposed
counsellors of Flaunders sawe him so resolute in this opinion and that he would giue them none other answere they committed him to safe custody and would graunt no enlargement but vppon condition that he should be ruled by the aduise of his elders So at length he was perswaded and the King of England with the Earles wife that should be the Lordes of Flaunders and himselfe mette together at a day appointed There the matter was debated the Earle consented was forthwith contracted and after returned into Flaunders where he was nothing so straightly lookt vnto as he had beene A little before the nuptialls should be solemnized he tooke occasion accompanied with a small traine to ride a hawking where pretending great earnestnesse in following a Faulcon which he had let flye at the heron by little and little he outstripped the rest of his companie till at last he lost sight of them all and so escaped againe to the French King Whilste the King of England besieged Calice the truce which we told you was concluded by certaine Cardinals between Charles of Bloys and the Countesse of Mountfort expired by occasion where of the warres were renewed againe afresh The King of England sent a competent crew of horsemen out of the army which besieged Calice to succour the Lady Mountfort Certaine Englishmen were straightly environed by Charles of Bloys in a towne castle which they had taken immediatly before But certain other Englishmen sent suddainly from the Countesse in the dawning of the day brake vnlookt for into the campe of the French men who by reason of a little good fortune in a certaine skirmish the day before lookt negligently to their watch and putting a great part of them to the sword tooke also the Lord Charles of Bloys himselfe prisoner In the meane time the King of England prested the town of Calice with great vehemency and the French King intending to raise his siege levied a mighty army Whereof the King of England hauing aduertisement so fortified all places by which the French men might haue any accesse as well by the sea coast as the maine land that they could not possibly make any approche to disturbe him The French King seeing all entrance already foreclosed required the King of England to giue him battell But the King of England considering how he had spent welnigh a whole yeere in the siege of this Citie and withall consumed a great treasure about it thought it good policy to hold his advantage The same time also two Cardinals sent from Pope Clement to endeuour an accord betweene the Princes had three dayes communication with the Lords that were appointed Commissioners from both parties but could effect nothing of their purpose Wherevppon the French King presently after dissolued all his great army The Cal sians seeing themselues depriued both of present ayde and future expectatioÌ„ began to parly of giuing vp the town But the King of England would accept no other condition but one which was to put themselues life and goods absolutelie into his power and to remaine wholy at his disposition His counsell earnestly disswading him from this obstinate resolution as a thing tending to very ill example at length the matter was brought to this issue that six of the principall citizens bareheaded and barefooted with halters about their necks and the keies of the towne in their hands should present themselues before him to be disposed of at his pleasure The report of those tydings suddainly mooued great mourning and lamentation in the citie In which sorrowfull confusion when one not of the meaner ranke had protested openly that he would not shunne death in the behalfe of his country now almost pined with hunger his example soone after drewe fiue more to the like affection These men being publikely brought forth in such manner as he appointed who had now iurisdiction over their liues and by his commaundement adiudged to dye when all the Noble men had made intercession in vaine the Queene at length after many reasons alledged for her purpose with much entreatie obtained their pardon Then were some sent to take possession of the towne and by authority from the King all the old Inhabitants were removed and the Citie new peopled with English After this by meanes of a certaine Cardinall a truce was taken for two yeares The King of England entrusted the gouernment of Calice to a certaine Italian Not long after a French Lord that laye in Garrison at Saint Omers knowing the nature of the Italians to be aboue all other people couetous of golde practised priuately with this fellow to sell him the Castle for twenty thousand Crownes The King of England I know not by what meanes hauing intelligence hereof dissembled his knowledge and sending for the Italian examined him of the matter Who seeing no other remedy confessed the truth and besought him of pardon The King graunted and at his departure gaue him in charge to proceede with his proiect A day before this practise should be put in execution the King himselfe strongly guarded as couertly as might be entered into Calice The french man who had payd his money down and knew nothing that the plot was discouered sent his men of armes before to take the Castle Assoone as they came in not suspecting any such matter they were presently attached and made prisoners to the English Then in the dawning of the day the King of England issuing out of the Citie charged suddainly vppon the rest of the French men which houered thereabout to see the successe of their enterprise and put them to flight taking many prisoners and amongst others the same person that was the first contriuer of this treason About this time King Phillip of Valois married another wife the daughter of Phillip King of Navarre and almost at the same instant Iohn his eldest Son tooke to wife Iâ—aue Duchesse of Boloine late wife to the Duke of Burgundies Sonne the same that at the siege of Aguillion ended his life in the yeere of our Lord 1346. After the decease of King Phillip Iohn his Sonne succeeded in his stead who not long after his coronation arrained the Constable then newlie deliuered out of prison in England of treason and caused him to be beheaded at Paris John the son of Phillip de Valoys SHortly after the coronation of King Iohn Pope Clement departed out of this life at Avinon He appointed for his successour in the papacy the Cardinall of Ostia a French man borne called before his election Stephen Albert but afterward named Innocent the sixt By occasion of certaine disgracefull speeches mutually enterchanged a mortall quarrell was growne betwixt the King of Bohemia and the Duke of Lancaster which they were at point to decide by single combate but the French King interposing himselfe by his mediation the matter was compounded After the Constable as we tolde you was by the kings commandement put to death Charles of Spaine vpon whome the King
their towne Wherevnto they condiscended but vppon certaine conditions which were these 1. That it should be lawfull for the men of Rochell vtterly to race their Castle out of which they had often received so great displeasure and to lay it levell with the ground 2 That the French men should solemnely promise neverto erecte any castle there againe 3 And that Rochell from thenceforth should perpetually remaine a member of the crowne of Fraunce and never be alyenated to any other Lord by any possible meanes that might be devised according as times and states should happen to alter afterward When the King who was made acquainted with these proceedings by the Lords had confirmed and ratifyed these covenants Rochell became subiect again to the French and the revolting of this towne gave occasion to many other of their neighbours to doe the like The French kings captaines holding it discretion to follow their fortune vsed such industry that in short space they recovered all the territorie of Poytow and the country adioyning not without some helpe and furtherance from the Britons who were exceedingly inclined to the French King though their Lord wholly favoured the King of England as by whose meanes he had obtayned his Dukedome It happened not long after that the Englishmen immediately vppon their comming into Britaine burnt vp seaven great shippes of the King of Spaines as they lay there in harbour Herevppon suspicion arose that this matter was done by the Duke of Britaines consent and direction whereof the French king being advertised by certaine Lords of Britaine sent the Constable to make warres vppon the Duke and to conquer his country as one who had forseited his estate by entring into a league with the English men against him of whome he had received the investiture of his Dukedome and to whome as the custome is he had sworne homage and fealtie The Duke of Britaine in this extremitie distrusting his owne subiects fled into England And the Constable by the helpe of the Britons themselves brought much of the country in subiection David King of Scotland deceassed without issue and by right of succession the crowne descended to Robert It is said before that King Edward after his sonne the Duke of Lancaster was come with his wife into England had determined to send him ouer againe to make warres in Picardy But the matter was delayed For this yeere was the first time of his arrivall at Calice accompanied with the Duke of Britaine and thirteene thousand soldiers They raunged through a great part of Picardy putting all to fire and sword but they abstayned from besieging of townes for the French king had long before sufficiently strengthned them with garrisons And as they marched forward making havocke of all things the French army still followed without intermission notwithstanding they never came to ioyne battell but by intercession of the Popes legates a truce was taken and a time appointed for another meeting at Bruges in Flaunders there to treate of waightyer matters Before this truce was proclaymed the Duke of Britaine by the Englishmens ayd had recovered diverse places and was like to have gotten more had not the newes of this truce beene a stay to his proceedings Therfore discharging his army and leaving good garrisons in the places recovered he returned into England About the calends of November the ambassadors of both Kings repayred to Bruges that there by mediation of the Popes Legates they might treate of a marriage betweene Richard sonne to the Prince of Wales and Marie the French Kings daughter The matter was diversely debated but could not bee brought to any perfect conclusion Pope Gregorie taking offence thereat departed from Avinion and went to Rome About this time Prince Edward the King of Englands eldest sonne a most worthy and valiant gentleman ended his life at London After whose death king Edward assembling the rest of his sons and the nobilitie of his realme declared publikelie vnto them his purpose that Richard the sonne of his sonne deceassed should succeed in the inheritance of the kingdome And because he had long since imparted asmuch both to the noble men and the residue of his sonnes before he made his last voyage into Fraunce it was no hard matter to perswade them all to approve his determination and to confirme the same by oath Within a while after the King himselfe also departed this life not without great sorrowe of as many as knewe him for he was a Prince so renowmed that even the French King himselfe when he heard of his death gave this report that he thought him worthy to be numbred amongst the wisest of princes After his deceasse succeeded Richard his grand sonne according to his owne appointment in his life time and was crowned king of England the eleuenth yeere of his age Anno Dom. 1377. The Duke of Lancaster was chosen protectour and tooke vpon him the government of the realme during the kings minority who in the meane while was trayned vp vnder the instruction of a certaine noble man appoynted to that charge by generall election It is declared before how the French King the better to maintain his warres against England had made a league with the King of Navarre but it fell out afterward that two gentlemen of the house of Nauarre attending vppon the king of Navarres sonnes in the French court were had in suspition of giving poyson to the King Which fact when they had publickly confessed before the people they were put to execution for the same Immediately herevpon the French King sent an army into the sea coast of Normandy belonging to the King of Nauarre vnder the conduct of the Constable who easily subdued all that part of the country Besides this the King of Spaine the French kings new confederate made warre also vpon the King of Nauarre who beeing driuen to this distresse required ayd of Richard King of England of whome he accordingly obtayned it The Duke of Britaine remayning still in England made importunate suite to the young King from time to time for ayd but the king gaue alwaies a deaâ—e â—are to his request For the Duke of Lancaster aspiring to get that seigniory to himselfe assembled a power and sayled over into Britaine where he layd siege to certaine places but the French army wherof the Constable was generall compelled him to depart The second Booke IN the former booke is declared how the French men recouered a great parte of Aquitaine from the English There were many still notwithstanding in those places which stood stoutly for the King of England The Duke of Aniow therefore comming thither with an army subdued in a mannner all that euer remayned The Gascoignes had lately before sent into England for succour but by reason there was trouble and insuirection budding vp within the realme their sending was to none effect For the Duke of Lancaster who had all the authoritie in his hands was
