mannor or lands by descent albeit their ancestors married the heire of the same many hundred yeers agone and whose parents peraduenture neuer did beare any marke or if they did time hauing obscured the same it remaineth vnknowen yet shall you haue them run to an Herald or painter as busily as if the matter were of weight and there make search they know not for what and the herald or painter on the other side to draw some small peece of siluer from them will find out the badge of some one or other of the same name although many times none of the kindred and may be neuer came neare that countrey and that will they inuest them with as their owne and sometimes when no marke for any of the name will be found then deuise some conceit or other and say they find it borne by such a name and content them wonderously therewith which serues yet to no other vse but to make vp a iust number whereby their owne marks become the more confused and yet into this quartering being a very fountaine of errors many both Noble men and Gentlemen and the officers of Armes themselues do oftentimes very rashly enter It is not long sithence there died a knight in Staffordshire of good account and in his life time was a deputie Lieuetenant there to doe his obsequie came an officer of Armes who compiled for him nine seuerall marks all in one Escuchion and yet neuer a one of them as they were there set foorth to him belonging but his owne of name And as I haue giuen you this one for an instance so almost can a man come into no towne of any account nor almost into any Church or house of Noble man or Gentleman but he shall find errors so that the numbers thereof be infinite It were therefore to be wished that this matter of quartering should be reformed as well for the vntruths therein committed as for the titles that may be brought in question thereby to lands and Heritages And as being one of the chiefest things that bringeth the honor of Armory into disgrace for not long agoe heard I one speake in this maner did I not quoth he know the grandfather of this man speaking of the owner of a scuchion wherein were quartered many marks to purchase by plaine patent although he neuer were man at Armes both his coate and crest within these fortie yeers and how comes it now to passe that I see his nephew inuested in all this Armorie numbring many and diuers seuerall deuices all in one shield by way of quartering this being a very mockerie to see a man of no valure or estimation in warlike affaires and the paternall Ancestors of whom for ought that can be prooued were not in any late age welders of Armes to entrude themselues into so many badges of Armorie is not the least matter to bring into contempt an order so honorable and necessarie as the bearing of Armes is Another matter that to my vnderstanding is also to be reformed is the maner of differings which are by the yoonger brothers and their posterities laid vpon their marks being cressants mollets c. and that such little ones as that a man cannot discerne them a verie small distance from him which differences are in reason to be made faire plaine and large that they may be also as easie to be discouered as any other deuise that is in the coate shield or banner otherwise they serue not to the purpose for which marks were first ordeined And the inconuenience which ensueth of this error will the more easily appeere if I but set you downe the words of mine Author treating of an accident that happened in such a case which be these Et feist msr Robert Baileul aler sa Banniere tout deuant en escriant moriannes les Henuiers qui inestoint esthauses Aperceurent la Banniere de moriannes qui encore estoit tout Droicte si cuiderent que ce feust la leur ou ilz se deuoient radresser car mult petite y auoiâ— de difference de lune a l'autre car les Armes moriennes sount Barres contre Barres d'Argent d'Azure a deux Cheuerons de Gueules et le cheuron de msr Robert auoit vne petite crosete d'or si ne l'aduiserent mye bien les hennuiers ainsi vindrent bouter de fait dessubs la Banniere de msr Robert si furent moult fierement reboutes et tous discomfis For these henowers being led by sir William Baileul thought in the stir and busines to haue come to his banner hearing the surname of Moriens called vpon and seeing as they supposed their captains ensigne and the difference of sir Robert being the yoonger brother but a little crosse vpon the vpper cheuron they could not apperceaue so that the most of them were either slaine or taken and the elder brother the Knight their leader was glad to saue himselfe as well as he might The Lord of Cowcie sonne in law to king Edward the third suffered also reproch through the hard dealings of the Lord of Chine who raised his banner against certaine Englishmen of sir Hugh Caueleys company being either the same that Cowcies was or the difference so small as might not be discerned whereby the said Lord Cowcie though he were absent as far as Austrich had dishonor spoken of him as in the discourse of the Capitall I haue touched Thus then hauing shewed by example the harme and inconuenience that cannot but many times happen through the littlenes and nicenes of such differences I haue thought it not amisse to laie before you the differings that antiquitie vsed that by comparing them togither you may discerne the great wisedome of our ancestors and