agreed vpon in the night set open the gates of the towne for his soldiers to enter where then nothing else remained to winne but the castle But by good fortune certaine freâ—ch horsemen falling vpon them dissappoynted their purpose putting the aduentureâ—s to flight and the traâ—tors to execution Together with these euills as is wonte to happen ensued a wonderfull dearth and scarcitie of all things in such forte as the poorer people had much adoe to sustaine their liues and this plague continued fower yeeres For so long as the insatiable soldiers deuoured all mens goods of what estate or degree soeuer without controlment so long the husbandman might not apply his labour in safetie not the merchant exercise his trafficke without extreame hazard both of life and goods what other effect could ensue thereof but a generall common mischiefe and such a one as should concerne euerie particular person Certaine of the king of Navarres people beeing vpon a time surprised by their enemies at some disaduantage wheÌ„ they sawe that of necessity they must put their fortunes in tryall though farre ouermatched in number yet seeing no other remedy they betooke themselues to a little hill and putting off all their spurres pitched them in the ground before theÌ„ with the rowells vpward to hinder the aproach of their enemies But the euening came on so fast that it stayed the frenchmen from the'ncounter In the night time with great silence they conveyd themselues into the next village and there making fires as if they had purposed to tarrie all night they secretly departed contrarie to the frenchmens expectation who pursued in vaine but could not ouertake them Amongst other places the Navarrois held Melune vpon Seane To the besieging of this towne the Duke of Normandy sent foure thousand horsemen But by mediation of the Cardinals which wee spake of before a peace was concluded betweene them But Phillip the King of Navarres brother would neuer giue his consent to any conditions of peace whatsoeuer vpbraiding his brother that he was deluded with witchcraftes and enchauntments and therefore he retired himselfe to certaine holdes vppon the Sea coast which were in the kings of Englands subiection By that time the peace was confirmed betweene the Navarrois and the Frenchmen the three yeeres truce obtained by the Cardinals after the taking of King Iohn betweene Fraunce and England expired Therefore all such as had serued â—nder the King of Navarre repayred to the English Captaines for entertainment and so one mischiefe drew on many more successiuely ensuing each other Notwithstanding for that time the Englishmen were but ill entreated by the French though not without great daÌ„mage to the poore wretches that inhabited in the vpland country or in townes but weakly fortified For the Englishmen accompanied with forreine souldiers made spoyle of them at their pleasure When the time of truce as wee said before was worne out the king of England and his eldest Sonne with the French King and the Duke of Burbon conferred priuately together at London concerning a peace the articles whereof they sent ouer to the Duke of Normandy and he propounded them to the three estates of the kingdome But when the matter came to be debated in counsell these conditions were vtterly disliked and answere was giuen to the Ambassadors that they would rather choose to endure yet greater miseries then condiscend to such articles This answere was taken in very ill parte as well by the captiue King of Fraunce as by the King of England who immediately thereupon caused such an armie to be levyed as neuer any man saw passe out of England before Hee tooke landing at Calice accompanied with his foure sons But before his departure out of England he made open declaration of his intent before the whole army in effect that he had vndertaken this expedition in hope and full purpose to enforce the French men to receiue such conditions as should be both for the honour of his person the commoditie of his people and the dignity of his crowne And that he was resolued neuer to giue ouer nor returne again till such time as he had accomplished his affaires in such sorte as he desired Wherfore if any man disliked his pretence hee should haue free liberty to depart or tarrie But there was none amongst them all which did not willingly embrace these conditions From Calice the King of England marched to Rhemes which cittie when he found for the bignesse thereof to be strongly fortifyed he forbare to assault it because he wold not rashly hazard the losse of any of his men whome he reserued for greater seruices From thence after two moneths siege or somewhat more he tooke his way into Burgundy The Duke sent messengers to him requesting that his souldiers might not be suffered to spoyle his country The King of England beeing a very curteous Prince was easily entreated but vppon condition that the Duke of Burgundy should pay him an hundreth thousand crownes In the meane time Fraunce was miserably wasted partly by the King of England himselfe partly by the rest of his army left in Picardy and not a little by the King of Navarre who yet againe moued armes against the Duke of Normandy A certaine fryer of the order of Saint Frauncis prophesied at Avinion that both the Clergy should suffer much for their pride couetousnesse and ambition and that the kingdome of Fraunce should be extreamly afflicted by the invasions of strangers in so much that no part of it should be free from that miserie The Pope because he foretolde matters that displeased him cast this fryer in prison The King of England sent word to the Duke of Normandy that he would giue him battell but the Duke hauing no disposition to put himselfe to the curtesie of Fortune stayed still at Paris And because he well perceiued that the state could not long continue at this passe without the vtter subuersion and ouerthrowe of the kingdome by aduise of his nobility counsell he sent ambassadors to the king of England to entreate of peace The matter was diuersly attempted but it seemed almost an impossibility to accord their difference For the King of England still absolutely maintayned that the crowne of Fraunce was his rightfull inheritance Whilst things were thus in consultation there suddainly rose a meruailous tempest about Chartres the violence whereof was such that it ouerthrew both men and horses The king was so moued with the consideration hereof that he made a vowe he would incline his minde vnto peace so at Calice the matter was concluded The conditions were these that the king of England his heyres and successours after him should hold enioy the Countyes Cities Castles holds Lordships Isles rents and revenues of all Aquitaine also the Cittie Castle county and whole seigniorie of Poytiers the Cittie and castell of Rochell and Limoges with all the country about it To these were added Angolesme aswell the
This tyrant in regard of the manifold crimes whereof he was often accused before the Pope had already prouoked all mens hatred against him Pope Vrbane therefore vppon good consideration sent for this bastard Henrie and Peter King of Arragon who was at continuall enmity with the tyrant as one that had bereft him of diuers Lordships to come before him at Avinion There Henrie the bastard was made legittimate and denounced King of Castile the tyrant being first excommunicate after desposed The King of Arragon promised free passage through his country and prouision of victualles to such armies as should be conducted into Castile against the tyrant intending also by the helpe of those forces to recouer his owne losses To this expedition resorted many honourable personages and by this meanes those souldiers that had so long annoyed the realme of Fraunce were conveyed into Castile The tyrant having intelligence of the armie that was comming against him betooke himselfe to flight with his wife his two daughters and one noble man onlie For he was so hated of the commons that not one of them would take armes in his defence so he was forsaken and left destitute of all men And Henrie the bastard arriving in Castile with great ioye and generall applause of the people tooke vppon him the administration of the kingdome After his coronation when he had received the othe of allegeance from the most part of the Nobilitie and Cities of the realme the noble men by whose ayde he had obtained the crowne tooke their leaues and departed for now all semed to be accomplished But he had not yet discharged those french make-shiftes because he purposed to make warre against the King of Granado The tyrant remaining in these perplexities by