I mistake that then it would please such as be of iudgement or skill to iustifie the same as well done and I shall most willinglie yeeld to authoritie and reason and so not speaking but vnder correction I saie that first I find as I conceiue some blame to be imputed in your selues which be professed soldiers that where your ancestors and al others generallie did in their standards banners and pennons shew foorth to the viewe and face of the enimie certaine faire ancient and knowne marks which their elders for the most part had vsuallie before time carried or at least themselues had then taken if they but then were in their rising age wherby their owne people were in a goodlie and decent order conducted and led and their enimies verie much terrified when they should see those marks shewed foorth the owners whereof had in their memories by plaine feat of armes ouerthrowne their parents or happely themselues beaten them out of the fielde razed downe their castels and fortresses sacked their townes and cities wasted and spoiled their countries ransomed their people and generally so daunted and amazed them that it was sometimes found to be true that verie bare names of some valiant persons ouercame whole armies I can not but blame you of all sorts which shall make choise of banners which you call colors so curtein like and so far from all due order of Ancient bearing as may be and for your parts which are descended from Ancestors of marke I would be glad to heare any reason from you to what end you should lay the same a side and make choise of a curtein in the place thereof And you others whose wisedome and valure haue gained you the reputation of a charge I would gladly also heare from you what should moue you to be of that mind as not to take some conuenient marke such a one as may be thought meete by authority for you whereby you may gaine an honor both to your selues and your posteritie and by your good vsage thereof much enlarge the reputation you haue by your valours obtained An other thing that is amisse as I take it and hath great need to be reformed is the quartering of many marks in one shield coate or banner for sithence it is true that such marks serue to no other vse but for a commander to lead by or to be knowen by it is of necessitie that the same be apparent faire and easie to be discerned so that the quartering of many of them together doth hinder the vse for which they are prouided As how is it possible for a plaine vnlearned man who may be as good a soldier in some respects as the best to discerne and know a sunder six or eight what speake I of six or eight sometimes thirtie or fortie seuerall marks clustered all together in one shield or banner nay though he had as good skill as Robert Glouer late Somerset that dead is and the eies of an Egle amongst such a confusion of things yet should he neuer be able to decipher the errors that are daily committed in this one point nor discerne or know one banner or standard from another be the same neuer so large So that except it be to be made in a pedegree or descent to locke vp in an euidence chest therby to shew mens titles to their lands or the Alliences and kindreds of their houses otherwise as I say I see not to any vse in the world they serue specially so many together to be made vpon a mans vesture Target or banner and therefore I could wish that euery man would content himselfe with his owne peculiar coate of name and not to vse aboue one quartered therewith at the most which one yet doth not so much trouble the capacitie of a man but that he may both know and discerne a banner or shield well ynough And this one do I the rather esteeme well of to be borne for that a Prince or Noble man making challenge or title to any Countrie for which he is forced to make warres before he can obtaine it it will be a goodly thing for him to shew foorth his standard of the Armes of that Countrie quartered with his owne amongest those people which in reason and conscience owe him duety and obedience to the end that they may thereby be the sooner induced to submit themselues to their true and lawfull soueraine as his subiects And for that cause as I take it King Edward the third and his valiant sonnes deuised and shewed foorth the Armes of France and England quartered together and although my Author saith that Iaques Dartuell a honie trier of Gaunt was the first deuiser thereof yet will I not beleeue otherwise but that the principall reasons that led the king thereto was to make knowne the iustnes of his title to that kingdome where he then intended to make warres But now it may be obiected sithence a Prince or great Lord may haue title to seuerall Countries that therefore it is necessarie for him to beare all such tokens or marks as he hath title too To this I answere that although I could yeeld to them but that it will bring the confusion aforesaid yet is it of no such necessity for that a man needs to shew his title but onely to them whom he means to subdue and if it should fortune that he had title to diuers and