the truce to the King of Scotland But this was left vnperformed by what errour or negligence I know not It should seeme after the Earle of Flaunders death the duke of Burgoynes braiâ—e was so busied that he quite forgot it for all that inheritance was descended to him Certaine English gentlemen taking aduantage of this occasion made a rode into Scotland wasting the country as they went with fire and sword The Scottes who knew nothing what had passed meruailled much at the matter seeing no warre was proclaymed and so much the more because they had heard a certaine darke rumor of a truce But howsoeuer the case stoode they prepared to defend themselues When report hereof was brought to the french King the Peeres began to accuse one another of negligence in forgetting a matter of so great moment And because there was now no other remedy they sent certaine into Scotland which by declaring the true circumstances of the matter should giue them satisfaction The king himselfe was well inclined to peace but the Lords of his country made much adoe and were very hot vppon reuenge and in like maner rode forth into the borders of England to shew that they neither wanted courage nor ability to defend themselues and their goods from their enemies At length being pacifyed and the King perswaded the French ambassadors sent an herauld into England and so quieted the strife And when the truce was receiued and ratifyed on both parts it was proclaymed by sound of trumpet that no man should presume to transgresse the articles therein contayned But to perswade the king of England to this peace for he was highly offended at the late inuasion of the Scottish great meanes were made by the Duke of Lancaster who had formerly determined to make his voyage this yeere into Spaine with the assistance of the King of Portingale which warre he was the more desirous to accoÌ„plish in regard he had issue by his wife to whome he affirmed the kingdome of Spaine was both by the lawe of nations and nature it selfe of right apperâ—ayning It is shewed before with how great preparation puissance the Duke of Aniow passed into Italy When he came thither he found no opposition but onely in the Neapolitanes who would in no wise be turned from his aduersarie but Prouence Calabria and Apulia receiued him The Earle of Sauoy as I told you accompanied him in his iourney and about this time ended his life Now when he had retayned his souldiers for the space of three yeeres together being almost drayned dry with so great and coÌ„tinuall charges he requested his brothers that they would not faile him in these his affaires of so great honour and importance They out of their loue and honourable affection holding it not fit to abandon him in so â—ust a quarrell sent an army to ayd him which when it came to Auinion receiued certaine tydings that he was lately dead at a Castle not farre from Naples and so returned home againe After the death of the Earle of Flaunders the inheritance of that country descended to Phillip Duke of Burgundy which had married his daughter Now the Dutchesse of Braband whose husband Wenceslaus of Bohemia dyed lately before at Lutzemburge desired earnestly that Burgundy Henault and Flaunders might be vnited in perpetuall league and amitie The Duke of Burgoigne had a sonne named Iohn This Iohn marryed Margaret the daughter of Albert Duke of Bauier and Henault at Cambray And William the sonne of Albert tooke to wife Margaret daughter to the Duke of Burgoigne The french king was present at these nuptialles And the Duke of Burgoigne gaue in dowry with his daughter an hundred thousand franks These allyances troubled the Duke of Lancaster who had a purpose to haue matcht a daughter of his to the sonne of Duke Albert. And therefore at such time as these matters were in treaty he endeauoured by his letters to Albert to haue hindred their proceedings but it preuayled not Concerning the Earles of Henault ye must conceiue that William the Lord of this seigniory had foure daughters Margaret Phillip Ione and Isabell and one sonne named VVilliam Margaret was married to Lewis of Bauier the Emperour Edward king of England marryed Phillip VVilliam was slaine in battell against the Phrisoners left no issue Therefore by his death the right of succession deuolued to Margaret the eldest sister and she enioyed the heritage till such time as Albert her sonne whom she had by Lewis the Emperour being growne to mans estate entred vpon the inheritance of his ancestors And afterward VVilliam the sonne of Albert married the Duke of Burgoignes daughter as is a little before declared The Duke of Aniow left behinde him two sonnes Lewis and Charles in whose right their mother by the counsell of Pope Clement and the French king made warre vppon the people of Prouence not without the French Kings assistance who supplyed her wants both with men and money The men of Manceilles were well affected towards her but all the rest opposed themselues against her and as it seemed would not accept her for their soueraigne before Calabria Naples and Apulia had done the same of which countries when she could showe her selfe to haue quiet possession they also offered to put themsel es vnder her obedience The truce by this time being expired the French King had a mervailous desire to bee doing with the King of England Hereupon leuying an army he sent the Duke of Burbon into Aquitaine that if it were possible he might expell the English men wholly out of Fraunce He sent another army also into Scotland vnder the conduct of his Admirall to the intent the Scottish power and his being ioyned together might put the king of England to the greater vexation But when the Admirall arriued in Scotland he found not such friendly entertaynement as he lookt for Charles the fift vpon his death-bed had requested his brothers to chuse a wife for his son of some noble family especially out of Germany that the allyance might be the stronger They did according to his desire For he married Isabell the daughter oâ— Stephen Duke of Bauier a Lady of most excellent beauty But the first meanes of this match was deriued from this occasion that Fredericke of Bauier her vnckle had followed the French king in his late warres against the English as hath beene already declared Shortly after the death of the Duke of Aniow who had attempted great matters in Italie dyed also his aduersary Charles surâ—amed the Peaceable It was supposed that he was made away by the Queene of Hungarie who hauing two daughters by her husband Lewis deceassed feared lest this Charles which was his brothers sonne should dispossesse them of their inheritance specially for that he openly tearmed himselfe King of Hungarie and therefore wrought meanes to dispatch him out of the worlde but whether this be a true report or a coniecture I cannot affirme Then
vniust or contrary to reason which the King would not credit vppon his report He brought the kings vncles in suspition and hatred so as they had much ado to keepe themselues out of daunger As for them they were nothing displeased with the peoples complaints for by this occasion they saw many alterations would happen Therfore they inclined to the people allowing their pretence and encouraging them to proceed as they had already begunne In conclusion it came to this passe that at a certaine time when the King and his nobility were assembled together the Londoners made grieuous complaint of the new subsidies and exactions which from time to time were imposed vpon them and which grieued them most of all that they saw no good or necessary vse wherto all that mony was conuerted They thought the King was not made priuy to any thing and therefore they required that a day might be assigned to the kings collectors and receiuors to yeeld an account of their receits and payments whereby it might appeare who had carryed thēselues vprightly in their office who otherwise that the one might be retained the other discharged The Duke of Gloucester one of the kings vncles had giuen them counsell direction to frame their speech in this manner But the King assoone as he heard their sute reiected it at the first and would haue put of his aunswere till another time But the people still vrged their demaund and pressed vpon him with more earnestnes because many of the noble men about him did opēly allow of their petitiō So at length he was contented that within a few daies after an account should be taken of all those officers and that his vncles and certaine other whome the people required should haue the examination of the matter In many of the officers was found great fraud and extortion all which the law condemned to death Immediatly vppon receit of the accompts the King accompanyed with his minion the Duke of Ireland tooke his iourney into another part of the Realme Where vnderstanding that certaine of his houshold were put to execution at London he was exceedingly mooued to displeasure both against the commons and against his vncles For the Duke of Ireland had as it were imprinted this conceit in his mind that they went about to depose him from his crowne and therefore neuer ceased to incense and prouoke him who of himselfe was too apprehensiue of such occasions till he had perswaded him to make warre against them So the Duke was made general and by the Kings appointment leuied some fifteene thousand men But before he would march forward with his army he sent a certaine freind of his disguised in the habite of a marchant to London where the kings vncles were assembled to discouer their counsels and manner of proceedings But this gentleman most contrary to his expectation I wot not by what misfortune was discouered himselfe and when he had reuealed to the Lords certaine matters concerning the King he was put to death This occasion as ye may well coniecture did mightily aggrauate the kings displeasure Now when the Duke of Ireland saw the power of his aduersaries approching against him as fierce and slout as he seemed before yet performed he nothing worthy of a valiant or discreet commaunder For he was absolutely perswaded out of a selfe-guilty opinion of his own desert that if it were his fortune to be taken in battell there would be no other way with him but death Therefore assoone as he had placed his men in order he began to prouide for his own security retyring into the rereward to the intent that as occasion should serue he might be the readyer to conuay himselfe out of daunger The souldiers hearing a suddaine rumor that their Generall had forsaken them abandoned themselues presently to flight without exchanging any stroke with their enemy Very fewe were slaine and those only in chase certaine knights were taken and put to death at London The Duke of Ireland accompanyed with one or two of his freinds fled ouer the seas into Holland whither he had long before caused all his treasure to be conueyed For albeit he had the King wholy on his side yet he much mistrusted and feared his vncles of whome he had so well deserued that nothing but vtter enmity was to be expected at their hands These troubles being thus quieted and the noble men yet hearing no newes of the King it was thought conuenient that the Archbishop of Canterburie should be addressed vnto him in the name of his vncles the people signifying how they were al very desirous of his presence and that if it pleased him to repaire to London he should be honourably and louingly receiued For they sought nothing but the wel-fare and tranquility of the kingdome which it was impossible for him to maintaine without the good willes of his subiects That it was not without causes of great importance that some were openly punished and others driuen out of the realme for as much as through the authority and ill gonernment of those persons the honour of the kingdome was impaired What the noblemen had done in that behalfe was for the generall good of the common wealth and as the state then stood that it was a matter of necessity and therefore he had no iust cause of displeasure against them Although the King were highly offended with the occasions which had passed before yet vpon these and such other reasons as the Archbishop vsed he was perswaded to come to London After he had remayned there a while a Parliament was called at Westminster where the Lords and Prelates of the realme renued their othe of allegiance to him which they had formerly sworne to his vncles in his behalfe for he was now attayned to the age of one and twenty yeeres the age accustomably prescribed for the administration of publicke affaires In this meane while the Duke of Lancaster subdued may townes in Spaine and the King of Portugall was not idle but in an other part of the country brought much into his father in lawes subiection And when they had practised this kind of warre-fare for a time at length they ioyned their forces together to giue their enemies battell in the field The King of Spaine in the meane season meruailed much at the Duke of Burbons long tariance and delay whose only comming he had waited for all this while with so great expectation The French mens aduise being againe demaunded they persisted resolute in their first opinion holding it altogether vnexpedient to giue the Englishmen battell though they had gotten many townes for those might easily be recouered hereafter and it must needs come to passe that the Englishmen being tyred with the continuall trauels of warre sometimes ouercome with extremity of heate otherwhiles enfeebled through the subtiltie of the piercing ayre entring in at the open pores of their bodies should fall into sundry diseases and infirmities And indeed