the aduise of that one noble man which attended him addressed letters to the Prince of Wales full of lamentable complaints concerning his misfortunes beseeching him to commiserate his estate and to releleeue him with succor Shortly after he himselfe not daring to trust his owne subiects repayred to Bayon The Princes counsell were of opinion that he ought not to be succoured in regard of his abhominable wickednesse and vngodly disposition nor that any daungerous enterprise should be vndertaken for his sake Contrarily the Prince iudged it an vnworthy thing that a bastard Sonne should vsurpe the inheritance of the crowne which was a very ill president and extended to the preiudice of other kings and princes Therefore when the tyrant came he receiued him courteously into the town of Burdeaux and promised him his assistance Neuerthelesse he sent inâ—… England to the King his Father declaring to him the whâ—… circumstance of the matter and requiring his couâ—… and direction concerning his proceedings The King of England in regard thâ—â— of long time before there had beene a league between 〈…〉 Spaniard and him encouraged his Sonne in the answâ—… of his letters to go forward with his purpose for the 〈…〉 him to his â—ing do 〈…〉 And so the iourney was 〈…〉 vppon betweene thâ—… But one thing was 〈…〉 in the waâ—… Their â—…assage lay through the King oSpanâ— varres country who had lately contracted amity with Henrie the newe King of Spaine Howbeit matters were so handled that a meeting was had at Bayon and vppon certaine conditions the King of Navarre was â—o well satisfyed that he promised all curtesy frendship and peace King Henrie being aduertised of these proceedings sent to the King of Fraunce forayd The Prince practised with the Captaines of those souldiers which before had been so troublesome to Fraunce now tooke paye of the Spaniard that they should forsake King Henries seruice and follow him There was about twelue thousand of them and as they were marching towards Gasâ—oine in the kingdome of Arragon they endured great distresse the wayes and passages being on all sides soreclosed and fortified Nevertheles they made way through all inconveniences and holding on their iourney till they came almost at Tholous they were receiued into Mount Albane a towne pertayning to the territory of Guyen The french men vnderstanding thereof besette the wayes rounde about that they might not issue foorth into Tholous or the places adioyning In conclusion it came to hand-strokes and the French men fought valiantly insomuch that they chased their enemies euen vnto the towne but by reason of the fresh supplies comming continually to their rescue in the end the French men were ouerthrowne and the greater part of them eyther slaine or taken prisoners In which number was the Earle of Provence who came at that time to ayde the men of Tholons and besides him diuerse others of great account both of Provence and Fraunce Hauing thus cleared their passage by the sword they proceeded to the end of their iourney The prince of Wales because he was loth to burden the people of Aquitaine with exactions for the maintenance of his soldiers borrowed no small some of money of his father besides that conuerted all his plate both gold and siluer into coyne Many prisoners as the custome is were discharged vpon their worde so was the Earle of Provence But Pope Vrbane for hatred he bare to those mutinous soldiers took vppon him to acquite the Earle of Provence and others that were set at liberty after the same manner from their ransoms so that they payd not one farthing but had a cleare dispensation from him of all bonds and obligations whatsoever Whilst the Prince was making preparation for the warres there arived at Burdeaux the King of Maiorica who made grievous complaint of the King of Arragon which had slain his father in prison at Barcelone and withheld all his possessions from him by force towards the reuenge of which iniuries and the recouerie of his inheritance he humbly implored the Princes ayd He had to wife the Queene of Naples The Prince vpon hearing of his complaint promised that so soone as he had finished this enterprise for Spaine he would vndertake his affaires and so bring to passe that either vppon reasonable conditions or by force of armes he should be restored to his kingdome Before the Prince set out from Burdeaux he had a sonne borne to whom the banished King of Maiorica was godfather He was named Richard and afterward came to be king of England Edward the Princes elder sonne being dead before his father In the beginning of Februarie the Prince departed from Burdeaux and within a little while after an vncertaine rumor was bruted abroad concerning the King of Navarre as if he had entred into a newe league with King Henry of Castile and that therevpon the Ptince and his Army shold be denyed passage through his country Herevpon letters were addressed to the King of Navarre who aduisedly alleadging the reasons that moued him withall declared his good affection to the Prince and the banished Tyrant The Prince marched with his army in three battels one following another the vauntgard was conducted by the Duke of
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
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
forsake the Prince and to resort to the French King notwithstanding whereby it appeared plainely that no vertue hath more force to hold the hearts of men in obedience then affability For Prince Edward though otherwise a worthy gentleman being puffed vp as men commōly are with the prosperous atchieving of great enterprises began to carry himselfe roughly and austerely towards the noble men that were his subiects whereby it came to passe that they could not loue him But the french King for that besides his excellent wisedome he was also gentle and curteous easily insinuated himselfe into the fauour and affection of all men By meanes whereof he greatly enriched the Realme of Fraunce and worthily deserved to bee registred in the number of the most prudent Princes The french King by the aduise of his brethren the Dukes of Aniow Berry and Burgoyne with other of his nobility sent a puissant army into Gascoine The Duke of Aniow marching with his forces from Tholouse easily recouered either by force or by composition whatsoeuer townes or holds were pertaining to the English in those quarters The Duke of Berrie invaded the territory of Lymoges Certaine Lords of Gascoine ioyned themselues with the Duke of Aniow they were the same that by their complaints and accusations had formerly incited the french King to vndertake this warre The Duke of Berry was associated with the dukes of Burbon and Alaunson and diuers others which way soeuer they tooke they found easie passage About this time the french King fell to agreement with the King of Navarre For it stood him vppon to make him his friend least perhappes he should haue giuen accesse to the English forces through a part of Normandy which he held and by the seacoast into the rest of that country pertayning to the crowne of Fraunce The agreement was vppon this point that the King of Navarre assoone as he returned into his own kingdōe should make his defiance to the King of England There came also a power out of Spaine to the ayd of the French King vpon the bountie and good affection of King Henrie In the mean time the Prince of Wales not vnmindful of his frends adherents raysed men of warre on all sides and the King his father that he might with more ease sustaine the brunt of these warres tooke a truce with the Scottish King for nine yeeres in such sort as it should be lawfull for the Scots to serue for entertainment on either partie at their pleasure He sent also another armie to wast the countrey of Picardy the charge whereof he committed to one Sir Robert Knolles a man marvailously affected to the english natiō though himselfe were a stranger and a briton borne The number of his forces came to some ten thousand men With this power departing from Calice and marching through Artois when he came before Arras he forbare to assault it but by setting fire to the subvrbes tempted the townesmen to make some sallie out of their gates whereto notwithstanding he could not provoke them So he proceeded forward destroying all with fire and sword as he passed The Duke of Aniow after he had recouered diuers places from the English in regard he thought sufficient was performed for the present imparting his purpose to the rest of his associates dissolved his army and distributed his men into garrisons The Duke of Berry after long siege received the City of Lymoges by