courage foes pursues apace And many knights beares he downe in chase No heed tooke I good prisoner rich to gaine But had regard the prince so well to guide Hot fresh and yoong wherfore I ply my paine As dutie would lest harme should him betide His owne desier was I should abide His person near in thickest of the fraies He credits what I speake to my great praise All as we would glad prince did franke bestow A stately supper t'prisoner king and praid His good content though buisnes gainst him goe For your owne selfe renowmed king he said Your prowes past all those to you obaid by th true censure of our best skilled knights The soueraigne praise you wan in all the fights What triumphing in England knowne these newes At Burdeux what great reioicing seene In forren courts how honored all our crewes Where they became my seruice as I weene That heere I did was highly in esteeme About a prince men thought me meet to be As well for counsell as for cheualrie King Iohn int'England gladly was conueid On trampling steed through London doth he ride Note fortunes change a king that scepter sweid With large command through noble Fraunce doth bide In forren land there pricking him beside His conquerer on cole black hobbie plast On whom the woondring vulgars praises blast No Romain in his triumphs glorious Through citie passing with trumpets sounding More apparant appeered victorious Than our braue prince by modest riding At peoples plause with ioy abounding Remembring those high words he earst did say Neuer shall England ransome for me pay Betwixt the kings there grew agreement And if performd then backe Iohn should retier The peeres of Fraunce denide their kings intent Wherat king Edward stormd with furious yer And vowd their plague with wastfull sword and fier Vntill they grant the thing which he thought good Strongly prepard he past the swelling flud Lands at Callis thence marcheth in aray With brauerie such and shew of martiall might In goodly armors dect so fine and gay All beat with Arms fine banners tossing light On vs dan Phoebus ioyd to haue a sight With fauning face he seemd on vs to smile We fresh be seen reflexion cast the while Vndoubtedly in all the world was not More noble band than heer were present now What knight was he that honor had not got In some strange land well shone his vertue how For leader good a man might him allow Most happie realme thrise happie is that king Whose subiects fame in forren regions ring First if the prince of Wales I should recite Or Henrie Duke late Darbie Earle before Or Reignald Cobham that much renowmed knight Lord Mowbray Manny Basset with great store Lord Audley Willoughby and many more Than now I shew what if I tell my name And say that Chandos was not lest in fame Fame our names imblasoned not so far For tennise plaie or handling of a lute Nor dauncing fine or glistering as a star As women drest in most vnseemly sute Our chiefest musicke trumpe and checking flute Our daunce our march our tennise oft to feele Thundring blowes our clothing tried steele Through Picardie and Artoys spoyld we passe Int fertile Cambray making there some stay In former places found we little grasse Toward Thyriach we martch anone away Till foulding siege to Cittie Reames we lay Which countrie was so wasted and so foild That all our horse for want wel ny wer spoyld Sir Barthelmew Burwash whilst siege doth hold My selfe Lord Audley and Lord Mucedent Sir Richard Pontchardon a prudent knight and bold agreed all fowr and with our troups we went To Chalous in Campayne for ventures bent We approcht strong Cragney a castle hey Whereas two knights couragious captaines be Ton Caples cald who bare in golden sheild An ancred crosse of sables we asseild Rudely the hold from whence some one did weild A mightie stone that head a peeces peild Of Lord Mucedent but it was not feild For to reuenge his hard mischance againe Tooke the hould and all the soldiers slaine Seauen weeks at Reames the king made his abode and forrage faild and men began to want For still we knights the countrie ouer rode Whereby ech thing waxed exceeding scant Then to remooue the king and nobles mant Chalous Troys and countries neere we wast Passing the riuer Muson at the last So foorth we marcht keeping same ordinance At first ordaind to Aguyllon we came Did hauke and hunt passing in pleasaunce Oft tride our horse and vsed warlike game Which still among much did the Frenchmen tame Nothing vnlesse too hot for vs could staie T'heauie or cold but we did beare away Sweeping from hence to Paris ward apace The countie of Neuers and Gastenoys we waste Raunge at our wils continuing foorth our race Vntill that we at Burge le royne were plast Two leagues fro Paris and so the towne we facst Well famed Fraunce might waile for nought but flame Was to be found in bowels of the same Where Meroue puissant warrier raind Whom fierce Attila ouerthrew in fight Where Charls le main that many kingdomes gaind In all Europa feared for his might Vnconstant fortune taking so far flight Sometimes the yoke on others shoulders laid With biting snaffle now are strongly staid From Burg le royne to Mont le herri we In sightly wise our battailes all do draw Our constant dealing when the french Lords see Perseuering still in Fraunce to make a flawe Consuming all as fier doth the strawe Vnto a peace to mooue our king they ment Their Chaunclor and their learned counsaile sent They vnderstood our king would not depart Till pleasing peace he conquerd as he voud Which thing neere toucht duke Charls his tender hart And nobles for owne harmes too hawtie proud Faire conditions twixt them were aloud By thundring storme which God from heauen sent And knotted haile our king doth first relent A written deed at Charters there was framd Betwixt the kings their heires allies and friends In which faire townes strong castles all were namd toth king and his were giuen for amends For passed paine and so the strife it ends More Castles Townes more Cities and more ground Were giuen then in England could be found Some speeches were braue dukedome to inclose Of Britton in the charter of this peace Yet do they not of it so well dispose So as fresh wars in that place did not cease How track of time hard bound doth of release Charls thoughts vpbound within his stubborne brest Them foorth to loose supposed now his best Home went his grace soone I repasse the seas As regent and lieuetenant for my king Taking the othes possessions and the keas Of Lords Cities Castles which did wringe Some Frenchmens harts like percing adders sting Great griefe it was subiuged to be bound To strangers most vncurteous they had found I stewards bailifes and captaines do ordaine As liked me and this when I had done Came to Nyort there purposd to