seuerall Countries and that he would make warres to them all at once yet should it not be needfull to him to shew foorth any more marks quartered in one standard but onely vnto euery seuerall countrie the Armes of that nation quartered with his owne But this being the case of Kings and Princes wherein amongest others our most famous noble and worthy kings and princes of this land haue shewed themselues most prudent and wise to what purpose is it that others being but commanders vnder their prince and which of themselues haue neither title to countrie nor are able to maintaine wars should in their princes seruice pester their banners and shields with such an infinite number as many do And in this point I cannot ynough commend the Baron of Stafford who heerin sheweth his great skill and temperance for althongh his Ancestors haue had title to quarter the marks of that valiant Thomas of Wodstocke yoongest sonne of King Edward the third Earle of Buckingham and Duke of Glocester of Bohune Earle of Hereford and Northanton and high Cunstable of England and also of that great house of Somerset which by their ancestor Iohn Earle of Somerset yoonger sonne to Iohn of Gaunt descended from the same king Edward the third I omit to speake of diuers Barons and others of great estate whose heires both with reuenue and honor enlarged greatly his family yet the said Baron contents himselfe with the paternall marke of his house and neuer so much as dreames of any other far differing from a number of meaner persons who if they possesse any
ship The Christopher from ours but latelie tane Fraught full of those which we compeld to skip mid washing waues vnto their dismall bane Thus may we note how Fortunes fuls do wane Blith this ship of Clarions now doth sound And euen now with horror doth abound Our foes whose number fower for one did pas Like men at armes they Fortune striue to trie Hideous broyle monsterous noise there was Enuffe t' haue made a fainting hart to die On surging seas more fell fierce battails be Then on firme land ech one must bide the fray And fight it out there is no other way From dashing ships the pointed arrow flie Like stones of haile forst by an esterne winde Wherewith great numbers Frenchmen stout do die And now to boord then linked chaines do binde Bigge ships so fast they cannot soone vntwinde Fierce strong incounters and huge deadly blowes From forced arme that many ouerthrowes From morne till noone indurd tempesteous broile With mightie rage vpon the raging floud We English soldiers tooke no little toile Stout enimies aduentrous tride and good Yet voiding scoppers voided out their bloud Neere vnto Sluce they were all take and slaine Victorious we do home returne againe About this time the Duke of Britton died Wanting issue for so right noble place A brother one he had by fathers side Iohn Earle Mountfort sprong of ancient race Another brother had he in like case Begot of father one and mother same Dead left issue a noble vertuous dame Married well vnto sir Charles of Bloys Extract from race right honorable faire Germaine cosen to Phillip of Valoys Strife great begon for the Duke of Brittons chaire For either of these claimed to be heir Braue King of France Bloys his part maintaind Stout English King the Mountforts he sustaind To Britton did send backe thrise noble knight Sir Robert D'artois Earle of Richmount made Whose banner blew with golden lillies dight A Castile labell faire for difference laid And by his skill in valiant warlike trade He conquerd Vaus and countrie proching neer But conquered towne did cost him very deer For in defence of it he knightly died His too soone losse displeasd king Edward so Enraged sware he would not long abied Till well he were reuenged of his fo Strongly prepard to Britton doth he go Soone brake we holds and tore wald castles strong Foure mightie towns besiegd at once ere long The Normain Duke like right valiant prince Came with foure thousand proper men at armes And thirtie thousand of others to conuince Our English troups that dreadles were of harms By skilfull means of two wise Cardnals charms Calme peace was made three whole yeers to endure And valiant kings both sware to keepe it sure Thus he that in eternall heauens rayns And harts of kings hath in his gouernance Their frowning storms vnto faire smiling gleams Doth change vnto his heauenly pleasance Rules oft their thoughts so to his ordinance They may deuise but he will whole dispose What long they build he soonest ouerthrowes Thyer a thousand three hundred fortie more Saint George his day king Edward did prepare A royall feast proclaiming it before In Fraunce Flaunders in Henault and Almaine All knights that would vouchsafe to take the paine Should safetie haue for to returne in peace When as the iusts and knightly sports did cease And there the king selected prooued knights In martiall feats and battelous stoure That had their shields shone to their en'mies sights And forcement made with strong redoubted power Due praises gaind and durable honour And made vs sweare