[1]
What power she brought with hir.Some write that
the empresse brought with hir a great armie, to the intent that ioining with
Ra|nulph earle of Chester (who tooke part
with Robert erle of Glocester, bicause the same Rob. had maried his
daughter) she might fight with king Stephan, and trie the battell with him.
Other declare that she came to England now at the first,
Wil. Malm.
but with a small power (as seuen score horssemen or men of armes as
we may call them) in hope of Gods assurance (who seldome faileth those that
fight in a rightfull cause) and againe vpon trust of aid of fréends,
Polydor.
who for the benefits receiued at hir
fathers hands, would be rea|die to go against king Stephan. Wherevpon hir
brother earle Robert leauing his sister in the castle of Arundell, rode with
all spéed vnto Glocester tho|rough his enimies countrie, not taking with him
past 12. men of armes, and as manie archers on horssebacke, that vpon his
cõming thither he might leuie an armie with so much speed as was possible.
Now when he came to Glocester, though the citie was kept with a garison of
soldiours placed there by king Stephan,Earle Robert
commeth to Glocester. yet the townesmen, after they heard that
their earle was approched to the gates, they droue out the garison,
& receiued him into the towne, where he remained a time, partlie to
assemble an ar|mie, and partlie to practise with other townes and ca|stels
thereabouts, to reuolt vnto his sister.
Matt. Paris. Brian the earle of Glo|cesters sonne. Miles
earle of Hereford. Polydor.
The empresse besieged in A|rundell castel.