The history of that most victorius monarch, Edward IIId, King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, and first founder of the most noble Order of the Garter being a full and exact account of the life and death of the said king : together with that of his most renowned son, Edward, Prince of Wales and of Aquitain, sirnamed the Black-Prince : faithfully and carefully collected from the best and most antient authors, domestick and foreign, printed books, manuscripts and records / by Joshua Barnes ...

CHAPTER the NINTH.

The CONTENTS.

I. The Death of the Earl of Northampton, and the Lord Walter Manny. II. Some O∣vertures for a Peace, but both the Kings prepare for War. III. King Edward designs the Duke of Lancaster to invade France by Calais and Picardy, and the Earl of Pem∣broke by Rochell and Poictou. IV. The Earl of Pembroke being come before Ro∣chelle, has a sharp Engagement with the Spanish Fleet; but on the second Day is beaten and taken Prisoner with many more. V. Sr. James of Surgeres obtaining his liberty on easie Terms, makes Relation of the Fight to the Rochellers. The Spanish Fleet bear off with their Prisoners, and set sail for Spain. The Captal of Busche with a great Num∣ber of Men of Arms comes to Rochell all too late. VI. An Account of one Owen or Evan a Pretended Prince of Wales: He serves the French King against England. VII. He invades the Isle of Garnsey, and overthrows the Governour thereof in Battle, and lays siege to Cornet Castle, but is call'd off by the French King and sent into Spain. VIII. King Edward's Concern for the loss of the Earl of Pembroke, and his Designs for the Security of Poictou, which are dash'd by new Affairs from Bretagne. IX. Owen of Wales being in Spain insults over the Captive Earl of Pembroke: The English Pri∣soners presented to King Henry, who uses them respectfully, but commits them to safe Custody. X. The Captal of Busche reinforces the Garrison of Rochelle, and goes and clears the Country about Soubize of the Enemy. XI. The Constable of France takes Monmorillon, Chauvigney, Lusac and Moncontour. Poictiers much strengthned by

the Lord Thomas Percy and Sr. John Devereux. XII. * 1.1 The Frenchmen laying siege to St. Severe; the Captal of Busche, the Lord Thomas Percy and Sr. John Devereux prepare to raise the siege. XIII. The Constable takes the Place before their coming, and is invited to come and take Seisin of Poictiers, which he does with all speed. XIV. The English and Gascogners hereupon separate, the latter going to Thoüars, the former to Niort, which latter being shut against them is taken by Storm, and Gar∣rison'd for England. XV. Owen of Wales brings a Fleet from Spain before Rochell; Soubize being besieged by the French is rescued by the Captal of Busche, but Owen of Wales coming suddenly upon him he himself is taken; and so Soubize follows his Fate. XVI. The French take St. Jean D'Angely, Angoulesme, Taillebourg and Sainctes. XVII. Rochell Castle obtain'd by stratagem: The Inhabitants submit to the French King on Composition. XVIII. Sr. Bertram of Clequin takes St. Benoist by Assault, and puts all within to the Sword: He takes Marans by Composition, and Surgeres he finds void: He takes Fontenay le Comté, and sits down before Thoüars, which obtains a Truce on promise to yield, if not rescued by such a Day by the King of England or one of his Sons in Person. The Captal of Busche brought Prisoner to Paris, his Loyal∣ty to the English, for which he is confin'd for Life; his Praise and Nobility, and that he was Ancestor to Lewis XIV, the present King of France. XIX. King Edward up∣on News from Thoüars, resolves to go in Person to the Rescue, and the mean while calls his Parliament, and declares Richard of Bourdeaux, the Black-Prince's only Son, to have the Right of Succession after the Death of his Father and Grandfather, and so lea∣ving the said Prince Richard his Lieutenant during his Absence, he sets Sail for Ro∣chelle with a mighty Army. XX. The French King prepares to oppose, and the Loyal Lords of Gascogne to joyn, him with all their Strength. XXI. But the Wind continu∣ing adverse for a Month, he is disappointed, and forced to return into England. XXII. The English and Gascogne Lords offer themselves to save Thoüars, but are not accepted, because the Conditions required the King or one of his Sons to be there in Per∣son. XXIII. Thoüars yielded to the French: Mortagne besieged by the Lord. Clisson, who leaves the Siege upon the Approach of the English Succours. XXIV. The Duke of Bretagne enters Alliance with King Edward, and is made Earl of Richmond, John of Gaunt resigning that Earldom upon an Equivalent. XXV. Prince Edward surren∣ders into his Fathers Hands the Principality of Aquitain. The Death of the Earl of Stafford, of Sr. William Molineux, and of Sr. John Mandeville the Famous Tra∣veller.

I. THIS being the first Inauspitious Year of our Great Edwards Reign, was be∣gun with the Death of two Famous Peers of this Realm. For first a 1.2 on the 16 of January there died the Valiant Lord Humphry Bohun Earl of Northampton, Hereford and Essex, and Constable of England; the Tenth of that Name, and the last Male of that Noble Family: For by the Lady Joan his Wife, Daughter to Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel, he left Issue only two Daughters his Heirs, the Lady Eleanor (who became the Wife of Thomas Plantagenet sirnamed of Woodstock, the Youngest Son of King Edward) and the Lady Mary, who was Wife to the Eldest Son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, called Henry of Bolingbroke, Earl of Darby, and afterwards by Usurpation King of England by the Name of Henry the IV. This Earl is also said in a certain b 1.3 private Genealogy, which I have seen, to have left behind him another Daughter named Beatrix, which is there pretended to have been married to an Ancestor of that Family: But this is a gross Error and Mistake, and a Vanity worthy to be corrected (thô here I spare the Gentlemans Name) since it con∣tradicts c 1.4 all the Publique and Authentick Accounts, that are any where to be met with.

About the same time, viz. on the 15 of January d 1.5 being a Thursday, and the Day after the Feast of St. Hilary the Bishop and Confessor, there died in the City of Lon∣don, that most Generous and Couragious Gentleman the Lord Walter Manny, Banneret, and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter, leaving behind him the Lady Anne his only Daughter and Heir, then married to the Lord John Hastings Earl of Pembroke, she being at that time but Seventeen Years of Age. At this Mans Death King Edward and all the Lords of England were mightily concerned, because of the extraordinary Judgment, Loyalty and Courage, that had always been found in him. He was there∣fore e 1.6 buried with great Solemnity in his own Chappel of the Carthusians, now called the Charter-House in London, King Edward and all his Children, the Great Prelates of the Church, and the Brethren of the Order of the Garter, with many of the Chief Ba∣rons

of the Realm honouring his Funeral Rites with their Prefence. He died f 1.7 siezed of the Mannor of Dunstaple in Kent, of Dovercourt, Chesterford Magna, and Rumford in Essex, of Weston and Knebworth in Hertfordshire, of the Castle of Strigoile, and Mannor of Tudenham in the Marches of Wales, of the Mannors of North Pidele in Worcestershire, of Bretteby in Darbyshire, of Oneston and Barton-Hanrede in Northam∣tonshire, of Scottesdon in Shropshire, of Aspele, Alspathe, Thurlaston and Fleckenho in Warwickshire, of Cold-Overton, Dalby, Segrave, Sileby, Montsorrel, Groby, Wither∣dale, and the Hundred of Goscote in Leicestershire, of Watton and Stoneham in Suffolk, of Framlingham, Southfield, Lodden, the Moiety of the Mannor of Dikelburgh, and Half-Hundred of Ersham in Norfolk, and of a certain Mannor in Penne near Beaconfield in Buckinghamshire. All which Possessions (except the Mannor of Dunstaple first menti∣oned) came to him in Right of the Lady Margaret his Wife, Daughter and Heir of Thomas Plantagenet sirnamed of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk, and Uncle to King Ed∣ward the Third. Of her Body he gat (besides a Son unhappily drown'd in his Child∣hood) only one Daughter, namely the Lady Anne, married, as we said before, to the Earl of Pembroke. Whereupon all these Lands and others, as well in England as be∣yond the Seas in Hainalt, his Native Country (besides what King Edward g 1.8 had given unto him in Calais and other Parts of France) fell now unto the said Earl of Pembroke in Right of his Wife the Lady Anne Manny aforesaid. Wherefore soon after the said Earl sent two of his Knights to make Seisin of the said Lands belonging unto him in Hainalt; and they did their Devoir so well with Duke Albret of Bavaria, who then Governed for his Distracted Brother William, that they attained their Purpose.

II. Now thô King h 1.9 Edward design'd to enter France with two Fresh Armies this Year; yet upon the Pope's earnest request both by Letters and Messages, he first en∣deavour'd to lay hold of an Honourable Peace. To which end i 1.10 Power of treating thereon was given to Simon Sudbury, aliàs Tibald Bishop of London, to the Lord Guy Brian and the Lord Roger Beauchamp Bannerets, to Sr. Arnold Savage, Knight, Dr. John Appleby Dean of London, and John de Branketre, Treasurer of York. And the k 1.11 next day the King granted his Letters of safe Conduct for the Ambassadors of France to treat about that Affair. But because nothing as to Peace was now done, we shall proceed orderly to the War.

All this Winter l 1.12 there were held in England by the King many Consultations, how to carry on the War the Summer following; for he design'd to send two Power∣full Armies, the One to act about the Parts of Aquitaine, and the other from Calais, to March thrô Picardy into France: And all the while he neglected not to Establish himself with Friends on every side, as well in Almaine, as the Marches of the Empire; where he purchas'd many good Knights and Esquires to his Service. And befides all this, in England he made such Wonderfull Preparations, that the like had hardly been seen before. But it seems, that God Almighty was willing to prepare this Glorious Mo∣narch by some sensible Affliction for his final Dissolution; and that He might, by ob∣serving his own Weakness, fall to a due Consideration of Gods Power, and learn to de∣spise the salse Grandeur and Painted Glories of the World, he was pleased from this time to blast both his maturest Counsels, and his strongest Preparations; whereby, as a Father doth his Child, he weaned him from the Delights and Allurements of this Life, and directed him to seek after a better. For to say the Truth, We cannot till this time Date the Full Birth of King Edward's Misfortunes: But from henceforward We shall see his Great Web of Victories continually to unravel, and the strong spring of his Success to run backwards with much more speed, than ever it was wound up.

King Charles m 1.13 of France was perfectly informed of all King Edward's most secret Resolutions; whereupon he provided in all Places accordingly. And first, he mightily fortified all his Towns, Cities, and Castles in Picardy, and the Marches towards Flan∣ders, supplying all his Garrisons with good Captains and Souldiers, and other necessa∣ries. Nor did he forget his Concerns in Guienne; but besides the Armies on that side in Garrison, which were able to resist any Encounter, after his usual way of Artifice, he tamper'd secretly with the Chief Burgesses of Rochelle, and other Places; and sent also to his New Confederate the King of Spain, desiring him effectually to assist him with a strong Fleet the next Summer.

III. On the other hand King Edward, when the Spring was enter'd, and he had mag∣nificently solemnised the Feast of St. George, as was his constant Custom, at Windsor, having created Sr. Guischard Dangle Knight of the Garter, in the Room of Sr. Walter Manny deceased, return'd to London, and at his Royal Palace at Westminster, held a Great Council about the Affairs of his Realm. Here he ordain'd the Duke of Lanca∣ster,

as his Lieutenant, to invade France with a great Army by the Plains of Picardy; the Earl of Cambridge being to attend him. Then at the instant request of the Lord Guischard Dangle, and all the Poictevin Lords, whom he and his fellows represented, he order'd the Earl of Pembroke, n 1.14 as his Lieutenant in Aquitaine, to go into Poictou to preserve that Country, and to make Powerfull War against the French on that side. For the Gascogners and Poictevins had earnestly requested of the King, both by their Letters and the Mouth of Sr. Guischard Dangle; that if he could not spare some One of the Princes, his Sons, yet at least he would send the Earl of Pembroke unto them, whom next to those, they lov'd and honour'd most, as having had good Experience of his Extraordinary Courage and Conduct. Hereupon King Edward, before all his Barons and Knights then assembled in Council, said unto the Earl of Pembroke, who thô now Husband to the Lord Manny's Daughter, had for his first Wise a Daughter of the Kings,

My Fair Son John, I here appoint You as my Lieutenant and Commander in Chief o∣ver all Aquitaine, to go into Poictou along with my Lord Guischard of Angoulesme, and there to be Captain of all my Forces, as well of those, whom I shall send with You, as of such, whom You shall find there ready to joyn You; who are no small Number, as I am credibly informed.

The young Earl kneeling down, said,

Sir, I heartily thank your Majesty for the great Honour You are pleased to confer upon me; thô I should be glad to be employ'd in your Majesties Service, either there, or elsewhere, as One of the meanest Officers of your Army.

IV. These Orders being thus settled, and due Care taken for all things to be ready against the time appointed, the Council brake up, and the King return'd to his Belo∣ved Seat of Windsor: He took along with him among others, the Noble Poictevin Lord, Sr. Guischard Dangle, with whom he frequently spake of the Affairs of Poictou and Guienne. Sr. Guischard advis'd the King by no means to doubt the Loyalty of his Good Subjects there;

For Sir (said he) as soon as my Lord of Pembroke shall but once appear, he shall find a Considerable Army in the Field to joyn him: For We shall make up to the Number of Four or Five Hundred Spears at least, with their several Retinues, all at Your Majesties Service, to live and die for You; so they may have their Wages duly paid them. Sr. Guischard! Sr. Guischard (reply'd the King) take You no Care for Gold and Silver to maintain the War, when You are once come thither; For, I thank God, I have enough, and I am well content to bestow it on such a Commo∣dity, as the Glory and Advantage of Me and my Kingdom.