that feasts continuance Which was maintaind through noble chevachance Thus as the king triumphant sports did hold Newes him was brought did much his mind displease How Lord Clisson had lost his head they told And maletrait the French kings ire t'apease Conceiud bicause some did false rumor raise Vntrue they were vnto the crowne of Fraunce Ten Lords there died such still is fortunes chaunce Which knowne report caused king Edwards frowns And fierce maintaind the French had broke the peace Sir Henrie Leon set at ten thousand crowns For ransome when he promisd not to cease For to defie his king in open presse Th'erle of Darbie he into Gascoyn sends To vengefull war his mind he all intends Which valiant Earle Plantagenet namde At Hampton barkt at Burdeux doth ariue His banner England with French label famde He thought to shew vnto his foes beliue Staid at Burdeux but euen daies thrise fiue Bergarath Angolesme and Aguilon With thirtie holds and towns he tooke anon Toth court of Fraunce this voiage well was knowne How this stout Earle so many towns had wone The spoile his soldiers got far wide was blowne The king pondering of this mischiefe done He sommons made and sent Duke Iohn his sonne Attended with a hundred thousand men His late lost towns for to obtaine agen This mightie host did Angolesme inclose Which braue Iohn Norwich an Englishsquire held Hardly constraind wisely doth dispose His buisnes and this mightie armie weld Thanks his good wit that so his lesson speld An honest shift to find at time of need Deserueth praise vpon the happie speed It was the eue before our Ladie day He saw the towne began to mutonie Vnto the wals he tooke the readie way Made none acquainted with his priuitie His cap toth host he waued speedily They are aduisd demanding what he ment He said to speake with Duke was his intent The courteous Lord him quickly satisfied Then being come demanded if he would Yeeld he said I am not so aduised Most noble Duke the towne I well may hold I doe intreat your grace we may be bold The morrow next without yours disturbance To doe vnto our Ladie reuerence In honor of whom I your grace requier Of one daies truce for me and all my band The Norman Duke agreed to his desier With thanks Iohn bowed like a pliant wand The morrow morne faire armed he doth stand Streight parted downe in blew and fierie red With ermine Lyon sterne ramping decked Then issuing the French to Armor stirred He stepped foorth and willed them to stay Sirs he said your Duke vs peace hath granted Which I must vse to mine owne best assay On suddenly some went without delay Vnto the Duke declard what had been said And how as yet the Armie had him staid When this good duke his wise excuse had hard Commandment gaue that he should safe depart His promise giue he wild should not be bard For kept he would tho woorser were his mart A vertue fitting well his Princely hart The Captaine gone then Angolesme doth yeeld With seauen Townes more the Frenchmen hold the field Right strong before Aguillon be they come Plast in the meddowes faire about the hould A hundred thousand men a goodly sume on foote and horsebacke well and truely tould Before they part this Castle haue they would The Duke so vowd vnlesse for him the king His Father sent and for no other
good he gate Sir Walter Mannie toth barriers went Conducting fresh yoong knights new made before Full of proud courage through new aduancement Fierce was the fraie and many wounded sore In Parris were of prooued knights good store When time he spide faire backe his fighters drue Full soberlike rash perils to eschue Like aged Pylote tride in many a flawe High towering fleet hath in charge to guide Leads foorth by counsaile and sad sober sawe Aduising turne of winde and change of tide Sholes sands and rocks that vnder water bide Performes his voyage by his warie heed Such at Parris prooued Lord Mannies deed The king remooud most surely I thought And counsaile tooke with sixe of my accord That gaie yoong knights such as aduentures sought Whereof in Parris numbers great there hord Some issue after vs they would afford This thought of mine did come to good effect The French do sallie as I did suspect A valiant troupe that prowesse tride professe On stamping coursers properlie prepard Careles come on some hoping to conuince That scatter should from out their battaild ward Or whom t' incounter nought at all they card They past the busment we had closely laid They past we glad and little time we staid Three Gascoins we three English were the rest Lord Moubrey armed in desierous red A siluer Lion ramping reddie prest To raise his foe Lord Neuill forward sped In glistering Armes most goodly clothed In guelie shield he siluer saltier bare Stout Pounchardon we six the Christains were Of this attempt two hundred we command In ruinous house sequestred from the way We ambuscade where one might well haue paund His life no foes would there haue made astay With bustling noise we bustle to the fray Like furious tempest foorth we rushen fast The French lookt backe amased