The Holinshed Project

Holinshed Project Home

The Texts
1587

Previous | Next

Compare 1577 edition: 1 2 3 King Iohn about the beginning of this sixt yeare of his reigne, Anno Reg. 6. sent in ambassage to the French king the archbishop of Canturburie, the bishops of Nor|wich and Elie, Rafe Cog. Ambassadors sent into France. the earles Marshall and Leicester, to treat with him of peace: but he was so far off from comming néere to any reasonable motions, bicause he saw the world frame as he wished, that still by de|manding somewhat that might not be granted, he kept off, and brought in such hard conditions, that it was not possible to conclude anie agréement. And this he did of purpose, hoping within short time to conquer all that the king of England possessed as yet on that side the seas. He was the more vntoward to compound, for that he was informed how Arthur the duke of Britaine was dispatched of his life, and therfore not doubting but to haue manie to take part with him in seeking reuenge of his death, he made that his chéefe quarell, swearing that he would not ceasse to pursue the warre against king Iohn, till he had depriued him of his whole kingdome. So the ambassadors departed without all hope to come to any agreement. ¶This yeare Easter day fell so high as it possiblie might, that is to saie, on saint Marks day.

Compare 1577 edition: 1 King Philip vnderstanding that king Iohn re|mained still in England, rather occupied in gathe|ring of monie amongst his subiects, than in making other prouision to bring them into the field (to the great offense of his said people) thought now for his part to lose no time: but assembling a mightie ar|mie, he came with the same into Normandie,Towns w [...]n by the French king. and vpon his first comming, he wan the towne of Fa|laise, and shortlie after was Dampfront deliuered vnto him by surrender. This doone, he marched fur|ther into the countrie, and with his sudden inuasion so oppressed the people euerie where, that they could haue no time to make shift by flight to get into the townes. With this swiftnesse of spéed, he brought al|so such a feare into the hearts of most men, that he wan all the countrie of Normandie euen to Mount S. Michaell. The inhabitants in euerie place submit|ted themselues, as those of Baieulx, Constances, Liseux, and other townes thereabouts.

Compare 1577 edition: 1 Finallie, he came before Rouen,Rouen besie|ged by the French king. the principall ci|tie of all the countrie, and incamped so in sundrie pla|ces about the citie, that all the issues, entries and waies were closed vp by his armie, being so diuided into seuerall camps, that the distance was not great from one to another, making a terrible shew to them within. At length after he had prouided all things ne|cessarie for his purpose, and taken good aduise of his capteins how he should best imploie his force for the winning of this citie (in which exploit he knew the full perfection of all his passed conquests cheefelie to consist) he did manfullie assault it, and they within as manfullie defended themselues, so that he got little by the assaults and approches which he made. Where|vpon he fell in hand to practise with the citizens to win them with méed, curtesie, gentle speech, and great promises. So that in fine, they within were so mooued with such reasons as he vsed to persuade them with|all, that they made request for a truce to be had for certeine daies, within the terme whereof if no suc|cour came, they couenanted to yeeld without any further trouble.

Previous | Next