In such o 1.15 Discourse the King past the time with Sr. Guischard Dangle, whom he entirely respected, and cre∣dited no less, as indeed he deserved; till the Fleet was ready, and the Earl of Pem∣broke came thither to take his leave of the King, in order to his going on Board. The Captains that accompanied him, were the Lord Thomas Grandison, the Lord John Tu∣chet, Sr. Thomas of St. Albans, Sr. John Lawton, Sr. Simon Whitaker, Sr. John Curson, Sr. Robert Beaufort, Sr. John Grimston, all Knights of England, besides the Poictovins, as the Lord Guischard Dangle, the Lord of Pinan, the Lord John of Mortagne, Sr. E∣mery of Tarse, and others; but they had no great Company with them, because Sr. Guischard Dangle had advis'd the King, not to exhaust England of her Best Men at that time, when there were enough ready to fight for him in Poictou; provided he sent over sufficient for their Wages. All the Captains and their Men were order'd to re∣pair to Southampton, where they were fain to tarry no less than fifteen days in expectance of a Wind; and then they went on Board with a good merry Gale, and set sail for Poi∣ctou (as they said) in the Name of God and St. George, but most certainly in an un∣lucky Hour. For King Charles of France being either inform'd of all this, or thrô his great Insight into Matters, guessing how things would fall, or thrô doubt however of what might be, resolv'd not to leave so Considerable an Entrance unguarded; and therefore, having obtain'd from his New-Confederate of Spain, a strong Navy of Fourty Great Ships, and Thirteen Barks, well trim'd and furnish'd with Men and Artillery, he order'd them to ply about Rochelle, either so to trap the Earl of Pembroke, whom he heard to design for that Port, or at least to encourage those Rochellers, who en∣clin'd to a Defection, and to frighten the others of the English side into a Revolt. The Admirals of this Fleet were Four Valiant Gentlemen of Spain, viz. Sennor Don Am∣brosio di Baleguer; Don Cabesso di Vaccadent, Don Hernando Du Leon, and Don Ro∣drigo de Roses; all who had layn at Anchor about Rochelle, and the Isle of Re many days, expecting the return of the Poictevins with the Earl of Pembroke; for they were certainly informed, how they intended that way to come into Poictou.

On the 22^d day of June the Earl of Pembroke came up to the Port, and should have taken Land happily enough with all his Company: But there he found this Fleet of

Spaniards ready to impeach his Landing. He saw now it was too late to avoid them; wherefore he comforted his Men and began to arm, the Archers being placed to the best Advantage. But surely the Match was nothing equal, neither in Numbers of Men, nor bulk, or strength of Ships; to say nothing of the Artillery of the Spaniards a∣mong which p 1.16 One places Canons, and other Fire-Arms. And indeed Froisard him∣self witnesses the same: For he tells us, how the Spanish Fleet being well-provided with a vast Number of Men of Arms, Brigands, Cross-bows, and Canons, great Barrs of Iron, and heavy plumets of Lead to fling down, first fetch'd a course, and tack'd about to get the Wind of the English, and so came upon them with full Sails in manner of an Half-Moon, making a High and horrible noise, which rebounding from the shoar ascen∣ded the Skies. The Earl of Pembroke, having Knighted several Young Esquires for their better Encouragement, received them warmly without the least sign of Fear, and that day in person performed most worthily, doing many notable Exploits with his own Hands, and exhorting his Men, by telling them these were the same Spaniards, over whom they had triumphed at Najara. Indeed all the Lords both of England and Poictou shew'd that day extraordinary Manhood in Offending and Defending, while the Spaniards from their High-built Carracks thundred down among them huge Barrs, massy Stones, and heavy Plumets of Lead, wherewith they extreamly frustrated the Va∣lour of the English Knights, who were not permitted to cope with an equal Enemy; but lay thus obnoxious to every Disadvantage. However they and their Friends the Poictevins were all greedy of Honour, and so became well Content to Court her in the greatest Difficulties. And many of their Enemies, who saw and felt them, acknow∣ledged afterwards, q 1.17 that they doubted no Attempt whatsoever, but to Advance their Names, readily accepted the most hazardous offer; and that never any Men did fight more Valiantly, thô they were but a few in respect of the Spaniards, and had also both fewer and smaller Vessels. So that it was wonderfull, how they could subsist so long, had not those Generous thoughts within them, supply'd them with fresh Courage, and that Courage rendred them for a while Invincible. Insomuch r 1.18 that it was thought, the Spaniards would have got but very little, or no Advantage over them, had they been in Ships no Higher, nor Stronger than theirs. For they held themselves so close to∣gether, and fought with such Resolution and Animosity, that none were able to abide their stroaks; but those, who were exceeding well arm'd and shielded from their Fury. But the rowling down of Stones, Lead, and Barrs of Iron afflicted them, and endam∣maged their Vessels, and hurt and wounded many good Knights and Esquires. The Citizens of Rochelle saw all this Engagement; but they made not the least Motion to come and help the Earl of Pembroke and his Men, who fought so obstinately with their Enemies at such mighty Disadvantage. They were indeed at that time under the sub∣jection of England, but in their Hearts they wished small Success to any of that Na∣tion. And thus much the Spaniards knew before by the private Intelligence they had; or else they durst not have engaged in the very Mouth of the Channel of Rochelle, which was a Place so Considerable. Thus the Rochellers left the English to their For∣tune, not affording them any Succour; thô however they maintained themselves with Excessive Bravery, till Night coming on, the two Fleets with One Consent separated from each other, and cast Anchor: The English having lost this first day two Good Barges laden with Provision, together with all the Men within them.

That same Night Sr. John Harpedon, who was then Seneschal of Rochelle for King Edward, spake to John Chaudron the Mayor, and to the Chief Burgesses of the City, desiring them to take Arms, like good Loyal Friends, and to muster such a Number of the Commons of the City, and so to go on Board to the Assistance of the Noble Earl of Pembroke, and the rest of their Friends, who came thither only to Succour them, and had endured so much all that day in Valiantly resisting their Enemies. But these false-hearted Men, who had no mind to the Matter, but had kept secret Corre∣spondence with the Enemy, began to excuse themselves, saying,

how it was as much, as they could do to maintain the Town against the Spaniards, and how they were no Men for Sea-fights; nor should be able to do any Service upon the Water, But if the Battle was to have been on the Land, he should see, how gladly they would go into the Field to serve their Lord the King of England.

And more than this the Se∣neschal could not perswade them to, and to offer to force them was not seasonable in that juncture. And yet besides the Constant Garrison, there were at that time in the City the Lord Taniboton, Sr. James of Surgeres, and Sr. Maubron of Liniers, who al∣so earnestly desired the Mayor and Burgesses to send assistance to the English in this their extremity: But when they saw, they could not prevail, they three together with Sr. John

Harpedon, having left a sufficient Garrison in the Castle, went and arm'd themselves, and all the rest of their Men, such as could be spared, and would partake with them (which yet was but an Inconsiderable Number) and so went on Board in Four Barks, and at the break of Day, when the Floud came, set forth and joyn'd the Earl of Pem∣broke, who thanked them heartily for their Good-Will. These Knights told the Earl and Sr. Guischard Dangle, how the Rochellers had resused to come to his Assistance.

Well then, said the Earl, We must Couragiously expect what Chance it shall please God to allot Ʋs: And I doubt not but one day We shall find a time to make these Rochel∣lers repent their unkind Dealing.

On s 1.19 that same Morning, when the Floud was now pretty High, the Spaniards weighed Anchor, making a great noise with Trumpets and Clarions, and set themselves in good order, as they had been the Day before; verily believing, that the English were by this time quite tired out, and much impaired in their Numbers. Being all ready, they began to take Advantage of the Wind, and so to come upon the English, who were nothing equal to them in any thing, but Cou∣rage. However they and their Friends the Poictevins, who saw well what their E∣nemies did, prepared to receive them, and drew all boldly together, setting their Archers before them, and with that the Spaniards came upon them with full Sail, and the Battle began to wax hot on all Hands. Certainly never did Men endure more Difficulty in a Naval Fight, than the English did that Day; for thô the most part of them were grie∣vously wounded and bruised with the fall of Barrs of Iron, and the slinging of Leaden Bullets, and the t 1.20 shooting of Stones; yet for all that they fought, while they were able to stir, and by a Generous Importunity courted Victory (who first now began whol∣ly to turn her back from King Edward) till Three of the Clock in the Afternoon: But the Fickle Goddess was coy unto them notwithstanding. For now the Spaniards, find∣ing the English mightily wasted, and that they themselves had far more and stronger Vessels, better furnish'd with Men and Artillery, began to cast their Grappling-Irons, and so fastned themselves to the English, that they could not get asunder. To the Earl of Pembroke's Ship there were no less than Four Spaniards fastned at one time, in all which there were many Chosen Men of Arms, under the Command of Don Cabesso di Vaccadent, and Don Hernando Du Leon, two of the Admirals. With the Earl of Pembroke at that time was the Lord Guischard Dangle, and Two and Twenty other Va∣liant Knights, besides Esquires and Archers, who fought as Gallantly as was possible, and held out a long while, notwithstanding the Spaniards had such Advantage of them many ways. But there Sr. Emery of Tarse, a Valiant Knight of Gascogne; was slain by the Earl's side, and with him a Gallant English Gentleman, Sr. John Lawton, who was Knight for the Earl's Body; so that at last the Earl's Ship was Boarded, and then was done many a Noble Exploit; but there was no more room for Valour; the Spani∣ards rush'd in like a floud on all sides: So that there the Earl himself was taken Pri∣soner, and all his Men either suffer'd the same Fate or a Worse, Sr. Guischard Dangle, Sr. Robert Beaufort, Sr. John Curson, and Sr. John Grimston were taken alive. But the Lord John Tuchet, Sr. Simon Whitaker, Sr. John of Mortagne, Sr. Emery of Tarse, and Sr. John Lawton were slain. Yet still the Lord Thomas Grandison, and the Poictevins, as the Lord of Pinant, the Lord of Taniboton, Sr. James of Surgeres, Sr. Maubron of Linieres, and others fought on in other Ships: But finally they were all overmaster'd by Number; so that none escaped being either taken or slain. And when the Lords and Knights were all conquer'd, they desired the Spaniards to forbear shedding the Blood of their servants: For they said, how they would pay a Ransom for the Lives of them all.

It was impossible for any Men to be have themselves better, in those Circumstances, the English and Poictevins were in at that time, than they did: And the stoutest Heart alive must yield to Necessity. But surely the Lord Guischard Dangle (thô he u 1.21 was a most Valiant and Noble Knight, and after this, deservedly made Earl of Hunting∣ton) did not advise King Edward well, when he told him, that now a small Convoy would suffice; because they had Friends enough beyond the Seas. And it must be attributed to some secret Ordinance of Providence; that so Wise a Prince was now per∣swaded to commit so Fatal an Oversight. For a Victorious King, who is no longer so without Reputation, ought never to commit any considerable Adventure, meerly to the Will of Fortune (especially in so doubtfull a juncture, as this was) since One Great Mis∣carriage undoes all his former Deeds; as now it happen'd. Whereas had this Fleet been but well fitted out, they had infallibly Conquer'd; and thereby all France had been saved, and King Edward had dy'd as Victorious, as he liv'd: But it pleas'd God to order it otherwise.

Among other Losses, that Ship wherein lay all the Treasure, wherewith Sr. Guischard Dangle should have paid the Souldiers their Wages, was unhappily sunk and drown'd, and all within lost to the value in Money of 20000 l. Sterling, besides other things. But this was nothing comparable to the Loss England received in the Death and Ta∣king of so many Valiant and Noble Gentlemen. And yet the ill Consequences of this Day were far greater than the Loss it self; and it was evident, that King Edward now received the greatest Blow that ever he had felt before: For by this Discomfiture he lost in a manner all that ever he had got in France, except Bayonne, Bourdeaux and Calais, as will appear in the Sequel of this History.

V. All that Day, which was the Three and Twentieth of June, and the Eve of St. John the Baptist, and the Night of that Day, and the next Day till Noon, the Spani∣ards lay still at Anchor before Rochelle, triumphing and making much joy at their hard∣ly-obtained Victory. And it happen'd well for Sr. James of Surgeres, a Knight of Poi∣ctou, that they staid so long there: For he spake such fair Words to his Spanish Master, and in subtlety so obligingly humbled himself, that he was immediately acquitted only for paying 300 Franks, or Thirty Pounds Sterling. And so on St. Johns Day having his full Liberty, he came and din'd in the City of Rochell, and there made a particular Relation of all the Engagement, and who were kill'd, and who were taken Prisoners; at which heavy Tale the Burgesses that were present, seem'd to be very much con∣cerned; but indeed they were glad of it: For naturally they never cared for the English Nation.

