From Belt and Spur, Stories of the Knights of the Middle Ages from the Old Chronicles, by E. L. S. (Emma L. Seeley), New York: Scribner and Welford, 1883; pp. 24-53.
CHAPTER III.
KING WILLIAM THE LION.
How the young King Henry went away to the King of France, and how the Breton barons rebelled against their king.
The King of England called his barons together, and caused his son to be crowned king, and made the King of Albany and all his barons do homage to him, saying, — “God curse all who would part you, or break the love between you. Stand by my son, and aid him against all the world, saving my seigniory.’
But between him and his son there grew up a deadly hatred, which cost many a gentle knight his life, for when he could not have his will, because of his father, he went away secretly, and passed over the Loire, and would tarry neither for meat and drink till he came to St. Denis, and recounted all to the King of France. Then there was held a great assembly, and Philip of Flanders, and Matthew of Boulogne were summoned; and the Count of Flanders encouraged the king to go to war with the King of England. And Count Thibault rose 25 from his seat and said, ‘Gentle King of St. Denis, I am your liegeman by faith and homage, and am ready to serve you for forty days; and will do to King Henry such damage as shall not be restored all his life, nor shall he rest until he have given back his heritage to the young King, his son.’
And the King and his barons agreed, and they sent messengers to defy King Henry; and the host of France was summoned in the month of April, at Easter. King Henry rode against them with ten thousand Brabançons, and many a gentle knight of Anjou and Gascony.
The host of France that Louis led was great, for the son took great pains to destroy his father, and trusted to lead him vanquished and a prisoner to St. Denis; but the King, his father vowed that he should see many a banner, and many a costly horse, and gaily painted shield, and many a bold joust fought out, ere he would yield himself recreant and conquered. But the lord of England was heavy at heart, because his son whom he nourished in childhood, made war upon him; yet would he rather die than give his son the power while he could wield sword or lance. And he went against Louis, the mighty King of France, and Count Philip, and his brother the valiant knight Matthew. And God aided the father that day and Count Matthew of Boulogne received a mortal wound, and the blood ran down to his gilt spurs, and his brother sorrowed greatly, and swore that his wrath against King Henry should never be appeased.
26And with the French and Flemings opposed to King Henry rode the Earl of Leicester and all his three sons, and the lord of Tancarville at the head of a hundred knights. But, by my troth, I know not why his vassals demeaned them so towards him, for he was the most honourable and victorious king that had ever reigned in any land since the time of Moses, excepting only the King Charles, with Oliver and Roland, and the twelve companions.
Then rode Count Philip through the land of Normandy, wasting it by wood and plain; and the barons of Brittany submitted to the young King’s command, which when King Henry heard, he was much grieved. ‘Lords,” said he to his knights, ‘nothing in my life has vexed me so sore; I am mad with rage that the barons of Brittany should have gone against me, and joined those who hate me to the death, King Louis of France and my eldest son, who would disinherit me. I am not yet so old that I should lose my lands because of my great age. But Raoul of Fougeres has rebelled against me, and Earl Hugh of Chester has joined with him; but for no cost of gold will I fail to follow them to their fortresses, and against such enemies craft is better than war.’
Then his knights hastened, and leaving the palace seized their arms, clad themselves in hauberks and breastplates, and laced on their helmets, and took up their Viennese shields. And King Henry, as he rode out of the town at the head of his knights in array, cried, ‘It will be evil for the traitors to meet 27 us in the fields!’ Then his men rode to Dol in Brittany.
And the men in the castle looked out, and saw William de Humet coming with the banner, and the Brabançons behind; and they went to Sir Raoul and cried, ‘See the host of Normandy which is coming on us! Normans are good conquerors, as we hear in every tale. The young king has betrayed us. How can we defend ourselves?’
And Sir Raoul replied, ‘He who has good counsel let him speak. But let us not be dishonoured, nor the land ravaged. The castle is not strong, let us issue forth and assail them.’ So they came out to the plain and joined battle with William de Humet and his company. There was no knight of name who did not break a lance, but each one who would joust found his match, and the Breton barons were driven back into their fortresses. No mangonel nor engine for stones would have helped them, but the war which they had begun cost them dear. For a messenger on a black horse rode to King Henry at Rouen, and when he heard of the discomfiture of his enemies he came with haste to Dol. And his coming sent fear into his enemies, and for lack of victual they rendered them up into his power.
