THE TRUE USE OF armory, showed by History, and plainly proved by example: the necessity thereof also discovered: with the manner of differings in ancient time, the lawfulness of honourable funerals and monuments: with other matters of Antiquity, incident to the advancing of Banners, Ensigns, and marks of nobleness and chivalry, By William Wyrley.  
Imprinted at London, by I. jackson, for Gabriel Cawood. 1592.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORDS AND OTHERS THE professors of martial discipline.  
NOBLES and Gentlemen, I will salute you with a sentence of mine Author sir john Froysard, The adventures of arms (saith he) are so divers, and so far oftentimes beyond expectation, as that their effects causeth great admiration: which saying of his caused me with the more attention to read over his works, and finding the same most truly prosecuted through the whole course of his history, but especially in the actions and adventures of two famous Capitains' Sage and Imaginative, the one sir john Chandos, and the other sir john Grayllie by name (commonly called the captal de Buz) it delighted me (as a lover of honour and chivalry) to note down their several fortunes with some reasons of their falls, as men may guess at the judgements of God, and having enterprised the publishing thereof, have dedicated these my labours, such as they be, to your honourable society: which doings of mine though they may seem to some men frivolous and not worth your regard, yet doubt I not but you shall find matter of benefit valuable to the time you shall therein bestow, both by way of imitation, and virtuous emulation, as being a subject that may stir your worthy endeavours to the honour of God, your dutiful service of her Majesty, the benefit of your country, and your own eternal glory. I have been careful to set down (as my manner is) the Standards pennons, cote armours, and other marks of honour, to the end it may publicly be known of what necessity the use of them is (as being for that cause first ordained) how and in what manner they are to be used, and to whom they do of right most chief and properly appertain and belong. And these matters being well conceived (as indeed without such tokens no martial discipline can be exercised, no army ranged, no attempt of any company achieved, and so (by consequence) no conquest made, nor so much as any Commonwealth (whatsoever) defended, neither from outward enemies, civil discord, nor the rebellion of any plebeian rout, be the same never so simple, rude, or of small esteem) it will (I hope) reduce into estimation a matter both of honour, order, and necessity, which now (through the abuse thereof) is so far run into contempt, as that (of many men) it is holden for a thing of no price, but thought to be a very mockery, and a matter of no other sequence, than to set up vain and fantastical glorious fellows into a pride, and to draw from them some small sums to certain persons into an office instituted, which no doubt was by the wisest and best governed states at the first devised, and generally by all of any policy received to a most necessary end: yet think they (as it is now in use) it serveth but only for that purpose. And indeed I must by the way complain, that certain of the said officers (or others pertaining to them) either for want of skill or maintenance, or otherwise for their gain, have committed faults not justifiable, whereby they have brought a matter of great honour into defame, and injured thereby the Commonwealth, and brought both others that have managed those affairs with more discretion, and themselves into obloquy. But these faults and errors, and some others also (spoken of in this dedication instituted to that purpose) will in the handling of this matter more easily appear, and the thing be (I hope) reform either by the good endeavours which the officers (understanding thereof) will use, or else by the magistrate, when he shall have knowledge of such the abuses as he may be informed of. And first that Guydhomes ensigns and marks of armory be of necessity, let it be but considered whether wars be sometimes of necessity to be taken in hand or not, and surely I think there is none of so very mean capacity, but will yield unto it that they be: especially defensive, and in some cases also offensive: which as a thing granted I will overpass. And then I say further, that wars being lawful and of necessity, it must also be granted, that the same must be made by companies and bands of men, over which some must command, and the rest obey, and then will it follow, that for the oredring & dividing of those to the best advantage, standards and banners must be allotted to every company, to the end they may draw together in their strength, and perform such actions as they shall be commanded, thus may you see the necessity. And for the use it doth also appear, that since some must be commanders, it is of importance that they be known both by the persons over whom they command, & generally by all, and that so perspicuously that upon every sudden occurrent, the meanest & simplest common soldier may thereby know every particular officer, and captain that hath charge: for which purpose our ancestors devise was, that such men should wear some such coat of mark over his armour, as whereby they might be easily discerned, to be the same persons which indeed they were: and where sometimes (when occasion so offered itself) they were forced to use pavishes for their defence, whereby a great part of the mark which was upon their vesture, was shadowed from sight, it was thought necessary that their marks should be also laid upon their shields: the commanders of horsemen (their faces being for the most part covered) they added to the crests of their helmets some further distinction to be the better also known by: thus much for the ordinance and use of armory. And hereby also may it appear to whom they do properly belong and appertain, namely, to Kings, Princes, Archbishops, Bishops, Earls, Barons, Lords of provinces and fees, Knights, officers in the Army, Navy or piece, and generally to all that have charge over bands and companies of soldiers. And now sithence from henceforth many of my speeches will tend to the discovery of such things as I take to be abused, erroneous, or faulty, wherein I may peradventure not square in opinion with some others, and being myself no officer or of any authority, whereby I should have cause to deal in these affairs, I will therefore first beseech your honours and all others to whom it may appertain, that if any thing shall pass my pen which shall be offensive, that they will conceive no worse of it than I mean, which is but to bring these matters of armory into question, to the end that if any thing be amiss (as I for my part think that many things are) that then the same may be reform: but if happily I mistake, that then it would please such as be of judgement or skill, to justify the same as well done, and I shall most willingly yield to authority and reason: and so not speaking but under correction, I say that first I find (as I conceive) some blame to be imputed in yourselves which be professed soldiers, that where your ancestors and all others generally did in their standards, banners, and pennons show forth to the view and face of the enemy, certain fair, ancient, and known marks, which their elders for the most part had usually before time carried, or at least themselves had then taken (if they but then were in their rising age) whereby their own people were in a goodly and decent order conducted and led, and their enemies very much terrified, when they should see those marks showed forth, the owners whereof had in their memories by plain feat of arms overthrown their parents, or happily themselves, beaten them out of the field, razed down their castles and fortresses, sacked their towns and cities, wasted and spoiled their countries, ransomed their people, and generally so daunted and amazed them, that it was sometimes found to be true, that very bare names of some valiant persons overcame whole armies. I can not but blame you of all sorts which shall make choice of banners (which you call colours) so curtain like and so far from all due order of Ancient bearing as may be, and for your parts which are descended from Ancestors of mark, I would be glad to hear any reason from you, to what end you should lay the same a side, and make choice of a curtain in the place thereof. And you others (whose wisdom and valour have gained you the reputation of a charge) I would gladly also hear from you what should move you to be of that mind, as not to take some convenient mark, such a one as may be thought meet by authority for you, whereby you may gain an honour, both to yourselves and your posterity, and by your good usage thereof much enlarge the reputation, you have by your valours obtained.  
another thing that is amiss as I take it, and hath great need to be reform, is the quartering of many marks in one shield, coat, or banner, for sithence it is true that such marks serve to no other use but for a commander to lead by, or to be known by, it is of necessity that the same be apparent, fair, and easy to be discerned, so that the quartering of many of them together doth hinder the use for which they are provided. As how is it possible for a plain unlearned man (who may be as good a soldier in some respects as the best) to discern and know a sunder, six or eight, (what speak I of six or eight?) sometimes thirty or forty several marks clustered all together in one shield or banner, nay though he had as good skill as Robert Glover late Somerset that dead is, and the eyes of an Eagle, amongst such a confusion of things, yet should he never be able to decipher the errors that are daily committed in this one point, nor discern or know one banner or standard from another, be the same never so large? So that except it be to be made in a pedigree or descent to lock up in an evidence chest, thereby to show men's titles to their lands or the Alliances and kindreds of their houses, otherwise (as I say) I see not to any use in the world they serve, specially so many together to be made upon a man's vesture, Target or banner, and therefore I could wish that every man would content himself with his own peculiar coat of name, and not to use above one quartered therewith at the most: which one yet doth not so much trouble the capacity of a man, but that he may both know and discern a banner or shield well enough. And this one do I the rather esteem well of to be borne, for that a Prince or Noble man making challenge or title to any Country (for which he is forced to make wars before he can obtain it) it will be a goodly thing for him to show forth his standard of the Arms of that Country quartered with his own amongst those people which in reason and conscience own him duty and obedience, to the end that they may thereby be the sooner induced to submit themselves to their true and lawful sovereign, as his subjects. And for that cause (as I take it) King Edward the third and his valiant sons devised and showed forth the Arms of France and England quartered together, and although my Author saith that jaques Dartuell, a honey trier of Gaunt was the first deviser thereof, yet will I not believe otherwise, but that the principal reasons that led the king thereto, was to make known the justness of his title to that kingdom where he than intended to make wars. But now it may be objected, sithence a Prince or great Lord may have title to several Countries, that therefore it is necessary for him to bear all such tokens or marks as he hath title too: To this I answer, that although I could yield to them (but that it will bring the confusion aforesaid) yet is it of no such necessity, for that a man needs to show his title but only to them whom he means to subdue: and if it should fortune that he had title to divers and several Countries, and that he would make wars to them all at once, yet should it not be needful to him to show forth any more marks quartered in one standard, but only unto every several country the Arms of that nation quartered with his own. But this being the case of Kings and Princes, wherein (amongst others) our most famous, noble and worthy kings and princes of this land, have showed themselves most prudent and wise, to what purpose is it that others being but commanders under their prince, and which of themselves have neither title to country nor are able to maintain wars, should in their prince's service pester their banners and shields with such an infinite number as many do? And in this point I cannot enough commend the Baron of Stafford, who herein showeth his great skill and temperance, for althongh his Ancestors have had title to quarter the marks of that valiant Thomas of Wodstocke (youngest son of King Edward the third) Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Gloucester, of Bohune Earl of Hereford and Northanton and high Constable of England: and also of that great house of Somerset, which by their ancestor john Earl of Somerset, (younger son to john of Gaunt) descended from the same king Edward the third, (I omit to speak of divers Barons and others of great estate, whose heirs both with revenue and honour enlarged greatly his family) yet the said Baron contents himself with the paternal mark of his house, and never so much as dreams of any other, far differing from a number of meaner persons, who if they possess any manor or lands by descent, albeit their ancestors married the heir of the same many hundred years agone, and whose parents peradventure never did bear any mark, or if they did (time having obscured the same) it remaineth unknown: yet shall you have them run to an Herald or painter, as busily as if the matter were of weight, and there make search they know not for what, and the herald or painter (on the other side) to draw some small piece of silver from them, will find out the badge of some one or other of the same name, although many times none of the kindred, and may be never came near that country, and that will they invest them with as their own, and sometimes (when no mark for any of the name will be found) then devise some conceit or other, and say they find it borne by such a name, and content them wondrously therewith, which serves yet to no other use, but to make up a just number, whereby their own marks become the more confused: and yet into this quartering (being a very fountain of errors) many both Noble men and Gentlemen, and the officers of Arms themselves, do oftentimes very rashly enter. It is not long sithence there died a knight in Staffordshire of good account, and (in his life time) was a deputy Lieutenant there, to do his obsequy came an officer of Arms, who compiled for him nine several marks all in one Escutcheon, and yet never a one of them (as they were there set forth) to him belonging, but his own of name. And as I have given you this one for an instance, so almost can a man come into no town of any account, nor almost into any Church or house of Noble man or Gentleman, but he shall find errors, so that the numbers thereof be infinite: It were therefore to be wished that this matter of quartering should be reform, as well for the untruths therein committed, as for the titles that may be brought in question thereby to lands and Heritage's: And as being one of the chiefest things that bringeth the honour of Armoury into disgrace: for not long ago heard I one speak in this manner, did I not (quoth he) know the grandfather of this man (speaking of the owner of a scuchion wherein were quartered many marks) to purchase by plain patent (although he never were man at Arms) both his coat and crest within these forty years, and how comes it now to pass that I see his nephew invested in all this armory? (numbering many and divers several devices all in one shield by way of quartering) this being a very mockery to see a man of no valour or estimation in warlike affairs, and the paternal Ancestors of whom (for aught that can be proved) were not in any late age welders of Arms, to intrude themselves into so many badges of armory is not the least matter to bring into contempt an order so honourable and necessary, as the bearing of Arms is.  
Another matter that to my understanding is also to be reform, is the manner of differings, which are by the younger brothers and their posterities laid upon their marks, being cressants, mollets, etc. and that such little ones, as that a man cannot discern them a very small distance from him, which differences are in reason to be made fair, plain, and large, that they may be also as easy to be discovered as any other devise that is in the coat, shield, or banner, otherwise they serve not to the purpose for which marks were first ordained. And the inconvenience which ensueth of this error will the more easily appear, if I but set you down the words of mine Author (treating of an accident that happened in such a case) which be these: Et feist msr Robert Baileul aler sa Banniere tout devant en escriant moriannes' les Henuiers qui inestoint esthauses Aperceurent la Banniere de moriannes' qui encore estoit tout Droicte, si cuiderent que ce feust la leur ou ilz se devoient radresser, car mult petite y auoi● de difference de lune a l'autre, car les Arms moriennes sount Bars country Bars d'Argent & d'Azure a deux Cheuerons de Gueules, et le cheuron de msr Robert avoit une petite crosete d'or, si ne l'aduiserent my bien les hennuiers ainsi vindrent bouter de fait dessubs la Banniere de msr Robert, si furent moult fierement reboutes et tous discomfis: For these henowers being led by sir William Baileul thought in the stir and business to have come to his banner hearing the surname of Moriens called upon, and seeing as they supposed their captain's ensign, and the difference of sir Robert, being the younger brother, but a little cross upon the upper chevron they could not apperceave, so that the most of them were either slain or taken, and the elder brother the Knight their leader was glad to save himself as well as he might: The Lord of Cowcie son in law to king Edward the third, suffered also reproach through the hard dealings of the Lord of Chine who raised his banner against certain Englishmen of sir Hugh Caveleys company, being either the same that Cowcies was, or the difference so small as might not be discerned, whereby the said Lord Cowcie though he were absent as far as Ostrich, had dishonour spoken of him as in the discourse of the Capital I have touched.  
Thus then having showed by example the harm and inconvenience that cannot but many times happen through the littleness and niceness of such differences, I have thought it not amiss to lay before you the differings that antiquity used, that by comparing them together you may discern the great wisdom of our ancestors and our own imperfections in this point, for want of due consideration: which was done at the first by changing of the devise borne into other colours only, but when that would not suffice for the number of leaders (many times all of one house) then were they forced to vary their marks by adding of either bars, bends, chevrons, chiefs, quarters, borders, labels, losings, or such like, and very seldom should you see in those times crescent, mollet, or such like small little thing borne for a difference, and if any did, yet was the same made so large and fair that it might be seen as well as any other the devise which should be in the shield or banner. And for the proof, I will give you the example but of one house only for your better information (though I could do the like of many others) namely, that of the Basset's, who indeed (in my judgement) varied their marks of honour very finely, and that upon good respect:  
Thus have I set down unto you (though something tediously) the use that the antiquity followed in a very glorious line, for Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, which flourished divers hundreds of years sithence, and you may see that these men (though they were many of them great Barons) were not ashamed of their differences, but laid them forth largely to the view, neither do I esteem it a shame whereby any man should covet to hide the same, to be descended as a younger brother, sithence that every brother (having the like parents) is as well descended as the eldest, and therefore as good a Gentleman (though not so rich) as he. And the more is his honour, if without the help which by reason of his patrimony the elder hath, he can advance himself into place of office or dignity, whereby he may raise an other flourishing family of the same surname: And therefore you my masters that be younger brothers, never hide your differences by putting forth a little crescent, or a peeping mollet, but use some fair large devise, sithence in truth your estimation is by your rising to be had in as good a regard as if you were the elder.  
And now being in speech of younger brothers and their differences, I have observed two kinds of them which the antiquity used, (besides the aforesaid) one was, that such as were advanced by Kings, Princes, or other great Lords, did many times bear some part of the devise of him who advanced them, by way of addition unto the mark of their own family, which served very aptly to distinguish them from their elder house.  
The other was, that divers did add unto the mark of their own house, some part of the devise of that family from which their mothers descended, and both these two kinds of differings are (in my mind) greatly to be commended, not only for that they may be made large and apparent, and for that cause serve very properly to the use for which Badges are ordained, but also that the one makes manifest a grateful mind (in him that is advanced) to his prince or lord of whom he received benefit, and by reason thereof linketh them together in a kind of amity, which seldom or never is worn out, and by that means a great strengthening it is unto both houses.  
The other not only serveth to unite the families which have matched together in the foresaid love and amity, and thereby worketh the like effect, but besides it showeth the certainty of the dessending of the said younger brother out of both the said houses, and also giveth knowledge of the time thereof, whereby if any title of inheritance be at any time cast upon the younger brother, either descending from ancestor of the father's side, or mothers, it gives him a testimony of his title, and witnesseth unto the world the truth of his descent by the continual bearing of that devise, so that this kind may (many times) work profit to the bearer, and avoid many troubles and suits: and therefore into one of these kind of differings could I wish our younger brothers, which from henceforth shallbe advanced, to invest themselves, as being both honourable, fair, certain, and profitable. But now it may be objected that the order in use showeth plainly enough the diversity of brothers, as the crescent a second, the mollet the third, that by this means the matters are made certain: to this I answer, that first the time is not (by this means) signified, neither can it be known which of the Crescent bearers was the uncle or nephew. And further it is a very usual matter for every new Riser at this day, if he can find that there is any of the like Surname that beareth mark, presently to usurp the same with a Crescent or some such difference, so that (for my own part) I do seldom credit such kind of differings nor their bearers, unless it be by some other testimony or proof made manifest, which cannot be counterfeited so well in the other devise, except the riser should be thoroughly acquainted with the descent of him whose line he seeketh to intrude himself into, and besides, it may be the sooner espied by them of the true line & forbidden, nor the other dare (for fear thereof) so soon venture the committing of a falsity. But what a confusion is it when you shall see the second of a second brother, and sometimes an other second from him, to cluster one Crescent upon an other, many times three or four, one on horseback upon an other, where as by the aforesaid bearing of the difference from the Prince, Lord, or mother's family, a man may better distinguish the brothers and set down for a second, a third, and fourth, etc. And after from those again, in a fairer, larger, and more apparent manner: And the more apt am I to speak against these ordinary differences (as they are called) knowing them to be but new inventions, and any of them as ordinaries (in fashion as now they are) never used before the time of King Henry the sixth, before which time men were much more wary and discreet in bearing of their marks, and in foreseeing that no intruders should enter into their families, nor that any should lay away or remove their differings without special warrant or licence of them that thereby might be prejudiced: for a Label being much in use for the heir apparent (to wear as his difference during his father's life) was seldom removed to the second brother, but when the inheritance went unto the daughters of the elder brother, and then the second was permitted to bear the same for his difference, as being the heir male of his family and as one that remained in expectancy, yet might not the second brother use to intrude himself into the absolute signs of his house (the inheritance being in his nieces or kinswomen) as appeared in the case between Gray of Ruthine and Hastings which was this:  
john Lord Hastings married to his first wife Isabella one of the sisters and heirs of Almerie de balance Earl of Pembroke, by whom he had issue john Hastings (after Earl of Pembroke) Elizabeth (married to Roger Lord Gray of Ruthin) and some other children which needs not to be spoken of, for that (as I take it) all the lines of them failed before the extinguishing of the line of the said john Earl of pembroke: after (such issue being had) the said Isabella Balance died, and the said john Lord Hastings took to a second wife Isabella the daughter of Hugh Spenser, by whom he had issue Hugh Hastings, and Thomas, and then died, and left as heir john his son by his first wife (who was Earl of Pembroke as I have said, erected by reason of his mother's inheritance) which john Earl of Pembroke married and had issue an other Earl of Pembroke, who also married and had issue a third Earl of Pembroke, but in the end all the line of the said john Hastings (first Earl of Pembroke of that family) failing, there arose a question betwixt the heirs of Roger Gray and Elizabeth his wife being sister (of the whole blood) and the heirs of Hugh Hastings brother (of the half blood) to the said john Earl of Pembroke, for the inheritance of the Hastings. But Gray recovering the same (by the law that saith, Possessio fratris de feodo simplici facit sororem esse haeredem) called the said Hastings also (having removed the difference of his mark for that he was then heir male of that house) into the Court of chivalry, and there having a judgement against him, the said Hastings was compelled to use a difference (which was a Label of silver) upon his mark, a fair red sleeve of his Ladies upon his golden vesture: Since which the heirs of that younger family have used the said Label even until this our age. So that you may see by this that the law was then taken to be such, that such an heir male as had not the inheritance of his Ancestors should not be suffered to bear his mark without distinction, for it should seem (by this) that the issue of them that had married the heir general of any family (being by reason thereof possessed of the lands) had not only an interest in the Arms, but might also forbid any man the bearing thereof: and moreover it would also appear that the law was then supposed to be such, that the owner of every mark might dispose of the same, as of his lands and inheritance, and that the Donee had power (by virtue of such gift) to use the same as his own proper armory, for I have seen a deed importing thus much: A tous y ceux qui Cestes lenres verrount au orro unt Thomas le fytz monsr Iohn de Herovill Chr. Salutz en devyn Sachetz moy avoir done & Grant A Roger de Wyrley un escqunchoun darmes queil iamoy per descent apres le mort john moan frere ceste a savoir lesqunchoun de sable ou deus leouns passantzes d'argent Coronez & unglez de or ou une flower deliz de Azure deuz pies Auoir & tenire A dit Roger & says Heirs a tous iours leavandit esqunchioun a dit Roger Wyrley & says Heirs en Contre toutez Gens Garrantt: En Tesmoignanc de quell Chooses a Cestz escriptz ay meys mon Seal pery ceux tesmoignes, john de Bredwas Roger Basset, john de Herovile, William Herovile, john Dimock, et autres Estptz a Westbromwich le mardy prochain a vant le Chaundelme lan du regne le roy Edward 3. puis le Conquest querente unsieme.  
And for proof that the said grant was not made without warrant of law authorizing the same, the said Roger Wyrley although he and divers others his ancestors bore other arms as proper to their own family long before the said time, as may appear by divers and sundry pieces of evidence sealed with the same, dated many years before this grant: yet did the said Roger use and bear the said cote by Heronvile to him granted by virtue of the said deed, after the same was to him granted, as by divers seals and other monuments thereof may appear, so that the use concurred with the grant, and therefore not to be doubted but that the law did then take the said grant to be good and available. And for a further proof, amongst divers I will give you one other testimony, and so leave to trouble you any more in this point.  
A tous yceux qui Cestes presentzes lenres verrount ou orrount moy jean Dowmvill de modberlegh salutes en dieu: Come moy & Ceciliae ma feme Auons ordegney que margerie nostre fill & les heirs de son Corpse engendres seruont enherites si bien de ma heyritage la dten Cecile & aver apres nostre deces come per fines leaves en plain Countee de Cestre poet Apparere plus apleyn. Sacheut tous Gens qui ꝑ cella cause & autres causes qui me moevont ie a ville ordeigne down & grant ꝑ ycestes qui Thomas de Holes fitz & Heir Aparaunt lavant dtem margeri coi Thomas ie appeal & teigne mon fitz demesne eit & eniouse a luy & ses Heirs a tous iours mes entier Arms a porter & user apres mon deces, dont les Colors sont Cestasauer le Chiffe d'azure ove une leon rampant d'argent ouesque une collar de Gules: Et pry a dit Thomas & luy Charge saaoir ma beneson de porter & usere les ditz Armes en la form suys dter: en Tesmoignaunce de quel chose a cest escrit ia y meis mon seal de les Armes avant dtens ꝑ y cestes tes moygnes: Edward le mascy Hue de Holes Thomas de Swettenham & Autres, done A modberleyh le darrey ioure de mar lan du reign le roy Richard 2: puis le Conquest Seszime.  
And this law (I think) was grounded upon this reason, that forasmuch as every tenant that held lands by a knight's fee was tied to do his Lord escuage or shield service proportionable to the tenure he held, it is agreeable unto equity that he may give or leave his Armour to such a person, as he meaneth to make owner of his heritage, whereby he shall be bound to the same service that himself by the said law was charged to do, as having with the mark maintenance answerable thereto. And that this matter was of regard in my Author's time, it appeareth by the request both of sir john Chandos himself, made to the Prince of Wales (as in the discourse of him I have touched) and of sir Thomas Trivet (a gallant soldier of that time) speaking to the Earl of Buckingham, being rested before the city of Troy's in France, (in this manner) the words of my Author concerning this matter be these: Et msr Thomas Trivet apporta sa banniere toute enueloppe devant le county de Bucquenham et lui dist monseigneur sil vous plaist ie desuelopperay au iourdui ma banniere car deu mercy jay asses de revenue pour maintenir estate come a la banniere appartient: il nous plaist bien respondit le count, etc. so that by this the thing is manifested, for that the chiefest reasons whereby they thought to induce (the one) the Prince, and (the other) the Earl, to give them leave to raise their banners, was, that they had sufficient revenue to maintain the estate that to a banner did appertain. And it may also appear, that it is not necessary for any to have marks, but such as be warfaring men, having either revenues to maintain soldiers, or at least a charge, or some office pertaining to men at arms under their Sovereign: which thing if it were performed according to reason, there should not need so many mollets and cressants for to distinguish younger brethren, for that none but such as meddled with warlike affairs have need of Armour, and they (I doubt not) would for their own necessity be forced to use some more large and apparent devise than such little ones, as be now (of no value) in use.  
There is also another matter out of square, which is, that every man that obtaineth large possessions (whether the same be acquired by his judgement in law, traffic in merchandise, or any other mean) yea although never any of his progenitors (from whom he can derive himself) had the charge to lead men of arms, will yet at this day intrude themselves into the badges and marks of soldiers: for although such as be descended from men of martial discipline, have an interest in their ancestors marks (amongst other their goods) and therefore may show forth the same to their predecessors glory, and their own (in respect of their descent) yet such men as rise by their sciences, judgements, or skill in other arts, affairs, or trades (although they be to be reverenced for their wisdom & praiseful actions, and had in honour answerable to their virtues and dignities) have yet little to do with the marks or badges of soldiers. For although a reverent judge that hath ministered law and justice a long time (and that so long as that thereby to his great glory) he hath obtained reputation, wealth, and revenue, is to be had in high estimation, and in respect thereof to have allowed him some note or mark of honour fit for his calling, yet (to my simple judgement) the same should be disposed unto him after the old Roman order by signifying the manner of his rising, rather than to put a corselet on his back, a burgonet on his head, a target on his arm, and a sword by his side, being things that would cumber greatly the good old man to use, either for his own defence, or but to show (by way of triumph) for his glory, sithence neither is it tolerable (by reason of his age) nor in his youth did he exercise himself in welding thereof. And as these things are unseeming for him to wear, no more can I see any reason why he should deck up the monuments of his house with such signs or tokens, except he can derive himself from an ancestor that hath had the use of such things, and then (to set them forth as a glory to his deceased parent) will greatly augment the regard of his rising, which rising yet (of itself) is a sufficient honour, the same being by any just, virtuous, or laudable means. And these new rise I could wish to be of more reputation than they seem to be esteemed of, either by others, or themselves that so rise, as is apparent by many of their doings, who intrude themselves into marks of Antiquity, and setting forth of descents, wherein they are yet feign many times either to counterfeit, or else to derive themselves from some poor parents, which they (either truly, or by surmise) allege to have descended from some ancient family, and that have been by some accident or other in former time decayed: wherein me thinks men do greatly mistake the matter, for that (in my opinion) a man that is but of mean parentage and riseth by commendable means, is equivalent to him that riseth from a decayed family, namely when his said parent hath been overthrown for offence, as many times they allege (in plain terms) which yet is to be understood although it were never spoken of, for that God in his justice (seldom I suppose) overthroweth any of estate, except for some great offence by some of the house committed, although (peradventure) the same lies hid to the world & appeareth not. But this being an argument that is daily in question amongst learned men, I will leave to them to be discussed, and return to my former purpose, which is, that I could wish every man that raiseth a house by his good industry, should be honoured with some such badge or mark, as should be answerable to the quality of his rising, and not every man of what condition soever they be, to intrude themselves into the signs and marks of soldiers, and such as follow the field with martial exploits.  
Some people also there are that be so precise, as that they do disallow altogether the setting forth of any memory of well deserving men, which have showed themselves valiant either in the act of Religion, their Prince's service, or defence of their country, neither allowing their posterity to set forth any memory of their praises, nor suffering any monuments or garnishments to remain of their burials, as though it were a matter offensive to God to have goodmen well spoken of, or their valorous doings by their obsequies either reverenced, or by any record, remembered: To such men I have not thought it amiss to show them their error by directing them to such places of Scripture as do not only tolerate and allow of such actions, but also praise and commend the doing thereof, and in some sort charge and command the same to be done, whereby both they may (if they be not obstinate) reform their misconceaved opinions, and others may be fortified in their praiseful endeavours towards the honouring of virtuous and worthy men, to the animating of posterity to imitate their laudable actions, sithence indeed the chiefest matter that stirreth up men to do well next their zeal to God, and the love of virtue itself, is to think that not only their souls shall be rewarded with the mercies of God, but also that their doings shall be had in a reverent remembrance with the reports of all good men that shall speak of them: And first, that the using, bearing and setting forth of Banners, Ensigns and marks of armory are allowable by the sacred scriptures, it appeareth by the holy Evangelist Saint Luke recording the peregrination of Saint Paul, and speaking of armory without reprehension (which he would not have done had the use thereof been offensive) in this sort: 
Act. Apost. Cap. 28.  Post menses autem tres navigavimus in navi Alexandrina, quae in insula Hyemaverat, cui erat ensign Castorum.  
And in the book of Numeri God by his prophet Moses commandeth his people of Israel to divide and dispose themselves into companies by their Ensigns & Banners speaking unto them in these words: 
Num. cap. 2.  Locutusque est Dominus ad Moysen & Aaron, dicens, singuli, per turmas, Signa, atque vexilla, & domos cognationum suarum, castra-metabuntur, filiorum Israel per Gyrum tabernaculi foederis.  
So that by this you may see, that as these matters be no new inventions of men, so they are also things allowable by the word of God.  
Neither do obsequies or monuments ensuing worthy acts want the authority of Scriptures, for in the book of Numeri it is written thus: 
Num. ca 31.  Cumque accessissent principes exercitus ad Moysen, & Tribuni, centurionesque dixerunt, nos servi tui recensuimus numerum pugnatorum, quos habuimus sub manu nostra: & ne unus quidem defuit ob hanc causam offerimus in donarijs Domini singuli quod in praeda auri potuimus invenire, periscelides & Armillas, annulos & dextralia ac murenulas, etc. Et susceptum intulerunt in Tabernaculum testimonij in monimentum coram Domino.  
And in an other place of Numeri thus: 
Num. cap. 16.  Locutusque est Dominus ad Moysen, dicens, praecipe Eliazaro filio Aaron sacerdoti, ut tollat Thuribula quae jacent in incendio, & ignem huc illucque dispergat: etc. produc atque ea in laminas, & affigat altari: etc. ut cernant ea pro signo & monimento filii Israel.  
Also in the book of josua I find these words: 
joshua lib. cap. 4.  Et ait joshua ad eos, ite ante arcam Domini Dei vestri ad jordanis medium, & portate inde singuli singulos lapides in humeris vestris, juxta numerum filiorum Israel, ut sit signum inter vos: & quando interrogaverint vos filii vestri cras, dicentes, quid sibi volunt isti lapides? Respondebitis, defecerunt aquae jordanis ante arcam foederis Domini, cum transiret eum, idcirco positi sunt lapides isti in monimentum filiorum Israel usque in aeternum.  
And for the disposing of heritage's it is written thus. 
Num. cap. 27.  Homo cum mortuus fuerit absque filio, ad filiam eius transibit haereditas. si filiam non habuerit, habebit successores fratres suos. quod si & fratres non fuerint, dabitis haereditatem fratribus patris eius. sin autem nec patruos habuerit, dabitur haereditas his qui ei proximi sunt. Eritque hoc filijs Israel sanctum lege perpetua sicut praecepit Dominus Moysi.  
And for the collection of Genealogies thus saith God to Moses and Eleasar: 
Num. cap. 26.  Numerate omnem summam filiorum Israel à viginti annis & suprà, per domos & cognationes suas, cunctos qui possunt ad bella procedere: etc. Reuben primogenitus Israel huius filius, Henoch, à quo familia Henochitarum: & Phallu, à quo familia Phalluitarum: & Hesron, à quo familia Hesronitarum. And for a further proof of the recording of Genealogies, it is to be considered how diligently the same hath been observed through the whole course of the Scriptures, as the descents from Adam to Noah, and from No to Abraham, etc. do sufficiently testify. And more that with the spirit of truth the Genealogy of Christ our Saviour and redeemer as concerning his humanity is also by the writing of his holy Evangelists most plainly and sincerely remembered and set down. All these things being therefore by the Scriptures of God, and decider of all controversies, proved and declared: Your Lordships may see that the bearing of Arms, raising and advancing of Standards, Banners and Ensigns, using of obsequies, erecting of monuments, enrolling and registerings of pedigrees and descents have joined to the ancient customs and Laws both of this Land and all other nations, the authority of God's word being very well accompanied with discretion, reason, and judgement, for God having by his sacred institution ordained Kingdoms, Provinces, and Seignories, and that over them Kings, Princes and Magistrates, shall command, rule and govern his people, to the end chiefly that his heavenly kingdom may be replenished with the blessed souls of his servants, for the instructing whereof he hath also ordained his holy Church, and the Bishops, pastors and ministers of the same, which Bishops and other spiritual officers cannot so well inform his Christian people without the aid of the said Kings and temporal Lords: neither can they govern their particular Countries either from the invasion of outward tyrants or inward rebels, but through the use of their sword of justice, which sword cannot be exercised against unruly persons being of strength wanting men skilful in Martial Discipline, who cannot manage those affairs but by mean of the aforesaid Arms and ensigns, in manner as before I have more largely expressed. And in like sort as Princes, great Lords, judges, Magistrates and Governors, do use to wear sacred Robes of gold, purple, scarlet, and other ornaments and apparel, not to take pride in, or for any vain ostentation or show, but only that they may be distinguished from the inferior people, to the end that a reverent regard may be had of them in respect of the high office which under God here on earth they bear. And as these things no man of any reason will gainsay, so I see not but as well may their just virtues and good government be remembered with funerals, obsequies, and monuments, after their decease, whereby such as succeed in government may also be had in more high estimation, and a fair example is thereby given them to imitate the regiment of their predecessors. Likewise doth the registering of descents carry with it reason joined to authority and custom, for as by God's law there is commanded a privilege of inheritance to the first begotten of Israel, and so for want of sons to the females, and from them to others answerable to the proximity of their blood and kindred, which with our laws of this land, and of most nations do concur and agree, it doth well stand with peaceful government for the avoiding of contentions which may rise for want of records, to testify the truth of men's titles to their inheritances, that Genealogies and Pedigrees should be enroled and kept in remembrance.  
I have my good Lords stood the longer upon this point, for that of late traveling through some countries of this Land, and having a desire to see the monuments of antiquity which have remained in such places as I passed by, for which cause as otherwise I many times resorted to Churches and other houses to satisfy my affection, I found that many monuments both of burials and in glass were so broken and defaced, that uneath may be had any knowledge what the fragments remaining did signify: and inquiring of the inhabitant how it came to pass that those things were so blemished, they made report that certain persons, delighting as may seem in novelty, for they can abide no mark of antiquity, had defaced the same. These men that take upon them to be reformers, whose desires are great through the singularity & pride they have in their own wits and understandings, weening themselves to be very wise, where indeed they are very simple, and only look but into the abuses of things, and do not see into the grounds & depth of the reasons and causes for which good ordinances were made, go about to find faults, where many times none are, but if peradventure they hap to find an ordinance well made misused, then straight never seek they to reform the abuse, but by their wills, down goeth ordinance and all, such is their insolency, rashness, and want of judgement. It were well done therefore my good Lords, and I could wish that your Honours having sometimes access to her Majesty, and oftentimes conference with my Lords of her privy Council, should inform her Highness, and their Honours of the said abuses committed, and to be thereby a mean that these simple fellows taking upon them to be reformers, might be reform themselves, and both kept from destroying of good ordinances, and be punished for their offences in that behalf committed. In the mean time yet shall I desire that Honourable personages will look better to the monuments of their ancestors, by correcting the destroyers thereof, and therein to imitate the laudable actions of William Fleetwood, Sergeant at the Law, and Recorder of the City of London, who being commissioner amongst others for the visitation of causes Ecclesiastical, by the Prince's authority, by virtue thereof imprisoned certain wilful persons that had defaced the monument of Queen Katherine Dowager at Peterborough, until such time as they had reform the same, which thing was through his good endeavour re-edified and perfected again, and so remaineth to this day: for although some happily see standing those of their own parents, yet it were good they should foresee that no others be pulled down, for that there is not to be looked for but that suffering such injuries to rest unpunished, the doers thereof will in time grow more insolent, and have a cast to overthrow theirs also.  
And now being in speech of monuments, I cannot but remember their ignorance who make small account of any ancestor except before the Conquest, weening that all that lie crosslegged so were: and that all ancient evidence without date is the like: whereas the one was not had in use until after the Palestine wars, and the other, such as be sealed, be also since the Conquest, for I could never see nor hear of any that had seen sealed deed, but the same was made since the Conquest of this Land, when the use (as I take it) of sealing with wax first began in England.  
But these men will not stoop one jot under the Conquest, telling many fables of their ancestors then preserving their houses, Honours, & Armouries, forgetting quite that it is much more glorious and honourable to be descended from a most famous nation conquering, than such people by plain feat of Arms subjuged, for as the Poet saith, 
quis enim sua praelia victus  
Commemorare velit? referam tamen ordine, nec tam  
Turpe fuit vinci, quàm contendisse decorum est,  
Magnaque dat nobis tantus solatia victor.  So that if they have any thing praise worthy left to brag of, it is that they well contended with so puissant conquerors, which were then in their time as wise, glorious, and famous a nation as were in the whole world to be found.  
Another sort there be not much more skilful, who if they see any armory, strait enter into the comparison of the fairness thereof: and foul and false is it, if metal lie upon metal alone, or colour upon colour: And yet I could wish we should never have more dishonourable men nor worse soldiers than have so borne their armory: for to omit that worthy Godfrey, and that Mack Morris king of Lymster in Ireland, whose only daughter and heir was married to Richard Strongbowe Earl of Penbroke, and bare in a black shield a red ramping Leon, of our own sir Richard Sanbach of Sanbach in Chesshire, sir William Wakbirge of Wakbirge in Darbyshire, two valiant Knights, yet both bare colour upon colour. Passing the number of examples, I will only recite the words of mine Author speaking of the adventures of a brave Knight in the company of sir Robert Canole resting by Paris, this Knight having vowed to strike with his lance on the barriers of the city, performed it, and then the words be these: Celluy chevalier ie ne sca comment il auoit nom ne de quel pays il estoit mais s'armoit a gueulles a deux fousses noyeres et une bordure noyre non endente. And although I grant they be not so well to be discerned, as when metal and colour be varied the one with the other, yet since the number be great of most worthy men that have borne their arms in such manner, I will esteem their marks as honourable as the rest, and never impute any falsity to them. And this kind of men also commonly descant upon the proportion, nature, and quality of the devise, as if the name of Richard were better than Robert, and Ralph better than Roger, and in their conceits the Eagle or Falcon are the fairest birds to be borne of all feathered fowls, and so of other the like: when indeed except for the reverence due to the bearers, who do honour their bearings by their renown, virtue, and valour, otherwise there is no difference in the fairness of marks: but that those only are to be preferred which be easiest to be perceived, discerned, and known to be the same things they be marked out for: And therefore the Capital of Beusz black Midas head with his fair long Ass ears was as good a crest, as sir john Chandos chieftains head proper in a white scarf goodly enuellopped: and as fair a cote is Hopwells', being three red hares playing on bagpipes in a silver shield, as Newinton which bare d'Azure three eaglets d'Argent displayed. And now me thinks I hear some that esteem me to mend, and become more fine, skilful, and Herald like in my emblazons, as using the French phrases of d'azyer & d'argent, who think I doubt not, but that I have committed a great error for want of using the said French phrases in my emblazons, notwithstanding I will join in opinion with such as esteem it to be more proper to speak and use English terms and phrases in an English book dedicated to Englishmen, than French or Latin, otherwise than cited authority leadeth.  
And now my good Lords, and you brave Soldiers and Gentlemen, I have little else to trouble you with at this time, but to wish you had no worse a writer to eternize your fame then mine Author sir john Froissart was to the Knights, and Captains of England your predecessors, and to crave your patience in that I have been so unadvised to molest you this long with these tedious and simple travels of mine, caused through the great zeal and affection I bear to your praisable profession, and that you would pardon my boldness in the writing and dedicating thereof to your Honours: nevertheless, I beseech you again sithence they entreat of matter tending to the advancement of your glories, that you would vouchsafe to accept of them in good part, and with the shields of your worthy favours to protect them from the outrage of such as envy your memorable virtues, praying to God that all your noble atchivements may be with no less praise remembered, than our knights of that time were spoken of by sir Arnold Dandrehen martial of France, there enemy to King Henry of Castille the valiant bastard, a little before the battle of Naveret, and because at my first entrance into this matter, I saluted you with a sentence of mine author, I have thought it no bad Decorum with his report of those speeches being as followeth, to take my leave. Sire sire saulue soit vostre Grace (saith he) vos die q quamt par battle vous assembleres au Prince vous trouueres la gens d'armes tels come il les fault trower car la est la fleur de tout chivalry du monde, & la troweres durs sages Combatants & à bonnes certes & jam pour mourir plain pie nen fuiront, etc.   