Now on the Feast of St. John about Noon, when the Tide was up, the Spaniards weighed Anchor, and hoised their Sails, and so left that Coast with a merry Noise of Trumpets and Clarions, their Masts and Foredecks being adorn'd with Long Streamers, and rich Penons and Standards, beaten with the Arms of Castille and Leon, which made a glorious Shew, as they waved about in the Wind.

Thus the Spaniards left the Haven of Rochell, with the Earl of Pembroke and the rest of the Prisoners in their Company, and set Sail for the Coasts of Galizia. A lit∣tle after whose Departure, on that very Day of St. John Baptist, there came by Land to Rochell a great Number of Men of Arms, English and Gascogners, who as yet knew nothing of this Mischance of their Friends: They had only heard, that for certain the Spiniards lay before Rochell, with design as it should seem to block it up, and therefore they came thither now to preserve the Place. The Chief Captains of these Men were the Noble Lord John Greilly Captal of Busche, Sr. Beras du Launde, Sr. Peter of Landu∣ras, the Soldiche of Estarrac, Sr. Bertram de France; and of Englishmen the Lord Tho∣mas x 1.22 Percy, the Lord Baldwin Frevile, the Lord John Devereux, Sr. Richard Ponchar∣don, Sr. Walter Hewett, Sr. William Fermin and others. When these Lords and Knights with their Troops, which were to the Number of six hundred Men of Arms, were come to Rochell, the Citizens made them extream Welcome, as it should seem: For as then they durst not shew the Malice of their Minds. But when Sr. James of Surgeres had inform'd them of the Spaniards Victory by Sea, in which Engagement he himself had been taken and ransomed, these heavy Tidings all the Barons and Knights took mightily to Heart, and thought themselves the most unfortunate Men Living, that they had not come thither time enough to their Friends Assistance: But they were beyond mea∣sure displeased, that they had lost the Earl of Pembroke and Sr. Guischard Dangle. However there they tarried certain Days to consider how they should now proceed; and because the Seneschal of Rochell Sr. John Harpedon, was taken by the Spaniards, the Captal of Busche, as being one of the Duke of Lancasters Chief Deputies in those Parts, constituted Sr. John Devereux Seneschal of Rochellois, of which We shall speak hereafter.

VI. Many French Writers talk of one Owen or Evan (which they corruptly call Y∣van) making him to be Son to a Prince of Wales, whom (say they) King Edward the Third put to Death, and gave the Principality to his Son Edward the Black-Prince. But those that are better acquainted with the Welch Story can tell, that Lhewellin ap Grif∣fith, the last Prince of Wales of the Brittish Blood, died without Issue, being slain at Buelht in the Days of King Edward the First, Grandfather to our Edward, in the Year of our Lord MCCLXXXII, which was full 90 Years before this time. That indeed y 1.23 one Madoc of the Kindred of the said Lhewellin rebelled afterwards, but being taken was kept a perpetual Prisoner in the Tower, or as some say, submitted and was received into Favour, on Condition he would bring in another Rebel named Morgan, and put him into the King's Hands, which he did. That z 1.24 Edward of Carnarvon, afterwards King Edward the Second, was by his Father stiled Prince of Wales, and received the

Homage of several Lords and other Free-Holders of Wales: That his Son Edward of Windsor, in time King of England by the Name of Edward the Third, about the Six∣teenth Year of his Fathers Reign, was in a Parliament holden at York created Prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitain; thô (as a 1.25 we shew'd before) he is no where found to have used the former Title of the two. But this is most certain, that his Son the Black-Prince in the b 1.26 Seventeenth Year of his Fathers Reign was created Prince of Wales, and that by this means Wales was ever after joyned to the Crown of England, even to this Day. From all which it appears, that this Owen (however otherwise com∣mendable) was but a Counterfeit as to this Point: And yet it might be no ill Policy for the French Kings to entertain him, as being a Declared Enemy to the English. Ha∣ving thus by a sincere Antidote taken away the Venom of this Upstart Prince's Preten∣sions, I shall now proceed to shew what Use the French King made of him at this time in his Affairs. It was reported, that our King Edward the Third took one Edmund Prince of Wales (who was never else heard of) and beheaded him, that his young Son, this Owen forsooth, being by some means or other brought over into France, was nourished up by King Philip of Valois, as a Child of Honour in his own Chamber: That he bare Arms for King John at the Battle of Poictiers, but that after the famous Peace at Bretigny he retired into Lombardy: Whence upon the Renewing of the War between the two Realms he came back again, and offer'd his service to King Charles against the English. The King received him gladly, and advanced him in his Court, committing to his Charge certain Troops of Souldiers; particularly this Summer he gave him 4000 Men, and sent him to sea against England.

VII. Prince Owen (for so however We will take leave to call him) went on ••oard, having imbarked his Men at Harfleur in Normandy, and so set Sail taking his Course to the left hand for the Isle of Garnsey, the Governour whereof for the King of England was Edmund Ros, a Valiant and Hardy Esquire. When this Gentleman heard how the French had took land in the Isle, and that Owen of Wales was their Leader, he made his Summons immediately thrô the Country, resolving to march forth against him, and to give him Battle. The whole Isle is not c 1.27 above 36 Miles in Circuit: But however what with his own Men and the Inhabitants, he presently raised 800 Fighting Men, and so came and presented Battle to Owen of Wales. The Fight proved fierce and ob∣stinate on both sides, but at last the Englishmen, who were far outnumbred by the E∣nemy, were discomfited and fled, leaving behind them 400 dead upon the Spot. Ros himself with the rest made shift to retire into a strong Fortress about two leagues from the place of Battle, called Cornet-Castle, which he had exceedingly fortified and victu∣all'd before, and there he resolv'd to expect what God would please to send him. Af∣ter this Victory Prince Owen rallied his Men together, and went directly and laid siege to the Castle of Cornet, whither he heard Edmund Ros the Captain was retreated. But the Place was so strong, and as we shewed before so well provided, that it was not to be won without much time and labour; wherefore Owen sat down before the Castle.

It was in the time of this Siege, that the late unhappy Adventure fell to the Earl of Pembroke, and the Lord Guischard Dangle and their Men in the Haven of Rochell, as we have related. At the News whereof the French King was extream glad, and as∣sumed the greater Courage to pursue the Wars in Poictou and elsewhere. For now he thought, when the Good Towns and Cities of those Parts did see the English once be∣gin to decline a little, they would presently put themselves into his Hands. Where∣fore he forthwith determin'd to send his Constable into Poictou, to the Parts of Sain∣ctogne and Rochellois especially, there to make hot War both by Land and by Sea; for he said, the English had never a Considerable Captain in those Countries. And that he might be well furnished with a Navy, he sent his Letters to Owen of Wales, who lay at that time before Cornet-Castle in the Isle of Garnsey (of all which the King was informed, and how in all likelihood the Fortress was impregnable) commanding him on sight of his Letters to break up his Siege and leave Garnsey, and forthwith to go on Board a swift Sailer, which the King had sent him for the same purpose, and to make for Spain, and in his Name to require of King Henry, his Confederate, that he would lend him once more his Admiral and Men of War, with a Fleet of Barks and Gallies, to go and block up Rochell by Sea, while others held Siege thereto by Land. This Command of the French King's Owen resolved forthwith to obey, and so having sent his Men away by Sea to Harfleur, himself went on board that good Ship which the King had sent him, and set Sail for Spain: Whereby the Isle of Garnsey and Cornet-Ca∣stle were preserved.

VIII. King Edward was extreamly d 1.28 displeased, when he heard, how the Fleet which he had sent into Poictou with the Earl of Pembroke, was overthrown in a Sea-fight by the Spaniards, and so many Brave Men, and all his Money lost: So that all those Parts were left in a manner defenceless. And indeed both the King and his Council, and all the Wise Men of the Realm concluded, that now all Poicto•• and Sain∣togne were in great likelihood to be lost by reason of that Mischance. Wherefore a∣bout this weighty Affair much Consultation was held, and for the present the King or∣der'd the Earl of Salisbury to go into those Parts with 500 Men of Arms besides Ar∣chers. But whatever was now determin'd, there was no such Matter done: For the Affairs of Bretagne coming on presently after put this Business by, which thing King Edward repented when it was too late.

IX. The mean while the Spaniards, who had taken the Earl of Pembroke, were de∣tain'd, on the Sea several Days by contrary Winds; but however at last they arrived without much loss at the Port of St. Andero in Biscay: Where they landed and entred the Town about Noon, bringing all their Prisoners into the Castle bound with Chains, after the Spanish manner of Treating their Captives: Which was far from that Cour∣teous and more Human way of Entercourse held between the French, English and Scots of those Days. That same Day in the Afternoon arrived in the same Port Owen of Wales, who came, as we shew'd, from the French King, to request a Naval Assistance from King Henry of Spain. Being landed he went to the Castle, where Don Hernando du Leon, and Don Cabesso di Vaccadent had placed the Earl of Pembroke and the other Prisoners: So that as soon as he was conducted into his Chamber, he was informed, that in the same House there were several English Captives. Owen had a great mind to see these Men, and to know who they were, and so immediatly went forth into the Hall, and as he was going thither encountred the Earl of Pembroke, whom he knew very well; althô he had seen him but once in his Life before. Then he said to him by way of Taunt,

O Sir, Earl of Pembroke, are you then at last come into this Country to do Homage unto me for such Lands, as you hold in the Principality of Wales, whereof I am the True Heir: Althô your King hath taken it from me by bad Counsel and rash Advice?

The Earl of Pembroke was asham'd to see himself a Prisoner, and thus af∣fronted in a strange Land, by a Man, of whom he had no knowledge; thô he spake to him in his own Language. So he only asked him briefly,

Pray Sir, who are you, that give me these Words? Why Sir (said he) I am Owen Son to Edmund Prince of Wales, whom your King of England put to Death wrongfully, and without title of Rea∣son, and hath disinherited me his Son and Heir. But I hope shortly to find a Remedy for these Evils, by help of my Gracious Lord the King of France. And I give you now to understand, that if ever I may find you in any place convenient to fight you, I shall not fail to do it: But then and there I will prove upon your body the Wrong you have done unto me: As also I shall prove upon the bodies of the Earl of e 1.29 Hereford, and the Lord Edward Spencer; if I may but once light on them: For by reason of your Fa∣thers and other bad Counsellors, my Lord my Father was betray'd, whereat I ought to be displeased, and seek amends as soon as I can.

At this there stept forth a Knight of the Earl of Pembroke's, named Sr. Thomas of St. Albans, and making haste to speak, said,

Sir Owen, if you will say and maintain, that my Lord the Earl of Pembroke hath ever done any thing false or unknightly, or that he oweth or should owe any Ho∣mage to you or to any of your Ancestors, cast down your Gage in that Quarrel, and you shall soon find him, that will take it up.

To this Owen reply'd scornfully;

Sir, you are a Prisoner, I can have no Honour in Challenging you: For you are not at your own Dispose, but at the Command of those, who have taken you. However when you shall be at Liberty, we shall talk further about this Matter: For the Quarrel shall not end thus.

At which words certain Knights of Spain came between, and so parted them asunder.

Soon after the Spanish Admirals led forth their English Prisoners toward the City of Burgos, to present them unto King Henry, who then held his Court there. He for his part hearing of their Coming, sent forth his Eldest Son Prince John, who was then sti∣led the Infant of Castille, with an honourable Retinue of Knights and Gentlemen to meet the Englishmen, and to do them Honour. For this King knew very well what be∣long'd to Generosity; and therefore he himself, when they were brought before him, shew'd them much Respect and Honour both in Word and Deed, as unto Men of High Birth and Merit: Thô however within a while after he sent them into several parts of his Realm to be put in safe Custody, as having been his Enemies.

X. Now let us see what became of the Business of Poictou, after this loss of the

Earl of Pembroke, and those who came with him for the Defence of those Parts. It may be remembred, how that presently after the Spanish Fleet was gone from before Rochell, there came thither the Captal of Busche with six hundred Men of Arms, who were all extreamly troubled, that they came too late to save their Friends. But howe∣ver when they saw the Matter past Remedy, they fell to consult, how they might pre∣vent any further Mischief thereabouts. They saw and knew, that the Rochellers were false at the Bottom; wherefore by general Consent, the Captal who was the Chief, as being the Duke of Lancasters Deputy, took order for the Security of the City, and made the Lord John Devereux Seneschal of Rochell (in the place of Sr. John Harpe∣don, who had been taken by the Spaniards) with whom he left no less than 200 Men of Arms: For he knew, that as long as he was strong enough in the Castle they durst not rebell. Having thus settled Affairs here, he left Rochell, and marched away with 400 Spears toward Soubize; for he heard, how certain Troops of Bretons held several Churches and small Fortresses thereabouts, which they had made Defensible. But when the Captal and the English Lords came thither, they easily wan their Holds, drave them away, and rid the Marches clean of them.