‘My lords,’ said King Henry, ‘my son takes rent by force from all my fiefs, and it does not seem right to me that it should be paid to him. They of Flanders are against me. Aid me, lords, to guard my rights. Earl Hugh of Chester take along with you. As for Raoul of Fougeres, I let him go free 28 in his lands, if he will give me his faith; but if he ever rebel against me again he shall hold in Brittany neither fief nor heritage. Now, lords, to horse; my son is in battle array. Let us go and pay him his rent with our swords and sharp darts.’ And his knights were glad, and rejoiced at his words, but the Earl of Chester mourned, fearing never to be loosed from prison.
Then King Louis wrote a letter, and sealed it with a ring, and called before him the messengers of the young king; and they having received the letter, traversed the salt sea, passed forests and plains, and came to Scotland; and finding the King, presented the writing to him, on the part of the young King Henry; and in the letter was written, —
‘To the King of Scotland, William the Good, King Henry the younger sends you love, and bids you remember him who is your lord. I marvel much that so rich a king, and man of thy valour, with such force of men, gives me no aid in warring against my father. I will give thee the lands that thy ancestors held, the lands beyond Tyne. I know no better under the heavens; and Carlisle will I give, that none may be able to oppose thee in Westmoreland, if thou wilt aid me against those who hold my lands.’
Then the King of Scotland had great searchings of heart when he heard how the young king claimed his homage against all people, and how he would give him the lands that all the kings of Scotland had 29 held, for he owed homage to the old king, the father, also, and true allegiance; neither were it right that he should destroy his land.
Then he called together his parliament, and told them of the letter of the young king, and he said, ‘I will send messengers to the father in Normandy, that he give me back the part of my inheritance, Northumberland, which he withholds from me; and if he refuse to give it me, I owe him no longer either faith or friendship.’
To that answered the Earl Duncan, ‘The old king is reasonable, seek not occasion to do him outrage. Fair words are better than menaces. He who holds not so, seeks his own death and confusion. If he give you your rights you will serve him as his liegeman.’
Thus spake Earl Duncan wisely, and the counsel pleased the King and his barons; and the messengers departed, and spurred their horses, and rode with slack reins over the great paved roads. And they came to Normandy, and found the old King Henry, and gave him the letters of the King of Scotland. And Friar William Dolepene said to the King, ‘I am a messenger from the King of Scotland, your kinsman, who would be dear to you. Within a month he will come to you with a thousand armed knights, and thirty thousand unarmed men, against your enemies; neither will he ask of you a penny, so you will grant him his rights, and chiefly Northumberland; but if you will not, but will disinherit him, he gives you back your homage.’
30When the King heard this demand, he made answer to the messenger, ‘Say to the King of Scotland I fear nothing from the war that I have with my son, neither do I fear the King of France and his men, nor the Count of Flanders. I will make them lament the war they have begun. But say to his brother David, my kinsman, that he come to me with all the men he has, and I will give him lands, and all that he desires.’
So the messengers departed from Normandy, and traversed England, and came into Albany; and there was none that harmed them from Dover to Orkney, but soon will there be such tales of wars as shall make many weep.
‘God save thee, sir King of Scotland! I am returned from the King of England. Much he marvels at you. He held you for a wise man, and no child in age, and you demand his land as your inheritance, as if he were a bird in a cage. He is no fugitive nor outlaw, but the King of England; nor will he give you increase of land.’
And when the hot-blooded young knights heard that, they swore great oaths, and said, ‘If you do not make war on this king, who shames you so, you are not worthy to hold land nor lordship, but should serve the son of Matilda.’
But there was not there Ingelram the Bishop, neither did Earl Waltheof counsel war — he knew well it was folly; but the King, led away by foolish men, answered him in anger, ‘Your cowardice will not prevent the war. You have treasure enough—defend 31 your lands; but if you will not give aid, you shall not have of the spoil the value of a clove of garlic.’ But the Earl answered, ‘I am your liegeman, and so were my kinsmen. But trust not in strangers, for if you prosper they will gain; but if you lose they cannot suffer. Nevertheless, I will not fail you while I live.’
Then the King sent messengers to Flanders to the young King Henry, to promise him aid, and to pray him to send to him Flemings with ships. And they departed and came to Berwick, and entered into barges, and hoisted their sails, and went on the high sea; for they cared not to coast along England, for those who were friends were now become their mortal enemies. And they found their lord with King Louis of France and Count Philip. And Count Philip gave counsel and said, ‘Pledge your faith to the King of Scotland, and bid him make war on your enemies, and waste their land with fire and destroy it utterly. Within fifteen days we will give him aid from Flanders.’ And King Louis agreed, and the messengers returned to their own land.