noble man of so small account which will bestowe his daughter with you in marriage you haue so spent consumed your means and set your selfe so exceedingly in debt But there is a rich merchant Bertold of Machline which you know hath but one only daughter to whome in expectation of her large dowry many great Lords haue beene suters You cannot make a better match for your selfe than to seize vpon such a booty You shall do well therefore to make this offer to her father that if hee will vndertake with his mony to redeeme those townes and castles which you haue pawned to your creditors and withall be conteÌ„ted to release such bonds of debt as he hath of yours already in consideration hereof you will take his daughter to wife This counsell was well accepted of the Earle and so he sent one to make the motion When Bertold had receiued the message his answere was this that he should hold it a great honour both to himselfe and all his house if his daughter might seem worthy to be matched with such a husband the respects which he thought moued the Earle to desire it were that he might be discharged froÌ„ the danger of his creditors and possesse his owne without controlment Therefore he was well content to proceede with the marriage and dislikte not of the conditions profered so as these likewise for his part might be added that if it fortuned the Earle to dye first leauing no issue then all his possessions to remaine entirely to his wife during her life And if it happened her to die first leauing issue by the Earle that then her children should be admitted to their fathers inheritance and not be debarred of their fortune though he should afterward marry a woman of more honourable birth and haue issue by her also These conditions being accepted Marie the daughter of Bertold was marryed to the Earle of Gelders and the fourth yeere after deceased leauing issue by her husband one daughter named Isabell After her decease the Earle married againe Isabell sister to that most worthy prudent Prince Edward King of England by whom he had two sonnes Reignold and Edward and one daughter called Ioane It fortuned both the Reignolds as wel the father as the son deceased Edward tooke to wife a daughter of Albert Duke of Bauier and afterwards in a battell against Wenceslaus Duke of Braband was wounded to death and departed without issue Ioane therefore after the death of her brothers presumed the inheritance should be hers but Isabell which was descended of the first marriage maintained the contrary affirming that herselfe only had rightfull interest in the succession This Isabell was ioyned in marriage to Iohn of Bloys who had much alteration with his aduersaries about the inheritance and great contention was like to haue growne betweene them so farre forth as the matter had surely come to tryall of the sword but that by his wiues departure in the mean season the controuersie was decided Then Ioane which was now the onely and vndoubted heyre of her father being married to William Marques of Iuliers bare to him a son called after his fathers name William This William made Duke of Gelders in the right of his mother tooke to wife the daughter of Albert Duke of Bauier the same which had beene formerly espoused to Edward of Gelders his vnele but by reason of her tender yeeres remaining still a mayden widdowe Reignold Earle of Gelders which marryed the king of Englands sister in regard of his great league and allyance with King Edward was highly fauoured by Lewis of Bauier then Emperour in so much that he aduanced both him and the Marquesse of Iuliers to a higher degree of honour and created them both Dukes Now the occasion why this William the young Duke of Gelders made defiance to the French King was both because he bare good affection to the king of Engand to whoÌ„ he was alyed be faith and homage and also for that Wenceslaus Duke of Braband whom he exceedingly hated was confederate with the French men The cause of his hatred against the Duke of Braband was this Reignold which marryed first Mary of Machline and afterward king Edwards sister being a man beyond all measure prodigall morgaged three Castles to the Earle of Morse a rich Lord in Germany for a great sum of money â—he Earle a long while after seeing his debter vnable to redeeme his pledge solde the castles to Wenceslaus Duke of Braband After the death of Reignold Edward his sonne addressing letters to Wenceslaus requested to haue the Castles againe and he would repay him all the money that he had disbursed Which when Wenceslaus absolutely refused preparation was made for waries which doubtles should haue bene the conclusion but that by intreatie of the Duke of Iuliers and Albert of Bauier the matter for that time was compounded The same yeere Charles the Emperour appointed his brother Wenceslaus as publik protectour of the high waies for the punishment of theeues and robbers that people might passe quietly from one place to another Now it fortuned that certaine merchants of Flaunders and Braband as they trauelled about their affaires into Germany were robbed of their money spoyled of all their goods in the country of Iuliers through which they made their journey It was reported that the offenders were receiued and fostered by the Duke of Iuliers who as many more besides himselfe was thought to repine at the giuing of so great an honour to Duke Wenceslaus The poore merchants that sustained the losse made grieuous complaint to him which had the charge of redressing such enormities who thereuppon directing friendly letters to the Duke of Iuliers preuailed so little that he might plainly perceiue he rather desired warre then peace Wenceslaus therefore least the suffering of such disorders to escape vnpunished should bring the authority of his office in contempt leuyed an army The Duke of Iuliers did the like was ayded by Edward Duke of Gâ—lders The battell was fought in Iuliers with great fiercenesse on both sides but the Brabanders were discoÌ„fited and put to flight and amongst others the Duke himselfe also taken prisoner Edward Duke of Gelders was likewise mortally wounded and dyed of the same When the Dutchesse of Braband heard tidings of her husbands captiuity by aduise of the French King she resorted to the Emperour at Confluence who vppon her complaint being moued with his brothers misfortune prepared sharp warres against the Duke of Iuliers intending to haue made a notable spoile and destruction of his country had he not bene pacifyed by the Princes electors who thought it would be an ill president that a fellowe of the Empire should be so oppressed The Duke therefore being by their meanes brought before the Emperors presence when he had voluntarily discharged his prisoner after sharpe reprehension he was againe reconciled and restored to the Emperours fauour Within fewe yeeres after dyed Wenceslaus
to their enemies in regard of their great number but rather suffer them quietly to encampe and settle themselues before the Citty for it was strong ynough to abide the violence of their siege for a long season Therefore let their enemies roast themselues abroad in the heate of the scorching sunne beames whilst they being fenced from the iniury of the weather with houses and shadowy places rested at their ease within the Citty For it would come to passe that when their prouision by little and little was consumed themselues tormented with heate and tyred with a thousand other discommodities they would get home againe without speeding of their purpose The olde mans counsell was well liked and the citty being besieged both by sea and land many light skirmishes were daily interchanged The Barbarians sent an Ambassador desiring to knowe for what causes this warre was mooued against them The French men made answere that the chiefe reason was because their forefathers had put the Sauiour of the world to a shameful death for that they excluded baptisme were blasphemers of God and spake vnreuerently of the holy Virgine mother of Christ these were the occasions why they bent their forces against them as the common enemies of christendome This answer seemed but a mockery to the Moores so farre were they from any thoght of misliking their religion The Sicillians and other countries neere adioyning brought corne wine and other prouision aboundantly into the campe of the besiegers But by reason of the hotenesse of those countrey wines and the extreame intemperatenesse of the ayre it could not be otherwise but that very many fell into most dangerous diseases Amongst these inconueniences the duke of Burbon now altogether out of season beeing haughty prowde and cruell and such a one as no man almost might presume into his presence would remitte no parte of his seueritie insomuch that through his default shewing himselfe alwaies rough and intractable many notable exploits were omitted After two moneths siege when they had bestowed all their labour in vaine virtaile waxing scant and scarcitie being feared because the winter approched and their watching grew painefull for the Barbarians did continually molest them in the night the pestilence being also mistrusted to hang ouer their heads most were of opinion that the best course was to dissolue the army This also was another thing which they suspected that the Genowayes perhaps might fall to agreement with their enemies and ther was already such a rumor spread through al the camp Vpon these considerations therefore the French men raysing their siege which greatly displesed the Genowais addressed themselues homeward Wherupon the Barbarians resuming greater courage began to conceiue large hopes and to promise themselues the performance of great matters heereafter And that they might be able to repulse their enemies with greater force another time they ioyned in league with the Princes that bordered about them Iohn king of Spaine within two yeares after his sonne had married the duke of Lancasters daughter departed this life leauing the succession of the Crowne to Henry his sonne Moreouer at such time as the marriage was concluded this also was one couenant betwixt them That the King of Spaine should yearely pay to the Duke of Lancaster and his wife a hundred thousand crownes and for assurance therof should deliuer as pledges foure of the chiefe Earles of his kingdome Galeas duke of Millaine surprized his vncle Barnabas by treason and put him to death The sonne of this Barnabas tooke to wife the Earle of Arminackes sister And Lewis duke of Orleance brother to King Charles the sixt had maried Valentine the daughter of Galeas Now the Earle of Arminacke vpon the incessant importunity of his sister assembled an army of the companions in France and leading them into Italy layd siege to Alexandria a towne pertaining to the Dutchy of Millaine Galeas who soiourned the same time at Pauy sent thither fiue hundred horsemen to lie there in garrison for his enemies were not then of so great number that they could enuiron the towne round about The Captaine of those horsemen being a skilfull man of armes after he had laine a while at Alexandria issued forth one day with 300. horse to draw his enemies to some disaduantage for he knew well they would proffer some skirmish to the townes-men Therfore at his going out he gaue commandement that in their fight they should retire from the enemy and suffer him to pursue them till they had drawne him within compasse of their danger He was nothing deceiued in his opinion for as they were skirmishing after their ordinary maner the townesmen gaue backe till they came to the place where their fellowes lay in ambush who incontinently brake foorth with great violence The French men thus vnexpectedly engaged behaued themselues with great courage and valour but being ouerwearied with trauell and faint with heate of the Sunne they were vnable to sustaine the reviewed force and fury of their enemies The Earle himselfe hauing gotten out of the preasse to take ayre found a brooke there by whereof he drunke so aboundantly that he was sodainely taken with such a sicknesse as both presently bereft him of his speech and within few houres after of his life His souldiers by this means discouraged made as much haste as they could to get themselues out of Italy But many of them being intercepted slaine in their passage the rest when they came to the confines of Fraunce were by the Kings commaundement prohibited to enter The Duke of Britaine who had larely beene at Paris and done his homage according to the custome being vnable to change the disposition of his nature though he had bin oftentimes reconciled to the French King yet in his heart he could not choose but hate him and loue the King of England At such time as this attonement was made at Paris hee promised from thencefoorth to become a Clementine But assoone as hee was returned into his owne countrey hee performed nothing lesse And when the Kings Officers were sent vnto him hee would not admit them to his presence carying himselfe altogether in such a fashion as it might plainely appeare hee sought new occasions of warre and contention Many counselled the King to leuie armes against him to abate his pride and arrogancie which was in tollerable But the Kings vncles and especially the Duke of Burgoigne whose wife was the Duke of Britaines kinswoman employed their trauell to this effect that a day certaine might be assigned for communication So a meeting was had at Tours and certaine pointes were there rehearsed wherein the Duke might seeme to haue contemned the kings authority The Duke answered respectiuely to euery of them and sharpely enough glauncing couertly somtimes at certaine persons of base linage in the Court vpon whose counsell and opinions the King much depended Such difference and alteration was about the matter that it seemed not likely to be otherwise ended than by