XI. All this while f 1.30 there kept the Field about the Frontiers of Anjou, Touraine, and Berry, Sr. Bertram of Clequin, Constable of France, the Duke of Berry, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Alenson, the Dauphin of Auvergne, the Lord Lewis of San∣cerre, the Lord Oliver Clisson, the Lord Beaumont de la Val, the Vicount of Roüen, and the Lord of Beaumanoir, and a great many other Lords of France, with very consider∣able Forces, to the Number in all of 3000 Men of Arms. These being all joyn'd with the Constable in Poictou, went, and laid Siege to Monmorillon standing on the River Gartempe, which they wan by Assault, and put every Soul within to the Sword, and new-mann'd the Place with Frenchmen. Thence they proceeded to Chauvigny on the Vienne, where they lay two Days, and on the Third the Place was yielded up, and the English within taken to Mercy. Thence they went to the Town and Castle of Lusac, both which yielded without enduring One Assault. After that they came before Poictiers, the Chief City of that Province, before which they lay One Night among the Vines; so that the English within began to be mightily concerned, as ex∣pecting to be besieged, but there was no such Matter: For upon some occasion or o∣ther, contrary Resolutions were taken, and the next Morning the Duke of Berry went away from the Host with a good Body, and the Constable lead the Residue of the Ar∣my toward Moncontour, and sat down before it. The Captains within were John Creswell and David Holcroft, and with them were sixty Men of Arms of approved Valour; who had very much constrained the Marches of Anjou and Touraine, and o∣ther French Garrisons, their Neighbours: Wherefore the Constable vow'd not to stir thence, till he had the Place at his Devotion. But because the Dikes were broad and deep, he caused the Bores of the Country to cut down Wood, and bring it thither, and so flinging it into the Ditches with straw and earth upon it, they fill'd them in Four Days time, that they might pass over, when they pleas'd. On the Fifth Day the Constable Commanded to the Assault, and there was one begun, which lasted with great Animosity all that day; But the Garrison were as busie to Defend themselves: So that by their extraordinary Manhood for that time, they kept themselves from all Disadvantage. On the Sixth Day the Constable renewed the Assault, and the mean while sent over Pioneers with Pick-Axes and Mattocks in their hands; who being co∣ver'd with a Testudo, made several small Breaches in the Walls, to the great terrour of the Besieged: But yet they fought as Valiantly, as was possible for Men to do; in∣somuch that they remain'd that day also unconquer'd. But at Night John Creswell and Dauid Holcroft, began to consider with themselves the Danger they were in; that the Constable seem'd resolv'd not to stir thence, till he had them at his Mercy; and that if they were taken by Force, nothing but Death was to be expected: Which Matters being duly weigh'd, they fell to a Treaty, proffring to deliver the Castle, their Lives and Goods saved. The Constable, who was not willing to harass his Men by a∣nother Assault, nor indeed to be too severe to those of the Castle, because he esteem'd them as Valiant Men, yielded at last to let them go without any Bodily Hurt, on Con∣dition, that they should Carry nothing with them, except only Gold or Silver. And this Concession being accepted, they left the Place, and were convey'd, as they had desi∣red, to Poictiers.

The Constable having thus obtained Moncontour, tarried there a while to refresh his Men, and to repair the Fortifications of the Castle; during which space he advis'd, whether he should March next to Poictiers, or any other Place. But when it was known

at Poictiers, that the Constable had taken the Castle of Moncontour, they were more doubtfull of themselves, than before, and immediately dispatch'd away Messengers to their Seneschal the Lord Thomas Percy, who was then abroad in the Company of the Captal of Busche. But before Sr. Thomas had received this Notice, Sr. John Deve∣reux came to their Aid with 50 Spears of his Retinue: For hearing that the Constable of France had been once already before Poictiers to view the Place, whereby he guess'd, how he would shortly lay Siege thereto, especially because he knew, that Sr. Thomas Percy himself was not present, he left an English Esquire, named Philip Mansell, for his Deputy and Captain in the Castle of Rochelle, and so went with the 50 Men of Arms aforesaid to Poictiers; where he was very welcome, and received many thanks for his Good-will. But when News came to the Lord Thomas Percy, who was then with the Captal, how his Men at Poictiers desired his speedy return unto them, forasmuch as they doubted a Siege, and that they requested him to come as strong as he could, because the Bretons and Frenchmen were a great Army, he shew'd the Matter to the Captal, requi∣ring his Advice thereupon. The Captal having seriously debated the point, determin'd by no means to break his own former Design for that business; but he gave leave to Sr. Thomas to return to Poictiers, because it was his particular Charge. And so Sr Thomas went thither with 80 Spears, where he found Sr. John Devereux, and gave, and received many hearty Welcomes among his Friends.

XII. All this was shew'd to the Constable, who was still at Moncontour, namely, that Poictiers was mightily strengthened by these New Accessions; besides that before it was thought no easie Matter to attempt it. Wherefore he intended to give over his Design of making tryal there, and to go for the present, and joyn the Duke of Berry, who, having a considerable Army also, which he had gather'd out of Auvergne, Berry, Burgundy, and the Marches of Limosin, had lately sent for him to come and go along with him to lay Siege to St. Severe in Limosin; which Fortress also belonged to Sr. John Devereux. He had set there however these English Captains under him, name∣ly, Sr. William Percy Knight, Richard Gill, and Richard Horne Esquires, with a Convenient Garrison of lusty Souldiers, who had before this overrun the Country of Auvergne and Limosin, and had done so much mischief to the Frenchmen, that now the Duke of Berry was resolved to call them to an account; and so sent, as we shew'd, to the Con∣stable, desiring him, if he could conveniently, to come and joyn him for the purpose aforesaid. And the Constable for the Reasons above specified, having taken Order for the safe-keeping of Moncontour, marched thence with all his Forces, and went to the Duke of Berry, who received him gladly.

The French Forces being thus joyn'd made up a very Considerable Host, even to the Number of 4000 Knights and Men of Arms, besides others: All who went now to reduce St. Severe, vowing not to rise from before it, till they had their Design upon the Place. Sr. William Percy, who was a Valiant English Gentleman, and Chief Cap∣tain of the Place, put himself presently in a posture of Defence, and dispatch'd away a Messenger to Sr. John Devereux, desiring him to hasten to his Assistance; for the Duke of Berry, the Constable of France, the Dauphin of Auvergne, the Lord Clisson, and the Vicount of Roüen had besieged his Fortress of St. Severe with 4000 Men of Arms. At this News Sr. John Devereux was very much dejected, and said to the Lord Thomas Percy, who was there present at the Delivery thereof,

Sr. Thomas, you are Se∣neschal of this Country of Poictou, and have great Authority and Power in your Hands: Wherefore I heartily desire you to assist me toward the Relieving of my Men; who are all but lost, if they have not timely Succour. Sir (reply'd Sr. Thomas) I should be very glad to do them and You this piece of service, especially since thereby I serve my King and Country according to my Duty. And Sir, for your sake I will go hence a∣long with You: But let us first go and speak with my Lord, the Captal of Busche, who is not far hence and let us endeavour to perswade him to joyn Us with his For∣ces, that so We may be the better able to raise the Siege, and upon occasion to give the Frenchmen Battle.

With that he committed the Custody of Poictiers to a Vali∣ant and Loyal Gentleman, at that time Mayor of the City, named Sr. John Reinolds, and himself rode forth with Sr. John Devereux, till they met with the Captal, who was riding in the Head of an Army toward St. John D. Angely. There they shew'd unto him, how the French had taken Monmorillon hard by Poictiers, and Moncontour also, and now lay with a great Army before St. Severe, a Castle belonging to Sr. John De∣vereux, wherein were Sr. William Percy, Richard Gill, and Richard Horne, all Cap∣tains too Good to be lost. To these Words the Captal after some study,

And, Gen∣tlemen, what would You have Me to do? The Chief Knights about him answer'd,

Sir, We have often heard You say, that You desire nothing more than to come to a Bat∣tle with these Frenchmen: And Sir, You can never find them more easily than now. Wherefore We are of the Mind, that You should draw that way, having first sent out your Summons into Poictou and the Marches of Anjou; for then We shall be Men e∣nough to fight them, considering the Good-will We have to the Matter. By my Faith (reply'd the Captal) I am content: And shortly by the Grace of God We shall give them Battle.

Then immediately he sent forth his Letters to the Barons of Poictou and Sainctogne, desiring, and strictly Commanding them to come unto him to a cer∣tain Place, by a time limited. His Letters were readily obey'd, and soon after there came to him, the Lord of Partenay, the Lord Lewis of Harcourt, the Lord Hughde Vinon, and Sr. Thomas his Brother, the Lord Percival of Cologne, Sr. Emery of Roche∣choüart, Sr. James of Surgeres, Sr. Geoffry Argentine, the Lord of Puissances, the Lord of Roussillon, the Lord of Campenac, Sr. John Dangle, g 1.31 Son to the Lord Guis∣chard Dangle, and Sr. William of Montendre, who being joyn'd with the Captal, a∣mounted in all to 900 Spears, and 500 Archers on Horseback, besides Foot∣men.

XIII. But by this time h 1.32 News were brought into the French Camp, that lay be∣fore St. Severe, to Sr. Bertram of Clequin, and the other Lords there, how the English and Poictevins were marching thitherward, with intent to raise the Siege. When the Constable heard this, he resolv'd to make quick Dispatch there, that so, if possible, he might reduce the Place, before their Succour should come: And so presently he com∣manded all Men to Arms, and to begin an Assault worthy of their Name and Nation. There was not a Man there, that would, or durst, disobey him: So the French and Bretons with mutual Emulation went before the Fortress in good Order, well-armed and defended with shields, and then there began a most terrible Assault indeed, every Lord being present under his own Banner, giving Orders, and Encouraging his Men. Surely it was a great Beauty to behold this Brisk Contention on both sides, the English Lions nodding severely from the Tops of the Towers, and the French Banners waving orderly in the Field to the Number of Fourty Nine, besides Penons and Streamers. The Constable himself was there with the Lord Lewis of Sancerre, encouraging their Men to the Assault; whereupon many Knights and Esquires of several Nations adven∣tur'd themselves more boldly to encrease their Honour, and did Wonders in Arms: For some waded quite thrô the Ditches, which were full of Water, and so came to the Walls, not offering once to Retire for all the Arrows, Darts, and Stones, that came a∣gainst them. And on the Dike stood the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon, the Earl of A∣lenson, the Dauphin of Auvergne, and the other Great Lords, beholding and encoura∣ging their Men; so that they valued not the Face of Death himself, when they found themselves under the Eye of their Lords and Masters. Sr. William Percy was not all this while slack in his own Defence; but was personally present in all the heat of the Action, ordering, and commanding, and encouraging his Men with his Sword waving a∣bout his Head. The English poured down upon their Enemies, Arrows, and Pots of quick Lime, and Stones, and Barrs of Iron plenty: So that the service was exceeding hot on both sides. However at last Sr. William and the two Esquires of Honour, Captains of the Fortress, perceiving, how fiercely they were attacked, and that the French grew more resolved and Desperate against them every day, so that it was not possible for them to hold out long, especially since they knew nothing of the Succour, that was now coming to them, nor of any Friend, that was near them within Ten Leagues; on these Considerations they made signs for a Parley, intending to treat with the Con∣stable, while yet they might do it on tolerable Terms. Now Sr. Bertram of Clequin had received notice before this, that he should hear of the English Succours that very Night: Whereupon he more readily enclin'd to this Treaty, and agreed to receive them to Mercy, and so took the Castle, and let the Garrison go with their Lives and Ar∣mour only. This done, he forthwith drew out all his Army into the open Field, and set them in Battle Array, ready to fight, if need should be, saying to his Men,

Messi∣eures, Consider well your business: For our Enemies are coming towards Ʋs apace; and I think yet before Night We shall have Battle. Stand therefore all to your Guard and be ready to play the Men for the Honour of France.

Thus was Sr. Bertram dis∣pos'd: But the English made no great Haste to the Battle, when they knew, that St. Severe was lost beyond Recovery: Besides other Matters came upon them, which filled both their Hands and Heads with business enough.

For it is to be understood, that the Frenchmen in Poictiers had all along many un∣steady Minds among them, who only sought an opportunity to revolt from the English:

So that now in the absence of Sr. Thomas Percy their Seneschal, there arose an high Dis∣sention in the City: For three Parts of the Town were for letting in the French, but Sr. John Reinolds the Mayor, and Part of the Communalty resolved to remain true to the English. Yet the Chief of the Richest Burgesses and of the Clergy, whereof there was a great Number, would by all means have the Constable sent for to come and take Possession of the City; for they promised to open the Gates unto him: Of which News the Constable was glad, and communicated the matter to the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon. Then it was agreed, that the Constable should go from the Army with 300 Spears, the best mounted in all the Host; and so he went and rode the remainder of that Day and the Night following, taking little rest, more than 30 Leagues, by ano∣ther way than that which he knew the English kept. The next Morning he came to Poictiers, where he found the Gates open, and his Friends ready to receive him: Yet if he had tarried but an Hour longer or so, he had come too late. For Sr. John Rei∣nolds the Mayor of Poictiers, and those of his Party sent in all haste to the Captal and Sr. Thomas Percy, who sent them immediatly an 100 Spears, and as many Ar∣chers on Horseback, and these were then come within a league of the City when Sr. Ber∣tram enter'd.