our owne imperfections in this point for want of due consideration which was done at the first by changing of the deuise borne into other colors onely but when that would not suffice for the number of leaders manie times all of one house then were they forced to varie their markes by adding of either bars bends cheurons cheefes quarters borders labels losinges or such like and verie seldome should you see in those times cressant mollet or such like small little thing borne for a difference and if anie did yet was the same made so large and faire that it might be seene as well as any other the deuise which should be in the shielde or banner And for the proofe I will giue you the example but of one house onelie for your better information though I could do the like of manie others namelie that of the Bassets who indeed in my iudgement varied their markes of honor verie finelie and that vpon good respect Thus haue I set downe vnto you though something tediouslie the vse that the antiquitie followed in a verie glorious line for Lords Knights and Gentlemen which florished diuers hundreds of yeeres sithence and you may see that these men though they were manie of them great Barons were not
I spake Bloys hearing what was don By him and how he sieged strong Alroy And with sharpe war the countrie doth destroy Told king Charls who aiding cosen Bloys Sent sir Bertram Glesquine who doth intreat Knights such he knew of whom he had good choyse Him to assist in ventrous warlike feat Sir Bertrams praises now were waxen great King Charls him had in reuerence and account In praisfull vertues cause he doth surmount Yoong Earle Mountfort of their assemblie hard Seald letters into Acquitaine doth send To some good knights telling how he fard Especially he writ to me his frend Willing my presence helpfull to defend His heritage I soone agreed to go If my good prince would say it should be so I licence craue for this departaunce If that thereby I might not breake the peace The prince said no breach and releasaunce Gaue vnto me and others who not cease Him to beseech my numbers to increase Through Xanton Poyictow I passe vnto Alroy Friendly welcomd with no little ioy Of Earle Iohn and many a valiant knight Accouting all themselues in safetie now So long as me amongst them haue they might My counsaile their opinions so allow And t was not long ear some plaine told hus how Sir Charls Bloys accompaned doth aduaunce In best appoint that hath been seene in Fraunce And faste approcht which newes when so I knew I placed me where comming I behold A seemely band as eie did euer vewe And goodly dight as hart desier cold Oftlie returning vnto freends I told That I had seene of noblenes the flower For discipline in ordring of a power One cannot cast a gloue from off his hand But it on Launce will or on basnet light So properly in order plast they stand Their leader is a Lord of great insight They haue vs taught our battails soone to dight My friends then said sir you our Chieftaine are Please you command and all we will prepare Though yoong Earle were soueraine in the place To Martiall buisnesses yet I tend By princely letters from King Edwards grace To me he wild the Earldome to defend Heedy for this my time here well to spend Three battails then I ordred with good hast And in the first sir Robert Canole plast Lord of Duriuall hardie Britton borne Sir Oliuer Clisson the next doth guide Whom Lion white in red crownd doth adorne The third fresh Earle with whom my selfe abide Him well t' aduise for doute what might betide Reregard of fiue hundred men I made To sir Hugh Caueley these few words I said Sir knight this companie I appoint to you Withdraw your selfe and chuse some peece of ground From thence not buge vnlesse you plainly vewe Vs to disrout then hasting in that stound Vs reunited to place retier you round Lately left there tending like do stay More better seruice can no man do this day When stout sir Hue all hard my speeches passe Right shamefast waxt and thus in haste replide Such charge to take he neuer minded was With feruent words flatlie the same denide Halfe angrie asking what weaknes I espide In bodie his with foremost not to fight Willing the gifter to some other wight Aduisedly to him I answered Your valour sir I passing tried know Your high desiers I throughly measured Strong ablenes to fight in foremost row Bicause right sage and wise your selfe I know This charge I giue wishing you that place In which you shall acquier thankefull grace With honor and applause amongst the best And furthermore I faithfull promise giue To you sir knight to grant the first request You shall demaund if that Iohn Chandos liue My rightfull treating herein do not depriue This noble soldier too kt still in dispite He might not in the front of battaile fight Whose setled minde to see well neare I weepe Him to that passe it commen was I told He or my selfe the reregard must keepe Which better was allow his iudgement should Confusd he staid yet take the charge he would For which salt teares distill from manly eies Departs to ground that fittest he espies A Baron rich in Britton there did dwell Lord Beumanoyr a prisoner safely sworne Vs English too which thought he might do well Spending his time fell strife might out be worne To passe between of both sides was he borne By his spent trauell so much he brought