And every man encouraged his neighbour, and said, ‘Let us go and take the Castle of Wark in England.’ And all boasted of the victory that was promised them. And the King of Scotland assembled his army, and there came men from Ross and Moray, and the Earl of Angus came with three thousand Scots; and there were assembled such a multitude of naked men as had not been seen for many ages.
32So King William came to Wark in England, which was a castle in the marches, and he sent to the constable to know if he would hold it or yield it up. Now the constable was Roger de Stuteville, no lover of treason, but he saw that his force was not enough to stand against the host of Scotland, and he lamented with tears the fallen power of his King. Then, in his wisdom, he came before the King of Scotland, and prayed for forty days’ space, that he might send sealed letters across the sea or go himself and tell his lord that all his people were given up to destruction. And King William, seeing his great sadness, granted his request. And the wise knight went himself to England and prayed for succour, and within the term appointed he led back such a host that he gave full leave to the King of Scotland to attack him.
So the King William said to his knights, ‘Let us go through Northumberland; there is none to oppose us, for the Bishop of Durham tells me by letters that he wishes to be at peace. Let us go to Alnwick, and if William de Vesci will yield up his father’s castle I will let him go without loss of limb.’ So they came to Alnwick, but William de Vesci being prepared to defend it, they made no long stay, but departed and came to Warkworth. Roger Fitz-Richard had it in ward, but it was weak, and he could not hold it. But he was Lord of New Castle on Tyne, and would make no peace with the King of Scotland. And the King came against him with his armed men and his naked tribes; but the barons loved their lord, and held it 33 better to die or lose their heritage than suffer shame. Then the King William saw well that he could not conquer New Castle by storm; but his counselors said, ‘Be not downcast, but let the host be ready early in the morning, and let us go to Carlisle and conquer it. When Robert de Vaux sees so many shields and Poitevin helmets he will wish himself a bishop.’ But King William answered, ‘May I be for ever put to shame if I make terms with Odonel, for as long as Castle Prudhoe stands we shall never have peace in Scotland.’ And he bade them pitch his tents before it but his barons refused to aid him, saying, ‘Carlisle is the hardest to secure of all your rights. Go, then, and conquer the chief place; lay siege to it, and make your host swear not to depart from it until it has been set on fire and the walls pulled down with pickaxes and Robert de Vaux hanging on a high gallows. He cannot long resist you.’ And to this counsel the King agreed.
So on the morrow, when day appeared, the trumpets sounded, and King William and all his barons and his host set out on their march. Now the King of Scotland understood how to make war on his enemies and to do them hurt and damage, but he turned too much to new counsels, and cherished strangers, holding them dear, but his own people he loved not.
And having set his men in array, he assaulted the walls. Great was the noise of clanging iron and clashing steel; scarce a helmet or hauberk was left whole. That day those within showed themselves 34 knights, and left many strewed round the walls with no leisure to rise. But they must aid themselves and hold their barbican, and fight for it; and they had no need of cowards, for the assault at the gates was fierce.
Then there came in haste to the King a messenger — a canon he was, and knew the language; and the King was in his pavilion, and with him his chamberlains and his friends, while the warriors stood around. And he told them how he had seen armed men and knights who were prepared to assail him before the sun rose. ‘And De Lucy will be with them before midnight, and many come with him. Listen to good counsel, and go for safety to Roxburgh, for if you delay, evil will be the song that is sung of you.’ But the King answered in anger, swearing by St. Andrew, ‘We are safe enough here, and will not refuse to give battle, for a brave man must fight for his rights. My ancestors held this land, and I will not yield a foot of it while I live.’
But his men gave him better counsel, and prayed him to leave the siege. And he yielded, and none drew rein till they came to Roxburgh. And they rode by night as those in haste ere any assault had been made, or they had suffered damage.
Thus Sir Richard de Lucy, with the English host, rode secure through the wasted and ruined country, 35 for whereas Northumberland had been fruitful and its people honoured, now there was great famine — all was destroyed. And he cursed the war, and thought in his heart that he would have revenge. But there came to him a messenger bearing tidings that the Earl of Leicester was come into the land, having joined with the Flemings and the French to subdue England.
Then Sir Richard de Lucy sought to make peace with the King of Scotland, but there was gone out from his host Sir Humphrey de Bohun and the barons of Northumberland, and had set on fire Berwick and all the lands around. But Sir Richard, in his wisdom, made a truce with the King of Scotland for Northumberland until the summer.
