Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

The intollerable oppression of the Realme of England, by the Popes exactions and contributions and other sleightes here vsed in the time of K. Henry 3.

* 1.1ALthough these ••moluinentes thus rising dayly to the Popes purse by Symony and brybery, by electious & dispensations, might seeme sufficient to satisfy his greedy appetite, yet so vnsatiable was the auarice of that see, that he not yet contented here with, ouer and besides all this, sēt euery yere almost some Legar or other into this realm to take for his aduantage. In so much that during al this kinges time, the Realme was neuer lightly without some of the Popes liegers with all violence exacting and extor∣ting continual prouisions, contributions, and summes of mony to be leaued out of Celles, Abbayes, priors, fruites of benefices, and Bishoprickes, and also lay mens purses, to the miserable empouerishing both of the clergy and tē∣poralty, as hereunder foloweth.

* 1.2First after Pandulphus, was sent into this Realme Cardinall Otho, procured by the king without the assent of his nobles, to the intent to assist him in certaine affairs, he had to do. At receiuing of which Legate, great prepa∣raunce was made, many rich and precious giftes in scar∣let, in plate, in iewels, in mony and palfreyes were geuen him. Whom the king also himselfe went as far as the Sea side to receiue, bowing downe his head in low coursye to the cardinalles knees. To whom also the bishop of win∣chester for his part gaue toward keeping of his house,* 1.3 fifty fat Dren, a hundred semes of wheat, and 8. great vessels of pure wine. This Legate at his first comming beginneth first to bestow such benefices as he foūd vacant, vpon thē whom he brought with him without respect, whether they were meet, or vnmeet. Ex Paris. fol. 103.

After this the Pope hearing how the nobles and com∣mons of the Realme began to stomacke the Cardinall for his excessive procurations & exactions, sent for him home: but the king, by reason he stood in feare of his nobles, and thought to haue a stay by the Cardinall agaynst all occur∣rentes, entreated him to stay while he wrote to the Pope, to obtein further licence for him to tary: & so did, notwith∣out some English mony, ye may be sure.

* 1.4In this mean time of vacation, Otho thinking to lose no time, but to gather also come crōmes in Scotland, made as though he would set things there in order, which were in the church of Scotland to be reformed, and so commeth to the king of Scots, being then in Yorke with king Hen∣ry, to haue leaue to enter. Unto whom y^• king thus made answere, that he neuer saw, to his remēbrance, any popes Legate in his land, neither was there any such need (God be prayed) for any such to be sent for. Matters there were well enough, and needed no helpe of his. And as he could neuer learne either in y^• daies of his father, or any his pre∣decessors, that any such entrance to any Legate was graū∣ted, so he for his part would not now begin. But yet not∣withstāding, for so much as I heare (sayd he) that you are a good man,* 1.5 this I tell you before, that i••ye will needs ad∣uenture in, do it warely, and take heed to your selfe, lest it happen to you otherwise, then I would wish: for they be a sauage and vnruly people, geuen much to murder, & shed∣ding bloud, whō neither I my self am scarse able to vridle, so that if they fall vpon you, I shal not be able to help you. And how they also inuaded me, and sought to expel me frō my kingdome, ye heard alate. And therfore, I warne you before,* 1.6 take heed by time, what ye thinke best to doe. After the Cardinal heard the king speak these wordes he pluckt in his hornes, & durst proceed no further but kept him still by the side of king Hēry. Notwithstanding shortly after, the same Legat comming to the borders of Scotlād, there called the Bishops to him, & so when he had well filled h s bagges came back agayne. Ex Mat. Paris. fol. 106.123. b.

It was not lōg after, but licence came from Pope Gre∣gory to his Legate. Otho, for his longer abode here in the realm (as welcome as water in the ship) with new autho∣rity also to proceed in the Popes assayres. Who first shew∣ing to the Bishops and the Clergy his letters of lōger ta∣rying, required of them, for so much as no mā (sayd he) warreth of his owne charges, to be supported w^t new procura∣tiōs, which was to haue of euery able church 4.* 1.7 Markes, and where one Church was not able to reach thereto, that other churches should ioine with all, to make the said mo∣ny. Notwithstanding the Bishops a great while stood in deniall thereof Parisiens. fol. 123.128.132.

Besides he assembled together all blacke Monkes of S, Benedictes order, geuing to them strait orders, which shortly after for money, he released to them agayne, Parisi∣ens. fol. 116.119.* 1.8

Moreouer by the sayd Otho, and other the Popes ex∣actions with speciall Bulles directed downe for the same, collation of benefices being taken out of the handes of the patrons, were geuen to light and vile runnagats, cōming from Italy and other places, such as pleased the pope and his Legate to bestow them vpon, to the great preiudice of the auncient liberty and right of the true patrons thereof. Whereupon the Earles and Barons and nobles of the re∣alme addicted letters vnto pope Gregory, by Syr Ro∣bert Twing knight,* 1.9 for redress of such wrong & iniuries, who otherwise should be forced (they sayd) to inuocate the succour of their king, who both was able and no lesse was willing according to his duetye (they trusted) to reforme such eno••mities, and to defend the liberties of his Realm. The tenor of whose writing is to be read in Mat. Parisiens. fol. 128. a.

Not long after the same, in the yere of our Lord. 1240 came a new precept from Pope Gregory, by Petrus Ru∣beus the popes nuncio, to the foresayd Otho, that all beue∣ficed men in the Clergy as well in England as Fraunce,* 1.10 shoulde pay to the Pope the fift part of theyr reuenewes. Whereupon whē the Clergy men made their complaint to the king, seeking to be relieued by him, the king answered them agayne that he neither would, ne durst stād agaynst the pope in any case, and so without al hope of succour sent them away Parisiens. fol. 132. Then were the Archbishops, Byshops, Abbats, and Prelates of the Churche cōmaun∣ded to assēble to gether at Reding, there to heare y^• Popes pleasure and commaundement, concerning the payment of this fift part. Wherein the end thus the matter, conclu∣ded, y^• the prelates desired a further time to be geuen them to aduise vpon the matter,* 1.11 and for that season the assembly brake vp. Parisens. 122. b.. Notwithstāding at last after ma∣ny excuses and exceptions layd in by the Clergy,* 1.12 first that because the mony was gathered to fight agaynst the Em∣perour, they ought not to contribute their mony contrary to the libertyes of the church. Item forsomuch as they had payd a tenth not long before vnto the pope, vpon conditiō that no mo such paiments should be required of thē, much lesse now the fift part should be exacted of them, because an action twise done maketh a custome. Item, seing they had oftentimes to repayre to the Court of Rome, if they shold giue this mony agaynst the Emperour, it would turne to their danger comming through his land. Item seing their king had many enemies, agaynst whom they must needes relieue the king with theyr mony, they could not so do, if y^e realme were thus impouerished &c. All which excuses to diuers other moe notwithstanding, they were cōpelled at lēgth to conforme themselues to the popes good pleasure, through the example geuen of Edmund Archb. of Cann∣terbury

who to obtayne his purpose agaynst the Monks of Canterbury (with whom he was then in strife) began first to yeld to the Legats 800. Marks for his part. Wher∣by the rest also were sayne to follow after. Ex Mat. Parisiens. fol. 132.136.

* 1.13Furthermore the same yeare the Pope agreed so with the people of Rome, that if they would ayde him agaynst Fredericke the Emperour, looke what benefices were to be geuē in Englād, the same should be at theyr arbitremēt to be bestowed vpon theyr children. Whereupon cōmaun∣demēt was sent to the foresayd Edmund Archbishop, to y^e bishops of Lincoln and Sarum, that all collations of be∣nefices within the realme should be suspended till proui∣sion were made for 300. children of the Citizens of Rome, to be first serued.* 1.14 Upon the which so miserable request the sayd Edmund Archb. of Canterbury for sorrow to see the church so oppressed departed the Realme, and so continu∣ed in Fraunce, & dyed at Pontinia. Ex Mat. Parisi. fol. 134. b. which Edmund was afterward made a Saint, and cano∣nised by Pope Innocent. 4.

This done, then went Petrus Rubeus the popes nū∣cio, and Ruffinus into scotland,* 1.15 frō whence they brought with them 3000. poundes, to the popes vse about all hal∣lowtide the same yeare. At which time moreouer cōmeth an other harpar from the Pope to England named Mu∣melius, bringing with him 23.* 1.16 Romaines here into the Realme to be beneficed. Thus, what by the king on the one side, and what by Cardinall Otho, Petrus Rubens, Ruffinus and Mumelius on the other side, poore Englād was in a wretched case. Mat. Parisiens. fol. 137.

An other prety practise of the pope to prolle for mony, was this. The foresayd Petrus Rubeus cōming into re∣ligious houses and into their Chapters, caused thē to con∣tribute to the Popes holynes, by the example of this By∣shop and that Abbot, pretending that he & he of their own voluntary deuotiō had geuē so much & so much, & so sedu∣ced them. Paris. fol. 134 Also the pope craftely subborned cer teine Friers authorised with full indulgence,* 1.17 that whoso∣euer had vowed to fight in the holy land, and was dispo∣sed to be released of his vowe, needed not to repayre to Rome for absolution, but paying so much money as hys charges would come to going thether, he resorting to the sayd Friers might be assoyled at house.

* 1.18The next yeare folowing, which was 1241. came a cō∣maūdement Apostolicall to the house of Peterborow, that they at the Popes contemplation must needes graūt him some benefice lying in their donation, the fruites whereof at least being worth an hundreth poundes, and if it were more it should be the better welcome,* 1.19 so that they shoulde be as the fermers, & he to receiue the profites. In fine, the Louent, excused themselues by the Abbot, being then not at home. The Abbot when he came home excused himselfe by the king, being the patron and foūder of the house. The king being agreeued with the vnreasonable rauening of these Romanistes, vtterly forbad any such example to be geuen.* 1.20 Ex Parisiēs. fol. 143. But what happened: The Abbot being therfore accused to the Pope by one of the Legates, and comming vp about foure yeares after in the time of Pope Innocent, to the Councell of Lyons, was so rated and reuiled, & so shamefully thrust out of the popes court, that for sorrow he fell sicke vpon the same, and there died. Parisiens. fol. 184.

* 1.21In the time of which councell of Lyons, Pope Inno∣cent 4. (for somuch as the instrument or obligatiō where∣by the realm of England stood tributary to the pope, was thought to be burned in the popes chamber, a litle before) brought forth either the same, or an other charte like vnto it, whereunto he straitly charged & commaunded euery en∣glish Bishop being there present at the councell seuerallie to set to his band & seale. Which vnresonable petition of y^• pope, albeit it went fore against y^• hartes of y^e bishops, yet (see in what miserable subiection the pope had all the bi∣shops vnder him) none of them durst otherwise do but ac complish the Popes request therein, both to their owne shame, & preiudice to the publicke freedome of the Realm. Amongest which Bishops, the longest that held out, and last that put to his seale was the Bishop of Londō. Which Act when the king and the nobility vnderstood, they were mightely, and worthely therwith all offended. Ex. Parisiens. fol. 192. an. 1245.

