The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England Part 7

_That Henry should reteine the kingdome of England, and pay to his brother Robert 3000. markes yeerely._

_That if either of them should die without issue, the suruiuour should succeed._

_That no man should receiue preiudice for following the part of the one or of the other._

These conditions being solemnely sworne by the king and the Duke, and twelue n.o.ble men on either part, the Duke returned into _Normandie_, and about two yeeres after went againe into _England_, to visit the King, and to spend some time with him in feasting and disport. At which time, to requite the Kings kind vsage and entertainment, but especially to gratifie _Matild_ the Queene, to whom he was G.o.dfather, he released to the King the annuall payment of 3000. markes. But as a wound is more painefull the day following, then when it was first and freshly taken; so this loose leuitie of the Duke, which was an exceeding sad and sore blow to his estate, was scarce sensible at his departure out of _England_, but most grieuous to him after hee had remained in _Normandie_ a while: whereby many motions were occasioned, as well in the one place as in the other.

The Duke complained, that hee had bene circ.u.muented by his brother the King: that his courtesies were nothing else but allurements to mischiefe; that his gifts were pleasant baites, to couer and conuey most dangerous hookes; that his faire speaches were sugred poysons; that his kinde embracements were euen to tickle his friends to death. _Robert Belasme_ Earle of _Shrewsbury_, a man of great estate, but doubtfull whether of lesse wisedome or feare, tooke part with the Duke, and fortified the Towne and Castle of _Shrewsbury_, the Castles of _Bridgenorth_, _Tichel_, and _Arundel_, and certaine other pieces in _Wales_ against King _Henry_. And hauing drawen vnto him some persons of wretched state and worse minde, whose fortunes could not bee empaired by any euent, hee entred _Stafford s.h.i.+re_, and droue away light booties of cattell; being prepared neither in forces nor in courage, to stay the doing of greater mischiefe.

But neither was this sudden to the King, neither was he euer vnprouided against sudden aduentures. Wherefore encountring the danger before it grew to perfection and strength, he first brought his power against the Castle of _Bridgenorth_, which was forthwith rendred vnto him. The residue followed the example (which in enterprise of armes is of greatest moment) and submitted themselues to the Kings discretion. Onely the Castle of _Arundel_ yeelded vpon condition, that _Robert Belasme_ their Lord should be permitted to depart safely into _Normandie_: And vpon the same condition they of _Shrewsbury_ sent to the King the keys of their Castle, and therewith pledges for their allegeance. Then _Robert_ with his brother _Ernulphus_, and _Roger_ of _Poictiers_ abiured the Realme, and departed into _Normandie_: where being full of rashnesse, which is nothing but courage out of his wits; and measuring their actions not by their abilities, but by their desires; they did more aduance the Kings affaires by hostilitie, then by seruice and subiection they could possibly haue done.

Also _William_ Earle of _Mortaigne_ in _Normandie_, and of _Cornewall_ in _England_, sonne of _Robert_, vncle to the king, and brother to king _William_ the first, required of the King the Earledome of _Kent_, which had been lately held by _Odo_ vncle to them both. And being a man braue in his owne liking, and esteming nothing of that which hee had in regard of that which hee did desire, he was most earnest, violent, peremptorie in his pursuit. Insomuch as, blinded with ambitious haste, he would often say, that hee would not put off his vpper garment, vntill hee had obtained that dignitie of the King. These errours were excused by the greenenesse of his youth, and by his desire of rising, which expelled all feare of a fall. Wherefore the King first deferred, and afterwards moderately denied his demaund. But so farre had the Earle fed his follies with a.s.sured expectation, that he accompted himselfe fallen from such estate as his hungry hopes had already swallowed. Hereupon his desire turned to rage, and the one no lesse vaine then the other: but both together casting him from a high degree of fauour, which seldome stoppeth the race vntill it come to a headlong downefall.

For now the King made a counter-challenge to many of his possessions in _England_; and thereupon seazed his lands, dismantled his castles, and compelled him in the end to forsake the Realme. Not for any great offence he had done, being apt to the fault rather of rough rage then of practise and deceit; but his stubborne stoutnesse was his offence; and it was sufficient to hold him guiltie, that he thought himselfe to haue cause and meanes to be guiltie. So hauing lost his owne state in _England_, he departed into _Normandie_, to further also the losse of that countrey. There he confederated with _Robert Belasme_, and made diuers vaine attempts against the Kings castles; neither guided by wisedome, nor followed by successe. Especially hee vented his furie against _Richard_ Earle of _Chester_, who was but a childe, and in wards.h.i.+p to the King, whom he daily infested with inuasions and spoiles; being no lesse full of desire to hurt, then voyd of counsaile and meanes to hurt.