to pas As one whole day and night of truce there was Gay Phoebus lodgd faire Luna prest in place Our English soldiers most requested me Largely telling the poorenes of their case With much expence that I should not agree To peace determined to win or die By battaile to whom I easely giue consent As one thereto by inclination bent Chast Cynthia gon Aurora blushed Lord Beumanoyr betime was stirring From his campe toward vs his footings sped In hope to speed I soon departing We salued at our first incountring He wild I would indeuor to accord These parties for the goodnes of our Lord. Contrarie to his iust desiering I answered good sir of Beumanoyr I counsell that you haste retiering From whence you came our companies deuoyr Is you t' inclose and slaie as destroier Of their desiers they so hate talke of peace Therefore herein your best is for to ceace And furthermore tell to sir Charls of Bloys Earle Iohn this day will Duke of Britton be Or slaine abide shunning other choise When this rich Baron hard these words of me Said Chandos Chandos as good will as yee Or your yoong Lord my Lord hath to the fray Calme peace yet offereth if you said not nay We both depart and both to friends returne I scarcely ariud Earle Mountfort asked What newes for he in longing thoughts doth burne I told him now that he was hardly tasked But fairest truth I fouliest masked Lord Beumanoyr hath sent you word by me This day your foe will Duke of Britton be Or else this day he will not breath at all Which message told he colour seemd to change Willed t' aduance and streight to battell fall T' inflame his courage I from truth did range Somwhat to make the matter seeme more strange I said aduise whether you will fight or leaue Yes by Saint George our banner forward heaue Lord Beumanoyr his answer likewise framd Saying he had the prowdest langage hard Of me that euer erst foorth to Bloys he namd What were my words but more he plain declard How that all right I said clean him debard From truest title to great dukedome quite He doth reply God knowes whose is the right The Ermine banners of the dukedome right Were placed ech gainst other orderly To see braue Lords vnder their pennons dight All beat with Arms bedecked properly So feateously both battels beautify As to the gaser well it might appeere That all the Vallewer in the world was heere As raging tides about some Ilsland meet In stredned channell forced by a prime With like incounter both our battels greet Like bustling rage was shewed at
Now blooddie broil and now the battails ceace To Acquitaine returned noble prince And into England fresh valerous Iohn Sir Bertram Glesquine prisoner euer since Our fights to me remaining once alon In chamber with the prince who askt anon How he fard and what most people said That he so long as prisoner with him staid Well most gratious prince he answered For though prisoner sworne I do abide It is with knight most nobliest vertued I know and diuers people talke beside Vnto my praise you doubt to let me ride Be God not so the Prince replied pay A hundred thousand franks and go your way He tooke the word and soone the monie paid Against my minde yet do I not denie The deed but sure he should haue staid Till Dan Peter sent vs safe the monie He promisd by him impeached suer t' be Wanting which a fowage was desierd To pay the soldiers for this iourney hierd This taxe displeasd our Gascoyns maruels much Who flat refusd at all to pay the same In open words at princes doings gruch In counsaile chamber at Paris him they blame With ticing words cold Charls his minde they flame He venters t'send the prince a sommoning At Paris court to make appeering Sterne looking Lion hauing run his race Safe home retierd still resting in his den The prickeard foxe should send t is noble grace Bidding him come and make account as then Of wrongs he wrought or threaten him to pen In bower fierce Lion fell couragious Would storme at bringer sender meruelous Tossing his head this answer to the fox Poore hartles wight thy father haue I had In grasping pawes giuing his kindred knox For lended life thy sier fauor had What desperate furie vexed thee so mad My onely name me thinks should cause thee quaile Beware I plucke not off thy bushing taile For head thou lt saue within some peeuish hole Neere like to this the princes speaking The same his case with words he doth controle King Charls and saith his to Parris comming Shalbe with helmet his head inclosing Armd threescore thousand waiting him vpon Letters in haste he writ to me anon Int Constantine first when this speech was had Of taxe I went for much I hit disleeke I knew the Gascoyns would account it bad Being great commanders furthermore would seeke Redresse and here we lost more in a weeke Then was recouered the remnant of my life And thus againe began new cause of strife His pleasure knowen right reddie speed I make Attained streight faire Angolesme in hast Smooth sea but late more still then standing lake So roreth as the world it would all wast For Charls defide King Edward at the last So flaming wars were open on ech side To Mountabon commanded I do ride Vnto the French to hold war frontier The Captall Beuff sir Lewes Harcourt went Sir Richard Pontchardon for mars a soldier Whose sables shield siluer plats ysprent We issues make of most knightly euent Two Gascoin Lords warie bushment