LORD CHANDOS. THE GLORIOUS LIFE AND HONOURABLE DEATH OF SIR JOHN CHANDOS, LORD OF SAINT Saviour, le Viscount, great Seneschal of Poyctow, high Constable of Acquitaine, Knight of the honourable order of the Garter, elected by the first founder king Edward the third at his institution thereof.  

LET none rejoice too much in fortune's state,  
Reading the story of my tragic death,  
But watchful be t'attend some turning fate,  
Which like wild whirlwind all our doings sweath.  
For as grave Senec, in wise morals seath,  
No mortal man with God's gain favour might  
Of warrantise, to see next mornings light.   

No earthly one, how goodly so he seem  
Fine, fair, or perfect how so he appear,  
Renowned, rich, of excellent esteem,  
That firmly stands, and fixed form doth bear,  
For waving fortune so the ship will steer,  
With giddy guiding to her fond intent,  
Nor wit nor prowess can bad rule prevent.   

Uncertain more than is slow Lydian brook,  
Which dallieth his winding banks within  
Fast forward hasts, then doth regardant look  
Staying in doubt, th'ocean t'enter in,  
Or to reslide where first it did begin  
Yet suddenly, quick plungeth in amain  
After much show turns back to springs again.   

No whistling fowler hath so many gins,  
No wading fisher half so many baits,  
No nimble spider threads so many spins,  
No toiling hunter tenth part of deceits  
That fortune hath of wondrous 'ticing feats,  
Training men on, triumphing in their fall,  
Showing them honey, poisoning them with gall.   

As AEacus imagined was to deal  
With Tantalus deluded with the pray  
Of hunger's ease: and scalding thirsts assail,  
Whom weary proffers make to empty way,  
Yet near uncaught the luring fruit doth stay,  
So are they fed high honours seek to gain,  
Sheed manies blood and purpose not obtain.   

When fortune shows her friendly countenance,  
What mighty ones in self conceits we seem,  
Weighty affairs dispose by ordinance,  
As what we list to bring to pass we deem,  
In our own reach each thing we do esteem,  
We him appoint to death, and him we ●ease,  
Welding whole world as doth our liking please.   

Led onward with hope of long assurance,  
We never think of fortunes frowning,  
But high honours plant as if perdurance  
had promised continual showering,  
Fresh still to increase increased springing,  
But long before proud honour taketh root  
Wisest forecasting proved is no boot.   

Oft when we are most busy tampering,  
Some foes to trap within our plotted snares,  
Not him unlike who pit is digging,  
Headlong into it falls himself unwares,  
So we surprised in our own affairs,  
For fortune that attendeth worldly chance,  
Where smooth she smiled, now blinketh wide askance.   

For proof mark me of her dear darlings one  
That seemed to have her fettered fast in gives,  
It might be thought that only I alone  
Fair favour had: and thus she daily strives  
To have the chiefest regiment of our lives,  
That when she list to knit the brows and frown  
He standing high is quickly tumbled down.   

When first that worthy golden book began  
For Magistrates bright mirror clear indeed,  
Through which eternal praise the Author's wan,  
Straight I believed as truly as my Creed  
My hard mishap so happily would speed,  
As that some one of those rare learned men  
My bliss and bale would have vouchsafed to pen.   

In perfect die could they have pictured  
False turncoat with true shadows in true kind,  
Her feigned show of truth, and truest falsehood,  
Her glozing face, and her unconstant mind,  
And her continual foe-mate still I find,  
Since fates she drives my spent life to rehearse  
In lowly rhymes refuse of lofty verse.   

Outrageous she slayeth without remorse  
Alike most worthy and unworthy wight,  
As rolling wave that needs must have the force  
Tossing light things subjecteth to great might  
Respectless where or when so ere they light,  
So careless she not caring when or how  
She casteth down or maketh low to bow.   

What time King Edward first invaded France  
With good aid of th'earl of Henauld won,  
Friend fortune than mine acts seemed to advance,  
So evenly my silken thread did run.  
High enterprise what I attempt was done  
With shining glory, and fair honours name,  
As golden trump shield forth john Chandos fame.   

Then as my King by Cambray City past  
I armed approached the barriers of the town,  
There leapt I in, my foes some wondered fast  
To see my deed: a Squire of renown  
john de saint Ager, strove to beat me down:  
Right strong we coped with stern courage bold  
Our mighty bufs some joyed to behold:   

Echoing strokes on either's helmet lights  
With sparkling fire thundering mightily,  
All for glorious praises both our fights  
Stirred with youth's heat and mindful dignity,  
Th'assailed strikes and both incessantly  
Imprinting dents do yield, so I at last  
Returned with praise: on with the Army past.   

When as the French had gathered mighty power  
Came to Vironfosse, where treaty ended war,  
Froisard me recounts among the flower  
Of English Squires, sets my fame full far.  
In his large book is shone: how much we are  
In reverence bound, unto such learned clarks  
As with their pain eternize broad our warks.   

For if none should register noble deed,  
there's none would strive to show his nobleness,  
Or press in virtues others to exceed,  
If memory none made were of valiantness:  
Freshly burgeoning to future ages,  
This pricking spur doth heart's heroic heave,  
To think fell death fair Fame cannot bereave.   

Some sots there be so scrupulous that nought  
At all believe but what themselves do see,  
These coy judgers have seld or never thought  
Of times forepast what mighty men might be:  
Of others deem by thimbecility,  
Found in themselves, recall in question when  
Our acts memorized are by learned men.   

This truce expired King Edward new prepared  
pvissantly to pass the foaming flood,  
Which gate king Philip strongly thought t'ave bard,  
Decking a fleet thick seeming like a wood,  
Whereof had charge three captains seamen good,  
Sir Hugh Kyriell, Babuchet, Barbnoire,  
With stretched sails the narrow seas do scour.   

These Chieftains forty thousand men command  
Laid by French King to stop us if they could:  
Which when our King had spied he doth demand  
What masts they were so thick he doth behold,  
His Pilot named them and well he told,  
These were the foes that so his costs avoid,  
Southamton town, and th'yle of Wight destroyed.   

Replied the king: Saint George, God be our guide,  
I much desire with yonder fleet to fight,  
A loof to windward all our Navy wride  
To view the turn right goodly was the sight,  
Banners, pencils, streamers, waving bright:  
Ladies we had whose minds these sights might daunt,  
Going to see the Queen brought bed at Gaunt:   

Whose presences fresh minds encouraged  
With double flame t'assail the enemy,  
For trusty servants oft had vowed  
For their sweet sakes t'prove all extremity  
T'fight for his Lady knights felicity,  
hot fervent love makes coldest coward bold,  
desirous much gay Lady's grace to hold.   

In front the French forth placed a goodly ship  
The Christopher: from ours but lately ta'en,  
Fraught full of those which we compelled to skip  
mid washing waves unto their dismal bane,  
Thus may we note how Fortunes fools do wane,  
Blithe this ship of Clarions now doth sound  
And even now with horror doth abound.   

Our foes whose number four for one did pass,  
Like men at arms they Fortune strive to try,  
Hideous broil, monstruous noise there was  
Enough t'have made a fainting heart to die,  
On surging seas more fell fierce battles be  
Then on firm land: each one must bide the fray,  
And fight it out there is no other way.   

From dashing ships the pointed arrow fly  
Like stones of hail forced by an eastern wind,  
Wherewith great numbers Frenchmen stout do die,  
And now to board, then linked chains do bind  
Big ships so fast, they cannot soon untwined,  
Fierce strong encounters and huge deadly blows  
From forced arm that many overthrows.   

From morn till noon endured tempestuous broil  
With mighty rage upon the raging flood,  
We English soldiers took no little toil,  
Stout enemies adventurous tried and good,  
Yet voiding scoppers voided out their blood,  
near unto Sluice they were all take and slain,  
Victorious we do home return again.   

About this time the Duke of Britton died,  
Wanting issue for so right noble place,  
A brother one he had by father's side  
john Earl Mountfort sprung of ancient race:  
Another brother had he in like case,  
Begot of father one and mother same  
Dead: left issue, a noble virtuous dame:   

Married well unto sir Charles of Bloys  
Extract from race right honourable fair,  
germane cozen to Philip of Valois,  
Strife great begun for the Duke of Britons chair,  
For either of these claimed to be heir.  
Brave King of France Bloys his part maintained:  
Stout English King, the Mountforts he sustained.   

To Britton did send back thrice noble knight  
Sir Robert D'artois Earl of Richmount made,  
Whose banner blew with golden lilies dight  
A Castille label fair for difference laid:  
And by his skill in valiant warlike trade  
He conquered Vaus, and country proching near:  
But conquered town did cost him very deer,   

For in defence of it he knightly died.  
His too soon loss displeased king Edward so,  
Enraged swore he would not long abide  
Till well he were revenged of his foe,  
Strongly prepared to Britton doth he go,  
Soon broke we holds, and tore walled castles strong,  
Four mighty towns besieged at once ere long.   

The Normain Duke like right valiant prince  
Came with four thousand proper men at arms,  
And thirty thousand of others to convince  
Our English troops that dreadless were of harms,  
By skilful means of two wise Cardinals charms  
Calm peace was made three whole years to endure,  
And valiant kings both swore to keep it sure.   

Thus he that in eternal heavens reins  
And hearts of kings hath in his governance,  
Their frowning storms unto fair smiling gleams  
Doth change unto his heavenly pleasance,  
Rules oft their thoughts so to his ordinance.  
They may devise, but he will whole dispose,  
What long they build, he soon overthrows.   

Thyer a thousand three hundred forty, more,  
Saint George his day king Edward did prepare  
A royal feast, proclaiming it before  
In France, Flaunders, in Henault, and Almain,  
All knights that would vouchsafe to take the pain  
Should safety have for to return in peace  
When as the justs and knightly sports did cease.   

And there the king selected proved knights  
In martial feats and battelous stoure,  
That had their shields shone to their enemies' sights,  
And forcement made with strong redoubted power,  
Due praises gained and durable honour,  
And made us swear that feasts continuance,  
Which was maintained through noble chevisance.   

Thus as the king triumphant sports did hold,  
News him was brought did much his mind displease  
How Lord Clisson had lost his head they told,  
And maletrait, the French kings ire t'apease,  
Conceived because some did false rumour raise,  
Untrue they were unto the crown of France,  
Ten Lords there died, such still is fortune's chance.   

Which known report caused king Edward's frowns,  
And fierce maintained the French had broke the peace:  
Sir Henry Leon set at ten thousand crowns  
For ransom when he promised not to cease  
For to defy his king in open press,  
Th'earl of Derby he into Gascoyn sends  
To vengeful war his mind he all intends.   

Which valiant Earl Plantagenet named  
At Hampton barked, at Bordeaux doth arrive  
(His banner, England with French label famed)  
He thought to show unto his foes believe,  
Stayed at Bordeaux but even days thrice five,  
Bergarath, Angolesme, and Aguilon,  
With thirty holds and towns he took anon.   

Toth' court of France this voyage well was known  
How this stout Earl so many towns had won,  
The spoil his soldiers got far wide was blown,  
The king pondering of this mischief done,  
He summons made, and sent Duke john his son  
Attended with a hundred thousand men,  
His late lost towns for to obtain again.   

This mighty host did Angolesme enclose,  
Which brave john Norwich an Englishsquire held  
Hardly constrained, wisely doth dispose  
His business and this mighty army wield:  
Thanks his good wit that so his lesson spelled.  
An honest shift to find at time of need,  
Deserveth praise upon the happy speed.   

It was the eve, before our Lady day,  
He saw the town began to mutiny  
Unto the walls he took the ready way  
Made none acquainted with his privity,  
His cap tooth host he waved speedily,  
They are advisd: demanding what he meant:  
He said to speak with Duke was his intent.   

The courteous Lord him quickly satisfied,  
Then being come demanded if he would  
Yield: he said I am not so advised  
Most noble Duke, the town I well may hold,  
I do entreat your grace we may be bold,  
The morrow next without yours disturbance  
To do unto our Lady reverence.   

In honour of whom I your grace require  
Of one days truce for me and all my band:  
The Norman Duke agreed to his desire.  
With thanks john bowed like a pliant wand:  
The morrow morn fair armed he doth stand  
Straight parted down in blue and fiery red,  
With ermine, Lion stern ramping decked.   

Then issuing the French to Armour stirred,  
He stepped forth and willed them to stay:  
Sirs he said? your Duke us peace hath granted  
Which I must use to mine own best assay:  
On suddenly some went without delay  
Unto the Duke: declared what had been said,  
And how as yet the Army had him stayed.   

When this good duke his wise excuse had hard  
Commandment gave that he should safe departed,  
His promise give he wild should not be bard,  
For kept he would the worser were his mart:  
A virtue fitting well his Princely heart.  
The Captain gone, than Angolesme doth yield  
With seven Towns more, the Frenchmen hold the field,   

Right strong before Aguillon be they come,  
Placed in the meadows fair about the hold,  
A hundred thousand men, a goodly sum,  
on foot and horseback well and truly told,  
Before they part this Castle have they would,  
The Duke so vowed, unless for him the king  
His Father sent and for no other thing:   

Full seven months the army held their ground,  
Within which time so many brave assays  
For to defend so many practice found  
In foraging so many goodly frays,  
Such skirmishes and that such sundry ways,  
To win the same: as Greeks had never more  
When they strong Ilium planted were before.   

This Castle strongly seated is between  
Two sliding streams, that vessels well may bear:  
Environed with gaudy meadow green,  
Upon the which right bitter bickering are  
Oft on the rivers fight they without fear,  
Sir Gualther Mannie chief of the English band,  
Full expert knight on water or on land.   

This courteous knight sage, imagenative,  
Found to his foes much warlike business,  
Right warily affairs doth he contrive  
For sure defence of honour spotless,  
Courageous knight and valiant doubtless:  
Yellow banner he showed, three Chevrons black  
An English Lion on the highmost stake.   

Whilst thus thassailant and defendant strive  
Every day some practice new to do,  
The King of England makes haste to arrive  
Hearing declared his friends besieged so,  
Conveniently he hasts himself to go  
To rease the Duke: from Hamton port he sailed,  
Contrary wind made that his purpose failed.   

For where he thought in Gascoine to take land  
Sir Godfrey Harcourt caused him change his mind,  
Whose reasons being by gravest counsel scanned  
And liked because contrary was the wind,  
A fair large bay in Constantine we find  
Called Hogg saint vast: from shipping well arrived  
In Battles three our Army is contrived.   

Toward wealthful Cane we onward hold our way,  
And all the Country waste with sword and fire,  
The Earl of Tankervile made with us a fray  
Fast to the town we forced him to retire,  
After taken by his own desire  
Within the town, of which we Masters were  
And Country round all trembled fast with fear.   

Our sovereign determined in his mind  
To pass through France to Calais if he could:  
The Castle of Boys we in the way do find  
Rease assault and easily gain the hold,  
Nothing so strong might dure our forcement bold  
Absent the owner of the fort away:  
spoiled was the town because they false did play.   