at our hast With wonderment from whence we issue could Turning their reains our fury to withstand Strongly our points ariue with courage bould Ech against foe direct with leueld hand That from their seats some tumbled to the land Some horse and man reuersed ouer quite So fell enragd so strongly some do smite When as we had our course with courage run Ech drew his sword where many a proper feat And practise of faire Armes was brauely dun Sometimes it seemd the Frenchmen had the bet And straight againe it seemd that we did get Of all our coast I wan the soueraine praise With Lord Compreney on the French it staies Who noblie fought vnder his banner faire A Beucle red in siluer plast betweene Six martlets blacke slaine he that did it beare The Lord himselfe was taken on the greene And all these troups are now disparted cleene The most there dide some into Parris ran Or else they had been taken euery man Valiant harts whose thoughts to honor bend Sleepe not in rest but daily do deuise New matters and strange accidents to send Their praises foorth in golden sounding wise Whilst sluggish knight in sloth and slumber lies Vnwoorthie arms who doth not vse the same Foule wight that brings fair honors marks to shame What booteth it of Gentries brag to boast What vaileth it old ensignes foorth to show To tell how grandsiers whon in many a coast When we our selues no warlike practise trow But rest our selues with this old idle know Our shields the signes of Antique moniments We maken babish lothly instruments Well when we had our buisnes brought to passe And in good couenant all our prisoners bound We marcht where as the king of England was Our welcoms do with hartie praise abound Prisoners vs their maisters courteous found Foorth on we hold vntill that peace was toke At Charters and our Armie vp it broke Our king this Charter in October gaue At Callis on the fowr and twentith day After the virgins sonne was come to saue All mankind lost and wandred far astray One thousand three hundred threescore I reckon may Now on the king in t ' England I attend Where good intreatie much I might commend Yet staid not long but into Bearne I sped To Ortoys where I found the Earle of Foys Letters I receiud and speedily red From Naueroys king who gladly did reioise For wide it bruted was by common voice That Iohn of Fraunce was now in England ded And he thought long till Fraunce he harrowed Sendeth for me as chiefetaine to attend His wars by guidment of my prooued skill To his intreatie soone I condescend Requesting other knights vnto my will Imbarkt and wind so well our sailes doth fill As safe at Cherbroke we descend to shore Men at arms and soldiers twentie score Breathing life toth melancolious thought Of this sad king because he late had lost Maunt and Meulanc both by th treason sought Of Bouciquall and Glesquins brittish host T' haue sweete reuenge he spare would for no cost Right glad was I that th'youthfull Regent Should haue some newes against his corwnment At Eureux then I made my chiefe amasse And found I had full seauen hundred speares Three hundred archers fiue hundred there was Of brigands to hus most willingly appeares Captaines companions not dreading future feares But he that brought greats numbers to our aide Of armed heds for enterprise araide Was sir Iohn Ionel a valiant English knight And sir Iames Planchine with him did resort Against our foes we strong and freshlie dight For our delights consist in warlike sport With courage good we march foorth in effort T' incounter foe is plast our whole intent Much wishing triall of his hardiment To Passie ward and to the brig of Tharch We drew casting the warie Frenchmen would The riuer of Sene ore passe at that same arch Pretended iorney if they onward hould Transierd they were as it was to me tould For as we rode the twesday in Whitson weeke I met a Herauld who well for me did seeke Surnamed Faulcon I knew him passing well For he toth king of England doth pertaine In haste I asked if he could foorth tell Newes of the French faire I him entertaine He answere framd in reuerent sort againe I came my Lord from where they do abide Expecting your approching at this tide What haue they past the riuer yea or no On this same side they rest he doth replie Neere vnto Passie they do abide I tro What numbers and what captains to discrie I will him and then plainly sheweth he Fifteene hundred of fighting men they were That Bertram Glesquine cheefest rule did beare Lord Aucer was and Vicount Beumont there Maister ofth crosbowes Lord Chalon and Beweu Tharchpriest and sir Edward Remie were These French and Brittons there my selfe did vewe Of your owne countrie some knights I also knewe There is the Lord Dalbreth his companie Properly armd a valiant meanie Sir Aymone of Pomiers the soldich Lord of Lestrayt then gan I angerly To waxen red and much in minde I wish Reuenge to those I hard so busely Though frends to seeke me as an enimy