take in Fraunce where nothing loud Nor honored and thus dispiteous Spake he by reason none it could be prooud That I two Lords might serue thus Iulie moud A squier I resent vnto the king Surrendring castle and ech other thing Making abodement with the loued Prince Whose wisdome seeing me bashed in such sort And how his words so much did me conuince He all forgot turnd all to pleasant sport Endewd me rich for to maintaine my port Doubtles I loude his fauor so entier Than Croesus coine I did it more desier Let him that stands heed well he do not slide For he that in a Princes fauor dwels Must wary watch lest blame to him betide And carefull be when meaner sences swels It to surpresse when seuer it rebels And not to yeeld to ought that may displease His soueraines mind and breed his owne disease Heed and temperance are the things whereby Men must them rule that liue in Princes grace Far out stretched recheth his persaunt eie Vewing ech person time and secret place Much beond his rule and dreded mace Therefore disseuerd from thy soueraines sight Doe as his eie vpon thy act were pight I with my Prince and in my Countrie staid Till that Don Peter was come out of Spaine Bastard Henrie of crueltie he vpbraid In crueltie deposing him of raine The Prince resolud to place him there againe Sending for me and many a Gascoine Lord That vnto him our legence due afford Him I attend and highly was esteemd Amongst the noblest held I euer place For highly was my knightly seruice deemd As well for Mars as prudent Pallas grace With Lord Clisson sprong of Brittish race This Spanish iourney did I companie hould An expert knight in ventring arms right bould And when the prince this king restored had To former height inuest in Royall state Full like him selfe he dealt with vs but bad His peruersnes too long were to relate His breach of promise wrought the great debate That hapt between the Gascoins and my Lord The prince fell cause of war and much discord Though many Gascoin Lords my kinsmen near The English left and French themselues out shoe Yet I gainst them did still my banner rear In fronting war my time I did bestoe With Chandos to Mountaboune armd I goe That soon I trust we made our foes to feele Our Axes sharpned were with caruing steele Now when the French the English had defide And noise of strifes were bruted openly Sport was to see the captains them diuide As their affections led them stirringly Without requests to yeeld them willingly Those that were French did English streight become Contrariwise there changed other some Lord Chanoyne Robersart he English turnd Whose hautie seruice welcomed our king Sir Perducas Dalbreth toth French returnd Who gulie shield about his neck did fling Wrapt with dented bordure siluer shining Do what one can affection will be free Spite of desert or highest dignitie Bold sir Hue Caueley now in Arragon This thundring newes of wars had plainly hard With all his soldiers he arriud anon At Angolesme a partie for to ward The prince him had in reuerent regard And presently him noble chiftaine made Of thousands two and sent him to inuade The lands of Lord Dalbreth and Arminacke The greatest two of all our Gascoyne Lords Where many a tower and towne he fiercely bracke And fier and bloud vnto his foes affords Thus all we captains growing of accords Seeke to defend and to offend our foes Which likewise so themselues towards vs dispose When Canole Chandos and sir Thomas Phelton Who did in red two ermine lions beare Passant crowned gold my selfe for one Go to the prince who held vs all full deare Such companions as behinde vs weare We promised new fortresse if they gaine And then besiegd we rescue will amaine Which of our friends did three encourage so As they Belperch do win and there they kept About this time did fortune ouerthro Lord Chandos for whose losse great numbers wept The Duke of Burbon little space he slept For that our captains held his mother fast Within Belperch where they perforce were plast Duke Burbon hauing purueied iollie store Of warlike knights strong siege did bout them lay With battering engins he constraind them sore His power still increasing day by day To sir Iohn Deuereux they sent without delay Which Seneschall of Limson was and he Toth former promise was a partie This gentle knight toth prince in haste he came And did their case with such effect declare In shewing that to vs it would be blame If that we should not succour them that bare Themselues so well good words he did not spare For their behoofe and so it was agreed The captains should be rescude with some speed Th erle of Cambrige faire brother to the prince Th erle of Penbroke prest for deeds of arms Sir Iohn Montague who Batfoyles did conuince Sir Thomas Phelton dreadles of his harms Sir Robert Canole that oft the Frenchmen charms My selfe we met a noble knightly crew As of so many eie did euer vew At Lymoges the erls their musters tooke Fifteene hundred launce our selues we found Three thousand others bent on their foes to looke And ioyne with them though numbers do abound This hard the French trencht in a peece of ground With strong inclosure like a castle wall That from the fight their ventring foes should stall But when we were in opposition plast Against the French a herauld soone was sent Toth Duke who closed lay more halfe agast The herauld told him through bould hardiment We there were riude with vigerous entent With him to fight the Duke this answere drest That fight he would not so at our request And looke how he was dard at Turnehen So was he now our herauld morrow morne To him rewent who safe himselfe doth pen He said sir Duke euen she that hath you borne Before your face shall led be to your scorne Way with my Lords lesse her you rescue will We tooke her thence cold Duke he sate him still Shirle trumpets sound fresh courage to inflame We all are raungd in battelous aray Launte Wiske and Sale these ventrous three I name That from the castle issued at noone day And Burbons mother brought with them away Two noble knightly soldiers did receaue Led her thence and askt the Duke no leaue When Thaniou Duke his armie mightie made And Glesquines power to his he had vnite They forward came the Princes land tinuade Tooke Aguillon by th' thretning siege they pight Which made me woonder when I knew it right The selfe captaine did once so well it hould That hundred thousand men ne take it could On Dordon riuer a towne is planted faire Cald Lind a league from Bergareth no more Which Phelton and my selfe did well repaire With vittails and artilleries fencing store Well puruied now with that it had before Sir Touius Batfoyle captaine there doth rest And promise voud
that saith Possessio fratris de feodo simplici facit sororem esse haeredem called the said Hastings also hauing remooued the difference of his marke for that he was then heire male of that house into the Court of cheualry and there hauing a iudgement against him the said Hastings was compelled to vse a difference which was a Label of siluer vpon his marke a faire red sleeue of his Ladies vpon his golden vesture Since which the heires of that yoonger familie haue vsed the said Labell euen vntill this our age So that you may see by this that the law was then taken to be such that such an heire male as had not the inheritance of his Ancestors should not be suffered to beare his marke without distinction for it should seeme by this that the issue of them that had married the heire generall of any familie being by reason thereof possessed of the lands had not onely an interest in the Armes but might also forbid any man the bearing thereof and moreouer it would also appeare that the law was then supposed to be such that the owner of euery marke might dispose of the same as of his lands and inheritance and that the Donee had power by vertue of such gift to vse the same as his owne proper Armorie for I haue seene a deed importing thus much A tous y ceux qui Cestes leÌ„res verrount au orro unt Thomas le fytz monsr Iohn de Herovill Chr. Salutz en deuyn Sachetz moy auoir donÌ„e Grauntte A Roger de Wyrley vn escquÌ„choun darmes queil iamoy per descent apres le mort Iohn monÌ„e frere ceste a sauoir lesquÌ„choun de sable ou deus