Chapter VI: Part 6

And although these and diuers like passages of Law commonly alleadged, doe seeme little or nothing pertinent to this purpose; for that they concern not any vniuersall right of inheritance, which is due vnto children after the death of their parents; but certaine particular priuiledges and rights attributed vnto them whilest their parents were in life, which for the most part are arbitrarie and mutable, as depending vpon the pleasure of the Prince: Yet many Interpreters of both Lawes haue bene drawen by these reasons to subscribe their iudgements for this kind of Title: and namely _Pet. Cynus_, _Baldus_, _Albericus_[88], _Iac. Rebuffus_, _& Luc. Penna_[89]. Also _Panormitane_[90], _Collect._[91], _Dynus_[92], _Franc. Cremen._[93], _Marti. Laud._[94], _Card. Alexander_[95], _Phil. Decius_[96], _Alceat_[97], _Bon. Curti._[98]. And lastly, _Anton. Corsetta_[99], deliuereth it for a common receiued and followed opinion. Which must be vnderstood with this distinction, if the kingdome be either newly erected, or else newly acquired by Conquest, Election, or any such title, other then by hereditarie succession according to proximitie in blood. For if the kingdome bee once seded in a certaine course of succession, because the dignitie is inherent in the blood of that stocke; because it is not taken from the father but from the ancestors; because it is not taken onely from the ancestors, but from the fundamentall law of the State; the eldest sonne shall indistinctly succeede, although hee were borne before his father was King[100]. And therefore after the kingdome of _Persia_ had been caried by succession in some descents, when _Darius_ the King had foure sonnes, _Artaxerxes_ the eldest, _Cyrus_ the next, and two others; _Parysates_ the wife of _Darius_ hauing a desire that _Cyrus_ should succeede in the kingdome, alleaged in his behalfe the same reason wherewith _Xerxes_ had preuailed before: to wit, that shee had brought foorth _Artaxerxes_ to _Darius_, when hee was in priuate state; but _Cyrus_ was borne to him when he was a King. Yet _Plutarch_[101] affirmeth, that the reason which she vsed was nothing probable, and that _Artaxerxes_ the eldest sonne was appointed to be King. And so _Blondus_[102] and _Ritius_ doe report, that _Bela_ the King of _Hungarie_ being dead, _Geysa_ succeeded, although borne vnto him before he was a King.

Others inferiour in number, but not in weight of Iudgement do affirme, that whether a Kingdome be setled in succession, or whether by any other title newly attained, the right to succeed by all true grounds of law pertaineth to the eldest sonne; albeit borne before his fathers aduancement to the kingdome, in case there be no expresse law of the state to the contrary. The principall reason is, because this is the nature of all successions by way of inheritance: For, if a father purchaseth lands, leases, cattell, or other goods, the inheritance shall bee transmitted to his eldest sonne, although borne before the purchase. Likewise if a father be aduanced to any title of honour, as Duke, Earle, Marquesse, &c. it was neuer, I will not say denied, but once doubted, but that the eldest sonne should succeede in the same, albeit he was borne before the aduancement. And therefore seeing this is the generall rule of all other inheritable successions, and there is no reason of singularitie in a kingdome; it followeth, that in like case the succession of a kingdome should also descend to the eldest sonne, although borne before the kingdome were atchieued.

Againe, the sonne who was borne before his father was a King, had once a right to succeede in the kingdome; for if another sonne had not afterwards beene borne, without all question hee should haue succeeded. But a right which a man by his owne person hath acquired; albeit in some cases it may be diminished, yet can it not bee altogether extinguished by any externall or casuall euent, which hath no dependencie vpon himselfe. And so the right which the eldest sonne hath to his fathers inheritance, may bee diminished by the birth of other children, in regard of those goods which are to bee distributed in parts among them; but it cannot possibly be extinguished. Neither can it bee diminished in those things which are not of nature to bee either valued or diuided (of which sort a Kingdome is the chiefe) but doe passe entirely vnto one. For the right of blood which onely is regarded in lawfull successions, is acquired and held from the natiuitie of the childe, and doth not begin at the fathers death; at which time the inheritance doth fall.