pillage to be dismissed The French king who lately before by the helpe of a certaine skilfull Physitian had recouered both his vnderstanding and his speech about this time relapsed againe into his former extreamitie Pope Clement who had sustained the opposition of two aduersaries first Vrbane then Boniface newly erected being dead at Avinion the Cardinalles substituted Benedict in his place conditionally that if the French King did not ratifie his election another should be chosen Both the Popes sent their Legates to the French King and he gaue them both friendly audience howbeit by the counsell of his diuines he inclind neither to the one nor the other but rather sought meanes how to take a way all ground of dissention and to establish quietnesse in the Church Therefore sending Ambassadours to the Emperour whose authoritie care and diligence ought to be chiefe in that behalfe and likewise to the Kings of Bohemia Hungary and England he besought them earnestly that they would help to further the publike welfare and tranquillitie of christendome The King of England at this time by consent of the whole state of his realme gaue all the Dutchie of Aquitaine entirely and freely to the Duke of Lancaster and to his heires for euer The Duke therefore disposing of his affaires in England sailed ouer into Aquitaine and at Burdeaux shewed the graunt which King Richard had giuen him The townesmen made him answere That of his presence and comming thither they were glad and ioyful but to admit his gouernement and acknowledge him for their soueraigne Lord that could they not yet resolue vpon Let him first deale and agree with the rest of the Citties whome it equally concerned and if they would be content to ratifie the Kings graunt neither should their part of duety be vnperformed The men of Bayon aunswered him after the same fashion And when hee assayed the disposition of seuerall persons the noblemen and gentlemen being assembled together gaue this determination That in regarde the Aquitaines were so linked and as it were engraffed together with the English that they might by no meanes be separated or conueyed ouer to any other Lorde therefore they were of opinion that this gift of the Kings must necessarily be voide and frustrate At length it was thought good that commissioners should be sent to pleade the matter before the King himselfe Who when they came thither boldely maintained their right affirming that their seigniory ought not to be alienated from the Crowne of England neither by gift marriage composition nor any other meanes whatsoeuer That the Kings of England were accustomed at their coronation to promise by solemne oth that it should be so and that the King there present had done the same and there withall they produced their charter They alleadged further that it was most necessarie and behoouefull for the realme that this custome authorized by the wisedome of graue counsellors and established by continuance of long time should still be kept firme and inuiolate For howsoeuer the Duke of Lancaster at this present were a faithfull and assured friend to the English men yet things could not alwayes continue at one stay and it might happen heereafter that hee should conclude some league or agree vpon some marriage with the Frenchmen Britons Burgonions or others according as time should serue and his owne affaires require whereby it might come to passe that the Dukedome of Aquitaine which by a certaine peculiar prerogatiue was now annexed to the crown of England should be transferred to a strange Lord and from thenceforth lost all their ancient aliance and societie with the English nation When they had finished their speech to this purpose many were mooued by their reasons to be of the same opinion But the Duke of Gloucester with great vehemencie of spirite opposed himselfe against them not so much for any affection to his brother as for that hee wisht him by this meanes to be remooued further off from the realme to the intent himselfe might the more commodiously rule all things as he listed After much debating the Gascones request preuailed and therevppon word was sent to the Duke of Lancaster that hee shoulde surcease from his enterprise and insist vpon his graunt no further Whilst the Duke was absent in the partes of Aquitaine King Richard raysing an army of thirty thousand Archers and foure thousand horsemen passed ouer into Ireland for the conquest whereof in former times great warres had beene made by his auncestors Nine moneths after his arriuall the country was yeelded into his subiection and their foure petty kings taken prisoners in framing whose fashions to ciuillity and good manners no arte nor diligence was omitted but hardly may a barbarous minde and sauage nature be reduced to ciuill conuersation After the death of Queene Anne daughter to Charles the Emperour the King of England because he had no issue resolued vpon a second marriage But especially aboue all other nations he desired to linke himselfe with Fraunce in a most stedfast bond of amity Herevpō he began to be a suter for Isabell the French kings daughter which had lately before been betrothed to the Duke of Britaines Sonne at Tours This motion did greatly displease the Duke of Gloucester who desired nothing but warres The French men for the most part were of opinion that nothing was to be determined in this matter before peace were throughly concluded and established Henrie King of Hungary brother to Charles the Emperor being threatned with warres from Basam a mighty and puissant Prince of the Turkes required ayde of the French king who sent two thousand young Gentlemen to his succour Iohn the sonne of Phillip Duke of Burgoigne a young Lord of the age of two and twenty yeares associated for his better direction with that worthy and valiant souldier the Lord Cowcy was appointed generall of these forces They passed out of France into Austria and from thence to Buda in Hurgary where being arriued although the enemie before had prefixed a day of battell yet heard they no newes of his comming therefore it was thought best to passe the army ouer Danubius and to assaile him in his owne countrey They were almost an hundred thousand strong the greater parte of them being horsemen Now when the◠were entred into the Turkes dominion after the taking of some townes they layd siege to the citty of Nicopolis the principall and strongest in those quarters The siege continuing somewhat long and affoording more vacant time than was conuenient for souldiers the Lorde Cowcy desirous to aduaunce his honour and the reputation of his name accompanied with fiue hundred launces and as many archers all on horse-backe ranged abroad somewhat farther into the countrey to see if hee could meete with any enemy vpon whome he might aduenture his fortune It happened according to his desire For the enemy vnderstanding that there were forragers abroade assembled to the number of twenty
he found at Confluence and when he had deliuered his message departed from thence into Fraunce The Diuines there were of opinion that the like motion should be made to Benedict as had bin before to Boniface And vpon this determination the same Bishop beeing sent by the King to Avinion declared the mindes and intentions of the Princes to the Pope Who aunswered plainely and peremptorily that hee would condiscend to no such matter Notwithstanding when he had propounded it to his Cardinalles they were of sundry opinions according as they were mooued by their seuerall dispositions and affections And when no certaintic could be concluded by reason of the difference amongest them their assembly brake vp Then the Ambassadour pressing into the Popes presence required his resolution The Pope prowdly answered how he was lawfully and orderly promoted to that holy dignity which hee would in no wise forgoe as long as he liued neyther was any man liuing so deere vnto him for whose pleasure hee would departe from his right and much lesse did he feare any force or violence in that behalf The Ambassador seeing no other answere could be gotten returned homewardes and by the way shewed the successe of his affaires to the Marshall of Fraunce whome the king had sent with an army to second his proceedings The Marshall as soone as hee vnderstoode the Popes obstinate resolution made haste to Avinion and forraged all the country about diuiding his forces into diuerse companies to keepe all conueiance of victuall from the towne He him selfe encamped before the Citty threatning the inhabitants to destroy all their houses and their vineyardes which they had abroad in the countrey vnlesse they yeelded The townesmen well considering there was little helpe in the Pope and that the King was of great puissaunce tooke counsell with certaine French Cardinalles and by their aduise set open their gates The Pope suffered himselfe to be besieged in his pallace hoping to haue beene rescued by his cousine the King of Arragon but the King of Arragon was too wise to incurre the offence of so mighty a Prince for the Popes pleasure from whom he could expect small succour againe if occasion should serue heereafter Many of his Cardinalles exhorted him to a milder kinde of carriage but the Pope full of pride and arrogancie stoode firme in his first resolution seeming as it were secure of his estate and altogether carelesse what should become of him Hee was plentifully furnished of all necessaries sauing onely fewell the want whereof together with the incessant importunity of the Cardinalles compelled him at length to yeelde vp the place The Marshall bound him by othe that hee should not departe out of the Citty before such time as an vnion were established in the Church and to be sure he should not falsifie his promise appoynted a sufficient guarde to attend him and caused the Cardinalles and rich Cittizens of Avinion to become sureties for his foorth-comming The French King hauing written the whole discourse of these proceedings to the Emperour solicited the King of England that following their example he should likewise take parte with neyther of the Popes but stand indifferent for a time till some remedy might be prouided The King was very willing to haue satisfied his father in lawes request But when the matter was propounded in parliament hee not onely effected nothing of his desire but more and more vehemently incensed the people against him whome it exceedingly offended that he should be so addicted to the French men that to doe them a pleasure it seemed hee would haue condiscended to anie thing And they told him that howsoeuer they had beene otherwise well contented to set aside all partialitie of affection either to the one partie or the other yet in regarde the French King so earnestly desired it they would not agree to his request nor in any wise allow that hee shoulde prescribe articles of religion in England About this time died the Duke of Lancaster a vertuous and prudent prince of whose death as a thing desired the king of England very ioyfully sent newes into Fraunce As for his sonne who soiourned the same time in the French court he was so farre from recalling him againe to receiue his fathers inheritance that hee also seised it into his owne hands as appertaining to himselfe till the time of the earles banishment were expired And not content heerewith he distributed many of the Duke of Lancasters goodes among such persons as no man loued but himselfe The Earle of Derby was highly fauoured and respected by the French King in regarde of his noble carriage and generous disposition And because hee was also a man of great possessions there was a match motioned betweene him and the Duke of Berries daughter which was then a widow Wherof as soone as the King of England had intelligence he sent an Ambassador foorthwith to interrupt their proceedings informing his father in law and his vncles that hee with whome they intended to contract affinitie was a wicked person and a traitour The Earle from whome all this was kept secret to the intent to learne what the Ambassadour had doone for he mistrusted somewhat because he had not seene him all the time of his being there fell in communication againe with the French King and his brothers concerning the marriage And they not thinking good to hold him longer in suspence declared what reporte they hadde heard of him from the King of England How much the Earle was grieued and discontented heerewithall any man out of his owne iudgement may easily coniecture All the nobilitie of England for the most part with the Londoners were exceedingly displeased at this his vnworthy and iniurious accusation for they knew assuredly it proceeded of mere malice hatred King Richard the same time made preparation for another voyage into Ireland assembling to the number of tenne thousand archers and two thousand horsemen and hee banished twoonoble men of great account because they refused to accompany him in that iourney For those Lordes hauing spoken somewhat boldely of the King when they vnderstoode by their friends that he had knowledge thereof they thought it better to disobey his commaund than by comming when he sent for them to put their liues and estates in manifest perill and therevppon sentence of banishment was pronounced against them To be short many causes concurred together at one time to aggrauate the peoples hatred against the King By occasion whereof certaine ill disposed persons taking aduantage of the time when they saw the king both busied in warre and irrecouerably depriued of the loue of his subiects assembling together in rowts and companies made spoyle of the husbandmen robbed the Merchants and ranged ouer all the countrey doing great violence and mischiefe insomuch that many to auoyde the daunger of their outrage were forced to conuey themselues into London and other places of securitie When the king had thus vtterly lost the harts of