leouns passantz d'argent Coronez vnglez de or ou vne flour deliz de Azure deuz pies Auoir tenire A dit Roger ses Heyrs a tous iours leauandit esquÌ„chioun a dit Roger Wyrley ses Heyrs en Contre toutez Gens Garrantt En Tesmoignanc de quell Choses a Cestz escriptz ay meys mon Seall pery ceux tesmoignes Iohn de Bredwas Roger Basset Iohn de Herouile William Herouile Iohn Dimock et autres Estptz a Westbromwich le mardy prochayn a vant le Chaundelme lan du regne le roy Edward 3. puis le Conquest querente vnsieme And for proofe that the said grant was not made without warrant of law authorizing the same the said Roger Wyrley although he and diuers others his ancestors bare other armes as proper to their owne familie long before the said time as may appeere by diuers and sundrie peeces of euidence sealed with the same dated many yeeres before this grant yet did the said Roger vse and beare the said cote by Heronvile to him granted by vertue of the said deed after the same was to him granted as by diuers seales and other moniments thereof may appeere so that the vse concurred with the grant and therefore not to be doubted but that the law did then take the said grant to be good and vailable And for a further proofe amongst diuers I wil giue you one other testimonie and so leaue to trouble you any more in this point A tous yceux qui Cestes presentz leÌ„res verrount ou orrount moy Iean Dowmvill de modberlegh saluts en dieu Come moy Ceciliae ma feme Auons ordegney que margerie nostre fille les heyrs de son Corps engendres seruont enherites si bien de ma heyritage la dteÌ„ Cecile auer apres nostre deces come per fines leues en playn Countee de Cestre poet Apparere plus apleyn Sacheut tous Gens qui ê‘ cella cause autres causes qui me moeuont ie a ville ordeigne doune graunt ê‘ ycestes qui Thomas de Holes fitz Heyre Aparaunt lauant dteÌ„ margeri quile Thomas ie appele teigne mon fitz demesne eit eniouse a luy ses Heyres a tous iours mes entier Armes a porter vser apres mon deces dont les Colors sont Cestasauer le Chiffe d'azure ove vne leon rampant d'argent ouesque vne coller de Gules Et prie a dit Thomas luy Charge saaoir ma beneson de portere vsere les ditz Armes en la forme suys dter en Tesmoignaunce de quel chose a cest escrit ia y meis mon Seale de les Armes Auant dteÌ„s ê‘ y cestes tes moygnes Edward le mascy Hue de Holes Thomas de Swettenham Autres done A modberleyh le darrey ioure de mars lan du Reigne le roy Richard 2 puis le Conquest Seszime And this law I thinke was grounded vpon this reason that forasmuch as euery tenant that held lands by a knights fee was tied to do his Lord escuage or shield seruice proportionable to the tenure he held it is agreeable vnto equitie that he may giue or leaue his Armour to such a person as he meaneth to make owner of his heritage whereby he shall be bound to the same seruice that himselfe by the said law was charged to do as hauing with the marke maintenance answerable thereto And that this matter was of regard in my Authors time it appeereth by the request both of sir Iohn Chandos himselfe made to the Prince of Wales as in the discourse of him I haue touched and of sir Thomas Triuet a gallant soldier of that time speaking to the Earle of Buckingham being rested before the citie of Troys in Fraunce in this maner the words of my Author concerning this matter be these Et msr Thomas Triuet apporta sa banniere toute enueloppe deuant le Countie de Bucquenham et lui dist monseigneur sil vous plaist ie desuelopperay au iourdui ma banniere car deu mercy iay asses de reuenue pour maintenir estate comme a la banniere appartient il nous plaist bien respondit le counte c. so that by this the thing is manifested for that the chiefest reasons wherby they thought to induce the one the Prince and the other the Earle to giue them leaue to raise their banners was that they had sufficient reuenue to maintaine the estate that to a banner did appertaine And it may also appeere that it is not necessarie for any to haue marks but such as be warfaring men hauing either reuenues to maintaine soldiers or at least a charge or some office pertaining to men at armes vnder their Soueraigne which thing if it were performed according to reason there should not need so many mollets and cressants for to distinguish yoonger brethren for that none but such as medled with warlike affaires haue need of Armore and they I doubt not would for their owne necessitie be forced to vse some more large and apparent deuise than such little ones as be now of no value in vse There is also another matter out of square which is that euerie man that obtaineth large possessions whether the same be acquired by his
remaine Keeping estate whereby mens harts I won Largely I spent most like a Princes son In plentious fare bountifull and much King Edwards loue and lowance to me such His royall loue to me was passing rare Numbers thought I did deserue no lesse Courteous I aduisd and would not spare But liberall be fraught with temperatenesse Faire points of honor would I not disgresse Amongst braue Lords faire Ladies I esteemd Of great estates in gentle fauor deemd Foorth of the charter was except the land Saint Saluiour sir Godfrey Harecourts late Who Pollux like at Constantine did stand To his defence when slaine was euerie mate With weldie axe his stroke so heauie sate Not prowdest enemie durst sad blowes abide Till at the length two horsemen at him ride Inragd beare downe a knight most cheualrous Which stradling set his legs to stand more suer On surest leg and there dispiteous They beare him downe who fights whilst he may duer Liue still his praise and glory fresh in vre For wisdome and prooude skill in martiall facts No liuing knight one iote exceeds his acts With plainest difference of Earle Harcourts race In glorious red two golden bars did beare Daring gainst foe toth vtterance shew his face Which tride he was well woorthie armes to weare Amongst his foes that durst them noblie reare The home made knight that neuer ward in field Small title hath vnto a noble sheild In his past life his land he did behest To my good king and he to me it gaue Toth valiant Iohn of Fraunce he made request For his consent that I the same might haue He gently seald to what the king doth craue I it enioid well woorth in yeerely rent Of hundred franks fifteene which free I spent Most bountifully amongst soldiers bould To gallant men my purse was neuer closd Which caused that as often as I would I had companions valiants lads disposd To warlike feats that strongest holds haue posd Sweet behauiour ioind to liberall hand Reasons I was with manly soldiers mand Braue Duke of Lancaster mars his Henrie dide Whilst I at Nyort kept so high estate Faire cosen Germaine to the king allide Good gentle Duke lamented was thy fate Mongst valiant knights thou nobly ledst of late When as thou didst with Darbie title raine As after when the Dukedome thou didst gaine In battelous Arms before the king of Fraunce Like Pallas knight thou entredst roiall list Gainst Brownswick Duke full bent to prooue the chaunce Of doubtfull combat the king cause why it mist Staid the euent great eithers losse he wist This Brownswick Duke tride strong champion bold Bare faire in red two lions passant gold True golden fame blacke death cannot defile Glistering honor buds from dustie graue Ech noble Lord that beareth glorious stile Spend must his life eternall praise to haue As thou high Duke didst honor euer saue Most mightie God