Two damsels fair were in this Castle found  
Of beauty rare and of fine tender age,  
Who rudely Ravished had been in that stound  
Save that Lord Basset, and myself in rage  
Did them defend, and by advisement sage,  
Safely protect, and brought before the King  
Which them received and thanked us for the thing.   

Right princely he and sweetly entertained  
These Virgins, causing them to be conveyed  
To Corby town: high praise hereby we gained.  
Each armed Knight who Knighthood true hath weighed  
Will suffer no foul act done silly maid,  
A sovereign praise it is to armed Knight  
Outrageous acts to hinder by his might.   

What wight, vile sin forbids not if he may,  
Consents and guilty is to wicked ill.  
The King doth march to Calais seeking way  
The river of some we are attained until  
Where Godmare say a Knight of warlike skill,  
Having in charge from sovereign to keep  
The passages where water was not deep.   

The Knight obeyed, and Knightly did his best,  
Due worthy praise each man doth well deserve  
That to his power fulfils his Prince's hest,  
though tickle fortune seem oft times to swerver  
As unto him who leader like did serve:  
Strong Archer shot so whely all together  
From kept defence the Frenchmen they desever.   

When this Baron I mean sir Godmare say,  
Saw this huge mischief light amongst his men  
What he can help when fortune sayeth nay:  
Fairly withdrew the best he could as then,  
Its wisdom good for each commander when  
Things cross fall out, to govern so his will  
That he the more for lesser do not spill.   

Into the water bravely did we mount  
Which at that time passed with channel lo,  
Where overthrown Knights were of good account  
The passage won, dame fortune favoured so  
To be admierd how she can overthroe,  
Thus we Blanchtaque by noble courage gain  
Gladded with joy in lieu of passed pain.   

Thus when we had acquierd the further bank,  
The gracious King as duty doth require  
To mighty God yieldeth most humble thank:  
Highly inflamed King Philip's boiling yet  
In street to close us was his chief desire,  
Angrily vexed with Lord Godmare faith  
Till sir john Henault doth his rage allay.   

Forth hold we march to Cressie in Ponthew,  
The King his mind the Camp should there be stayed  
Well informed the Frenchmen him pursue,  
A space pondering last to us said,  
This Land my mother's dower should have stayed  
It given was: therefore here make I choice,  
To challenge it from Philip of Valois.   

And for that we were scarcely one 'gainst eight,  
We warily battled at advantage  
Th'assailing tempter by fine skilful sleight  
Of warlike heed for to endamage,  
Three battles ordered for knightly usage:  
Ith' first the Prince, and Earl of Warwick were  
In gulls a fes six crosslets gold did bear.   

Sir Reignald Cobham, strongly armed in red  
Three sable stars placed on a Chevron gold.  
Sir Barthelmew Burwash in like colour sped  
Gold ramping Lion queve doth forked hold.  
Amongst these first, my name is also told.  
Sir Richard Stafford in gold shield did bear  
A gulie Chevron and blue Label fair.   

With us there were eight hundred men at Arms,  
Two thousand Archers, Brigands a thousand  
Purposely bend to work fell enemies harms:  
Ith' second did th'earl of Northanton stand,  
With men at Arms just numbered to our band  
Twelve hundred Bows: in gold Lord Basset dight  
Three Ruby piles a quarter ermines bright.   

Fair clad in Arms seven hundred the king  
With bowmen thousands two for guard abide  
Well pointed and directed every thing,  
Our second battle moved somewhat aside  
Us first to second as the time espied:  
The king withdrew him to a windmill hill,  
Where he and his all day they stooden still.   

When as the French thus heard of our address  
They forward came bedecked right sightly,  
It pleasure was taview their nobleness,  
Their gilded armours glistering brightly,  
To fight with them stirred us more lightly:  
High valorous mind where enterprise is brave  
Would conquer honour and due praises crave.   

Too long to tell the fierce encounters made,  
The puissant strength or courage of the foe,  
How every prince in order doth invade,  
Or how the arrows flew like flakes of snow,  
Or how the horse their master's overthrow,  
Or how we were oppressed so with might,  
As that we sent unto the king a knight:   

Requesting him with his fresh power to aid  
His tender son so fiercely fought withal:  
What slain or wounded is my son he said:  
That thus they send and for my succour call:  
Neither: the knight? then tell him that he shall  
Replied the king? his first worn spurs obtain  
To him and his the honour shall remain.   

When as we heard this answer us resent,  
As lions fell with fasting maws near pined  
Amongst the herds new come do felly rend  
The silly flock: such like our us find.  
For many lives from bodies we untwined,  
Fourscore banners dejected to the ground,  
And sixscore knights were there prostrated found,   

And thirty thousand of the common sort:  
With sir Reignald Cobham three Heralds sent  
Searching the fields of truth to give report  
For to be slain: so fully were we bend  
To fight when as we heard the King's intent:  
Some Knights yet thought he dealt but over hard  
That of his succour we were so debarred.   

This happy day by noble valiantness  
We vanquished, immortal fame we gained:  
And so the King held on his purposes  
To Calais, where as we long time remained:  
That stoutest Knights guarding the town constrained,  
Surrender make of Calais to his will,  
All which he doth with English people fill.   

Duke Hannibal when as grave senate sent  
And him home called to aid his native soil,  
From Italy with no less anguish went,  
Then did Duke john from Aguillon recoil,  
Long having lean was loath to suffer foil,  
But his sad father willed him thence in haste  
Us to resist that much his Country waste.   

How turning times do traverse human course,  
From ruffling war to calmest quietness,  
And doth allay the mightiest rage and force  
Appearing pleasant temperate stillness,  
Freed of Tumult, stur or business,  
For clanging trumpet and harsh armours sound  
Dainty bliss and merriment is found:   

For Cardinal Guy of Bullen he was sent  
As legate into France, well doth entreat  
Firm peace between the kings, until was bend  
Their raged minds: t'endure without deceat  
Twixt them and theirs, till two years out were beat.  
Home went our king: but Britton was except  
Where two brave Ladies cruel wars they kept:   

The one of Mountfort entitled Countess,  
Whose husband died a prisoner late in France,  
Redoubted Lady of great valiantness  
Sharp wars maintained for all her Lords mischance,  
Amazon like would ride with shield and Lance,  
Defend herself with battelous axe in fist  
Threatening blows bestow and well resist.   

On swelling seas puissance hath she tried,  
In stormy fight amongst the mightiest  
With enemies blood the marble waters died,  
With brave Bundutia or Viragoes best,  
Great Edelsleda or the worthiest,  
Of manly dames, that woven mail have worn,  
She may compare for valorous adorn.   

Th'other possessed a Lion's heart in breast  
Little Inferior to her courageous foe,  
Sir Charles of Bloys her husband now did rest  
A prisoner, fell fortune would it so:  
'Gainst whom she oft her mighty power did shoe.  
These warlike dames hard wars do still maintain  
T'oneon for her son, th'other for husbands gain.   

The two years truce expired King Philip died,  
And john his son was Crowned in his stead.  
Our Prince of Knights when he his time espied  
Surnamed black: from England is he sped,  
And into Gascoine warlike Knights he led,  
Whose virtue good and courage did abound,  
And for no death would flee on foot of ground.   

To Thoulous, and Carcasson led his host  
Late before the River of Garron past,  
Having burned and spoiled all the cost,  
With pillage store and prisoners fianced fast  
To Bordeaux safe returned at the last,  
though th'earl of Arminack and th'earl of Fois  
Had Countries charge with soldiers of some choice.   

The prince fresh in the flowers of his youth  
So much desired to follow martial deeds,  
As duly to recount of him the truth  
His noble thought thereon he only feeds,  
Right busy Lord, to sow wild oats his seeds,  
A second road doth into Berry make,  
And country round at pleasure spoil and take.   

King john informed of our chevisance  
His summons called: but first of all he sent  
Three Barons wise t'advise our ordinance:  
Lord Craon, Bowciqualt, and the Herment,  
Called of Chaumount: who ordered their intent  
Us to entrap: abushment one they placed,  
From which we drove them to a castle fast,   

Called Remorentine: the prince doth me command  
To go persuade these foresaid knights to yield,  
I salved them, which done I do demand  
Surrender of the castle which they held  
Unto my Lord, that matters so would wield  
Of courtesy, unto his rendered foe  
Of custom used in like case to shoe.   

This rendering mart they thought too bad to make  
All three men of proved valour much,  
In silken white that puffing blast did shake  
Black eagle spread whose either head doth touch  
The banners sides: sir Bowcequalts was such,  
That forth he hoist wefting in the wind,  
Thinking he doth himself in safety find:   

Plain said he would no folly such commit  
As to become a prisoner without cause,  
Trusting right well himself for to acquit,  
But morrow morn they yielded without pause  
Thereto compelled by raging fires laws,  
Of well conceived hope they were beguiled,  
Their fortress left, forsaken and exiled.   

Like sparkling lightning drove by southern blast,  
Scorching all it findeth in hit power,  
The valorous prince proceedeth with like waste  
In burning Towns, in raising many a Tower,  
Such hideous storms he on the French doth shower,  
Rich spoils we gained, and great booties won,  
Without control of aught which we had done.   

The valiant and renowned king of France  
When as he heard our Prince in field to be,  
Vowed to fight, in arms to prove his chance,  
And careful was by Poyicters town lest we  
Should there repass, or that he should us see:  
Worthy king most worthy glorious crown,  
Right valiant Lord, though Fortune now did frown.   

He summoned brave Dukes, stout Earls and Lords  
In battled arms before him to appear,  
With so much haste as hasty speed affords  
Encountering strength against us foes to rear,  
Resolved to fight as one devoid of fear,  
No spare of cost to furnish his intent,  
Lofty thoughts on vengeful battle bend:   

When this great mass of men all mustered were  
The battles three ordained out of hand,  
Gay duke of orleans first well governed there,  
Where six and thirty waving banners stand,  
Long pennons twice so many there were found,  
Beat with fine arms of every Lord and knight  
Most glorious unto the gazers' sight:   

Charles duke of Normandy had second guiding,  
The third, stout king, and there dressed to behold  
Fair knights in glistering armours shining,  
Proud stamping steeds richly trapped in gold,  
High placed crests that haughty helm doth hold,  
Trim flower of France in their brave array,  
For gallantness here present were full gay   

ordered: did mount on steed as white as snow,  
Of courage like the king that on him sat,  
Knightly armed ride forth from rank to row  
With smiling grace his men to animate,  
Did pleasing and right stirring words relate  
So Castor like, with kingly resemblance  
And kindled heat his speech he did advance:   

My Lords in parley at Paris when you be  
Your English foes you stoutly menace,  
Desiring that so happy day to see  
To find them ranged in some open place,  
here is the thing apparent to your face  
The only thing that you so much did crave,  
The English placed in open field you have:   

And as the king was in this parlance  
Lord Ribamount, who had our battles seen  
Sent for that cause to view our guidance,  
Approached the king saying, sir as I ween,  
Your enemies in one battle placed been  
Are men at arms two thousand as I guess,  
Five thousand, five hundred, archers no less:   

Right sagely they and warily ordered are  
With bowmen they have all the hedges lined,  
None can approach the straits the watching bar  
We hard adventure and perilous find  
If we assail: the king requires his mind  
Which way were best: for he meant to invade,  
Then presently all things were ready made.   

As thus the king prepared was to fights  
The cardinal of Perigourt came in haste,  
Full lowly on his knees tooth king resits  
How dangerously he might dear subjects waste,  
Pondering if it pleased his grace to cast  
With him all his peers his enemies wear  
A desperate remnant weighing what was there,   

Willing the King to give him leave to prove,  
Whether the Prince so to him would agree  
Peace might be had: the Prince thereto did move  
If with his honour it might concluded be,  
Fair offers made: king john would none but he  
Himself, and more, a hundred in his field  
Of his own choice as prisoners all should yield:   

Whilst busy cardinal spent this day in vain,  
It being truce: some special knights did ride  
Their foes to view, and manner of their train,  
I ridden forth, returning me espied  
Lord Cleremount, who quickly to me hied,  
Chandos quoth he? how long thus have you borne  
My sole devise, and for your own it worn?   

We both were clad in vestments wrought as one,  
A Lady blew in glistering Phoebus' rays:  
I then replied, its only mine alone  
And none of yours? whereto the Frenchman says,  
You English janglers use such speech always,  
Of your gross wits can nothing new devise,  
What others wear, is pleasing to your eyes.   

But if the truce withheld not I would prove,  
It whole were mine and that you did me wrong.  
Why sir (I said) to morrow i'll not remove  
From of the field, I will be in the throng,  
But if it chance I meet you them among,  
I'll make it good for all your fluent tongue,  
That properly to me it doth belong.   

Contrary unto sacred usage  
I was not in my arms invested,  
Beware strange devise too great abusage,  
And an others which he not digested,  
No knightly mind should be infested  
With error such, his own arms not to wear,  
But found conceits and others toys to bear:   

Too cruel I caused this brave noble killed  
The morrow when hideous was the fray,  
For checking me I made his blood be spilled,  
His murder I commanded that same day  
Providing that no ransom he should pay,  
For which God would the like to hap to me  
In my discourse as you shall plainly see:   

What greater burden to a noble mind  
Then to be clogged with murderous thought?  
What mightier harm can brave captains find  
Then when their noble doings are forth sought?  
That they unto their fame such blame have brought:  
This choleric action oft I did repent  
When God on me threw equal punishment.   

When labouring Cardinal could no truce obtain  
He did departed: but we that day had spent  
Right busily, did each devise ordain  
That best was thought or Art could best invent:  
Eight thousand we that in this journey went:  
Threescore our foes 'mongst which two thousand knights  
Full goodly Armed; t'ave seen these gorgeous sights.   

The morrow day when blushing sun did rise  
Great pleasure 'twas thus to behold us dight:  
One of the things that most delights man's eyes  
Is for to see a glistering Army bright,  
Fair dressed in Arms, in order duly pight,  
Prepared to join: even so both parties were  
And ever I about the Prince was near:   

Who Hector like in battelous Arms was clad,  
Environed as he intending to have burnt  
The Greekish fleets: said noble hearts be glad,  
High victory almighty God hath turned  
To fewest folks and greatest number spurned,  
If we be slain we all have valiant friends  
To venge our deaths on those that work our ends:   

Therefore I pray each Lord in presence now,  
To prove his best, and have regard to see  
His honour kept, I here my Lords do vow,  
A Knight most good and resolute to be,  
And that no chance shall make me yield or flee.  
Most mighty Prince thy words did so inflame  
Our settled minds to die was but a game.   

And as the battles now approach near,  
Sir james Audley clad in glorious red  
Fair fretted gold: doth to the Prince appear,  
Requesting that for former service led  
'tis father and to him in loyal stead,  
To give him leave the foremost man to be  
For to assail the venturous enemy.   

Sweetly accords the prince to his desire,  
Gave him his hand, and wished him well to speed,  
Such special grace that he might there acquire  
All present knights in virtue to exceed:  
He chose a place to make his vow a deed,  
And by the help of four right trusty squires  
He won th'achievement of his high desires.   

Sir Eustace Dabrigcourt fearing t'be behind  
Did baisse his gleave and well embrace his shield,  
And as the arrow from the bow doth twinned  
He flieth towards the enemies field,  
An Almain knight his coming well beheld  
In silver targe that bore five roses red,  
They strongly meet and both down tumbled,   

Dabscote no harm received by his fall  
But lightly up himself again doth rease,  
Five Almains straight they light upon him all  
At once: and bear him down with mighty feas.  
So 'mongst his foes tied to a cheer he stays,  
Until that we that ground recovered had  
D, he fared, like tiger raging mad.   

here lusty knights were and adventurous  
As ever foaming courser carried,  
At good virtue most bravely emulous  
Ever thinking too long they tarried,  
Until that enemies stout they harried,  
The venturous heart doth oft adventure chieve  
That many hearers scarcely will believe.   

So hideous waxed the stur, so strong the broil,  
So fell the fight, so cruel was the shot,  
And men at arms they strove with forced toil,  
Nor shields, nor armours gay defended not  
The bodies from the shafts, who paid the scot  
Where right they hit: and thus discomfit was  
Their martial host that foremost on did pass.   

I waited time and spoke unto the prince,  
Sir sir pass forth, the journeys yours I see,  
Set on the king, good fight must him convince,  
He valorous is I know he will not flee,  
This day you vowed a knight most good to be.  
He quickly said, john, forward let's advance?  
We so perform, we took the king of France   

With as much toil as Phillip's son did take  
Darius: we the French kings person wan,  
No need there is large prosses for to make,  
Or slaughter show how it befell as than  
Or prisoners name, but seventeen earls we won  
With many Lords and knights which we did gain,  
And near six thousand one and other slain:   

In this strong meddle taken was a knight  
The Chattelon of Dampost near allied  
Toth' Cardinal: th'inflamed prince had sight  
Of him: humbly had I not denied,  
Distressed Chattelon suddenly had died,  
The noble prince took in high despite  
That's master would against him let him fight.   

This battle to the French maulpartuis,  
Two leagues from Poycters cruel and furious,  
Enduring with horrible noise and huis  
From prime till noon, the prince desirous  
Like stoutest lion t'be victorious,  
With princelike courage foes pursues apace  
And many knights bears he down in chase.   

No heed took I good prisoner rich to gain,  
But had regard the prince so well to guide,  
Hot, fresh, and young, wherefore I ply my pain  
As duty would, lest harm should him betide,  
His own desire was I should abide  
His person near, in thickest of the frays,  
He credits what I speak: to my great praise.   

All as we would: glad prince did frank bestow  
A stately supper t'prisoner king and prayed  
His good content, though business 'gainst him go,  
For your own self renowned king he said,  
Your prows past all those to you obeyed,  
Byth' true censure of our best skilled knights  
The sovereign praise you won in all the fights.   

What triumphing in England known these news  
At Bordeaux, what great rejoicing seen  
In foreign courts how honoured all our crews  
Where they became? my service as I ween  
That here I did was highly in esteem,  
About a prince men thought me meet to be  
As well for counsel as for chivalry.   

King john int'England gladly was conveyed  
On trampling steed through London doth he ride:  
Note fortunes change a king that sceptre sweid  
With large command, through noble France doth bide,  
In foreign land: there pricking him beside  
His conqueror on coal black hobby placed,  
On whom the wondering vulgars' praises blast.   

No Romain in his triumphs glorious  
Through city passing with trumpets sounding  
More apparent appeared victorious,  
Than our brave prince by modest riding  
At people's plause with joy abounding,  
Remembering those high words he erst did say,  
Never shall England ransom for me pay.   

Betwixt the kings there grew agreement,  
And if performed then back john should retire.  
The peers of France denied their king's intent,  
Whereat king Edward stormed with furious yer,  
And vowed their plague with wasteful sword and fire  
Until they grant the thing which he thought good:  
Strongly prepared he past the swelling flood,   

Lands at Calais, thence marcheth in array  
With bravery such and show of martial might,  
In goodly armours decked so fine and gay,  
All beat with Arms fine banners tossing light,  
On us dan Phoebus joyed to have a sight,  
With fawning face he seemed on us to smile  
We fresh be seen reflection cast the while.   

Undoubtedly in all the world was not  
More noble band than here were present now,  
What knight was he that honour had not got,  
In some strange land well shone his virtue how  
For leader good a man might him allow,  
Most happy realm, thrice happy is that king  
Whose subjects fame in foreign regions ring:   

First if the prince of Wales I should recite,  
Or Henry Duke late Derby Earl before,  
Or Reignald Cobham that much renowned knight,  
Lord Mowbray, many, Basset, with great store,  
Lord Audley, Willoughby, and many more  
Than now I show: what if I tell my name  
And say that Chandos was not lest in fame.   

Fame our names emblazoned not so far  
For tennis play or handling of a lute,  
Nor dancing fine or glistering as a star,  
As women dressed in most unseemly suit,  
Our chiefest music trump and checking flute,  
Our dance, our march: our tennis oft to feel,  
Thundering blows: our clothing tried steel.   

Through Picardy and Artoys spoiled we pass  
Int fertile Cambray making there some stay,  
In former places found we little grass,  
Toward Thyriach we march anon away  
Till folding siege to City Reams we lay,  
Which country was so wasted and so foiled  
That all our horse for want well nigh were spoiled:   

Sir Barthelmew Burwash whilst siege doth hold,  
Myself, Lord Audley, and Lord Mucedent,  
Sir Richard Pontchardon, a prudent knight and bold  
agreed all four, and with our troops we went  
To Chalous in Campaign, for ventures bent  
We approached strong Cragney a castle hay,  
Whereas two knights courageous captains be   

Tun Caples called: who bore in golden shield  
An anchored cross of sables: we asseild  
Rudely the hold, from whence some one did wield  
A mighty stone, that head a pieces peild  
Of Lord Mucedent: but it was not field,  
For to revenge his hard mischance again  
took the hold and all the soldiers slain.   

Seven weeks at Reams the king made his abode,  
and forage failed and men began to want,  
For still we knights the country over road,  
Whereby each thing waxed exceeding scant,  
Then to remove the king and nobles mant,  
Chalous, Troy's, and countries near we wast  
Passing the river Muson at the last.   

So forth we marched keeping same ordinance  
At first ordained to Aguyllon we came,  
Did hawk and hunt passing in pleasance,  
Oft tried our horse and used warlike game,  
Which still among, much did the Frenchmen tame,  
Nothing unless too hot for us could stay  
T'heavy or cold but we did bear away.   

Sweeping from hence to Paris ward apace  
The county of Nevers and Gastenoys we waste,  
Range at our wills continuing forth our race  
Until that we at Burge le royne were placed  
Two leagues fro Paris: and so the town we faced.  
Well famed France might wail, for nought but flame  
Was to be found in bowels of the same:   

Where Merove puissant warrior rained  
Whom fierce Attila overthrew in fight,  
Where Charles le main that many kingdoms gained,  
In all Europa feared for his might,  
Unconstant fortune taking so far flight,  
Sometimes the yoke on others shoulders laid  
With biting snaffle now are strongly stayed:   

From Burg le royne to Mont le herri we  
In sightly wise our battles all do draw,  
Our constant dealing when the french Lords see  
Persevering still in France to make a flaw  
Consuming all as fire doth the straw,  
Unto a peace to move our king they meant  
Their Chancellor and their learned counsel sent.   

They understood our king would not departed  
Till pleasing peace he conquered as he vowed,  
Which thing near touched duke Charles his tender heart,  
And nobles for own harms too haughty proud  
Fair conditions twixt them were aloud,  
By thundering storm which God from heaven sent  
And knotted hail our king doth first relent:   

A written deed at Charters there was framed  
Betwixt the kings, their heirs, allies and friends,  
In which fair towns, strong castles all were named  
tooth king and his were given for amends  
For passed pain, and so the strife it ends,  
More Castles, Towns, more Cities and more ground  
Were given then in England could be found.   

Some speeches were brave dukedom to enclose  
Of Britton, in the charter of this peace:  
Yet do they not of it so well dispose  
So as fresh wars in that place did not cease,  
How tract of time hard bound doth of release  
Charles thoughts upbound within his stubborn breast,  
Them forth to lose supposed now his best.   

Home went his grace, soon I repass the seas  
As regent and lieutenant for my king  
Taking the oaths, possessions and the keas,  
Of Lords, Cities, Castles, which did wring  
Some Frenchmens hearts like piercing adders sting:  
Great grief it was subjuged to be bound  
To strangers most uncourteous they had found:   

I stewards, bailiffs and captains do ordain  
As liked me: and this when I had done  
Came to Nyort, there purposed to remain,  
Keeping estate whereby men's hearts I won  
Largely I spent most like a Prince's son,  
In plenteous fare bountiful and much,  
King Edward's love and lowance to me such:   

His royal love to me was passing rare,  
Numbers thought I did deserve no less,  
Courteous I advisd and would not spare  
But liberal be, fraught with temperateness,  
Fair points of honour would I not digress,  
Amongst brave Lords, fair Ladies, I esteemed  
Of great estates in gentle favour deemed:   

Forth of the charter was except the land  
Saint Saluiour, sir Godfrey Harecourts' late,  
Who Pollux like at Constantine did stand  
To his defence, when slain was every mate  
With wieldy axe, his stroke so heavy sat,  
Not proudest enemy durst sad blows abide  
Till at the length two horsemen at him ride   

Enraged bear down a knight most chivalrous,  
Which straddling set his legs to stand more sure  
On surest leg: and there dispiteous  
They bear him down who fights whilst he may duer,  
Live still his praise and glory fresh in ure,  
For wisdom and proved skill in martial facts  
No living knight one jot exceeds his acts.   

With plainest difference of Earl Harcourts' race  
In glorious red two golden bars did bear:  
Daring 'gainst foe tooth utterance show his face,  
Which tried he was well worthy arms to wear,  
Amongst his foes that durst them nobly rear,  
The home made knight that never ward in field  
Small title hath unto a noble shield.   

In his past life his land he did behest  
To my good king and he to me it gave,  
Toth' valiant john of France he made request  
For his consent that I the same might have:  
He gently sealed to what the king doth crave,  
I it enjoyed well worth in yearly rend  
Of hundred franks fifteen: which free I spent   

Most bountifully, amongst soldiers bold  
To gallant men my purse was never closed,  
Which caused that as often as I would  
I had companions, valiants lads disposed  
To warlike feats, that strongest holds have posd:  
Sweet behaviour joined to liberal hand  
Reasons I was with manly soldiers manned.   

Brave Duke of Lancaster mars his Henry died,  
Whilst I at Nyort kept so high estate  
Fair cozen German to the king allied,  
Good gentle Duke, lamented was thy fate  
'mongst valiant knights thou nobly ledst of late,  
When as thou didst with Derby title rain  
As after when the Dukedom thou didst gain:   

In battelous Arms before the king of France  
Like Pallas knight thou entredst royal list,  
'Gainst Brownswick Duke, full bend to prove the chance  
Of doubtful combat, the king cause why it missed  
Stayed the event: great either's loss he witted.  
This Brownswick Duke tried strong champion bold  
Bare fair in red two lions passant gold.   

True golden fame, black death cannot defile,  
Glistering honour buds from dusty grave,  
Each noble Lord that beareth glorious stile  
Spend must his life eternal praise to have,  
As thou high Duke didst honour ever save,  
Most mighty God let England never want  
Such noble Lords true honour seek to plant.   

In England cause the prince kept princely port  
Most like himself: the counsel thoughten best  
Int' Acquitaine that he should make resort,  
Partly for that the Gascons do request  
His presence: and revenues largely rest  
His nobleness right noble to uphold.  
And Gascoin Lords desire that he would   

repass the seas: he answereth their desires  
Once landed, careful I to meet him well  
Accompanied, with knights and youthful squires  
On coursers mounted decked every sell,  
And receiving him at warlike Rochel  
We thence attended unto Poycters town  
As reason wild and duty had us boon:   

Of Acquitaine I Constable was ordained,  
High honours given and feastings to me made  
Continually his favour more I gained,  
Through enterprises of account I wade,  
Noble exploits I end by skilful trade,  
Which plaisd him so as he loud me ever  
Because in honour still I do persever:   

Peter of Lusignon King of Cypress I'll  
Made means to all the Kings of Christendom.  
From jarring discord to abstain a while  
Help to repulse the miscreants late come  
Their borders near: and much of neighbours won.  
Had been in Italy, France, and Almain,  
In Flaunders, England, came to Acquitaine:   

Not when swift fame had pierced haughty skies  
Admetus praise which made Apollo bow  
down from estate, to view with leeuing eyes  
His bountifulness, which seen made him allow  
So well of it, and further did avow  
Fame sparing was: yet sure my Prince exceeds  
The praises of Admetus' liberal deeds.   

For when he hard of this strange kings arrive,  
He sent me forth with knights accompanied  
In gentleness could with right courteous strive:  
At king's first entrance he saw well placed  
Forty knights so many squires faced,  
All for the honour of Lady Princes  
Fair was the justs each proved blameless:   

More sign of love, more show of princely power,  
Rare welcomes given, fine courtesies withal,  
Of courtesy sweet prince a pearls flower:  
Nor wandering king did never see nor shall  
More store of knights in earthly regent's hall.  
The prince me will to take him to my guide  
Him pleasance show in his dominions wide:   

A vermile cross the Cyprian king still wore,  
For holy voyage he had undertake  
Against the Turk: his sovereign to adore  
In glorious Arms: a party prince to make  
He wild, and found to no good service slake  
Our loved prince: departed well content,  
Great intercourse of loves betwixt them blended.   