Now Earl Robert of Leicester was come into Suffolk and many Flemish gentlemen with him, and all gave way before him until he came to Dunwich. And Earl Hugh Bigod sent messengers to the men of Dunwich that they should join the Earl, but they would not assent. Then the Earl of Leicester swore he would not leave a man of them alive, and set up the gallows to put them in fear, and armed his men in haste to assail the town. But the burghers ran to their defences, and each one knew his business, shooting with bows or throwing darts, and the maidens and women carried stones to throw from the palisades. So the men of Dunwich defended themselves, and showed themselves such brave men that Earl Robert had to leave with shame.
Then at dawn of day he said to his constables, 36 ‘Bid the men mount their horses, for I will go to Norwich.’ As for those who would know the truth how Norwich was taken, I was not in the country when it was besieged; but a traitor of Lorraine betrayed it, and so it was taken by surprise. There is no country worth Norfolk from here to Montpellier, no better knights nor merrier dames, except the city of London, to which there is no peer. Ah, gentle King of England, what love you owe to London and her barons! for they never failed their rightful lord, but were always first in his business. But there came messengers enough from Flanders across the sea, promising them great honours. And your son sent them letters promising to love and cherish them all the days of his life, and give them great things if they would give him aid; but they would not.
The Earl of Leicester went on wasting the land of Norfolk, having with him Flemings by hundreds and thousands; and Earl Hugh Bigod aiding him in everything. Then the Earl Ferrars sent him letters, bidding him ride through the land. ‘The King of Scotland, and David his brother, and Sir Roger de Mowbray, will go to war to succour you. If you can ride to Leicester before Easter, you will be able to go as far as the Tower of London.’
And the Earl asked counsel of his knights; and his wife answered him, ‘Will you fear to ride because of Humphrey de Bohun and the Earl of Arundel? The English are good boasters, but they know not how to fight; they are better at drinking and guzzling. The Earl of Gloucester is to be feared; but he has your 37 sister to wife, and for all the wealth of France would commit no outrage on you.’
‘Dame, said the Earl, ‘I must take your counsel for the love I bear you.’ And Sir Hugh du Chastel gave like counsel. And the Flemings were glad, and cried aloud, ‘We came not into this land to sojourn, but to destroy the old King Henry, and get his wool!’ For most of them were weavers and not knights, and came to get spoil: and the lands of St. Edmund’s were rich.
The Earl of Leicester was a man of great power, but too young and childish was the courage that made him go through England robbing and destroying, with his wife armed and bearing a shield and lance. But the lands of St. Edmund’s had knights of great power, who armed in haste. There was Walter Fitz-Robert, and the Earl of Arundel, and Sir Humphrey de Bohun. And the Earl of Leicester saw the armed men approaching, and cried to Sir Hugh du Chastel, ‘Let us go no further, but give battle here; see the helmets and the hauberks shining in the sun. Bear yourselves as knights, and woe be to the man who flees first!’
Then was Walter Fitz-Robert the first to attack, and fell upon the Flemings fiercely; but they were more than he by hundreds and by thousands, and they drove him back with his men. And he cried to the Earl for aid, and he came on fiercely with a great oath; and Roger Bigod also, nor was Hugh de Cressi wanting. Robert Fitz-Bernard made great slaughter of the strangers, and they gathered little wool that 38 day; but the crows and buzzards came down upon their dead bodies. Better would have been for them to have stayed in Flanders.
The Earl of Leicester and Sir Hugh du Chastel were helpless in the crowd. My lady the Countess met with a ditch, in which she was nearly drowned; and lost her rings in the mud. They will never be found again, I trow. She desired drowning rather than life; but Simon de Vahille raised her up, saying, ‘Lady, come with me; so goes the fortune of war — now gaining, and now losing!’ And Earl Robert was dismayed, and turned pale when he saw his wife taken, and his companions killed by hundreds and by thousands. And Sir Humphrey de Bohun and the Earl of Arundel took him and Hugh du Chastel, and the villagers of the country came destroying the Flemings with forks and flails; as the knights knocked them down, the peasants slew them, throwing them into the ditches by forties and fifties, and hundreds and thousands.
Thus Earl Robert was discomfited, and England made more secure; but the Flemings’ lot was hard.
Then, in May, when the grass was growing green, came David of Scotland into the land, a gentle knight, who hurt not priest, nor robbed church nor abbey; but the King of Scotland had given him Lennox and Huntingdon to be his man, to fight against King Henry. And he came with helmets and 39 hauberks, and many fine shields and the Earl of Leicester’s men sent to him and prayed him to come to their castle. And he came, and won him honour and renown.