his people the Archbishop of Canterbury by generall consent of the State was addressed to the Erle of Derby to bring him againe into England vpon most assured hope and expectation of the Crowne The Bishop vndertooke and perfourmed this charge so secretly that none knew of his going saue those that were interessed in the action and when he came into Fraunce not any man there could coniecture the true cause of his comming The Earle of Derby politikely dissembling the matter requested leaue of the French King to goe into Britaine to visite the Duke with whome he made no long tarriance but tooke shipping and within few dayes after arriued in England By reason of the Archbishops presence and authoritie hee found no interruption in his passage but trauelled along towards London And when they approched neare the citty they sent a messenger before to giue notice of their comming At which tidings the Cittizens sodainely surprised with ioy came flocking out of the gates in great companies to welcome the Earle from thencefoorth couenaunting to receiue him for King of England Soone after a certaine number well appointed were sent foorth against king Richard to apprehend him and bring him to London Many of the Kings followers when they vnderstood of the Londoners comming soone changed their seruice and chose them new Masters At first the King made some shew of resistance but seeing his people forsake him by counsell of his friends hee retired into the castle of Flint When the Earle drewnigh accompanied with some two hundreth men and the rest of his army following after he approched the Castle gate and sent word to the king how he required to speake with him wherevpon himselfe onely and twelue more were admitted entraunce As soone as hee sawe the King without yeelding him any reuerence Sir saide he you must this day prepare towardes London for so the people are fully purposed What should hee doe in this distresse Being destitute of succour and beholding his enemies forces before his face to escape the fury of the people he yeelded him selfe to the Earles mercie As they carried him towardes London he requested one thing very earnestly which was that hee might not be led through the Citty His request was graunted but the people much offended As soone as he came thither he was conueyed to prison New officers and seruants were placed about the Queene and other Ladies and Gentlewomen appointed to attend her all the French being dismissed and sent home into their countrey The Earle hauing brought his matters to this passe the first thing hee did hee recalled the Earle of Warwicke and certaine others that were banished And shortly after hee caused to be beheaded foure of the chiefe that had bin about King Richard by whose counsell hee confessed himselfe to haue been principally ruled in those matters which were obiected against him They were drawne to their execution vnder the prospect of his windowe of purpose that he might see them The Lords that accompanied him in prison bewailed their miserable estates and the King himselfe with the consideration of his heauie misfortune burst foorth into aboundaunce of teares and with bitter sighes cursed the day and houre that euer hee was borne to come to such an end as now entred into his cogitation He was perswaded by his partners in misery that to appease his aduersary and to purchase the assuraunce of his owne safety and such as were about him hee should renounce his royall state and dignity Herevpon he required to haue communication with the Earle to whome when hee had declared his mind after the acceptance of his offer the Erle fell into a bitter reproofe of his former life making a large repetition of his offences and besides vpbrayded him with bastardy for many reported that he was begotten by a Priest Within few dayes after King Richard in open assembly of the Lordes at the Tower of London with all ceremonies and solemnities incident to such occasions resigned the Crowne and Scepter with all his right and interest in the kingdome to Henry of Lancaster reducing himselfe into a priuate estate without assurance of his life after he had raigned two and twenty yeares This alteration of the State in England so troubled the French King that hee fell againe into his olde disease But the Counsaile of Fraunce sent certaine Ambassadors to visite the Queene his daughter and to vnderstand in what state shee remained The Duke of Burbon was likewise sent into the country of Burdeloys which seigniory since King Richard to whome the people in those partes were wonderfully affected was fallen into this calamity the French men went about to recouer againe to themselues But when the chiefe of the Citties had propounded the matter to the Commons they could not preuaile For the people feared much to be oppressed againe with the often taxes and â—allages which they had endured of olde tâ—me vnder the French men Certaine great Lords of England had secretly conspired against Henry their new King but their practise being discouered they were all put to death The French King raising a puissant army determined to haue inuaded England But it hapned about the same time that King Richard ended his life at London My Authour reporteth that he could not learne certainly by what means he came to his death but that Henry the late crowned king was incessantly called vpon by the people to dispatch him out of the way because otherwise the realme should neuer want matter of trouble and dissention Neuerthelesse he addeth further that the King in regarde hee had giuen him a faithfull promise of his life would not condiscend to their requests Now when the matters betweene Fraunce and England seemed thus to tend toward a sorrow full issue by mediation of good men a truce was obtained and confirmed for sixe and twenty yeares The French men were the rather inclined to peace by reason of their Kings infirmitie Mention hath beene made of the earle Marshall of England banished by king Richard vpon occasion of his quarrell with the Earle of Derby As soone as he vnderstoode that Henry of Lancaster had obtained the Crâ—wnâ—e and that King Richard was dead hee conceiued so great griefe and displeasure therevppon that incontinently he fell sicke and died at Venice Moreouer Pope Benedict because that after so many advertisements he would not incline to the will of the Princes was depriued of his honor and Pontificall dignitie Her name was Isabell 1326. Robert of Artoys commeth into England and the occasion of his coÌ„ming Cambray besieged King Edward taketh vppon him the title of Fraunce Tournay besieged A truce taken for twelue moneths Prolonged for twelue moneths more The occasion of the warres in Britaine Charles of Bloys Durham take sacked by the Scottish 1342. The gallant carriage and warlike behauiour of the Lady Mountfort Vannes wone by the English Recouered againe by the French The death of Robert of Artoys 1343. A truce
it should come to the push to haue warres for the matter Flaunders was able to withstand the vttermost that Fraunce could doe Neuertheles the duke of Britaine shortly after of his owne accord departed into England and the minds and affections of his people began to incline more fauourably towardes him then in former times they had done It is declared before how the Cardinals after the death of Pope Gregorie to pacify the tumult of the Romanes had through feare and compulsion chosen Vrbane the sixt Now because this Vrbane by reason of his pride and insolency was misliked of all men the Cardinals by generall consent proceeded to a new election and chose Robert bishop of Cambrey called afterwards by the name of Clement There remained at that time in the territory of the Romanes one Robert Budaeus a mâ—n honourably descended in the country of Britaine and a stout warriour hauing twoo thousand of his country men vnder his command Him did Pope Clement sollicite for the maintenance of his quarrell who nothing misliking the motion was secretly conveyed with his men into the Castle from thence to worke disturbance to the Romanes On the other side the Romanes oftentimes sent the Germane and Italian souldiers whome they had waged in their defence against these Britons and they handled the matter in such sort that their enemies wearied with their often and continuall assaultes were at length constrained to yeeld vp the Castle vppon no other conditions but only the sauing of their liues Robert their captaine who was not present at the dooing hereof but lay encamped without the Citie when he heard these tydings waighted oportunitie till such time as he vnderstood by his espialles that the Romanes should assemble together in the Castle to consult of their affaires then taking his way through secret passages and vnder the euenings couert entring closely into the Citie euen at the fittest time that could be wished for his purpose he assayled the Romanes as they came out of the counsell house vnarmed and suspecting no such matter of whome he made a terrible slaughter and killed many of the principall men and cheefe Citizens amongst them After the accomplishment of which mischâ—efe he returned againe to his campe at leysure When the French King vnderstood that a newe Pope was created he called a conuocation of certaine estates chiefly of diuines demaunding their opinion whether of the two Popes ought in this diuersitie to be acknowledged Their censures for the most part as happeneth in such cases were variable and different The Lords of the spiritualty with the Kings brothers and many of the diuines were of opinion that Cleoment ought to be receiued This determination pleased the King well and was immediately proclaymed through the whole kingdom that a certainty might generally be knowne for his subiects to trust vnto Of the same iudgement were the King of Spaine the Earle of Savoy the Duke of Millaine and the Queene of Naples Charles of Boheme the Emperour dissembled his minde notwithstanding the greater parte of the Empire tooke parte with Pope Vrbane The Scottish King also inclined to Clement Lewis Earle of Flaunders affirmed boldly that open iniurie was offered to Vrbane the Henaulters stood newter adhering neither to the one nor the other Pope Clement the better to confirme his cause directed the Cardinall of Poytiers into Fraunce and the countries adioyning to publish in all places where he came how Vrbane had beene by force and violence vtterly against the willes of the Cardinalles intruded into the papacie It was an easie matter to perswade the French men who had already giuen sentence on his side The Earles of Henault and Barband omitted not to giue him all honourable and curteous entertainment but for aught else there was nothing to be obtayned at their handes The Earle of Flaunders had sent him word long before that he had no desire to talke with him for he accounted Vrbane as chiefe shepheard of the Lords flock and intended neuer to forsake him Moreouer Pope Clement sent to Avinion to haue his Court prepared and furnished with all things necessary against his comming About this time the Queene of Naples resorted to the Pope to treate with him of very important affaires and thus stood the case Lewis of Sicill Duke of Apulia and Calabria lying vpon his death bed caused this his daughter to come before him addressed his speech to her in this manner Thou art now my deare daughter to enter vpon the inheritance of a most flourishing estate I doubt not but many princes will be forward to desire thee in marriage in respect of this thy goodly and glorious heritage Therefore if thou wilt follow thy fathers counsell match thy selfe to a Prince that is rich and powerfull whose puissance may be able to defend both thee and thy possessions And if it happen that thou haste no issue then make conueyance of all thy patrimony according to the direction of the Pope then being This my father Robert enioyned me at his death and this to discharge my selfe of that duetie I likewise giue in charge to thee againe When the father had discoursed much more to this effect the daughter deuoutly promised in the presence of many that she would not faile in her duety for the performance of his commaund After her fathers deceasse she was marryed to Andrew the brother of Lewis the King of Hungary but of this marriage proceeded no issue be reason that her husband dyed very young Afterward she matcht her selfe to Charles prince of Tarent and by him had only one daughter Against this Charles the King of Hungary moued warres and subdewed from him the countries of Apulia and Calabria Charles himselfe being likewise taken prisoner in battell and carryed away into Hungary where he ended his life After him she marryed to the King of Maiorica and sent Ambassadours into Fraunce to Lewis of Navarre of whome we haue formerly made mention for the concluding of a match betweene him and her daughter Who taking his iourney for the same intent deceassed by the way before he could attaine the accomplishment of his purpose The King of Maiorica in hope to recover his fathers inheritance prepared to make sharp warres vpon the King of Arragon by whome it was with-holden from him His wife desirous to retaine him still at home disswaded him all she could from his intended enterprise alleadging how he already enioyed a kingdom large and flourishing sufficient of it selfe to maintaine pleÌ„ty euen with superfluitie but she could not preuaile Therefore giving place to his resolution at his departure she earnestly exhorted him that he should open all his estate to Charles King of Fraunce who was a wise and prudent prince and declaring to him his iniuries receiued dispose all his proceedings according to his direction But the King of Maiorica expecting I know not what greater helpes otherwhere required ayde of Prince Edward the king of Englands sonne who