Thus having been most kindly entertained,  
By me: and stout sir Thomas Phelton much,  
Sir Neal Loring, sir Simon Basset, deigned  
Him well to treat: sir Baldwine Fr●uile such  
His kindness showed, as spite could not but gruch  
To see the like: he safely went his way  
The principality through I him convey.   

King john of France into England past  
Brave king, fair queen, gay nobles for to see  
Through true firm love which doth eternal last  
Whers feigned love, small jars remembered be,  
No virtues more in fear of high degree  
Than were resiant in this sovereign,  
Whose worthy praises ever may remain.   

Bloody parcas what meanest thou to shear  
His vital twine so worthy longer life,  
Canst thou, pale malice, such privily virtues bear?  
Than bluntest coulter duller be thy knife:  
Amongst best things thou mischief ever rife:  
But mighty God oft takes away the best  
For our bad sins, or for to ease his blessed.   

Whilst this good king in England made his stay,  
Him sickness took with sharp increasement sore  
And strong oppressment at Savoy where he lay,  
Death doth approach then flesh can breathe no more  
His loss king Edward greatly doth deplore,  
From England Paris: to stately tomb conveyed,  
And Charles his son the Regal sceptre sweid:   

Oh vading flower why flatterest thou thyself  
In pompous seat of mighty majesty,  
Frail honours titles or foul wasting pelf,  
Forgetting great eternal dignity,  
Scorneth mightiest earthly empery:  
What low inferior fears of you amiss  
That high superior threats again iwis.   

Sir john Montfort in th'April of his youth  
Gay Arms 'gan wield: and with success begun  
In Britton: to sir Charles of Bloys his ruth,  
This fair new knight was that brave Countess son  
Of whom I spoke: Bloys hearing what was done  
By him, and how he sieged strong Alroy,  
And with sharp war the country doth destroy,   

Told king Charles: who aiding cozen Bloys,  
Sent sir Bertram Glesquine who doth entreat  
Knights such he knew of whom he had good choice,  
Him to assist in venturous warlike feat:  
Sir bertram's praises now were waxen great.  
King Charles him had in reverence and account  
In praiseful virtues cause he doth surmount.   

Young Earl Mountfort of their assembly hard,  
Sealed letters into Acquitaine doth send  
To some good knights telling how he fared,  
Especially he writ to me his friend  
Willing my presence, helpful to defend  
His heritage: I soon agreed to go  
If my good prince would say it should be so.   

I licence crave for this departance,  
If that thereby I might not break the peace,  
The prince said no breach: and releasance  
Gave unto me and others, who not cease  
Him to beseech my numbers to increase,  
Through Xanton, Poyictow I pass unto Alroy  
Friendly welcomed with no little joy,   

Of Earl john and many a valiant knight,  
Accouting all themselves in safety now  
So long as me amongst them have they might,  
My counsel their opinions so allow,  
And 'twas not long ear some plain told hus how,  
Sir Charles Bloys accompanied doth advance  
In best appoint that hath been seen in France,   

And fast approached: which news when so I knew  
I placed me where coming I behold  
A seemly band, as eye did ever view,  
And goodly dight as heart desire cold,  
Oftlie returning unto friends I told,  
That I had seen of nobleness the flower  
For discipline in ordering of a power,   

One cannot cast a glove from off his hand  
But it on Lance will or on bassinet light,  
So properly in order placed they stand,  
Their leader is a Lord of great insight,  
They have us taught our battles soon to dight:  
My friends then said, sir you our Chieftain are  
Please you command and all we will prepare?   

Though young Earl were sovereign in the place,  
To Martial businesses yet I tend  
By princely letters from King Edward's grace  
To me, he willed the Earldom to defend  
Heedy for this, my time here well to spend:  
Three battles then I ordered with good haste,  
And in the first sir Robert Canole placed   

Lord of Durivall, hardy Britton borne  
Sir Oliver Clisson the next doth guide  
Whom Lion white in red crowned, doth adorn.  
The third fresh Earl, with whom myself abide,  
Him well t'advise for doubt what might betide,  
Reregard of five hundred men I made,  
To sir Hugh Caveley these few words I said,   

Sir knight, this company I appoint to you,  
Withdraw yourself and choose some piece of ground,  
From thence not budge unless you plainly view  
Us to disrout, then hasting in that stound  
Us reunited to place retire you round,  
Lately left: there tending like do stay  
More better service can no man do this day.   

When stout sir Hue all hard my speeches pass  
Right shamefast waxed, and thus in haste replied:  
Such charge to take he never minded was  
With fervent words flatly the same denied,  
Half angry ask what weakness I espied  
In body his, with foremost not to fight,  
Willing the gifter to some other wight.   

Advisedly to him I answered,  
Your valour sir I passing tried know,  
Your high desires I thoroughly measured  
Strong ableness to fight in foremost row,  
Because right sage and wise yourself I know  
This charge I give, wishing you that place  
In which you shall acquire thankful grace,   

With honour and applause amongst the best,  
And furthermore I faithful promise give  
To you sir knight, to grant the first request  
You shall demand if that john Chandos live,  
My rightful treating herein do not deprive:  
This noble soldier took't still in despite  
He might not in the front of battle fight.   

Whose settled mind to see well near I weep,  
Him to that pass it comen was I told  
He or myself the rearguard must keep,  
Which better was, allow his judgement should,  
Confused he stayed, yet take the charge he would,  
For which salt tears distill from manly eyes  
Departs to ground that fittest he espies:   

A Baron rich in Britton there did dwell  
Lord Beumanoyr, a prisoner safely sworn  
Us English too: which thought he might do well  
Spending his time fell strife might out be worn,  
To pass between of both sides was he borne,  
By his spent travel so much he brought to pass  
As one whole day and night of truce there was:   

Gay Phoebus lodged fair Luna priest in place,  
Our English soldiers most requested me  
Largely telling the poorness of their case  
With much expense, that I should not agree  
To peace: determined to win or die  
By battle: to whom I easily give consent  
As one thereto by inclination bend.   

chaste Cynthia gone, Aurora blushed  
Lord Beumanoyr betime was stirring  
From his camp toward us his footings sped,  
In hope to speed: I soon departing  
We salved at our first encountering:  
He willed I would endeavour to accord  
These parties for the goodness of our Lord.   

Contrary to his just desiring  
I answered, good sir of Beumanoyr?  
I counsel that you haste retiering  
From whence you came, our companies devoir  
Is you t'enclose, and slay as destroyer  
Of their desires: they so hate talk of peace  
Therefore herein your best is for to cease,   

And furthermore tell to sir Charles of Bloys,  
Earl john this day will Duke of Britton be  
Or slain abide, shunning other choice:  
When this rich Baron hard these words of me,  
Said Chandos, Chandos? as good will as ye,  
Or your young Lord, my Lord hath to the fray  
Calm peace yet offereth if you said not nay.   

We both departed and both to friends return,  
I scarcely arrived Earl Mountfort asked  
What news? for he in longing thoughts doth burn.  
I told him now that he was hardly tasked,  
But fairest truth I fouliest masked:  
Lord Beumanoyr hath sent you word by me,  
This day your foe will Duke of Britton be,   

Or else this day he will not breathe at all:  
Which message told he colour seemed to change  
Willed t'advance and straight to battle fall,  
T'inflame his courage I from truth did range  
Somewhat to make the matter seem more strange,  
I said advise, whether you will fight or leave.  
Yes by Saint George: our banner forward heave.   

Lord Beumanoyr his answer likewise framed  
Saying, he had the proudest language hard  
Of me, that ever erst: forth to Bloys he named  
What were my words, but more he plain declared  
How that all right I said clean him debarred  
From truest title to great dukedom quite.  
He doth reply: God knows whose is the right.   

The Ermine banners of the dukedom right  
Were placed, each 'gainst other orderly,  
To see brave Lords under their pennons dight  
All beat with Arms bedecked properly,  
So feateously both battles beautify,  
As to the gazer well it might appear  
That all the Vallewer in the world was here.   

As raging tides about some Ilsland meet  
In stredned channel forced by a prime,  
With like encounter both our battles greet  
Like bustling rage was showed at this time,  
Red sprinkling blood our weapons doth begrime,  
A braver battle better fought by skill  
Was never seen our present age until.   

Our enemies more than we in number were  
And opened us by strength of fight well,  
Sir Hugh Caveley, quickly succoured there,  
Beat back fierce foes, eager, stout and fell,  
Four times that the very truth to tell,  
His silver banner, with gulie fes in sight  
Between three calves of sables, set us right.   

Like armed Mars with wieldy axe in hand  
Complete formed and full of valiantness,  
In hammered steel strongly do I stand,  
Full fraught with strength as well as hardiness,  
Few durst abide me in my furiousness,  
The Earl I wild to do now this or that,  
He me believed, whereby much fame he got:   

On th'earl of Aucer and fierce French I set  
With courage such as they discomfit were,  
To say the truth right valiant knights we met  
As by proved virtue plain they made appear  
Which nought availd: by strength was taken there  
Th'earl of Aucer, jognie, and Lord of Preer,  
Rich Norman baron ransom cost him deer:   

Their banners torn and cast down to the ground,  
Their company in marvels mischief then,  
In battle if that one to flee be found  
He causeth three, if three, there flieth ten,  
If ten, twenty, and then a hundred men.  
When given them was this strong overthrow,  
On Glesquine I and sturdy Britons go,   

Where many a mighty feat of Arms was done,  
Where many heavy sounding blow was given,  
Where many a prisoner rescue was and won,  
Where many a bassinet was a sunder riven,  
Where many a man dead to the earth was driven:  
Hot Earl of Raix, who marvels wrought that day  
I prisoner took and swore with me to stay,   

Under my pennon was bravely taken here  
Sir Bertram Glesquine, than all fled that might  
Excepting some that held their Lord full deer  
Which strong unite and sharply 'gan to fight,  
But thither straight myself and power I dight,  
Then was achieved many a feat of Arms,  
Slain were our foes and beaten down by swarms:   

Here murdered was Right noble gentle knight  
Sir Charles of Bloys, his face towards his foes:  
For so it was determined over night  
Tun of these Earls unto his ending goes,  
Our enemies the self-same thing dispose,  
Both parts resolved this day should be the last  
Betwixt these Earls, and so the dice were cast:   

No man of honour almost doth escape,  
For when they forced were to fearful flight  
Much mischief fell, for many knight's mishap  
For cruel slaughter, happened in this fight  
The scambling chase eight leagues endured right,  
Ending almost at the gate of Reans  
And some our friends in it good booties geans:   

This battle finished was near to Alroy  
Whilst Phoebus in the balance wandered,  
The present year of man's eternal joy,  
A thousand threescore and three hundred,  
And single four, as some have numbered,  
Earl Montforts banner on high bush was pight,  
Returning friends of it might have a sight:   

As each commander foes left to pursue  
From weary chase he thither might him get,  
Long time it was or all together drew,  
Much joy was made when as we all were met,  
My Guydhome next unto th'earl's Ermines set  
Sir Eustace Dabscote, sir Matthew Gorney,  
Bare paly gold and Azure evenley,   

Sir Robert Canole, sir john Bouchier came,  
Sir Walter Huet, sir Hue Caveley stout,  
For this days service worthy lasting fame,  
Who ordered us we beginning to disrout,  
From 'mongst his friends strong foes he beateth out,  
I wild the Earl to joy at his good hap  
Since he was placed in dame Fortune's lap,   

He said your prows it sir knight atchiud  
all knights so think that here with us remain,  
Deserved honour ought not to be deprived,  
Next unto God by you I battle gain,  
And drinking recht a flagon glad and feign  
To me: and said, drink now to our good speed,  
And thus on conquest gladded thoughts do feed,   

As joyful merriment was in making now  
All chaffed from the chase like wounded bore,  
Sir Oliver Clisson, with eye beat from his brow  
Comes bringing with him prisoners noble store,  
Though his great wound did grieve him very sore,  
Approaching yet light from his courser down,  
Et fut receive come chevalier asses boon.   

Now to Duke john by heralds word was brought  
His late rival dead they saw to lie,  
Then said the Duke he shall of me be sought,  
I rather would in such estate him spy  
Then for the Dukedom striving armed to be,  
When slain he saw him covered with his shield  
He wept, but soon I took him from the field:   

More needful cause had I to weep alas  
Then he, because I caused so his death,  
And from that place I willed him to pass,  
For sir quoth I, even thus the matter swayeth,  
By this man's end the Dukedom with you stayeth,  
On these great Lordships fie upon them all  
That are possessed by others deadly fall:   

To Guingant town good Earl of Bloys was borne,  
In reverent sort he there entombed lies,  
Whose name the Clergy do so much adorn  
With martyrs crown for truth's defence that dies,  
A heavy clog might on my conscience pries  
That would no peace, until this Earl were ded,  
Almighty God caused me with like be sped.   

For measure such as we to other meat  
Is oft unlooked remeasured again,  
By justest God from his tribunal seat:  
Wherefore great Lords that now in world do rain  
Warely heed what harm to selves you gain,  
And all your doings peasd with temperance  
Brings quiet end freed from annoyance:   

This valorous hap soon blasted was abroad  
How by my counsel had Lord Mountfort done,  
Which caused many me with praise to load  
When known how knightly we the battle won:  
Displeased king Charles, frail Fortune so did run,  
Much sorrow he for cozen Bloys doth make,  
And much for Glesquine and for others sake:   

Duke Mountfort letters writ of credence  
Unto king Edward, joyfully he sent  
By a Pourswant, performing diligence  
Found the king, and showed how business went,  
For which good news he so his favour bend  
As for a Herald true he him allowed  
Surnamed Windsor fairly him endowed.   

We hold the fields, win Towns and Castles strong,  
Wasting, spoiling, conquering as we go,  
Cold king of France took counsel ear too long  
Wise message sent Earl Mountforts' mind to know,  
The Dukedom whether he would hold or no  
Of him: but then, Lord Latimear was sent  
Int' England for to know the king's intent:   

Which understood these parties do accord,  
That our young Earl should Duke of Britton be,  
But lowly homage, now he must afford  
Unto king Charles, and so they all agree  
Without heirs male if that he hap to die  
It shall descend unto the Bloys his son,  
Still quiet now and brawling wars are done.   

Our Irish seas do never rage's so rough  
When northern winds doth on their billows smite,  
As though they would the threatening rocks so tough  
Make level with their calmness for despite,  
And ouldest pilot from passage doth affright,  
Yet breathing Zephyrus can their raging slake  
As gentle as the meanest standing lake:   

How soon great God can rage's of wars allay,  
For where but late the trembling mother cried  
Dreading her babe: in safety doth she play,  
None careful now their treasures close to hide,  
None watcheth now for doubt what may betide,  
Britton but now, with bloody wars did rage,  
And now fair concord doth all fury suage.   

Now doth wear the great Castilian Crown  
Dan Peter: whose extremest rage was such  
As on him all his chiefest nobles frown,  
And vulgar commons at his doing gruch,  
Some said his deeds whole Christendom did touch,  
The Pope, the French, and Arragon agree,  
Him to depose and Henry placed to be:   

And for that cause the foresaid states do pay  
Sir Bertram Glesquins' ransom unto me,  
For hundred thousand franks I said not nay,  
From his gagd fiance clear I set him free,  
These states request me into their journey,  
As one to rule, and special room to bear,  
I flat refused my liking was not there.   

Yet certain of my prince's knights did go:  
When these troops assembled were in Spain  
They thirty thousand soldiers were and more,  
When each considered the evil rain  
Of Peter, and the nobles he had slain  
They him depose, and Henry do adorn  
As king, although Alphonsus' bastard borne:   

Thus he possessed: bestoweth right largely  
And soldiers bountiful him account:  
To Sivile city first in haste doth fly  
Forsaken king, thence to high sea doth mount  
Accompanied with Dan Casters, in count  
Faithful knight: to Galitia ward amain  
Making sail, there of one castle feign   

Called Coulone: on craggy cliff strong placed,  
Distressed self, wealth, children, and treasure,  
There doubting stayed, sent trusty knight in haste  
T'acquitain, with letters showing the seizure  
Of bastard Henry's, wrongful displeasure,  
Unto my Prince: who thought too hard event  
Was fallen on him and too sharp punishment:   

Spiteful Fortune great enemy to those  
Of high degree, what pastime canst thou take?  
Through turning times thyself so to dispose  
Of mighty king mean fugitive to make,  
But peevish self thou all men wilt forsake:  
To highest things peasd level dost thou am,  
At sharpest falls thou makest sporting game,   

A king but late unto whose only beck  
Whole Castille bowed: lives like a prisoner penned,  
Dares not appear for fear of too great check  
And stateliest troops of nobles with attend,  
Remains one knight like, sad AEneas friend  
Large countries late obeyed his bending will,  
And now possessed but barren basest hill:   

The Prince called me these letters in his hand  
And brave sir Thomas Phelton speedily,  
In most princely favour we highly stand,  
Sir Knights quoth he, strange news is come to me  
Which unto you shall soon imparted be,  
Which don he wild as was his usage  
Our opinions to so great voyage,   

Then presently a parliament was called,  
To which repaired the noble Gascoine knights,  
Arminack, Gomigines, Dalbreth stalled  
In highest rooms: from hence four worthy Wights  
T'england sent as reason wills of rights:  
King Edward he our journey doth allow,  
Fresh john of Gaunt to go with us doth vow.   

Without delay into Navarre were wild  
Sir Thomas Phelton and myself to fleet,  
We so exploit with journey labouring held,  
As with the king at Pampelune we meet,  
From loved prince him do we nobly greet,  
He promised be, at Bayon by a day,  
With courteous leave we home return our way.   

Our prince, dan Peter both do meet him there,  
With parley much at last he condescends  
Hard passages to open that straightest were,  
For which dan Peter promised for amends  
The Groin, and country shoring that extends  
To Savater, and more a hundred thousand franks,  
Thus he an aid tooth prince and all his ranks.   

The prince two heralds doth dispatch with speed,  
To Castille ward, giving his knights to know  
The purposed war, and what he had decreed,  
His pleasure known, they came king Henry fro,  
But why they part they little to him sho:  
Then Caveley, Dabscote, and bold Huet was,  
Gay sir john Devereux, all thence do pass   

Companions some hard not so soon this news,  
Safe to return much toiling they endure,  
King Henry closely up all passage mews,  
In dangerous state remain the most unsure,  
The prince doubted his enemies might allure  
Them to their wills, which well twelve hundred were  
Of piked men in welding shield or spear,   

At th'entry of Foix enclosed they stay  
And may not pass, th'earl doth flat forbidden  
Them t'enter in his country any way,  
Most noble prince of message send me did  
Toth' Earl of Foix, and show him he would rid  
Him of these men, and that what harm they should  
His country do, that he remend it would.   

The Earl accords to their safe passage:  
I chaffer so as them I wholly hire,  
'mongst whom in wars full many a trusty gage  
All which one word would work to my desire,  
To busy prince I hastily retire:  
These waged soldiers do themselves divide  
By companies, toward Acquitaine they ride,   

Toward Tholouse some, their readiest journey take  
At Mountabon the river seek to pass,  
Sir Guy Dazay and Earl of Narbone make  
Quick summons, and of soldiers gether a mass,  
Sir john Comes Mountabons' captain was:  
The French tooth town sent couriers riding  
T'see if companions would be stirring:   

Sir john demands why thus in armours dressed  
They came t'invade the principality?  
They chaffing said our enemies with you rest  
Whom we will rouse for their iniquity,  
Sir john, sir john you know not courtesy,  
If thus you harbour the pillars of the land  
Here be their foes will wake them out of hand:   

Lords he replied, here be some men of war  
Into Montaubon lately entered,  
That with my Lord the prince retained are  
And him must serve as is indented  
Better undone than soon repent,  
Advise you well ere forward you proceed,  
My prince's frowns you have good cause to dread.   

But when our men tried and adventurous,  
Threatening enemies placed before them see  
To hazard battle hard and dangerous  
They meant: ordaining each thing feateous  
though pressing enemies far more numbers be:  
Sir john Comes, his soldiers all armed  
Then to assist great need required,   

Sir Perducas Dalbreth, sir Robert Cheney,  
Pass all before, requesting safe they might  
Go by in peace, the Frenchmen fierce deny:  
Then suddenly terrible was the fight,  
Back to the town our men were beaten right  
Nandon of Begerant, and Burg of Bertvell,  
Had rid all night and came in time so well   

Unto their aid: as foes were take or slain,  
Rich prisoners were won and fienced  
Upon their faiths: which lost our men there gain,  
For with their oaths the Pope dispensed,  
Whereof our captains to me complained,  
And wild redress in this they thoughten wrong  
To me of Arms the judgement did belong:   

To cipher plainly how brave Lords did come  
gaily beseen with valiant numbers,  
How Lord Dalbreth was countermand his sum  
Of thousand spears: whereat he wonders,  
Or else what lets peect business sunders,  
Or all winter t'shew the princes charge  
Where things past count ask recital large,   

With business much we pierce into Navare,  
With toiling more some straits we got beand  
Which asperous, foul and stiep●e doubtless are,  
Mantled with snow was all high mountain land,  
Horse nor man scarce on their feet might stand,  
Our army closed, in three we do divide  
That one might pass whilst other two abide:   

On monday armed like youthful Troyilus  
And fresh as he in all his jollity,  
As stirring, wieldy, and as chivalrous  
As Chaucer makes him in felicity,  
Past john of Gaunt: and with him passed I,  
Twelve hundred pencils under me remain  
Wrought with my arms that glisterens on the plain.   

On twesday past our Hector princely,  
Spanish Peter: and Charles king of Navare:  
Lewis Harcourt, in barons dignity,  
Sir Thomas Phelton well dressed for war,  
His brother William of self had little care  
King of Malorques on wednesday over came  
Accompanied with Lords of peerless fame,   

Earl Arminak, Dalbreth bold Gascoynes all,  
Pomiers, Gomigines, and stout Mucident,  
And of Buiff courageous capital,  
Lord Clisson, and sir Robert Canol went,  
Barnerdle Sall, that was to scaling bend,  
Of Rouncevauls' we have forsake the straits  
Which flying Fame to bastard Henry beits.   

And more how we strong Savatar had won,  
Placed at the entry into Spain,  
When storming king all hard what we had done  
He summons forced, and doth such numbers gain,  
Entering in arms into the open plain,  
Which news fore-riders to the prince have told,  
Who saith the bastard valiant is and bold:   

The cheerful trumpet soundeth to address,  
Fresh knights furbishen armours hastily:  
And many squires to stir up hardiness  
The noble prince doth knight immediately:  
Some made the duke, and some were made by me:  
But th'enemy battle doth deny before  
Brave Frenchmen come in number forty score.   

Right warlike band which bold sir Bertram led,  
And wise sir Arnole Cleped Dandrehen,  
With heedy toiling weary journey sped  
At Spanish camp arriving with their men,  
It happed unto king Henry's brethren when  
They new were come to ride our host to view  
With the attempt some hapless overthrew,   

Strike fierce into the Canton where I set  
The watch: I stirring they recoil with speed,  
Returning they with both the Pheltons' met,  
Which forth were rid to do some valiant deed,  
With hundreds two well Armed for their need,  
Sir Richard Cauton, sir Hugh Hastings  
With other knights of fair proceed,   

These Spaniards six thousand were no less,  
And when our English once they had espied,  
Which little mountain t'ave had in distress  
With shooting joy amain they toward them ride,  
Where many a skilful feat of war was tried,  
But in the end they were all take but one  
And he too rash doth lose himself alone:   

For when he saw proud Spaniards placed  
In leveled plain, his sharp gleive he taketh,  
His hard resisting shield he soon embraced,  
Towards the thickest speedy haste he maketh,  
One stroke he dead: then bright sword he shaketh  
So vigorously, in his threatening hand  
And stroke, and foined, and lashed, whilst he might stand.   

Armed he was in red most glorious,  
Two Ermine Lions passant crowned gold,  
With Scottish treasure difference spacious,  
His brother and his friends the fight behold,  
And saw his ending too adventurous bold:  
Raging furor, fair knighthood doth confound.  
Sir William Phelton brought dead to ground.   

Spaniards of fair adventure ioyious,  
The leaders were king Henry's brethren  
Their journey to their brother prosperous  
They glad declare, show prisoners taken,  
Great thanks he gave: and residue threaten,  
Soft stepped forth a soldier bold and wise,  
Praying the king herein to take advise:   

Sir save your grace: your speech I not gain say,  
But yonders armed many a proved knight  
As ever ranged in battelous affray,  
Hardy in Arms and matchless in strong might,  
If with stout prince you do assemble fight,  
You'll find no fliers what so ere betide  
Twixt life and death tooth untraunce they'll abide,   

In reverent sort unto your grace I speak,  
Abstain from war, let fierce enemies be,  
Contagious air will make their strongest weak,  
Your country left behind them shall you see,  
They pinched with want it so will chance that we  
May fight with them, who present are the flower  
Of chivalry, of wisdom, and of power.   

Martial replied the king, I so desire  
The prince's power with good power to meet,  
He shall not (by my father's soul) retire,  
Till him I do in joined battle greet,  
Seven thousand I have armed head and feet  
Of genitors full twenty thousand more,  
And threescore thousand: which have truly swore   

Me not to fail, therefore sir Arnole I  
A bashed to be, may seem to have no cause,  
Stout willing numbers vowed have with me to die.  
Yet full six days upon these things they pause:  
We forward come compelled by hunger's laws,  
The swift river near to the groin we pass,  
Where as we find a better soil for grass.   

At entrance first when we approached Spain  
King Henry sealed letter sent our Prince,  
Requesting knowledge and the title plain  
Why so with power he sought him to convince,  
The Herald was retained ever since  
He came till now: wherein seven weeks spent  
Now back by him his answer thus he sent,   

That his true cozen he was come to aid  
In rightful cause as justice doth desire,  
Therefore, quoth he, Earl Cristmer having weighed  
Your great wrong thus to the Crown t'aspier,  
Am come in arms, but yet I fair require  
You both t'accord, right king to have the crown,  
Yourself rich lands: but if at this you frown   

Then you chief cause of slaughter, spoil and blood  
Which I God knows am passing loath to shed,  
I wish you would well ponder of the good  
We offer: and not trust th'uncertain speed  
Of fickle chance, so careless in hit heed,  
Here rest your friends if that you say not nay,  
Dated from Groin in March the thirtieth day.   

This Herald gone, his letters red with all,  
Sir Bertram said now shortly shall we have  
A do: therefore O noble King let call  
Each officer, his charge to order brave,  
The haughty prince doth nought but battle crave,  
Replied the king, I little do him dread,  
Good hope is of a furtherance to the speed:   

Int' three their fights: the first sir Bertram lad,  
Adventurous French and strangers where with him  
Th'earls of Dancell, and sanxes second had  
Greatly renowned cause they late did win,  
The third stout King, martial passing trim,  
A hundred thousand the one and other were  
Right nobly seen before up decked appear:   

As busy king pricketh from rank to rank,  
nearer Naveret we a little drew,  
Where they behold us raised on a bank  
From under which we all the valleys view,  
Covered with helms: whose banners some I knew  
'Gainst me ear this reasd had they been and borne,  
Taken and beat, and all too pieces torn.   