On the other side, diuers of the n.o.bilitie of _Normandie_, finding their Duke without iudgement to rule, had no disposition to obey; but conceiued a carelesse contempt against him. For he seemed not so much to regard his substantiall good, as a vaine breath of praise, and the fruitlesse fauour of mens opinions, which are no fewer in varietie then they are in number. All the reuenues of his Duchie he either sold or morgaged; all his Cities he did alien, and was vpon the point of pa.s.sing away his princ.i.p.all Citie of _Roan_ to the Burgers thereof, but that the conditions were esteemed too hard. Hereupon many resolued to fall from him, and to set their sailes with the fauourable gale which blew vpon the fortune of the King. To this end they offered their submission to the King, in case he would inuade _Normandie_; whereto with many reasons they did perswade him: especially in regard of the late hostile attempts there made against him, by the plaine permission of the Duke his brother, and not without his secret support.

The King embraced the faire occasion, and with a strong Armie pa.s.sed into _Normandie_. Here he first relieued his forts, which were any wayes distressed or annoyed; then he recouered those that were lost; Lastly, he wanne from the Duke the towne and castle of _Caen_, with certaine other castles besides: And by the help of the President of _Aniou_, fired _Baion_, with the stately Church of S. _Marie_ therein. Vpon these euents, all the Priories of _Normandie_, resembling certaine flowers, which open and close according to the rising or declining of the Sunne; abandoned the Duke, and made their submission to King _Henry_. So the King hauing both enlarged and a.s.sured his state in _Normandie_, by reason of the approch of winter, departed into _England_: but this was like the recuiling of Rammes, to returne againe with the greater strength.

He had not long remained in _England_, but his brother _Robert_ came to him at _Northampton_, to treat of some agreement of peace. Here the words and behauiours of both were obserued. At their first meeting they rested with their eyes fast fixed one vpon the other; in such sort as did plainely declare, that discourtesie then trencheth most deep, when it is betweene those who should most dearely loue. The Duke was in demaunds moderate, in countenance and speech enclined to submisnesse; and with a kinde vnkindnesse did rather entreate then perswade, that in regard of the naturall Obligation betweene them by blood, in regard of many offices and benefits wherewith he had endeuoured to purchase the Kings loue, all hostilitie betweene them, all iniurie or extremitie by Armes might cease. _For I call you_ (said he) _before the Seate of your owne Iudgement, whether the relinquis.h.i.+ng of my t.i.tle to the Crowne of England, whether the releasing of my annuity of 3000. markes, whether many other kindnesses, so much vndeserued as scarce desired; should not in reason withdraw you from those prosecutions, where warre cannot be made without shame, nor victory attained without dishonour_.

The King vsed him with honourable respect; but perceiuing that he was embarked in some disaduantage, conceiuing also that his courage with his Fortune began to decline, he made resemblance at the first, to be no lesse desirous of peace then the Duke: But afterwards, albeit he did not directly deny, yet hee found euasions to auoyd all offers of agreement.

The more desirous the Duke was of peace, the greater was his disdaine that his brother did refuse it. Wherefore cleering his countenance from all shewes of deiection or griefe, as then chiefly resolute when his pa.s.sion was stirred, with a voice rather violent then quicke, he rose into these words.

_I haue cast my selfe so low, as your haughty heart can possibly wish; whereby I haue wronged both my selfe and you: my selfe, in occasioning some suspition of weakenesse; you, in making you obstinate in your ambitious purposes. But a.s.sure your selfe, that this desire did not proceed from want either of courage, or of meanes, or of a.s.sistance of friends: I can also be both vnthankefull and vnnaturall if I bee compelled. And if all other supportance faile, yet no arme is to be esteemed weake, which striketh with the sword of necessitie and Iustice._

The King with a well appeased stayednesse returned answere; that he could easily endure the iniurie of his angry wordes: but to men of moderate iudgement hee would make it appeare, that hee entended no more in offending him, then to prouide for defending himselfe. So the Duke obseruing few complements, but such as were spiced with anger and disdaine, returned into _Normandie_, a.s.sociated to him the _English_ exiles, and made preparation for his defence.

The King followed with a great power, and found him in good appointment of armes: nothing inferiour to the King in resolute courage, but farre inferiour both in number of men, and in fine contriuance of his affaires. For the King had purchased a.s.sured intelligence, among those that were neerest both in place and counsaile to the Duke: in whom the Duke found treacherie, euen when he reposed most confident trust.