* 1.22After what time Cardinall Otho was sēt for by pope Gregory in all haste to come to the generall councel. 1. o∣ther in his roome here reimayned, whose names were Pe∣trus Rubeus, and Petrus de Supino. Of whem the one bearing himselfe for the Popes kinsman, brought out his B••lles and Bulles vnder the Popes authority, to such an Abbot or to such a Prior, or to such and such a Bishop, and so extorted from them a great quantity of gold and siluer. The other, to wit, Petrus de Supino, say••ed to Ireland, from whence be brought with him a thousand and 5. hun∣dreth marks to the popes vse.* 1.23 an. 1241. Ex Par. fol. 247. b. All which mony notwithstanding gotten by both the collec∣tors, in the cariage vp to Rome, about the death of Pope Gregory, happened into the hands of Frederick the Em∣peror, who caused it agayne to be restored as neare as he could, to them of whom it was taken. Parisiens. fol. 151.

After these,* 1.24 came in then M. Martinus a new Mar∣chaunt from the new pope Innocent the fourth. an. 1244. armed with full power to suspend all Prelats in England from geuing benefices, til the popes kinsmē were first pre ferred. Neither would he take the fruites of any benefice, vnlesse it were aboue the value of 30. markes. At his first comming he required of prelates & especially of religious houses to furnish him with horses & palfryes, such as wer conuenient for the popes especiall chaplain and Legate to sit vpon. Also with plate, raiment, prouision for his kit∣chin and celler, &c, and such as denied or excussed, he suspē∣ded, as the Abbot of Malinesbury,* 1.25 and the Prior of Mer∣ton. All prebendes that were voyd he sought out & reser∣ued them for the Popes behoofe. Among which was the golden prebend of Saruin, belonging to the Chauncellor of the Queere, whom he preferred to the Byshopricke of Bathe, and so seised vpon the prebend being voyd, against the willes both of the Byshop and the Chapter. Paris. fol. 167.180 Moreouer he brought with him blankes in paper & parchment sigued in the popes chamber with his stamp and seale, wherin he might afterward write to whom, and what he would.* 1.26 Parisiens. fol. 178. b. requiring furthermore of the king in the popes behalf, to help his holiues with a contribution to be taxed amongest his Clergy, at least of 10000. Markes, Ibid. And to the end that the Pope might win the king sooner to his deuotiō, he writeth in y^• kinges behoofe to the nobles and commons of the Realm, that they should not faile, vpon payue of his great curse, to cō∣ferre such subsidy of money to the subuention of the king, as he then had demaunded of them, but they stood striffe in not graunting to him.

While the insatiable auarice of the pope thus made no end in gathering riches and goods together in England, the nobles & Barons, with the community as well of the Clergy as the laity, weying the miserable state of the Re∣alme, and namely of the church,* 1.27 which now neither had li∣berty left thē to choose their owne ministers, nor yet could enioy their owne liuings, layd theyr heades together, and so exhibited an earnest intimatiō to y^• king, beseching him to consider the pitifull affliction and oppression of his sub∣iectes vnder the popes extortion, liuing in more thraldōe, thē euer did the people of Israel, vnder Pharao. Wherup∣on the king beginning at last to looke vp, & to consider the iniuries and wrongs receiued in his Realme through the auarice of the court of Rome, directeth to pope Innocent 4. this letter in tenor as foloweth.

The kinges letter to Pope Innocent. 4.

SAnctis. in Christo pat. ac Domino Innocentio Dei gratia sum∣mo pontifici, Henr. eadem gratia Rex. Angliae. &c. Salutem & pedum oscula beatorum. &c.

To the most holy father in Christ & Lord, Innocēt by the grace of God chiefe Bishop,* 2.1 Henry by the same grace, king of England. &c. greeting and kissinges of his blessed feet. The more deout & obsequious the sonne sheweth himselfe in obeying the fathers will,* 2.2 the more fauor and supportation doth he deserue to finde at his fathers handes agayn. This therefore I write, for that where as both we and our realme haue euer and in all things bene hether∣to at the deuotion and commaundement of your fatherhood, and that although in some certayne affayres of ours and of our king∣dome, we haue found your fatherly fauour and grace sometimes propice vnto vs: yet in some thinges agayne, as in prouisions ge∣uen & graunted to your clerkes of forreine nations, both we and our kingdome haue felt no small detriment.* 2.3 By reason of which prouisions the Church of England is so sore charged and burde∣ned, that not onely the Patrones of Churches, to whome the do∣nations thereof do appertayne, are defrauded of their right: but also many other good workes of Charity thereby doe decay, for that such benefices which haue bene mercifully bestowed vpon religious houses to their sustentation, are now wasted and con∣sumed by your prouisions.

Wherefore for so much as your sea Apostolicke ought to be fauourable to all that be petitioners to the same,* 2.4 so that no persō be wronged in that which is his right, we thought therfore to be suters to your fatherhood, most humbly beseeching your holines that you will desist and surcease for a time, from suche prouisi∣ons to be exacted. In the meane seasō, it may please your father∣hood

we beseech you, that our lawes and libertles, (which you may rightly repute none other but your owne) you will receiue to your tuition, to be cōserued whole and sound, nor to suffer the same by any sinister suggestion in your Court to be violated and infringed.* 2.5 Neither let your holynesse be any whit mooued there∣fore with vs, if in Iome such cases as these be, we do or shall here∣after resist the tenour of your commaundementes forasmuch as the complayntes of such which dayly call vpon vs, do necessarily enforce vs thereunto, which ought by the charge of this our of∣fice and kingly dignity committed so vs of almighty God, to fore∣se that no man in that which is theyr right be iniuried, but truely to minister iustice to euery one in that which duely to him ap∣pertayneth.

This letter was sent, the 28. yeare of the kinges raign Ex Parisiens.

fol. 172.

A man would thinke that this so gentle and obedient letter of the king to the Pope, would haue wrought some good effect in his Apostolicall brest, to withdraw his pro∣uisions, and to haue tendered the kings so reasonable and honest request: but how litle all this preuayled to stop hys insatiable gredines, and vntollerable extortions & oppres∣sions, the sequele well declareth. For besides that shortlye after the Pope sent M. Martine with blanks being bul∣led for contribution of 10000.* 2.6 Marks in all haste to be payd also euen immediatly vpon the receiuing of this letter, it followeth in mine author, that the sayd pope Innocēt the 4.* 2.7 after all this great submission of the king and so mani∣fold benefits and payments yerely out of this Realme re∣ceiued, was not ashamed to take of David prince of north Wales, 500. markes by yeare, to set him agaynst the king of England, and exempted him from his feairy and obedi∣ence due to his owne liege Lord and king, to whom both he and all other welchmen had sworn theyr subiection be∣fore, as by the seales and obligations, as wel of that Da∣uid himselfe, as other welch Lordes in this behalfe, doth appeare. In Mat. Paris. fol. 172.

Neither did M. Martinus in the meane while sleepe his busines in making vp his market for the popes mony of 10000, markes, but still was calling vpon the prelates and clergy. Who first excusing themselues by the absēce of the king and the Archb. of Cant. afterward being called a∣gayne by new letters, made theyr aunswere by the Deane of Paules their Prolocutor.

First that the pouerty of the Realme would not suffer them to consent therto.

Item, where as they had geuen before a coutribution to Cardinal Otho,* 2.8 for paying of the Popes debts & knew the said mony to be employed to no such end as it was de∣maunded for, more cause they had now to misdoubt, least this contribution, in his hands which was a much more inferiour messenger thē the Cardinall, would come to the same or a worse effect.

Item, if they should now agree to a new contributiō, they feared least it would grow to a custom, seing that one action twise done maketh a custome.

Item, for so much as a generall councell is shortly lo∣ked for, where euery Prelate of the Realme must needes bestow both his trauell and expeuses, and also his presēce to the Pope, if the Prelates now should be bound to thys rare, they were not able to abide this burthen.

Item, seing it is alleadged, that the mother Church of Rome is so farre in debt, reason and right it were, that the mother so oppressed should be sustayned of all her deuout children meeting together in the generall councel, wher∣as by helpes of many more relief might come, thē by one nation alone.

Item, last of al they alledged, that for feare of the Em∣perour and his threatnings, they durst not consent to the sayd contribution.

While these thinges were thus in talke betweene the Popes priest and the clergy of England, cōmeth in Iohn Marshall and other messengers from the king, commaū∣ding in the kings name, that no Bishop that held his Ba∣ronage of the king, should infest his leseode to the court of Rome, which they ought onely to him. &c. Ex Parisiens. fol. 139. anno. 1243.

* 2.9Not long after this, in the yeare of our Lord. 1245. the whole nobility of the Realme by generall cōsent, and not without the kings knowledge also, caused all the Portes by the Seaside to be laid, that no messēger with the popes letters and Guls from Rome, should be permitted to en∣ter the Realme. Whereupon some were taken at Douer, and there stayd. Notwithstanding when complaint ther∣of was brought to the king by M. Martinus the Popes legate, there was no remedy but the king must needs cause these letters to be restored agayne, and executed to the full effect. fol. 185.

Then the king vpon aduise,* 2.10 caused a view to be taken through euery shyre in England, to what sūme the whole reuenues of the Romains and Italians amouted, which by the Popes authority went out of England: the whole summe whereof was found yerely to be three score thousād Markes: to the which summe, the reuenues of the whole crowne of England and not extend: Ex Math. Parisiens fol 185. a.

The Nobles then vnderstanding the miserable op∣pression of the Realme, being assembled together at Dini∣stable for certayne causes, sent one Fulco in the name of the whole nobility, vnto M. Martinus the Popes Mar∣chaunt with this message,* 2.11 that he iudelayedly vpon the same warning should prepare himselfe to be gone out of the realme, vnder payn of being cut all to pieces. At which message the Legate being sore aga••, went straight to the king, to know whether his consēt was to the same or not. Of whom when he found litle better comfort, he tooke hys leaue of the king, who had him adue in the deuils name (faith M. Paris.) and thus was the realme rid of M. Marti∣nus. Ex Mat. Paris. 185. b. an. 1245.

As soone as Pope Innocent had hereof intelligence by the cōplaynt of his Legate,* 2.12 he was in a mighty rage: And furthermore remembring how y^• french king & the king of Arragon, not long before had denied him entraunce into theyr land, and being therfore in displeasure with thē like∣wise, began in great anger to knit his browes, and said: it is best that we fall in agreement with our prince, whereby we may the sooner bring vnder * 2.13 these little petty kinges, and so the great Dragon being pacified, these litle serpents we shall handle at our owne pleasure as we lift.

After this immediarly thē folowed the generall coun∣cell of Lions, to the which councell the states and Lordes of the Realme, with the consent of the communaltye, sent two Bulles: One conteining a generall suplication to the Pope and the councell: the other with the Articles of such greuaunces which they desired to be redressed, whereof relation is made sufficiently before, pag. 267. The other bill of the Supplication because it is not before expressed, I thought here to exhibite for two causes: First, that men now in these dayes may see the pitifull blindnesse of those ignoraunt dayes, wherein our English nation here did so blindely humble themselues, and stand to the Popes cur∣tesy. Whom rather they should haue shaken of, as the Gre∣cians did. Secondly, that the pride of the Pope might the better appeare in his coulours, who so disdaynefully, re∣iected the humble sute of our Lordes and Nobles, when they had much more cause to disdayne rather, & to stampe him vnder their feet. The tenour of the Supplicatiō was this.

¶ The copy of the Supplication written in the names of all the nobles and commons of England to Pope In∣nocent the 4.* 3.1 in the generall Councell at Lyons. anno. 1245.

¶ To the reuerend Father in Christ Pope Innocent, chiefe By∣shop, the nobles with the whole comminaltye of the Realme of England sendeth commendation with kissing of his bles∣sed feet.