Lastly, if it be true in sonnes, that he shal succeede in a kingdome who is first borne, after the father is exalted to bee a King; then is it true also in other remote degrees of consanguinitie. And hereby it should often happen, that when a King dieth without issue of his body, they who are not onely inferiour in age, but more remote in degree, should exclude both the elder and the neerer in blood; because perhaps borne after the kingdome was attained: which is against all lawes of lawfull succession.

Howsoeuer the right standeth, _Henry_ the yonger brother to King _William Rufus_, vpon aduantage of the absence of Duke _Robert_ his eldest brother, formed this title to the Crowne of _England_. In which pretence he was strongly supported, first by a generall inclination of the common people, for that he had both his birth and education within the Realme, and they were well perswaded of his good nature and disposition. Secondly, by the fauour and trauaile of many of the nobilitie, especially of _Henry Neuborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_. Thirdly, (for that the sailes of popular fauours are filled most violently with reports) by his giuing forth, that his brother _Robert_ intended neuer to returne; for that he was elected King of _Hierusalem_, and of all those large Countreys in _Asia_, which the Christians had lately wrung out of the _Saracens_ hands. Lastly, by vsing celeritie the very life of actions; for he was Crowned at _Westminster_ (as it hath bene said) vpon the fifth day of August, in the yeere 1100. which was the third day after his brothers death.

In person he was both stately and strong; tall, broad brested, his limmes fairely fourmed, well knit, and fully furnished with flesh. He was exceeding both comely and manly in countenance, his face wel fashioned, his colour cleere, his eyes liuely and faire, his eye-browes large and thicke, his haire blacke and somewhat thinne towards his forehead. He was of an excellent wit, free from ostentation; his thoughts high, yet honourable and iust: in speach ready and eloquent, much graced with sweetnesse of voyce. In priuate he was affable, open, wittily pleasant, and very full of merrie simplicitie: in publicke he looked with a graue Maiestie, as finding in himselfe cause to be honoured. He was brought vp in the studie of Liberall Arts at _Cambridge_, where he attained that measure of knowledge, which was sufficient both for ornament and vse; but ranne not into intemperate excesse, either for ostentation, or for a cloake to vnprofitable expense of time. By his example the yong Nobilitie of the Realme began to affect a praise for learning: Insomuch as, at a certaine enteruiew betweene the King and Pope _Innocent_ the 2. the sonnes of _Robert_ Earle of _Mellent_, maintained open disputations against diuers Cardinals and Chapleines of the Pope.

He was an exact esteemer of himselfe, not so much for his strength as for his weakenesses: lesse inclined to confidence then to distrust; and yet in weighty affaires resolute and firme; neuer dismaied, and alwayes fortunate; his spirits being of force to oppose against any sort of difficulties or doubts. Extremities made him the more assured; and like a well knit Arch, hee then lay most strong when hee sustained the greatest weight. Hee was no more disposed to valour, then well setled in vertue and goodnes; which made his valour of more precious valuation. He had good command ouer his passions; and thereby attained both peace within himselfe, and victory ouer others. In giuing hee was moderate, but bountifull in recompence; his countenance enlarging the worth of his gift. Hee was prone to relieue, euen where there was least likelihood of requitall. He hated flatterie, the poysoned sugar, the counterfeit ciuilitie and loue, the most base brokery of wordes: yet was no musicke so pleasing vnto him as well deserued thankes. He was vigilant and industrious in his affaires; knowing right well that honour not onely hath a paineful and dangerous birth, but must in like manner be nourished and fed.