composition Whereat the Prince of Wales conceived so great offence and indignation that raysing a power immediatly he begirt the towne with a new siege vowing never to depart before he reduced it againe into his subiection And when he vnderstood by such as had taken exact view of the scituation and strength thereof that it was too hard a matter for him to take it by assault he caused a mine to be drawne and conveyed vnder the earth even close to the gates of the Citie which being set on fire the violence thereof overthrew a great peece of the wall and opened a large breach for his souldiers to enter But who is able to report the miserable and vnmercifull slaughter which then ensued Not so much as women and young Children which cast themselues prostrate at the feete of the English lamentably imploring the saftie of their liues could obtained any favour but were all put to the sword so implacable was the Princes wrath so relentlesse his displeasure And after all this terrible massacre of people the spoile and sacke of the Citizens goods with the committing of all beastly and inhumane outrage according to the lust and furie of the souldier the towne it selfe by Prince Edwards commaund being set on fire was vtterly raced and laid levell with the ground The Duke of Berry when he wanne this Citie had dismissed his army as his brother had donne before him by meanes whereof it came to passe that his souldiers being dispersed and fewe perhaps remayning there in garrison the townesmen were left destitute of releefe The armie of Sir Robert Knolles which had pierced through Fraunce into the country of Aniow was at length slaine by the Constable and Sir Robert himselfe escaping by flight retourned into Britaine About this time dyed Pope Vrbane who but lately before was retuned to Avinion In his place was set vp Gregorie the xi through the earnest sute and great travell of the french King who foresawe that this bishop would be a great strength to his procedings Prince Edward by the advise of his phisitions left Gascoine and returned into his owne country For at such time as he warred in Spaine in the behalfe of Don Pietro the banished tyrant of Castile he caught a greevous and welneere incurable disease which was now so farre growne and encreased vppon him that he was not able to sit vppon horsebacke but was faine to be caried from place to place in a litter wherevppon his phisitions gaue him counsell to go into England because they were of opinion he might better be recouered in regard the temperature of the climate being his natiue soile was more agreeable to the constitution of his body At his departure out of Aquitaine he appointed his brother the Duke of Lancaster who during the whole continuance of the warres had beene partaker of his fortunes to be his vicegerent into those quarters beseeching the noble men of Gascoine which were assembled at Burdeaux that they would be contēt to accept of his government We haue formerly made mention of the King of Maiorica who in hope to be revenged of the disgrace and iniury done vnto him had for a time depended vppon the faithfull promise of Prince Edward to ayd him against his enemie the King of Arragon then confederate with the Spaniard But King Henrie of Spaine when after the Princes depature he had almost recovered all that belonged to his dominion found this King of Maiorica in a certaine towne of Spaine left there by the english for
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
was further agreed that the King of England should immediatly send foure thousand horsemen into Navarre to be employed against the Spaniard and that it should not be lawfull for them to depart out of the King of Navarres seruice till such time as the warres were finished This to be done not at the King of Englands charged but his owne The french King being aduertised by some of the King of Navarres owne houshold that he was purposed to goe into England perswaded the king of Spaine to make inuasion vppon his country in the meane while The commaunder of that army which the french King had sent into Normandy was a great souldier and one well experienced in martiall affaires called the Lord Cowcy This man whilste the King of Navarre was absent negotiating his affaires in England recouered many townes and fortresses thereabout and with so much more facility because he caried in his company Charles the King of Nauarres eldest sonne in whose behalfe when many heard those warres were vndertaken they stoode not much vppon resistance Onely the Castle of Chirburg remayned still to be brought in subiection Henrie King of Castile besieging Bayon a towne of the English dominion with a great army had surely enforced them to yeeld had not the plague consumed his souldiers Neuerthelosse he brought not forth his forces in vaine for he subdued many other townes thereabouts and besides a great part of his army was conveyed to the siege of Pampelone the chiefe Citie of Nauarre I told you before of one Ivan a welch man who after the death of his father Prince of Wales had from thenceforth of a child beene brought vp vnder Phillip Iohn Charles Kings of Fraunce This Ivan being growne to mans estate and desirous of reuengment omitted no occasion whereby he might worke displeasure to the English and in all military employments so demeaned himselfe that the french King held him in great reputation As he lay at the siege of a certaine Castle in the country of Burdeloys and had brought the besieged to that point that famine must of necessity haue enforced them to yeeld a certaine welchman vnder pretence of bringing priuate intelligence of his countrymens good affection insinuated himselfe into his acquaintance and in conclusion waiting oportunitie one day when he had no other company about him cruelly murthered him vnawares as he sat idely gazing vppon the Castle combing his head The rest of the Captaines though they were much troubled with this shāefull murther of so gallant a souldier yet continued their siege very straightly notwithstanding But vpon the approche of a great number of Englishmen comming by sea both the french men and Britons which ioyned to their ayd were constrained to breake vp their campe and leaue their enterprise vnperformed By this occasion the Englishmen recouered much in the territory of Burdeauz Amongst other places the English had besieged a towne in Britaine called Saint Maloes at that time in possession of the french men Many assaults were giuen and those very violent but the french King then abyding at Roan sent an army whose comming somewhat abated the fury of the assaylants and gaue a stop to their proceedings Neuertheles they went forward with their enterprise and attempted to cōpasse it by vndermining Which when the townes-men perceiued taking the aduantage of opportunity one night very secretly they issued out of the towne and whilst their enemies kept negligent watch brake vp the mines in such sort that those which laboured in the workes vnderneath were ouerwhelmed with the earth which they tumbled vppon them The English thus preuented and disappointed of their purpose thought it best for their behoofe to returne into their couuntrey Two of the King of Englands vncles were cheefe cōmanders in this seruice Iohn the King of Spaines Sonne termed the infant of Spaine and the Constable of Spain together besieged Pampelone The King of Nauarre emboldened with the assistance of the English valiantly defended himselfe and was purposed to haue giuen battell in the field but King Henrie vppon some occasions recalled his sonne and so the army was dispersed The Englishmen and Nauarroys together pursued the Spaniards in their departure and burned and sacked certaine townes and villages vppon the frontiers Wherewith the King of Spaine was so vehemently mooued that he raysed an army of some forty thousand in purpose to haue besieged Tudell the place where the King of Nauarre wintered But by mediation of good men a meanes was found to make peace between them Which was that Charles the King of Nauarres son should take to wife the King of Spaines daughter and the King of Spaines Sonne should likewise marry the King of Nauarres daughter This Charles as we told you had been detained certaine yeeres by the french King but at such time as this treaty of marriage tooke effect vpon the king of Spaines request he was honourably sent home to her father Immediatly vppon the conclusion of these matters the King of Spaine deceassed and Iohn his sonne with the generall consent and approbation of the state was receiued in his steed The Duke of Lancaster and his brother who had married the