OVr mother the Church of Rome we loue with all our hartes as our duety is,* 3.2 and couet the encrease of her honour with so much affection as we may, as to whome we ought alwayes to flye for refuge, whereby the griefe lying vpon the childe maye finde comfort at the mothers hand. Which succour the mother is bound so much the rather to imparte to her childe, how muche more kinde and beneficial she findeth him in relieuing her neces∣sitiee. Neither is it to the sayd our mother vnknowne, how bene∣ficiall and bountifull a geuer the Realme of England hath bene now of long tyme for the more amplifying of her exaltation, as appeared by our yerely subsidie, whiche we terme by the name of Peterpence. Now the sayd Church not contented with this year∣ly subsidie, hath sent diuers Legates for other contributions, at diuers and sondry times to be taxed and leuyed out of the same Realme, al which contributions and taxes notwithstanding, haue bene louingly and liberally graunted.

Furthermore, neither is it vnknowne to your fatherhood, how our forefathers like good Catholickes,* 3.3 both louing and fearing their maker, for the soules health as well of themselues as of their progenitours, and successors also, haue founded Monasteryes, and largely haue endued the same both with their owne pro∣per landes, and also patronages of benefices, whereby suche re∣ligious persons prosessing the first and chiefest perfection of ho∣ly Religion in theyr Monasteries, might with more peace and tranquillitie occupy themselues deuoutly in Gods seruice,

as to the order appertained: And also their Clearkes presented by them into their benefices, might sustaine the other exteriour la∣bours for them in that seconde order of religion, and so discharge and defend them from all hasardes: so that the saide religious mo∣nasteries cannot be defrauded of those their patronages and col∣lations of benefices, but the same must touche vs also very neare, and worke intollerable griefe vnto our hearts.

And now see we beseche you, which is lamentable to behold, what iniuries we sustaine by you and your predecessors,* 3.4 who not considering those our subsidies and cōtributions aboue remem∣bred, doe suffer also your Italians and forreiners (whych be out of number) to be possessed in our Churches and benefices in Eng∣lande, pertaining to the right and patronage of those monaste∣ries aforesayde:* 3.5 which forreiners neither defending the sayd re∣ligious persones, whome they ought to see to, nor yet hauing the language, whereby they may instructe the flocke, take no regarde of their soules, but vtterly leaue them of wilde wolues to be de∣uoured. Wherefore it may truely be said of them, that they are no good shepheards, where as neither they know their shepe, nor the shepe do know the voyce of their shepherds, neither do they kepe any hospitalitie, but only take vp the rents of those benefices, ca∣rying them out of the Realme, wherewith our brethren, our ne∣phewes, and our kinsfolkes might be susteined, who coulde and woulde dwell uppon them, and employ such exercises of mercie & hospitalitie as their dutie required. Whereof a great nūber now for mere necessitie are lay men, and faine to flie out of the realme.

* 3.6And now to the entēt more fully to certify you of the truth, ye shall vnderstand that the sayd Italians and strangers receiuing of yerely rentes out of Englande not so little as 60000. Markes by yeare, besides other auailes and exises deducted, doe reape in the said our kingdome of England more emoluments of meere rents, then doth the king himselfe, being both the tutour of the Church and gouernour of the land.

* 3.7Furthermore, where as at the first creation of your Papacie, we were in good hope and yet are, that by meanes of your father∣ly goodnesse we shoulde enioy our franchises, and free collation of our benefices and donatiues, to be reduced againe to the for∣mer state: nowe commeth an other greeuance, which we cannot but signifie vnto yo•• ••ressing vs aboue measure, which we re∣ceiue by M. Martinus•• who entring late into our lande without leaue of our king, with greater power then euer was sene before in any Legate, although he beareth not the state and shewe of a Legate,* 3.8 yet hee hath doubled the doings of a Legate, charging vs. euery day with newe Mandates, and so most extreemely hath ••••∣pressed vs: First in bestowing and geuing away our benefices if any were aboue 30 Markes, as soone as they were vacant, to Ita∣lian persons.

Secondly, after the decease of the sayd Italians, vnknowing to the patrons, he hath intruded other Italians therein, whereby the true patrons haue bene spoiled and defrauded of their right.

Thirdly, the saide M. Martinus yet also ceaseth not to assigne and conferre such benefices still to the like persones: And some he reserueth to the donation of the Apostolike fee: And extorteth moreouer from religious houses immoderate pensions, excom∣municating and interdicting who so euer dare gainstand him.

* 3.9Wherefore, forasmuch as the sayde M. Martin hath so farre ex∣tended his iurisdiction, to the great perturbation of the whole Realme, & no lesse derogation to our kings priuiledge, to whome it hath bene fully graunted by the see Apostolike, that no Legate should haue to do in his land, but such as he by speciall letters did send for: we with most hūble deuotiō beseech you, that as a good father will alwaies be ready to support his childs, so your father∣hode wil reach forth your hand of compassion to releaue vs your humble children from these greuous oppressions.

* 3.10And although our Lord and king, being a Catholicke Prince, and wholy giuen to his deuotions and seruice of Christ Iesu our Lorde, so that he respecteth not the health of his owne body, will feare and reuerence the see Apostolicke, and as a deuout sonne of the Church of Rome, desireth nothing more then to aduance the estate and honor of the same: yet we which trauaile in his affaires bearing the heate and burden of the day, and whose duetie toge∣ther with him, is to tender the preseruation of the publike wealth▪ neither can paciently suffer such oppressiōs so detestable to God and man, and greuances intollerable, neither by Gods grace, will suffer them, through the meanes of your godly remediey, which we well hope and trust of you speedily to obteine.* 3.11 And thus may it please your fatherhode, we beseche you to accept this our sup∣plication, who in so doing shall worthely deserue of all the Lords and Nobles, with the whole comminaltie of the Realme of Eng∣land, o••••digne and speciall thankes accordingly Anno 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ex Mat Parisient fol. 188.* 3.12

This supplication being sent by the handes of Sir R. Bygot Knight, and W. de Powike Squier, Henrie de la Mare, with other knightes and Gentlemen, after it was there opened and red, pope Innocent first keping, silence, deferred to make answer therunto, making hast to procede in hys detestable excommunication and curie against the good Emperour Fredericke.* 3.13 The whith curle being done, and the English ambassadours waiting still for their aun∣swer, the Pope then told them flatte, they should not haue their request fulfilled. Wherat the English men departing iu great anger away, sware with terrible othes, that they would neuer more suffer any tribute, or fruites of any be∣nefices, namely whereof the noble men were patrones, to be paid to that insatiable and greedy court or Rome wor∣thy to be detested in all worlds. Ex Math. Paris. fol 193.

The Pope hearing these wordes,* 3.14 all be it making then no aunswere, thought to watch his time and did. First, in∣continent vpon the same, during the said Counsel, he cau∣sed euery Bishop of England to put his hande and seale to the obligation made by king Iohn for the Popes tribute,* 3.15 as is aboue specified. Threatning moreouer, & saying, that if he had once brought downe the Emperor Fredericke, he would bridle the insolent pride of England wel enough.

After this Councell ended, in the beginning of the next yere following.* 3.16 An. 1246. Pope Innocent came to Cluni∣ake, where was then appoynted a secret meeting or collo∣quie betwene the Pope and Lewes the French king (who was then preparing his voyage to Ierusalem) in which colloquie the pope sought al meanes to perswade y^e French king,* 3.17 in reuengement of his miurie, to warre contra Regu∣lum (as he termed him) that is, against the weake and scule king of England, either to driue him vtterly frō his king∣dom, or els so damnitie him, wherby he should be constra••∣ned, whether he would or no, to stoupe to the Popes will and obedience: Wherein he also would assist him with al the authoritie he could doe. Neuerthelesse, the French king to this would not agree, first for the consanguinitie that was betwene them (for there 2. Quenes were sisters) And also for the truce that they had taken.* 3.18 Thirdly, for feare of the Emperour, least he shoulde take his part. Item, for that it could not be without the spilling of much Christen bloud. And lastly, because he was preparing his voyage to y^e ho∣ly land, where his comming was already looked for. And thus the French king denying the Popes bloudy request, refused not onely to enter warre against the king and the realme of England, but also shortly after concluded wyth him longer truce. An. 1246. Ex. Math. Paris. sol. b.

Straight vpon the necke of this,* 3.19 followed then the ex∣action of Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, that he had bought of the Pope: which was, to haue the first yeares fruites of all benefices and spirituall linings in Englande for the space of 7. yeares together, vntill the sumine should come of ••en thousand Markes. Whereat the king first was greatly agreeued. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eonclusion, hee was faine at last to agre•• with the Archbyshop, and so the nibney was ga∣thered. Paris. fol. 197.

Ouer and besides all other exactions, wherewyth the pope miserably oppressed the church of England,* 3.20 this also is not to be ••••••lenced, how the Pope sending down his let∣ters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the se•• Apostolike, charged and commanded the prelates to find him, some 10. Tome 5. and some 15. able men wel furnished with horse and harneis, for one whole yere, to fight in the popes warres.* 3.21 And lest the king shuld haue knowledge thereof, it was enioyned them vnder paine of excommunication that they shoulde reuease it to none, but to kepe it secrete only to themselues. Paris. fol. 200.

The pope yet notw^tstanding,* 3.22 partly beyng laboured by si••ers, partly of hys owne mynde thinking good some∣what to geue to the king & people of England, as fathers are wo•••• to geue solsterhing to theyr babes to play with all to kee•••• them still, sent downe this releasment to the king, y^• hereafter whensoeuer any of the popes nephewes or of hys Cardinals were to be beneficed many church of England, eyther he, or the Cardinals shuld first make the king priuy theeof, and instantly cra••••e hys good-will in ob∣teining the prōtutation, or els the same to stand in no ef∣fect. &c. Parisiensis sol. 202. howbeit al this seemed to be don 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a pollicy, to get the kings ••auour, wherby he might be suffered more freely to passe with greater exactions, as afterward appeared.

For whē the foresayd Pope Innocent 4.* 3.23 had knowlege the same tyme of certayne rich Clerkes leauing great sub∣staunce ••••niony, which died intestate as of one Rob. Hai∣les Archdeacō of Lincolne, which died leauing thousands of Marks and inush plate behy••de hyin, all which because no will was made, ea•••••• to temporall mens handes:* 3.24 also of M. Almarick Archdeacon of Bedford, being foūd worth a great substaunce when he dyed: and likewise of an other M. Iohn Hotosp Archdeacō of Northampton, who died sodenly intestate, leauing behinde him 5000. Markes, and 30. standing pieces of plate, with other infinite iewels be∣sides: sent forth vpō the same •• statute to be proclaimed in

England, that whatsoeuer ecclesiastical person henceforth should decease in England intestate, that is, wythout ma∣king his will, all his goodes should redound to the Popes vse. Paris fol 203.

* 3.25Furthermore, the Pope yet not satisfied with all thys, addresseth newe letters to the bishop of Winchester, and to w. bishop of Norwich, for gathering vp amongst the cler∣gie, and religious houses in Englande 6000. Markes to the behouse of holy mother the Church, without any excuse or delay, by vertue of obediēce. Which tailage being great∣ly grudged of the Clergie, when it came to the kings eare, hee ••f••soones directeth contrary letters to all the Prelates and euery one of them,* 3.26 commanding them vpō forfeyting their temporaities to the king, that no such subsidie of mo∣ny shoulde be gathered or transported out of the Realme. But the Pope againe hearing therof, in great anger wry∣teth to the prelates of England, that this collection of mo∣ny, vpon paine of excommunication and suspension shuld be prouided, and brought to the new Temple in London, by the feast of the Assumption next ensuing.