remaine Keeping estate whereby mens harts I won Largely I spent most like a Princes son In plentious fare bountifull and much King Edwards loue and lowance to me such His royall loue to me was passing rare Numbers thought I did deserue no lesse Courteous I aduisd and would not spare But liberall be fraught with temperatenesse Faire points of honor would I not disgresse Amongst braue Lords faire Ladies I esteemd Of great estates in gentle fauor deemd Foorth of the charter was except the land Saint Saluiour sir Godfrey Harecourts late Who Pollux like at Constantine did stand To his defence when slaine was euerie mate With weldie axe his stroke so heauie sate Not prowdest enemie durst sad blowes abide Till at the length two horsemen at him ride Inragd beare downe a knight most cheualrous Which stradling set his legs to stand more suer On surest leg and there dispiteous They beare him downe who fights whilst he may duer Liue still his praise and glory fresh in vre For wisdome and prooude skill in martiall facts No liuing knight one iote exceeds his acts With plainest difference of Earle Harcourts race In glorious red two golden bars did beare Daring gainst foe toth vtterance shew his face Which tride he was well woorthie armes to weare Amongst his foes that durst them noblie reare The home made knight that neuer ward in field Small title hath vnto a noble sheild In his past life his land he did behest To my good king and he to me it gaue Toth valiant Iohn of Fraunce he made request For his consent that I the same might haue He gently seald to what the king doth craue I it enioid well woorth in yeerely rent Of hundred franks fifteene which free I spent Most bountifully amongst soldiers bould To gallant men my purse was neuer closd Which caused that as often as I would I had companions valiants lads disposd To warlike feats that strongest holds haue posd Sweet behauiour ioind to liberall hand Reasons I was with manly soldiers mand Braue Duke of Lancaster mars his Henrie dide Whilst I at Nyort kept so high estate Faire cosen Germaine to the king allide Good gentle Duke lamented was thy fate Mongst valiant knights thou nobly ledst of late When as thou didst with Darbie title raine As after when the Dukedome thou didst gaine In battelous Arms before the king of Fraunce Like Pallas knight thou entredst roiall list Gainst Brownswick Duke full bent to prooue the chaunce Of doubtfull combat the king cause why it mist Staid the euent great eithers losse he wist This Brownswick Duke tride strong champion bold Bare faire in red two lions passant gold True golden fame blacke death cannot defile Glistering honor buds from dustie graue Ech noble Lord that beareth glorious stile Spend must his life eternall praise to haue As thou high Duke didst honor euer saue Most mightie God let England neuer want Such noble Lords true honor seeke to plant In England cause the prince kept princely port Most like himselfe the counsell thoughten best Int ' Acquitaine that he should make resort Partly for that the Gascoins do request His presence and reuenewes largely rest His noblenes right noble to vphold And Gascoin Lords desier that he would Repasse the seas he answereth their desiers Once landed carefull I to meet him well Accompaned with knights and youthfull squiers On coursers mounted decked euerie sell And receiuing him at warlike Rochell We thence attended vnto Poycters towne As reason wild and dutie had vs bowne Of Acquitaine I Cunstable was ordaind High honors giuen and feastings to me made Continually his fauor more I gaind Through enterprises of account I wade Noble exploits I end by skilfull trade Which plaisd him so as he loude me euer Bicause in honor still I do perseuer Peter of Lusignon King of Cypresse I le Made means to all the Kings of Christendome From iarring discord to abstaine a while Helpe to repulse the miscreants late come Their borders neere and much of neighbors wone Had been in Italie France and Almaine In Flaunders England came to Acquitaine Not when swift fame had pierced hautie skies Admetus praise which made Apollo bowe Downe from estate to view with leeuing eies His bountifulnes which seen made him alowe So well of it and further did avowe Fame sparing was yet suer my Prince exceeds The praises of Admetus lib'rall deeds For when he hard of this strange kings ariue He sent me foorth with knights accompaned In gentlenes could with right courteous striue At kings first entrance he saw well placed Fortie knights so many squiers faced All for the honor of Lady Princes Faire was the iusts ech prooued blamles More signe of loue more shew of princelie power Rare welcoms giuen fine curtesies withall Of curtesie sweete prince a pearles flower Nor wandring king did neuer see nor shall More store of knights in earthly regents hall The prince me will to take him to my guide Him plesaunce shew in his dominions wide A vermile crosse the Cyprian king still wore For holy voyage he had vndertake Against the Turke his soueraign to adore In glorious Arms a partie prince to make He wild and found to no good seruice slake Our loued prince departed well content Great intercourse of loues betwixt