After Easter, the King of Scotland returned to waste Northumberland, and Roger de Stuteville had strengthened Wark; so the King by night arrayed many knights and sent them to Bamborough Castle, and they did marvellous damage, for the people were asleep in their beds. And they came to the town of Belford and assailed it, and scattered themselves over the country, seizing the sheep and burning the towns, and binding and dragging away the peasants, while the women fled miserably to the minster. And they returned to Berwick with great spoil of cattle and horses, fine cows and sheep and lambs, and cloth and jewels.
So the King summoned all the knights of his land, for he would lay siege to Wark; because he had with him Flemings and archers, and good machines for throwing stones, and slingers and cross-bowmen. But Roger was not dismayed, and he had more than twenty knights with him, the best that ever lord had, and he had strengthened his house.
Then, on a Monday morning, the Flemings began the assault, and with marvellous boldness came within the ditches, and they fought hand to hand, all mingled together; shields and bucklers breaking, pennons waving, the wounded Flemings turned back from the portcullis, or borne away never to cry ‘Arras!’ again. The assault lasted long, and Roger encouraged 40 his men and exhorted them, saying, ‘Shoot not your arrows too often, for they are without, and rich in arms; but we are shut up here, so spare your arms, but when you see the time, defend yourselves like knights!’
Then the King, seeing that nothing was gained, bade them bring near the great engine for casting stones to break down the gate. But, behold the first stone that was cast fell backwards, and brought to the ground one of their own knights, that, but for his armour, he would never have returned home. Then the King, full of rage and fury, would have set fire to the castle, but the wind was contrary; so, having watched all night, at dawn of day he made his earls and barons assemble, and said, ‘Gentle knights, let us leave this siege, for we can do nothing, and have gained great loss; burn down your huts and fold up your tents, and let all the host return to Roxburgh.’
And when Sir Roger heard the noise of their departure, and saw them going away towards Roxburgh, he said to his men, ‘Rail not at them, nor cry, nor shout; but let us praise God our Father, that He has delivered our lives from such a proud host.’ So there were no reproaches, nor insults, but songs and glad rejoicings; for none were slain or wounded within the castle. But the King was sore at heart, and swore a great oath that he would not give up the war though he should lose his kingdom.
Then came Roger de Mowbray to the King, having left his castles in the care of his two elder sons, and prayed the King to come against royal 41 Carlisle, and with him Sir Adam de Port, and they were the best knights in the world. And the King was glad, and went with all his host against fair Carlisle, the strong city. And they came where they could see it in its beauty, with the walls and turrets shining in the sun. And there was trembling in the city; but Roger de Vaux encouraged them.
And the King sent Roger, and Adam, and Walter de Berkeley to the town to Sir Robert de Vaux, saying, ‘Yield up to me the castle, for there is none to succour thee; and if thou wilt not thou shalt lose thy head, and they children shall die, and all thy friends and kinsmen will I exile.’ So they came to Sir Robert and he leant on a battlement, clad in a hauberk with a sharp sword in his hand; and the messengers summoned him to give up the castle to the King of Scotland as the rightful lord. But Sir Robert answered, ‘We care not for threats nor promises; but let the King go to King Henry and complain that I hold the castle against him, and if my lord is angry with me, send me his message. Or give me respite till I cross the sea and tell my lord King Henry. If he will not, I will die here, before I surrender my lord’s castle.’
So the messengers returned and told the King; and he went away and came to Appleby, where there was no guard, and took it; for the constable Gospatrick, son of Horm, an old Englishman, soon cried mercy. At that the King was much rejoiced, and swore great threats against our lord, Henry FitzMatilda. So they put constables and guards in the 42 castle, and made great rejoicings. And they went thence to Brough and besieged it on all sides, and the first day they took the portcullis, and those within withdrew to the tower. Then they set fire to it, but when the defenders saw that, they surrendered to the King. But one knight was but that day newly come, and when his companions surrendered themselves up, he went back to the tower and took two shields and held the battlements long; and he threw three javelins, and with each he killed a Scot. And when they failed him he threw all he could find upon them, confounding them all, and shouting, ‘You are all conquered!’ But when the fire burnt his shield he was forced to surrender. So Brough was taken; at which Robert de Vaux was somewhat dismayed. And he sent a messenger to Richard de Lucy; but de Lucy encouraged him, saying, that within fifteen days he would have news of the King.
Now the Bishop of Winchester, at the prayer of de Lucy had gone over the sea and came to King Henry and said to him, ‘Richard de Lucy and the other barons who hold to you salute you by me; but hear the truth, — there are not ten who hold to you in right loyalty.