Sir Bertram Glesquine th'imperial eagle bare  
In silver, gulie baston over all:  
Six white spur rowels Dandrahen doth rear  
In field of red, a chequered fes doth stall  
Of th'on and th'other colour: then I call  
My banner for, uproled I hit bring  
Unto my Prince, in presence Spanish king,   

Beloved Lord behold my banner hear,  
Vouchsafe the pains it to unfold for me,  
Granting licence this day it up to rear,  
Thanks good Father yours: and your large bounty,  
Fair lands I hold t'maintain it in degree.  
The Prince, and King as two that all us rules  
Disuellope silver a sharpened pile of gules:   

Right well they wish: with duty I depart  
To my good friends companions fearless,  
Take here my banner and yours with good heart,  
Which all you bear in greatest business,  
I said I know your valuers' peerless:  
All placed on foot, all ordered be so well,  
That prieng spite would say we did excel:   

Here mighty prince the crystal skies beheld  
Praying to God the journey might be ours,  
Advance he cried God shall the business wield:  
Duke john and I fierce charge the stragers powers  
Dashing with force, as some mighty towers  
Together rushed, right long lasteth the fray  
Or either could be opened any way:   

Much foining here with spears and axes fell,  
Much rushing here with shields and pavish strong,  
Much striving here each other to excel,  
Much struggling here as happeneth in like throng,  
And by much strength we mix each other among,  
Amongst the rest was I field to the ground,  
And Spanish captain fallen on me I found   

Called Martin Ferrant: greatly in esteem  
Amongst his nation for his worthiness,  
In dangerous fury I drew a knife full keen  
That oft I wore, and through true valiantness  
I deadly wounded Martin dreadless,  
Slain he abides, straight up rose I again  
Rescued by right valiant friends with pain.   

Like chaffed Lion scaped from the toil,  
Amid his foes fell raged in angry mood,  
Here biting one, there doing other foil,  
Inflamed I far as furious Lion wood,  
Amongst the French tried matchless soldiers good,  
Excepting us, we forced them t'open  
Whereby array and order all was broken.   

Well to report, they knightly did their power  
Us to resist which proved companions were  
Sir Robert Cheney, sir Perducas a flower,  
In mars his field: sir Robert Bricquet there  
Laid him about: too long to name them here  
Fierce fought so as wonder 'twas to see:  
All these bold French or slain or taken be.   

Too slow I praise courageous john of Gaunt  
Like Priam's son strong broiling mid his foes,  
All timorousness from him bed he avaunt,  
And boldly in amongst the thickest throes,  
Such poissant, wieldy and so thick his blows,  
Whom sound he hits with staggering steps doth reel  
They knew it sure that his sad thundering feel.   

Sir Bertram and sir Arnold taken were,  
I taking none attended to the fight,  
Yet many a Lord about me taken near,  
On King Henry we drive with all our might,  
Who showed himself a kingly leader right,  
Most terrible and stormy grew the fray,  
And stout Henry did many fliers stay.   

Princely Edward mirror of Chivalry,  
Accompanied with martial puissance  
So hot assailed the enemies fast do fly,  
Recovering horse some swift away do prance  
Desirous Henry with gentle semblance  
Returned them oft: brave Edward beat them thence  
As oft: for nought 'gainst him could ably fence:   

Which pestilence when stout King Henry saw  
Assuredly if taken to be slain,  
From out so sharp a tempest doth withdraw:  
Quickly mount we unto our horse again,  
Chase our foes fleeing lost field amain,  
Great slaughter and miserable drowning  
Of those that sought the rivers passing   

Some do repass the bridge to Naveret near,  
Sad town right fast their flying friends receive,  
Hard pursued and surprised with fear,  
Take is the town where many life do leave,  
Of trustiest hope we flatly them bereave,  
Of saint james grand Prior: chief of Calcan  
Both taken here with many a valiant man.   

Proud Darius' Camp was little richer  
When Macedonian soldiers entered,  
Gold, silver vessels glorious glister,  
Things that increase stout soldiers venture,  
To reaching thought these toys no tempter,  
Yet meaner soldier that liveth by the ware,  
Of his maintenance ought to have some care.   

Damn Peter would the prisoners all to die,  
But gentle Prince their pardons doth obtain,  
Reason willed him no demand deny,  
But lowly said high Prince the realm of Spain  
By your good virtue t'me restored again:  
When tidings came how Henry safe was fled,  
He was perplexed and pestered in his head.   

Thus turning times their changes often have,  
Thus fortune frail is moving too and fro,  
Thus things that are, do pass, and others crave  
Their place: which hasting after them do go,  
Mad fortune like unconstant wind doth blow.  
What was not is, what is, right soon doth cease,  
Now ruffling war: then sweet temperate peace.   

What sots be we to heed so great a care  
For wordliness that no man can combine  
In safety; what dolts sweetest sleep to spare  
For earthly trifles slipper then the slime,  
No earthly great, but wasted is with time,  
He crowned, he fled, he fled and then he crowned,  
Regno Regnavi, fortune's wheel goth round.   

This act known wrought contrary effects,  
Our friends rejoiced, there's great sorrow make,  
Ours hoped with joy: thers worse ils suspects  
Then be: for most men's hearts will quake  
Dreading worst till best the better make:  
This spanish Peter dealeth very ill  
With noble Prince possessed of his will.   

Fairly possessed all Spain is at his beck,  
Vanished so great a hundred thousand armed,  
Gay fortunes fauns, after frowning check,  
Too small a salve where thou so greatly harmed,  
Fie on thy spite so many nobles charmed.  
For ever long Dam Peter proud was slain,  
And bastard Henry crowned king again.   

Most countries famed fair prince to highest skies,  
Him worthy thought Imperial crown to wear,  
Goodly his fame for princely praise doth rise:  
Three mighty kings by him discomferd were  
Of which the bravest he away did bear:  
Th'other two as Philip, and Henry,  
Fast fled the field and feared his chivalry.   

No covenant held king Peter that he sealed,  
To our good prince i'th' vale of olives stayed  
Sent to him knights, but smally that availd  
Delaying scuces for himself he laid:  
Which soundest counsel circumstances weighed,  
Sir Dandrehen the beugie of vitams were  
Exchanged for knights of ours late taken there   

Sir Thomas Phelton, sir Richard Cawton,  
Sir Hue Hastings, armed gold we do redeem  
With gulie manuch, and silver label on  
These taken were, thought act of high esteem  
By Henry's brethren dastads plainly seem:  
Parching drought and hot infesting air  
Causes urging hasty home repair.   

Huge vasty Ocean stirred with large wind  
High mounting waves demonstrat mighty rage,  
So shipmen tossed and toiled themselves do find,  
Esteeming that storms never will assuage  
Till drenched bodies pawned be in gage,  
So AEolus huffs, so billows big arise,  
As to be lost each man himself doth prize:   

Unexpected, so gently breathes a calm  
As gliding channel smilingly doth pass,  
The wanton Dolphin dallieth on each walm,  
Large sea itself seemeth as smooth as glass,  
Sweet cheerful songs are chanted for alas  
The sailor drinks, quick boy hies to the top,  
Each novist stands, and doth on hatches hop,   

Glistering swords vnshethed for revenge  
Black threatening frowns, fell fury felt withal,  
The rumoured noise and sound of armours clang  
is hushed, to battle none doth trumpet call,  
Scaling ladders rear none against the wall,  
Now rage, now calm, now war, now pleasant peace,  
Now bloody broil, and now the battles cease.   

To Acquitaine returned noble prince,  
And into England fresh valorous john,  
Sir Bertram Glesquine prisoner ever since  
Our fights to me: remaining once alone  
In chamber with the prince, who asked anon  
How he fared: and what most people said  
That he so long as prisoner with him stayed:   

Well most gracious prince he answered,  
For though prisoner sworn I do abide,  
It is with knight most nobliest virtue  
I know: and divers people talk beside  
Unto my praise: you doubt to let me ride:  
Be God not so, the Prince replied, pay  
A hundred thousand franks and go your way.   

He took the word, and soon the money paid  
Against my mind: yet do I not deny  
The deed: but sure he should have stayed  
Till Dan Peter sent us safe the money  
He promised: by him impeached sure t'be,  
Wanting which a fowage was desired  
To pay the soldiers for this journey hired:   

This tax displeased our gascoins marvels much,  
Who flat refused at all to pay the same,  
In open words at princes doings gruch  
In counsel chamber at Paris him they blame,  
With 'ticing words cold Charles his mind they flame,  
He venter's t'send, the prince a summoning  
At Paris court to make appearing:   

Stern looking Lion having run his race,  
Safe home retired, still resting in his den,  
The prick-eared fox should send 'tis noble grace  
Bidding him come, and make account as then  
Of wrongs he wrought: or threaten him to pen  
In bower: fierce Lion fell, courageous  
Would storm, at bringer, sender, marvelous,   

Tossing his head: this answer to the fox  
Poor heartless wight thy father have I had,  
In grasping paws giving his kindred knox  
For lended life thy sire favour had,  
What desperate fury vexed thee so mad,  
My only name me thinks should cause thee quail,  
Beware I pluck not off thy bushing tail:   

For head thou'lt save within some peevish hole,  
near like to this the princes speaking  
The same his case, with words he doth control  
King Charles: and saith his to Paris coming  
Shallbe with helmet his head enclosing:  
Armed threescore thousand waiting him upon,  
Letters in haste he writ to me anon.   

(Int Constantine: first when this speech was had  
Of tax: (I went) for much I hit disleeke,  
I knew the gascoins would account it bad,  
Being great commanders furthermore would seek  
Redress: and here we lost more in a week  
Then was recovered the remnant of my life,  
And thus again began new cause of strife.)   

His pleasure known right ready speed I make,  
Attained straight fair Angolesme in haste,  
Smooth sea but late more still than standing lake  
So roareth, as the world it would all waist,  
For Charles defied King Edward at the last,  
So flaming wars were open on each side,  
To Mountabon commanded I do ride:   

Unto the French to hold war frontier  
The captal Beuff, sir Lewes Harcourt went,  
Sir Richard Pontchardon, for mars a soldier  
Whose sables shield silver plaits ysprent:  
We issues make, of most knightly event,  
Two Gascoin Lords wary ambushment make,  
took a Seneschal named sir Thomas Wake,   

Armed in silver two fair bars of red,  
Three rundels in the lofty chief do stand  
In sable bordure deeply ingreled,  
This venture hap betwixt Lusiguen and  
Meribell: great error soon was found  
In so weak riding: we closer trooping kept  
Toward our enemies well appointed stepped   

Unto Terriers, and siege about it laid,  
Raised assaults the which availed nought,  
Fearing least too long a time we stayed,  
Good miners got that so their business wrought  
The strong foundations of the walls out sought,  
spoiled was the Town and greatest numbers slain,  
We heaped wealth and treasure in it gain.   

Achieved to Mountabon we retire,  
Sir Eustace Dabscote new come from Navarre  
Unto the prince, forth sent by his desire  
Us to assist in this brave fronting war  
In Ermines shield three hamets red he bore,  
We him received as fresh as April's flower  
Fair Marquis juliers only paramour:   

In true amours lived this knight valorous  
And Lady's form in breast close shrined,  
Absent thoughts viewed Lady glorious,  
With julie thinking stout heart it pined  
And mighty goodly things it shrined  
For to attempt: knight of amorous trade  
Loved Ladies favour hath more valiant made:   

Sir Robert Canole in Britton rested,  
Where he large lands and heritage possessed  
From thenglish his heart he never wrested,  
Ever most true and loyal to us priest  
Knowing how the French themselves addressed  
On us to win: with threescore men at arms  
Like number archers dreadless of their harms,   

Left Britton, and arrived at Rochel Town:  
Where sir john Devereux captain doth remain, 
Counter changed to Sir Walter Devereux the elder house.   
Whose gulie armour with fair fes was boon  
In chief three plaits of silver standen plain,  
He nobly doth sir Robert entertain,  
Stayed not long doth Angolesme attain  
Where of his knight's th'prince makes him sovereign,   

And sent him now asscotiat passing well  
With stirring knights towards us forth the lance  
Came to Again, from whence not far doth dwell  
Sir Perducas Dalbreth that ward for France,  
Speaking with him, preached so by chance  
As English he for ever doth abide,  
Commanding well three hundred by his side.   

So marching they to Darmell siege do lay  
Strong fortress and most able to endure,  
Besides in it five warlike captains stay  
Skilled in defence, and wary guarding sure,  
The only practice chief they put in ure,  
I hard of this and those which were with me  
Thither to wend we shortly all agree:   

But in our way to Mountsac near we came,  
Strong town and kept: we thought to pass it buy  
Four, victualed summers going unto the same  
We met, ask, they do not aught deny,  
How stood the town, and then we backward wry,  
Take it: and leave sir Robert Mutton there,  
In silver shield a cinquefoil blue doth bear:   

Having sped we to the siege approached,  
Where sir Robert doth highly us receive,  
Well pondering here how little we encroached  
Of these stout five: we it and them do leave.  
Marched to Doume, and there assault do heave,  
Strongly seated by nature and by art,  
But long we stayed not ear we thence departed,   

We resting here Chandos my Herald goes  
Unto sick prince from us of credence sent,  
Declaring t'him the order of our foes  
And other affairs great and importent,  
Willing herein his gracious plaisment,  
He gone: Gavaches, Foins, and Rochmadore  
We gained, and make them English subjects swore:   

Toward Villa frank we swinged and country spoil,  
Fair towns, strong castles, by treaty or by force  
We take: with flame doth champion country broil,  
In Thoulasine we prosecute like course,  
And Villa frank was take with some remorse,  
The Duke of Anjou fell angry in his mind  
At us: but yet no remedy durst find.   

My Herald come in quercy doth us find,  
Tribulation greatly we had brought  
The country in: to learn the prince's mind  
We ready, his pleasure having sought,  
Desiring all his mind should whole be wrought,  
Accordingly to Angolesme we go,  
priest to departed we let our Captains know,   

What town, strong fortress, so from French they take  
For keeping it to have at all no doubt,  
We strongly would such speed unto them make  
That angered enemies should not get them out,  
Doubtless they were a brave and venturous rout  
Ortigo, Wisk, and Bernard Delasale,  
Who over a wall like any cat would scale.   

These three the castle of Belperch do gain,  
Old Queen of France Duke Borbons' mother there  
Made her abode: great cause had she to plain  
Such companions of her rulers were,  
How so she plain hard Fortune must she bear,  
Ortigo, Launt, and Bernard Wysk I ween  
With sale, right happy thus to rule a Queen,   

From Quercy we: from Burdell so retired  
Both earls of Cambrig and of Penbroke  
It having won as greatly they desired,  
Where sir john Montague at the skirmish took  
Two brethren Batfoyls oft their host awoke, 
Arnaldin & Barnardine   
At Angolesme arrived all by chance,  
To each the prince showed lowly semblance.   

Still purposing fierce foes with war to vex,  
The Roch sur you a fortress mighty strong  
Which enemies held, we thought to ours tanex:  
john Bloudew captain was the French among,  
The piece tooth Duke of Anjou did belong  
Thinking it against our power sure  
Ably well, one year strong to endure,   

Attempting we gained it in little space,  
Madly displeased the fretting Duke his mind,  
Poor Bloudew found with him but little grace,  
For in a sack some drowned do him find,  
In which the Duke some caused him to bind,  
We returned, of wished purpose sped,  
The castle won, and captain Bloudew ded:   

Magnanimous Proteselave that desired  
The threatening Troyans' first for to invade,  
Thereby unto perpetual fame aspired,  
Of lofty honour gaining highest grave,  
Before the best the venturing way he made,  
So oftentimes when men do most despise  
Their lives fair fame even then doth highest rise:   

Our Proteselave, at Poicters that us led  
Sir jeams Audley, thrice renowned knight  
Sharp sickness took, causing him keep his bed  
Wherein he died, with praises ever bright,  
His funeral the prince caused be dight  
Most solemnly, himself in person there  
At Poycters where his body we Iteer:   

Thus changing time about doth changes wheel,  
Present in office I do him succeed.  
Shortly making stoutest Frenchmen feel  
My being there: I ever found good speed  
Which greatly made them stand of me in dread.  
Although bright sun here Poyctow seemed to lose,  
Yet many deemed another to them rose.   

For Seneschal of Poyctow was I made  
Int' Anjou than I meant to make a road,  
Gathered knights, and men of warlike trade,  
Th'earl of Penbroke at Mortain made abode,  
Chandos my herald unto him he yode,  
To ride with me him most humbly praying  
With his command: he sent me the denaying.   

At first he seemed gladly to agree,  
Emulous some about him that attend,  
Affirmed the honour would remain to me  
Of his journey: and farther do defend  
That by himself it honour was to wend.  
A bachelor I, respecting his regard  
So he refused, but yet I forward fared   

Forth sending, having gathered some my friends  
Sir Thomas Percy, who in sun bright banner raised  
A blue lion rampine, which difference fends  
From challenging: sir Thomas Spencer plaisd  
With me to ride, sir Eustace Dabscote seized  
His lance and came: sir Thomas Balester  
All in good will the French stout to master,   

Sir john Crinell, sir Steven Gouseton  
Three roses gold in Azurd shield had penned,  
Sir Neal Loring, who fairly Arms put on  
Quarterly white, and red, of gulls a bend:  
Sir Richard Dargenton doth knightly wend,  
Who fair in Coral bar as we beheld,  
Three silver cups bright glistering in the field:   

Burned Anjou: bout Loundonoys we bide,  
Right plenteous, rich, and good the country was  
By Crewse green banks, we Thourayn over ride  
Burning, wasting, that many shriek alas,  
Thence to Viscount Rochaorts land we pass,  
Sir Lewis Sanxer I hard did rest us near  
Who Campain banner did sans difference bear:   

Tooth Earl this caused me to send again,  
Desirous this Marshal fresh to view,  
Created for old was sir Dandrehen,  
Notwithstanding th'earl all this well knew  
He yet to me excuses framed of new,  
I discontent for orgule that he did  
Refuse: discharged, and back to Poycters rid:   

Earl john of Penbroke gathered soldiers bold  
Entering spoiled, where late I left before  
A manche of ruby richly set in gold  
In banner ventelan en la vent he bore,  
Rochaorts lands he burneth very sore,  
One day by noon unto Puirone he came,  
The Frenchmen well advised had the same,   

Well purposing to rest him there all night,  
Dismounting soon as one that dreaded nought,  
His people all from off their horse's light,  
Some herbage for themselves and them they sought,  
But here they all close in a trap were caught:  
Sir Lewis Sanxer, for the novelty  
Of his new office, sought for dignity,   

He knew the earl courageous gay and young  
More sooner for to be entrapped than I,  
His folks assailed, the foemate was too strong  
At entrance they our Lady Sanxer cry,  
Of th'earlsearls troop a hundred and twenty die  
At greeting first: th'earl him soon addressed  
Assembling fast his amazed friends the nearest,   

Sir Thomas Percy, sir Baldwine Frevile,  
Perceiving strength and foes furiousness  
Into a house their men within a while  
They drew: the French making great joyousness  
Apperceiving them well so succourless,  
Saying they should most dearly and surely pay  
For their misdeeds before they went away:   

So fierce assail, so fine defence again,  
So strong attempt, and then so sure resist,  
Such eager climbing, such tumbling down amain,  
More briefer work no soldier ever witted,  
That afternoon the French their purpose mist,  
Weary and toiled at night they make retreat  
The morrow morn determined of their fait.   

Ne could they scape so hardly enclosed,  
The French men thought they had them sure and fast:  
Good watch they kept least any escaped,  
Distressed earl strange miss adventure cast  
And found himself oppressed sore at last,  
For victual none, nor comfort aught at all,  
But helpful hands, and bad thin stony wall:   

At silent'sts hour and darkest of the night,  
Good squire he called in whom he trusted much:  
Entreating him with swiftest speed he might  
To Poycters: considering danger such,  
From needful journey true squire doth not gruch  
From postern parting, wandered up and down  
All night could find no way to Poycters town:   

Till broad day, his horse then weary was  
Yet traveling by nine to me he came,  
Found me kneeling as custom used at mass,  
The state of his left Lords doth plainly frame  
Repeating oft the earl of Penbroks' name,  
Praying aid: greatly I repined  
At former act so easily not inclined:   

Pausing a space, than dinner was prepared  
And I disposed to dine before I went,  
About this time the fight exceeding hard,  
The earl a second squire to me hent  
Willing him ride raged foes for to prevent,  
From finger taking his known ring of gold  
Chandos from me salute, pray him he would   

Give me relief: so hardly in distress,  
By storming foes: who many ladders brought  
Right eagerly ascending to oppress  
Them toiled within so virtuously they wrought,  
That desperate climbers dearly climbing bought,  
So well enduring as wonder was to see  
So weak a place defended strong to be.   

This knightly earl was as courageous,  
As full of comfort in extremity,  
As any Lord that arms battelous  
Ever put on to quail his enemy:  
As brave defending proved most plainly  
Daring do, what to tried arms belongeth  
As proudest he, largest praise out throngeth.   

This latter squire entering in my hall  
On bended knee doth forth sad message tell,  
I staid, half bind, pondering said I shall  
Be highly blamed, and sure I do not well,  
To suffer him lost whose valour doth excel,  
So high allied, companion at assays  
To my good Lord of Cambrig worthy praise,   

Himself great Lord extraght from noble birth:  
Presently commanding each to horse  
Unto my knight's words full of pleasing mirth,  
Most glad to see me bend to sweet remorse,  
Grand gallop we hold a hastened corpse,  
Which news was brought unto the French by chance  
Fast coming I was with two hundred lance.   

All suddenly they left oft to assail  
Long weary earl, and fast away they fly,  
These fresh gallant of hoped purpose fail,  
Thinking not good my coming to abye,  
Or toiled sore a battle for to try,  
My drawing near our labred friends do judge  
When fast they saw away their foes to trudge,   

Then leaping on such horses as they had  
Leave Puirone, mounting some two on one,  
Some walk a foot whose chances were so bad  
To lose their horse way with the Frenchmen gone,  
In this estate we encounter them anon  
Slo coming onward: where as great semblance  
And show of love made at encountrance,   

Saluing done low thanks both give and take,  
Gay earl as blithe as scaped bird from snare  
To Mortayn glad his ready way doth make,  
Accounting me chief cause of his welfare  
Saith to his friends, we much beholding are  
To Chandos: at great pleasure doth recount  
His escape, my aid, to Poycters I remount:   

Each one which from adventures dangerous  
Is safe escaped by good accident,  
Though loss were much beseeming dolorous  
Yet self escaping is woes banishment,  
The greater danger greater merriment,  
Forpassed travel most pleasant telling,  
Sweet is fresh air to lost prisoners smelling.   

Pale envy grieves, when matter wants to grieve,  
At others weal pines more than own mischance,  
joys when disaster hap doth all deprive  
Some mortal wight of happy pleasance,  
Full sadly beweeping each fair semblance,  
Bad favourite of black infernal devil,  
Gladly delighting in most wicked evil:   

Cankered malice sound reasons enemy,  
Vile envies chiefest agent of her thought,  
Wide blasting bellows to raging fury,  
For wilful self mischief hath out sought,  
Where ginnings bade there end ever nought,  
As true loves flame the mind to honour boundeth,  
So malice rage the senses all confoundeth,   

As lurking spark in heaped straw enclosed,  
Feeling wind quick life of cresment blowing  
Stealing at first, to strong flames disposed  
His late cover, with furious bestowing  
Both self and covers sooner o'er throwing,  
So lurking malice cares not selfe to burn  
So that others with self she overturn:   

No state so holly free from envies bait,  
No man so vowed, but malice seeks to rain,  
Prieng occasion the humour doth await  
Of better sort, glad if she can then gain  
To take revenge to weakest humours strain,  
Her only heaven in black revenge doth rest  
As sovereign good revenge she counteth best.   

An Abbey strong seven leagues from Poycters stood,  
Called Saint Saluine, a place of some defence,  
Wherein there celd a Monk of envious mood,  
That his superior hated: through pretence  
Of business some, one day he got him thence  
To the blank of Poisay where did remain  
Two captains French right glad of me to gain:   

Caring not, what, or how, so they might have,  
Knowing wicked monk to these two he came,  
In close dark night to come of them doth crave,  
He would restore the town to them again,  
Sir Lewis saint julian, Carlonet frame  
Their wills to his, the town is so betrayed  
The knight it kept and there as captain stayed:   

False cursed monk, true causer of my death,  
What made thee gad thy civil cloister out?  
Sweet contemplation vowed not thee stayeth,  
monstruous fury stirred thy thought no doubt  
Using thy work to bring my end about,  
Hadst thou been of blessed Barnard's trade  
Good thoughts divine had thee more honest made:   

I whom sly fortune never once did mate,  
In high despite took so foul treason done,  
Wicked treason wrought my luckless' fate,  
The vilest plague that raineth under sun  
Goodness never by thy bad working don.  
Practising thoughts had I lost place t'regain  
Forcing not how or by what subtle train:   

To armed knights and squires in my charge  
'Bout this reprince I secretly do send,  
Bold Poytovins to me in bounties large  
Of loving thoughts which freely they did lend,  
Unto my requesting soon condescend,  
On Newyears' eve the period of the year  
They comen are to me they loved dear:   

Sir Richard Dangle, sir Lewis Harcourt came,  
Two golden bars that bore in field of gulls,  
Pons, Dargenton, Pount Chardons must I name,  
Sir Thomas Percy the Rocheloes that rules,  
Sir Baldwine Frevile, from me he not recoils,  
A patie cross of red in gold he bore  
On which five losings varrey placed are:   

When each brave knight with his bold venturing band  
arrived were, three hundred spears we found,  
With judgement much our great business scanned,  
Poycters we left, and swift away we bond,  
None but we chief commanders knew the ground,  
Where well I thought to bring fine feat to pass,  
By wondrous hap I much deceived was:   

Approached close unto saint Saluins' walls  
In deep ditches busy to ascending,  
Our horses given to waiting boys there calls  
A shirling horn, with sharp sound echoing,  
We were descried I warily doubting  
Said we have failed, and willed to remount,  
What worlds devise is worthy good account.   

What practices we mortal men devise,  
God doth dispose as likes his pleasure best,  
Our wise conceits, right foolish doth he prize,  
Vain the soundest judgements of our breast,  
His high decrees permanently do rest:  
We platforms lay but sequel never see,  
Example plainly doth appear in me:   

Rebounding horn shirl hard the worst I doubt,  
Casting indeed my thoughts beond the Moon  
Ungracious fortune, me to my teeth doth flout,  
Making my deep pondring all undone,  
My long studies were confounded soon:  
Mighty God my doings laughed to scorn,  
Daunting my courage byth' sounding of a horn:   

The reasons why it sounds that proper hour  
From Poysay roch, with only forty lance  
Came Carlonet, to seek sir Lewis power  
Arriving here with us by luckless' chance,  
With joined soldiers pointed to advance  
This night in't Poyctow hoping there to win,  
His horn doth wind his friend should let him in:   

Had I taken the opportunity  
Fair, offered by these captain's absence,  
The town had I surprised speedily  
And well achieved forewished pretence,  
Against decreed fate, find no defence  
Wight ever could, why should I hope alone  
To find the grace that erst found never none?   

Of these two Frenchmen their forth outriding  
We ignorant every one retire,  
Unto Chavigney: there purposed I some biding  
Good knights of Poyctow courteously desire  
if'ft pleased me t'command their service hire:  
I render thanks with no: they farewells take  
Some English knights with them a party make,   

The latest night of all forepast year  
My valiant friends and I deceivered,  
Adventurous hearts well worthy arms to bear:  
Come to my house from saddle alighted,  
Sir Thomas Percy me kindly asked  
If I determined here to make my stay  
Till morrow morn that it were perfect day,   

Why gentle knight, quoth I, do you inquire?  
Replying said, departing I request:  
Him wished I remount at's own desire:  
In melancholious troubled thoughts I rest  
Which to remove attendants 'gan to jest,  
With jangling words and chatting merriment:  
A stranger entereth with fast approachment   

Saying: my Lord I speedy news have brought,  
I, what: he told, sir Lewis and Carnet were  
Both ridden forth, and so adventures sought:  
Of small account I hold the thing I hear,  
Perhaps say thel' buy their venturing dear,  
Our armed friends to ride that had a mind  
Are strong enough if that they may them find.   