make Tooke a Seneshall namd sir Thomas Wake Armd in siluer two fair bars of red Three rundels in the lostie chiefe do stand In sable bordure deepely ingreled This venture hap betwixt Lusiguen and Meribell great error soone was fand In so weake riding we closer trouping kept Toward our enimies well appointed stept Vnto Terriers and siege about it laid Raised assaults the which auailed nought Fearing least too long a time we staid Good myners got that so their buisnes wrought The strong foundations of the wals out sought Spoyld was the Towne and greatest numbers slaine We heaped welth and treasure in it gaine Atchiued to Mountabon we retier Sir Eustace Dabscote new come from Nauar Vnto the prince foorth sent by his desier Vs to assist in this braue fronting war In Ermins sheild three hamets red he bare We him receud as fresh as Aprils flower Faire Marques Iuliers onely paramour In true amors liud this knight valerous And Ladies forme in brest close shrined Absent thoughts vewd Ladie glorious With Iulie thinking stout hart it pined And mightie goodly things it shrined For to attempt knight of amorous trade Lou'd Ladies fauor hath more valiant made Sir Robert Canole in Britton rested Where he large lands and heritage possest From thenglish his hart he neuer wrested Euer most true and loyall to vs prest Knowing how the French themselues addrest On vs to win with threescore men at armes Like nomber archers dreadles of their harmes Left Britton and ariud at Rochell Towne Where sir Iohn Deuereux captaine doth remaine Whose gulie armor with faire fes was bowne In cheefe three plats of siluer standen plaine He noblie doth sir Robert intertaine Staid not long doth Angolesme attaine Where of his knights th'prince maks him soueraine And sent him now asscotiat passing well With stirring knights towards vs forth the launce Came to Agen from whence not far doth dwell Sir Perducas Dalbreth that ward for Fraunce Speaking with him preached so by chaunce As English he for euer doth abide Commanding well three hundred by his side So marching they to Darmell siege do lay Strong fortresse and most able to endure Besides in it fiue warlike captains stay Skild in defence and warie garding suer The onely practise cheefe they put in vre I hard of this and those which were with me Thither to wend we shortly all agree But in our way to Mountsac neere we came Strong towne and kept we thought to passe it bie Foure vittaild sommers going vnto the same We met asking they do not ought denie How stood the towne and then we backward wrie Take it and leaue sir Robert Mutton there In siluer shield a cinquefoile blue doth beare Hauing sped we to the siege approched Where sir Robert doth highly vs receaue Well pondring here how little we incroched Of these stout fiue we it and them do leaue Marched to Doume and there assault do heaue Strongly seated by nature and by art But long we staid not ear we thence depart We resting here Chandos my Herauld goes Vnto sike prince from vs of credence sent Declaring t' him the order of our foes And other affairs great and importent Willing herein his gratious plaisment He gone Gauaches Foyns and Rochmadore We gaind and make them English subiects swore Toward Villa frank we swingd and countrie spoile Faire townes strong castles by treatie or by force We take with flame doth champion countrie broile In Thoulasine we prosecute like course And Villa frank was take with some remorse The Duke of Aniow fell angrie in his mind At vs but yet no remedie durst find My Herauld come in quercy doth vs find Tribulation greatly we had brought The countrie in to learne the princes mind We readie his pleasure hauing sought Desiering all his mind should whole be wrought Accordingly to Angolesme we goe Prest to depart we let our Captains knoe What towne strong fortresse so from French they take For keeping it to haue at all no dout We
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
to gard the towne at best And thither doth the Duke of Aniou mooue Enuirning close the towne in such a wise The dwellers thinke it best for their behooue To render it and do their strength despise Thunstable commons like Protheus guise Are so delighted in ech chaffring change Like fleeting tides their thoughts do euer range The captaine also was becommen French infest with loue of glittering ticing gould Too foule a swill a soldiers minde to drench That thoughts to honor euer fasten should And his giue promise permanent to hould I vnderstood how all this practise went At Bergareth and to be there I ment At this deliuerie sir Thomas Phelton and My selfe do ride what time the sun was plast Betwixt the east and west in lower land We came as French were reddie entring fast At thother gate to Batfoyle spide I hast Traitrous Batfoyle was busie t' entertaine My croching foes in hope of greedie gaine In hands I shooke my suer bright shaking sword Enflamde with courage as reason did requier I plainly shewd I came not now to bourd Traitor I said take heere deserued hier Treasons no more thou shalt from hence conspier And as I spake I lent him such a bloe That soule and bodie doth a sunder goe A iust reward for such foule treason don But when the French our wefting banners vew Their backs they turne and swift away they run Lightly clad with feare they nimbly flew The townsmen ginne their dealing false to rew Lay all