Then said the King, ‘What is Richard de Lucy doing then? Is he on my side?’
‘Yes, sire, truly; he would rather let himself be bound with cords than fail you.’
‘And the Earl of Arundel, — is he with me, or making war against me?’
‘Sire, he is ever foremost in your affairs.’
43‘And Humphrey de Bohun, — is he fighting my enemies?’
‘Sire, he is one of the most loyal to you.’
‘De Stuteville, does he still hold his castle?’
‘Sire, De Stutevilles are never traitors.’
‘And the Bishop elect of Lincoln, can he not fight against his enemies?’
‘Sire, he is truly your friend, and has knights and good soldiers enough.’
‘Thomas Fitz-Bernard and his brother, — do they go with Richard de Lucy?’
‘In truth, sire, if it please you, they are your good friends, and Roger Bigod, who never failed you.’
‘But tell me truly of my land in the north; has not Roger de Stuteville come to terms?’
‘A thousand men would die, sire, an evil death before Roger would do you wrong!’
‘Ralph de Glanville, — is he at Richmond, and Sir Robert de Vaux? What do those two barons?’
Then the messenger heaved a deep sigh, and the King asked again, ‘Wherefore sigh you? Is Robert de Vaux a traitor? Has he given up Carlisle?’
‘Nay, he holds it nobly, like a gentle baron; but it is right to tell you of his danger. The King of Scotland came riding by Carlisle the other day, and with great threats demanded that Sir Robert de Vaux should give up the castle to him, covenanting to give him great gifts; but if he refused, he would starve them all, little and great.’
‘By my faith!’ said the King, ‘here is a good covenant. “In little time God works,” as the beggar 44 says. What did the Scot do? did he besiege Carlisle?’
‘Nay, sire, if it please you, but he took Appleby and the Castle of Brough.’
‘How!’ said the King, ‘is Appleby taken?’
‘Yes, sire, in truth, and all the country round, and it has greatly rejoiced your mortal enemies. Sire, I am come from Robert de Vaux, for he can get neither wine nor corn; nor can he get aid from Richmond. If he is not succoured quickly, all will be famished, and Northumberland will be altogether wasted, and Odonel de Umfraville disinherited, and New Castle upon Tyne overwhelmed, and William de Vesci lose his lands; for the Scots, like evil spirits, overrun everything.’
Then said the King with tears and deep sighs, ‘Nay, that would be an evil thing. But what does the Bishop of Durham?’
‘He is agreed with King William.’
‘Saint Thomas guard my kingdom!’ said the King, ‘But tell me, what of the barons of my city of London?’
‘They are the most loyal people of your kingdom. There is none in the town of age to bear arms that is not very well armed. But Gilbert de Montfichet has fortified his castle, and says that the Clares are allied with him.’
‘Then God guard my barons of London!’ said the King. ‘But go back, Sir Bishop, to your country. If God give me health, you shall have me in London within fifteen days, and I will take vengeance on all 45 my enemies.’ And he summoned his people to meet him at Rouen.
So the Bishop returned, and Richard de Lucy came to ask news of the King. ‘Sir,’ said the Bishop, ‘he is a king of worth indeed, and fears neither Flemings nor the King of St. Denis; you will see him here in fifteen days.’ Then Richard de Lucy was glad, and sent to bid Robert de Vaux not to fear, for he would have succour from the King; and Robert rejoiced greatly.
Then the same day came the King of Scotland before the town and demanded that Carlisle city and tower should be given up, or he would take it by force. To that answered Robert de Vaux, ‘Set me a time, — name me a day; and if the King, my lord, does not succour me, I will render up the castle.’ And said King William, ‘You will have no succour; I have no fear of that.’ And he went to the Odonel’s castle, wishing to surprise him; but the castle was newly fortified and he had good men and strong; but his people, knowing the great hatred that the King of Scotland bore him, made him go out of his castle. So, with a heavy heart, he departed. And the host of Scotland, Flemings, and Borderers, came and assailed the castle with great noise and shouting, but those within defended themselves bravely.
But Odonel rode on his hairy bay to seek for succour, and he wandered about night and day on his 46 good brown horse till he had got together four hundred valiant knights, with shining helmets, to succour Prudhoe with their sharp swords. And the siege lasted three days, as I know; and Odonel’s good men within defended themselves so well, that their enemies gained not of the castle the worth of a silver penny; but the fields were destroyed and the gardens trampled by these evil men; and when they could do no more, it came into their minds to bark the apple-trees.