* 3.27And furthermore, forasmuch as he perceiued the kyng to goe about to gamestand his proceedings, taking therat great disdaine, he was about the same time to interdict the whole land.* 3.28 To whome then one of his Cardinals, called Ioannes Anglicus, an Englishman borne, speaking for the realme of England, desired hys fatherhood for Gods cause to mitigate his modie ire, & with the bridle of temperance to assuage the passion of his minde: which (sayde he) to tell you plaine, is here stirred vp to much without cause. Your fatherhode (quod he) may consider that these daies be euill. First the holy lande lieth in great pearils to be lost. All the Greke church is departed from vs.* 3.29 Frederick the Empe∣rour is against vs, the mightiest prince this day in all chri∣stendome. Both you and wee which are the peeres of the Churche are banished from the Papalisea, thrust out of Rome, yea excluded out of all Italy. Hungary with all the coastes bordering about it, looketh for nothing but vtter subuersion by the Tartarians. Germanie is wasted and afflicted with inward warres & tumults. Spaine is fierce & cruell against vs,* 3.30 euen to the cutting out of the Bishops tonges. Fraunce by vs is so impouerished, y^• it is brought to beggerie, which also conspireth against vs. Miserable England being so oftē plagued by our manifold iniuries, euen much like to Balaams asse, beaten and bounst wyth spurres and staues, beginneth at length to speake and cō∣plaine of her vntollerable griefs & burdens, being so wea∣ried and damnified, that shee may seeme past all recouerie: And we, after the maner of Ismael hating all mē, prouoke all men to hate vs. &c. Ex Paris. fol. 207.

* 3.31For all these woordes of Ioan. Anglicus hys Cardinall, the Popes cholerike passion could not yet be appeased, but forthwith he sendeth commaundement with full authority to the byshop of Worcester, that in case the king would not spedely surcease his rebellion against his Apostolical pro∣ceedings, he should interdict his land. So that in condusi∣on the king for all hys stoute enterprise was faine to re∣lent at last, and the Pope had his money. Anno 1246. Ex Pariens. fol. 204.

Ye heard before of the Greke churches vnder the Em∣pire of Constantinople,* 3.32 howe they sequestred themselues from the companie of the Romish church. In so much that Germanus the Patriarche of Constantinople, and the Archbyshop of Antioch did excommunicate the Byshop of Rome. And after the said Germanus an other Archbishop of Constantinople at the Councell of Lyons protested, that where as before were 30. Suffraganes belonging to that prouince, nowe there were not 3. that helde wyth the Churche of Rome. And thys breache, albeit it chiefly ••ast out in the tune of Pope Gregory the 9. Anno 1230. to open warre and bloudshed, yet the same had begon, and so con∣tinued long before, in such forte as in the time of the Pope Innocent the thirde, if any Priests had sayd Masse in theyr Churches, they woulde wash the aultare afterwarde: as appeareth by the actes of the Laterane Councell. Capit. 4. Wherfore Pope Innocent now (as his other predecessors had done before) bearing an old grudge against those chur∣ches of the Greekes, and neither willing by conference to trie with them, nor able by learning to matche with them, thought by force of armes to subdue them, sent the prouin∣ciall of the gray Friers, with other associates of the same order into England with his precept authenticall, contai∣ning in it these Articles.

• * 3.331. First, that the sayd prouinciall, or his Friers should inquire vppon all vsurers beyng aliue, and of all such euill gotten goodes gayned. per ••surariam prauitatem, should make attache∣ment for the vse and preparation of this warre agaynst the Greekes, excommunicatyng all them by district censures of the Church that repugned agaynst it.
• 2. That all they, which tooke the badge of the Crosse,* 3.34 for the re∣couery of the sayd Empire of the Greekes, or with goodes and cattell would helpe sufficiently vnto the same, should be absol∣ued of all their sinnes.
• 3. Item, that all the goodes left in the Testamentes of them that were departed,* 3.35 beyng gotten by vsur••e, should be taken vp to the subsidie of the Empire aforesayd, and whosoeuer repugned a∣gaynst the same, should be excommunicated.
• 4. Item, that such goodes as in the Testamentes of the dead,* 3.36 left or which should be left three next yeares to come, for restitution of such goodes as the dead had euill gotten, they should take vp for the subsidie of the Empire aforesayd, excommunicatyng. &c.
• 5. Item, such goodes as were left to be distributed in godly vses, after the arbitrement of executours, by the willes of the dead, or were not in their willes deputed to any certaine places or per∣sons named, nor yet were bestowed by the sayd executors to the foresaid vses, they should collect to the vse and subsidie aforesaid, and geue certificate to the sea Apostolicke of the quātitie thereof, excōmunicating all repugners and rebellers agaynst the same.
• 6. Item, that they should diligently enquire of such mens goodes euill gottē or euill come by, as were alyue, and them they should attache for the subsidie aforesaid, in case the parties which ought to be satisfied for those goodes euill gotten, could not be found, geuyng certificate thereof, aud excommunicatyng. &c.
• 7. Item,* 3.37 that the sayd prouinciall or his Friers, should haue full power to absolue those that were excommunicated, which wit∣tyngly had done any fraude touchyng the collection aforesayd, so that the sayd persons did make due satisfaction to the deputies aforesayd. Ex Math. Pariens. fol. 205.

What man hauing eyes is so blinde, which seeth not these execrable dealings of the Pope to be such, as woulde cause any nation in the world, to do as the wise Grecians did, and perpetually to abrenounce the Pope, and well to consider the vsurped authority of that sea not to be of God. But such was y^e rude dulnesse then of miserable England, for lacke of learning & godly knowledge, that they feeling what burdens were laide vpon them, yet would play still the asse of Balaam, or els the horse of Esope, whych recei∣uing the bridle once in his mouth, could afterward neither abide his owne miserie, nor yet recouer libertie. And so it fa••ed with England vnder the popes thraldome: as part∣ly by these stories aboue hath ben declared, partly by other in like case following is to be seene.

For so it followeth in the history of the sayd Matth. Paris.* 3.38 howe the Pope taking more courage by hys former abu∣sed boldnesse, & perceiuing, what a tame asse he had to ride vpon, ceased not thus, but directed a new precept the same yeare 1246. to the Prelates of England, commaunding by the authoritie Apostolike, y^• all beneficed men in the realme of England, which were Resident vppon their benefices, should yeld to the Pope the third part of their goodes, and they which were not resident, should geue the one halfe of their goods, and that for the space of 3. yeres together: with terrible comminations to all them that did resist: and euer with this clause wyth all,* 3.39 Non obstante, whych was like a key that opened all locks. Which summe cast together was found to amount to lx. M. pounds: which summe of mony could scarce be found in all England to paie for King Ri∣chardes raunsome.* 3.40 Paris. fol. 207. The execution of this pre∣cept was committed to the bishop of London: who cōfer∣ring about the matter with hys brethren in the Church of Paules, as they were busily consulting together, and be∣wailing y^e importable burthen of this contribution, which was impossible for them to sustaine, sodainely commeth in certaine Messengers from the Kyng: Sir Iohn Lexin∣tune Knight, and M. Laurence Martine the kings chap∣lain, straightly in the kings name, forbidding them in any case to consent to this contribution, which shuld be great∣ly to the preiudice and desolation of the whole Realme. Parisiens. fol. 207.

Thys being done about the first day of December, in the yeare abouesayde,* 3.41 shortly after in the beginning of the next yeare 1247. about Februarie the kyng called a Par∣liament, where by commōn aduise it was agreed, that cer∣taine Embassadors should be sent to Rome, to make ma∣nifest to the Court of Rome the exceding greuances of the Realme, deliuering moreouer these letters to the Pope in the name both of the Temporaltie and also of the Clergie, as here followeth.

* An other letter sent to Pope Innocent 4. in the names of the whole Clergie and comminal∣tie of England. An. 1247.

* 4.1SAnctis. Patri in Christo ac Do. Innocent. Dei prouidentia sum∣mo pontifici vniuersitas cleri & populi per prouinciam Cant. constituti deuota pedum oscula beatorum. Cum Anglicana Ec∣clesia. &c. To the most holy father in Christ, and Lord Innocent, by Gods prouidence chiefe bishop: The whole comminaltie both of the Clergie and laitie within the prouince of Canterbury, sen∣deth deuout kissings of his blessed feete. Like as the Churche of Englande since it first receiued the Catholicke faith, hath alwayes shewed her selfe faithfull and deuout in adhering to God and to our holy mother the Church of Rome, studying with all kinde of seruice to please and serue the same,* 4.2 and thinketh neuer otherwise to do, but rather to continue and increase as she hath begon: euen so nowe the same Church most humbly prostrate before the feete of your holinesse, intirely beseecheth your clemencie to accept her petition, in sparing this imposition of money, which so mani∣fold waies for the subuention of other nations, by the commaun∣dement of your holines is laid vpon vs: considering that not only it is importable,* 4.3 but also impossible which is enioyed vs. For al∣though our countrey sometimes yeldeth foorth fruite for the ne∣cessary sustentation of the inhabitants, yet it bringeth foorth nei∣ther gold nor siluer, neither were able to bring forth of long time, so muche as nowe a daies is required. Which also being burdened and ouercharged of late daies with an other such like imposition, but not so great as this, is not able any whit to aunswere to that which is exacted.

Furthermore, besides this commaundement of your holines, there is required of the Clergie a subsidie for our temporall king, whose necessities neither possibly we can, nor honestly ought to forsake, whereby he may both withstande the inuasion of the ene∣mie, and mainteine the right of his patrimonie, and also recouer againe that hath bene lost. In consideration whereof, we haue di∣rected the bearers heereof to the presence of your holinesse with our humble supplication, to explane to you the dangers and in∣conueniences which are like to ensue vpon the premisses. Which by no meanes we are able to susteine: although notwithstanding we know our selues by all bonds of charitie to be obliged to your deuotion and obedience. And because our generall communitie hath no seale proper, we haue signed therefore these presents with the publike seale of the Citie of London. &c. Ex Paris. fol. 209.

The like letters were sent also vnto the Cardinals to the same effect. The Pope vnderstanding these things, and perceiuing that there was no striuing against such a generall consent, and yet loth to forgoe his sweete haruest,* 4.4 which he was wont to reape in Eng∣lande, craftely deuised to sende this aunswere againe to the King, much like to the same which hee sent before: which was, that al∣though the Pope in time past vpon his owne will and pleasure to the importable greeuance of the Realme of Englande, hath euery where aud without respecte, through the whole lande made his prouisions, in geuing their benefices vnto his Italians: yet nowe the Lorde be praised, that tempest (sayd he) is ouerblowen: so that heereafter if the Pope shall graunt his prouision for any of hys ne∣phewes or of his Cardinals, they shall come first and make their instant sute vnto the king, without all inforcement, so that it shall stand wholy in the kings free arbitrement to doe herein what hee thinketh good. &c. Paris. fol. 209. b.