let England neuer want Such noble Lords true honor seeke to plant In England cause the prince kept princely port Most like himselfe the counsell thoughten best Int ' Acquitaine that he should make resort Partly for that the Gascoins do request His presence and reuenewes largely rest His noblenes right noble to vphold And Gascoin Lords desier that he would Repasse the seas he answereth their desiers Once landed carefull I to meet him well Accompaned with knights and youthfull squiers On coursers mounted decked euerie sell And receiuing him at warlike Rochell We thence attended vnto Poycters towne As reason wild and dutie had vs bowne Of Acquitaine I Cunstable was ordaind High honors giuen and feastings to me made Continually his fauor more I gaind Through enterprises of account I wade Noble exploits I end by skilfull trade Which plaisd him so as he loude me euer Bicause in honor still I do perseuer Peter of Lusignon King of Cypresse I le Made means to all the Kings of Christendome From iarring discord to abstaine a while Helpe to repulse the miscreants late come Their borders neere and much of neighbors wone Had been in Italie France and Almaine In Flaunders England came to Acquitaine Not when swift fame had pierced hautie skies Admetus praise which made Apollo bowe Downe from estate to view with leeuing eies His bountifulnes which seen made him alowe So well of it and further did avowe Fame sparing was yet suer my Prince exceeds The praises of Admetus lib'rall deeds For when he hard of this strange kings ariue He sent me foorth with knights accompaned In gentlenes could with right courteous striue At kings first entrance he saw well placed Fortie knights so many squiers faced All for the honor of Lady Princes Faire was the iusts ech prooued blamles More signe of loue more shew of princelie power Rare welcoms giuen fine curtesies withall Of curtesie sweete prince a pearles flower Nor wandring king did neuer see nor shall More store of knights in earthly regents hall The prince me will to take him to my guide Him plesaunce shew in his dominions wide A vermile crosse the Cyprian king still wore For holy voyage he had vndertake Against the Turke his soueraign to adore In glorious Arms a partie prince to make He wild and found to no good seruice slake Our loued prince departed well content Great intercourse of loues betwixt them blent Thus hauing been most kindly intertaind By me and stout sir Thomas Phelton much Sir Neal Loring sir Simon Basset daind Him well to treat sir Baldwine Frâ—uile such His kindnes shewd as spite could not but gruch To see the like he safely went his way The principalitie through I him conuay King Iohn of Fraunce into England past Braue king faire queen gay nobles for to see Through true firme loue which doth eternall last Wher 's fained loue small iars remembred be No vertues more in phear of high degree Than were resiant in this soueraine Whose woorthie praises euer may remaine Bloodie parcas what meanest thou to sheare His vitall twine so woorthie longer life Canst thou pale malice such priuly vertues beare Than bluntest coulter duller be thy knife Amongst best things thou mischiefe euer rife But mightie God oft takes away the best For our bad sins or for to ease his blest Whilst this good king in England made his stay Him sicknes tooke with sharpe incresment sore And strong oppresment at Sauoy where he lay Death doth approch then flesh can breath no more His losse king Edward greatly doth deplore From England Parris to stately tombe conueid And Charls his sonne the Regall scepter sweid Oh vading flower why flatterest thou thy selfe In pompeous seat of mightie maiestie Fraile honors titles or foule wasting pelfe Forgetting great eternall dignitie Scorneth mightiest earthly Imperie What low inferior fears of you amisse That high superior threts againe ywis Sir Iohn Montfort in th'aprill of his youth Gay Arms gan weld and with successe begon In Britton to sir Charls of Bloys his ruth This faire new knight was that braue Countesse sonne Of whom
rage of wars alaie For where but late the trembling mother cride Dreading hir babe in safetie doth she plaie None carefull now their treasures close to hide None watcheth now for doubt what may betide Britton but now with bluddie wars did rage And now faire concord doth all furie swage Now doth weare the great Castilian Crowne Dan Peter whose extremest rage was such As on him all his chiefest nobles frowne And vulgar commons at his doing gruch Some said his deeds whole Christendome did tuch The Pope the French and Arragon agree Him to depose and Henrie plast to be And for that cause the foresaid states do pay Sir Bertram Glesquins ransome vnto me For hundred thousand franks I said not nay From his gagd fiaunce cleere I set him free These states request me into their iorney As one to rule and speciall roume to beare I flat refusd my liking was not there Yet certaine of my princes knights did go When these troups assembled were in Spaine They thirtie thousand soldiers were and mo When ech considered the euill raine Of Peter and the nobles he had slaine They him depose and Henrie do adorne As king although Alphonsus bastard borne Thus he possest bestoweth right largelie And soldiers bountifull him account To Siuile citie first in haste doth flie Forsaken king thence to high sea doth mount Accompaned with Dan Casters in count Faithfull knight to Galitia ward amaine Making saile there of one castle faine Called Coulone on craggie cliffe strong plast Distressed selfe welth children and treasure There doubting staid sent trustie knight in haste T'acquitain with letters shewing the seasure Of bastard Henries wrongfull displeasure Vnto my Prince who thought too hard euent Was falne on him and too sharpe punishment Spitefull Fortune great enimie to those Of high degree what pastime canst thou take Through turning times thy selfe so to dispose Of mightie king meane fugitiue to make But peeuish selfe thou all men wilt forsake To highest things peasd leuell dost thou ame At sharpest fals thou makest sporting game A king but late vnto whose onely becke Whole Castile bowd liues like a prisner pend Dares not appeere for feare of too great checke And stateliest troupes of nobles with attend Remayns one knight like sad AEneas frend Large countries late obeid his bending will And now possest but barren basest hill The Prince cald me these letters in his hand And braue sir Thomas Phelton speedilie In most princely fauor we highly stand Sir Knights quoth he strange news is come to me Which vnto you shall soone imparted be Which don he wild as was his vsage Our opinions to so great voyage Then presently a parlement was cald To which repaird the noble Gascoine knights Arminack Gomigines Dalbreth stald In highest rooms from hence four woorthie Wights T'england sent as reason wils of rights King Edward he our iourney doth allow Fresh Iohn of Gaunt to go with vs doth vow Without delay into Nauar were wild Sir Thomas Phelton and my selfe to fleet We so exploit with iourney labring hild As with the king at Pampelune we meet From loued prince him do we nobly greet He promisd be at Bayon by a day With courteous leaue we home returne our way Our prince dan Peter both do meet him there With parle much at last he condescends Hard passages to ope that straightest were For which dan Peter promisd for amends The Groine and countrie shoring that extends To Sauater and more a hundred thousand franks Thus he an aid toth prince