Herewith Pope _Paschal_, to attaine his purpose in _England_, for deuesting the King of inuesting Bishops; did not onely allow this enterprise for lawful, but encouraged the King, that hee should doe thereby a n.o.ble and a memorable benefit to his Realme.

So, many stiffe battels were executed betweene them, with small difference of aduantage at the first; but after some continuance, the Dukes side (as it commonly happeneth to euill managed courage) declined dayly, by reason of his dayly increase of wants. At the last the Duke, wearied and ouerlayed, both with company of men and cunning working, resolued to bring his whole state to the stake, and to aduenture the same vpon one cast: committing to Fortune, what valour and industry could bring forth. The king being the Inuader, thought it not his part to shrinke from the shocke; being also aduertised that the _French_ King prepared to relieue the Duke. On the Dukes side, disdaine, rage, and reuenge, attended vpon hate: the King retained inuincible valour, a.s.sured hope to ouercome, grounded vpon experience how to ouercome.

They met vpon the same day of the moneth iust 40. yeeres, after the great battaile of _William_ the first against King _Harold_ of _England_. The Kings footemen farre exceeding their enemies in number, began the charge, in small and scattering troupes; lightly a.s.sayling where they could espie the weakest resistance. But the Dukes Armie receiued them in close and firme order; so as vpon the losse of many of the foremost, the residue began somewhat to retire. And now, whether the Duke had cause, or whether confidence the inseparable companion of courage perswaded him that he had cause; he supposed that hee had the best of the field, and that the victory was euen in his hand. But suddenly the King with his whole forces of horse charged him in flanke, and with great violence brake into his battaile. Herewith the footmen also returned, and turned them all to a ruinous rout. The Duke performed admirable effects of valour, and so did most of the _English_ exiles: as fearing ouerthrow worse then death. But no courage was sufficient to sustaine the disorder; the _Normans_ on euery hand were chased, ruffled, and beaten downe. Hereupon the Dukes courage boyling in choller, hee doubled many blowes vpon his enemies; more furiously driuen, then well placed and set: and pressing vp hardly among them, was suddenly engaged so farre, that hee could not possibly recouer himselfe. So he was taken manfully fighting, or as some other authours affirme, was beastly betrayed by his owne followers. With him were also taken the Earle of _Mortaigne_, _William Crispine_, _William Ferreis_, _Robert Estotiuill_, with foure hundred men of armes, and ten thousand ordinary souldiers.

The number of the slaine on both sides, is not reported by any authour; but all authours agree, that this was the most b.l.o.o.d.y medly that euer had been executed in _Normandie_ before: portended as it is thought by a Comet, and by two full Moones, which late before were seene, the one in the East, and the other in the West.

After this victorie the King reduced _Normandie_ entirely into his possession, and annexed it to the Realme of _England_. Then hee built therein many Castles, and planted garrisons; and with no lesse wisedome a.s.sured that State, then with valour he had wonne it. When he had setled all things according to his iudgement, he returned into _England_, brought with him his brother _Robert_, and committed him to safe custodie in the Castle of _Cardiff_. But either by reason of his fauourable restraint, or else by negligence or corruption of his keepers, he escaped away, and fled for his libertie as if it had been for his life. Notwithstanding this proued but a false fauour, or rather a true flatterie or scorne of Fortune. For being sharply pursued, he was taken againe, sitting vpon horsebacke; his horse legs fast locked in deep & tough clay.

Then hee was committed to straight and close prison, his eyes put out (as if hee should not see his miserie) and a sure guard set vpon him.

Thus he remained in desolate darkenesse; neither reuerenced by any for his former greatnesse, not pitied for his present distresse. Thus hee continued about 27. yeeres, in a life farre more grieuous then death; euen vntill the yere before the death of King _Henrie_. So long was he a suitor in wooing of death: so long did the one brother ouerliue his good fortune, the other his good nature and disposition; esteeming it a faire fauour, that the vttermost extremitie was not inflicted. Albeit some writers doe affirme, that the Dukes eyes were not violently put out, but that either through age or infirmitie he fell blind: that he was honourably attended and cared for: that hauing digested in his iudgement the worst of his case, the greatnesse of his courage did neuer descend to any base degree of sorrow or griefe: that his braue behauiour did set a Maiestie vpon his deiected fortunes: that his n.o.ble heart like the Sunne, did shew greatest countenance in lowest state. And to this report I am the more inclineable, for that it agreeth best, both to the faire conditions, and to the former behauiours, and to the succeeding fortunes and felicities of the King: For a.s.suredly hee had a heart of manly clemencie; and this was a punishment barbarously cruell: For which cause _Constantine_[103] did forbid, that the face of man, adorned with Celestiall beauty, should be deformed for any offence.