the fault in him that I had slaine And so the towne did English still remaine The Duke and Glesquine went to Limoges Where the Dukes Berrie and Burbon siege do hould Which citie yeelded was by th tretrousnes Of their Bishop which matter being tould Vnto the prince he sware reuenge he would So vile despite by his deere fathers soule Which oth he kept unbroke and euer whole From Coynoc then he marcht in braue aray Twelue hundred Lords knights and hardie squiers A thousand archers so many Brigands sway That all the countrie dread their flaming iers On sharp reuenge do boile their hot desiers Sir Thomas Percie and Lord Rosse was there Who did in gules three siluer Bogets bear Sir William Mesnile a chiff of burnisht gold Three gemels finely set in Azurd shield Sir Simon Borley six bars equall told Of black and yellow in his chiff he held Of the mettaile two pales as first is speld In midst a scuchion of Rubie fairly dight In it three bars of ermins plainly pight Right fierce assault the citie so was tane Many an innocent with the nocent died Man woman childe were brought to blooddie bane Such wofull rigor did this towne betide The duke of Lancaster stoutlie here was tried In single fraie the erle of Cambrig and The erle of Penbroke fighting so are fand Which tripart combate was so noblie fought As sick prince tooke pleasure it t'behould Causing his litter neerer to be brought The French resist so long as ear they could And lasht and stroke with noble courage bould But conquerd yeeld and yeelding fauor finde As noble arms her sacred lawes assinde Deuine mercy whose lore I euer loud The soueraine good that God to man affords Most like to God man hath his likenes prooud That treasure such within sweete heauen hords And you great captains and renowmed Lords That manage arms hold mercy in your minde Bloods wilfull spiller seld doth mercie finde I was right glad from this that so I bide At Bergareth the frontier to sustaine And now through Fraunce with ventring troupe did ride Sir Robert Canole to the Frenchmens paine Welth and treasure did such abundance gaine His soldiers but siluer and gold esteemd Oystrige feathers or what was daintie deemd Not vertues selfe can lengthen mortall daies Yet fame prouides that vertue should not die Obliuion repugnes good fame alwaies True writers of braue acts doth still defie Ech wight depriud of honor shut should lie She much desiers all couered with the corse Of valiant deeds she taketh no remorse If Phrigian Poet should the praises shew Of noble Priam and his woorthie sons Their high exploits set foorth in order dew Although large fame of all their doings runs Yet but defendaunts when toth sight it cums Assailant conqueror this braue English king Triumphant victors his noble ofspring As Priam nor his sonnes left nought behind But golden praise pronounst by writers skill And none could now their names or dooings find So hugely woxt the vastie world to fill Vnlesse it had dropt from a heedie quill So Muse and Mars togither must agree The first the last makes liue eternally And since our Hector stout came out of Spaine He languished which greatly made vs grieue For stealingly ech hower increast his paine Gainst which with courage good he much did striue Wasting sicknes quite doth his strength depriue Now into England to returne he ment Of peyred helth to seeke amendement He sent for all his squiers knights and Lords That of him hold and when we present were Such princely gentle language he affords As might braue courage and allegance steare Full sweetly spake he like a noble peere In euery thing he wild vs to obay His brother Gaunt which regent heere should stay Then shipping takes the gentlest knight aliue And most renowmed for his woorthines Right pensiue I that sicknes did depriue His health that bread the Frenchmens sikernes In batteled Arms they found him matchles For so he pinde and inly grew his griefe As finall death did worke his first reliefe He newly gon fowre Britton knights aduaunce Themselues to take Mountpaon and they sped So well by practise as the matter chaunct The Lord therof French turned in that sted Which known did make Duke Iohn to shake his hed Sommons he forst and vowd it to regaine In conquering wise or die with deadlie paine It toucht him near bicause it lay him near So on a day with kindled courage stout From Bourdeux accompanied strongly faire He doth depart with his braue warlike rout Of Poyctow Xanton and Gascoine there about Of th'english Phelton Freuile and Rosse there was Sir Michael Delapole did in this iourney passe Whose cornerd shield was laid with skilfull blew A fesse between three Liberds heads of gold Sir William Bewchampe gay as bridegroome new Armed in red right stately to behold A girdle plast between six martlets told Glistering bright like Phoebus in his pride Well could he iust and comly could he ride Now when we were this castle plast before And ordred had ech thing in order dew We raisd assault but were resisted sore A whole long day then back our soldiers drew This castle was inuirond with deep stew So fast we fild with fagots vp the mot As to the wals with much adoe we got And now much worke and buisnes was begun And many a man reuerst and ouerthrowne More feller stut was none vnder the sun So that this newes was bruted wide and knowne
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