and all his ranks The prince two heraulds doth dispatch with speed To Castile ward giuing his knights to kno The purposd war and what he had decreed His pleasure knowne they came king Henrie fro But why they part they little to him sho Then Caueley Dabscote and bold Huet was Gay sir Iohn Deuereux all thence do passe Companions some hard not so soone this newes Safe to returne much toiling they endure King Henrie closely vp all passage mewes In dangerous state remaine the most vnsure The prince doubted his enimies might allure Them to their wils which well twelue hundred were Of pyked men in welding shield or spere At th' entrie of Foix inclosd they stay And may not pas th'erle doth flat forbid Them t' enter in his countrie any way Most noble prince of message send me did Toth Earle of Foix and shew him he would rid Him of these men and that what harme they should His countrie do that he remend it would The Erle accords to their safe passage I chaffer so as them I wholie hier Mongst whom in wars full many a trustie gage All which one word would worke to my desier To busie prince I hastelie retier These waged soldiers do themselues deuide By companies toard Acquitaine they ride Toward Tholouse some their rediest iourney take At Mountabon the riuer seeke to passe Sir Guy Dazay and Earle of Narbone make Quick sommons and of soldiers gether a masse Sir Iohn Comes Mountabons captaine was The French toth towne sent courrors riding T' see if companions would be stirring Sir Iohn demaunds why thus in armors drest They came t' inuade the principalitie They chaffing said our enimies with you rest Whom we will rouse for their iniquitie Sir Iohn sir Iohn you know not curtesie If thus you harbour the pillers of the land Here be their foes will wake them out of hand Lords he replide heer be some men of war Into Montaubon lately entered That with my Lord the prince retained ar And him must serue as is indented Better vndoon than soon repented Aduise you well ere forward you proceed My princes frowns you haue good cause to dreed But when our men tride and aduenterous Threatning enimies plast before them see To hazard battell hard and dangerous They ment ordaining ech thing feateouslie Though pressing enimies far more numbers be Sir Iohn Comes his soldiers all armed Then to assist great need required Sir Perducas Dalbreth sir Robert Cheney Passe all before requesting safe they might Go by in peace the Frenchmen fierce denie Then suddenly terrible was the fight Back to the towne our men were beaten right Nandon of Begerant and Burg of Bertvell Had rid all night and came in time so well Vnto their aid as foes were take or slaine Rich prisoners were woon and fienced Vpon their faiths which lost our men there gaine For with their othes the Pope dispenced Wherof our captains to me complained And wild redresse in this they thoughten wrong To me of Arms the iudgement did belong To cipher plainly how braue Lords did cum gaily beseen with valiant numbers How Lord Dalbreth was countermand his sum Of thousand spears wherat he woonders Or else what lets peect buisnes sunders Or all winter t'shew the princes charge Where things past count asking recitall large With buisnes much we pearse into Nauare With toiling more some streights we got beand Which asperous foule and stiepâ—e doubtles are Mantled with snow was all
to gard the towne at best And thither doth the Duke of Aniou mooue Enuirning close the towne in such a wise The dwellers thinke it best for their behooue To render it and do their strength despise Thunstable commons like Protheus guise Are so delighted in ech chaffring change Like fleeting tides their thoughts do euer range The captaine also was becommen French infest with loue of glittering ticing gould Too foule a swill a soldiers minde to drench That thoughts to honor euer fasten should And his giue promise permanent to hould I vnderstood how all this practise went At Bergareth and to be there I ment At this deliuerie sir Thomas Phelton and My selfe do ride what time the sun was plast Betwixt the east and west in lower land We came as French were reddie entring fast At thother gate to Batfoyle spide I hast Traitrous Batfoyle was busie t' entertaine My croching foes in hope of greedie gaine In hands I shooke my suer bright shaking sword Enflamde with courage as reason did requier I plainly shewd I came not now to bourd Traitor I said take heere deserued hier Treasons no more thou shalt from hence conspier And as I spake I lent him such a bloe That soule and bodie doth a sunder goe A iust reward for such foule treason don But when the French our wefting banners vew Their backs they turne and swift away they run Lightly clad with feare they nimbly flew The townsmen ginne their dealing false to rew Lay all the fault in him that I had slaine And so the towne did English still remaine The Duke and Glesquine went to Limoges Where the Dukes Berrie and Burbon siege do hould Which citie yeelded was by th tretrousnes Of their Bishop which matter being tould Vnto the prince he sware reuenge he would So vile despite by his deere fathers soule Which oth he kept unbroke and euer whole From Coynoc then he marcht in braue aray Twelue hundred Lords knights and hardie squiers A thousand archers so many Brigands sway That all the countrie dread their flaming iers On sharp reuenge do boile their hot desiers Sir Thomas Percie and Lord Rosse was there Who did in gules three siluer Bogets bear Sir William Mesnile a chiff of burnisht gold Three gemels finely set in Azurd shield Sir Simon Borley six bars equall told Of black and yellow in his chiff he held Of the mettaile two pales as first is speld In midst a scuchion of Rubie fairly dight In it three bars of ermins plainly pight Right fierce assault the citie so was tane Many an innocent with the nocent died Man woman childe were brought to blooddie bane Such wofull rigor did this towne betide The duke of Lancaster stoutlie here was tried In single fraie the erle of Cambrig and The erle of Penbroke fighting so are fand Which tripart combate was so noblie fought As sick prince tooke pleasure it t'behould Causing his litter neerer to be brought The French resist so long as ear they could And lasht and stroke with noble courage bould But conquerd yeeld and yeelding fauor finde As noble arms her sacred lawes assinde Deuine mercy whose lore I euer loud The soueraine good that God to man affords Most like to God man hath his likenes prooud That treasure such within sweete heauen hords And you great captains and renowmed Lords That manage arms hold mercy in your minde Bloods wilfull spiller seld doth mercie finde I was right glad from this that so I bide At Bergareth the frontier to sustaine And now through Fraunce with ventring troupe did ride Sir Robert Canole to the Frenchmens paine Welth and treasure did such abundance gaine His soldiers but siluer and gold esteemd Oystrige feathers or what was daintie deemd Not vertues selfe can lengthen mortall daies Yet fame prouides that vertue should not die Obliuion repugnes good fame alwaies True writers of braue acts doth still defie Ech wight depriud of honor shut should lie She much desiers all couered with the corse Of valiant deeds she taketh no remorse If Phrigian Poet should the praises shew Of noble Priam and his woorthie sons Their high exploits set foorth in order dew Although large fame of all their doings runs Yet but defendaunts when toth sight it cums Assailant conqueror this braue English