Others auow that he was neuer blind; but that it was the Earle of _Mortaigne_ whose eyes were put out. And this seemeth to be confirmed, by that which _Matth. Paris_ and _Matth. Westm._ doe report. That not long before the death of _Robert_, the King vpon a festiuall day had a new robe of Scarlet brought vnto him: the cape whereof being somewhat too streight for his head, he did teare a little in striuing to put it on. And perceiuing that it would not serue, hee laid it aside and said: _Let my brother Robert haue this Robe, for whose head it is fitter then for mine_. When it was caried vnto him, being then not perfectly in health, he espied the crackt place, and thereupon enquired, if any man had worne it before? The messenger declared the whole matter. Which when _Robert_ heard, he tooke it for a great indignitie, and said: _I perceiue now that I haue liued too long, that my brother doth clothe me like his almoseman, with cast and torne garments_. So hee grew weary of his life: and his disease encreasing with his discontentment, pined away, and in short time after died, and was buried at _Glocester_.

And this was the end of that excellent commander; brought to this game and gaze of fortune, after many trauerses that he had troden. He was for courage and direction inferiour to none; but neither prouident nor constant in his affaires, whereby the true end of his actions were ouerthrowen. His valour had triumphed ouer desperate dangers: and verely he was no more setled in valour, then disposed to vertue and goodnesse; neuer wilfully or willingly doing euill, neuer but by errour, as finding it disguised vnder some maske of goodnesse. His performances in armes had raised him to a high point of opinion for his prowesse; which made him the more vnhappy, as vnhappie after a fall from high state of honor.

He had one sonne named _William_, vpon whose birth the mother died: of this _William_ shall somewhat hereafter be said.

And now, as Princes oftentimes doe make aduantage of the calamity of their neighbours, so vpon this downefall of the Duke of _Normandie_,[104] _Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_ sharing for himselfe, seized vpon _Maine_, and certain other places; made large waste, tooke great booties and spoyles; not onely out of ancient and almost hereditary hate against the house of _Normandie_, but as fearing harme from the King of _England_, hee endeauoured to harme him first. In like sort _Baldwine_ Earle of _Flanders_ declared in armes against the King for a yeerely pension of 300. markes; the occasion of which demand was this. King _William_ the first, in recompence of the ayde which he receiued in his enterprise for _England_, from _Baldwine_ 5. Earle of _Flanders_, payd him yeerely three hundred markes, which after his death was continued to his sonne. _Robert_ Earle of _Flanders_ from a collaterall line, demanded the same Pension; but it was denied him by K. _Henrie_: wherefore _Baldwine_ his sonne attempted now to recouer it by Armes.

With these, or rather as princ.i.p.all of these, _Lewes_ the grosse King of _France_, seeing his ouersight in permitting _Normandie_ to bee annexed to the Realme of _England_, a.s.sembled a great armie; and vpon pretence of a trifling quarrell about the demolis.h.i.+ng of the Castle of _Gisors_, declared _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_ for Duke of _Normandie_: and vndertooke to place him in possession of that state, which his vnfortunate father had lost. And besides those open hostilities in Armes, _Hugh_ the kings Chamberlaine and certaine others were suborned traiterously to kill the King: but the practise was in good time discouered, and the conspirators punished by death.

Hereupon the King both with celeritie and power answerable to the danger at hand, pa.s.sed the Seas into _Normandie_: hauing first drawen to his a.s.sistance _Theobald_ Earle of _Champaine_, the Earles of _Crecie_, _p.i.s.saux_, and _Dammartine_, who aspired to be absolute Lords within their territories, as were many other Princes at that time in _France_.

These deteined the _French_ King in some tariance in _France_, whilest the King of _England_ either recouered or reuenged his losses against the Earle of _Aniou_. At the last hee was a.s.sailed in _Normandie_ on three parts at once: by the Earle of _Aniou_ from _Maine_, from _Ponthieu_ by the Earle of _Flanders_, and by the _French_ King betweene both. The King of _England_ appointed certaine forces to guard the pa.s.sages against the Earle of _Aniou_: with directions to hold themselues within their strength, and not to aduenture into the field.

Against the Earle of _Flanders_ hee went in person; and in a sharpe shocke betweene them the Earle was defeated and hurt, and (as some Authors affirme) slaine: albeit others doe report, that hee was afterwards slaine in a battaile betweene the two Kings of _England_ and of _France_.

After this he turned against _Lewes_ King of _France_, and fought with him before the towne of _Nice_ in _Normandie_; which towne the _French_ had surprised and taken from the King of _England_. This battaile continued aboue the s.p.a.ce of nine houres, with incredible obstinacie; the doubt of victory being no lesse great, then was the desire: and yet neither part so hastie to end, as not to stay for the best aduantage.