warres and vtter enmity against them In the meane season those citizens which were desirous of peace perswaded and preuailed with the rest that to mittigate the Earles displeasure they should make restitution of the towne they had taken and banish certaine of the chiefe authors of the enterprise This thing gaue the Earle some satisfaction And for example sake he put to death certaine commoners of the towne of Ipre which had been chiefe moouers of the late insurrection Vpon the report whereof the rebels and ringâ—eaders of mischiefe at Gaunt began to mistrust that all would be amisse on their sides also Wherefore following the counsell of one of their own stampe who was of opinion that liberty could not be procured but by subuersion of the nobilitie and gentlemens estates they ouerthrew and beat downe all the Castles and gentlemens houses they could come to and rifling their goods diuided the spoile amongst them The gentlemen mooued with this violent iniury and increased in number by the losse of their substance vppon complaint to the Earle obtained his licence and with such power as they procured made cruell warres vppon the Gauntoys Who fearing least the Earle should procure ayd out of Fraunce they sent messengers afore hand to the French King beseeching him that he would not take armes against their common wealth affirming that they contended with their Lord and endured the discommodities of warre not vppon any wilfull obstinacy but in desire to maintaine their liberty The french King being already scarce well pleased with the Earle of Flaunders for harbouring the Duke of Britaine both condiscended to their requests and gaue them encouragement Pope Clement also whome the Earle had refused to acknowledge was nothing forgetfull thereof but kept it in mind against occasion should serue to worke him as great a displeasure When the Duke of Britaine as we haue told you being called home by his subiects letters was returned into his country the King of England according to promise sent a number of souldiers to his succour but by violence of teÌ„pest they were driuen back into England The duke in the meane while not knowing hereof and wondering at the occasion of their delay sollicited the King againe for ayd Herevppon the King sent on of his vncles the youngest son of King Edward and with him six thousand men After he had passed through a good part of Fraunce when he approched nere his enemy the Duke of Burgundy the French Kings brother the Duke was desirous to haue giuen him battell but the French King for weighty considerations commanded the contrary presupposing it would come to passe that they might be disseuered of themselues And as he was indued with a kind of fortunate discretion for the managing of his affaires he practised by his letters as secretly as might be with the men of Nants a rich and populous Citie in those quaters putting them in remembrance of their dutie and earnestly desiring them that they would not take part with his enemies against him They in regard of their affection to Fraunce promised assurance of their good will and faithfull endeauour thereby discharging the kings mind of al doubts and that they might better make resistance against their enemies they requested him to send a conuenient number of souldiers to remaine with them in garrison The Englishmen after a combersome iourny and many difficulties at length arriued in Britaine My author reporteth that the Engligmen were wont to obserue this custome that when they went forth to warfare into any forraine country they were solemnly sworne to their King first to conceale and in any wise to keepe secret all counsels and purposes concerning the seruice vndertaken and then that they should conclude no absolute peace with the enemy but with the consent and approbation of their King and his nobility As the Englishmen according to my former speech were marching through the middest of Fraunce towards Britaine King Charles the wisest and most prudent Prince of his times fell greâ—uously sicke It is declared before how certaine of the King of Nauarres frends had giuen him poyson The opâ—… of which poyson was so violent that both his haire anâ—… nailes fell off and his body became so withered that scarce the image of a man remained Neuertheles the Emperour sent him a certaine Germaine phisition who abated the force thereof in such sort both nayles and haire and health also by little and little returned But his body could neuer be so cleerely purged but some part of the venome remained which being drawne into his arme distilled out at an issue made for the purpose And the phisition told him at his departure that whensoeuer that issue dried vp he should not liue long after Therefore despairing of health and feeling his own weaknes he sent for his brethren the dukes of Burgundy and Berry with the Duke of Burbon to whome he spake in this manner as for the Duke of Aniow because he seemed so gripple and couetous he desired not his presence I feele vndoubtedly my deere brothers that I cannot long continue amongst you Therefore I commend Charles my sonne to your tuition beseeching you that you will be alwaies assistant to him with your wisedome and counsell as it becommeth vncles to assist their nephew which must vndergoe the weight of so great a burthen and that in so tender yeeres as he can no waies be able to helpe himselfe Assoone as I am dead let it be your care to see him crowned for in you I repose all my trust and confidence Ye see he is but a very child and therfore shall stand in need of good bringing vp and wholesome instruction So let him be taught and trayned vp in all points pertaining to the office of a king as it may appeare to the world that you haue performed your duties And for a wife when time shall serue and yeeres be fitting let me entreat you to make his choice for birth and estate such a one as by her match the realme may rather be honoured then impayred I haue had much conference with a certaine Astronomer of great learning and iudgement who told me that in the time of his youth he should be put to much trouble and disquietnes and should escape many casualties of fortune Surely I haue often and very much considered with my selfe by what occasions such things should come to passe For at this present through the diuine fauour ye haue a state reasonable quiet and setled Of Flaunders I know not what to thinke the Duke of Britaine is subtill a friend to the English an enemy to vs therefore it is behoouefull that ye retaine the cheefe Cities of Britaine in loue and amitie for by this meanes shall the Dukes counselles be frustrate Surely the Britons deserue to be commended and are worthy to be well esteemed for they haue alwaies done me faithfull seruice both in defending my kingdome and pursuing my enemies Send into Germanie to
the Duke of Braband putting him in mind how vnfitting it were for his honour to attempt such an enterprise against a company of silly women vnable to make resistance partly by the iustnesse of his request and partly by intreaty and perswasion diuerted the king from his purpose It was covenanted between the King and the Parisians that the mony which they were to pay weekly shold be kept by the treasurer of the Citie and no part of it to be expēded about any other occasiō but only in time of necessity for the maintenance of men of warre Now the french King when he should send his succours unto Spaine required the treasurer to disburse an hundreth thousand franks for the vse of that seruice The treasurer neither refusing nor performing delayed the matter with friuolous excuses The duke of Aniow at that time standing in great fauour with the people to the intent the more commodiously to furnish himselfe for his iourney into Naples wrought secretly in such sort that no part of this money was sent to the King but hauing all the authority in his owne hands found meanes to bring the matter so about that the whole summe which the King demaunded was without any grudging deliuered to himselfe Being therefore plentifully furnished with all things needfull and hauing gathered together about thirtie thousand men he proceeded on his voyage When he arriued at Auinion where Pope Clement then remained he found the hearts of the noblity meruailously inclined towards him Afterward leauing Prouence he passed through Italy into Apulia and Calabria of which countries when with most earnest affection of the people he had taken possession he tooke his way towards Naples But the Neapolitanes were altogether addicted to his aduersarie Charles the King of Hungaries nephewe heretofore mentioned This Charles after the death of the Queene of Naples who left no issue of her owne to enioye her inheritance vsurped the title and dominion of all these seigniories affirming that the Popes gifte to the Duke of Aniow was for twoo especiall causes of no force nor value First because it was not in the deceased Queenes power to alienate those things that were not her owne which opinion of his the Neapolitanes and Sicilians stoutly mayntained And againe though it had beene most free for her to dispose of them all at her pleasure yet because in those countries they acknowledged Vrbane for chiefe bishop and not Clement to whome and from whome that conveyance was made the gift must necessarily be voyd and frustrate Charles had long before furnished with all manner of prouision a certaine castle called Leuf planted as the people say by art Magicke encompast on euery side with the sea and so impregnably fortified that by any other means then by such like skill it was impossible to be conquered Into this castle abundantly stored with all necessaries for certain yeares he withdrew himselfe and his retinue taking no great thought for the rest in regard he was wel assured that the Neapolitanes would neuer forsake him and as for Calabria though he lost it for the present yet after a yeere or two he made no question to recouer it For he knew the Duke must alwaies maintaine a great army in pay for feare of rebellion which he could not long continue but either want of money or victuall would force him to great inconuenience So that his power being weakened and his numbers dispersed he might easily be ouerthrowne and driuen out of the country But there was a certaine coniurer which promised the Duke of Aniow to blinde the eies of them in the Castle in such sorte as they should belieue there was a bridge made ouer frō the main land by meanes whereof they should be compelled to yeeld for feare But by procurement of the Earle of Sauoy who accompanyed the Duke in that expedition he was put to death for a like peece of seruice which he had done long before The Englishmen and Gascones hauing taryed almost nine moneths in Portingale without performing any notable exployt like men that hated such slolthfulnes determined once againe to aduenture sorth against the Spaniards Their Captaine the Earle of Cambridge when they acquainted him with the matter was against it but they neuerthelesse went forward with their purpose and hauing good successe brought certaine townes in subiection After their returne they complayned that their entertaynment was not payd them The king of Portingale halfe angry because they aduentured without his commission made shew as if he would not haue contented them Whereupon some counselled to forrey the country take out their wages in pillage but others of more stayed iudgment and sounder discretion perswaded the contrary and so at length by intreaty they obtayned that which they were purposed to haue gotten by violence After this the King of Portingale leuyed an army of fifteene thousand besides the English and the King of Spaine hauing a power of thirty thousand bad him battell Both their forces came into the field and many dayes together light skirmishes passed betweene them But the king of Portingale because his enemies forces were more in number then his would in no wise ioyne with him in a sette battell The Duke of Lancaster whom this matter chiefly concerned in regard he marryed the eldest daughter of Don Pietro had promised his brother at his setting forth towards Spaine that as soone as he had dispatcht his affaires in Scotland he would come thither also himselfe and bring an other army His comming the king of Portingale expected But by reason of the late insurrection the state being somewhat troublesome in England the King thought it not conuenient to send his men of warre out of the Countrey The King of Portingale therefore seeing no more succours come began to treate with the Spaniard of peace though altogether against the mindes of the English whose Generall highly offended with the matter returned thereupon into England and tooke with him his sonne also to whome the king of Portingales daughter named Beatrice a Lady of 10 years old had beene lately betrothed The nextyeere following the King of Spaines wife which was the King of Arragons daughter deceassed and the King of Spaine marryed this Beatrice whom the Earle of Cambridge had in a manner cast off and forsaken This marriage was ratifyed by the Pope Not long after also dyed Ferdinando King of Portingale in whose place not the King of Spaine which had marryed his daughter but a bastard brother of his succeeded being admitted to the crowne rather by fauour of the clergy and authoritie of the citties then by election or approbation of the nobility Vpon this occasion much trouble and great warres ensued afterward When the Gauntoys through the Earle of Flaunders procurement were kept streitly from victuall out of all places adioyning certaine of their towne to the number of twelue thousand passing through Barband came to Liege and were there relieued with corne and