XIV. Upon News of the Loss of this Considerable Garrison of Poictiers, all the Lords, Knights and Esquires of Gascogne, Poictou and England were mightily cast down; especially those who were then assembled together in Poictou, to the number of 800 Spears, and 400 Archers on Horseback: For two Hundred of their former Number were now gone to save the Place, thô as we shew'd, they came too late. Then they called a Council of War to advise, how to proceed among so many Dangers and Uncer∣tainties: For they saw well they were in the midst of their Enemies, and yet knew not whom to trust to as their Friends. But the Loyal Barons and Knights of Poictou, when they saw the English Captains so suspitious and jealous, as they might well be in those Circumstances, to raise up their Minds, and assure them the more, said,

Certainly Gen∣tlemen, our Friends and Companions in Arms, We are very sorry to see how ill Mat∣ters go in these Parts, and that it is not in our power to help it. But surely Gentle∣men, You may be Confident of this, that while We can hold our Swords in our Hands, and there is but one Castle or Fortress left in Poictou for us to retire to, we shall ne∣ver desert you, but remain True and Faithfull to our Natural Lord the King of Eng∣land and to You.

The English Captains that were there reply'd,

Gentlemen, next unto God Almighty, our chief Confidence is in You: And thô it be to die in the Quarrel, You shall find us True Companions.

Thus there was a long Debate held in the Field, but at last it was concluded that the Poictevins should march separately one way, and the Englishmen another. And so the former, viz. the Lord of Partenay, the Lord of Thoüars, the Lord of Roussillon, the Lord Lewis of Harcourt, Sr. Emery of Rochechoü∣art, Sr. John Dangle, Sr. Percival of Cologne Captain of Thoüars, Sr. Reginald de Theü∣ars, Sr. William de Campenac, Sr. James of Surgeres, Sr. Hugh Monberon; all these with their Retinues went to the strong City of Thoüars. But the English Lords and Captains, as the Lord Thomas Percy, Sr. Richard of Ponchardon, Sr. Thomas Fowkes, Sr. Matthew Gournay, Sr. Geoffry Argentine, Sr. Walter Hewett, Sr. John Ʋbrues, Sr. Dangouses, John Creswell, David Holcroft and others, took the way to Niort, where they thought to have found a ready Entrance. But when they came thither, they found the Gates shut against them, and the Bridge drawn up, and upon Demand, the Towns∣men answerd, That they must not expect any Admittance there. This Affront the Eng∣lish could not endure, but upon Advice resolved to assault the Place, and to make the Inhabitants an Example to all others.

Now thô the Men of Niort had Inconstancy enough to imitate the Defection of o∣thers, yet they had not so much Wit as to consider, that they were not able to defend themselves against this Power of the English: For as yet they had no sufficient Cap∣tain among them to direct them in case of Necessity, nor any that understood perfectly the Art of War. Wherefore after a short Defence, wherein they shew'd more Animo∣sity than Skill, the Place was carried by Force, the Inhabitants for the most part put to the Sword, and the Town spoil'd and rob'd by the English. Though if they could but have held out till Night, in all likelihood they had escaped: For the Constable of France had sent thither Sr. Tibauld du Pont, with 200 Chosen Men to reinforce them; but this Succour (as well as that which the English sent to save Poictiers) came too late. And so at Niort the English made a strong Garrison, intending to lie still till they heard more News.

XV. While the English i 1.33 thus lay at Niort, and durst not divide themselves for doubt

of their Inconstant Friends, and for fear of their prevailing Enemies; Owen the Titular Prince of Wales, had succeeded so well with Don Henry King of Spain, that he came now before Rochell with a strong Fleet of Fourty tall Ships, Thirteen Barges, and Eight Galeons full of good Souldiers, under the Command of Don Rodrigo di Roses Admiral of Spain, and therewith so block'd up the Haven, that none could pass out or in with∣out much Danger. The Rochellers seeing themselves in no good Condition, and indeed being more willing to open to an Enemy, that fought for their Friends, than to continue under their English Friends, to whom in their Hearts they were Enemies, fell into secret Communication with Owen of Wales and the Admiral of Spain: With whom (having discover'd, that they only wanted the Castle to shew themselves true Frenchmen) they agreed for a mutual Forbearance, the Spaniards to do no injury to the Rochellers, nor they to the Spaniards. But however the Navy lay still thereabout at Anchor, and had their Spies abroad all over the Country of Poictou and Sainctogne, to enquire and know what was done or resolv'd in every Place. But as yet the English held the Castle of Rochelle, which commanded the Town, the Captain thereof for the Lord John Deve∣reux, being Philip Mansel a Valiant and Loyal Esquire of England, but a Man of no great Reach, as we shall observe by and by.

The mean while the Constable of France, being at Poictiers, which he had newly ta∣ken, sent forth the Lord of Pons, and Tibauld du Pont with 300 Spears to the Castle of Soubize, a strong Fortress in Sainctogne, about five leagues from Rochell Southward toward Broüages, standing on the Sea-side by the Mouth of Charente, where that Ri∣ver falls into the Sea. Within the Castle at that time was the Lady thereof with a small Garrison; wherefore upon the first apprehensions of Danger, she sent an Esquire to the Lord John Greilly, Captal of Busche and Constable of Aquitain, who was then at St. John D'Angely, requesting his timely Aid and Succour. The Captal immediatly upon this Message sent for Sr. Henry Haye Seneschal of Angoulesme, Sr. William of Mar∣vejols, Nephew to Raimund Lord of Marvejols, to the Lord Thomas Percy, and to Sr. John Cresswell to come unto him, and they all came accordingly. Now of this Rendezvous, and of the Siege of Soubize Owen of Wales had secret Intelligence, as he lay with the Spanish Fleet before Rochell: Whereupon presently he took 400 of the most select Men of Arms, the surest and best Arm'd of all his Company, and disposing them into k 1.34 thirteen Barges, he left the Admiral and the rest of the Fleet before Rochelle, and so together with the Lord James of Monjoy and Morilett his Brother, row'd away se∣cretly toward Soubize, and came on the other side right over against the Lord of Pons, as he held his Siege, who yet knew not that he had a friendly Ambush so near him, no more than the Captal of Busche, who was now mustering his Men at St. John D'Angely; for if he had had the least Hint of any such Matter, he would have taken with him more Men than he did. Whereas now he sent back a great part of those whom he had summon'd, and left another part of them in St. John D'Angely, and so rode toward Soubize with only 200 Spears and no more. Toward Night being come near to the French Leaguer and the Castle, he order'd his Men to alight a while beside a little Wood to rest themselves and their Horses; and that done he commanded them to horse again, and caused his Banners and Penons to be display'd, and so riding forth they sud∣denly dash'd in amongst the Frenchmen, crying their Cries, and beating down all be∣fore them. There was a great slaughter and Confusion, and many a Frenchman grie∣vously wounded; for they were taken at unawares. So there the Lord of Pons and Sr. Tibauld du Pont, with sixty of the best of their Company were made Prisoners, and all the rest either slain or put to Flight. But while some of the Captals Men follow'd the Chace, and others were busied about the Spoil, or had unarm'd themselves, as after a compleat Victory, there came an unexpected Mischief upon them: For at that instant Owen of Wales, having passed the Charente with the Barges, came on with his 400 chosen Spears, there being a great number of Flambeaus, Torches, Firebrands and o∣ther Lights with him; for the Night was exceeding dark. These fresh and lusty Men came suddenly upon the Captal and his Men, English and Gascogners, who thought they had finished their Exploit, and were now scatter'd abroad, and busied in the Chace or Spoil, or looking to their Prisoners: So that of meer necessity they were presently beaten down, discomfited, slain and taken. Then there pricked forth an hardy Esquire of Vermandois named Peter Daniel, and he among others adventur'd so near to the Captal, that at last he took him Prisoner by true Feat of Arms: And this Captal was the only Knight ei∣ther of Gascogne or England, that the French King desired to have in his Power, if not at his Service: For he was one of the most Considerable Barons of his Age for Personal Valour and Good Conduct. With him there were taken the Lord Thomas Percy, who

was Prisoner to a Welch Priest named David, Sr. Henry Haye, and Sr. Moubron of Lini∣eres with others. Sr. Walter Hewett escaped with much difficulty; but Sr. Petiton of Coutras, Sr. William Ferenton and Carmil fled directly to the Town of Soubize, where by good Chance the Lady of the Place being present, she caused the Barriers to be o∣pen'd for them, so that they had timely Admittance with others, who fled along with them. But the next Day Owen of Wales brought thither all his Barges, and began a fierce Assault both by Land and Water, the Lord of Pons and Sr. Tibauld du Pont, whom he had rescued from the Captal, joyning with him. Yet for that Day the Besie∣ged behaved themselves resolutely enough, and without any great Loss; but at Night both they and the Lady consider'd, that the Town was not strong enough to hold out any long space, and that all their Hopes of speedy Succour were quite cut off now, that the Captal and the Lord Percy were taken. Whereupon the Lady by advice of her Coun∣cil, and with the Consent of all the Knights and Captains within, fell to a Treaty with Owen and the French Lords; The Effect whereof was,

That all the Men of War within the Place might freely, and without any Dammage or Impeachment, go to Ni∣ort, Sainctes, Lusignan, or whither else they should please, and that the Lady of Sou∣bize should submit Her self and her Lands to the Obedience of the French King.

All which was put in execution, the English and Gascogners were safely conveyed to what Places they desired, and the French took Possession of the Town, the Lady doing Homage, and swearing Fealty unto Owen in the Name of King Charles of France.

XVI. After this Success of Soubize, Owen of Wales, Sr. James Monjoy and their Com∣pany went to their Barges again, and so return'd with the Captal and other their Prisoners to the Fleet before Rochell. But the Lord of Pons, Sr. Tibauld du Pont, and the o∣ther Bretons and French with them, made all the haste imaginable to ride forth with a fresh Company; such as the Constable of France had newly sent to joyn them, as the Vicount of Rohan, the Lords Clisson, Tournemine, Beaumanoir, and Rochefort, Sr. Wil∣liam of Bourdes, Sr. Oliver Manny, Sr. Reinald of Limosin, Geoffry Ricon, John de Lan∣sonet, Alan de St. Pol, Carswell and other Captains, all who with their several Reti∣nues went before St. John D'Angely, which they prepared to assault. But the Inhabi∣tants seeing how fast the whole Country fell away, and despairing of any timely Succour, now their Chief Governour the Captal was taken Prisoner, yielded themselves, and vo∣luntarily engag'd for the French Interest.

After this they presented themselves before Angoulesme, which submitted in the same manner, and this Example was followed by Taillebourg a Town of Sainctogne, from whence they went and lay before Sanctes, the Chief City of that Province, where they were two Days without any Success: Because their Captain Sr. William Ferenton resol∣ved, as he said, not so lightly to yield up so considerable a Place; but rather to stand stoutly to his Defence. But there was within the Bishop of that See, who was a per∣fect Frenchman, and made such Harangues to the Citizens, that they siezed the Cap∣tain, and threatned to kill him, unless he would agree to deliver the Town. So thrô fear he was obliged to consent, but on this Condition, that He and his Men might go away freely without any Harm or Impeachment. And thus was Sainctes also given to the French, and Sr. William Ferenton with his Men had safe Conduct to go to Bourdeaux.

XVII. Now the Spanish Fleet of which we spake, lay still at Anchor before the Ci∣ty of Rochell with Owen of Wales, and many Bretons and French among them. And all the while the Rochellers held under-hand Treaty with them; for they durst not o∣penly declare their Minds, while the Castle remain'd in English Hands. Wherefore al∣so they had hitherto dissembled, till by little and little the main Strength of the Eng∣lish Garrison had left them, while they went to prevent the Loss of other Places. As particularly the Lord John Devereux had lately gone to reinforce the City of Poicti∣ers with fifty Spears, having left the Castle of Rochell in the Custody of Philip Man∣sel an English Esquire, who had with him in Garrison about an hundred Men of Arms more.

Now at this time there was a Burgess, Mayor of the City, a subtle Man and a se∣cret Enemy to the English, named John Chaudron, who having one day in a close Ca∣ball assembled the Chief of his Faction, said unto them,

My Friends, We see dayly, how our Neighbours turn to the French side, and because We delay to do the same, I sear, We shall be shortly so strictly beleaguer'd, as well by Land, as now by Water, that We shall not tell which way to stir, nor dare to put our Heads out of the Town. Where∣fore in my Opinion 'twould be good to take heed betimes, and to consider, how We may Reduce this Castle into our Power; which hath been so great a Curb unto Ʋs hereto∣fore.

Surely at this time it is but meanly provided with Men; and honest Philip Man∣sel the Captain has no great Wit to boast of. I intend therefore to tell him, how I have received a Command from the King of England, to cause all the Inhabitants of the City, that bear Arms, to appear in the Field, and be exercised at the time and place, as I shall tell him: That I may take their Musters, and view their Number, and the Goodness of their Horses and Armour; as also of those within the Castle, and so send word thereof unto the King. And hereupon I shall Command him in the King's Name to come forth of the Castle, and to make his Musters together with Ʋs; which I be∣lieve, he will not scruple to do, as I shall handle him. And if so, We will be provided of an Ambush of 200 Men of Arms, lying among the Old Walls without the Castle; which Ambush stepping in between him and the Bridge shall cut off his Return. The mean while others shall be ready to compleat the Design, and so We shall take them at our pleasure, and be Masters both of them, and also of the Castle.