* 4.5This aunswere of the Pope, all be it it was but a sub∣tile shift for the time: yet neither did hee long stande to that hee had thus promised to the King. For shortly after, and within fewe dayes vppon the same, and in the time also of the sayde Parliament holden at Winchester, the Pope sent two English Friers into the realme, whose names were Iohn and Alexander,* 4.6 with full authoritie after the largest sorte, for newe contributions. Who first pretending lowly submission to the King, while they had leaue graunted to range about the Realme, afterwarde comming to the Bi∣shops and rich Abbots, shewed themselues foorth in theyr full authoritie, in such sort, as they became rather tyrants then extortioners.

Amongest other, comming to Robert byshop of Lyn∣colne, who of all other bare a speciall minde to the order of Obseruauntes,* 4.7 these two Friers as proude as Lucifer, bringing foorth the terrible Mandate, wyth the Popes Bulles, required, and eke commaunded vnder the Popes mightie curse, to haue the gathering in his Diocesse of vi. thousand markes. Likewise of the Abbot of s. Albons they required iiii. hundred Markes, vnder great penaltie, and that in short time to be paide.

The Bishop although well liking before that order of those Friers, yet seeing the impudent behauiour, and more impudent request of those Marchauntes, thus aunswered to them againe: that thys exaction (sauing sayde hee, the Popes authoritie) was neuer heard of before, and neyther was honest, nor yet possible to be performed: and moreo∣uer was such as did not only concerne him, but the whole publicke state of the Clergie, and of the whole Realme in general, and therfore it should be absurdly and rashly done of him to geue them aunswere heerein, before the king and the rest of the Counsell, wyth other, to whome the matter generally did appertaine, were made priuie thereunto, &c. and so for that time he shoke them of. Paris. fol. 210.

Furthermore,* 4.8 as touching the Abbot of S. Albones, when he also alleged the same causes, he pretended moreo∣uer that he would appeale, and so did, to the Pope and his Cardinals. Whereupon immediatly was sent downe from Pope Innocent, an other Legate called Ioannes Anglicus, an English Frier and Cardinall, who bringing downe a newe speciall precept to the foresayde Abbot, cited him ey∣ther to appere at London the morow after S. Giles day, or to disbourse to the vse of the Pope the foresayde 4. hun∣dreth markes. By reason whereof the Abbot was driuen to send his Proctors againe, with a newe supplication to the Pope at Lyons, who in the ende through great instaunce of monyed friendes, agreed with the Abbot for two hun∣dreth markes, besides hys other charges born••, & so was that matter compounded, little to the Abbots profite, Pari∣siens. fol. 213.

To recite all damages and greuaunces receiued by the B. of Rome in this realme of England, neither is any hi∣story sufficiently able to comprehend, nor if it were, vnueth is there any that would beleeue it. Notw^tstanding to those aboue declared, thys one I thought to commit like wise to memorie, to the intēt, that they which liue in this age now may behold and wonder in themselues to see in what mi∣serable slauery, passing all measure, not onely the subiects, but kings also of this Realme were brought vnto, vnder the intollerable yoke of the popes tyrannie, which in those daies neither durst any man cast of, nor yet was able to a∣bide. As by this example ensuing, w^t infinite other like to the same, may appeare.

In the yeare of our Lorde 1248. after that Pope In∣nocent the 4.* 4.9 had taken such order in the Realme, that all Prelates of the Churche were suspended from collation of any benefice, before the Popes kinsfolkes and Clearkes of Italy had ben first prouided for: It happened vpō y^e same, that the Abbot of Abingdon had a commaundement from the pope, to bestow some benefice of his Church in all hast, to a certaine Priest of Rome, which the Abbot as an obe∣dient childe to his father the Pope, was prest and ready to accomplish accordingly. But the Romane priest not con∣tented with such as fell next hand, would tarye his time, to haue such as were principall and for hys owne appetite, hauing a speciall eye to the benefice of the church of S. He∣lene in Abingdon, which was then estemed woorth an C. marks by yere, besides other vailes and commodities be∣longing to the same: the collation whereof the priest requi∣red by the authoritie Apostolicall to be graunted to him.

As thys past on, it chaunced at last, the incumbent to die, and the benefice to be emptie. Which estsoones being knowen, the same day commeth a commaundement, with great charge from the King to the Abbot, to giue the be∣nefice to one Aethelmare the kings brother by the mother∣side, who at the same time was possessed wyth so many be∣nefices, as the number and value therof was vnknowen. The Abbot heere being in great perplexitie, and not kno∣wing what to doe, whether to gratifie his king, or to obey the Pope, tooke counsell with his friendes. Who well ad∣uising the matter, gaue him counsell rather to preferre the brother of his Prince and patrone, so that the king would vndertake to stande in his defence against the Pope, ra∣ther then the Romish priest, whom alwaies he shuld haue lying there as a spie and watcher of him, and like a thorne euer in his eye: and so the king assuring the Abbot of hys vndoubted protection, and indemnitie against al harmes, the benefice was conferred foorthwyth to the kings bro∣ther.

The Romane priest not a litle agreued therat, speedeth himselfe in all hast to the Byshop of Rome, certifying him what was done, and partly also (as the maner is of men) making it worse then it was. Uppon whose complaint the Pope estsoones in great anger cited vp the Abbot perso∣nally to appeare before him,* 4.10 to answer to the crime of diso∣bedience. The abbot trusting vpon the kings promise and protection, which neither could helpe him in that case, nei∣ther durst oppose himselfe against the Pope, being both a∣ged and sickely, was driuen to trauaile vp to the Court of Rome,* 4.11 in great heauines and bitternesse of minde. Where in conclusion after much vexation and bitter rebukes, be∣sides great expenses, he was faine to satisfie the Pope after his owne will, compounding to giue hym yearely 50. markes in part of making amends for his trespasse of diso∣bedience. Ex Mat. Parisiens. fol 222.

To this also may be added an other like fact of the pope

as outragious as thys, against the house of Binham. For when the benefice of Westle in the Diocesse of Eley was voide by the death of the incumbent,* 4.12 who was an Italian & one of the popes chamber, the donatiō of which benefice belōged to the priorie of Binham, an other Italian which was a bastard and vnlearned, borne in the City of Ianua, called Herrigetto de Malachana de volta, brought downe the popes letters to M. Berardo de Nympha the Popes agent here in England, with strait charge and full autho∣rity, commanding him to see the sayd benefice to be confer∣red in any case to Herrigetto. Yea and though the benefice had bene geuen already, yet notwythstanding the possessor therof should be displaced, and the said Herrigetto perfer∣red: Yea also, non obstante that the sayd Pope himselfe had before giuen his graunt to the king & realme of England, y^• one Italian should not succeede an other in any benefice there, yet for all that the said Herrigetto vpon paine of ex∣communication, to be placed therin. Ex Paris, fol. 240.

* 4.13And thus much hetherto of these matters, through the occasion of the East churches and the Grecians, to the en∣tent all men that read these stories, & see the doings of this Westerne Bishop, may consider what iust cause these Gre∣cians had to seclude themselues from hys subiection, and communion. For what christian communion is to be ioy∣ned w^t him, which so contrary to Christ and his gospel, see∣keth for worldly dominion, so cruelly persecuteth hys bre∣thren, so giuē to auarice, so greedy in getting, so iniurious in oppressing, so insatiable in hys exactions, so malitious in reuenging,* 4.14 stirring vp warres, depriuing kings, depo∣sing Emperours, playing Rex in the Church of Christ, so erronious in doctrine, so abominably abusing excommu∣nication, so false of promise, so corrupt in life, so voyde of Gods feare: and briefly, so farre from all the parts of a true Euangelicall Bishop. For what seemeth he to care for the soules of men, which setteth in benefices, boyes and outlā∣dish Italians: and further, one Italian to succede an other which neither did know the language of y^e flocke, nor once would abide to see their faces. And who can blame y^• Gre∣cians then for diffeuering themselues from such an oppres∣sour and gyant against Christ.

Whose wise example if this Realme had then folowed, as they might, certes our predecessours had bene rid of an infinite number of troubles,* 4.15 iniuries, oppressiōs, warres, commotions, great trauails, & charges, besides the sauing of innumerable thousand of poūds, which the sayd bishop full falsely hath raked and transported out of thys Realme of ours. But not to excede y^e bounds of my history, because my purpose is not to stande vpon declamations, nor to dilate common places, I will passe ouer, leauing the iudgement therof to the further examination of the reader. For els if I lifted to prosecute this argument so far as ma∣ter would lead me,* 4.16 & truth peraduenture wold require me to say, I durst not only say, but could well proue, the Pope & court of Rome to be the only fountain & principal cause, I say not of muche misery heere in England, but of all the publicke calamities and notorious mischiefes which haue happened these many yeres through all these West parts of christendome, & especially of all the lamentable ruine of the church, which not only we, but the Grecians also this day do suffer by the Turks and Saracens. As whosoeuer wel considereth by reading of histories the course of times, and vieweth with all the doings and acts passed by the said bi∣shops of Rome, together with y^e blinde leading of his doc∣trine, shal see good cause not only to thinke, but also to wit∣nes the same. Only one narratiō touching this argument, and yet not transgressing the office of my historie, I minde (the Lorde willing) to set before the Readers eyes, which happened euen about this present time of thys king Hen∣ries reigne, in the yere of our Lord. 1244.

* 4.17In the which yeare it chanced, that Lewes the French king sonne to Quene Blanch, fel very fore sicke, lying in a swounde or in a traunce for certaine dayes, in such sorte as few thought he would haue liued, & some said he was gon already. Amongst other, there was with him hys mother, who sorowing bitterly for her sonne, and giuen somewhat (as cōmonly the maner of women is) to superstitiō, went & brought foorth a peece of the holy crosse, wyth the crowne and the speare, which peece of the holy crosse Baldwynus Emperour of Constantinople (whome the Grecians had deposed a litle before for holding with the bishop of Rome) had sold to the French king for a great summe of mony, and blessed him wyth the same,* 4.18 also laid the crowne, & the spear to his body, making a vow w^tal in the person of her sonne, that if the Lorde would visite him with health, and release him of that infirmitie, he should be croysed or marked with the crosse, to visit his sepulchre, and there solemnly to ren∣der thankes in the lande which he had sanctified wyth his bloud. Thus as she, with the B. of Parys, and other there present were praying, beholde the king which was suppo∣sed of some to be dead,* 4.19 began w^t a sigh to pluck to his arms and legges, and so stretching himselfe, began to speake, ge∣uing thankes to God, who from an high had visited him & called him from the danger of death. Which as the kings mother,* 4.20 w^t others there toke to be a great miracle wrought by the vertue of the holy crosie: so the king amending more and more, as soone as he was well recouered, receaued so∣lemnely the badge of the crosse, vowing for a freewil sacri∣fice vnto God, that he, if the counsaile of his realme would suffer him, would in hys owne person visite the holy land: forgettyng belyke the rule of true Christianitie,* 4.21 where Christ teacheth vs otherwise in the gospel, saying: That nei∣ther in this mount, nor in Samaria, nor at Ierusalem the Lord will be worshipped, but seeketh true worshippers, which shall worship him in truth and veritie &c. An. 1244. Pariens. fol. 182.