I forth inquire, which way French captains hold:  
To Poicters ward he said with speedy race:  
Most careful I, lest seeking enemies should  
Do some despite sounding t'my disgrace,  
Deep pondering upon that thing a space  
Called to ride, but little having gone  
We caught the tract of Frenchmens horse anon:   

Fast galloping strong brig for to attain  
Under which Vingenna doth swiftly slide,  
Percy them spying, strikes with spurs amain  
It first to gain, being on the other side  
With so quick and valiant speed he hide  
There arriving to stop fierce foe, doth light  
With company few like valorous knight:   

A foot lights the foe, it apperceiving  
Eagerly bend him stoutly to assail  
Who nobly trusted to good defending,  
As manly he their boldness could not quail,  
French horses given unto their boys, i'th' tail  
Of them came I, with floating banner spread:  
Which seen they knew, and fast away they fled,   

Leaving their master's horses in the place,  
To whom I riding briefly 'gan to say  
With taunting words: intent you French a space  
That armed range this country night and day,  
Rich prisoners take and ransoms bear away,  
Castles, towns, and other things you gain  
In stealing sort, where seneschal I remain:   

Ask of me no leave, at pleasure  
Riding, you two so mighty masters be,  
From of this soil springs all your treasure,  
We now must reckon, how so we shall agree  
For injuries so great you offer me,  
And know this thing doth please me passing well  
We fit are met that I these words may tell:   

More than a year and half have I desired  
Conveniently to encounter you,  
Told have I been how greatly you requierd  
In open plain my parsonage to view,  
I am john Chandos advise me this is true,  
Your feat of Arms from which your praise doth grow  
We mean to prove and lessen much I trow,   

Still stood the French holding themselves all coy,  
Seem not dismayed: but whilst to them I speak  
A hardy Britton thinking not to toy  
Unto one Dodale my servant gave a beak,  
down from his horse he tumbled all too weak,  
Which bustling business when I had espied,  
Chaffing a fresh I to the rescue hide:   

I hastily turning, of my men demand  
Why suffer you your fellow to be slain?  
A foot, a foot, with speed I do command  
feared Dodale, rescue was with little pain,  
And to sharp battle each one doth him strain,  
Each one prepared for fending and defence,  
And on all parts the battle doth commence.   

Forth I proceed in knightly order clad,  
In wieldy arms and in right fair address,  
Side vesture wide of glistering white I had,  
Which two large piles full goodly do impress  
Of glorious red that wrongs seek to redress,  
down to the ground doth sweeping vestment flake  
One pile before and one placed on my back:   

In my right hand strong threatening instrument,  
Prepared for to work wrathfulness,  
Targe on my left, in which fair mark imprent  
Of rightful arms true signs of nobleness,  
High crest on helm gay note of worthiness,  
Big chieftains head white wreath inveloped,  
In proper colours featly dressed:   

With kindled courage as I forward rushed  
Purposing my enemies overthrow,  
My foot did slide and all proud bravery crushed,  
Flundring, almost flat on earth I go,  
But jaques Marten sent at me a blo  
Whilst thus I staggered, which doth attain  
Near to my eye and entered to my brain:   

The mischief double my visor was not down,  
Besides the stroke at all I did not see,  
For that i'th' lands that long to Burdenx's town  
In chase of a heart I lost my eye,  
Most foolish sport great harm thou bredst to me  
Five year before: the dolour that I feel  
By this same stroke I to the earth do reel.   

Twice wallowing over as wounded unto death,  
Striving Frenchmen would win me to their side,  
But Edward Clifford my uncle, 'bout him laith  
So mightily none durst fell blows abide,  
Betwixt his legs me wounded doth bestride,  
Where friendship and true kindred are conbind  
There never doth knit true loves, band untwind.   

Unhappy wight that gave my deadly wound  
Heeded by a valiant English squire,  
Upon him running purposed to confound  
The striker: with enraged furious ier  
Striving for revenge with hot desire:  
Sir john Cambo, sir Bertram Case do fare  
Like men through rage, deprived of wisdom are.   

Though marvels well my valiant servants fought  
Against their foes and for revenge do strive,  
Yet being too few their striving was for nought,  
Ah how they missed their master now alive  
That wont was proved courage to revive.  
Alive alas I lay in piteous plight  
With deadly wound right doleful to their sight:   

Lusac brig built high is in the midst,  
Where Percy Frenchmens coming doth abide:  
The foes and I met in the valley lowest,  
Wherefore of him bad business was not spied,  
The foe recoiled he thought: doth t'Poyicters ride,  
Knowing lest of sorrowfullest mischance  
How groveling I prostrate on ground in trance:   

The French though winners angrily complain  
Because of horse they thus frustrated be  
Our garcons void, seeing my mischance amain  
Theirs fled so soon as they my banner see,  
The place they said by virtuous chivalry,  
Remains with us: yet we sore traveled  
Laden with armour must needs be stayed   

By enemies: since in country wandered  
Of theirs we be six leagues from any friend,  
Our hurt people and many sore wounded  
T'whom reasons laws wild's us to attend,  
Two forth they sent: thus staying at wits end.  
Three warlike captains fast toward them prance  
Having them sought with armed two hundred lance,   

Sir Richard Dangle, sir Lewis Harcourt,  
Sir Baldwine Frevile, with wasting banners light,  
Which when the French see in so strong effort  
With glistering Arms, for sought battle dight  
Unto my men these words they utter right,  
We you acquit from oaths and promise free,  
Desiring in fair Arms good company,   

You loss have had, we rather you should gain  
Then yonder foes that come 'gainst us so fast,  
Sad were my friends, for me their master slain,  
Yet condescend unto their wills at last,  
Mischievous fortune thus to and fro doth cast,  
These conquerors now, are prisoners to their thrall,  
From one to tother thus she hurls the ball.   

A goodly custom of our passed wars  
That passing fair and Christian like did seem,  
For ever at the end of hottest jars,  
The conquest's self so much we did esteem  
That ransom better than spilled blood we deem,  
On solemn oath we oft great prisoners trust  
That would redeem their gauged promise just,   

For courtesy at end of battles rage  
We Englishmen and French are greatly famed,  
For cruel handling and slavish usage  
Rough Almains and stern Spaniards greatly blamed,  
Uncivil, rude, and beastly were they named,  
Undoubtedly brave knight most valorous  
Unarmed is most sweet and courteous:   

With baissed lance the knights approach amain,  
Forth stepped the French willing them to hold,  
For as ta'en prisoners they do all remain:  
My heavy servants that same thing have told,  
When common knights saw me lie on the mould  
In wounded state, they greatly do bemoan  
My luckless' death that here was slain alone:   

Sharp brinish tears trickle from their eyes,  
Some wring their hands making full piteous grief,  
Some fill the ear with their resounding cries  
My special servants such whose sole relief,  
Stay, comfort, aid, and succour was I chief.  
I heard one wail my hard and luckless' chance,  
And in his moan my praises high advance:   

Sweet gentle knight he said fair peerless flower  
Of Mars his train, good valiant champion stout,  
What wicked wight to forge bad gleave had power  
Whereby bright lamp of life was stricken out?  
Black colie smith when first thou wents about,  
This tool to forge: I would thou hadst been mad,  
Dan Vulcan's luck or worse mischance hadst had,   

Brave England never bred a braver knight,  
Puissant France hath felt no fiercer foe,  
Fairer conditioned never living wight,  
More courtesies no earthly man did know,  
More finer wit, more judgement none did shoe  
In his attempts: more honours none hath gained  
By high exploits than those thou hast attained.   

From out our bunch our Orients' pearl is gone,  
From treasure ours our rarest jewel lost,  
From ivory ours stolen is our whitest bon,  
Reft from our wealth rich thing of greatest cost,  
Of all our pillars fallen is most surest post,  
Good Chandos slain I say no more but this,  
Best English knights thy presence much will mis:   

Companions bold adjutors of thy acts,  
Captains stout whose hearts with thee did dwell,  
Soldiers true the furtherers of thy facts,  
For thy mischance their pleasures will expel  
As only he they loved dearly well:  
This speech I hard but could not speak again  
Oppressed I so much with doleful pain:   

Right pensively resorteth to my mind,  
Lord Cleremount slain at Poycters field  
Not far from hence: sir Charles of Bloys I find  
My conscience near, whom I from peace withheld:  
Now I as he lay tumbled by my shield,  
Each captain that doth slay when he may save  
Some bloody end must ever look to have:   

More praiseful virtue in a conqueror  
Then mansuety is none to be found,  
More famous never any victorer  
Then those whose acts do breath good gentle sound,  
Loath tyrant hatefuls name upon the ground,  
As thundering storm suffers smooth calm at last  
Well entreating should be when battles past,   

Virtuous clemency spareth life from death,  
When ghastly Mors attacheth with sharp dart  
The only thing dashed mind in quiet sleath,  
From cruelty is free to have the heart,  
Sweet soul it makes most joyfully departed,  
A princely thing the yieldeds life to spare  
Most manly mind in victor doth declare:   

On shields and pavish laid warily  
Borne to Mortimer, placed on softened bed  
My wounded head unarmed charyly,  
And salves applied to that which freshly bled,  
In dolorous plight I lay, thus sore bestead,  
But in the space of four and twenty hours  
Forth flew my soul to fair Elysian bowers,   

The English they lament my sudden loss,  
Some Frenchmen joyed much at my mischance,  
Because I wonted was with them to toss  
In warlike wise to their annoyance,  
My fortune's favours they thought abundance  
Friends English loud, because in me they found  
Bounty, valour, and virtue, to abound:   

Foes French, feared from hence growed their hate:  
Vile giddy fortune laugh until thou burst,  
Triumph and joy that thus thou gaves a mate  
To me showing hateful spite at worst,  
Who trusts thy fauns is senseless, mad and cursed,  
Tolling me on unto my sharp decay,  
Setting my sun and closing up my day:   

At prosperous things thy level dost thou am,  
Proud though thou hast thus foiled me in the field,  
No fretting time shall yet decay my name,  
Thou strengthless art bright glory to over wield,  
But virtuous fame thy spite obscureth seld,  
All mortal men be subject to mishap  
But chiefly those that sit in fortune's lap.   

I Chandos felt the force of fortune's power  
How fickle she, how soon she doth decay,  
In greatest bravery me less than in an hour  
She did confound, as here perceive you may:  
At Chavigney if I had made my stay,  
What I desired had come unto my hand,  
For Frenchmen had been taken and their band,   

Or being come if that I had not slid,  
And so received my fatal deadly blo,  
Or that my visor closed down had bid,  
Or Percy had of my adventure know,  
What do I here of ifs fond reasons sho?  
My dismal day my latest time was done,  
My oil all spent, and hasty course out run:   

My death bewailed 'mongst Lords and noble dames,  
For that in me much nobleness they found,  
Full many a knight my great misfortune blames  
To whom my courtesy often did abound,  
For my large fame about the world did sound,  
A bachelors life pursuing arms I lived,  
In country's cause, that hasty death deprived:   

What glorious praise deserves that worthy wight,  
Whose armed body as bulwark 'gainst the foe,  
Despising life in throngs of foes doth fight  
For countries cause and sweetest sweet bestow?  
Though bodies die, wide do their praises grow,  
Seld well got honour suffered is to die  
But memorised lives perpetually.   

I count not my past death unfortunate  
Because I was in my king's quarrel slain,  
But that when least I thought of fortune's mate  
Alone I was brought to my final bane:  
Why God so would the reasons showed I plain,  
Though like offence on earth God pardoneth,  
Great dangers is of that still lasting death:   

For though vile murderer flourish as a palm  
Fast planted in fair Iordans meadows flore,  
And goodlike days pass forth in pleasant calm,  
And bended people's knee him doth adore,  
Great kingdom rules, from one tooth other shore,  
Yet doubted is it that eternally  
He is condemned to hell's perplexity:   

Wherefore good captains sprung of English race,  
That fair achieve makes Lords of life or death,  
To yielded foe show wonted English grace,  
Before you kill do as old proverb saith,  
Talk, eat, drink, sleep, and often take your breath,  
Ear you execute thing of importance,  
Then seldom will ensue repentance:   

Rare is the virtue hurt not to reharm,  
Great fortitude offences to remit,  
Shining glory to strong conquering arm,  
To sheathe his sword, when ended fight fit,  
Which happy fames doth so together knit  
As wearing age can never waste the same,  
Pleasant music to sound mild victor's name:   

Armed knight true stay of commonwealth  
Self governing in goodly temperance,  
Conserver of her chiefest states in health,  
Good winner of her peaceful pleasance,  
For lawyer none could plead his ordinance,  
Unless thy armed body did defend  
Him and the thing whereto his speech doth tend.   

Departed life, the Prince my heir remained  
Unto my goods, which great esteemed were  
Four hundred thousand Franks which I had gained  
In wars pursuit, of body I had no heir,  
On expert knight King Edward loved dear  
Sir alain Bocquesels, who bore in shield of gold  
A Lion blew that silver fret did fold,   

Saint Saviours' lands sir Godfrey Harcourts'  
Late, he bestowed: and sir Thomas Percy  
My office had: and thus coy fortune sourts,  
Some now aloft and then cast down we see,  
Thus gazing stages ever filled be,  
He was, he is, he is up, and now he is down,  
He lives, he dies, here is, here was the town.   

Ah throughfare full of baleful miseries,  
Hard passage covered with sharp threatening rocks,  
Vile toilsome life subject to destinies,  
Mad fools on stage whom flouting fortunes mocks,  
Poor silly sheep to slaughter led by flocks,  
Drunk peevish men, whom safeties thought confound,  
Dreaming they never shall consume in ground:   

As silent night brings quiet pause at last  
To painful travels of forepast day,  
So closing death doth rest to labours cast,  
Making of our toilfull work a stay,  
Thoughts, griefs, sad cares, are bandon then away,  
In pomp and glory though brave days we spend,  
Yet happy none until be known his end.   
FINIS.  WILLIAM WYRLEY.  

CAPITAL DE BUZ. THE HONOURABLE LIFE AND LANGVISHING DEATH OF SIR JOHN DE GRALHY CAPITAL DE BUZ, one of the Knights elected by the first founder of the Garter into that noble order, And sometime one of the principal Governors of Guienne, Ancestor to the French King that now is.  

LOVE is a thing that cannot be compelled,  
Nor further wrested then his liking grows,  
Not mines of wealth, nor honours glory wield,  
Nor blandisment with her fair pleasing shoes:  
Not ghastful death, from which great horror grows:  
Not loathed imprisonment, nor love of liberty,  
Nor sad conceits plunged in perplexity.   

The more you strive, the more you vainly strive,  
Thinking to move a constant settled mind:  
Such one as seeks not after gainful thrive,  
But firmly doth his thoughts to honour bind,  
And troubles makes him faster for to twinned,  
Fast gauged band of love, and scorns to live,  
Moore rather than the same he will unrive.   

Rather than that one jot of plighted truth,  
Good valiant heart, will swerver from vowed behest,  
It suffer will, much woe and pining ruth,  
With endless griefs, and torments over priest:  
For true love dwells but in a valiant breast:  
Harboureth but, in high Heroic thought:  
For coward's love is fickle, light, and nought.   

Record myself, a knight in Gascoine borne,  
And to the house of Foix by wife allied,  
germane Remond, from him fame did adorn,  
With Phoebus' surname for his witty guide,  
His honour, wealth, estate, were bruited wide,  
For errant knights, such as brave Arms profess,  
Right welcome these, strange knights his chiefest guess.   

And under him I first 'gan Arms to wear,  
learned fair to ride, and tame the raging steed,  
To don my helm, and couch my threatening spear,  
To brandish sword, to serve his masters need,  
That daring foe by these his end might read:  
To wield resisting shield, with gold bedight,  
On sables cross, five silver scallops bright.   

The English party strongly I maintained,  
And ever armed against the crown of France:  
Much honour, praise and nobleness I gained,  
Most highly me king Edward did advance,  
Decked in his knightly Garter gay I prance,  
'mongst first elected, is my name enrolled,  
And ever went my valour uncontrolled:   

At Poicters field, in battelous array,  
I ranged was among the hardy knights,  
My shining pennon wefting I display  
Amid the throngs in thickest of the fights:  
On whom soever my sad axe it lights,  
Is either field, or slain, or prisoner bound,  
So dealt I death, and many a doleful wound.   

Sir Charles D'artoys, and many knights were ta'en,  
By me and mine, that ransoms rich we gain,  
For through the press I pressing made a lane,  
Of venturing Arms delighted with the pain:  
No trifling here, nor leisure was to feign,  
But fight, or die, or yield with foul reproof,  
Defend, assail, for honour and behoof.   

The battle won, our fury all was laid,  
In such triumphant jollity we grow,  
That each one thinks himself so well paid,  
As numbers of our captives we let go  
On their gagd faiths, we trust them even so,  
Word, and deed, dear Christian blood is saved,  
The conquest ours, the thing we only craved.   

The noble mind nought but the conquest seeks:  
And where the quarrels but for titles cause  
Fair wars should be, not like revenging Greeks,  
Whom scattered blood, and fire made to pause:  
For as our God is just in all his laws,  
Plagues the murderous, and bloodthirsty mind,  
With blood, for blood, as those fell Greeks did find.   

I over pass the taking of King john,  
His youngest son, and many a great estate,  
The numbers slain, of Earls, and Lords, each one,  
But fortune here, did young Lord Barckeley mate  
Pursuing foe, with swift and speedy gate,  
With courage stout: through too much courage lost,  
His journey did a Baron's ransom cost.   

A squire he spied to void the field in haste,  
Well mounted brave, he after him doth high,  
The French looked back, and was not much aghast,  
Though fine in Arms, the Lord he dight espy,  
In field of gneuls, ten form crosslets be,  
Of silver bright, a chevron them between,  
Full knightly Lord one might him easily deem.   

This skilful squire, a wary man at Arms  
Practised in fight, and heedy in his deed,  
The Lord venturous, dreadless of all harms,  
Fast spurring comes, as he that thought to speed,  
But fortune him, a little failed at need,  
Right puissant blow he struck, and hapless mist,  
For th'others check hit right upon his wrist.   

Th'encountering stroke did force his sword to fall  
Into the field: the Lord dismounted straight  
As he no misadventure could appall,  
But as he stooped, the squire by cunning sleight,  
Picketh his sword, and pierced his thighs with weight:  
john Helen's light, the Lord his prisoner swore,  
Drew out his sword, and from the field him bore.   

Such doth of wars the rare adventures fall,  
Most sonst to lose when least we do mistrust.  
Now was black prince so busy t'order all  
His great affairs, abstain a space he must  
From Arms, but I, lest that mine Armour rust,  
With cozen Foix to war in Pruce do wend,  
Where Sarisines souls full fast to hell we send:   

Like Christian knights on miscreants we war:  
High honour gain, and home we meant return,  
But now in France was fallen so foul a jar,  
To hear the same each honest ear would burn,  
The peasant French, did at the gentle spurn,  
No Scythian, nor loathed Parthian act  
So monstrous ever, both for form, and fact.   

This clownish rabble by troops assembled,  
Until that they six thousand were increased,  
They still increased, outrageous waxed,  
Never meaning, from mischief to have ceased,  
But practised, who should be lik'st a beast,  
Of their bad horrible acts, one i'll recite,  
To show the substance of their vile delight:   

Within his house they took a worthy knight,  
And on a broach they thrust his murdered corpse,  
Then roasted him, in wife and children's sight,  
Now after twelve had ravished her perforce,  
To eat the scorched flesh, without remorse,  
Of her dear Lord they did compel: then slew  
Her piteous self, that loathed life to view.   

What cruel Atreus, might the like devise?  
What bloody Progne, like torture could invent?  
Nor he, nor she, nor Devil, I surmise  
Might have bethought more direful bad event:  
Or work thing of more astonishment:  
Most villainous doer of wicked thing,  
Their hellish voice, make him their beastly king.   

At Chalons, occasion offered stay,  
In our return from Pruce, to enter France,  
Of these hellhounds, we heard the people say  
How divers Ladies, like were to mischance  
In Meulx: for these dogbolt crews advance,  
Thither enraged, with spoil, and ravishment,  
Sad murder, cause of woeful pale lament:   

Which news forth told, the Earl and I accord,  
To rescue them, or do our best devoir,  
There once arrived: us welcomes they afford  
Most glad the Ladies of their present power:  
joy makes their tears distill like silver shower:  
Fair Duchess of Normandy, and Orleans,  
With more, three hundred, all in like mischance.   

Though I were English, yet tender pity moved  
My melting heart, to favour their distress:  
Twixt both the kings, peace for a space was proved,  
If not? what armed knight could have done less,  
Than to comfort chaste Ladies comfortless,  
Against such fiends, stern bend to rude uproar,  
Nine thousand thought, yea some did number more:   

And to the gates of Meulx enraged they came,  
Which opened were byth' villains of the town,  
Full were the streets, with caitiffs void of shame,  
With chilling fear, the Ladies swapped down,  
In deadly sound, to hear each rakehell clown,  
Yeall shouting threats, which made our house to shiver,  
Compassed part with Marne, the gentle river.   

Against their rage our gates we open wide,  
Wherein there stood in glorious arms so bright,  
The Earl of Foix: and goodly armed beside,  
Him stands the Duke of Orleans warly dight.  
Their noble banners before them both they pight,  
Foix bare gold, three pales of streaming blood.  
Tother France: with fair large difference good.   

With threatening Axe in hand I was at hand,  
And my disveloped pennon me before,  
Thus when these clowns perceived us fearless stand  
Purposely Armed their filthy corpse to gore,  
As cewting Curs, trudge when the lions roar,  
So heartless clowns, fled from our tried might,  
Base clowns, base thoughts, and basely take their flight.   

We slew the beas till weary conquering tools  
Were foul distained with filthy rascald blood,  
This dunghill brood, these brainsick fuming fools,  
That fury's rage, incensed raging wood,  
Of their wild gore we make a gushing flood:  
Of these base slaves, we seven thousand slew,  
Feathered with fear, the rest fast nimbly flew.   

Loathing the slaughter of this rascald rout,  
Cause chaffering townsmen taken had their part,  
Bright flaming fire, we cast the town about,  
To teach them learn more civil kind of art,  
The Ladies court us, with freed willing heart,  
High praises ring of this that we had wrought:  
Clownish practice soon are to ending brought.   

A special time for valour to be shone,  
A rare adventure for heroic spirits,  
Here was that boiling valour might be shone,  
We ours extend and give us but our rights,  
The clowns nine thousand, gathered in our sights,  
My cozen Foix and self, had threescore lance,  
With them we did achieve this happy chance.   

In such a cause, for noble knight to die  
And sacrifice himself for just defence  
Of Lady's truth: believe it sure will I,  
Of mighty God he shall have recompense,  
And in some sort for other sins dispense,  
Brave knight, chaste Lady, bound is to defend,  
chaste dame, brave knight, in honour to attend.   

Each knight that clothes himself in burnished steel  
For Lady's truth and noble damsels right,  
Lest that reproach and bashful shame he feel  
Must hazard life, and enter dangerous fight,  
As here did we, jove abled much our might,  
These rascald peasants like to mad dogs slain,  
With thanks rewards remercied was our pain.   

About this time from Paris safe was fled  
By cunning sleight king Charles king of Navare,  
His business sly so craftily he sped  
Or that the busy regent were aware,  
Spiteful defiance to him he doth declare,  
And to the mighty realm in general  
The like, and then he ward unto them all.   

His part I took with those of my retain,  
He frankly paid and we did freshly serve,  
Stoutest Frenchmen we mightily constrain  
For hunger many ready were to starve,  
The earth untild, none did the vineyard carve.  
We patisd all the country to and fro,  
That no man durst without our passport go.   

Thus of the fields and of the rivers Lords,  
Fair castles, towns, we daily won and took,  
Until the Legate Cardinals set accords  
Between the Regent, and the king, who took  
His oath to be bon Francoys on a book:  
Before Melune, his brother Philip was,  
All malcontent from thence he soon did pass.   

Int Normandy he, and I to Cleremount,  
For jarring wars were thundered openly  
To France, for that they held not of account,  
The treatise made in England sincerely,  
In Beavesine, I warred right fiercely,  
Till Edward king, safe past the raging streams,  
Fully resolved to place his siege to Reams.   

For me he sent, I speedily obeyed,  
Having wadge war to all the country round  
And came in time, when as his siege he leayd,  
To th'intended town, and all the prochain ground  
We rifled, and tooth siege brought what we found,  
The countries near, were grown so passing poor,  
With thrifty hand, the creasing earth none store.   

From thence the king removed to Aguylon,  
Stayed there the lent: for that an English squire  
Had ta'en Flavigni, called john Dalison,  
Wherein provision was of great acquire,  
With as good wine as need would well desire,  
The squire was armed, all in trusty blew  
A shining silver scuchion fair to view:   

From thence toward Paris, with consuming waste  
No costly building from our wrathfulness,  
Each thing almost, we turn unto degaste,  
Proud Frenchmens joy we bring to balefulness,  
Their arbours spoil, and vineyards pitiless,  
That fairest buildings, make we foulest place,  
And goodliest work, we batter, break and race:   

near to the city when the king was placed,  
Commands a Herald to him speedily:  
Toth' regent Charles, he said departed in haste,  
And show him here is stayed his enemy,  
That much desires him and his knights to see,  
In warding arms, as noble knighthood should  
Defend his country by his courage bold:   

This messenger performs commanded charge,  
But Charles in battle so to try ne ment:  
Some noble Lords hearing this message large,  
To issue out, for fight were fully bend:  
But th'regent stayed them dreading detriment:  
For by experience had he learned late  
In pitched fields that little good he gate.   

Sir Walter Mannie tooth barriers went,  
Conducting fresh young knights new made before,  
Full of proud courage, through new advancement:  
Fierce was the fray, and many wounded sore,  
In Paris were of proved knights good store.  
When time he spied fair back his fighters drew,  
Full soberlike rash perils to eschew:   

Like aged Pilot tried in many a flaw,  
High towering fleet hath in charge to guide,  
Leads forth by counsel, and sad sober saw,  
Advising turn of wind, and change of tide,  
Sholes, sands, and rocks, that under water bide,  
Performs his voyage, by his wary heed  
Such at Paris proved Lord Mannies' deed:   

The king removed: most surely I thought,  
And counsel took with six of my accord,  
That gay young knights such as adventures sought,  
Whereof in Paris numbers great there hoard,  
Some issue after us they would afford,  
This thought of mine, did come to good effect,  
The French do sally as I did suspect:   

A valiant troop that prowess tried profess  
On stamping coursers properly prepared,  
Careless come on, some hoping to convince,  
That scatter should from out their battled ward,  
Or whom t'encounter nought at all they card,  
They passed, the busment, we had closely laid,  
They passed, we glad, and little time we stayed:   


Sir Aimon de Pommiers & the Lord of Courton.  Three Gascons we, three English were the rest,  
Lord Moubrey armed in desirous red,  
A silver Lion ramping ready priest  
To raise his foe: Lord Nevil forward sped,  
In glistering Arms most goodly clothed,  
In guly shield he silver saltier bare,  
Stout Pounchardon we six the Christains were:   

Of this attempt: two hundred we command,  
In ruinous house sequestered from the way,  
We ambuscade, where one might well have pawned  
His life, no foes would there have made astay,  
With bustling noise, we bustle to the fray,  
Like furious tempest forth we rushed fast,  
The French looked back amazed at our haste:   

With wonderment from whence we issue could,  
Turning their reains our fury to withstand,  
Strongly our points arrive with courage bold,  
Each against foe direct with leveled hand,  
That from their seats some tumbled to the land,  
Some horse and man, reversed over quite,  
So fell enraged, so strongly some do smite:   

When as we had our course with courage run,  
Each drew his sword, where many a proper feat  
And practice of fair Arms was bravely dun,  
Sometimes it seemed, the Frenchmen had the bet,  
And strait again it seemed that we did get,  
Of all our coast I won the sovereign praise,  
With Lord Compreney on the French it stays.   

Who nobly fought under his banner fair,  
A Beucle red in silver placed between  
Six martlets black: slain he that did it bear,  
The Lord himself was taken on the green,  
And all these troops are now disparted clean,  
The most there died, some into Paris ran,  
Or else they had been taken every man:   

Valiant hearts whose thoughts to honour bend  
Sleep not in rest, but daily do devise  
New matters and strange accidents to send,  
Their praises forth in golden sounding wise:  
Whilst sluggish knight, in sloth and slumber lies,  
Unworthy arms, who doth not use the same,  
Fowl wight that brings fair honours marks to shame.   

What booteth it of Gentry's brag to boast,  
What vaileth it, old ensigns forth to show  
To tell how grandsires whon in many a coast,  
When we ourselves no warlike practice trow?  
But rest ourselves with this old idle know,  
Our shields the signs of antic monuments  
We maken babish loathly instruments.   

Well when we had our business brought to pass,  
And in good covenant all our prisoners bound,  
We marched where as the king of England was,  
Our welcomes do with hearty praise abound,  
Prisoners us their masters courteous found,  
Forth on we hold, until that peace was took  
At Charters, and our Army up it broke.   

