[1] Thus passing the seas, he landed in Normandie, where he gathered his power, and made towards Mans. When those which held the siege before the citie, heard of his approch,Mans deliue|red from an asséege. they brake vp their campe and departed thence: howbeit, the capteine named Helias, that pretended by title and right to be earle of Mans, was taken by a traine, and brought before the king, who iested at him, as though he had beene but a foole and a coward. Wherevpon,Helias. the said Heli|as kindled in wrath, boldlie said vnto him;

Whereas thou hast taken me prisoner, it was by méere chance, and not by thy manhood: but if I were at libertie a|gaine, I would so vse the matter with thee, that thou shouldest not thinke I were a man so lightlie to be laughed at No should (saith the king?) Well then I [page 24] giue thée thy libertie, and go thy waies, doo euen the worst that lieth in thy power against me, for I care not a button for thée

Helias being thus set at liber|tie, did nothing after (to make anie account of) a|gainst the king, but rather kept himselfe quiet. How|beit some write, Hen. Hunt. Polydor. that he was not taken at all, but es|caped by flight. To procéed, king William being returned into England, and puffed vp with pride of his victories, and now séeing himselfe fullie deliue|red from all troubles of warre, began after his old manner to spoile and wast the countrie by vnreaso|nable exactions, tributes and paiments.