After thys was great preparaunce and muche a do in Fraunce toward the setting foorth to the holy land.* 4.22 For af∣ter the K. first began to be croysed, the most part of the no∣bles of Fraunce, with diuers Archbishops and Byshops, w^t Earles, and Barons,* 4.23 and Barons, and gentlemen to a mighty num∣ber, receaued also the crosse vppon their sleeues. Amongst whom was the Earle Atrebacensis the kings brother, the Duke of Burgundy, the Duke of Brabant, the Countesse of Flaunders wyth her two sonnes, the Earle of Britaine with his sonne, the Earle of Barrēsis, Earle of Swesson, Earle of S. Paul, Earle of Druis. Earle Retel. with ma∣ny noble persons mo. Neither lacked here whatsoeuer the Pope could do, to set forward this holy busines, in sending his Legates and Friers into Fraunce, to stirre the people to folow the king,* 4.24 & to contribute to his iourny. Wherup∣on was graunted to the King, to gather of the vniuersall church of France by the popes authoritie, the tenth part of all their goods for 3. yeares space together, vpon thys con∣dition, that the king likewise wold graunt to the Pope the 20. part, for so many yeares after, to be gathered of the sayd Church of Fraunce. Which was agreed. An. 1246. Ex Mat: Parisiens. fol. 204 b.

Shortly after thys, in the yeare of our Lorde 1247. fol∣lowed a Parliament in Fraunce, where the king with his nobles being present, there was declared, how the king of Tartarians or Turkes hearing of the viage of the French king, writeth a letter to him, requiring that he wil become hys subiect.* 4.25 In the which Parliament, time was prefixed for taking their iourney, which shoulde be after the feast of S. Iohn Baptist, the next yeare insuing. Also they that were croysed, were sworne to persist in their purpose and sentence of the popes great curse denoūced to all them that went from the same. Parisiens. fol. 211. Furthermore, for the better speede in his iourny, the king through al his realme caused it to be proclaimed, that if any marchāt or other had bene iniured at any time by the kings exactours, either by oppression, or borowing of money, let him bring foorth his bil shewing how or wherein, and he should be recompen∣sed. At which time William Longspatha a worthy warri∣our, with the Bishop of Worcester and certain other great men in the Realme of England,* 4.26 mooued with the example of the Frenchmen, prepared themselues likewise to the same iourney.

The next yere after thys ensuing, which was 1248. the French king yet still remaining in hys purposed iourney, Lady Blanche hys mother, also the Byshop of Paris hys brother, with the Lordes of his counsaile, & other nobles, and his speciall frends aduertised him with great perswa∣sions, to alter hys minde touching that so aduenturous and so daungerous a iourney, for that his vow (sayd they) was vnaduisedly made, and in time of his sicknesse, when hys minde was not perfectly stablished: and what ieoper∣dies might happen at home it was vncertaine, the king of England being on the one side, the Emperor on the other side, and the Pictauians in the middest so fugitiue, and vn∣stable: and as concerning his vow, the pope shuld frendly dispense with him, considering the necessitie of his realme, and weakenesse of his body. Besides all thys, his mother vppon her blessing required him, hys brethren of all loues desired him to stay at home, and not in his person to aduē∣ture, other might be sent in his roume, with no lesse furni∣ture to atchieue that enterprise, and to discharge him of his vow, especially seeing at y^e making thereof his senses were feeble, hys body weake, and reason through sicknesse, and very death almost, decaied.

To whome the K. againe:* 4.27 for so much (sayde he) as you say, that for feeblenes of my senses I tooke this vow vpon me, loe therfore as you here wil me, I lay downe the crosse that I tooke, and putting his hand to his shoulder, tare of the badge of the crosse, saying to the Byshop, here syr I re∣signe

to you the crosse wherew^t I was signed. At the sight wherof there was no smal reioysing to all that were there present. To whome the king then both altering his coun∣tenance and hys speach thus spake: My frendes (sayde he) whatsoeuer I was then in my sicknes, now I thāke god, I am of perfect sense, and reason soūd, and now I require my crosse again to be restored vnto me: Saying moreouer that no bread shuld come in his head, before he were reco∣gnised again with the same crosse, as he was before. At the hearing whereof al there present were astonied,* 4.28 supposing that God had some great matter to worke, and so mooued no moe questions vnto him.

* 4.29Upon this drewe nie the feast of Iohn Baptist, which was the time set for the setting foorth. And nowe being in a readines, the king in few dayes after was entring his ior∣ney. But yet one thing lacked. For the King perceiuing the mortal variance betwene the pope, and good Frederick the Emperour, thought best first before his going to haue that matter appeased, wherby his way both might be safer through the Emperours countries, and also lesse ieoperdy at home after hys departure,* 4.30 and therefore vpon the same, tooke first his way to Lyons, where the Pope was, partly to take his leaue, but most especially to make recōcilement betwene the Emperour and the Pope.

Where is to be noted by the way, that as touching the good Emperour there was no lette nor staie.* 4.31 Who rather sought all meanes how to compasse the popes fauor, & ne∣uer could obteine it. In so much that before he shuld be ex∣communicated in the Councel of Lyons, he not onely an∣swered sufficiently by Thadeus his atturney, discharging himselfe against whatsoeuer crimes or obiections could be brought against him, but so farre humbled himselfe to the Pope and the Councell,* 4.32 that for all detriments, damages, losses, or wrongs done of hys part, what amendes soeuer the Pope could or would require, he would recompence it to the vttermost. This would not be taken.

Furthermore, if the Pope (hee sayde) coulde not abide his tarying in his owne dominions and Empire,* 4.33 he wold goe fight against the Saracens and Turkes, neuer to re∣turne into Europe againe, offering there to recouer lands & kingdomes whatsoeuer did at any time belong to Chri∣stendome, so that the Pope onely would be contented that Henry his sonne (which was then nephew to king Henry here in England) should be Emperour after him. Neither could this be admitted.

* 4.34Then he offered for trueth of hys promise to put in the French king and the king of England to be his Suerties, or els for triall of his cause to stand to their award and ar∣bitrement. Neither would that be graunted.

At least he desired, that he might come himselfe and an∣swere before the councell. But the proude Pope in no case would abide that, saying: that he did not yet finde himselfe so ready and meete for Martyrdome, to haue hym to come thether to the Councell: for if he did, he would depart him∣selfe. &c. Ex Math. Paris. fol. 187. An. 1245.

This obstinate rancor and deui••ish malice of pope In∣nocent, and hys predecessour against that valiant Empe∣ror, and against the Grecians, what disturbance and mis∣chiefe it wrought to the whole Churche, what strength it gaue to the Saraceus and Tartarians, howe it empaired Christian concorde, and weakened all Christen lands, not only the host of the French king did finde shortly after, but christendome euen to this day may and doth feele and rue. Neither can in stories be founde any greater cause which first made the Turks so strong, to get so much groūd oner christendom as they haue, then the pestilēt working of this pope in deposing & excommunicating this worthy Empe∣rour. For as there was neuer no Emperour of long time, which more victoriously preuailed in bridling and keping vnder these enemies of Christ, or would haue done more a∣gainst them, then the said Fred. if he might haue ben suffe∣red: so after the deposing & excommunicating of him, when the French king neither woulde abide at home,* 4.35 as he was counselled, neither was yet able, w^tout the help of other, to withstand the force and multitude of the sayd Saracēs and Tartarians being now ioyned together, neither yet could the Emperour be suffered by the pope to rescue the king, it followed thereof, that the good king being taken prisoner, & all his army destroied, the Turkes thereupon got such a hand, and such a courage against the Christians, that euer since they haue brast in farther vppon vs, and nowe haue preuailed so farre as neither the power of the Pope,* 4.36 nor of all Christendome is able to driue them out, as hereafter by sequele of story, is further to be declared.

In the meane time, to retourne where before we left, when the french king comming thus to the pope at Lions, to entreat for the Emperor, could finde no fauour, he tooke his leaue, and with great heauinesse departed setting for∣warde on his iourney to Marsilia, and so failed to the Ille of Cyprus, where he remained all that winter, so that fal∣ling into penury and lacke of victuall, he was faine to send to the Uenetians and other Islands by, for helpe of proui∣sion. The Uenetians gently sent vnto him 6. great ships laden with corne,* 4.37 wine & other victuals requilite, besides the reliefe of other Islands mo. But especially Fredericke the Emperor vnderstanding of their want, so turnished the French campe with all plentie of necessaries, that it had a∣boundance. Whereupon the French king m••oued with the kindnes of the Emperour,* 4.38 wrote his speciall letters to the Pope in the Emperours behalfe, but the hard heart of the Pope would not relent. Blanchia the Kinges mother in France, hearing what the emperor had done to her sonne, sent him most hearty thanks, with presents and rewardes manifold. Math. Paris. fol. 226.

In this meane time about the beginning of October, the French men got Damiata, being the principall force or holde of the Saracens in all Egypt.* 4.39 All. 124. 9. fol. 228. Af∣ter the winning of Damiata, the Prince and people of the Saracens being astonied at the losse thereof, offered to the Christians great grounde and possessions more then euer belonged to Christendome before, so that they might haue Damiata to them restored again. But the pride of the crie of Artoys the kings brother woulde in no case accept the offers of the Saracens, but required both Damiata and Alexandria the chiefe Metropolitane Citie of all Egypt to be deliuered vnto them. The Saraceus seeing the pride & gredines of •• French men,* 4.40 in no case could abide it: which turned after to the great detriment of our Christians, as in the ende it prooued, Ex Mat. Paris. fol. 229.

First, in the Isle of Cyprus and in the iourney before died the Erle of Palatine,* 4.41 & one of the 12. peeres of France, also the Earle of S. Paul and Blesse, who had vnder him 50. ensignes. Which were all after hys death scattered a∣broade and dispersed. Also died Ioannes de Denis a vali∣ant Captaine, wyth many other noble personages both men and women, which by altering the aire and diet, there deceased. fol. 229.

The next yeare eusuing,* 4.42 which was 1250. about Ashe∣wednesday, the French men issuing out of their tentes by the City of Damiata, flew vpon the Saracens, which be∣sieged them, and so after a great number of the ennemies staine,* 4.43 with victorie and great spoyles, returned to theyr tentes againe. Nowe within the Citie of Damiata, was the Queene wyth her Ladies, the Popes Legate, and bi∣shops, wyth a garrison of horsemen and footemen for the defence of the Citie strongly appoynted. The next day, the Frenchmen supposing to haue the like hande of the Sara∣cens, as they had the day before,* 4.44 gaue a fresh assault vppon them: but in that cōflict, the Saracens had so strongly ap∣poynted themselues, that the French men lost tenne times more then they got the day before, & so after a great slaugh∣ter of their men, retired to their tents againe: whereupon the Saracens began to take great harte & courage against our men, stopping also the passages round about the Citie of Damiata, that no vitaile could passe vnto them. In like maner the Soldan also gathering all the galeys about A∣lexandria and all the lande of Egypt, so inclosed the S••as, that no intercourse should be to them by water. fol. 231.

At length after long talke and consultation betweene them on both sides,* 4.45 the Soldan aduised them betune to re∣signe to hym the Citie of Damiata, wyth the furniture which they found therein, & they should haue all the coun∣trey about Ierusalem, with all the captiues of the Christi∣ans frendly restored vnto them. Wherwith the Christians (sayde hee) ought to be countented, and to seeke no farther, but onely to haue the lande of Ierusalem, which beyng grnnted to them,* 4.46 they shuld not encroch into other lands and kingdomes, whereto they had no right. Thys forme of peace, as it liked well the meaner forte of the poore soul∣diours and diuers other of the sage counsaile and nobili∣tie: so the proude Earle of Artoys the kings brother, in no cause woulde assent thereto, but still required the Citie of Alexandria to be yelded to them. Whych the Egyptians by no meanes would agree vnto.