daughters of Pietro the tyrant slaine by King Henrie tooke it in high displeasure that the matter was knit vp in this sort not a little enuing the new kings coronation The King of Portingall also was very much offended at the succession of King Iohn as shall be declared more at large hereafter The French king being a notable politicke Prince and of great experience in matters of state to the intent he might more commodiously maintaine his warres against the English sent an ambassadour into Scotland to retayne the Scottish King in amity and frendship This man arriuing by the way at Sluce in Flaunders from whence he purposed to haue proceeded on his iouruey was by the magistrate of the towne brought before the Earle then remayning at Bruges where by occasiō of some vndiscreet speeches he was reprooued and sharpely checkt with tearmes of reproch both by the Earle of Flaunders himselfe and by the Duke of Britaine inueying earnestly against such kind of persons as the chiefe causers of all dissention and vnquietnes There were others also which put him in feare that if he committed himselfe to sea it was likely that the Englishmen lying in waight for such oportunities would intercept him in his passage Here vppon altering his purposes he returned into Fraunce without dispatch of his commission and vppon the report he made of these matters the french King wrote very sharpe letters to the Earle of Flaunders exhorting and aduising him as he tendred his owne welfare that he should not foster his enemy the Duke of Britaine When the Earle had imparted these letters to his counsell there were none but perswaded him that a banished Prince forced in such sort to flye his country was by all meanes to be releeued many of them boasting that if
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
prouide a wife for my sonne in those quarters that by such meanes the bond of league and frendshippe betwixt vs may be more strongly combined Ye haue heard how the King of England takes the same course and seekes a wife from thence that he may strengthen and establish his affaires by such alliance This realme of ours as we see is much disquiered and suffereth many displeasures by the English I beseech you endeuor to take away all such occasions of warre and enmity For howsoeuer I may seeme to haue nourished warres yet in my heart I haue vtterly abhorred them and the thought thereof at this present moues no small remorce in my conscience These and many other things were spoken by him to the like effect The Duke of Aniow was absent as I told you a little before notwithstanding by messengers that went and came hee easily vnderstood how all things passed and vppon aduertisement from some of his frends remayning at the Court he came to Paris the same day that the King ended his life As soone as he heard certainely that the King was dead incontinently he seazed vpon all the kings apparell and iewelles and whatsoeuer else was there of worth or value For at the same time he had determined vppon a iourney into Naples towards the furniture whereof he had need of many such necessaries especially being so augmented in honour as he was lately before by the gift of Pope Clement Now although it were appointed by the kings will who should haue the administration of his goods yet neuertheles the duke of Aniow took it vpon him his brothers did not greatly gainsay him peradueÌ„ture inrespect he was their elder Afterward it was decreed by the Peeres of the Realme that so soone as the coronation of their new King were finished the gouernment of the state should be committed to his vncles to remaine in their hands till the king came to one and twentie yeares of age To the coronation of this King were called Albert Duke of Bavaria the Earle of Savoy and the dukes of Gelders and Iuliers there were also present Wenceslaus Duke of Braband with the duke of Loraine the Earle of Marche and others The Earle of Flaunders excused himselfe The young King was then twelue yeares old he had one brother and one sister both by father and Mother their names were Lewis and Katherine After these solemnities ended great consultacion was had about matters concerning the honour and fafety of the kingdome At length it was concluded that the duke of Berry should gouerne all that prouince which is commonly called Languedoc the duke of Burgoine should rule Picardy and Normandy and the duke of Aniow remaining about the kings person should haue the chiefe gouernment of the whole kingdome King Charles was a Prince so wise and prudent that sitting in his gowne at Paris in ease and quietnes he recouered many things by counsell and policie which his predecessors fighting themselues in the field with all the forces they could make had lost before in battell to their enemies And amongst other vexations which happened to King Edward at his last voyage that he intended into Britaine for the rescue of his men besieged when he was forced backe by the extremitie of weather this one thing troubled him aboue the rest that he must make warre with such an enemie as neuer bare armes nor came into the field whervppon it is reported he should say that he neuer delt with any enemie which vsed so little armor and put him to so much trouble For indeed King Charles after he came to the crowne neuer put on armour himselfe but mannaging all his affaires by wisedome and policy committed the execution thereof to his brothers Charles the sixt IT is shewed before how the youngest sonne of King Edward passed with his forces through Fraunce into Britaine to ayd the Duke who albeit he were recalled by his subiects as I told you yet the King of Fraunce wrought so much by his policy that he found small faithfulnes and but cold affection in many of them especially in the people of Nants and some others When the duke discoursed of his vnfortunate aduentures and the subtilty of his enemies proceedings the King of Englands sonne alwaies comforted him and promised assurance of frendship and succour So they agreed betweene themselues to besiege the towne of Nants with both their forces vnited together and the Englishmen went about it without further delay The Duke of Britaine in the meane time sollicited his people to furnish him with succours for the proceeding in his enterprise But they made him answere that they would in no wise waste their owne country for the Englishmens pleasures and that they would neuer take armes in his quarell so long as the Englishmen lingred in Britaine This was the very occasion and impediment which made him breake promise with the English And the King of Englands sonne meruailing what the matter meant began to be somewhat offended especially because there came no newes at all from the duke the messengers which carried letters between them being indeed cut off by the way At length after long and dayly expectation when he had spent two moneths in the siege finding that all he could do of himselfe was but labour lost vnlesse more forces came from his confederate leauing his enterprise vnperformed he himselfe tooke his iourney to the duke intending to know directly what was his purpose resolution The Duke aduisâ—dly purged himselfe imputing the blame to his people by whose treachery being deceiued he was not able to performe his promise Neuerthelesse to render his friend some satisfaction he gaue him leaue to winter with his army at Vannes During the time that Nants was besieged certaine noble men of Britaine of more eminent respect and authority then the rest had some communication with their Prince in these words or the like Sir you sufficiently declare and manifestly shew that you are wholy addicted to the English nation But what fruite or commodity what honour or aduauncement doe you expect from their friendship what motiues induce you to obserue them with such affection For when you haue brought theÌ„ into Britaine they shall bereaue you of your goods and dispossesse you of your inheritance descended from your auncestors and this they will doe if euer they obtaine the vpper hand of the French men Let the King of Nauarres example moue you who in regard of the singular good opinion he had conceiued of their faithfulnes committed into their hands the towne and castle of Chirburg whereinto being once admitted they would neuer out of it but held it for euer after as their owne By like occasion if through your sufferance and fauour they be once receiued into our citties here neuer perswade your selfe that they will at any time forgoe them for they may alwaies haue ayd out of their owne country at pleasure whereby their courage shall be
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