king Triumphant victors his noble ofspring As Priam nor his sonnes left nought behind But golden praise pronounst by writers skill And none could now their names or dooings find So hugely woxt the vastie world to fill Vnlesse it had dropt from a heedie quill So Muse and Mars togither must agree The first the last makes liue eternally And since our Hector stout came out of Spaine He languished which greatly made vs grieue For stealingly ech hower increast his paine Gainst which with courage good he much did striue Wasting sicknes quite doth his strength depriue Now into England to returne he ment Of peyred helth to seeke amendement He sent for all his squiers knights and Lords That of him hold and when we present were Such princely gentle language he affords As might braue courage and allegance steare Full sweetly spake he like a noble peere In euery thing he wild vs to obay His brother Gaunt which regent heere should stay Then shipping takes the gentlest knight aliue And most renowmed for his woorthines Right pensiue I that sicknes did depriue His health that bread the Frenchmens sikernes In batteled Arms they found him matchles For so he pinde and inly grew his griefe As finall death did worke his first reliefe He newly gon fowre Britton knights aduaunce Themselues to take Mountpaon and they sped So well by practise as the matter chaunct The Lord therof French turned in that sted Which known did make Duke Iohn to shake his hed Sommons he forst and vowd it to regaine In conquering wise or die with deadlie paine It toucht him near bicause it lay him near So on a day with kindled courage stout From Bourdeux accompanied strongly faire He doth depart with his braue warlike rout Of Poyctow Xanton and Gascoine there about Of th'english Phelton Freuile and Rosse there was Sir Michael Delapole did in this iourney passe Whose cornerd shield was laid with skilfull blew A fesse between three Liberds heads of gold Sir William Bewchampe gay as bridegroome new Armed in red right stately to behold A girdle plast between six martlets told Glistering bright like Phoebus in his pride Well could he iust and comly could he ride Now when we were this castle plast before And ordred had ech thing in order dew We raisd assault but were resisted sore A whole long day then back our soldiers drew This castle was inuirond with deep stew So fast we fild with fagots vp the mot As to the wals with much adoe we got And now much worke and buisnes was begun And many a man reuerst and ouerthrowne More feller stut was none vnder the sun So that this newes was bruted wide and knowne
I mistake that then it would please such as be of iudgement or skill to iustifie the same as well done and I shall most willinglie yeeld to authoritie and reason and so not speaking but vnder correction I saie that first I find as I conceiue some blame to be imputed in your selues which be professed soldiers that where your ancestors and al others generallie did in their standards banners and pennons shew foorth to the viewe and face of the enimie certaine faire ancient and knowne marks which their elders for the most part had vsuallie before time carried or at least themselues had then taken if they but then were in their rising age wherby their owne people were in a goodlie and decent order conducted and led and their enimies verie much terrified when they should see those marks shewed foorth the owners whereof had in their memories by plaine feat of armes ouerthrowne their parents or happely themselues beaten them out of the fielde razed downe their castels and fortresses sacked their townes and cities wasted and spoiled their countries ransomed their people and generally so daunted and amazed them that it was sometimes found to be true that verie bare names of some valiant persons ouercame whole armies I can not but blame you of all sorts which shall make choise of banners which you call colors so curtein like and so far from all due order of Ancient bearing as may be and for your parts which are descended from Ancestors of marke I would be glad to heare any reason from you to what end you should lay the same a side and make choise of a curtein in the place thereof And you others whose wisedome and valure haue gained you the reputation of a charge I would gladly also heare from you what should moue you to be of that mind as not to take some conuenient marke such a one as may be thought meete by authority for you whereby you may gaine an honor both to your selues and your posteritie and by your good vsage thereof much enlarge the reputation you haue by your valours obtained An other thing that is amisse as I take it and hath great need to be reformed is the quartering of many marks in one shield coate or banner for sithence it is true that such marks serue to no other vse but for a commander to lead by or to be knowen by it is of necessitie that the same be apparent faire and easie to be discerned so that the quartering of many of them together doth hinder the vse for which they are prouided As how is it possible for a plaine vnlearned man who may be as good a soldier in some respects as the best to discerne and know a sunder six or eight what speake I of six or eight sometimes thirtie or fortie seuerall marks clustered all together in one shield or banner nay though he had as good skill as Robert Glouer late Somerset that dead is and the eies of an Egle amongst such a confusion of things yet should he neuer be able to decipher the errors that are daily committed in this one point nor discerne or know one banner or standard from another be the same neuer so large So that except it be to be made in a pedegree or descent to locke vp in an euidence chest therby to shew mens titles to their lands or the Alliences and kindreds of their houses otherwise as I say I see not to any vse in the world they serue specially so many together to be made vpon a mans vesture Target or banner and therefore I could wish that euery man would content himselfe with his owne peculiar coate of name and not to vse aboue one quartered therewith at the most which one yet doth not so much trouble the capacitie of a man but that he may both know and discerne a banner or shield well ynough And this one do I the rather esteeme well of to be borne for that a Prince or Noble man making challenge or title to any Countrie for which he is forced to make warres before he can obtaine it it will be a goodly thing for him to shew foorth his standard of the Armes of that Countrie quartered with his owne amongest those people which in reason and conscience owe him duety and obedience to the end that they may thereby be the sooner induced to submit themselues to their true and lawfull soueraine as his subiects And for that cause as I take it King Edward the third and his valiant sonnes deuised and shewed foorth the Armes of France and England quartered together and although my Author saith that Iaques Dartuell a honie trier of Gaunt was the first deuiser thereof yet will I not beleeue otherwise but that the principall reasons that led the king thereto was to make knowne the iustnes of his title to that kingdome where he then intended to make warres But now it may be obiected sithence a Prince or great Lord may haue title to seuerall Countries that therefore it is necessarie for him to beare all such tokens or marks as he hath title too To this I answere that although I could yeeld to them but that it will bring the confusion aforesaid yet is