The first battaile on both sides was hewen in pieces; valour of inestimable value was there cast away: much braue blood was lost; many men esteemed both for their place and worth, lay groaning and grinning vnder the heauy hand of death. The sad blowes, the grisle wounds, the grieuous deathes that were dealt that day, might well haue moued any man to haue said, That warre is nothing else but inhumane manhood.

The Kings courage, guided with his Fortune, and guarded both with his strength and his skill, was neuer idle, neuer but working memorable effects. In all places his directions were followed by his presence; being witnesse both of the diligence and valour of euery man, and not suffering any good aduantage or aduise for want of timely taking to be lost. He aduentured so farre in perfourming with his hand, that his armour in many places was battered to his body, and by reason of the st.u.r.die strokes set vpon his helme, he cast blood out of his mouth. But this was so farre from dismaying his powers, that it did rather a.s.semble and vnite them: so as aduancing his braue head, his furie did breath such vigour into his arme, that his sword made way through the thickest throngs of his enemies, and hee brake into them euen to the last ranckes. He was first seconded by the truely valiant; whose vndanted spirits did a.s.sure the best, and therewith contemne the very worst. Then came in they whom despaire, the last of resolutions had made valiant; who discerned no meanes of hope for life, but by bold aduenturing vpon death. Lastly he was followed by all; being enflamed by this example to a new life of resolution. Generally, the swords went so fast, that the _French_ vnable to endure that deadly storme, were vtterly disbanded and turned to flight. K. _Henry_ after a b.l.o.o.d.y chase, recouered _Nice_; and with great triumph returned to _Roan_. Afterwards he would often say, That in other battailes he fought for victory, but in this for his life: and that hee would but little ioy in many such victories.

Vpon this euent the King sent certaine forces into _France_, to harrase the countrey, and to strike a terrour into the enemie. The _French_ King, besides the abatement of his power by reason of his late ouerthrow, was then preparing in Armes against _Henry_ the Emperour, who intended to destroy _Rhemes_: partly drawen on by _Henry_ King of _England_, whose daughter he had taken to wife; but chiefly for that a Councell had bene there held against him by Pope _Calixtus_ a French man, wherein the Emperour was declared enemie to the Church, and degraded from his Imperiall dignitie. This brought the _English_ to a carelesse conceit, and to a loose and licentious demeanure in their action; a most a.s.sured token of some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they scattered and ranged after prey (as greedy men are seldome circ.u.mspect) they were suddenly set vpon by _Almaricke_ Earle of _Mountfort_, appointed by the _French_ K. to defend the Country, & with no small execution put to the chase. The more they resisted, the greater was their losse: The sooner they fled, the more a.s.sured was their escape.

And for that they were dispersed into many small companies, they had the better opportunitie to saue themselues.

Many other like aduentures were enterprised betweene the two Kings and their adherents; some in _France_, and some in _Normandie_; with large losse on both sides. But especially the King of _France_ was most subiect to harme; for that his countrey was the more ample, open and rich. The King of _England_ held this aduantage, that no aduantage could be wonne against him: which in regard of the number, valour and greatnesse of his enemies, was a very honourable aduantage indeed.

At the last he made peace with the Earle of _Aniou_; taking the Earles daughter to be wife to his sonne _William_, whom he had declared for successour in his estate; to whom all the n.o.bilitie and Prelates were sworne; and who seemed to want nothing through all his fathers dominions, but onely the name and t.i.tle of King. This sinew being cut from the King of _France_, and also for that _Henry_ the Emperour made preparation of hostilitie against him, he fell likewise to agreement of peace. By the conditions whereof, _William_ sonne to the King of _England_ was inuested into the Duchie of _Normandie_, doing homage for the same to the K. of _France_. In this peace was comprised on the part of the _French_ K. _William_ son to _Robert Curtcuise_, who had bene declared Duke of _Normandie_. On the part of the king of _England_, the Earle of _Champeigne_ and certaine other Lords were comprised; who had either serued or aided him against the king of _France_. After this the warres betweene the Emperour and the _French_ king did forthwith dissolue.