Our king this Charter in October gave  
At Calais on the four and twentieth day,  
After the virgin's son was come to save  
All mankind lost and wandered far astray,  
One thousand, three hundred, threescore I reckon may:  
Now on the king, int' England I attend,  
Where good entreaty much I might commend.   

Yet stayed not long, but into Bearne I sped  
To Ortoys, where I found the Earl of Foys:  
Letters I received and speedily red,  
From Naveroys' king, who gladly did rejoice,  
For wide it bruited was by common voice,  
That john of France, was now in England ded,  
And he thought long till France he harrowed.   

Sendeth for me, as chieftain to attend  
His wars, by guidement of my proved skill:  
To his entreaty soon I condescend,  
Requesting other knights unto my will,  
Embarked, and wind so well our sails doth fill,  
As safe at Cherbroke we descend to shore,  
Men at arms and soldiers twenty score:   

Breathing life tooth melancolious thought,  
Of this sad king: because he late had lost  
Maunt, and Meulanc, both byth' treason sought  
Of Bouciquall, and Glesquins' british host,  
T'have sweet revenge he spare would for no cost,  
Right glad was I that th'youthful Regent,  
Should have some news against his government:   

At Eureux then I made my chief amass,  
And found I had full seven hundred spears,  
Three hundred archers: five hundred there was  
Of brigands: to hus most willingly appears,  
captains companions not dreading future fears,  
But he that brought greats numbers to our aid,  
Of armed heads, for enterprise arrayed   

Was sir john jonel, a valiant English knight,  
And sir james Planchine with him did resort:  
Against our foes we strong and freshly dight,  
For our delights consist in warlike sport:  
With courage good we march forth in effort,  
T'encounter foe, is placed our whole intent,  
Much wishing trial of his hardiment.   

To Passie ward, and to the brig of Tharch;  
We drew: casting the wary Frenchmen would  
The river of Sene over pass at that same arch:  
Pretended journey if they onward hold,  
Transierd they were, as it was to me told,  
For as we road the twesday in Whitsun week  
I met a Herald (who well for me did seek)   

Surnamed Falcon: I knew him passing well,  
For he tooth king of England doth pertain,  
In haste I asked if he could forth tell  
News of the French? fair I him entertain,  
He answer framed, in reverent sort again:  
I came my Lord from where they do abide  
Expecting your approaching at this tide.   

What have they passed the river yea or no?  
On this same side they rest (he doth reply)  
near unto Passie, they do abide I trow.  
What numbers and what captains to descry  
I will him, and then plainly showeth he  
Fifteen hundred of fight men they were,  
That Bertram Glesquine chiefest rule did bear.   

Lord Aucer was, and Viscount Beumont there: 
Sir Balwine Danekin:   
Master ofth crossbows: Lord Chalon: and Beweu:  
Th'archpriest: and sir Edward Remie were: 
Sir Arnole Canole: brother to sir Robert Canole.   
These French and Britons there myself did view:  
Of your own country some knights I also knew,  
There is the Lord Dalbreth his company,  
Properly armed a valiant meinie.   

Sir Aymone of Pomiers: the soldich  
Lord of Lestrayt: then 'gan I angrily  
To waxed red, and much in mind I wish  
Revenge to those I hard so busily,  
Though friends to seek me as an enemy:  
For Dalbreth self I ask, and he replied  
With Charles the Regent now he doth abide,   

Who sunday next to Reams t'be crowned is led,  
And after that I studied had a space  
I laid my hand upon my busy head,  
Be there (quoth I) such Gascoigne Lords in place?  
Yes sure he said: I took it in disgrace,  
Gascoigne thus, 'gainst Gascoigne, than I swore  
By that same cap that saint Anthony wore.   

My Lord (said Falcon) a herald by doth stay  
From th'archpriestarchpriest sent of message unto you:  
That herald French let pack him hence away,  
For not at all my person shall he view,  
Th'archpriest his master is a knight untrue,  
Then sir john jonell, wild he should be brought,  
But I said no, his message is for nought,   

His master feign our dealing would descry,  
And for no other would he hither come,  
jangle, and prate, he would so many a lie,  
That pain it were to hear him part or some,  
When Falcon thus had hard my settled doom,  
He went whereas the herald French doth stay,  
Fair answer gave the other went his way,   

For otherwise then I in choler spoke,  
This modest herald smoothly me excused  
In peaceful manner he the best did make,  
As one that strife and discord flat refused,  
Peace, meekness, love, his civil heart had used,  
For rancour, malice, pale envy, and wrong,  
Unto no heralds office doth belong,   

thoroughly weighing every thing at large,  
Being business of so great a substance,  
As valiant foes as welden shield or targe  
Were named, and of as good approvance,  
That thus 'gainst me were come in ordnance,  
To praise the foes, doth honours own advance,  
What sever is theventevent of battles chance:   

If one reproach his foe of cowardice,  
And with base words him greatly doth defame,  
Afterwards doth of hoped purpose miss,  
Being overthrown: much to his own shame  
Hath he forth told: foes honourable name  
Doth conquest make right great and glorious,  
And abject triumphs more lesser famous.   

Who can assure himself of victory,  
That is but flesh and blood as others are?  
Then foul is it, and too great infamy,  
The baseness of the foe for to declare,  
Which often hurts own self at unaware:  
Mean conquest is it, base rascals to subdue,  
Unto the foe give then fair praises due.   

Thus both we parties of each other hard  
By both these heralds: presently I sent  
To Eureux, showing the captain how I fared,  
Willing him all such to fight that meant,  
To send them forth to me incontinent,  
Which if performed, I then do vow to fight  
With these French troops attain them if I might.   

Directed by this heralds wary guide,  
It happened that the four and twentieth day  
In pleasants' month of all fair Vernas pride,  
To Chocherell ward we light into the way,  
Where we behold foemats proud display,  
So many banners wefting in the air,  
They seemed twice the number that they were.   

Whose glistering marks when as I do behold,  
And many knew whom faithful friends I thought,  
I thought 'gainst me they never raise them would,  
As great a matter piercing coin hath wrought,  
My countrymen should no such gain have sought,  
And leaguemen to one king and sovereign,  
But kingly rule no loving hearts doth gain:   

They made three battles and a rearguard,  
The first had Glesquine, and his Britons bold,  
The Earl of Aucer ruled the second ward,  
Th'archpriest did their tertian battle hold,  
The Gascons held the rearguard that I told,  
Led by Pomiers, the souldish, and Curtone,  
Perducas Dalbreth, my neighbours every one.   

When as they busy were in marshalling,  
Themselves to fight within the meadows fair,  
On Itons' banks, which doth near Couches spring,  
Shoring a hill, we plainly do appear  
By a little wood, and to our enemies near,  
Into the which our boys, and carriage went,  
Lest in the fight they suffer detriment.   

We equal battles 'gainst our foes ordain,  
Except a rearguard, and with his English crew  
Sir john jonell our first did well deraine:  
The second rightly placed in order dew  
I ruled myself: the third as fair to view  
The Marnel held: my banner high was pight  
Upon a bush appearing plain in sight,   

That if our men were scattered in the fray  
Thither they might as time would serve retire,  
Twice twenty men, about mine ensign stay  
It to defend and honour to acquire,  
Thus how to win I placed my whole desire,  
And vantage took ofth ' hill for more avail,  
Purposed to let my enemies me assail:   

Which they perceiving drew to counsel all,  
Many of them that day had eat no meat,  
Thinking betimes to fight which I did stall,  
Some thirsty were, nigh sweltered with the heat,  
Some scorched almost, and choked with their sweat,  
Some presently would fight without delay,  
The wiser some that thing would flat denay:   

Of weighty affairs as thus they hold debate,  
And counsels hard, and verdicts too and fro,  
The gascoins who perused well my state,  
Taught by trial, my dealing for to know,  
Said, Lords advise, ear forward that ye go,  
A better knight, found is there in no land,  
Then is the captal for to lead a band.   

First do ordain some men of arms t'assail  
Those that his banner have in charge to guard,  
Much heedy care in this for to prevail,  
Then thirty of the best that may be spared  
Mounted well, and so to take regard  
For nothing else, but surely to advise  
To take the captal prisoner for a prize,   

And carry him strait from out the field amain,  
For otherwise, so long as he may bide  
To win the same it will be passing pain,  
The captal is a knight so nobly tried,  
But of his men when his surprise is spied,  
They suddenly will so discomfort be,  
As ours you shall the journey present see.   

Beshrew his heart that there did praise me so,  
For by his counsel was I overta'en,  
And for that I mine enemies wise do know  
And heedy were, to bring me to my bane,  
I held the hill, which made them nothing feign,  
For by no art, or policy they could  
Me there assailed, unless be lost they would.   

When they perceived me placed in such a strength,  
New counsel then these gallants new devise,  
Each thing well weighed, they all accord at length  
That me t'attempt they might be thought unwise,  
High mounting Phoebus blazing, hotly fries,  
Some of them faint, and neither bread nor wine,  
Nor no avitaile had they for to dine.   

Good policy it oft is to refuse,  
And wary deal when foes strong numbers been,  
Sir Bertram sly, our doings doth peruse,  
Which smally pleasing were to him I ween,  
And then he said, Lords, I do surly deem,  
If we make shoe back o'er the brig t'retier,  
Our foes will soon descend in great desire,   

And think we'll fly, then round upon the plain,  
We may return, in order duly pight  
With wishing courage set on them amain,  
Observing former constitutions right,  
This counsel liked was of every knight,  
They execute, which when I do espy  
Fine cunning working easily I descry.   

But sir john jonel, hastily to me said,  
Sir see you not how yonder Frenchmen flee?  
Yes sure quoth I, their doings I have weighed,  
They think to us no good I easily see,  
But toll us from the strength wherein we be,  
Suddenly back unto his men he hide  
And fight he would whatsever should betide:   

And boldly spoke such as my person love  
Rest not behind: with battelous glaive in fist  
He forward flung: but when I saw him move,  
Of great presumption that deed I took and witted  
The knight too far the enemies meaning missed,  
I frowning said he fights not without me,  
Our foes in order swiftly turned be.   

This English knight right bravely dealt his blows  
Amongst the Britons with courageous stour,  
With mighty force he many overthrows,  
In haste I came to aid him with my power,  
At first our foes do find their turning sower:  
Saint George we cried, our Lady Glesquine they,  
So fell and bitter 'gan this mortal frey:   

Now when the battles strong assembled were,  
Th'arch priest straight departed from the field,  
Willing his men his banner on to bear,  
And cry his cries, as if his place he held,  
'Gainst me himself his Arms would never wield,  
He promise kept, well made to me before,  
For which of treasons some accused him sore.   

Sir john jonel who first this fray began,  
Paid for rashness at too high a rate,  
Mad fury that confoundest every man,  
Who wisdom wants thy raging to abate,  
Doth oft too soon his error find too late,  
When strength, and blood, and life, and all is lost,  
Purchased too dear the wit that so much cost.   

Who wars doth use must nought at all be grieved  
To have the worse, or conquered be in field,  
For he that triumphs most of all atcheeud,  
Hath eftsoons lost his strong resisting shield,  
Unconstant fortune is constant very seld,  
Loss is no shame, nor to be less than foe,  
As self esteems each man is even so,   

This hardy knight sore wounded was and died,  
Who had before dealt thundering strokes amain,  
Lord Beumont French among the dead doth bide,  
Sir Baldwine Danekine here likewise slain:  
They bought it dear before the place they gain:  
My venturous men strove with commended pride  
Presuming victory would with them abide,   

Th'instructed thirty, found me where I deal  
So huge and mighty blows, as that no plate,  
No hardened steel, no quilt, nor warped meal  
Can make resist, but yielded open gate  
To my sharp axe, my blows so heavy sat,  
But here these thirty seize me in the fray,  
And by fine force they bear me thence away.   

Fast to the rescue cry my friends apace,  
When they perceud me ravished in this wise,  
Much broiling there, much foining for a space,  
Forth ' rescue some, and some to save their prize,  
But foes prevail as erst they did devise,  
To Vernon then I was transport in haste,  
And there in safety strong and surely placed:   

As much respect they took to win the field,  
Such heedy care was had lest I were slain,  
The noble mind with murder very seld  
His fame and estimation will distain,  
His foe may live and ransom yield again,  
To save when one may slay an enemy  
Is chiefest virtue praised in chivalry.   

From Vernon t'Parris with joy I was conveyed,  
Where th'archpriestarchpriest of the king is foully blamed  
For his depart, but all the matter weighed  
Although the Lords of France him much defamed,  
Yet holp I much t'excuse him badly named,  
The matter furthered for that he lately had,  
In Burgoyne slain four hundred robbers bad:   

What harm took I through much mistrustfulness  
Toward him that did my faithful friend remain,  
Calling his truth in question questionless,  
That fair my favour sought to entertain,  
His careful message flatly I disdain,  
Prejudicating his intendiment  
Was for to work me some foul bad event,   

Yet time discovered his fidelity,  
And my outrageous rash mistrusting  
Great mischief bred through wicked jealousy,  
Of friendly honest thoughts: often working  
The mind from truth, by bad misdeeming,  
The friend suspected without giving cause,  
Is breach sometime of truest trueloves' lause.   

Th'archpriest he sent unto me for my good,  
But I refused to hear his message,  
Being distempered in my choleric mood,  
Which bore the rule then unto my damage,  
Reason I taste the folly of my rage,  
Yet now we talked at Paris being,  
And good leisure had of cold agreeing:   

For by the means of Lord Dalbreth I went,  
About the city where I pleased best,  
The coward Charles so cruelly was bend,  
Against Lord Saquevile, with me distressed  
As he cut off his noble chiefest crest:  
Lord Ganuile, at that present time had died  
But that his son a mean did well provide.   

Who notice gave unto this king of France  
That if he used 'tis father any tort,  
Or that he died reproached with sad mischance,  
The Lord Lavall, a man of great resort  
His prisoner now would use in equal sort,  
By this brave deed this noble son did save  
His father's life they sought for to deprave:   

Renowned act well worthy worthy son,  
For parent's life to hazard life and all,  
Careless striving, own self to be undone  
Rather than suffer so his father's fall,  
No danger strange he danger ought to call,  
That son, or friend, desireth to be named,  
Suffering father, friend, by death defamed,   

I well have seen a master guide his bark,  
When blustering winds and tumbling waves did rage,  
Saving himself and friends with care and cark,  
Until the swelling surges did assuage,  
This skyphier have I seen through dotage,  
To sand his ship in calm and quiet flood,  
When neither blasts nor tides his course withstood:   

Moore harder much in compass good to live,  
When careless heed our mind hath whole possessed,  
And sense to dainty pleasure quite is give,  
Then when we are with anguishment distressed,  
In troublous times we hide our guidement best,  
For hundred vice the thoughts doth conquered make,  
When bathing heart doth floating pleasure take:   

As by myself a pattern of reproof,  
Who well did sail when fretting tide did threat,  
From shoals and flats I wary lay aloof,  
No gaping fish no hoped pray could get,  
My leveled course by card and compass set,  
Yet did I ground when lest was wind and tide,  
Strike on the clives in danger to have died:   

For whilst at Paris prisoner I remain  
In banding pleasure void of wariness,  
The king and nobles me sweetly entertain,  
So that I furthered much their business,  
Holp to persuade a band of sikernesses,  
And peace betwixt the Kings Navare and France,  
So was I quite of ransom and finance:   

The Lord Dalbreth full often for me spoke,  
And greatly holp the battle of Alroy,  
Which was performed with many a bloody stroke,  
Which to king Charles brought little cause of joy,  
Yet treaties had and fair exchanges coy,  
Which all fell out to further my desire,  
I was redeemed as prisoner could require:   

Subtle Charles showed me great signs of love,  
Castle Denemoux with th'appurtenanceappurtenance gave,  
Willing my service for his more behove,  
His pension rich far more than I did crave,  
I homage yield for these rewards I have,  
Into Acquitaine to the prince I came,  
Who hearing this full sharply doth me blame,   

And said I was too wondrous covetous,  
Lands to take in France, where nothing loud,  
Nor honoured, and thus dispiteous  
Spoke he, by reason none it could be proved,  
That I two Lords might serve, thus julie moved,  
A squire I, resent unto the king,  
Surrendering castle and each other thing:   

Making abodement with the loved Prince,  
Whose wisdom seeing me bashed in such sort,  
And how his words so much did me convince  
He all forgot, turned all to pleasant sport,  
Endued me rich for to maintain my port,  
doubtless I loud his favour so entire,  
Than Croesus coin I did it more desire.   

Let him that stands heed well he do not slide:  
For he that in a Prince's favour dwells  
Must wary watch, lest blame to him betide,  
And careful be when meaner senses swells,  
It to surpresse, when sever it rebels,  
And not to yield, to aught that may displease  
His soveraines' mind and breed his own disease:   

Heed and temperance are the things whereby  
Men must them rule that live in Prince's grace.  
Far out stretched, reacheth his persant eye,  
Viewing each person, time and secret place,  
Much beond his rule and dreaded mace:  
Therefore disseverd from thy soveraines' sight,  
Do as his eye upon thy act were pight.   

I with my Prince and in my Country stayed,  
Till that Don Peter was come out of Spain.  
Bastard Henry of cruelty he upbraid,  
In cruelty deposing him of rain,  
The Prince resolved to place him there again,  
Sending for me and many a Gascoine Lord,  
That unto him our 'legiance due afford:   

Him I attend and highly was esteemed,  
Amongst the noblest held I ever place,  
For highly was my knightly service deemed,  
As well for Mars as prudent Pallas grace,  
With Lord Clisson sprung of British race,  
This Spanish journey did I company hold  
An expert knight in venturing arms right bold.   

And when the prince this king restored had  
To former height, invest in Royal state,  
Full like himself, he dealt with us but bad,  
His perverseness too long were to relate,  
His breach of promise wrought the great debate,  
That happed between the Gascons and my Lord  
The prince: fell cause of war and much discord:   

Though many Gascoin Lords my kinsmen near  
The English left and French themselves out shoe,  
Yet I 'gainst them did still my banner rear,  
In fronting war my time I did bestoe,  
With Chandos to Mountaboune armed I go,  
That soon I trust we made our foes to feel  
Our Axes sharpened were with carving steel:   

Now when the French the English had defied,  
And noise of strifes were bruited openly,  
Sport was to see the captains them divide,  
As their affections led them stirringly,  
Without requests to yield them willingly,  
Those that were French did English straight become,  
Contrariwise there changed other some:   


Younger brother to sir Lewis Robersart.  Lord Chanoyne Robersart he English turned,  
Whose haughty service welcomed our king:  
Sir Perducas Dalbreth tooth French returned,  
Who gulie shield about his neck did fling  
Wrapped with dented bordure silver shining:  
Do what one can affection will be free,  
Spite of desert or highest dignity.   

Bold sir Hue Caveley now in Arragon,  
This thundering news of wars had plainly hard,  
With all his soldiers he arrived anon  
At Angolesme a party for to ward,  
The prince him had in reverent regard,  
And presently him noble chieftain made  
Of thousands two, and sent him to invade   

The lands of Lord Dalbreth and Arminacke,  
The greatest two of all our Gascoigne Lords,  
Where many a tower and town he fiercely brack,  
And fire and blood unto his foes affords:  
Thus all we captains growing of accords  
Seek to defend, and to offend our foes,  
Which likewise so themselves towards us dispose:   

When Canole, Chandos, and sir Thomas Phelton,  
Who did in red two ermine lions bear  
Passant crowned gold: myself for one,  
Go to the prince, who held us all full dear,  
Such companions as behind us wear,  
We promised new fortress if they gain  
And then besieged we rescue will amain:   

Which of our friends did three encourage so  
As they Belperch do win and there they kept:  
About this time did fortune overthrow  
Lord Chandos, for whose loss great numbers wept:  
The Duke of Bourbon little space he slept,  
For that our captains held his mother fast  
Within Belperch where they perforce were placed:   

Duke Bourbon having purveyed jolly store  
Of warlike knights strong siege did 'bout them lay,  
With battering engines he constrained them sore,  
His power still increasing day by day,  
To sir john Devereux, they sent without delay  
Which Seneschal of Limson was, and he  
Toth' former promise was a party:   

This gentle knight tooth prince in haste he came,  
And did their case with such effect declare  
In showing that to us it would be blame,  
If that we should not secure them that bore  
Themselves so well, good words he did not spare  
For their behoof: and so it was agreed  
The captains should be rescue with some speed.   

th'earl of Cambrige fair brother to the prince,  
th'earl of Penbroke priest for deeds of arms,  
Sir john Montague who Batfoyles did convince,  
Sir Thomas Phelton dreadless of his harms,  
Sir Robert Canole that oft the Frenchmen charms,  
Myself: we met a noble knightly crew  
As of so many eye did ever view:   

At Lymoges the earls their musters took  
Fifteen hundred lance ourselves we found,  
Three thousand others, bend on their foes to look,  
And join with them though numbers do abound,  
This hard the French trenched in a piece of ground  
With strong enclosure like a castle wall,  
That from the fight their venturing foes should stall:   

But when we were in opposition placed,  
Against the French: a herald soon was sent  
Toth' Duke, who closed lay more half aghast,  
The herald told him through bold hardiment,  
We there were rived with vigerous intent  
With him to fight: the Duke this answer dressed,  
That fight he would not so at our request.   

And look how he was dared at Turnehen,  
So was he now: our herald morrow morn  
To him rewent: who safe himself doth pen,  
He said, sir Duke, even she that hath you borne  
Before your face shall led be to your scorn,  
Way with my Lords less her you rescue will  
We took her thence, cold Duke he sat him still.   

Shirle trumpets sound fresh courage to inflame,  
We all are ranged in battelous array  
Launte, Wiske, and Sale, these venturous three I name,  
That from the castle issued at noon day  

Sir john Devereux: and sir Eustace Dabscote.  And Bourbon's mother brought with them away:  
Two noble knightly soldiers did receive  
Led her thence and asked the Duke no leave.   

When Thaniou Duke his army mighty made,  
And Glesquines' power to his he had unite,  
They forward came the Prince's land t'invadeinvade,  
took Aguillon byth' threatening siege they pight,  
Which made me wonder when I knew it right,  
The self captain did once so well it hold  
That hundred thousand men ne take it could.   

On Dordon river a town is planted fair  
Caldoro Lind, a league from Bergareth no more,  
Which Phelton and myself did well repair,  
With victuals and artilleries fencing store,  
Well purveyed now with that it had before:  
Sir Tovius Batfoyle captain there doth rest,  
And promise vowed to guard the town at best.   

And thither doth the Duke of Anjou move,  
Enuirning close the town in such a wise,  
The dwellers think it best for their behove  
To render it, and do their strength despise,  
Thunstable commons like Protheus guise  
Are so delighted in each chaffering change,  
Like fleeting tides their thoughts do ever range:   

The captain also was becomen French,  
infest with love of glittering 'ticing gold  
Too foul a swill a soldiers mind to drench,  
That thoughts to honour ever fasten should,  
And his give promise permanent to hold:  
I understood how all this practice went  
At Bergareth: and to be there I meant.   

At this delivery: sir Thomas Phelton and  
Myself do ride, what time the sun was placed  
Betwixt the east and west in lower land:  
We came as French were ready entering fast  
At tother gate: to Batfoyle spied I hast,  
Traitorous Batfoyle was busy t'entertain  
My croching foes in hope of greedy gain:   

In hands I shook my sure bright shaking sword  
Inflame with courage as reason did require,  
I plainly showed I came not now to board,  
Traitor I said, take here deserved hire,  
Treasons no more thou shalt from hence conspire:  
And as I spoke I lent him such a blow  
That soul and body doth a sunder go,   

A just reward for such foul treason done.  
But when the French our wefting banners view  
Their backs they turn and swift away they run,  
Lightly clad with fear they nimbly flew,  
The townsmen gin their dealing false to rue  
Lay all the fault in him that I had slain,  
And so the town did English still remain.   

The Duke and Glesquine went to Lymoges,  
Where the Duke's Berrie and Bourbon siege do hold,  
Which city yielded was byth' traitorousness  
Of their Bishop: which matter being told  
Unto the prince, he swore revenge he would  
So vile despite, by his dear father's soul,  
Which oath he kept unbroke and ever whole.   

From Coynoc than he marched in brave array,  
Twelve hundred Lords, knights and hardy squires,  
A thousand archers, so many Brigands' sway,  
That all the country dread their flaming iers,  
On sharp revenge do boil their hot desires,  
Sir Thomas Percy, and Lord Rosse was there,  
Who did in gules three silver Bogets bear.   


Meignill of the north.  Sir William Mesnile a chiff of burnished gold  
Three gemels finely set in Azurd shield:  
Sir Simon Borley six bars equal told  
Of black, and yellow, in his chiff he held  
Of the metal, two pales as first is spelled,  
In midst a scuchion of Ruby fairly dight,  
In it three bars of ermines plainly pight:   

Right fierce assault the city so was ta'en,  
Many an innocent with the nocent died,  
Man, woman, child, were brought to bloody bane,  
Such woeful rigour did this town betide,  
The duke of Lancaster stoutly here was tried  
In single fray, the earl of Cambrig and  
The earl of Penbroke, fight so are found,   

Which tripart combat was so nobly fought  
As sick prince took pleasure it t'behold,  
Causing his litter nearer to be brought,  
The French resist so long as ear they could  
And lashed, and stroke, with noble courage bold,  
But conquered yield, and yielding favour find,  
As noble arms her sacred laws assigned:   

Divine mercy whose lore I ever loud,  
The sovereign good that God to man affords,  
Most like to God man hath his likeness proved  
That treasure such within sweet heaven hordes,  
And you great captains and renowned Lords,  
That manage arms hold mercy in your mind,  
Bloods wilful spiller seld doth mercy find.   

I was right glad from this that so I bide  
At Bergareth, the frontier to sustain:  
And now through France with venturing troop did ride  
Sir Robert Canole to the Frenchmens pain:  
Wealth and treasure did such abundance gain,  
His soldiers, but silver and gold esteemed,  
Ostrich feathers or what was dainty deemed.   

Not virtues self can lengthen mortal days,  
Yet fame provides that virtue should not die,  
Oblivion repugns good fame always,  
True writers of brave acts doth still defy,  
Each wight deprived of honour shut should lie  
She much desires: all covered with the corpse  
Of valiant deeds she taketh no remorse.   

If Phrygian Poet should the praises show  
Of noble Priam and his worthy sons,  
Their high exploits set forth in order dew,  
Although large fame of all their doings runs,  
Yet but defendants when tooth sight it comes:  
Assailant conqueror, this brave English king  
Triumphant victors his noble offspring.   

As Priam nor his sons left nought behind  
But golden praise pronounced by writer's skill,  
And none could now their names or doings find,  
So hugely woxt the vasty world to fill,  
Unless it had dropped from a heedy quill:  
So Muse and Mars together must agree  
The first, the last, makes live eternally.   

And since our Hector stout came out of Spain  
He languished, which greatly made us grieve,  
For stealingly each hour increased his pain,  
'Gainst which with courage good he much did strive,  
Wasting sickness quite doth his strength deprive:  
Now into England to return he meant  
Of peyred health to seek amendment.   

He sent for all his squires, knights and Lords  
That of him hold: and when we present were,  
Such princely gentle language he affords  
As might brave courage and allegiance steer,  
Full sweetly spoke he like a noble peer,  
In every thing he willed us to obey  
His brother Gaunt which regent here should stay.   

Then shipping takes the gentlest knight alive  
And most renowned for his worthiness:  
Right pensive I that sickness did deprive  
His health that bread the Frenchmens sikernesses,  
In battled Arms they found him matchless,  
For so he pined, and inly grew his grief,  
As final death did work his first relief.   

He newly gone: four Britton knights advance  
Themselves to take Mountpaon: and they sped  
So well by practice as the matter chanced,  
The Lord thereof French turned in that stead:  
Which known did make Duke john to shake his head:  
Summons he forced and vowed it to regain  
In conquering wise or die with deadly pain.   