This project was agreed on, and kept secret, till one day the Mayor, who was Author of the Invention, invited Philip Mansell to come and dine with him, and several Burgesses also, most whereof were then of the English part, but they knew nothing of the Plot.

There was a great and Splendid Dinner indeed, and many things relating to the King of England's Affairs were at that time discussed, and the Mayor acted his part very well. But after Dinner he produced a Letter with King Edward's Broad Seal appendant to it, the better to perswade Philip Mansell to believe him; whom he knew to be ignorant of Letters. And Philip for his part saw, and knew the Seal very well, but he could not read a Word, whatever he pretended by looking on. In short the Mayor took the Let∣ter and read it unto him, as he pleased, otherwise than it was written, the unlearned Captain looking over him all the while, as if he read along, with him, thereby to con∣ceal his Ignorance, which yet the Cunning Mayor knew well enough. Then he said to Esquire Mansell,

Captain, by the Tenor of this writing You see and hear, how our Sovereign Lord the King hath Commanded Me, and also You by Me, to make our joynt Musters. Wherefore in the King's Name I now require You to come forth to morrow Morning, and take a View of your Men; as I likewise according to my Duty shall do.

The Captain, who suspected no harm in the least, said, he would be ready to do his Duty, and so took his leave, and return'd to the Castle.

That same Night before Day the Mayor took 200 Men of Arms, and laid them in an Ambush near the Castle among the Ruines of old Walls, that were without, and at such an Hour he caused the Watch-Bell to be sounded, and all the Inhabitants to be Armed. On the other hand Philip Mansell, having Armed Eighty Chosen Men, marched forth of the Castle in good Order at the Head of them, toward the Field, where the Rendezvous was to be. But when he was once pass'd the old Walls, the Ambush rush'd forth, and placed themselves between him and the Bridge; and then he saw, he was betray'd. However he fac'd about Couragiously upon them, hoping by force to recover an entrance into the Castle again. But then came the Mayor upon his Reer with the Commons of the City to the Number of 2000 Fighting Men: So that the English, being thus unequally match'd and assailed from before and behind, were compelled to yield only for safeguard of their Lives: They could obtain nothing fur∣ther. But for all that the Castle was not yet won: For Esquire Mansell had left be∣hind 20 Valiant Men still in the Place; besides their servants, Valets, and Officers of the Castle, who seeing their Captain thus intercepted, had by this time drawn up the Bridge again, and shut the Gates. Whereupon the Mayor being exceedingly en∣flam'd with anger, that so well form'd a Plot should thus be spoil'd, came to Philip the Captain and the rest, whom he had taken.

Hark Ye, Gentlemen, and mind well what I say unto You; be assured of this, that unless You cause your fellows yonder with∣in the Castle to yield up the Place immediately, all your Heads shall be stricken off here at the Bridge Foot: I'll not spare a Man of You.

The English being thus streight∣ned, promised to do their best, and went near, and spake to their Fellows in the Ca∣stle; and so by this means however they gain'd better Conditions; those within ca∣pitulating, That both they and all their Fellows without should be put into a good Ship with all their Goods and Moneys, and safely convey'd by the Mayor and Burgesses of Rochelle to the Port of Bourdeaux. Thus the Impregnable Castle of Rochelle was in the Hands of the City, and the English were sent away, as they desired.

When the Dukes of Berry, Bourbon, and Burgundy, the Marshal of Sancerre, the Vicount of Rohan, the Lords of Pons, Sully, Clisson, and Beaumanoir, with the other Barons of France, heard this agreeable News; they went from Berry and the Marches of Limosin, designing for Poictiers, where at that time the Constable of France was.

In their way thitherward they took St. Maixent, a Town in Poictou, which yielded upon their first approach; but the Castle, that scorn'd to follow so poor an Example, was not taken without Assault: Wherefore every Man within was slain. And before this they had taken the Castle of Aunay, as also of Briou and Mesle, and several other For∣tresses, which they found in their way. Being thus come to Poictiers, they sent Mes∣sengers to treat with the Burgesses of Rochelle. But these Men refus'd to open their Gates, or to admit any of the French Lords, their Friends: For they said, they would no more commit their Liberty to the Keeping of any other without good Caution. But said they,

If it will please the Duke of Berry, and the other Lords with him to grant Ʋs their safe-Conduct for six days, to come to Poictiers, and to go at our plea∣sure, then We will wholly unbosome our selves as to that Matter.

In short a safe-Con∣duct was granted, and several of the Prime Burgesses of Rochelle went to Poictiers, where they told the French Lords, that they were all well content to submit to the Go∣vernment of King Charles, on Condition that they might have leave to demolish their Castle, and be secured never to have another built among them. And this being once granted, the City and Country of Rochelle and Rochellois should be for ever thenceforth under the Resort and Demaine of the French King, never after to be alienated by any Marriage, Alliance, or Article of Peace, that may happen to the Realm of France, or by any other Condition whatsoever. Besides all which they required to have a Mint set up among them to Coyne Florens, and Money both l 1.35 Black and White, of the same Form and Alloy with that in Paris. To these strange Conditions thus unusually pro∣posed by subjects, m 1.36 the Lords of France durst not agree, but referr'd them to the King, their Master, and gave them their safe-Conduct to go to the King about that Matter. So Twelve Rochellers went to Paris to the King, who seeing it no time now to kindle Domestick Heats; but that it was necessary even by the loss of a Part, if need were, to preserve the whole, and being by all means desirous to Unite and Incorporate toge∣ther the many Divided Cantons and scatter'd Limbs of his Kingdom, not only readily granted their Desire, but also feasted them greatly, and gave unto them many Rich and Princely Gifts, besides his Charter of Pardon, for presuming to Capitulate with their Prince. Thus the Rochellers return'd with their Charters of Liberty and Amnesty for all past, which had been confirmed in the Chamber of the Peers of France, and sealed by the King himself. Hereupon immediately they began to Demolish their Castle, which had been one of the strongest in the World, and rased it down to the Ground, and when once they had secur'd themselves of that Fear, they sent to Poictiers to the Lords of France, desiring them now to come to Rochelle; for they were ready to open their Gates, and to receive them. Then the Constable went thither with 200 Men of Arms in his Company; and the Rochellers received him with great joy and Triumph, and there did unto him Fealty and Homage, as unto the French King; from whom He had a Pro∣curation for that purpose. For King Charles had established him in those Parts, as his Lieu∣tenant, representing his own Person on such Occasions.

XVIII. When n 1.37 Sr. Bertram of Clequin, Constable of France, had been Four Days at Rochelle, setting things in Order, and appointing the Burgesses how to behave them∣selves for the future, he return'd to Poictiers to the other Dukes and Lords of France; with whom being joyn'd, he began with 3000 Spears in his Company to March from Poictiers: For he design'd to recover those Castles and Fortresses in Rochellois, and about the Marches, which were still in English hands. And first they came before St. Benoist, a Fair Castle and a strong; which notwithstanding they vow'd to reduce, be∣fore their Departure. Within the Place were two Valiant Captains, set there by the Captal of Busche, the One a Knight of Naples, called Sr. James, o 1.38 without any Sir∣name, and the Other an Esquire of the County of Foix, named William du Pons. The French made here many fierce Assaults, but were received as fiercely by the Besieged; so that it was likely the Siege would prove of some Continuance. Now there was a For∣tress in those Parts, called Surgeres, wherein was an English Garrison, set there also by the Captal, for whom they kept it. These Men said one Evening, how they would go and awake the French Army before St. Benoist; and accordingly at a time appointed there rode forth Fourty Spears well Mounted, who in their way joyning with a Party belonging to Marans, a Neighbour-Friendly-Garrison, came suddenly to the French Camp, and dash'd into the very Quarters of the Constable, where they hurt divers of his Men, and slew an Esquire of his Body, and took certain Prisoners, with some other Mischief in other Parts of that Quarter; but the Constable himself they found not, he was then in the Duke of Berry's Tent at Council. At the Report of this brisk Cami∣sade the whole Army began to stir; for the Alarm was great and general: But the

English, who had already done, what could be expected, without any Loss to them∣selves, return'd again timely enough, and came to their own several Fortresses, leaving the Constable so vext at this Affront, that he sware never to stir from before St. Be∣noist, till he had both it and all within at his Mercy; not one of whom he was re∣solv'd to spare. So the next Morning he commanded all to their Arms, and to pre∣pare all manner of Machines and Engines for a general Assault, and then he attacqued the Besieged with such Fury, that the like had seldom been seen. For the Men of Arms themselves, especially the Bretons, waded thrô the Ditches, without favouring themselves, and so came to the foot of the Walls, with shields over their heads, and dug at the Walls with Pick-axes and Mattocks, that it was wonderfull to behold their Eagerness. Till at last, thô not without much loss, as may well be guessed, they got down a great Pane of the Wall, whereat they easily made their Entrance, and put all within to the Sword without Exception.

Then the Constable having repaired the Breach, and what else was amiss, and set therein a strong Garrison of Frenchmen, resolved to attack the Castle of Marans; but the English there despairing to maintain a place so much less defensible than St. Benoist, ca∣pitulated with him, and yielded on Condition to save their Lives and Goods, which was accepted. From thence he went to Surgeres, resolving to make that Garrison pay dearly for their late Attempt upon him a few Nights before; but the English had left the Place void beforehand, not daring to expect his Arrival. Having set a good Garrison here, he went back to Fontenay p 1.39 le Comté, a Castle belonging to the Lady of Sr. John Harpedon, an English Knight, who was then a Prisoner in Spain: Here he laid Siege both to Town and Castle, and made many fierce Assaults, till at last it was agreed by Com∣position, that the Lady her self and as many as would remain true to King Edward, should go to Thoüars, their Lives, Honours and Goods saved: And accordingly thither they were safely convey'd by the Constable's Order, the rest turning to the French side; and so the Constable took Possession both of Town and Castle, and made a new Garrison there.

And now the Constable resolved to go and lay his siege to Thoüars it self, to which Place the greater Part of those Barons that held still for England were retired; as the Vi∣count of Thoüars, the Lords of Partenay, Puissances and Cors, the Lord Lewis of Har∣court, Sr. William of Campenac, Sr. Geoffry Argentine, Sr. James of Surgeres, and Sr. Percival of Cologne, with many more. Thither they went, and began immediately to invest the Place, having brought from Poictiers and Rochelle several Engines, which they play'd Night and Day against Thoüars, to the great Trouble of the English and Gas∣cogne Lords: Till at last, with design to put off the Day of Calamity as long as might be, and in hopes of a good Succour by that time, they agreed with the Frenchmen for a mutual Respit and Truce for themselves and their Lands, till the Feast of St. Micha∣el then next ensuing;

They in the mean time to send to the King of England their Lord, to certifie him of their Condition; but so, as that if they should not be succoured either by Him, or one of his Sons in Person, within the said time, then they to yield both Themselves and Lands to the Obedience of the French King.

This Trea∣ty being agreed to by the Constable and other Lords of France, they return'd for that time to Paris, whither the Captal of Busche was brought as Prisoner, and put under safe Custody in a Tower of the Temple. The French King being extreamly pleased at his Taking, rewarded the Esquire of Vermandois, who took him, with 12000 Franks. But because the Captal would by no means renounce the English Interest, thô it were to save his Life, and to purchase his Liberty, the French King, who feared his Valour, would never let him be put to Ransom, nor acquitted by Exchange; thô the English offer'd q 1.40 one Earl and three Knights in Exchange for him: So that he never had his Liberty more, but was confin'd in Prison till his Death, which happen'd about four Years af∣ter. A Prince worthy of a better Fate and of Immortal Memory; for he yielded to none in that Age for Valour, Courtesie, Piety or Conduct; and as for his Nobility, he was nearly allied to the Kings of Navarre, France, and England, and from his Blood is descended the r 1.41 Present Royal House of France, and the Glorious King LEWIS the Fourteenth.

XIX. The mean while the Messengers that were sent from the Poictevin Lords in Thoüars, came into England, and there shew'd unto the King, and Prince and their Council, the low Condition of Poictou and Sainctogne, and the doubtfull Estate of the City of Thoüars, and all the Lords and Captains therein, together with the Conditions of their late Agreement with the French.

When King Edward heard and saw, how in a manner without any War he lost all the

Lands, Cities and Countries, that had cost him so much to win, he said hastily, s 1.42

How he never knew a King less addicted to Arms than Charles, who yet had given him more trouble than his Ancestors, that were Warriers.

And thereupon having studied a little, he proceeded saying, t 1.43

That he would cross the Seas shortly so strong, as to be able to give Battle to the whole Power of France; and that as for his part, he would ne∣ver return into England, till he had reconquer'd what he had lost, or together with the rest lost Himself in the Endeavour.

So presently he commanded the Duke of Lan∣caster (who was just then ready according to former Orders to go to Calais with a Con∣siderable Army) to attend now a while, for he design'd, that he should go along with him into the Parts of Poictou and Sainctogne toward Rochell; the greater stress of the mat∣ter being judg'd to lie there. The mean while the King made an extraordinary Sum∣mons throughout his Realm, commanding all Men of such and such Age and Degree, to come ready Arm'd to Sandwich and thereabouts by a Day appointed, there to take the Seas with Him, and his Sons the Prince and the Duke. None of those, who were concerned, either would or durst disobey this General Command of the King's; but drew as fast as they might to the Sea-side, where lay ready for them 400 great Ships, besides other Vessels.