King _Henry_ hauing happily finished these affaires, returned out of _Normandie_, and loosing from _Barbeflote_, vpon the 24. of Nouember towards euening, with a prosperous gale arriued in _England_; where great preparation was made to entertaine him with many well deuised honours. His sonne _William_ then duke of _Normandie_, and somewhat aboue 17. yeeres of age, tooke another s.h.i.+p; and in his company went _Mary_ his sister Countesse of _Perch_, _Richard_ his brother, begotten of a concubine as some affirme; and the Earle of _Chester_ with his wife _Lucie_, who was the Kings niece by his sister _Adela_. Also the yong n.o.bilitie and best knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge their dueties, others to testifie their loue and respect. Of such pa.s.sengers the s.h.i.+p receiued to the number of 140. besides 50. sailers which belonged vnto her.

So they loosed from land somewhat after the King; and with a gentle winde from the Southwest, danced through the soft swelling floods. The sailers full of proud ioy, by reason of their honourable charge; and of little feare or forecast, both for that they had bene accustomed to dangers, and for that they were then well tippeled with wine; gaue forth in a brauery, that they would soone outstrip the vessell wherein the King sailed. In the middest of this drunken ioylitie the s.h.i.+p strake against a rocke, the head whereof was aboue water, not farre from the sh.o.a.re. The pa.s.sengers cried out, and the sailers laboured to winde or beare off the s.h.i.+p from the danger; but the labour was no lesse vaine then the cry: for she leaned so stiffely against the rocke, that the sterage brake, the sides cracked, and the Sea gushed in at many breaches.

Then was raised a lamentable cry within the s.h.i.+p; some yeelding to the tyrannie of despaire, betooke themselues (as in cases of extremitie weake courages are wont) to their deuotions; others emploied all industrie to saue their liues, and yet more in duetie to nature, then vpon hope to escape: all bewailed the vnfortunate darkenesse of that night, the last to the liues of so many persons both of honour and of worth. They had nothing to accompany them but their feares, nothing to helpe them but their wishes: the confused cries of them al, did much increase the particular astonishment of euery one. And a.s.suredly no danger dismayeth like that vpon the seas; for that the place is vnnaturall to man. And further, the vnusuall obiects, the continuall motion, the desolation of all helpe or hope, will perplexe the minds euen of those who are best armed against discouragement.

At the last the boat was hoysed foorth, and the Kings sonne taken into it. They had cleered themselues from the danger of the s.h.i.+p, and might safely haue rowed to land. But the yong Prince hearing the shrill shrikes of his Sister _Mary_ Countesse of _Perch_, and of the Countesse of _Chester_ his cousin, crying after him, and crauing his help; he preferred pitie before safety, & commanded the boat to be rowed back to the s.h.i.+p for preseruation of their liues. But as they approached, the boate was suddenly so ouercharged with those, who (strugling to breake out of the armes of death) leaped at all aduentures into it, that it sunke vnder them: and so all the company perished by drowning. Onely one ordinary Sayler, who had been a butcher, by swimming all night vpon the mast escaped to land; reserued as it may seeme, to relate the manner of the misaduenture. This s.h.i.+p raised much matter of nouelty and discourse abroad; but neuer did s.h.i.+p bring such calamitie to the Realme: especially for that it was iudged, that the life of this Prince would haue preuented those intestine warres, which afterwards did fall, betweene King _Steuen_ and _Matild_ daughter to King _Henry_. The King was so ouercharged with this heauy accident; that his reason seemed to bee darkened, or rather drowned in sorrow. Hee caused the coasts a long time after to bee watched; but scarce any of the bodies were euer found.

Afterwards he tooke to wife _Adalisia_ daughter to _G.o.dfrey_ Duke of _Louaine_, of the house of _Lorraine_: She was crowned at _Westminster_ by _Roger_ B. of _Salisburie_, because _Radulph_ Archbishop of _Canterburie_, by reason of his palsey was vnable to performe that office. And yet because _Roger_ was not appointed by him, the doting old man fell into such a pelting chafe, that hee offered to strike the Kings Crowne from his head. And albeit this Lady was in the princ.i.p.all flower both of her beauty and yeeres, yet the King had no issue by her.

Now as after a storme a fewe gentle drops doe alwayes fall, before the weather turnes perfectly fayre, so after these great warres in _France_, certaine easie conflicts did ensue: neither dangerous nor almost troublesome to the King. For _Robert_ Earle of _Mellent_, who for a long time had continued both a sure friend, and most close and priuate in counsaile with the King, vpon some sudden either discontentment on his part, or dislike on the Kings, so estranged himselfe, as it was enterpreted to be a reuolt: being charged with intent, to aduance _William_, cousin to _William_, sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_, to the Duchie of _Normandie_. Wherefore the King besieged, and at last tooke his chiefe Castle called _Pont. Audomer_; and at the same time enuironed the towre of _Roan_ with a wall. He also repaired and fortified the Castles of _Caen_, _Arches_, _Gisore_, _Falace_, _Argentine_, _Donfronc_, _Oxine_, _Aubrois_, _Nanroye_, _Iuta_, and the Towne of _Vernone_ in such sort, as at that time, they were esteemed impregnable, and not to bee forced by any enemie; except G.o.d or gold.