It touched him near, because it lay him near,  
So on a day with kindled courage stout  
From Bourdeux accompanied strongly fair  
He doth departed with his brave warlike rout,  
Of Poyctow, Xanton, and Gascoine, there about:  
Of th'english Phelton, Frevile, and Rosse, there was  
Sir Michael Delapole did in this journey pass,   

Whose cornered shield was laid with skilful blue,  
A fesse between three Libbards' heads of gold:  
Sir William Bewchampe gay as bridegroom new 
Of Poiwike.   
Armed in red right stately to behold,  
A girdle placed between six martlets told:  
Glistering bright like Phoebus in his pride:  
Well could he just, and comely could he ride:   

Now when we were this castle placed before,  
And ordered had each thing in order dew  
We raised assault, but were resisted sore  
A whole long day: then back our soldiers drew,  
This castle was environed with deep stew,  
So fast we filled with faggots up the mot  
As to the walls with much ado we got:   

And now much work and business was begun,  
And many a man reversed and overthrown,  
More feller stut was none under the sun,  
So that this news was bruited wide and known  
At saint Maquere all our striving shown,  
Where john Maltrait; Silvester Buds did hold  
Two hardy Britons courageous, tried and bold:   

These two could not agree, which he should part,  
To sucker sieged friends: then by accords  
They cuts would draw: so fortune and not art  
Should choose: and chance, the longest cut affords  
To Buds: whereat they laugh with pleasant words,  
Forth he comes with twelve right hardy men  
Got in where we his friends full close do pen:   

Love of friend despiseth dangerous fear.  
We one whole quarter of the wall down break,  
Then marshalling ourselves to enter there,  
A lowly herald they sent in haste to speak  
Unto our Duke: finding themselves too weak:  
Enraged he so much in angry mind  
Small was the grace that they were like to find.   

But then sir Richard Dangle, sought for me  
As one to mercy greatly bend he knoweth:  
This noble Duke tooth reasons doth agree  
That we pronounce: for dear he loud hus both,  
So we appeased his conceived wrath,  
Buds his cutting a ransom dear him cost,  
And thus again the French the fortress lost.   

Mountcounter castle in the marches stands  
Of Anjou, and of Poictow, very strong  
Four leagues from Thovars, two captains with bands  
Of men it kept, offering neighbours wrong,  
The piece tooth Duke of Anjou did belong,  
Sir Thomas Percy Poictow seneschal  
To come to him doth good commanders call:   

Assembled soon three thousand armours bright  
From cities friends doth mighty engines bring,  
And fiercely it assailed day and night,  
Incessantly they battering engines fling:  
Here were companions courage stirring  
Whose hearts eirned aught should them resist,  
Still tooth assault they forward do persist,   

Sir Walter Huet, and sir john Carswell hear,  
Davi of Hulgreve, in ermines finely clad  
A scuchion gules: these three them well do bear,  
And chiefest praise at this assailment had,  
Companions three the Frenchmen greatly dread:  
By heedy force and skilful wary pain,  
Won was Mountcounter, near alth'warders slain.   

And to these three was this fair castle given,  
Strong frontier war against the French t'maintain,  
Booties rich from them they often driven  
And patised the country for their gain,  
Idle to rest for busy wits is pain:  
Brave captains and good soldiers at assays  
Deserve rewards as well as pleasing praise.   

Fair Lady Blanch the noble Henry's heir  
Duke of Lancaster and of Derby earl,  
Whose titles john of Gaunt did rightly bear,  
But death his piercing dart too soon did th'earl  
Bereft her life the world's sweet orient pearl.  
In widowers state this haughty duke did bide  
When he th'affairs of Gascoigne had in guide:   

Don Peter king of Castille and of Spain  
Slain: he left two daughters heirs behind,  
Which Ladies young in great distress remain,  
Lest froward bastard uncle should them find,  
Sir Guiscard Dangle had this thing in mind,  
Imparts to me these Lady's titles fair,  
Then to the duke both we the same declare:   

Persuading him to comfort their distress:  
He special knights of good account forth sends,  
Declaring how for their behoovefulness  
It was, he so himself to them commends  
And for their safety all his thoughts attends,  
They come: he likes: the eldest doth he wed:  
Thus of a wife and kingly title sped.   

Till September with us he made his stay,  
Then into England purposed he to sail:  
Myself, Mucident, and Lespaire, the sway  
He left of Gascoigne, hoping to prevail  
So with the king as that we should not fail,  
Of succours when the spring time did return,  
He gone: in Gascoine made I my sojourn.   

The summer prochain truly to record  
Was to us sent much succours and relief,  
By th'earl of Penbroke and many a noble Lord,  
Which all was lost unto our heavy grief,  
No worse despite or blinder mischief  
Can have befallen: the earl two days did fight  
In Rochel haven in the townsmen sight,   

Yet could not sir john Arden Seneschal  
There at that time, persuade the paltry maire,  
With any of his the earl to help at all,  
But like a broking varlet dashed with fear  
Or traitorousness, no reasons forth could steer.  
In dainty ermines armed was this knight  
Gold and azure in fes fair chequered right.   

I hard of this and thither hide amain,  
And many knights of England willing bend,  
The Lords of Gascoigne with their gallant train  
Of noble hearts fraught with hardiment,  
We come too late: our enemies took Le vent.  
Which made me storm and fret with anger sad  
That they and we so hard mischance had had.   

The Constable French assembled mighty power  
With him the dukes Berrie and Bourbon both,  
Gay earls and Lords dressed for warlike stour,  
In gaining forts his time he whole bestoth,  
Besieged one made sir john Devereux wroth,  
Saint Sever named, at Poicters he did bide  
When as the siege Saint Sever doth betide:   

Sir Thomas Percy he earnest doth desire  
To further that his men may rescue be,  
Who condescends to that most just require,  
So forth they come and both encounter me,  
Showing the state of friends extremity,  
The ground, and strength, that French foemates hield,  
We purposed to seek them in the field:   

So forth to friends we letters sent in haste  
good numbers gain and for the rescue pace,  
Our enemies receive these news at last,  
Which mightily their courage doth abase  
No will they had t'meet us in open place,  
Our friends ignorant of our present post  
Yielded: and our desires were wholly lost:   

When sir john Devereux of this yielding hard  
He chafed and stamped, for his the castle was:  
And thus with us our Poyctaine business fared:  
Thus wavering fortune too and fro doth pass:  
Worldly triumphs are like to flowering grass,  
Whose fragrant smells and hew at sun's uprise  
With liked favour, vades ere night and dies.   

No knight that clothes himself for wars affairs  
That always can achieve his heart's request,  
All are alike to fortune, none she spares,  
Her coiest darlings oft she makes distressed,  
Now is she slow and then too forward priest,  
She dandles him, and then on him she frowns,  
Here spades she gives, and there she deals her crowns:   

Oftenest times when least we do mistrust  
With some odd toy are soon overta'en,  
Every hour each daring captain must  
Be well resolved for to attend her wane,  
Often she sport's to bring us to our bane,  
Yet noble minds must still despise her might,  
Brave honour lives maugre so wicked wight.   

It is a world to mark the jollity  
Of seamen floating in the Liquid sea,  
His careless thought of dreadless jeopardy,  
His busy prattle, his so pleasant lay,  
Full merry mate, like gladsome bird in may,  
Fairly forward with spreaded canvas flies,  
Like him that would attain the haughty skies:   

Of all the lives led under Phaeton's wheel,  
He thinks none can compare in blissfulness  
With his: such tickling joy his heart doth feel,  
And laughing pride at present happiness,  
Right cheerfully whistles to their business  
His company: not any helliers' end,  
Hawser, booling, but soon he will amend:   

Scarce little chip shall lie upon the hatch,  
But for the swabber hastily doth call,  
Clean and fine each business to dispatch:  
Then to his joy a fresh he 'gins to fall  
Still thinking self the happiest man of all,  
Large flag and streamers tossen with the wind,  
And he himself a very King in mind.   

A mass it is to note his misery  
When raging tempests bustle on the flood,  
And to admire the strange extremity  
Of him late jocund now changed frantic wood,  
The flapping brace strikes off his settled hood,  
To leeward now the needments tumble fast  
Enough to make a stubborn mind aghast:   

The toilesomst life under the circled sky  
Doth his appear, and most unhappiest,  
Such grief and anguish 'bout his stomach be,  
Plays to prayers he turneth now distressed,  
And his sad working seems the weariest  
Of labours all: his toiled mates do tend,  
But how from death they may themselves defend:   

Every thing out of due order placed,  
To trim up aught there's now at all no care,  
With frownings dume, down are his smile cast,  
And whilst he droops tossed in this sad affair,  
The forceful flood his vessel doth not spare:  
Barely crawling to next recovered shore  
In wailing doth disaster hap deplore.   

Like is the state of all adventurous,  
That spend their lives in welding high affairs,  
Thinking themselves in times prosperous  
Most fortunate: but when swiftly unwairs  
Fortune them flingeth into endless cares,  
Frowning they sit, forsaken desolate,  
All male content confessing taken mate.   

Recordance make with grief and dolefulness,  
For double sorrow is it to record  
Contenting joy changed into balefulness,  
Good liking turned to bad things abhorred,  
Fortune hath so her friends both crossed and scored:  
Let no man than she seems to favour most  
To highly of her lended fauning boast.   

Fair Subise, is a castle seated strong  
At river Charents meeting with the sea:  
Which to a courteous Lady did belong  
That English held and so she meant to stay.  
The Lord of Pons tooth castle siege doth lay,  
Thibauld Duepont, and well three hundred lance,  
To that service their bodies do advance.   

Sieged Lady sent to me desiring  
My succours, which I promised should not fail,  
I thought to force the Frenchmens soon retiering  
With two hundred I meant for to prevail,  
And straight to be the closed Ladies bail,  
I might have taken hundreds two and two,  
But these to serve I judged were enough:   

Thus on my way toward Subise I proceed  
With trusty soldiers well accompined,  
With former fortunes I brave courage feed,  
Too long from thence me thought I tarried,  
Coveting to ride through coverts covered,  
Come near our foes a space I do abide  
To fit our arms lest harm should us betide:   

We do remount and entrance make in haste,  
Among our foes who now our fury feel,  
We suddenly down cabbind lodgings cast,  
They know we brought in hand sharp carving steel,  
We ring our cries, down do the carcase reel,  
Who thought themselves most safe and surely well  
The Lord of Pons with me doth prisoner dwell:   

Some fled apace, and some were present slain,  
Some coverts seek, and some are prisoners sworn,  
Some maimed are, left wallowing on the plain,  
Some their armours of their backs have torn,  
With which some others do themselves adorn,  
Whilst some tooth chase, and some tooth spoil do run  
A mischief happed and we were all undone:   

A Welshman came that evan had to name,  
With him he brought four hundred chosen men,  
With torches and with faggots fiery flame,  
For passing dark it was befallen as then,  
On us he sets: this rare adventure when  
I did behold, I sought for to withstand,  
But in the chase wide scattered all my band.   

Lo I that late a conquering sword did hold,  
Am now become a squires captived thrall,  
But late I vanquished foes with courage bold,  
And see the like on me is now befall,  
Such are the turns of fortunes tennis ball.  
Some of my friends through darkness scape the fray,  
But with my foes as prisoner safe I stay:   

Who proud of their good fortune led me thence  
Unto their fleet at Rochel anchored fast,  
No ransom could for liberty dispense,  
But I in haste to Paris city past,  
Where my delivery was not wrought in haste,  
I was the man king Charles did much desire,  
Twelve hundred franks he gave unto the squire   

Me thither as his lawful prisoner brought:  
This cowardly king in prison closed me close  
Fearing I should have still new troubles wrought,  
His badgage mind to craft was whole disposed,  
His quaking heart I think was ever hosd,  
Thus led I forth a melancholious life,  
My body quiet and now my mind at strife:   

My mind to me no kingdom was at all,  
I could not find that pleasant sweet content  
That divers eld have found within a wall,  
From world's affairs through wilful banishment  
In this estate found I no easement,  
I lived and lacked, I lacked and would have had,  
I had and loathed, such kingdoms all too bad:   

Perhaps it might have chanced some rare divine  
Thus penned in contemplation to have lived,  
Sequestered so with prayers himself to pine  
From world's vanities glad to be deprived,  
As though he in a haven of peace arrived  
Have thought of saints, and martyrs jolly store,  
Dropped his beads and passed sins deplore:   

But I that used to wear for haughty crest  
Black Midas head: by side a flaming sword,  
And sun bright arms upon my body dressed,  
Shield on mine arm, wherein was fairly scored  
antic signs that praises due afford,  
Between my thighs my gay stout foaming steed,  
In hand a lance proud courage fresh to feed:   

Wished some sire that hermits life could lead,  
Here to remain for me in hermitage,  
Here might he all his former vows have paid  
To patron after sollemest usage,  
Well unto God to sane his message,  
I would have spoke that water of the spring  
He should have had and many another thing:   

To broil in arms, to watch, to stir, to guard,  
Strong to defend, well to offend again,  
Here battles join, their frontier safe to ward,  
Now close to troop, then goodly to deraine,  
These easements were, I thought these things no pain,  
Helm, sword, and lance, fair steed, and goodly shield,  
Whole all my thoughts these brave devices heeled:   

No torment to a discontented thought,  
No feller plague unto a valiant heart  
That rare exploits and high adventures sought,  
Then to be tied so sure he may not start.  
How could it choose but daily breed my smart,  
Of fair atchivements hourly to hear,  
And that myself in person was not there:   

It rumoured was the earl of Salisbury,  
Whose shining banner was of silver bright  
In fes fair foiled with guely lozing three:  
Sir Brian Stapleton a venturous knight  
Who in silken white a sables lion pight,  
In ramping wise and flashed fair with gold:  
Sir William Luzie did here a party hold   

In ruby armed, three Lucy fishes white  
Seemed with crosslets like to Phoebus' face:  
Sir Philip Courtney foundering blows could smite,  
Sir William Mesnile a knight of courtly grace,  
Seven ships of Spain they batter, break and race,  
And unto battle well themselves addressed  
And Glesquin braved before the town of breast,   

Holding the time sir Robert Canole pight  
Which now in haste was gone to Vuryvale,  
Theritage which pertained to him of right.  
King Charles well nigh excepting him had all  
The Britons hearts: now so it did befall  
His castle sieged, gave hostage for a stay,  
To yield it up not rescue by a day,   

Sir Hue Brooe that this strong fortress held,  
That marchet made, who bore in banner red  
On silver chevron three roses of the field:  
Sir Robert here arrived in that stead,  
Before the rendering day expired,  
A herald, French Constable sent to know  
Hostage whether they would redeem or no.   

Sir Robert flatly held: not any one  
In absence his, his castle so should mars:  
Thanswerd messenger back is lightly gone,  
Told his Lords, they make him soon departed,  
And show sir Robert if he so do start  
His hostages each one should headed be.  
Herald (he said) say to thy Lords from me   

Three knights, one squire, in prison here I have,  
If they a hundred thousand franks would give,  
And mine do die no one of these thest save.  
The French of life the hostages deprive:  
Which seen sir Robert a scaffold made believe,  
His prisoners brought in duke of Anjou sight  
Their harmless heads he caused off to smite.   

The siege broke up, this execution done:  
The castle with sir Robert doth remain:  
True hostage true prisoners death have won,  
Such chaffering brought good hearts their deadly pain,  
But noble captains such rigour should refrain,  
Lest when their friends they need in such like case  
They make refusal doubting the disgrace.   

justice oft from ancient custom grows,  
Affection seldom looks with single eye,  
Strict justice like injurious dealing shows,  
Hard law to make the innocent creature die,  
And yet good right appeared for to be:  
God loves not right which doth to rigour tend,  
Neither of both their cruelty can defend.   

I likewise heard how noble john of Gaunt  
Arrived at Calais with puissant power,  
Pvissantly the Frenchmen doth he daunt,  
Fearful makes both town and many a tower,  
Numbers my old acquaintance in that stour  
As Chanoyne Robersart, sir Hue Caveley,  
Sir William Bewchamp, sir Henry Percy,   

Sir Walter Huet, sir Steven Gousenton,  
With many more which some did to me name,  
Sir Lewis Clifford, sir Richard Pontchardon,  
To hear of whom to sorrow brought some game,  
I hoped and wished the French that they might tame,  
But in their chevachey a venture did befall  
That was at Paris talked with joy of all:   

Fowrscore horse of sir Hue Caveleys band  
Were ridden forth adventures for to try:  
The Lord of Busiers doth it understand,  
The Lord of Chin, sir john Buell, these three  
With sixscore lance against them ridden be:  
Lord Chin was slain through his great hardiness,  
Which to his friends was cause of heaviness:   

Thus when they were assembled in such sort  
Right felonous and cruel was the fray,  
And many a deed was done of good report,  
Chin his banner disueloped that day,  
Which seen the English orgulous words did say  
'Gainst Lord Cowcie, which English hoverd still,  
Who was in ostrich warring at his will:   

This Chin did raise Lord Cowcies fair device,  
Which was six bars of varrey and of red:  
This was the same, or difference small so nice  
and slender, that 'mongst them this error bred,  
Which now were either taken, slain, or fled:  
All men of younger house that banners bear  
Should have their difference glistering, large and fair.   

I likewise heard the flower of all our pride  
The valiant Prince of Wales departed life,  
No earthly thing so good may always bide,  
Nor honour such prevailing over strife  
Where glories most mischance is ever rife:  
Great things great falls, and far abroad are blown,  
Low things low falls, their fall are not known:   

His falling known, was fall of all my joy,  
His death depriver of my comfort chief,  
His loss the loder of my sad annoy,  
His want the wanting of my freed relief,  
Ah filching death thou felonous bloody thief,  
Bereaver of my sole deliverance,  
Despoiler of my worldly pleasance:   

For could it be that any martialist  
Such one as loud to clothe himself in Arms,  
But honourable presence thine he missed,  
And many ways thy loss did work his harms,  
And froward mischiefs backward on him swarms?  
Farewell fairest flower of Plantagenets line,  
Adieu all comfort to this life of mine.   

Full many treaties had the English now  
Made with the French, which came to small effect:  
Some of my friends oftimes did tell me how  
In these their parleys they had of me respect,  
Yet did no good: which made me to suspect,  
That never I my wieldy Arms should don  
For grief whereof I pine away with moan.   

The young Earl Saint Pole, and three other knights,  
In exchange they offered for me alone,  
Which Lord Comigines ta'en had in fair fights  
byth' subtle train of sir john Harleston,  
By his courser's bounty sir Hue Chatelon  
Was saved, or else he had full dearly paid,  
Because from England he was late mistraid.   

The matter thus: after we came from Spain,  
And that the quarrels fresh 'gan to renew,  
All things to strife and battle woxt again,  
The French at first the county of Ponthew  
Regain: this Lord of Chatelon named Hue,  
Unwares he doth sir Nicholas Loudine rest  
His prisoner: and by slight he him suppressed.   

When as the valiant duke of Lancaster  
At Calais riud new come from Turnehen,  
Intending the Frenchmen proud to master,  
He fast prepared to make a road again  
With store of squires, knights, and noblemen,  
Travasing France up and down at pleasure  
In burning, spoiling and gaining treasure:   

If oppression to mind valiant  
Be offered: by wisdoms wary guide  
It so coverneth, through much discontent  
As if ever happy chance betide,  
It shoes the fire close covered it doth hide,  
And breaketh forth into revenging flame  
If ever good occasion move the same:   

Deep rooted malice doth not lightly die.  
When as the duke passed by Abuile  
To Lovaines' mind repard the injury  
That Chatelon had done to him erewhile,  
Sir Nicholas laid a ambushment by a wile  
near to the town, for all the straits he knew  
Whole three years space he used them to view:   

Sir Hue Chattelon at that instant bode  
Within the town as gardant of the same:  
Near unto it he knew the English road,  
Then of the crossbows he bore the masters name,  
Them to advise he thought was for his fame,  
Only ten and armed save his head  
He came where as the tending ambushment stead:   

When valiant Louvain saw his shield of gules  
Three vary pales on chiffe of loved gold  
A martlet black: himself he scarcely rules  
For joy: the man (quoth he) I most desire would  
In all the world, I coming do behold,  
The ransom dear to him this year I paid  
Shall rendered be if that he may be stayed:   

And forth he breaks, the Frenchmen in that stead  
Do marvel much from whence doth noise proceed:  
One cried Chatelon yield or thou art ded.  
To whom said he? to Louvain now with speed.  
Replied sir Nicholas joying at his deed:  
Being knightly armed in red fresh to behold  
A silver fes 'tween many billets gold.   

And to the host in jollity retires  
Proud of his prisoner: afterward conveyed  
To England: where great ransom he desires.  
When Chatelon his mischance had weighed  
Back in a ship in stealing wise he strayed:  
This same the cause why he so swift did pass  
From friends when meddling with Gomigines was.   

King Edward his death I heard reported,  
Who gloriously in knightly dignity  
Had rained: first noble son departed,  
Which Hector like with great triumphancy  
Had conquered kings through magnanimity:  
Then followed father worthy such a son  
A shining sun which still bright glory won.   


Edward the 3. first founder of the noble order of the Garter.  The founder of our high fraternity:  
The fortress of a firm concordance:  
The favour of right noble sovereignty:  
The perfect pledge of true assurance:  
The constant gage of goodly ordinance:  
The founder of the Azurd garter died  
With honour: jove, so, long let th'order bide.   

The strong incursions sir Hue Caveley made  
Then Calais captain were unto me told:  
How sir john Harleston doth fierce invade  
Captain of Guins: some did to me unfold,  
And how at Arde Gomigines did hold,  
Exploiting well: of brave attempts I hard,  
But oh myself from fair atchivements bard.   

My closure I with great impatience took,  
Perplexed thoughts oppress me every hour,  
This vile restraint I heavily do brook  
And bitter sighs continual forth I power,  
Right safely shut within this warding tower  
Still in danger every day of death,  
Lest melancholious grief would stop my breath:   

If thousand merchants venture into Ind,  
Seeking foreign strand for wished gain,  
And only one his ship hath left behind  
Through wrack, which peevish fortune did constrain:  
How could it choose but inly breed his pain,  
To see the rest in such a rejoicing,  
For that he hoped: now grieves at the losing?   

For fellows many in distressedness  
Is to the grievance much releasement:  
Far less by odds he thinks his wretchedness  
That sees with his the tears of many spent,  
To saddest woes it is much easement,  
When others with like grief as ours do moan,  
And that we are not wracked all alone.   

All other captains, myself excepting,  
Of each calling had their delivery,  
Though sometimes they stayed th'expecting,  
Being not wrought to wish most speedily,  
Yet ear the end it chanced still to be:  
It was my fortune and not deserving  
That thus I lay in prison starving.   

Past hope I make a virtue of my need,  
With pining patience I my grief support,  
Desired death comes on with wished speed,  
I drooping pass as one stroke alemort,  
This hard restraint was unto me more tort  
Than sharpest death that tyrant might devise,  
My swelling mind could half so sore agrize:   

Thus long I lived, I thought it was too long:  
All hopeless of relinquishing my care,  
Or relaxment from loath prison strong,  
Unless on book I would full solemn swear  
Against the crown of France no Arms to bear.  
I flat refused me liefer were to die  
Than to abjure my English loyalty.   

here proved I plain that force no hearts could win,  
here tried I true that proffers nought prevail,  
here was it seen love forced not of a pin  
Sweet liberty, the mind her greats assail.  
No lurements wrought my constant mind to fail,  
No, no, my Gascoine body bore an English heart  
Not movable by fortunes overthwart.   

And in my smart it oft did strain a smile  
To think how Charles my liberty did dread,  
He doubted lest I would within a while  
Some broiling wars and battles newly breed,  
For quaking fear his heart did ever feed:  
How much the English excelled in the war,  
So much the French in treaties past them far.   

For by the Parley still they somewhat got.  
I leading forth my life all malcontent  
In smoking sighs, which out I daily shot,  
But for my soul I thought it pertinent,  
Which given was and must be permanent,  
Most quiet and sweet harmony to make  
Of discords all and all the world forsake.   

Before passed life I over canvasing,  
Found my great sins exceeding numberous,  
subjecteth to frail natures travasing  
over whelmed unless by mercy wondrous,  
We saved were in world so cumbrous,  
By sweetly Lord, that strayed sinners sought,  
And perished souls through blessed torment bought.   

And he, divers ways divinely worketh  
To bring us in the compass of his fold,  
Out of the which what worldling dieth  
Perisheth as sage divines have told,  
He grant us all ourselves therein to hold,  
Which made himself a subject for our sin,  
Yet Lord of heaven, earth and all therein.   

Oh how good God us often suffereth  
With worldly wit ourselves to injury,  
Chaffering as occasion offereth  
Respecting not the end, till suddenly  
Repentance comes our friendly enemy,  
And then we cry if this had not been done  
Then had not fates so foul against us run:   

If I had not persuaded john of Gaunt  
For to make choice to Spanish marriage,  
Which thing our business French did greatly daunt,  
For he tended as is common usage  
To own advancement and advantage,  
I had not lean, he me would have redeemed  
How difficult so ear the matter seemed.   

And from first time I wielded glorious arms  
Full careful I, least murder should attaint  
My fame with bad, and black reproachful charms,  
Of hellish rumours, to ages to depaint:  
Through murder many captains are distaint.  
This proverb used 'mongst some I highly hate,  
(A heedless man doth seldom breed debate.)   

But often times for cruel murder done  
God stirreth up our friends unto our harm:  
And father hath been slaughtered by his son:  
And brother slain with brother's bloody arm:  
Oft for one murder thousand men will swarm,  
Whom greatest God doth use as instruments  
For sharp revenge of murderers torments.   

Most happy knight that useth temperance  
So in past life, that he be not defiled  
With murderers name, which works annoyance  
Through world of ages badly be reviled  
And lasting heaps of slander hath up piled.  
In quarrels just whilst foes resisting been  
To slay them then in fight is no sin.   

No man of life I ever did deprave  
In my cold blood when striving fight was done,  
In hottest wars I willed blood to save  
Whereby among my foes great praise I won,  
The cheefst thing God hateth under sun  
Is murder, and for mercy blood to spill,  
Blood crieth for blood the proverb runneth still.   

Revenge on hateful murder doth attend,  
And sly occasion doth so warily watch,  
As blood for blood with earth doth foully blend,  
Merciless plagues this black revenge doth hatch  
When parties self of plagues tastes but a smatch,  
To generations three or four they run  
Till all the brood and offspring be undun.   

Oh heavenly God that long didst lend me space  
My former faults committed to deplore:  
Five years I did in loathed prison pace  
Which my proud nature did too much abhor,  
That so I tamed was I thee addore.  
I mercy loud, and thou didst mercy lend,  
Sweet mercy far more than man may offend.   

Receive my soul Lord to thy governance,  
Most richly since from hell thou it redeemed  
I flat renounce all worldly pleasance,  
Yea those vain joys that I so high esteemed,  
How loathsome now that erst so likefull seemed,  
Lord since I come thy promise is not old,  
Receive me where the joys may not be told.   

LENVOY  
Thus closed was his burning lamp of life  
That glorious shone in knightly dignity,  
Here was the period set of all his strife,  
Conclusion of his fatal destiny,  
Lantern sometime of noble chivalry,  
Dreaded champion whilst the fray did last,  
Lovely conqueror at th'end of battles blast.   

In prison died this most valiant knight,  
Renoumd and dread for magnanimity,  
His funeral king Charles caused be dight  
At Paris in estate most solemnly,  
Of barons, knights, and praying clergy:  
A nobler one could scarcely there be found  
Within the French or in the English ground.   

The king of England lost a trusty heart,  
The king of France a stout courageous foe,  
The warlike country Gascoine chiefest part,  
When thou brave knight wast reft her bowels fro,  
Thy glistering fame about the world shall glow  
As bright as star set in fair welking face:  
The starry sky thy fittest dwelling place:   

For virtue good transcends the decked sky  
Installed in throne beond each twinkling star,  
No time, day, night, obscures her glorious eye,  
Each vading substance so she passeth far  
'mongst chiefest knights extolled for noble war,  
Thou houldst thy seat within sweet heavens rest  
In paradise prepared for the blessed.   

Almighty God, that oft hast England blest  
With glorious triumphs over enemy,  
In thy puissance victory doth rest  
And not in man's weak plotting policy,  
Give t'our Captains in their true chivalry  
Like constant virtue, truth, and courage bold  
That Chandos, and the captal true did hold.   
FINIS.  WILLIAM WYRLEY.