[1] In the meane season, king Richard was credi|blie aduertised, what promises and oths the earle and his confederates had made and sworne togither at Reimes, and how by the earles means all the Eng|lishmen were passed out of Britaine into France. Wherefore being sore dismaid, and in a maner des|perate, bicause his craftie chieuance tooke none effect in Britaine, he imagined & deuised how to infringe and disturbe the earles purpose by an other meane; so that by the marriage of ladie Elizabeth his néece,K. Richards deuise to in|fringe and de|feat the earle of Richmõds purpose. he should pretend no claime nor title to the crowne. For he thought if that marriage failed, the earles cheefe combe had béene clearlie cut. And bicause that he being blinded with the ambitious desire of rule before this time in obteining the kingdome, had committed and doone manie curssed acts, and detest|able tyranies, yet according to the old prouerbe; Let him take the bull that stale awaie the calfe: he thought all facts by him committed in times passed to be but of small moment, and not to be regarded in comparison of that mischéeuous imagination, which he now newlie began and attempted.