In the meane time the Earle of _Mellent_, with _Hugh Geruase_ his sonne, and _Hugh de Mountfort_ his sisters sonne, calling such as either alliance or friends.h.i.+p did draw vnto them; besides those whom youthful either age or minds had filled with vnlimited desires; whom discontentment also or want did vainly feed with hungry hopes; entred into _Normandy_ in armes: being so transported with desire to hurt, and troubled with feare of receiuing hurt, that they had neuer free scope of iudgement, either to prepare or manage the meanes to hurt. They were no sooner entred the Confines of _Normandie_, but _William Tankeruill_ the kings Chamberlaine came against them, brauely appointed, and resolute to fight. The very view of an enemie turned their euill guided furie into a feare: and whatsoeuer they did (proceeding rather from violence of pa.s.sion then ground of reason) made them stumble whilest they ran, and by their owne disorders hindered their owne desires. So with small difficultie they were surprised and taken, and brought to the King; who committed them to streit prison at _Roan_. An ordinary euent when rage runneth faster, then iudgement and power are able to hold pace.

About this time _Charles_ Earle of _Flanders_ as he was at his deuotions in the Church of S. _Donatus_ in _Bruxels_, was suddenly slaine by conspiracie of his owne people. And because hee left no issue in life, _Lewes_ King of _France_ inuested _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuis_ late Duke of _Normandie_, in the Earledome of _Flanders_; as descended from Earle _Baldwine_ sirnamed the Pious, whose daughter _Matilde_ was wife to King _William_ the first, and grandmother to this _William_.

This he did, not so much in fauour to _William_, or in regard of his right, as to set vp an a.s.sured enemie against King _Henry_: an enemie not onely of singular expectation, but proofe: whose courage was apt to vndertake any danger; whether for glory, or for reuenge. And herein his proiect did nothing faile. For no sooner was the Earle aduanced to that estate, but he raised a great hostilitie against the King of _England_: as well to recouer the Duchie of _Normandie_, as either to relieue or to reuenge the hard captiuitie of his father.

In this warre the Earle did winne a great opinion, both for iudgement to discerne, and for valour to execute what hee did discerne: shewing himselfe in nothing inferiour to his vnckle the king, but onely in treasure and command of men. For this cause he craued supply of _Lewes_ king of _France_; who, as he was the first that blew the cole, so was he alwayes ready to put fuell to the flame. But the King of _England_ entered _France_ with a strong Armie, where his sword ranged and raged without resistance: and yet more in prosecution of prey, then in execution of blood. He lodged at _Hesperdune_ the s.p.a.ce of 8. dayes; no lesse quietly, no lesse safely, then if he had bene in the princ.i.p.all Citie of his kingdome. By this meanes hee kept the _French_ King from sending succour to the Earle of _Flanders_. And in the meane season drew _Theodoricke_ Earle of _Holsteine_, nephew to _Robert_ who had bene Earle of _Flanders_, and _Arnoldus_ sisters sonne to Earle _Charles_, not long before slaine, to inuade Earle _William_: Both pretending t.i.tle to his dignitie, both bringing seueral armies, consisting of men, tough in temper, and well exercised in affaires of the field.

_Theodorick_ vpon his first approch tooke _Bruges_, _Ipres_ and _Gandt_; either willingly yeelding, or with small resistance: and vpon the necke thereof _Arnoldus_ tooke the strong towne of S. _Omer_. Earle _William_ being thus set as it were betweene the beetle and the blocke, was nothing deiected, nothing dismayed, either in courage or in hope. And first he went against _Arnoldus_, with a small company, but with such a liuely countenance of a Souldier, that _Arnoldus_ fell to capitulation for his safe departure; and so returned home as if he had bene vanquished. Then the Earle made head against _Theodorick_, and gaue him battaile, albeit farre inferiour to him, both for number and furniture of his men. The fight betweene them was long, furious and doubtfull. The _Germans_ confident in their number, which made them trust the lesse to their valour: the _Flemings_ rather desperate then resolute, vpon importance of their danger. And indeed it often happeneth, that good successe at the first doeth occasion the ouerthrow of many great actions: by working in the one side a confidence in themselues, and contempt of their enemies; and by making the other more earnest and entire. So at the last the violent valour of the Earle, well followed with the braue and resolute rage of his Souldiers, did such effects, that the _Germans_ were shaken and disordered, many slaine in the field, and the residue chased out of _Flanders_.