While these Preparations were making, the King call'd his High Court of Parliament to meet at Westminster, that so the Affairs of the Nation might be settled before his Departure out of the Realm: Especially the King resolv'd to let them know his Mind as to the Succession; for before the Meeting of this Parliament the King and the Prince of Wales had upon Consultation agreed, that if either the One or the Other should mis∣carry in this Expedition, then Richard of Bourdeaux, the Prince's only Son living, should succeed, according to Right, unto the Crown of England. For the Black-Prince, u 1.44 whose Wisdom fell no way short of his Courage, knowing how apt they are, who stand nea∣rest unto a Throne to step first into it, was so carefull to prevent any Disorder of that kind, which might be feared from the Ambition of his Brethren (the Eldest of whom had already the Title of a King) that he obliged his Father at this time to declare his Son Richard the next Heir to the Crown, after the Decease of the King, and of his son Edward Prince of Wales. And now the Prince himself x 1.45 shew'd in Full Parliament, that if he should happen to die before the King his Father, then his Son Richard, as being next Heir, was to succeed to the Crown of England after the Decease of the King his Grandfather. And here, besides the Equity of Law and Nature, and the Unaltera∣ble Rule of Succession, never but by Treason, Usurpation and Violence transgressed in the Kingdom of England, the Prelates, Lords, Knights, and all the Commons of the Realm, had such a Veneration for the Prince of Wales, because of his many Heroick Vertues, that with one Consent they all agreed to so Reasonable a Motion and took it upon themselves and their Posterity, that they would always be true to the Right Line, especially to the Lord Richard; and this they desired to be enacted not without apparent Demonstrations of extraordinary joy. And first the King himself, then all his Sons, and after that all the Lords of England Spiritual and Temporal, sware to uphold and maintain the Right of the Young Prince Richard, in case of the Prince his Fathers De∣cease: And to this Ordinance the Prince of Wales caused them all to put their Hands and Seals before they went away: The Commons only express'd their Concurrence by Holding up their Hands and Consenting all together. Nor is this to be look'd upon as a Case not before clear enough, or that it was possible for the Prince to doubt the Right of his Son; but that it became the Wisdom and Tenderness of a Father by all lawfull Arts imaginable to corroborate the Title of a Presumptive Orphan, against the open or secret Attacks of Ambition or Treason. Accordingly to set an early Mark of Sovereignty upon the Young Prince Richard, the King his Grandfather, by Commission y 1.46 bearing Date at Sandwich the 30 Day of August, in the 46 Year of his Reign, con∣stituted him his Custos Regni, or Lieutenant during his Absence beyond the Sea. And having given Directions, that Publick Prayers should be made in all Churches for his Good Success in this Voyage; that same Day, being a z 1.47 Monday, about Nine of the Clock he went on Board at Sandwich, in a Ship called the Grace de Dieu, with as Great a Fleet as ever any King before had carried forth of England. There was with the King at this time the Prince of Wales, who had as then recover'd to a tolerable degree of Strength, also the Duke of Lancaster, and the Earl of Cambridge his Brethren, the Earls of Salisbury, Warwick, Arundel, Suffolk and Stafford, with the Lord Edward Spen∣cer, then newly return'd out of Lombardy, whither he went with Prince Lionel Duke of Clarence four Years before. There was also in this Expedition the Lord Henry Percy, afterwards Earl of Northumberland, the Lord John De la Ware, Sr. William Nevile,

younger Brother to the Lord John Nevile, Sr. Ralph Frescheville Baron of Cryche, An∣cestor to the Freschevilles now Barons of Stavely, and several other Lords, Knights and Esquires of England, to the Number of 3000 Men of Arms, and 10000 Archers on Horseback, besides Footmen. This Great Navy set Sail for Rochelle, coasting Norman∣dy and Bretagne, but the Wind was adverse, and would by no means serve them.

XX. The mean while the French King, who had perfect knowledge of all these vast Preparations against him, had made no small Assembly of Men of War from all Parts to resist so Considerable an Enemy. And as it was said, He himself now at last inten∣ded to have a Pull before Thoüars with the King of England, all things seeming to be laid upon this last Stake. On the other hand the Loyal Gascogners and others, who held in those Parts for King Edward, prepared now to joyn him with their utmost For∣ces. And first the Lord Archimbald Greilly, Uncle to the Captal of Busche, at the in∣stance of the Lord Thomas Felton, Seneschal of Bourdeaux, came to the General Ren∣dezvous at Niort with 300 Spears, among whom were the Lords of Duras, of Cour∣ton, of Mucidan, of Rosan, of Languran, of Landuras, and Sr. Petiton Coutras, and Sr. William Ferenton, an English Gentleman. All these went from Bourdeaux to Niort the place of Rendezvous, where they found Sr. Thomas Percy, Sr. Walter Hewett, Sr. John Creswell and many more, to the Number of 1200 Spears; and lastly, Sr. Richard Ponchardon came and joyn'd them with 1200 Spears more: So that all France was now alarm'd, and swarm'd with Souldiers of one part or the other.

XXI. All this while King Edward and his Sons with their great Army were on the Sea, not being able by reason of Contrary Winds to take Land at Rochell or thereabouts, as was design'd: And that strange Fortune, which before was always ready to wart that Prince over, but very Difficult to convey him back, was now quite otherwise disposed, and became an eminent Hinderer of his Glorious Designs: So that for this Success France was beholden to the most inconstant of Elements, or rather to the Benign Providence of Him, who governs both the Winds and the Seas. King Edward having thus for a Months space struggled to no purpose against Wind and Fortune, when he saw now the Feast of St. Michael come, and that it was impossible for him to keep the Time appoin∣ted for the Rescue of Thoüars, was obliged to break up this Expedition, as he did with great Displeasure of Mind, and gave leave to his Men to return home as they pleased. But at his Return he had Wind at Will, and immediately after the Wind was favoura∣ble for those Parts; so that 200 Sail of English Merchants, who traded for Wine, ar∣rived at Bourdeaux, whither they were bound the very day after St. Michael. King Edward for his part, besides that he was thus strangely hindred from keeping his Day before Thoüars, is said to have lost more than 900000 Marks, or (as one says) Pounds, in this Expedition.

XXII. Now about a Week before Michaelmas, the Barons of England and Gascogne, that were beyond the Sea, marched from Niort toward Thoüars in order to joyn the King of England; but they were extreamly surprised, when they saw the Day come, and yet heard no News of the King. However to acquit themselves to their Power, they sent to the Barons of Poictou, that were in Thoüars, this Message by certain Knights,

Right Dear Sirs, we are sent hither unto you from the Loyal Lords of Gascogne and of England, who remain under the Obedience of the King of England, to let you know, that there are come from Niort above twice twelve hundred Men of Arms, ready prepar'd to aid and assist you in all manner of respect: Only Sir, they desire to know from you, whe∣ther in the Absence of the King of England and of his Children, you will accept of their Assistance or no. As for them they are ready, if so it please you, to adventure their Lives and Fortunes together with you.

The Barons of Poicton heartily thanked the Lords of England and of Gascogne, who had made them so kind a Proffer; but they desired time to consider what in that Case was to be done. At first they could not agree; for the Lord of Partenay, who was a Principal Member among them, would have them accept of the Assistance of these Lords, who as he said, represented the King of England. But most of the other Lords were of a contrary Opinion, saying,

How they had sealed and sworn to this Agreement, that if by such a Day the King of England, or one of his Sons, did not appear there Personally in the Field, then they should submit themselves to the Obedience of the French King. Upon this Resolu∣tion the Lord of Partenay went away to his Lodgings in deep Displeasure, but the next Day he was so wheedled by those of the adverse Party, that he also became of their Mind.

And so with one Consent they returned this Answer;

That they thanked them heartily for their Good-will: Notwithstanding the King of England or one of his Sons must needs be there in Person, according to the Treaty, whereto they had sworn and sea∣led.

This Answer was no way pleasing to the English and Gascogners about Niort, but they could no ways hope to save them, who were thus disposed not to be saved by them.

XXIII. On the Eve of St. Michael there came from Poictiers to hold their appoint∣ment before Thoüars, the Constable of France, the Dukes of Berry, Burgunay and Bourbon, the Lord Oliver Clisson, the Vicount of Rohan, the Dauphin of Auvergne, the Lord Lewis of Sancerre, the Lord of Sully, and other Great Lords of France, to the Number of 10000 Men of Arms; besides others. This vast Army stood ready ran∣ged in Battle Array in the Field before Thoüars on the Eve, and all the day long on the Feast of St. Michael, and against Night they withdrew to their Tents. But on the Morrow in the Morning the Constable and the Dukes sent to the Knights of Poictou within Thoüars, demanding of them to deliver up the City according to their Promise and Oaths in that behalf made. To these Summons 'twas answer'd, how they would shortly come to Poictiers, and there submit themselves and all their Lands to the Pro∣tection of the French King. This Answer seeming sufficient to the Lords of France they brake up from before Thoüars, and the Dukes dismist the greater part of their Ar∣my; only retaining such competent Forces, as they had before they expected King Ed∣ward's Arrival. Among others the Lord Clisson was appointed by the Constable to go with 200 Spears, and attempt Mortaigne on the Severe Nantoise, which as then held for England, having within sixty Men of Arms for its Defence under the Command of an English Esquire, named James Clare. The Lord Clisson, being come before the Place, began a fierce Assault, whereat he himself was present; but for all that he wan little or no Advantage: but at Night was fain to retire to his Camp. The Captain within seeing himself thus put to it, sent out secretly to the Lords of England and Gascogne then at Niort, telling them, that if they would send any Troops thither be∣fore Morning, he would receive them into his Fortress, whereby they might easily pass thrô the Castle into the Lord Clisson's Camp; who had with him but 200 Men of Arms. Upon this Notice certain Lords went that Night from Niort with 500 Men of Arms in their Company, and so rode on toward Mortaigne, being very desirous to entrap the Lord Clisson, if they could. But there was a spy, who knew all their pur∣pose; for he came out of Niort with them that Evening; and so rode on upon the spur before, and came to the Lord Clisson, whom he found at Supper, and said to him

Sir, Your Enemies to the Number of 500 Men of Arms have left Niort, and are coming upon you apace.

With that the Lord Clisson thrust away the Table from him, and arm'd himself with all speed, and mounted his Horse, and rode away hastily with all his Company, leaving the greater part of the Carriages behind, and never stopt, till he came to Poictiers: And the English having thus failed of their design, return'd to Niort in great displeasure. Soon after which, having left Sr. Dangouses and Sr. John Creswell in garrison there, the other great Lords and Captains, brake up their assem∣bly at Niort, Sr. Walter Hewet with some few more returning into England; and all the rest to Bourdeaux: But as they went, they burnt and ravaged in the Lands of the Lord of Partenay, who was lately turn'd French at Thoüars. Thus all the Coun∣try of Poictou was reduced under the French, except a few Fortresses, as Niort, Les E∣sars, Mortimer, Mortaigne, Lusignan, La Motte Achart, La Roche Sur Yonne, Gau∣zar, La Tour Landry, Mexis, and some others, which made divers Excursions and Inroads among their Neighbours, sometimes chacing, and sometimes being chaced themselves.

XXIV. Now the a 1.48 Lord John of Monford, Sirnamed the Valiant, who had hither∣to full and quiet Possession of the Dukedom of Bretagne, his Competitor Charles of Blois being slain, as We have shewn, was infinitely displeased at these Losses of his Old Friends the English. Both Gratitude and Honour made him rather love their Interest; since it was truly said, that the King of England had advanced him to what he was; and that he had had nothing, had it not been for Him; who all along had made Power∣full War in his behalf, and had lent him vast Sums of Silver and Gold, and given him his Daughter also in Marriage. Wherefore the Duke himself would rather have held his Lands of King Edward, than of the French King: But the Major part of the Lords, Knights, and Esquires of that Country were for France in their hearts; especially the Lord Clisson, the Lord de la Val, and the Vicount of Rohan, who were the Chief Lords of all that Country; and these doubted not to assure the Duke to his Face, that he must expect no service of them, unless he continued true to France,

Sir (said they) as soon as We shall once perceive, that You resolve to take part with the King of England a∣gainst our Sovereign Lord the French King, We will all forsake your service, and

take our leave of Bretagne.