it of no such necessity for that a man needs to shew his title but onely to them whom he means to subdue and if it should fortune that he had title to diuers and seuerall Countries and that he would make warres to them all at once yet should it not be needfull to him to shew foorth any more marks quartered in one standard but onely vnto euery seuerall countrie the Armes of that nation quartered with his owne But this being the case of Kings and Princes wherein amongest others our most famous noble and worthy kings and princes of this land haue shewed themselues most prudent and wise to what purpose is it that others being but commanders vnder their prince and which of themselues haue neither title to countrie nor are able to maintaine wars should in their princes seruice pester their banners and shields with such an infinite number as many do And in this point I cannot ynough commend the Baron of Stafford who heerin sheweth his great skill and temperance for althongh his Ancestors haue had title to quarter the marks of that valiant Thomas of Wodstocke yoongest sonne of King Edward the third Earle of Buckingham and Duke of Glocester of Bohune Earle of Hereford and Northanton and high Cunstable of England and also of that great house of Somerset which by their ancestor Iohn Earle of Somerset yoonger sonne to Iohn of Gaunt descended from the same king Edward the third I omit to speake of diuers Barons and others of great estate whose heires both with reuenue and honor enlarged greatly his family yet the said Baron contents himselfe with the paternall marke of his house and neuer so much as dreames of any other far differing from a number of meaner persons who if they possesse any
mannor or lands by descent albeit their ancestors married the heire of the same many hundred yeers agone and whose parents peraduenture neuer did beare any marke or if they did time hauing obscured the same it remaineth vnknowen yet shall you haue them run to an Herald or painter as busily as if the matter were of weight and there make search they know not for what and the herald or painter on the other side to draw some small peece of siluer from them will find out the badge of some one or other of the same name although many times none of the kindred and may be neuer came neare that countrey and that will they inuest them with as their owne and sometimes when no marke for any of the name will be found then deuise some conceit or other and say they find it borne by such a name and content them wonderously therewith which serues yet to no other vse but to make vp a iust number whereby their owne marks become the more confused and yet into this quartering being a very fountaine of errors many both Noble men and Gentlemen and the officers of Armes themselues do oftentimes very rashly enter It is not long sithence there died a knight in Staffordshire of good account and in his life time was a deputie Lieuetenant there to doe his obsequie came an officer of Armes who compiled for him nine seuerall marks all in one Escuchion and yet neuer a one of them as they were there set foorth to him belonging but his owne of name And as I haue giuen you this one for an instance so almost can a man come into no towne of any account nor almost into any Church or house of Noble man or Gentleman but he shall find errors so that the numbers thereof be infinite It were therefore to be wished that this matter of quartering should be reformed as well for the vntruths therein committed as for the titles that may be brought in question thereby to lands and Heritages And as being one of the chiefest things that bringeth the honor of Armory into disgrace for not long agoe heard I one speake in this maner did I not quoth he know the grandfather of this man speaking of the owner of a scuchion wherein were quartered many marks to purchase by plaine patent although he neuer were man at Armes both his coate and crest within these fortie yeers and how comes it now to passe that I see his nephew inuested in all this Armorie numbring many and diuers seuerall deuices all in one shield by way of quartering this being a very mockerie to see a man of no valure or estimation in warlike affaires and the paternall Ancestors of whom for ought that can be prooued were not in any late age welders of Armes to entrude themselues into so many badges of Armorie is not the least matter to bring into contempt an order so honorable and necessarie as the bearing of Armes is Another matter that to my vnderstanding is also to be reformed is the maner of differings which are by the yoonger brothers and their posterities laid vpon their marks being cressants mollets c. and that such little ones as that a man cannot discerne them a verie small distance from him which differences are in reason to be made faire plaine and large that they may be also as easie to be discouered as any other deuise that is in the coate shield or banner otherwise they serue not to the purpose for which marks were first ordeined And the inconuenience which ensueth of this error will the more easily appeere if I but set you downe the words of mine Author treating of an accident that happened in such a case which be these Et feist msr Robert Baileul aler sa Banniere tout deuant en escriant moriannes les Henuiers qui inestoint esthauses Aperceurent la Banniere de moriannes qui encore estoit tout Droicte si cuiderent que ce feust la leur ou ilz se deuoient radresser car mult petite y auoiâ— de difference de lune a l'autre car les Armes moriennes sount Barres contre Barres d'Argent d'Azure a deux Cheuerons de Gueules et le cheuron de msr Robert auoit vne petite crosete d'or si ne l'aduiserent mye bien les hennuiers ainsi vindrent bouter de fait dessubs la Banniere de msr Robert si furent moult fierement reboutes et tous discomfis For these henowers being led by sir William Baileul thought in the stir and busines to haue come to his banner hearing the surname of Moriens called vpon and seeing as they supposed their captains ensigne and the difference of sir Robert being the yoonger brother but a little crosse vpon the vpper cheuron they could not apperceaue so that the most of them were either slaine or taken and the elder brother the Knight their leader was glad to saue himselfe as well as he might The Lord of Cowcie sonne in law to king Edward the third suffered also reproch through the hard dealings of the Lord of Chine who raised his banner against certaine Englishmen of sir Hugh Caueleys company being either the same that Cowcies was or the difference so small as might not be discerned whereby the said Lord Cowcie though he were absent as far as Austrich had dishonor spoken of him as in the discourse of the Capitall I haue touched Thus then hauing shewed by example the harme and inconuenience that cannot but many times happen through the littlenes and nicenes of such differences I haue thought it not amisse to laie before you the differings that antiquitie vsed that by comparing them togither you may discerne the great wisedome of our ancestors and our owne imperfections in this point for want of due consideration which was done at the first by changing of the deuise borne into other colors onely but when that would not suffice for the number of leaders manie times all of one house then were they forced to varie their markes by adding of either bars bends cheurons cheefes quarters borders labels losinges or such like and verie seldome should you see in those times cressant mollet or such like small little thing borne for a difference and if anie did yet was the same made so large and faire that it might be seene as well as any other the deuise which should be in the shielde or banner And for the proofe I will giue you the example but of one house onelie for your better information though I could do the like of manie others namelie that of the Bassets who indeed in my iudgement varied their markes of honor verie finelie and that vpon good respect Thus haue I set downe vnto you though something tediouslie the vse that the antiquitie followed in a verie glorious line for Lords Knights and Gentlemen which florished diuers hundreds of yeeres sithence and you may see that these men though they were manie of them great Barons were not