From that time the French army being compassed by sea and by lande,* 4.47 began euery day more and more to be di∣stressed for lacke of victual and famine, being driuē to that miserie, that they were faine to eate their owne horsses in the Lent time,* 4.48 which should haue serued them to other v∣ses. Neither could any Christian, nor Frederick being de∣posed by the Pope, be able to send them any succour. Fur∣thermore the more miseryes y^e christians were in, the more fiercely did the Saracens presse vpon them on euery side, detesting their forward wilfulnes. In so much that diuers

of the Christian souldiours not able to abide the affliction, priuely conueyed themselues, as they coulde, out of the campe, to the Saracens, who were gladly receaued and relieued, and some suffered still to keepe their faith: Some marrying wiues amongst them, and for hope of honor did Apostatate to their law, and so wrought no little harme to the Christians.

The Soldane being perfectly instructed by these fugi∣tiues of all things belonging to the kings armie,* 4.49 sent hym woord in derision, asking, where were all hys mattockes, forckes, & rakes, hys sithes, plowes, and harowes, whych he brought ouer w^t him? or why he did not occupie them, but let them lie by hym to rust and canker? All thys and much more, the King with his Frenche men were faine to take well in woorth. It happened shortly after,* 4.50 that thys Soldan died, being poisoned of his own seruants. which was to the Christians a more heaping of theyr miseries. For albeit the saide Soldan had bene a cruell tyrant to the Christians, yet was he hated of his owne people, whereby his strength was the lesse: After whom succeeded an other much more cruell. who as he was better loued, so hee be∣came muche stronger by a generall confederacie of all the Saracens which were in the East parts,* 4.51 ioyning now to∣gether. So that when the Christians desired nowe to haue the forme of peace before profered, be precisely denied them. And so the Frenche hoste which at first began to be feared, by their pride and ouermuch gredines grew more & more in contempt amongst their enemies, and now was vtter∣ly despised.

The Christians thus seeing all thinges to goe backe∣ward with them, and how the infidell Saracens daily did preuaile, began to murmure against God, and some also which were wel setled before, to stacker in their Religion, casting out these wordes of infidelitie: howe is this (sayde they) that the Lorde hath left vs in whose cause we fight? how often wythin the time of remembrance, haue we bene confoūded by these Saracens and infidels, who with she∣ding of our bloud, haue enioyed great spoyles & victories? first this Citie of Damiata, which we Christians had got∣ten dearely with effusion of somuch Christian bloud, after∣ward we were cōstrained for nought to resigne vp againe. After that the armie of the templaries, fighting for the ho∣ly Temple against the Saracens, neare to Antioche, was vanquished, and the standard bearer slaine in the fielde.* 4.52 A∣gaine within these fewe yeres, our Frenchmen fighting in lyke maner against the Saracens at the Citie of Bazara, were put to the worse, and many afterwarde out of capti∣uity ransomed, by Richard duke of Exceter, brother to the K. of England, Henry 3. Then came in the Chosmorins, sent by the Soldan of Babylon, which by a wile inuaded the christians in y^e Citie of Ierusalem, where almost all the christian army being in the holy land, were destroyed. And now here our most christian king together with the whole nobility, is like to be in danger, vtterly to be ouerthrown. And how is it, that the Lord thus standeth against vs, and fighteth with them? hath he more regarde of them, then of vs? &c. Mat. Parisiens. fol. 231. Such murmuring wordes of an vnstable faith, many there began to cast out, as taking displeasure for their sufferings, but not considering on the other side what Idolaters they were, what pride and dis∣corde was amongst them, what crueltie and murther they had shewed at home in persecuting the poore Albingenses, what superstition they first brought out wyth them, with what idolatry they proceded, putting their trust inmasses, in the popes indulgences, in worshipping of images,* 4.53 and praying to saintes. And what helpe then coulde they looke for at Gods hand, which had Images in their temples, to fight against them which had none? Or what maruell, if the Lord of hostes went not with their armie, committing such idolatrie euery day in their pauilions to their Sacra∣mentall bread and wine as they did, and fighting with the strength of their owne merits, and not only by the power of their faith in Christ, which is only the victory that ouer∣commeth the worlde?* 4.54 Iohn 1. and finally hauing in their campe the Legate of him whom the Lord taketh to be his enemie? As by example of Fredericke the Emperour may be wel perceiued who after he was accursed by pope Bre∣gorie a little before, comming the same time in war against the Saracens in Palestina, Boddes blessing wrought so mightely with him, y^t without any bloudshed he recouered Ierusalem, and set all the countrey about it in great quiet∣nes, till at last the popish Templaries, which at the popes setting on, went about to betray him, to y^t Soldan of Ba∣bylon, & so lost al againe by their owne malicious mischief that the Emperour before had gotten. tEx Mat. Paris.

But let vs procede further in this holy progresse. The French king with his army, seeing himselfe distressed, and no good there to be done against the Soldan of Egypt, af∣ter he had sufficiently fortified the Citie of Dannata, wyth an able garrison left with the Duke of Burgundie, hee re∣mooued his tents from thence,* 4.55 to go Eastward. In whose armie also folowed William Longspath (of whom menti∣on was touched before) accompanied w^c a piked number of English warriers reteining vnto him.* 4.56 But suche was y^e disdaine of the French men agains this William Long∣spath and the Englishmen, that they could not abide them, but flouted them after opprobrious maner, wyth English tailes: in somuch that the good king himselfe had much ado to keepe peace betwene them.

The originall cause of this grudge betweene them, be∣gan thus. There was not far from Alexandria in Egypt, a strong fort or Castle, replenished with great Ladies, and rich treasure of the Saracens.* 4.57 The which hold it chaunced the said William Longspath, with his company of english soldiours to get more by good lucke and politicke dexteri∣tie, then by opē force of armes, wherby he with his retinue were grearly enriched. when the Frenchmen had know∣ledge hereof, they being not made priuie thereto, began to conceiue an hartburning against the English soldiours, & could not speake well of them after that.* 4.58 It hapned againe not long after, that the sayde William had intelligence of a cōpany of rich Marchants among the Saracens going to a certaine faire about y^e partes of Alexandria, hauing theyr Camels, Asses, and Mules, richly loden with silks, preci∣ous iewels, spices, gold and siluer, with cart lodes of other wares, besides vitaile and other furniture, wherof the sol∣diours then stoode in great nede. He hauing secret know∣ledge heereof, gathered all the power of Englishmen vnto him that he coulde, and so by night falling vpon the Mar∣chants, some he flew with their guides and conductours, some he tooke,* 4.59 some he put to flight. The Cartes wyth the driuers, and with the Dren, and the Camels, Asses, and Mules, with the whole cariage and vitailes he tooke and brought with him, losing in al the skirmish but one souldi∣our, and 8. of his seruitures. Of whome notwithstanding some he brought home wounded, to be cured.

This being knowen in the campe, foorth came y^e French men, which al this while loytred in their pauilions, & me∣ting their cariage by the way,* 4.60 tooke all the foresaide pray whole to themselues, rating the sayd w. and the English∣men, for so aduenturing and issuing out of the camp w^tout leaue or knowledge of their generall, contrary to the disci∣pline of warre. William said againe, he had done nothing, but he would answer to it, whose purpose was to haue the spoile deuided to the behoofe of the whole army. when this would not serue, he being sore greued in his mind so cow∣ardly to be spoyled of that, for which hee so aducnturously had trauailed for, went to the king to complaine.* 4.61 But whē no reason nor cōplaint would serue, by reason of the proud Earle of Artoys the kings brother, which vpon despite & disdaine stoode against hym, he bidding the king farewell, said he wold serue him no lōger. And so William de Long∣spath, w^t the rest of his company, breaking frō the Frenche host, went to Achon. Upon whose departure, then said the Earle of Artoys:* 4.62 tNowe is the armie of Frenche men well ridde of these tailed people. Which words spoken in great despite, were euil taken of many good men that heard him. Ex Mat. Parisiens. fol. 233.234.

Before the ariuing of the French armie in the lande of Egypt, the Soldan of Babylon hauing before intelligence of their comming committed the custodie of Damiata to & certaine prince of his, whom he specially trusted, commit∣ting also to his brother the keping of Kaira & Babylonia.* 4.63 It folowed now after the taking of Diamata, that the sol∣dan of Babylon accused the Prince which had the custodie thereof, before his nobles, of prodition, as giuing the Citie vnto the Christians. Who notwithstanding in indgement did sufficiently cleare himselfe, declaring how he was cer∣tified that the king would land at Alexandria, and therfore bent all power to preuent the kings ariuall there. But by distresse of weather,* 4.64 he missing of his purpose, and the king landing about Damiata, by reason therof y^e city was taken vnprouided, he notwithstanding w^t his company resisting as well as they might, till they could no longer, and so de∣parted out, cursing, said he, Mahomet & his law. At which wordes the Soldan being offended, commanded him to be had away as a traytor and blasphemer, and to be hanged, albeit he had sufficiently purged himselfe by the iudgement of y^e court.* 4.65 His brother which was the keper of Kayra and Babylonia, being therewith not a litle agrieued, and bea∣ring a good minde to the Christian religion, deuised in him selfe, bow to giue the said city of Kayra with Babylonia to the French king, & so in most secrete wise sent to the king, shewing his ful purpose and what had happened, and fur∣thermore

instructing the king in all things how and what he should do,* 4.66 & moreouer requiring the Sacramēt of bap∣tisme, meaning in deede good sayth, and sending also a∣way all the Christian captiues, which he had with hym in prison, The king being glad hereof, sent in al hast for wil∣liam Longspath, promising a full redresse of all iniuries past, who vpon hope of some good lucke towardes, came at the kings request, and so ioyned with the French pow∣er agayne.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The miserable impouerishing of the Realme by the popes prouisions and contributions.
• * 1.2

  Cardinall O∣tho Legate in England. The receiuing of Otho the popes Legate into the Realm.
• * 1.3

  Anno. 1237.
• * 1.4

  Otho the Le∣gate seeketh to come into Scot∣lande. The king of Scottes his an∣swere to Car∣dinall Otho.
• * 1.5

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Sea•••••• hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within 〈◊〉〈◊〉 popes Le∣gate.
• * 1.6

  Cardinal Otho 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ped 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ing into S•••• land.
• * 1.7

  Oppression of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Engl•••• by Cardi•••••• Otho the popes Lega••••
• * 1.8

  Anno. 1238.
• * 1.9

  The nobles of England writ to Pope Gregory 〈◊〉〈◊〉 collation•••• benefices wrasled or of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Petrus Ru∣beus the popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.10

  All bene•••• ced men in England •••• pelled to geue the•••• part of the reuenewes to the pope anno. ••••••••
• * 1.11

  Anno. 1240.
• * 1.12

  Excuses of the Clergy why they would not contribute •• the Pope.
• * 1.13

  ••oc. chil∣drē of Rome ••laced in be∣nefices in England.
• * 1.14

  Edmund Archb. of Cant. depar∣••eth the ••ealme and dyeth in ex∣ile.
• * 1.15

  Three thou∣sand pounds to the popes ••se.
• * 1.16

  Romaynes 23. brought to Englande to be benefi∣ted.
• * 1.17

  The P. for money re∣leaseth chri∣stias of their ••ow••.
• * 1.18

  Mumelius 20 other messenger of the pope.
• * 1.19

  An execta∣ble exaction of the pope vpon the house of Pe∣terborough.
• * 1.20

  Abbot of Pe terborough thrust out of the popes court.
• * 1.21

  The obliga∣tion of kyng Iohns tri∣bute to the pope, bur∣ned. The bishops of England put their handes and seales to the popes bill.
• * 1.22

