[1] The barons of the realme being thus afflicted with so manie mischéefes all at one time, as both by the sharpe and cruell warres which the king made a|gainst them on the one side, and by the enmitie of the pope on the other side, they knew not which way to turne them, nor how to séeke for releefe. For by the losse of their complices taken in the castell of Roche|ster, they saw not how it should any thing auaile them to ioine in battell with the king. Therefore con|sidering that they were in such extremitie of despaire they resolued with themselues to seeke for aid at the enimies hands,The lords send to the French kings sonne, offering to him the crowne. and therevpon Saer earle of Win|chester, and Robert Fitz Walter, with letters vnder their seales were sent vnto Lewes the sonne of Phi|lip the French king, offering him the crowne of England, and sufficient pledges for performance of the same, and other couenants to be agréed betwixt them, requiring him with all speed to come vnto their succour. This Lewes had married (as before is said) Blanch daughter to Alfonse king of Cas [...]ile, néere to king Iohn by his sister Elianor.