[1] [2] [3] Indéed this sir Robert Knolles was not descended of anie high linage,Bermondsey. but borne in the countie of Che|ster of meane ofspring,Sir Robert Knolles borne in Cheshire. neuerthelesse through his va|liant prowesse, and good seruice in warre, growne to such estimation, as he was reputed worthie of all ho|nour due to a noble and skilfull warriour, so that it was thought the king could not haue made his choise of one more able or sufficient to supplie the roome of a chéefteine, than of him: but yet, although this was most true, his aduise could not be heard, nor the au|thoritie appointed him by the king beare anie swaie. For where he counselled that they should now vpon the approching of winter draw foorth of France into Britaine, and there remaine for the winter season,Sir Robert Knolles coun|sell not fol|lowed. they would not so agrée, nor obeie his will. Wherevp|on it came to passe, that sir Berthram de Cleaquin, at that time newlie made constable of France, vn|derstanding this diuision to grow amongst the Eng|lishmen, [page 406] and t [...]at they were diuided into parts, set vpon them so much to their disaduantage, that he di|stressed them, and tooke or slue the more part of them: but sir Robert Knols with the flower of the archers and men of warre went into Britaine,Discord what commeth of it. C [...]xton. and there sa|ued himselfe, and those that followed him. ¶ Here you may sée, how those that before through amitie and good agreement were of such force as their eni|mies durst not once assaie to annoie them, now by strife and dissention among themselues were slaine or taken by the same enimies, and brought to confu|sion. To which purpose it is properlie and trulie said,

L [...]s odium gignit, charos concordia stringit.