He was somewhat immoderate and excessiue, as well in aduancing those he fauoured, as in beating downe and disabling his enemies. The sword was alwayes the last of his trials; so as he neuer either sought or apprehended occasions of warre, where with honour he could reteine peace. But if it were iniuriously vrged, he wanted neither wisedome, nor diligence, nor magnanimous heart to encounter the danger; to beare it ouer with courage and successe. He was frugall of the blood and slaughter of his Souldiers; neuer aduenturing both his honour & their liues to the hazard of the sword, without either necessitie or aduantage. He oftentimes preuailed against his enemies more by policie then by power; and for victories thus attained, he attributed to himselfe the greatest glory. For wisedome is most proper to man, but force is common and most eminent in beasts; by wisedome the honour was entire to himselfe, by force it was participated to inferiour Commanders, to euery priuate ordinarie Souldier: the effects of force, are heauie, hideous, and sometimes inhumane; but the same wrought to euent by wisedome, is, as lesse odious, so more assured and firme.

After that he was mounted into the seate of Maiestie, hee neglected no meanes to settle himselfe most surely therin, against the returne of his brother _Robert_. To this end he contracted both amitie and alliance with _Edgar_ King of _Scots_, by taking his sister _Matild_ to wife: by which meanes he not onely remoued his hostilitie, but stood assured of his assistance, in case his occasions should so require. Shee was daughter to _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_, by _Margaret_ his wife; who was sister to _Edgar_ surnamed _Adeling_, and daughter to _Edward_, sonne to _Edmund Ironside_, the most valiant Saxon King, the scourge and terrour of the _Danes_. So as after the death of _Adeling_ who left no issue, this _Matild_ was next by discent from the Saxon Kings to the inheritance of the Crowne of _England_: and by her entermariage with King _Henry_, the two families of _Normans_ and _Saxons_ were vnited together both in blood and title to the Crowne. This more then any other respect made the whole nation of the _English_ not onely firme to King _Henrie_, against his brother, but loyall and peaceable during all his reigne: for that they saw the blood of their _Saxon_ Kings restored again to the possession of the Crowne.

Shee was a Lady vertuous, religious, beautifull and wise: farre from the ordinary either vices or weakenesses incident to her sexe. She had been brought vp among the Nunnes of _Winchester_, and _Rumsey_, whether professed or onely veiled our writers doe diuersly report; but most affirme that shee was professed. Yet for the common good, for the publique peace and tranquilitie of the State, shee abandoned her deuoted life, and was ioyned to King _Henrie_ in mariage, by consent of _Anselme_, without any dispensation from _Rome_. Of this _Matild_ the King begate _William_ a sonne, who perished by shipwracke; and _Matild_ a daughter, first married to _Henry_ the fifth Emperour, by whom she had no issue; afterward to _Geoffrey Plantagenet_ Earle of _Aniou_, by whom shee brought foorth a sonne named _Henrie_, in whom the blood of the Saxon Kings was aduanced againe to the gouernment of this Realme.

Now to purchase the fauour of the Clergie, he called _Anselme_ out of exile, and restored him both to the dignitie and reuenues of the Sea of _Canterbury_. Other Bishoprickes and Abbeys which King _William_ kept voide at the time of his death, hee furnished with men of best sufficiencie and reputation. Hee committed _Radulph_ Bishop of _Durham_ to prison, who had been both authour and agent to King _William_ in most of his distastfull actions against the Clergie. This _Radulph_ was a man of smooth vse of speach, wittie onely in deuising, or speaking, or doing euill: but to honestie and vertue his heart was a lumpe of lead. Enuious aboue all measure; nothing was so grieuous to his eyes as the prosperitie, nothing so harsh to his eares as the commendations of others. His tongue alwayes slauish to the Princes desires; not regarding how truely or faithfully, but how pleasingly he did aduise. Thus as a principall infamie of that age, hee liued without loue, and died without pitie; sauing of those who thought it pitie that he liued so long.