Duke of Braband then William the Duke of Iuliers sonne holding the seigniory of Gelders in right of his mother claymed againe from the dutchesse of Braband these Castles which his vnckle Edward in his life time had challenged before The restitution wherof being denyed ministred newe occasion whereby the olde grudge was againe reuiued And because Braband at that time was in league with Fraunce and the Duke of Burgoine the French kings brother was next heyre to the widdowe the Duke of Gelders who studyed all the displeasure he could against the house of Fraunce to the intent to shewe his loue towards the English nation passed ouer the seas and contracted great alliance with King Richard receiuing from him a pension of foure thousand franks as hath bene before declared and afterward at his returne defied the French king and professed open enmitie against the Brabanders in so much that the Duke of Burgoigne vppon aduertisement from the widdowe of his daily incursions was constraimed to send thither certaine companies of horsemen for defence of the frontyers Mention is made before of the Duke of Lancaster who by reason of great plague and mortality in his army was forced to discharge his soldiers and returne to the king of Portingale Now when the Spanyards and French men sawe their enemies dispersed they easily recouered all that was lost the Englishmen which remained in garrisons being either expelled by force or dismissed by composition The king of Portugall perswaded his father in lawe to send for a new supply out of England But the Duke considering how it was farre of and that the state of England was at that time greatly encombred made speedy prouision for his departure and sayled as we haue shewed you to Bayon from whence he wrote diuerse letters both to the King and to his brothers for succour But the Englishmens minds were so alienated from the wars of Portingall by reason of the great miseries they endured there that scarce any man could be found which would enter his name to goe vppon that voyage Besides this the troubles seditions and executions which had bene lately in the realme before remayned still so fresh in euery mans memory as they had no leysure to intend to forreine affaires The French king vnderstanding how the world went in England to the intent to make vse of his aduersaries ill fortune vpon great hopes and large promises allured the Duke of Ireland out of the Neatherlands into Fraunce Charles king of Nauarre about this time sessing his people at a subsidy of two hundred thousand franks assembled the burgesses of his townes at Pampelone the chiefe Citty of his kingdome and when he saw that they stucke vppon the matter he shut them vp in a certaine court enclosed about with high walles threatning that if they concluded not the sooner he would handle them according to their deserts But in the meane while happened a wonderfull accident After he had left them in this angry moode he gaue himselfe to sleepe and because he was aged his seruants were accustomed to burne a perfume about him to prouoke him to sweat Now it fortuned by what negligence or mischaunce at that time I know not that some sparke of fire caught hold of the bed which by little and little encreasing and gathering strength at last brake forth in a burning siame about him by means whereof the wretched king being alone and not able by reason of his age to helpe himselfe nor to winde out of the linnen which entangled him was almost consumed in the flames before any could come to his rescue Many Lords of Fraunce which were much displeased that the Duke of Gelders had made defiance to their king in such proud termes contrary to the custome of other Princes were of opinion that if he should escape cleerely away withall it might perhaps hereafter be imputed as a blame and reproch to them which were now of the kings counsell The king was forwarde enough to haue taken a course of reuenge but in regard the Duke of Britaine attempted new troubles solliciting the English to be partakers of his proceedings the enterprise which both himselfe and many other desired could not then be performed The Duke of Berry sent one priuately in his owne name to deale with the Duke of Britaine in friendly manner to drawe him to some reasonable agreement but it was in vaine and that made the French men in greater feare and suspition For they considered what perill it might be to the realme if the King as he desired him selfe and was perswaded by others should now addresse himselfe into Germany when the Duke of Britaine shewed so small affection to peace as he seemd altogether desirous of warre attending but for opportunity to discouer his intention When they had long varied in opinions some thinking such indignity was in no wise to be taken at so meane a Lords hands as the Duke of Gelders that the King now in his youth was to be enured to armes others opposing against this counsell the present state of the kingdome the charge of the warres and the fiercenesse of the Germanes at length it was agreed to contemne the Duke of Gelders as a young man whom rather heate of youth then any aduised iudgement had moued to that action and if he proceeded to make warres as he had threatned that then it should be more honour for the king to aduance his forces against him But by all means it was thought necessarie to fall to agrement with the Duke of Britaine For he as we said before seemed openly to practise with the King of England and already certaine English ships scowred the Seas betweene Normandy and Britaine which notwithstanding they did no harme to Fraunce yet because they still houeâ—ed about that coast the French men alwaies mistrusted the worst For these causes many thought it the fittest course by warr to chastize the Dukes presumption But the Kings Vncles and some others of sadder discretion who alwaies held the successe of warre vncertaine were of a contrary opinion For it was easie to coniecture that the warres with England would be renewed vppon this occasion which was the onely thing that the Duke of Britaine desired Commissioners were therefore directed vnto him to make a peaceable conclusion of the matter Whereof the Duke beeing informed before their comming consulted of his affaires at large His counsell with weighty reasons perswaded him that hee should desist from his course and restrayning his affections submitte himselfe to the French King whose puissance was such as hee had restored great Lords yea and Princes to their honour and estates and had driuen others againe to whome he bare displeasure out of their seigniories and dominions Therefore their best aduise was that he should of his owne accord restore againe to the Constable the castles which he had lately taken from him For it would be more honourable for him to deliuer them now willingly then hereafter
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
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
Lancaster sent lately from the King of England to assist him the King of Maiorica had the leading of the rereward and he himselfe accompanied with the tyrant marched in the maine battell As they passed through Navarre the King himselfe for their better direction became their guide and bare them company through a great part of his country At Pampelone also which is the chiefe citie of Navarre he entertayned the Prince with a banket Many feared that the armies should haue been stay'd assoone as they came within his kingdome but contrarie to their opinion the King still persevered in peace and friendship King Henry hauing advertisement of the army comming against him out of Aquitaine levyed forces in Spaine to the number of threscore thousand fighting men For he was exceedingly beloued and every man was willing to vndergo any danger for his sake Thē he sent an herault with letters to the Prince desiring to know what the reason was that he vndertooke these warres against him seing that for his parte he had neuer offered him any manner of offence or iniury The Prince vpon deliberation with his councell detained the messenger and marching still forwards arriued at a towne called Victoria nere vnto which both himselfe and his aduersarie encamped with their armies The king of Spaine had three thousand soldiers sent to his ayd out of Fraunce The Englishmen had planted themselues vppon a hill Counsell was giuen to the Spaniard that if he purposed to winne the victorie without slaughter and bloudshed he should need to take no other course but only to shutte vp the wayes that no prouision of victuall might be conveyd to his enemie For the Englishmen