[1] Moreouer, bicause pope Clement in right of the church pretended a title to the realme of Sicile, now that king William was dead without heires, he doubted of some practise that might be made against him betwixt king Richard and the pope. Wherevpon he thought to prouide against all attempts that might be made, fortifieng his townes & castels with strong garisons, and tooke counsell with the citi|zens of Messina, by what meanes he might soonest dispatch his countrie of that present danger, and pro|cure K. Richard to get him forward on his iournie.