the sword Neuerthelesse in conclusion a meanes was found to make amity and peace betweene them The French king gaue his daughter in marriage to the Duke of Brittaines sonne and the sonne of Iohn of Bloys the Constables son in lawe married the Duke of Britaines daughter Verily for the most part to such comicall conclusions come the tragicall contentions of Princes Guy Earle of Bloys had rich and ample inheritance both in Fraunce and other countries But after the death of Lewis his sonne who deceased very yong he had no one certaine heire but diuerse in diuerse places according as his lands lay separated one farre from another Now the duke of Touraine the French kings brother by the meanes of his wife which was daughter to Galâ—as Duke of Millaine had a greatmasse of money lying by him And because he was desirous to bestow it to some benefite he would neuer rest till he had perswaded the Earle to sell him al the lands pertaining to the Earledome of Bloys It was a hard matter to compasse and good reason why but being ouercome at last by the intreaty of his wife the Duke of Berryes daughter whom the French king had suborned when he saw no hope of issue he solde him the reuersion of his Earledome for two hundred thousand franks Gascone Earle of Foys whose singular wisedome and liberality my Author dooth oftentimes commend fell sodainly downe dead one day when he was come home from hunting as he washed his hands to go to dinner By what mischaunce his onely sonne perished we haue shewed before Now of his base sonnes he loued one so well that he was earnestly in hand with the French King for his legittimation that he might haue made him his heyre and if suddaine death had not preuented him perhaps he might haue brought the matter to passe as he desired The next of his kinted to succeed him was the vicount of Chastillon but as long as he liued he alwaies hated him to the intent to doe him displeasure besides his purpose and endeauour to haue conueyed the inheritance to his bastard sonne he also borrowed of the French King when he had no need fiue hundred thousand frankes because if euer he happened to become his heyre he would be sure to charge him with a heauy burthen Assoone as the Earle was dead there wanted not some to perswade the King that in regard he deceassed without issue and was indebted to him so great a summe of money he should seize all the Earldome into his owne possession After the matter had been diuersly debated at length by inter cession of the Duke of Berry the King was contented to depart with the Earldome to the Vicount vpon these conditions that he should pay vnto him threescore thousand frankes and twenty thousand more to such as had trauelled and taken paines in his behalfe for the obtainment of his sute and finally that by the censure of indiffereÌ„t persons he should deale friendly and honourably with the Earles two bastard Sonnes that remayned After the French men were returned out of Barbary vppon relation which many made of the occurrents they had seene the King was enflamed with a meruailous desire to goe into those countries to conquer the Barbarians and there were diuers that prouoked and put him forward to the action as an enterprise fitting a Prince of such puissance But it was generally thought necessary that the church should first be setled in quiet before this expedition were vndertaken And that could not otherwise be brought to passe then by suppressing the new Pope lately chosen at Rome This counsell was well approoued and there vppon proclamation made through all Fraunce that the King would addresse himselfe to the warres at the beginning of the next spring Now when this voyage was thus fully resolued vppon ambassadours arryued out of England signifying how their King was very desirous of peace This newes wonderfully reioyced the French King and therevppon a meeting was appointed at Amience The King of England sent thither two of his vncles the Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke but the Duke of Gloucester the great aduersary of peace he kept still with himselfe at Douer The french King was present in person at this treaty The Englishmen demaunded againe all Aquitaine which King Iohn had departed from by the law of armes and besides fourteene hundred thousand frankes which remayned yet vnpayed for his raunsome The French men offered them a part of Aquitaine namely that they had already in possession and nyne Bishoprickes For the payment of their money they required three yeares respit and that Calice might be raced to the ground The conditions were reiected on both sides For although the Englishmen enclind wonderfully to peace yet without their kings consent they would not conclude vpon any thing for that was beyond the limits of their commission It seemed the King of England did not greatly disallow the rest of the articles sauing only the racing of Calice But the Duke of Gloucester the disturber of peace and enemy to all agreement made vehement opposition affirming that it was impossible euer to drawe the French men to any accord which might be for the profit and honour of England And because in these affaires of so great consequence the King alone had not authority sufficient to confirme the articles of peace though he likte them neuer so well without consent of the three estates of his kingdome assembled in Parliament it was agreed that to the former three yeeres truce another tweluemonth should be added that in the meane time conuenient leisure might be had to consider and determine of the matter at large Neuerthelesse at the Duke of Lancasters departure the French King discouering his minde shewed him how earnestly he was desirous of peace to the intent that by this meanes he might bend all his forces against the Turkes and Barbarians who had lately both driuen the King of Armenia out of his country and also entred with great cruelty into the Kingdome of Hungary The Duke well disposed of himselfe and mooued with the Kings most curteous and honourable discourse promised him his faithfull furtherance and that he would neuer cease the imploying of his best endeauours till he had brought the matter to such a conclusion as by the King especially and by all well affected people was generally desired The french King made an exchange with his brother Lewis for the Duke dome of Toureine in liev whereof he gaue him the duke dome of Orleance which was much greater but with this condition that all his heyres and successours should do homage and fealty to the Kings of Fraunce for the same A certaine gentleman of the Court called Peter of Craon was highly in fauour with the Duke of Orleance who besides his wife bare secret affection to another Lady of excellent beauty and this matter was not vnknowne to that friend of his whome he vsed so familiarly It so
of the Duke of Lancaster and some others whose dispositions hee mistrusted not what course they would aduise him to in this behalfe The Duke and the rest as well as they could endeuoured to quiet his thoughts and to remooue all feare and suspition out of his minde assuring him that their loue and good affection should neuer faile to doe him faithfull seruice But in the end the matter proceeded so farre that such as were most familiar with the King and nearest about him being vnable to brooke the pride and ouerdaring insolencie of the Duke of Gloucester for he hated all those whom the King fauoured protested plainely that in regarde of his seditious practises they could no longer continue their places without great daunger of their liues and hazard of their estates And therevppon diuerse were seene and those of the chiefer sort to abandon the Court and retire themselues to their country dwellings for it was no hard matter to foresee to what issue all things tended To be short the King moued with with these speeches concurring with so manifest presumptions after much deliberation vnder a politicke pretence of great kindnesse allured his vncle from his owne house to ride abroade with him a hunting Who being by this meanes trayned foorth with a small company was by the Earle Marshall sodainely arrested in the Kings name and conueyed in great secrecie to the Castle of Calice When hee had remained there a while much mistrusting what should become of him one day as hee was entred into the great chamber and about to wash his handes before dinner foure lusty fellowes appoynted by the Kings commaundement cast a towell about his necke and winding it strongly a crosse two at the one end and two at the other ouerthrew him to the ground and strangled him Then stripping off his clothes and closing his eyes they layd him in his bed and presently gaue it foorth in the Castle how the Duke that night died sodainely of an apoplexy Within two dayes after his death was published but there were few or none either in Fraunce or England that greatly bewailed him For such was his desert as he had long since purchased euery mans ill affection by reason of his turbulent spirite which was altogether bent to mooue vnquietnesse and contention Neuerthelesse the Londoners tooke his death in very ill parte and so did the kings other vncles especially the Duke of Lancaster who could well haue found in his heart to reuenge this cruell outrage committed vppon his brother but that hee feared the kings puissance now greatly increased by reason of his marriage After the murther of the duke of Gloucester certaine others also were executed at London as accessary to his treason and conspiracie The Earle of Warwicke a man much respected in the common-wealth should likewise haue tasted of the same cup but that by intercession of his friends the kings rigour was somewhat mitigated and so he was banished into the I le of Wight The duke of Gloucester left a sonne vnder age and therefore the king tooke all his landes into his owne custodie and appoynted his mother to giue attendance vppon the Queene It is the custome of England that the king hath the wardship of all Noble mens heires and the vse of their landes till they come to one and twenty yeares of age The king who knew well how greeuously he had offended his vncles by killing their brother growing now suspitious of all men kept continually a Guarde of two thousand archers about him for the defence of his person Henry Earle of Derby the Duke of Lancasters sonne a man highly in fauour of the people in priuate and familiar conference between him and the Earle Marshall cast forth certaine speeches ouer-liberally against the king The Marshall to winne fauour with the king vttered all their communication in an assembly of the Lordes appeaching him of treason and proffering the combate The Earle on the contrary parte retorted the treason vppon himselfe and accepted his challenge The King in whose presence all this had passed was meruailously displeased and leauing the company with drew himselfe into his chamber Many thought the King much too blame in that hee suffered the matter to proceede so farre for the Champions were at great charge to furnish themselues against the day of combate esteeming it his peculiar duty to haue vsed his authoritie for râ—straining of such quarrells as these whereby occasions of much trouble might ensue afterward When the King vnderstoode that such speeches were giuen foorth and withall how it was generally ill taken in the behalfe of the Earle of Derby to the intent to giue satisfaction both to the Lordes and the Commons who loued not the Earle Marshall he tooke the matter into his owne handes and gaue sentence that the duke of Lancasters sonne should be banished for tenne yeares and the Earle Marshall for euer At the Earle of Derbies departure the King of his owne accord released foure yeares of his banishment and the Earle following his fathers counsell repaired to the french king who gaue him very curteous and honourable entertainment Great sorrow and discontentment was shewed by the Londoners when he departed and from that time forward all things there tended to a bloudy and sorrowfull conclusion After the Lordes of Fraunce were raunsomed from the Turkes and returned into their countrey the French King much mooued with the Earle of Neuers discourse to the intent to establish concord in the Church addressed Letters foorthwith to the Emperour earnestly requesting his assistaunce in that behalfe By mutuall consent a day was appoynted for their meeting at Rhemes Other matters were deuised and giuen forth for the occasion of their comming thither that the true cause of that assembly which they were desirous to conceale might for a time be kept secret After a solemne enterview and great consultation it was agreed that the Bishop of Cambray should be directed to Pope Boniface then lying at Rome to exhort him that for the generall quiet and welfare of the Church he would be content to resigne his office not for euer but onely till such time as by the determination of Princes and learned Diuines a resolution of all controuersies might be established The Pope answered gently that he would take the aduise of his Cardinalles But the people of Rome in the meane while hauing learned the cause of the Ambassadors comming and perceiuing it would turne greatly to their discommoditie perswaded the Pope that hee should not for any respect of Kings or Princes whosoeuer abase himselfe so much but rather stand in defence of his right to the vttermost The Pope therefore dissembling his purpose at his next communication with the Ambassadour told him that for his part he would not refuse to accomplish the Emperours and the Kings request so as his aduersary would be content to doe the like Being dismissed with this aunswere the Ambassadour returned to the Emperour whom