Then King William, perceiving there was no more to be done, said to his counselors, ‘Let us go to Alnwick and leave this. We will let our Scots waste the sea-coast, and woe be to them if they leave house or minster standing; and the men of Galloway shall go another way and kill the men in Odonel’s lands; and we will go and besiege Alnwick, and the land shall be destroyed.’ So on Friday morning the trumpets sounded, and the host departed; and he came to Alnwick, and the Scots wasted and burnt all the land, and the church of St. Laurence was violated and three hundred men killed.
But Odonel rode with his proud companions, William de Stuteville and Ralph de Glanville, Sir Bernard de Baliol and William de Vesci. The Archbishop of York sent sixty knights of his retinue. And he came to New Castle upon Tyne at dead of night, and he heard news of the King of Albany that he was at Alnwick with few men, for the Scots were spread over the country, burning and wasting. Then the knights took counsel together, whether they 47 should attack him; and Odonel said, ‘Shame be to him who refuses! I will be first, for he has done me great harm. If he wait for us to attack him, he will be discomfited.’ And Bernard de Baliol said, ‘Who has not boldness enough deserves neither honour nor lands.’ And Ralph de Glanville, ‘Let us be wise and send a spy to see how many they be, and we will come after.’
So Odonel called his men, and they came by night to Alnwick; and the knights of the King of Scotland said to him, ‘Northumberland is yours, whoever may laugh or weep.’ But he answered, ‘Let us wait for our host, and then assault the castle.’ And because of the heat he took off his helmet and sat down to eat, and his servants brought him food there before the castle. But our knights were hidden by a mist, and their spy came to them, and related to them what he had seen. ‘Then seize your arms!’ cried Ralph de Glanville, ‘and fear nothing;’ and they mounted their horses in haste, and took their arms. The King was brave, daring, and bold, and he stood unarmed before Alnwick.
I tell the tale as one who was there, for I saw it myself. And one raised the war-cry of ‘Vesci,’ and ‘Glanville knights,’ and ‘Baliol’ others, and Odonel and de Stuteville raised their cries. But the King, undismayed, armed himself in haste, and mounted a fleet horse, and rode to the fight. And he brought the first to the ground, and made a fierce assault; but one rushed upon him, and with a lance pierced through his horse, and the King and his horse fell 48 to the ground, and the horse fell upon him, so that he could not rise, but lay unable to help himself and his men; and the battle was strong and fierce on both sides. Great slaughter was made of the Flemings, and many will never cry ‘Arras!’ more. But the King lay beneath his horse, and thus I, with my own eyes, saw him taken, as he surrendered to Ralph de Glanville, and all his bravest knights were taken. But our knights, loving not the Flemings, slew them all. So the King gave himself up to Ralph, for what else could he do? And Ralph was glad, for he saw that the war was at an end, and England would have peace. And he took off his armour and mounted him up on a palfrey, and led him away to New Castle upon Tyne.
Now the battle was fought well on both sides. Sir Roger de Mowbray and Sir Adam de Port fled away in haste, for all were their enemies, and if they were taken there would be no safety for them. Sir Alan de Lanceles defended himself as long as he could. He was very old, and had not jousted for thirty years; but he was taken, and will have to pay great ransom, for he was very rich. And William de Mortimer did well that day, going through the ranks like a wild boar. He met Sir Bernard de Balliol, and bore him down and his horse, and made him yield. And Raoul de Rus did well; but more than a hundred assailed him, so no marvel he surrendered, but he will pay dearly for this war. And Richard Maluvel took and gave great blows, fearing none while he was on horseback, for he had a good 49 horse, and he did as much as thirteen men; but he lost his horse, for it was wounded, and fell, and numbers came upon him crying, ‘Surrender, quickly!’ So he was forced to yield in bitterness of soul. But it would be too long to tell you of all who were taken, for there were near a hundred whom William de Vesci put to ransom, besides the prisoners of Bernard de Baliol, Walter de Bolebec, Odonel, and the others.
But it was no marvel they were discomfited, for there lay at St. Laurence the bodies of those whom the Scotch had murdered; and they had wounded and ill-treated more than a thousand, that there was weeping, and mourning, and tears. For that sin King William was that day discomfited. So he was lodged that night at New Castle, and the next day Ralph de Glanville took him and brought him to Richmond, where he should sojourn till King Henry made known his pleasure.