  Petrus Ru∣beus, Petrus de Supino, the Popes collectors in England.
• * 1.23

  A thousand and fiue hundreth markes brough•• out of Ireland for the Pope.
• * 1.24

  M. Martinus a•• other messenger for the Popes money. an. 1244.
• * 1.25

  Extortion of the Popes Legate vpon the clergie of Englando.
• * 1.26

  Contribution of x. M. markes for the Pope. The pope craf∣tely holdeth with the kyng that the king might holde with him.
• * 1.27

  Intimation ge∣uen to the king touching the importable op∣pression of the realme by the Pope.
• * 2.1

  K. Henries letter to the Pope.
• * 2.2

  The kyng offe∣reth to kisse the Popes feet.
• * 2.3

  Damage recei∣ued by the pope in the realme of England.
• * 2.4

  The pope pro∣uisions.
• * 2.5

  The kinges too much in subiec∣tion to the pope
• * 2.6

  Ex Mat. Paris. sol. 172.
• * 2.7

  The pope set∣teth Welch men against the king of England.
• * 2.8

  Contribution required of the clergie of Eng∣land for the pope with their excuses and rea∣sons against the same.
• * 2.9

  The portes of England layd to stop the popes letters, yet all would not serue
• * 2.10

  Si••••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 land 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yerely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 land•••••• Pope & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Italia 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.11

  M. Martin•••• the Popes legate ser•• out of En•• land in the deuils 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.12

  The pope in displeasure with the king of England.
• * 2.13

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 lot The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wordes of the pope a∣gainst the French 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and king of England.
• * 3.1

  Anno. 1245.
• * 3.2

  The suppli∣cation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lords and commons of England 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Pope.
• * 3.3

  The super∣stitious 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ding of neo∣nasterics in England.
• * 3.4

  Iniuries re∣ceiued in England by the Pope.
• * 3.5

  Benefices in ••uglande wickedly gi∣uen a way to Italians.
• * 3.6

  Three score thousande markes yere∣ly giuen to Italians out of the church of England.
• * 3.7

  Italians re∣ceiued more in this land of meer rēts then did the kings crown
• * 3.8

  Detestable dealings of the popes legate in England.
• * 3.9

  Complaint of M. Martin ••he Popes Legate.
• * 3.10

  K. Hēry the ••hird, vsed euery day to ••eare 3. mas∣••es by note.
• * 3.11

  The stout wordes of the Lordes ••o the Pope.
• * 3.12

  The suppli∣••ation of the English na∣••ion tooke no place with the Pope.
• * 3.13

  The Englishe Ambassadours agreeued with the Pope.
• * 3.14

  The Pope in an anger with England.
• * 3.15

  The Bishops of England set their seales to the popes tri∣bute.
• * 3.16

  Anno. 1246.
• * 3.17

  The pope stir∣reth Lewes the French king to warre against the K. of Eng∣lande.
• * 3.18

  Lewes the frēch kyng refuseth to warre against Englande.
• * 3.19

  The first yeares fruites for seuen yeares gathered of all benefices for the Archb. of Cant.
• * 3.20

  The prelates of England char∣ged to find horse and harnes for Popes warres.
• * 3.21

  A subtile prac∣tise of the pope.
• * 3.22

  The popes baite layde for more money.
• * 3.23

  A new lawe of the pope, to sea∣son vpon: all the goods of clergie men that die in∣testate.
• * 3.24

  A note of cer∣taine ecclesiasti∣call persons dy∣ing in England worth great substance.
• * 3.25

  Sixe thousand marks to be ga∣thered of the clergie of Eng∣lande for the Pope.
• * 3.26

  The king begin∣neth to with∣stand the Pope, but durst not holde out.
• * 3.27

  The Pope in a chafe.
• * 3.28

  The wordes of Ioannes Angli∣cu•• Cardinall to the Pope.
• * 3.29

  The miserable troubles of chri∣stendome.
• * 3.30

  Of Spaine he meaneth because the king of Ara∣gone a litle be∣fore had cut off the tongue of a certaine B. that did reprehend him. Paris. fol. 207.
• * 3.31

  Power giuen to the Bish. of Worcester to in∣terdict the land. The K. fayne to relent to the Pope. 238.
• * 3.32

  Of this diuision read before pag. 282. The Grecians vsed to washe their altar, if a∣ny latin masse had bene saide vpon them. Ex Act••s conci∣l•••• Lateran••••sis, cap. 4.
• * 3.33

  Goods gotten by vsury atta∣ched for the Pope. Excommunica∣tion abused.
• * 3.34

  False ••••••∣luti•••• o•• sinnes.
• * 3.35

  Vsurarie prau••las.
• * 3.36

  Goods 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in dead •• wils for re∣stitution e••∣u••ted to the Pope. Goods ••••∣bequethe•• in de••d 〈◊〉〈◊〉 willes co•• uerted to war agai•••••• the G••••e•••• Goods ••••∣gotten co••∣uerted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pope.
• * 3.37

  Abselo•• for 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.38

  An v••••••••∣nable e•••• on of the Pope.
• * 3.39

  Non 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.40

  Three ••••n thousande poundes ••••∣acted of •••• clergie to •• payde to •••• Pope.
• * 3.41

  A Parlia∣ment.
• * 4.1

  Letter sent the Pope the name all the e∣••tes & com ••altie of ••e realme.
• * 4.2

  ••ote fooles ••u••ingiuing the ••hurch so ••uch.
• * 4.3

  ••he Pope ••••••king be∣••••e Englād •• swimme ••th golde ••••d siluer.
• * 4.4

  The popes ••••swere a∣••aine to the ••••ng of Eng∣land.
• * 4.5

  The Pope ••alfe in his promise.
• * 4.6

  Note the subtle prac∣tise of the pope to get money.
• * 4.7

  The Bishop of Lincolnes answere to the Friers the Popes messengers.
• * 4.8

  The Abbot of S. Albons maketh great sute to the Pope for the 400. markes that he should pay. This Iohannes Anglicus was the more fierce against the Ab∣bot, because hee receiued him not with such reuerence as hee thought meete for the popes le∣gate.
• * 4.9

  Example howe this Realme of England was oppressed mise∣rably by the Pope.
• * 4.10

  The Abbot of Abbingdō cited to appeare be∣fore the Pope.
• * 4.11

  The Abbot of Abingdon con∣demned in 50. markes for de∣nying of an eng∣lish benefice to an Italian the Popes nephew.
• * 4.12

  A detestable ex∣tortion of the pope vs••d a∣gainst the prio∣rie of Binham.
• * 4.13

  The Grecians excused & pur∣ged in parting frō the Church of Rome.
• * 4.14

  The miseries that haue risen in Englande through subiec∣tion vnder the church of Rome
• * 4.15

  Englād plagued by the Pope when it needed not.
• * 4.16

  The Pope and court of Rome the principall cause of all the publique cala∣mitie•• through christendome.
• * 4.17

  The sicknes of Lewes the frēch Kyng.
• * 4.18

  The superstiti∣on of the kynges mother.
• * 4.19

  The 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 4.20

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blinde•• with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 myracle
• * 4.21

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vowe•••••• Lewes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fre•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 4.22

  The Fa•••••• K. crofe•• go to the holy l••••
• * 4.23

  Great p•••• para••ce •• Fraunce •• ward 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vyage.
• * 4.24

  Con•••••••• in Fraunce to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vyage. The Pop•• maketh •••• uision 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contrib•••••• also in Fa•••• Anno 1147.
• * 4.25

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the king•• age appo••••∣ted. The Fre•••••• kyng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to re••••••••x•• all iniu•••• done to i•• subiecta.
• * 4.26

  Will•••• ••••••∣spath •••• other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 English•••• prepare•••• the same•••• age. Pers•••••• geuen to •• French •••• to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •• viage.
• * 4.27

  The kings answere to his Lordes laying down•• & takyng •••• his crosie a∣gaine.
• * 4.28

  Ann. 1248.
• * 4.29

  The French ••ing setteth ••orth in his ••••urney.
• * 4.30

  The fifth K. ••esireth to ••econcilethe ••ope & the ••mperour.
• * 4.31

  The Empe∣••oar Frede∣••ike purgeth himselfe to ••he pope & ••ouncell.
• * 4.32

  The submis∣••on of the ••mperour.
• * 4.33

  The worthy ••ffer of the ••oble Em∣••erour.
• * 4.34

  The Empe∣••••ur offreth •• put in the ••rench king ••nd king of ••ngland to ••e his suer∣••••es. The Empe∣••our desireth •• answere ••r himselfe ••n the coun∣••••ll. ••he pestilēt ••ncour of ••ope Inno∣••ēt 4. against ••rederike 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the cause ••f all this ••ischiefe, ••hat to this ••ay we suf∣••er by the Turkes.
• * 4.35

  The begin∣ning of the Turkes vic∣••ories ouer Christēdom
• * 4.36

  Pope Inno∣••ēt 4. would not be recō∣ciled with the Empe∣rour.
• * 4.37

  The French ar∣my relieued by the Emperour Fredericke.
• * 4.38

  The french king again en••reateth the pope for the Emperour.
• * 4.39

  Damiata gotten againe by the Frenchmen.
• * 4.40

  The pride of the Erle of Artoys.
• * 4.41

  Death of certain of the••••ch cap∣taines in the way.
• * 4.42

  Anno. 1250.
• * 4.43

  Victory of the Frenchmen ouer the Saracens.
• * 4.44

  Frenchmen dis∣comfited by the Saracens.
• * 4.45

  The Frenchmen again well offe∣red by the Soldā
• * 4.46

  The Erle of Ar∣toys & the popes Legate againe refuse the for••e of peace offered
• * 4.47

  Famine & mise∣ry in the French campe.
• * 4.48

  The Frenchmen eate their horses in Lent time.
• * 4.49

  The Soldans message, dery∣ding the French men.
• * 4.50

  Soldan dy∣eth, a worse fol∣loweth.
• * 4.51

  The Frenchmen desire again the peace offered before, & coulde not haue it.
• * 4.52

  Victories ouer the Templaries and keepers of Ierusalem.
• * 4.53

  Causes debated why the Lord did not prosper the Christians fighting against the Saracens.
• * 4.54

  The Popes wars neuer went wel forward against the Infidels. Frederike the Emperour cur∣sed of the pope, blessed of God, Templaries set on by the pope to betray the Emperour.
• * 4.55

  William Longspath.
• * 4.56

  Grudge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 disdaine •••• tweene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Frēche•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & the ••ng∣lishe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ours.
• * 4.57

  A boory •••• ten by the English •••• diours 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Alexandr••.
• * 4.58

  A ventr•• act of Wi•••• Longsp••th.
• * 4.59

  William Longspath inriched by Saracens goods.
• * 4.60

  William Longspath wronged by the French men.
• * 4.61

  Willia•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the English∣men depa∣teth to 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 4.62

  The despi••e∣full wor••s of the kings brother a∣gainst Eng∣lishmen.
• * 4.63

  Babilon in Egypt.
• * 4.64

  How Dami∣ata was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Chri∣stians.
• * 4.65

  The keeper or tribune of Damiata wrongfully put to death by the Soldā
• * 4.66

  The tribune to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de∣sireth to be Christened. W. Long∣spath sent for againe, & commeth.