Further, to make the Clergie the more assured, the King renounced the right which his Ancesters vsed in giuing Inuestitures; and acknowledged the same to appertaine to the Pope. This hee yeelded at his first entrance, partly not knowing of what importance it was, and partly being in necessitie to promise any thing. But afterwards he resumed that right againe; albeit in a Councell not long before held at _Rome_, the contrary had bene decreed. For hee inuested _William Gifford_ into the Bishopricke of _Winchester_, and all the possessions belonging to the same. He gaue the Archbishopricke of _Canterburie_ to _Radulph_ Bishop of _London_, and inuested him therein by a Ring and a staffe: he inuested also two of his Chapleins at _Westminster_; _Roger_ his Chanceller in the Bishopricke of _Salisburie_, and _Roger_ his Larderer in the Bishopricke of _Hereford_. Further he assumed the custome of his father and brother, in taking the reuenues of Bishopricks whilest they remained void: and for that cause did many times keepe them a longer season vacant in his hands, then many of the Clergie could with patience endure.

But especially the Clergie did fauour him much, by reason of his liberall leaue either to erect, or to enlarge, or else to enrich Religious buildings. For to these workes the King was so ready to giue, not onely way, but encouragement and helpe, that in no Princes time they did more within this Realme either flourish or increase. And namely the house of S. _Iohn_ of _Hierusalem_ was then founded neere _Smithfield_ in London, with the house of Nunnes by _Clerken-well_. Then were also founded the Church of _Theukesburie_, with all Offices thereto belonging: the Priorie and Hospitall of S. _Bartholomewes_ in _Smithfield_, the Church of S. _Giles_ without _Creeplegate_; the Colledge of Seculare Canons in the castle of _Leicester_; the Abbey without the Northgate of the same towne called S. _Mary de prato_. Also the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ of _Lanthonie_ by _Glocester_; the Church of _Dunmow_ in _Essex_; the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ at _Colchester_, which was the first house of _Augustine_ Chanons in _England_: the Church of S. _Mary Oueries_ furnished with Chanons in _Southwarke_; the Priory of the holy Trinity now called _Christs Church_ within _Algate_; and the Hospitall of S. _Giles_ in the field: The Priorie of _Kenelworth_; The Abbey of _Kenshame_; The Monasterie of _Plimpton_ in _Deuonshire_; with the Cathedrall Church of _Exceter_; the Priorie of _Merton_; the Colledge of _Warwicke_; the Hospitall of _Kepar_; the Priorie of _Osney_ neere _Oxeford_; the Hospital of S. _Crosse_ neere _Winchester_; the Priorie of _Norton_ in _Cheshire_, with diuers others. The King also founded and erected the Priorie of _Dunstable_, the Abbey of _Circester_, the Abbey of _Reading_, the Abbey of _Shirebourne_. Hee also changed the Abbey of _Eley_ into a Bishops Sea; he erected a Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, placed Chanons there, and endowed it with many honours. These and many other Religious buildings either done, or helped forward, or permitted and allowed by the King, much encreased the affection of the Clergie towards him.

Now to draw the loue of the common people, he composed himselfe to a sober ciuilitie; easie for accesse, faire in speach, in countenance and behauiour kind: his Maiestie so tempered with mildnesse and courtesie, that his Subiects did more see the fruits, then feele the weight of his high estate. These were things of great moment with the vulgar sort; who loue more where they are louingly intreated, then where they are benefited, or happely preserued. He eased them of many publicke grieuances. Hee restored them to the vse of fire and candle after eight of the clocke at night, which his father had most straitly forbidden. Punishments of losse of member vsed before, he made pecuniarie. Hee moderated the Law of his brother, which inflicted death for killing any of the Kings Deere; and ordeined, that if any man killed a Deere in his owne wood, the wood should be forfeited to the King. He permitted to make enclosures for Parkes; which taking beginning in his time, did rise to that excessiue encrease, that in a few succeeding ages more Parkes were in _England_, then in all _Europe_ beside. He promised that the Lawes of K. _Edward_ should againe be restored; but to put off the present performance, he gaue forth, that first they should be reuiewed and corrected, and made appliable to the present time. And albeit in trueth they were neuer either reuiewed or corrected, yet the onely hope thereof did worke in the people a fauourable inclination to his part.