But for all this Declaration of theirs, the Generous Prince could not conceal the Courage of his heart; but told them plainly, they did wrong both to him and to the King of England; and that if they should continue to forget their Country and Him, he hoped to bring it again to their Remembrance, and other high Words he spake unto them, which they resolved to take no notice of, till they should find him acting against France. And the French King, who by his Arts had de∣bauched the Faith of all the Lords of Bretagne, and other the Duke's Friends, ex∣cept that of Sr. Robert Knolles, who continued firm and unshaken, had instructed them, that as soon as ever they should see the Duke begin to take Arms, they would send him word thereof, and he would provide a Remedy. But the Duke, who saw by these Words of his Lords, and other evident Circumstances, how they suspected him, and had a constant Eye upon all his Actions, began to doubt, lest some of them should pro∣ceed to seise upon his Person, and so send him to be a Prisoner at Paris, as his Father had been before. Wherefore he sent secretly to King Edward, representing the Dan∣ger he was in from his own Subjects, and desiring him, that he would send him some Troops for his Defence upon occasion. The King, who always lov'd him entirely, sent him 400 Men of Arms, and as many Archers, under the Command of the Lord John Nevil, who arrived at St. Mahè de Fine poterne, and lodged there in the Town with∣out doing any Injury or Violence, for they all lived regularly, and paid justly for what they had: And the Duke never offer'd to put them into any Fortress, but let them Quarter there all that Winter. The Lords of Bretagne however took great Indigna∣tion at this Action of their Lord's, that in spite of them he had brought Englishmen into their Country; wherefore they fortify'd their Castles, and began to stand upon their Guard, breathing nothing but War and Defiance against the Duke and his Ad∣herents, and in this ticklish Posture stood the Affairs of Bretagne all this Winter.

Before this, b 1.49 namely on the 25 of June, John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and King of Castille and Leon, had resign'd into the Hands of the King, his Father, his Earldom of Richmond with all the Castles, Mannors, Lands, and other Perquisites there∣to belonging: In lieu whereof he had a Grant in general tail, bearing Date the same Day, of the Castle, Mannor, and Honour of Cykehill, and several other Castles, Man∣nors, Advousons, Free-chases, Bayliwicks, and Privileges mention'd in the Patent, be∣sides the yearly Farm of 200 Marks, which the Abbot and Covent of St. Maries at York, ought to pay for the Mannor of Whitgift. And this Exchange and Resignation was made for the sake of the Duke of Bretagne, whose e 1.50 Ancestors had been Earls of Richmond from the time of William the Conquerour, and Alan Fergaunt Earl of Bre∣tagne. For as it appears, that the Year d 1.51 foregoing upon a certain Agreement then made between King Edward and John Duke of Bretagne, the King had granted unto the said John in general tail divers Lands and Castles in Aquitain, to be held of the Prince of Aquitain by Homage, as also the whole Dukedom of Bretagne, to be held of the King himself, as King of France, by Homage, he rendring unto the King divers Lands and Castles: So now upon a e 1.52 further Agreement betwixt the King and Him, for the spe∣cial Affection, which the King bore unto him (as the Words of the Patent do import) and to the end, that He and the Heirs of his Body should keep those Covenants, which were then newly made betwixt them; the King gave unto him and to his Lady and their Heirs lawfully begotten, the Castle, Town, and Honour of Richmond in Yorkshire with all the Castles, Mannors, and Lands thereto belonging, as also the Earldom of Richmond, which John of Gaunt had now resign'd.

XXV. But the most Heroick Prince of Wales, thô not yet brought to extremity, perceiving by this time that it was hardly possible for him to recover any tolerable De∣gree of Health again, f 1.53 surrendred up into his Fathers Hands his Principality of Aquitain, with all his Right and Title thereto; the Surrender bearing Date V Octobris, in the Fourty sixth Year of the King his Fathers Reign, and the Year of our Lord MCCCLXXII. From which time the King govern'd those Countries again by Lieutenants, as he had be∣fore he gave it to his Son the Prince.

This Year there deceased Three Famous English Gentlemen, the One was the good Old Warrier, Ralph Stafford Earl of Stafford, and Baron of Tunbridge, who died on the last of August, having arrived to the Age of Threescore and Ten: For he was g 1.54 found to be one and twenty in the Seventeenth Year of King Edward the Second, or the Year of our Lord 1323. He was an Eminent Commander of approved Valour and Conduct, and now dropt into the Grave full of Age and Glory, being Honourably interred in the Priory of Tunbridge in Kent. He left behind him Hugh Lord Stafford, his Son and Heir, who being h 1.55 at that time 28 Years of Age, but long before in Action,

followed the steps of his Noble Father in his Valiant Exploits against the Enemies of his King and Country.

The other was i 1.56 Sr. William Molineux, who had done Valiantly in France, and else∣where, and was made Knight Banneret by the Black-Prince at the Battle of Najara in Spain. He died this Year at Canterbury, being then newly come out of France, about the Feast of St. John Baptist.

The last was Sr. John de Magnavillâ, commonly called Sr. John Mandevil, Knight, and Doctor of Physick, a Man Worthy of Immortal Memory. He was k 1.57 of an Ancient and Honourable Family, born at St. Albans; but from his tender Years did so addict himself to Study, that he seem'd to have no taste for any thing, but Learning and Ex∣perimental Knowledge, as well Divine as Humane. He set not any Value upon his High-Birth or Alliance (for l 1.58 some say, He married a Cousin of King Edward's) but resolved to Cultivate his Mind, and to ennoble his more precious Part with Wisdom.

Having therefore as the best Preparative furnish'd himself with a Competent Know∣ledge in the Scripture, he directed his Study to Physick, as being an Art most Worthy of a Gentleman, and a Candid Nature; whereby he should be enabled to do good to the afflicted Bodies of his Fellow-Creatures. But above all his Inclination prompted him to Travel, especially into Asia and Africa, two vast Portions of the World, which toge∣ther with Europe, made up the whole Terrestrial Habitation; for in those days the New∣found World of America was not known. Being therefore well provided with Neces∣saries, and having taken Care for Bills, that would pass among Merchants of most Nations, he set forward, resolving with Ʋlysses to discover the Government and Manners of many Nations. Thus having with much labour carefully survey'd the Greater and the Lesser Scythia, Armenia, Tartaria, both the Countries of Libya, Arabia, Syria, Persia, Media, Mesopotamia, Illyria, India, Graecia, Egypt, and other Kingdoms, and not on∣ly informed his Mind with many Curious and notable Observations, but also with the Knowledge of several Languages; lest all this inestimable Treasure should perish toge∣ther with his Life, he wrote exactly, in the Latine, French, and English Tongues, his Itinerary of Thirty Three Years, a Book of the Wonders of the World; and a De∣scription of the several Countries he had seen. And at his Return into England, as he seriously noted the Abuses of the times, the Pious Gentleman would say,

In these our days We may say more truly, than ever, That Vertue is neglected, the Church is trampled on, the Clergy is led away with Errour, the Devil reigneth, Simony beareth sway, Greatness is abus'd by Flattery, Diligence, Learning, and Vertue are despised, Vice and Impudence are exalted, &c.

At last he departed this Life at Liege, a Ci∣ty in the Bishoprick of Liege in Germany, and lies buried in St. William's Convent without the Gate of the said City, with this m 1.59 Latine Inscription,

Here lies the No∣ble Gentleman, Sr. John Mandevil, otherwise sirnamed Knight of the Beard, Lord of Kempten, born in England, a Professor of Physick, very Devout in Prayer, a most Bountifull Bestower of his Goods to the Poor, who after he had travelled almost over the whole (known) World, ended his Life at Liege in the Year of our Lord 1372 the 17 of November.

Besides which Inscription there was engraven on the Stone, the I∣mage of an Armed Man with a Forked Beard, a Lion at his Feet, and at his Head an Hand blessing with these Words in French,

Ʋos Ki passeis for mi, Pour l'Amour Deix Proiez por mi. All you, that pass by Pray for me of Charity.

The shield of his Arms, thô void of late days, is said to have been cover'd with a Plate, whereon his Arms were depicted, being Azure, with a Bordure indented Or, a Lion Ram∣pant Argent, with a Crescent Gules on his Breast. Formerly there were to be seen the Knives, Spurs, and the Horse-Furniture, which he us'd in his Travels thrô the World. It seems he was a Person of much more Credit with the Germans and French (who have many Years perus'd his Writings in their own Languages) than here in England among his Countrymen. 'Tis said of him, n 1.60 that after he had seen most of the Cities in the World, he prefer'd Liege to whatever he had before met with, and resolv'd, as he did, to spend the Residue of his Life in that Place. But surely, thô vulgarly the Books, that go under his Name, are reckon'd full of Incredible Stories, either We must look on them, as greatly falsified and differing from the Original, or if once convinced of their Authority, ought to be carefull in censuring rashly: For this Man had the Reputation of being as E∣minent for Piety and Integrity, as for Knowledge.

Notes

• * 1.1

  AN. DOM. 1372. An. Regni Angliae XLVI. Franciae XXXIII.
• a 1.2

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 186. & Mill's Catal. Honor. p. 1075.
• b 1.3

  M.S. Penes D. Ed. D. Mil. de Sharsted in Cantio.
• c 1.4

  Dugd. ibid. & Mills ibid. & Sandford Gen. Hist. p. 227. &c.
• d 1.5

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 150. & Frois. c. 296. Lit. Dom. DC.
• e 1.6

  ••anford Gen. Hist. p. 207. & 208. Stow's Survey p. 478. Dugd. &c.
• f 1.7

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 150.
• g 1.8

  Vid. hujus Hist. l. 2. c. 6. §. 20. p. 411.
• h 1.9

  Ashm••le's Gar∣ter p. 666.
• i 1.10

  19 Febr. Rot. Franc. 46 Ed. 3. m. 47.
• k 1.11

  20 Febr. ibid. m. 48.
• l 1.12

  Frois. c. 296. &c. & Gallicè f. 244.
• m 1.13

  Frois. ibid.
• n 1.14

  Rot. Vasc. 46. Ed. 3. m. 4.
• o 1.15

  Frois. c. 297. sed Gallicè fol. 244. b.
• p 1.16

  Mezeray ad hunc ann. p. 89. & Angl. p. 391.
• q 1.17

  Frois. c. 298. &c.
• r 1.18

  Frois. ibid.
• s 1.19

  Frois. c. 299.
• t 1.20

  Vid. Skinner's E••ymol. Lang. Angl. in v••ce Gunstones.
• u 1.21

  His Arm. Or Bilette a L••on Rampant Blue. Vid. Tho. Mili's Catal. Honour p. 918. Asomole's Garter-Plates Plate 4••. Sr. Will. Dagd. Baron. 2 Vol. p. 173.
• x 1.22

  Vid. de his Barenibus Dug. Bar. ad ecrum nomina.
• y 1.23

  Lloyd's Hist. of Wales p. 374
• z 1.24

  Lloyd ibid. p. 382. ex Rot. Turr.
• a 1.25

  Vid. hu••us Hist. l. 1. c. 1. § 2. p. 2
• b 1.26

  Vid. hu••us Hist. l. 1. c. 3. § 5. p. 45. & l. 1. c. 21. §. 9. p. 273.
• c 1.27

  Speeds Maps p. 94.
• d 1.28

  Frois. c. 301. &c.
• e 1.29

  He now late∣ly deceased: But this Owen might not know.
• f 1.30

  Frois. c. 301, 302, &c. Galli∣cè fol. 247.
• g 1.31

  Mill's Catal. Hon. p. 919.
• h 1.32

  Frois. c. 304.
• i 1.33

  Frois. c. 304.
• k 1.34

  Ita Gallicè; Three verò Angl. edit.
• l 1.35

  Black i.e. Cop∣per-unsilver'd.
• m 1.36

  White, i.e. Copper sil∣ver'd-over.
• n 1.37

  Frois. c. 305. fol. 185. sed Gallicè fol. 252. b.
• o 1.38

  Sans Surnem.
• p 1.39

  Itâ Gal••••è, sed in Angl. le Comté ••••atti∣tur.
• q 1.40

  True Use of Armory in the Life of the Captal p. 152.
• r 1.41

  True Use of Armory in the Life of the Captal of Busche p. 109 i•• Titudo. ex Bibl. Cotte∣niana.
• s 1.42

  Du Chesne p. 709.
• t 1.43

  Frois. c. 305. & Gallicè fol. 253.
• u 1.44

  Churchill's Divi Britanni∣er p. 245.
• x 1.45

  Frois. c. 305. &c.
• y 1.46

  Pat. An. 46. Ed. 3 pars 2. m. 25. Vid. Sand∣ford's Geneal. Hist. p. 191.
• z 1.47

  Claus. 46. Ed. 3. m. 12. Derso Lit. Dom. DC. vid. Ashmole p. 667.
• a 1.48

  Frois. c. 306. f. 186. sed Gal∣lice f. 254.
• b 1.49

  S••ndf••rd's Ge•••••• Hist. p. 243. Dagd. 2 Vol. p. 11••. e.c P••. 46. Ed. 3. n. 35.
• e 1.50

  Vid. Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 46. & C••∣t••l. H••n. p. 58••.
• d 1.51

  Rot. Franc. 45. Ed. 3. m. 7.
• e 1.52

  Pat. 16. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 33. Vid. Sr. Will. Dudg. Bar. 1 Vol. p. 52.
• f 1.53

  Selden's ••••tl. Hon. p. 493. ex Rot. Vaye.
• g 1.54

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 159. a.
• h 1.55

  Dugd ibid. p. 161.
• i 1.56

  Weever's Fun. Mon. p. 234 & Stow p. 269.
• k 1.57

  Sr. Richard Baler & Pit∣zaus p. 511.
• l 1.58

  W••rner's Al∣bi••ns England p. 267.
• m 1.59

  Crtelius in I∣tiner. & Pit∣saus p. 511. & 512.
• n 1.60

  Engl. Atl•• 3 Vol. p. 302.