departing towards Sivill he made certaine appointment with the Prince and gaue him his faith to returne verie shortly againe and to bring mony with him for the discharge of his soldiers When the prince vppon expectation of his returne had taryed certaine moneths beyond the time prefixed he sent messengers to inquire the cause of his delay The tyrant excused himself how he had sent certaine of his servants with the mony that they were intercepted in the way by theeves Wherfore he requested him to returne into his owne country leave some officers of his in Castile to whome he would make satisfaction to the vttermost This answere greatly displeased the Prince but no other at that time could be obtayned King Henry escaping out of the battell fled to Valentia a cittie of Arragon and there acquainted the king with his calamitie From thence he went to Mountpelier to the Duke of Aniow a mortall enemy of the English After that he tooke his iourney to Avinion to Pope Vrbane who was then prepayring to depart from thence to Rome and to him likewise recounted his miseries and misfortunes At last being privately ayded by the Duke of Aniow he assembled certaine forces and invaded Prince Edwards dominions The Princesse somewhat amazed with the suddainnesse thereof sent to the French King to represse her enemie But the French King winked at the matter Herevppon Prince Edward having advertisement how the world went was constrayned to returne into his owne country before the King of Castile had payd him his money As he came through Arragon he met with some impediments his passage was stopped Neverthelesse at a day of meeting the matter was taken vp friendly betweene them Prince Edward after his returne into his owne dominion because he had consumed a great masse of money about this expedition into Spaine summoned all the nobilitie of Aquitaine with the burgesses of the citties to a parliament and there made publike request for the graunt of a generall subsidy to belevyed through all his dominion and that only for five yeeres in consideration as well of the great debt wherewith he had charged himselfe and had not yet discharged his soldiers as also for that he had spent and in a manner cleerely exhausted all his owne treasure about this voyage All the citties for the most parte gave their consents but many of the greatest Lords opposed themselues against the Princes purpose Affirming that so long as they were subiect to the King of Fraunce they were never burdened with any such exactions and rather then they would now vndergoe them they would endure the vttermost whatsoever When the Prince would relent no part of his rigor the Lords which had thus gainsaâ—d him tooke their way directly to Paris to the French King where in assembly of the councell they declared their griefe making sore complaint of the Prince and withall beseeching the French King to receive them into his protection The French King made answere that he would deale by the advise of his counsell and according to the articles of peace concluded betweene his father and the King of England Meane while the Lords of Gascoine remained at Paris The subsidy was such that euerie houshold should pay yeerely one francke which had amounted to the some of twelve hundreth thousand Frankes by the yeere King Henry having advertisement of the rebellion of the Gascones and holding it good pollicie to make vse of another mans trouble resolved not to let slip so faire an opportunity Therefore by the King of Arragons assistance he raised an army of ten thousandmen and which way soever he directed his forces he recovered townes and castles againe to his subiection Don Pietro remaining the same time at Sivill assoone as he heard newes of these proceedings sent presently to the King of Portingall and the King of Granado for succour He obtayned his request and had gathered together in all forty thousand men amongst whom there were many Saracens King Henrie seeing it stood him in hand to proceede rather by discretion and pollicy then by plaine force for the Tyrant farre exceeded him in number of souldiers following the aduise of a certaine Captaine of his even in the mornings first approche contrary to expectation suddainly invaded his enemies and fought prosperously in such sort that the Tyrant was constrained to fly for tefuge into a castle thereby whereof assoone as King Henry had intelligence he brought all his Army thither and bent his forces against it The tyrant perceiving his imminent perill issued secretly out of the castle accompanied with some sewe in the dead time of the night hoping so to haue escaped by flight But it was his fortune to fall into the hands of the captaine of the Scowtwatch by whome he was apprehended and brought forth with before King Henry who at his first entrance began presently to inveigh against him with most bitter termes and the tyrant for his part also returned words of like reproach calling him sonne of a strumpet To be short King Henry overthrowing him to the ground and getting vpon him stab'd him to the hart with his dagger and in short space after his death with small trouble recovered againe the possession of the whole kingdome The King of Portingall weÌ„t about to haue revenged the death of his kinsman Don Pietro by battell but he was pacified During the time that the Lords of Gascoine soiourned at Paris the French King had a sonne borne which afterward carried the name of his father In the mean while the Lords of Gascoine made often supplication to the French King that he would vndertake the defence of their cause against Prince Edward which thing if he refused to doe extreme necessitie would compell them to seeke some vnder whose protection they might quietly enioye their possessions by meanes whereof it might come to passe in time that the Kings of Fraunce should forgoe all their right and interest in the whole province of Aquitaine The french King considering the great importance and daunger of the warre tooke long respite to deliberate vppon the matter Most of his counsell perswaded him to warre affirming with great vehemency that the articles of peace were infringed by the King of England At length it seemed good to summon the Prince to appeare in person at the parliament of Paris and certaine were appointed to carry the summons accordingly Prince Edward when he heard this message after some pause made answere to this effect that sithence the French King had so commanded him he would surely come to Paris but it should bee with his helmet on his head and threescore thousand souldiers in his company The messengers departed out of Burdeaux and being apprehended in their way homeward wereby the Princes commandement cast in prison Here by the way it shall not be amisse to make some remembrance of the hostages left in England The Duke of Aniow as is declared already had conveyed himselfe away before
the death of King Iohn The Duke of Berry through the King of Englands curtesie had intreated a yeeres respite to solace himselfe in Fraunce And vppon like fauour diuers others were licenced to depart for a season Some one or twoo onely by the payment of their ransomes purchaced their liberty Those that the King had thus dismissed after the wars began againe returned no more The french King proclaimed open warre against the King of England and committed the charge thereof vnto twoo of his brethren who mustered souldiers from all partes so that the number of them amounted to an hundred thousand men The French men made often incursions vppon the countrey of Poytiers and other of the Princes dominions And the Princes souldiers likewise invaded the Lordships of those who had given the first occasion of these warres and made complaint of him to the French King The french King published his cause and the necessity of this warre in diuers places by cunning persons with so well seeming circumstances as no man could otherwise iudge but that his proceedinges were grounded vppon most iust and reasonable occasions The same did the King of England also verily to this intent that by declaring the causes of the warre they might haue the people more at commandement to pay their subsidies and to beare the burden of their exactions Lewis Earle of Flaunders had no issue but one daughter The King of England sought by all meanes to haue obtained her in marriage for his youngest Sonne and the matter was laboured for the space of three whole yeeres together In the Earle himselfe was no want of good affection but Pope Vrbane in regard they were of his kinred would in no wise giue his consent to the marriage The Earle therfore perceiving this match might not go forward began to make meanes by his friends to Phillip Duke of Burgundy the French kings brother that the marriage might be made betweene him and his daughter This treatie tooke effect and so it came to passe that Burgoigne and Flaunders were vnited together The King of England considering how by meanes of this marriage the Duke of Burgundy should become heyre to the Earle of Flaunders practised with the King of Navarre who bare a secret grudge to the French King for certaine Lordshippes that he should denounce open wars against him The French king had provided a great power of shipping intending to send his brother the Duke of Burgundy with an army of choyce souldiers to make warres in England The King of England having intelligence thereof made preparation according and determined to receiue them with some entertainement in their passage Moreover he sent his Sonne the Duke of Lancaster with certaine forces to Calice which when the French King vnderstood by the advise of his counsell he altered his purpose iudging it the better course to encounter with his enemie when he had already passed the Seas of his owne accord Herevppon the Duke of Burgundy was set forth well appointed who at such time as he lay encamped neere his enemy notwithstanding he were of much greater puissance yet would he not adventure to giue him battell vnlesse he had expresse direction for the same from the king his brother My author reporteth that a certaine English captaine a man of approoved valour and discretion and withall very fortunate in his affayres hauing one day observed a faire oportunitie would haue attempted some exploit vppon the enemy and to the intent the better to effect his purpose had requested an English Earle to guard him with certaine horsemen for the performance of his enterprise Which when the Earle had condiscended vnto some followers of his gaue him counsell to the contrary perswading him that if the adventure prooved succesfull the reputation thereof would redownd to another and therefore that it were better for him to vndertake some service by himselfe the honour where of might be entirely his owne By this meanes the Captaine being disappointed was faine to leaue his desired enterprise vnperformed Thus we see envy and ambition hath some predominance in all places and oftentimes it falleth out that through private â—mulation whilste one will adventure nothing in anothers behalfe many notable occasions are neglected which perhaps the enemy afterward converteth to his owne aduantage When the French and English armies had thus a while confâ—onted one another the Duke of Burgundy by the kings commaund brake vp his campe and licensed all his souldiers to depart The Duke of Lancaster returned to Calice and when he had there rested some fewe daies to refresh himselfe reassembling his forces he tooke his way into Fraunce where having burnt vp certaine townes because the winter approched he dissolved his army and returned into England These long-lasting warres greatly grieved many noble men of Fraunce insomuch that divers of them conveyed away their goods housholdstuffe remooved theÌ„selus into other places where they might with more safety expect the comfort of a calmer season wisely mistrusting least in sitting still oâ— taking part either with the french King or the English they might haue taryed to their cost howsoeuer For so stood the caâ—e with many of them who had possessions in both Princes dominions that they could neither adhere to the one nor forsake the other without preiudice to their owne estate and apparant losse of whatsoeuer they held within either of their iurisdictions On the other side many Lords of Gascoine revolted from Prince Edward and ioyned with the french King Edward as he was a man of singular wisedome and stayed disposition foreseeing that this defection of the nobility from his Sonne would tend to much mischiefe addressed letters into Gascoine to this effect How he vnderstood that they all for the most part were discontented with the subsidy which his Sonne had lately imposed vppon them his mind was therefore to apply a remedy to this inconvenience and wholy to take away all occasions which might any way mooue dissenâ—ion or controuersie To which purpose and intent he had giuen commandement to his Sonne that he should surcease from all such exaction of money and that all those which found themselues oâ—er-charged or burthened either by him or any of his officers should haue satisfaction allowed them according to the dammage they had sustained And further he pardoned all such as had reuolted to the French King vppon condition that within one moneth after they should returne againe into Gascoigne requesting this only at their hands that they would not stirre sedition but calling to minde their promised faith and allegeance rest contented to conforme themselues to the present state of gouernment In so doing they should find him ready to make particular recompence to as many as could iustly complaine of oppression And for conclusion that this was the intention and desire both of himselfe and all his counsellours These letters were published in divers places of Gascoine but they wrought small effect for many were seen daily to