them blent Thus hauing been most kindly intertaind By me and stout sir Thomas Phelton much Sir Neal Loring sir Simon Basset daind Him well to treat sir Baldwine Frâ—uile such His kindnes shewd as spite could not but gruch To see the like he safely went his way The principalitie through I him conuay King Iohn of Fraunce into England past Braue king faire queen gay nobles for to see Through true firme loue which doth eternall last Wher 's fained loue small iars remembred be No vertues more in phear of high degree Than were resiant in this soueraine Whose woorthie praises euer may remaine Bloodie parcas what meanest thou to sheare His vitall twine so woorthie longer life Canst thou pale malice such priuly vertues beare Than bluntest coulter duller be thy knife Amongst best things thou mischiefe euer rife But mightie God oft takes away the best For our bad sins or for to ease his blest Whilst this good king in England made his stay Him sicknes tooke with sharpe incresment sore And strong oppresment at Sauoy where he lay Death doth approch then flesh can breath no more His losse king Edward greatly doth deplore From England Parris to stately tombe conueid And Charls his sonne the Regall scepter sweid Oh vading flower why flatterest thou thy selfe In pompeous seat of mightie maiestie Fraile honors titles or foule wasting pelfe Forgetting great eternall dignitie Scorneth mightiest earthly Imperie What low inferior fears of you amisse That high superior threts againe ywis Sir Iohn Montfort in th'aprill of his youth Gay Arms gan weld and with successe begon In Britton to sir Charls of Bloys his ruth This faire new knight was that braue Countesse sonne Of whom
At saint Maquere all our striuing showne Where Iohn Maltrait Siluester Buds did hold Two hardie Brittons couragious tride and bold These two could not agree which he should part To sucker sieged frends then by accords They cuts would draw so fortune and not art Should chuse and chance the longest cut affords To Buds whereat they laugh with pleasant words Foorth he comes with twelue right hardie men Got in where we his frends full close do pen Loue of frend despiseth dangerous feare We one whole quarter of the wall downe breake Then marshalling our selues to enter there A lowly herauld they sent in haste to speake Vnto our Duke finding themselues too weake Enraged he so much in angrie minde Small was the grace that they were like to finde But then sir Richard Dangle sought for me As one to mercie greatly bent he knoeth This noble Duke toth reasons doth agree That we pronounce for deer he loude hus both So we appeased his conceaued wroth Buds his cutting a raunsome deere him cost And thus againe the French the fortresse lost Mountcounter castle in the marches stands Of Aniou and of Poictow very strong Foure leagues from Thouars two captains with bands Of men it kept offering neighbors wrong The peece toth Duke of Aniow did belong Sir Thomas Percie Poictow seneshall To come to him doth good commanders call Assembled soone three thousand armors bright From citties frends doth mightie engins bring And fiercely it assailed day and night Incessantly they battring engins fling Here were companions courage stirring Whose harts eirned ought should them resist Still toth assault they forward do persist Sir Walter Huet and sir Iohn Carswell heare Daui of Hulgreue in ermins finely clad A scuchion gules these three them well do beare And cheefest praise at this assailment had Companions three the Frenchmen greatly drad By heedy force and skilfull warie paine Won was Mountcounter neere alth'warders slaine And to these three was this faire castle giuen Strong frontier war against the French t' maintaine Booties rich from them they often driuen And patised the countrie for their gaine Idle to rest for busie wits is paine Braue captaines and good soldiers at assaies Deserue rewards as well as pleasing praies Faire Ladie Blanch the noble Henries heir Duke of Lancaster and of Darbie erle Whose titles Iohn of Gaunt did rightly beare But death his percing dart too soone did therle Bereft her life the worlds sweete orient perle In widdowers state this hautie duke did bide When he thaffairs of Gascoyne had in guide Don Peter king of Castile and of Spaine Slaine he left two daughters heirs behinde Which Ladies yoong in great distresse remaine Lest froward bastard vnkle should them finde Sir Guiscard Dangle had this thing in minde Imparts to me these Ladies titles faire Then to the duke both we the same declare Perswading him to comfort their distresse He speciall knights of good account foorth sends Declaring how for their behoofulnes It was he so himselfe to them commends And for their safetie all his thoughts attends They come he likes the eldest doth he wed Thus of a wife and kingly title sped Till September with vs he made his staie Then into England purposd he to saile My selfe Mucident and Lespaire the swaie He left of Gascoyne hoping to preuaile So with the king as that we should not faile Of succors when the spring time did returne