haue waid They thinke to vs no good I easly see But tole vs from the strength wherin we bee Suddenly back vnto his men he hide And fight he would whatseuer should betide And boldly spake such as my person loue Rest not behind with battelous glaue in fist He forward floong but when I saw him moue Of great presumption that deed I tooke and wist The knight too far the enimies meaning mist I frowning said he fights not without me Our foes in order swiftly turned be This English knight right brauely dealt his blowes Amongst the Brittons with couragious stower With mightie force he many ouerthrowes In haste I came to aid him with my power At first our foes do find their turning sower Saint George we cride our Ladie Glesquine they So fell and bitter gan this mortall frey Now when the battel 's strong assembled were Th'arch priest streight departed from the field Willing his men his banner on to bere And crie his cries as if his place he held Gainst me himselfe his Arms would neuer weld He promise kept well made to me before For which of treasons some accusd him sore Sir Iohn Ionel who first this fray began Payed for rashnes at too high a rate Mad furie that confoundest euery man Who wisdome wants thy raging to abate Doth oft too soone his error find too late When strength and blood and life and all is lost Purchast too deare the wit that so much cost Who wars doth vse must nought at all be greeud To haue the worse or conquerd be in field For he that triumphs most of all atcheeud Hath eftsoons lost his strong resisting shield Vnconstant fortune is constant very sield Losse is no shame nor to be lesse then foe As selfe esteemes ech man is euen soe This hardy knight sore wounded was and dide Who had before delt thundring strokes amaine Lord Beumont French among the dead doth bide Sir Baldwine Danekine here likewise slaine They bought it deare before the place they gaine My ventrous men stroue with commended pride Presuming victory would with them abide Th'instructed thirtie found me where I deale So huge and mightie bloes as that no plate No hardned steele no quilt nor warped meale Could make resist but yeelded open gate To my sharpe axe my bloes so heuie sate But here these thirtie sease me in the fray And by fine force they bear me thence away Fast to the rescue crie my friends apace When they perceud me rauisht in this wise Much broyling there much foyning for a space Forth ' rescue some and some to saue their prise But foes preuaile as earst they did deuise To Vernon then I was transport in hast And there in saftie strong and suerly plast As much respect they tooke to win the field Such heedie care was had lest I were slaine The noble mind with murther very seld His fame and estimation will distaine His foe may liue and ransome yeeld againe To saue when one may slay an enimie Is chiefest vertue praisd in cheualrie From Vernon t'Parris with ioy I was conueid Where tharchpriest of the king is fouly blamde For his depart but all the matter weid Although the Lords of Fraunce him much defamde Yet holpe I much t' excuse him badly namde The matter furthered for that he lately had In Burgoyne slaine foure hundred robbers bad What harme tooke I through much mistrustfulnes Toward him that did my faithfull friend remaine Calling his truth in question questionles That faire my fauor sought to entertaine His carefull message flatly I disdaine Preiudicating his intendiment Was for to worke me some foule bad euent Yet time discouered his fidelitie And my outragious rash mistrusting Great mischiefe bred through wicked ielousie Of frendly honest thoughts often working The minde from truth by bad misdeeming The friend suspected without giuing cause Is breach sometime of truest trueloues lause Tharchpriest he sent vnto me for my good But I refused to heare his message Being distempered in my cholericke moode Which bare the rule then vnto my dommage Reason I taste the follie of my rage Yet now we talked at Parris being And good leasure had of cold agreeing For by the meanes of Lord Dalbreth I went About the citie where I pleased best The coward Charls so cruellie was bent Against Lord Saqueuile with me distrest As he cut off his noble cheefest crest Lord Ganuile at that present time had dide But that his sonne a meane did well prouide Who notice gaue vnto this king of Fraunce That if he vsd t' is father any tort Or that he died reprocht with sad mischaunce The Lord Lauall a man of great resort His prisoner now would vse in equall sort By this braue deed this noble sonne did saue His fathers life they sought for to depraue Renowmed act well woorthie woorthie sonne For parents life to hazard life and all Careles striuing owne selfe to be vndon Rather then suffer so his fathers fall No danger strange he danger ought to call That sonne or friend desireth to be namd Suffering father friend by death defamd I well haue seene a master guide his barke When blustring winds and tumbling waues did rage Sauing himselfe and friends with care and carke Vntill the swelling surges did aswage This skyphier haue I seene through dotage To sand his ship in calme and quiet floud When neither blasts nor tides his course withstood More harder much in compas good to liue When careles heed our minde hath whole possest And sense to daintie pleasure quite is giue Then when we are with anguishment distrest In troublous times we hide our guidment best For hundred vice the thoughts doth conquerd make When bathing hart doth floting pleasure take As by my selfe a patterne of reproofe Who well did saile when fretting tide did thret From sholes and flats I warie lay aloofe No gaping fish no hoped praie could get My leueld course by carde and compas set Yet did I ground when least was winde and tide Strike on the cliues in danger to haue dide For whilst at Parris prisoner I remaine In banding pleasure void of warines The king and nobles me sweetly entertaine So that I furthered much their buisnes Holpe to perswade a band of sikernes And peace betwixt the Kings Nauare and Fraunce So was I quite of ransome and finaunce The Lord Dalbreth full often for me spoke And greatly holpe the battaile of Alroy Which was performd with manie a blooddie stroke Which to king Charls brought little cause of ioy Yet treaties had and faire exchanges coy Which all fell out to further my desier I was redeemd as prisoner could requier Subtile Charls shewed me great signes of loue Castle Denemoux with thappurtnance gaue Willing my seruice for his more behoue His pension rich far more then I did craue I homage yeeld for these rewards I haue Into Acquitaine to the prince I came Who hearing this full sharpely doth me blame And said I was too woondrous couetous Lands to