Whilest the King did thus Immure himselfe in the state of _England_, as well by ordering his affaires, as by winning the hearts of the people vnto him, Duke _Robert_ was returning from _Palestine_, by easie and pleasurable iourneys; vsing neither the celeritie nor forecast which the necessitie of his occasions did require. Hee visited many Princes by the way, and consumed much time in entertainments and other complements of Court. Hee tooke to wife as he came _Sibell_ the daughter of _Roger_ Duke of _Apulia_ and Earle of _Cicill_, who was a _Norman_: and the great portion of money which he receiued for her dower, he loosely lauished foorth amongst his followers; of whom he receiued nothing againe, but thankes when he (scattered rather then) gaue, and pitie when he wanted.

At the last he arriued in _Normandie_, and foorthwith was sollicited out of _England_ by letters from many, who either vpon conscience or discontentment fauoured his Title; and especially from _Radulph_ Bishop of _Durham_, who had lately escaped out of prison, a man odious ynough to vndoe a good cause; that he would omit no time, that hee would let fall no diligence, to embarke himselfe in the enterprise for _England_: that he had many friends there, both powerfull and sure, who would partake with him in his dangers, although not in the honour atchieued by his dangers: that therewith the peoples fauour towards the King did begin to ebbe, and that it was good taking the first of the tide. Hereupon he shuffled vp an Armie in haste; neither for number, nor furniture, nor choise of men answerable to the enterprise in hand. Then he crossed the Seas, landed at _Portesmouth_, and marched a small way into the Countrey; vainely expecting the concourse and ayd which had bene assured him out of _England_. But King _Henry_ had made so good vse both of his warning and time to prouide against this tempest, that hee did at once both cut from the Duke all meanes of ayd, and was ready to encounter him in braue appointment. Hereupon many who were vnable by Armes to relieue the Duke, by aduise did to him the best offices they could. For they laboured both the King and him to a reconcilement; The King with respect of his new vnsettled estate, the Duke with respect of his weakenesses and wants; both with regard of naturall duetie and loue, knit betweene them by band of blood. So after some trauaile and debatement, a peace was concluded vpon these Conditions.

_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 Noble 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 godfather, 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 circumuented 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 shire_, 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 assured 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 wardship 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 Nobilitie 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 passing away his principall 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 passed 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 assured 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 relinquishing of my Title 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 passion 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 assure your selfe, that this desire did not proceed from want either of courage, or of meanes, or of assistance 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_, associated 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 assured 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 noble 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, assured 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 assayling 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 bloody 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 assured 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 noble 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 assuredly 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 principall of these, _Lewes_ the grosse King of _France_, seeing his ouersight in permitting _Normandie_ to bee annexed to the Realme of _England_, assembled a great armie; and vpon pretence of a trifling quarrell about the demolishing 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, passed the Seas into _Normandie_: hauing first drawen to his assistance _Theobald_ Earle of _Champaine_, the Earles of _Crecie_, _Pissaux_, 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 assailed 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 passages 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 space 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 sturdie 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 assemble 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 assure 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 bloody 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 assured token of some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they scattered and ranged after prey (as greedy men are seldome circumspect) 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 assured 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 Nobilitie and Prelates were sworne; and who seemed to want nothing through all his fathers dominions, but onely the name and Title 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 ship; 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 Nobilitie and best knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge their dueties, others to testifie their loue and respect. Of such passengers the ship 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 ship strake against a rocke, the head whereof was aboue water, not farre from the shoare. The passengers cried out, and the sailers laboured to winde or beare off the ship 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 ship; 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 assuredly 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 ship, 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 ship 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 ship raised much matter of nouelty and discourse abroad; but neuer did ship 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 _Godfrey_ 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 principall 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 God 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 friendship 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 passion 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.