He gon in Gascoine made I my soiorne The sommer prochaine truely to record Was to vs sent much succors and reliefe By th'erle of Penbroke and many a noble Lord Which all was lost vnto our heauie griefe No worser dispite or blinder mischiefe Could haue befalne the erle two daies did fight In Rochell hauen in the townsmen sight Yet could not sir Iohn Arden Seneshall There at that time perswade the paultrie maire With any of his the erle to helpe at all But like a broking varlet dasht with feare Or traitrousnes no reasons foorth could steare In daintie ermins armed was this knight Gold and azure in fes faire chekered right I hard of this and thither hide amaine And many knights of England willing bent The Lords of Gascoyne with their gallant traine Of noble harts fraught with hardiment We come too late our enimies tooke Le vent Which made me storme and fret with anger sad That they and we so hard mischaunce had had The Constable French assembled mightie power With him the dukes Berrie and Burbon both Gay erls and Lords drest for warlike stower In gaining forts his time he whole bestoth Besieged one made sir Iohn Deuereux wroth Saint Seuer namde at Poicters he did bide When as the siege Saint Seuer doth betide Sir Thomas Percie he earnest doth desier To further that his men may rescude be Who condescends to that most iust requier So foorth they come and both encounter me Shewing the state of friends extremitie The ground and strength that French foemates hield We purposed to seeke them in the field So foorth to friends we letters sent in haste good numbers gaine and for the rescue pace Our enimies receiue these newes at last Which mightily their courage doth abace No will they had t'meete vs in open place Our friends ignorant of our present post Yeelded and our desiers were wholie lost When sir Iohn Deuereux of this yeelding hard He chaft and stampt for his the castle was And thus with vs our Poyctaine buisnes fard Thus wauering fortune too and fro doth pas Worldly triumphs are like to flowering gras Whose fragrant smels and hewe at suns vprise With liked fauor vades ere night and dies No knight that cloths himselfe for wars affaires That alwaies can atchiue his harts request All are alike to fortune none she spares Her coiest darlings oft she makes distrest Now is she sloe and then too forward prest She dandles him and then on him she frowns Here spades she giues and there she deales her crowns Oftenest times when least we do mistrust With some od toy are soonest ouertane Euerie hower ech daring captaine must Be well resolud for to attend her wane Often she sports to bring vs to our bane Yet noble minds must still despise her might Braue honor liues maulgree so wicked wight It is a world to marke the iollitie Of seamen floting in the Liquid sea His careles thought of dredles ioperdy His buisie prattle his so plesant lay Full merrie mate like gladsome bird in may Fairely forward with spredded canuas flies Like him that would attaine the hautie skies Of all the liues led vnder Phaetons wheele He thinkes none can compare in blisfulnes With his such tickling ioy his hart doth feele And laughing pride at present happines Right cherefully whistles to their buisnes His company not any helliers end Hawser booling but soone he will amend Scarce little chip shall lie vpon the hatch But for the swabber hastely doth call Cleane and fine ech buisnes to dispatch Then to his ioy a fresh
which pertaind to him of right King Charls well nie excepting him had all The Brittons harts now so it did befall His castle siegd gaue hostage for a staie To yeeld it vp not rescude by a daie Sir Hue Brooe that this strong fortresse heild That marchet made who bare in banner red On siluer cheuron three roses of the feild Sir Robert here ariued in that sted Before the rendring day expired A herauld French Constable sent to kno Hostage whether they would redeeme or no. Sir Robert flatly held not any one In absence his his castle so should mart Thanswerd messenger backe is lightly gone Tould his Lords they make him soone depart And shew sir Robert if he so do start His hostages ech one should hedded be Herauld he said saie to thy Lords from me Three knights one squier in prison here I haue If they a hundred thousand frankes would giue And mine do die no one of these thest saue The French of life the hostages depriue Which seene sir Robert a scaffold made beliue His prisners brought in duke of Aniou sight Their harmles heds he caused off to smite The siege brake vp this execution done The castle with sir Robert doth remaine True hostage true prisners death haue won Such chaffring brought good harts their deadly paine But noble captains such rigor should refraine Lest when their frends they need in such like cace They make refusall doubting the disgrace Iustice oft from ancient custome growes Affection seldom lookes with single eie Strict iustice like iniurious dealing showes Hard law to make the innocent creature die And yet good right appeered for to be God loues not right which doth to rigor tend