Now the King was come by this time to England, and came to St. Thomas at Canterbury, and confessed himself a sinner and repentant, and took his penance. Then he departed and came to London; for he had great desire to see his city and his good people. But his heart was heavy for the Scotch war. But when they heard in London of his coming, each one attired himself in his richest garments, apparelling himself in rich cloth of silk, and every one had an 50 ambling palfrey, and issued forth of the city. Sir Henry le Blunt was the first to kiss the King’s hand; but you might have gone a league while the King was receiving his barons. And he thanked them much, saying, they were very loyal men.
‘Sire,’ said Gervaise Suplest, ‘let be; may the day never come when any can call the Londoners traitors! They would rather have their limbs cut off than commit treason.’
‘Certainly,’ said the King, ‘they have a right to boast; and I will requite them, if they have any need of me.’
So they conveyed the King to Westminster, rejoiced at the coming of their lord, and gave him presents, and did him honour. Yet he was sad still, because of the King of Scotland and Sir Roger de Mowbray, who were destroying his lands. But before the right time for going to bed came, there came to him glad tidings. Now, he was entered into his chamber, and was suffering much, — for he had not eaten nor drunk for three days of the week, nor slept with his eyes shut, but had travelled day and night. So he was leaning on his elbow, and slumbering a little, while a servant rubbed his feet. And all was silent: there was no noise, nor any one speaking, nor harp nor viol sounding, when a messenger came to the door and called softly.
Then the chamberlain said, ‘Who is there?’
‘I am a messenger, friend. Sir Ralph de Glanville has sent me to speak to the King of a great matter.’
51And the chamberlain said, ‘Leave the matter till to-morrow.’
‘By my faith!’ said the messenger, ‘but I must speak to him at once. My lord is sad at heart; let me enter, good chamberlain!’
But the chamberlain said, ‘I dare not do it. The King is asleep.’
But at those words the King awoke, and heard some one crying at the door, ‘Open! open!’
‘Who is that?’ said the King.
‘Sire,’ answered the chamberlain, ‘it is a messenger from the north. I know him well. He is Ralph de Glanville’s man; Brien is his name.’
‘By my faith!’ said the King, ‘he wants aid. Let him come in.’
So the messenger entered and saluted the King, saying, ‘God save you, Sir King! You first, and then your friends.’
‘Brien,’ said the King, ‘what news do you bring? Has the King of Scotland entered Richmond, taken New Castle upon Tyne? Odonel de Umfraville is taken or driven out, and all my barons chased out of their lands? Tell me the truth. They have served me badly, if I do not avenge them.’
‘Sire,’ said the messenger, ‘listen to me a little. Your barons in the north are good men enough, and my lord sends you by me love and greeting, and my lady too; and he says by me that you need not bestir yourself, for the King of Scotland is taken and all his barons.’
Then said King Henry, ‘Are you speaking truth?’
52‘Yea, sire, truly; by the morning you will know it. For the Archbishop of York will send you two private messengers; but I came first, knowing the truth. I have not slept for four days past, nor eaten nor drunk, and I am very famished. I pray you give me a reward.’
And the King replied, ‘You need not doubt of that. If you have spoken truly, you shall be rich enough. But tell me the truth: Is the King of Scotland taken?’
‘On my faith, sire, yea! Hang me by a rope, burn me at a stake, if I am not proved true before midday to-morrow!’
‘Then God be praised!’ said the King; ‘and St. Thomas the Martyr, and all the saints!’
So the messenger went to his lodging, and had plenty to eat and drink. And the King was so glad at heart, that he went to his knights and woke them all, saying, ‘Barons, awake! I have that to tell you that will make you glad. The King of Scotland is taken; they tell me it is true tidings.’
And his knights answered, ‘Now God be thanked, the war is finished, and your kingdom at peace!’
The next day, before noon, came one named Roger from the Archbishop of York; and the King was glad when he saw they both said the same. And he took a little stick and gave it to Brien, that he should have ten liveries of his land for the labour he had had.
Then he sent messengers to David, brother of the King of Scotland; and he was at Leicester, like a 53 bold vassal. And the King sent him word that the game was played out, that there was nothing for him but to yield and come to his mercy. And David knew no better counsel than to give up the castle and come to the King. Eight days were enough for all this; and the King had peace, and his enemies were taken.
But the news came that Rouen is besieged; so he tarried no longer, but passed the sea, taking David with him. And Brien returned to his lord, and told his lord how the King would have him bring the King of Scotland with haste to Southampton. And the King Henry tarried at Southampton for a good wind, and Sir Ralph de Glanville made haste to come, leading with him the King of Scotland, sad at heart. But when they came thither, King Henry was in Normandy; but he had left command that he should cross in haste, and he tarried not.
Now the King came to Rouen at dawn of day; and by vespers peace was established and the war was finished.