The Earle hauing now no enemie in open field, layed siege to the castle of _Alhurst_, which was defended against him by the _English_. The a.s.saults were so liuely enforced, and with such varietie of inuention and deuise; that a wide way was opened through all impediments, and the defendants were constrained by many necessities, to desire faire conditions of yeelding. This whilest the Earle delayed to grant, he receiued in a certaine light conflict a wound in his hand, whereof in a short time after he died: hauing first raised himselfe very high in opinion with all men, for his courage, industrie and skill in Armes. And thus Duke _Robert_ and his sonne _William_ were brought to their vnhappy ends; rather through the malice of their Fortune, then through any bad merit or insufficiencie in themselues: whereby the Duchie of _Normandie_, which had bene both the cause and the seate of very great warres, was then strongly setled in possession of King _Henry_.

Hee was neuer infested with domesticall warres; which in regard of those tumultuous times, is a manifest argument both of his iustice and prouidence; the one not giuing cause, the other no hope, for his subiects to rebel. The King of _Scots_ did homage vnto him; for what territories I doe not determine. _Morcard_ King of _Ireland_ and some of his successors were so appliable vnto him, that they seemed to depend vpon his command. The _Welsh_ who hated idlenesse and peace alike, did striue beyond their strength to pull their feete out of the mire of subiection; but in loose straggling companies, without either discipline or head. For this cause hee made diuers expeditions into _Wales_, where he had many bickerings, and put many chases vpon them: but found nothing worthy the name, either of enemie or of warre. Wherefore by maintaining garrisons, and light troups of Souldiers, he consumed the most obstinate, and reduced the rest to his allegeance: receiuing the sonnes of their n.o.bilitie for hostages.

At that time many Flemings inhabited in _England_; of whom some came ouer in the time of King _William_ the first, by occasion of his mariage with _Matild_ daughter to _Baldwine_ their Earle: but the greatest part came vnder the reigne of this King _Henrie_, by reason that _Flanders_ at that time by irruption of the sea, was in many places ouerflowen. The King was willing to entertaine them, because they brought with them both industrie and trades; because they made the Countrey both populous and rich. For in making a place populous, it is thereby also made rich: draw people to a place, and plentie will follow; driue away people, and it is vndone. They were first planted neere the riuer of _Tweede_; besides those who dispersed into diuers Townes. But at this time the King sent many of them into _Rose_ in _Pembrokes.h.i.+re_, whose progeny did euer since maintaine themselues in good condition against the _Welsh_: being a people euen at this day distinguished from all other bordering vpon them, both in language, and in nature, and in fas.h.i.+on of life.

On a time as the king marched through _Powesland_ in _Southwales_, hee came to certaine streights, through which his maine army could not pa.s.se, by reason of their mult.i.tude and traine of cariage: wherefore hee sent the greatest part a further way about, and himselfe with a small company tooke the neerer way thorow those streights. When he was well entred, he was charged very sharpely, but rudely, and disordredly by the _Welsh_; who hauing the aduantage both in number and in place, did much annoy him from the higher ground; but durst not approach to close fight at hand. The King himselfe was smitten with an arrow full vpon the breast: whereat hee swore _By our Lords death_ (which was his vsuall oath) that it was no _Welsh_ arme which shot that arrow. Many of his men also were hurt, and the residue strangely disordred; the amazement being farre greater then the distresse. But the king with a firme countenance retired in time, the enemies not daring to pursue him any further, then they might be a.s.sured by aduantage of place. Then he sent peaceably vnto them, and after some ouertures, brought them to agree, that for a thousand head of cattell the pa.s.sage should be left open vnto him.

In his politicke gouernment he so managed the State, that neither subiects wanted iustice, nor Prince obedience. He repaired many defects, hee reformed many abuses, which would in the meane time enfeeble, and at last oppresse the Common-wealth. Hee ordred his affaires with such moderation, that he was not onely well obeyed by his subiects, but highly honoured and respected by forreine Princes: wherby it appeared, that learning may be both a guard and guide to Princes, if it be not so immoderately affected, as to bereaue them, either of the minde, or time for action. He vsed much seueritie in punis.h.i.+ng offenders; seueritie, the life of iustice; of iustice, the most a.s.sured preseruer of States: affording no more fauour for the most part, then dead mercilesse law did allot. Against theeues he prouided, that no money should saue them from hanging. He ordeined that counterfeitures of money should loose both their eyes, and be depriued of their priuie parts. He tooke away the deceit which had been occasioned by varietie of measures, and made a measure by the length of his owne arme: which hath been Commonly vsed euer since by the name of a yard.