Neither of both their crueltie can defend I likewise heard how noble Iohn of Gaunt Ariud at Callis with puissant power Puissantly the Frenchmen doth he daunt Fearfull makes both towne and many a tower Numbers my old acquaintance in that stower As Chanoyne Robersart sir Hue Caueley Sir William Bewchamp sir Henrie Percie Sir Walter Huet sir Steuen Gousenton With many more which some did to me name Sir Lewis Clifford sir Richard Pontchardon To heare of whom to sorrow brought some game I hopt and wisht the French that they might tame But in their cheuachey a venture did befall That was at Parris talkt with ioy of all Fowrscore horse of sir Hue Caueleys band Were ridden foorth aduentures for to trie The Lord of Busiers doth it vnderstand The Lord of Chin sir Iohn Buell these three With sixscore launce against them ridden be Lord Chin was slaine through his great hardines Which to his friends was cause of heauines Thus when they were assembled in such sort Right felonous and cruell was the fray And many a deed was don of good report Chin his banner disueloped that day Which seen the English orgulous words did say Gainst Lord Cowcie which English houerd still Who was in Austrige warring at his will This Chin did raise Lord Cowcies faire deuice Which was six bars of varrey and of red This was the same or difference small so nice and slender that mongst them this error bred Which now were either taken slaine or fled All men of yoonger house that banners bear Should haue their difference glistring large and fair I likewise heard the flower of all our pride The valiant Prince of Wales departed life No earthly thing so good may alwaies bide Nor honor such preuailing ouer strife Where glories most mischaunce is euer rife Great things great fals and far abroad are blown Low things low fals their fallings are not known His falling known was fall of all my ioy His death depriuer of my comfort chiefe His losse the loder of my sad annoy His want the wanting of my freed reliefe Ah filching death thou felonous bloodie thiefe Bereauer of my sole deliueraunce Dispoiler of my worldly pleasaunce For could it be that any marshallist Such one as loud to cloth himselfe in Arms But honorable presence thine he mist And many waies thy losse did worke his harms And froward mischiefs backward on him swarms Farwell fairst flower of Plantagenets line Adiew all comfort to this life of mine Full many treaties had the English now Made with the French which came to small effect Some of my friends oftimes did tell me how In these their parleys they had of me respect Yet did no good which made me to suspect That neuer I my weldie Arms should don For griefe wherof I pine away with mone The yoong Earle Saint Pole and three other knights In exchange they offerd for me alon Which Lord Comigines tane had in faire fights by th subtill traine of sir Iohn Harleston By his coursers bountie sir Hue Chatelon Was saud or else he had full dearly paid Bicause from England he was late mistraid The matter thus after we came from Spaine And that the quarrels fresh gan to renew All things to strife and battaile woxt againe The French at first the countie of Ponthew Regaine this Lord of Chatelon named Hue Vnwares he doth sir Nicholas Loudine rest His prisner and by slight he him surprest When as the valiant duke of Lancaster At Callis riud new come from Turnehen Intending the Frenchmen proud to master He fast prepard to make a rode agen With store of squiers knights and noblemen Trauasing Fraunce vp and downe at pleasure In burning spoiling and gaining treasure If oppression to minde valiant Be offered by wisdoms warie guid It so couerneth through much discontent As if euer happie chaunce betide It shoes the fier close couered it doth hide And breaketh foorth into reuenging flame If euer good occasion mooue the same Deepe rooted malice doth not lightly die When as the duke passed by Abuile To Louaines mind repard the iniurie That Chatelon had done to him erewhile Sir Nicholas laid a bushment by a wile Neere to the towne for all the streights he knew Whole three yeers space he vsed them to vewe Sir Hue Chattelon at that instant bode Within the towne as gardant of the same Near vnto it he knew the English rode Then of the crossebowes he bare the maisters name Them to aduise he thought was for his fame Only ten and armed saue his head He came where as the tending bushment stead When valiant Louaine saw his shield of guels Three varey pales on chiffe of loued gold A martlet blacke himselfe he scarcely ruels For ioy the man quoth he I most desier would In all the world I comming do behould The ransome deere to him this yeer I paid Shall rendred be if that he may be staid And foorth he breaks the Frenchmen in that sted Do maruell much from whence doth noise proceed One cried Chatelon yeeld or thou art ded To whom said he to Louaine now with speed Replied sir Nicholas ioying at his deed Being knightly armd in red fresh to behold A siluer fes tween many billets gold And to the host in iolitie retiers Prowd of his prisner afterward