were enclosed as in a streight with small labour all passage might easily haue beene intercepted But the King of Spaine desirous to fight in regard of the greatnesse of his forces which were now growne to aboue an hundred thousand for their number daily encreased chose rather to abide the tryall of battaile When the Prince had rested some fewe dayes in that place because of the barrennes thereof he dislodged from thence and encamped in another ground more commodious And being not far distant from his enemie he sent backe the messenger whom he had now detayned almost three weekes with letters to the King of Spaine containing briefly this answere that for respects of great importance he was come to succour the banished King that he would willingly compound the difference betweene them but vpon no other termes then that King Henry should renounce the title and resigne the gouernment of that kingdome whereto he could pretend no lawfull interest and if this were refused that he should finde him prepared as well the one way as the other We shewed you before in what manner the Englishmen ordered their battells The spaniards in like sort divided their whole power into three parts The first was led by a certaine French Captaine of great esteeme and in it were about foure thousand men The second was commanded by the two brothers of King Henry and it contained some fiue and twenty thousand horse and foote The third by King Henry himselfe and his battell far exceeded both the other in number as hauing in it seaven thousand horse and threscore thousand footemen whereof a great part were armed with crossebowes The field was pitcht betweene Navarre and the towne of Navarette Seldome or neuer hath any battell beene fought with greater fury and violence The spaniards vsed slings whose force was such that therewith they pierced the helmets of their enemies surely a cruell kinde of fight On the other side the Englishmen being most expert arches ouer whelmed them with the multitude of their shot One of king Henries brothers which as we told you had the leading of the vauntgard assoone as he sawe the Princes colors aduance towards him departed out of the battell and neuer strooke stroke against the enemie His example much discouraged a great many of the rest But King Henry himselfe wheresoeuer he sawe his men fainte or go by the worse preassed in thither calling earnestly vppon them exhorting and encouraging them and often putting them in remembrance both of his honour and their duty in so much that thrise in that one day did his vehemēt acclamations adde new life to his souldiers courage and thrise restrayned them from flying when they were euen betaking thēselues to flight Neyther did the common soldiers onely exercise their weapons that day but the Princes themselues also laying hand to their swords made honourable proofe of their particular valour The deposed Tyrant sought by all meanes he could to haue encountred King Henry The fight continued for a time very vehement cruell the soldiers on either part well expressing the hostilitie of their affection by the violence of their actions but at length the Spaniards vnable to withstand the vnited forces of the Englishmen and Gascones gaue themselues to flight neither could king Henry by his authoritie or perswasion cause them to turne head against their enemies So that perceiving himselfe to be more and more abandoned of his people he was constrayned to fly also for he made no question at all that he should be put to death if he had beene taken prisoner in the battell The Englishmen pursued the chace meruaillous destruction was made partly of those that were slaine partly of those that-perished in a certaine notable river thereby whereinto they chose rather to cast themselues hedlong then to come alive into the hands of their enemies When the chace was ended a generall view was taken of the dead bodies and there were found slaine little lesse then six hundreth horsemen and almost seaven thousand footmen not accounting them that were killed at the bridge or drowned in the Riuer After this battell the Princes came together to Burgis a towne of Spaine and thither resorted all the Nobilitie of the country from Toledo from Lisbone from Gallicta frō Sivill and from diuerse other places of Castile to sweare fealty to Don Pietro againe restored for well they saw it was not possible to resist such power as he had now about him These things dispatched Prince Edward delt with the Tyrant to provide money for the payment of his soldiers by whose helpe he had recovered his kingdome wherevpon Don Pietro tooke his iourney into Sivill there to levy mony for that purpose pretending to returne within fewe weekes after and to give satisfaction to all men For at such time as he was driven out of Castle came first to Burdeaux to implore the Princes ayd as we haue formerly declared hee made faithfull promise that assoone as he should be restored to his kingdome he wold giue liberall contentment to all that serued in his quarell and to the same effect became bound to the Prince that so the Prince might be his surety to the Captaines and gentlemen that were readie to vndertake the enterprise in his behalfe At his
much hated by the commons which afterward was the occasion of much mischiefe in England Thus when no forces came from thence to their rescue the Gascones destitute of all succour were constrayned to yeeld themselues to the enemie The French King being a wise and politicke prince held correspondence with all men which might stand him instead or from whome he expected any commoditie or furtherance considering therefore with himselfe how the king of England was yet vnder age and that trouble and part-taking were growing within the realme he sollicited Robert King of Scotland and put him often in remēbrance by his letters to make warre vppon the Englishmen now while so great opportunity was offered that being thereby busyed at home they might not haue so good leysure to passe ouer into Fraunce The scottish King moued with these instigations and partly of himselfe desirous to reuenge old iniuries especially whilste the King of England was yet in his nouage vppon consultation of the matter sent commaundement for the assembling of his people to meete him at a certaine time ready furnished and appointed for the warres vppon the borders of England and Scotland When they were come together a certaine Scottish Lord desirous to shew some proffe of his vasor and bold courage associating himselfe with some fewe others in the night season whilste the watch were all sleeping or negligēt without any great difficulty surprised the castle of Barwicke When the gouernour of the towne vnderstood it he gatherd together a company of the townsemen and early in the morning assoone as any daylight appeared first brake downe the bridge which was the onely passage to issue out and then environed the castle round about with a siege so straightly that it was impossible for his enemy to make any evasion The people of the country being also certified by him how the matter stood brought in ten thousand men to his ayde At the tydings whereof the Scottish men raised their campe to come and rescue their besieged companions But they were so terrified with the greatnes of the English army that they would not aduenture the curtesie of fortune So in conclusion assault was giuen the castle recovered and all that were in it were put to the sword saue onely the captaine himselfe vppon whose authoritie this enterprise was vndertaken After the Castle was thus gotten againe it seemed good to the Englishmen to pursue their eniemies in their retreyte which they likewise did though it fell out to their own deadly disaduantage fortune fauouring the Scottish Pope Gregorie in time past had made a solemne vow that if euer he attained to the Papacy he would neuer keepe his residence any other where then are Rome This was very offensiue to some of the Cardinals which bare scarce good affection to the Romaines and it was nothing pleasing to the french King who was desirous to haue had the Pope his neerer neighbour Therefore he sent his brother the Duke of Aniow to Avinion to perswade with him but he was not able to diuert him from his purpose So he went to Rome the place he desired and within a while after there ended his life When the Cardinals as the custome is were assembled together for the election of another the people of Rome began to make great tumult in the court threatning violent effects of their displeasure if they made choyce of any other to be Pope then such a one as was both by birth and ancestors a Romaine And therewithall rushing in amongst the Cardinals and with their fury interrupting their businesse it came to passe by meanes of this disturbance that one was chosen for Pope which was 100 yeeres old This man the Romanes hoysed vp vpon a white Mule and with great solemnity led him about the Citie But the crooked old man wearie with this troublesome kind of curtesie and tyred with this tumbling vp and downe within three daies afeer gaue vp the ghost Wherevppon ensued another hurliburly the Romaines therein with arrogant threates shewing themselues more outragious then before At length a Romaine borne was elected and called afterward by the name of Vrbane the sixt About the same time dyed the Queene of Navarre the french kings sister and by her decease a certaine seigniory in Normandy fell to Charles and Peter the King of Nauarres sonnes which were brought vp in the french Court. Many counselled the french King to seize into his hands all the King of Navarres possessions in Normandy and to hold the same till his sonnes were come of age The King of Navarre mistrusting as much requested to haue his Sonnes sent home pretending that he was purposed to bestow the elder of thē in marriage with the King of Spaines daughter Answere was returned by the french King that his sonnes could not be in a better or more honourable place then in his Court. For he would bring them vp in all respects as was fitting for the Sonnes of a King and such as were alyed in bloud to himselfe This answere was taken in displeasure by the King of Navarre who therevppon fortified those places of Normondy against the force of the french men Many important occasions mooued the french King to conceiue offence against the King of Navarre but especially that matter of poisoning which we told you before was confessed Wherefore sending an army against him he subdued Mountpelier and the country about it which at that time were vnder the King of Nauarres subiection The King of Navarre being thus molested both vpon the frontiers of his owne kingdome and in Normandy for the French King had sent an army thither also made request to the King of England by ambassadours that he might be receiued into his frendship The King of England sent him answere how he thought it expedient that if he would deale seriously and effectually in matters of such importance he should come into England himselfe This motion was well accepted by the King of Nauarre and accordingly he repaired into England where recounting his misfortunes after the matter had been debated in counsell he was receiued into league and amity with the King of England vppon these or the like conditions 1. That from thenceforth euer after he should take part with the English 2. That he should neuer make peace with the french King or the King of Spaine vppon any tearmes whatsoeuer without consent of the King of England and his counsell 3. That he should fortifie the Castle of Chirburg in Normandy and maintaine a garrison in it for three yeeres space to the vse of the King of England 4. That if it should happen the Englishmen to recouer any townes in these quarters from the french then the King of England to haue the profits of the same the propriety of the places remaining to the King of Navarre And this especially was most acceptable to the English because from thence they might alwaies haue accesse into France at their pleasure It
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
was very glad and desirous to goe this iourney His first landing was in the hauen of Brest which towne because the Englishmen refused to restore to the Duke of Britaine was at that time by the Britons and Frenchmen together beseiged But the Duke of Lancasters puissance enforced the Britons to raise their seige Then directed he his course towards Cologne a towne in Spaine For after much deliberation it was generally thought more honour to land first in their enemies country then to go streight to their friends But the towne was so strongly fortifyed as their atttempt and endeauour was vaine Therefore loosing from thence they sayled to Compostella into which towne after some parly they were honourably receiued Assoone as the King of Spaine heard tydings of the Englishmens arriuall he tooke counsell with certaine French Lords whome he chiefly fauoured concerning his affaires and what they thought of the Englishmens proceedings They were absolutely of opinion that the king of Portugale should marry the Duke of Lancasters daughter and therefore that it behou'd him to require ayde of the French king who both in respect of his owne good disposition and the most strict and auncient alliance betweene Spaine and Fraunce would not faile of his friendly dutie in that behalfe Moreouer assuring him that there were a great number in Fraunce so ill affected to idlenes that nothing could happen more according to their desires then to meete with any occasion of millitary employment When they had giuen him this counsell they further aduised him to take order that all weake holds churches and such like whereinto the country people had conueyed their goods for feare of the forraging souldiers should be beaten downe For those places were such as could not be defended and if they were taken the prey and pillage therein would afforde greate profite and aduantage to the enemy The King to whoÌ„ this counsell seemed not amisse authorised the French men to cast downe what they thought good at their discretion and withall to seize whatsoeuer they found in them after a day prefixed to their owne commodity The French king being solicited by the king of Spayne for ayd required him to be of good courage for within short space he would bend all the forces he was able to make against the English nation who being once subdued he would send store of souldiers into Spaine by whose helpe he should be enabled not onely to brydle and restrayne but to breake and confound the puissance of both his aduersaries Whilst the Englishmen wintred at Compostella they made often rodes into the country and brought certaine townes vnder their subiection In the meane time the king of Pontingale wrote diuerse Letters to the Duke of Lancaster full of great kindnesse and affection But counsell was giuen the Duke that he should delay the matter no longer nor negociate with the King any further by letters that it was very behooueful for him now he had proceeded thus farre to goe through with his affaires as speedily as might be the French men were subtle fellowes the Spaniards had small faithfulnes and it might so fall out that the French men by whome the King of Spaine was wholy carryed would perswade him to agreement with the King of Portingale vppon some indifferent conditions These reasons were approoued and therevppon the Duke sent word to the King of Portingale that he was desirous to speak with him whereto he condiscended and so they met at a place appointed After much communication it was concluded that the Duke of Lancaster should stay all the winter at Compostella sending abrode his souldiers to forrey the country in the meane while and assoone as the spring time approched to aduance their Standards both together against the enemy in what part of the Kingdome soeuer he remayned Also that the King of Portugale should take his choyce which of the Dukes daughters he would haue in marriage He chose Phillip the Dukes daughter by his first wife The matters thus accomplished the duke returned to Compostella The King of Spaine being disquicted by the English souldiers which wasted his country and forced his townes to yeeld meruailed much that there came no ayd all this while out of Fraunce but the French Lords alwaies encouraged him putting him in comfort that assoone as the wars in England were dispatched he should not faile of sufficient succours The French King vppon a meruailous desire to inuade England assembled the greatest puissance he could possibly make There were numbred of noblemen and gentlemen aboue twenty thousand and more then fifteene hundred shippes abundantly furnished with all necessaries euen to smallest trifles And although this preparation was such as a greater or more sumptuous had not been seen in mans remembrance yet as it often happeneth in such occasions the report thereof in England farre exceeded the truth and was extended aboue measure In so much that publicke prayers and supplications were daily offered to God that he would auert and turne from them this imminent mischeife All the hauens and port townes where they suspected the French men might land were strongly fortified and planted with Garrisons and an vnmeasurable masse of mony was leuied amounting to the â—umme of twenty huÌ„dred thousand floreÌ„s so as there was no man in the whole kingdome which felt not the waight of this heauy burthen All good and well disposed persons bewayled the present state of their country but idle vnthrifâ—s male-contents and such as had nothing to take to were of nothing more desirous The French army was now fully furnished and all things put in a readines in the hauen of Sluse in Flaunders nothing was wanting but onely the Duke of Berryes presence He neuer allowed this enterprise and at his comming thither when consultation was had about setting forward on their iourney he perswaded the contrary with diuers reasons as the roughnes of the winter weather for it was then about Christmas and the tender age of the King whome he thought in no wise was to be committed to the vncertainty of winds and seas at that vnseasonable time of the yeere His counsell preuailed and therevppon the voyage was put of till the next spring the preparation whereof stood Fraunce in little lesse then thirty hundred thousand Frankes It was oftentimes reported for certainty to the King of Portugale that the French Kings army was already entered into England Wherevppon some gaue him counsell that he should not be to forward in marrying his wife which he had lately affianced but rather to exspect what issue the wars would come to for if it should happen the King of England to go by the worse as it was likely enough at that time the Duke of Lancasters friendship would then do him small pleasure The King following their aduise dissembled his marriage and for a while made nomotion at all thereof but with kind letters and costly presents still continued the Dukes fauour for his aduantage Leo King of
Armenia who had been driuen out of his country by the Tartars and came lately before into France being not a little sory that so great dissension should grow between two such puissant Princes as the French King and the English of a certaine godly zeale and good disposition sayled ouer into England to make a tryall if he could doe ought in establishing a peace between them The King of England gaue him patient eare in discoursing his miseries and banishment and how the power of the Turkes and Barbarians daily encreased through the mutuall wars and dissention of the Christian Princes And when by occasion hereof he descended to the point to exhort to loue and concord the King answered that he should first deale with his aduersary to discharge his great army and that done for his part he was not so peruerse but he would willingly embrace whatsoeuer was agreeable to equity and reason Herevpon he returned to the French King who seemed nothing affected nor inclinable to peace The third Booke IT fortuned in Fraunce that a certaine gentleman of the Earle of Alaunsons house rauished another mans wife whilste her husband was absent in a forraine country Assoone as he returned the sorrowfull Lady with teares in her eyes and shame in her countenance declared vnto him the violence shee had suffered Her husband complained to the Earle of Alaunson and the party accused denied the deed Now the Earle shewing himselfe more fauourable to the offender then to him that had the iniury the plaintiffe appealed to the Parliament of Paris A whole yeere and more the matter was there caâ—uassed and in conclusion when the one still auouched the fact and the other stood stoutly in denyall it was decreed that the controuersie should be decided by combate So at a certaine day which either themselues had chosen or the iudges appointed they encountred one another firston on horse-backe after on foote Not blind fortune which otherwise is wont to beare sway in such cases but iustice and true valour shewed their force in this conflict For he that held his wiues chastiâ—y deerer then his owne life and was not affraid to venture his head in defence of the same by his aduersaries destruction made it manifest to the worlde that there is a God of vengeance which will not suffer secret wickednesse to escape vnpunished After he was slaine the hangman drew his bodie to the gallowes and hung it vp whereas if he had fortuned to gâ—t the victorie the woman for falsly accusing him should by decree of the Parliament haue bene burned and her husband after his death put to the same reproch which now was vsed to his aduersarie The whole company of honourable spectators highly exstolled the conqueror and applauded his victory with deserued commendation Moreouer the French king out of a certaine princely respect and inclination not suffering so worthy an acte to passe vnrewarded gaue him presently a thousand franks and from thenceforth a pension of two hundreth pounds by the yeere during his life About this time deceassed the King of Arragon who a little before his death calling his sonnes vnto him exhorted them to mutuall loue and concord for as much as in so great partaking of Princes he onely had stood indifferent betweene the two Popes he desired his sonnes that they would doe the like and not apply themselues to any faction till the truth were more manifestly discussed Neuerthelesse when he was dead Pope Clement and the French king drew Iohn his eldest sonne to their party But when he came to be crowned the citties would not consent vnlesse he were first solemnly sworne not to leuy any tributes or exactions of money other then such as had bene formerly accustomed Edward Prince of Wales as long as he liued was for his noble chiualry and glorious fortune held in great admiration and many sought his friendship and alliance AmoÌ„gst others there was also a league betweene him and the King of Arragon vnder these conditions That the Englishmen should at no time make warres vppon the realme of Arragon and in consideration hereof that the King of Arragon should yeerely send fiue hundreth horse to serue the Duke of Aquitaine against any enemy whatsoeuer or if he could not conuenâ—ently finde so many horsemen he shold pay him a certaine summe of mony Now for the space of ten yeeres he had neither done the king of England any seruice nor payd him any money The Duke of Lancaster therefore to whom at his setting forth towards Portugall the king his nephew had giuen authority to demaund all rights and seruices belonging to the Dukedom of Aquitaine either from the king of Arragon or any other thinking that so great a masse of money would much pleasure him in his present affaires wrote letters requiring those arrerages and sent them to the King of Arragon by the Archbishop of Burdeaux Who at his coÌ„ming found the King very sicke so as he dyed within few dayes after The Archbishop neuerthelesse still prosecuted his suite and the new king offended with his importunity cast him in prison at Barcelone Whereof when the Duke of Lancaster was informed he gaue commandement to the English garrison at Lourde which is the only strong and impregnable castle in those quarters that they should infest the Arragonians with warre and doe them as much displeasure as they could They were nothing slack in performing his commaund and wrought great annoyance to the country especially to the merchants whom they intercepted at euery passage and spoyled of their commodities The people of Barcelone being vexed with their daily excursions and caught vp as a prey by the rauenous souldiers made such meanes to their king by intercession of the nobility that he was content to release his prisoner After that by perswasion of the Duke of Berâ—y the voyage into England was deferred as we haue shewed a little before assoone as the spring came on it was appointed that the Constable of Fraunce with twelue thousand men should be sent to inuade England and besides that certaine forces should be likewise conueid into Spaine to the reliefe of King Iohn against the Englishmen Portingales Vppon this occasion a new subsidy beeing sessed againe through all Fraunce ye might haue seen many country people and towne-dwellers which not knowing how otherwise to helpe themselues abandoned their lands and tenements and departed either into Henault or into the Bishoprick of Liege because those places at that time were free from the burthen of such intollerable exactions The succours sent into Spaine were six thousand horsemen vnder conduct of the Duke of Burbon We haue told you before how the king of Portugall expecting the successe of the English warre dissembled politickly with the Duke of Lancaster in the meane while Now when he saw that England was discharged of the daunger and that the French kings army was dissolued he sent some forthwith to affiance the Duke